The City of Narbonne, a Roman Port from Antiquity
This French city is located in an unusual part of the country and was originally situated close to the river when it was occupied by Romans. However, because of the gradual buildup of sand and saltwater over the period of the past 2,000 years, the city of Narbonne may now be found around 15 kilometres inland from the nearest coastline.
Today, rather than being recognized for its sandy beaches, this region is famous for the abundance of cobblestone roads, architecture that dates back to the mediaeval years, and one of the most magnificent traditional food markets in all of France. The city of Narbonne is home to a vast collection of Roman ruins, many of which can be traced back to the period when the city operated as a Roman port.
The Chantilly Castle, Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
Best seen at sunrise or sunset when the town’s picturesque Chantilly is located within half an hour by rail from the Gare du Nord station in Paris, and its famous chateau may be seen mirrored along the water’s edge. The town has a population of around 20,000 people, and it is easily one of the nicest day excursions one can do from Paris.
Aside from that, the French commune is home to the hamlet that served as the model for Marie Antoinette’s “Hameau de la Reine” at Versailles, as well as the Musée Condé, which houses the second-largest art collection in France after the Louvre. There is also a masterpiece designed by Le Nôtre for people who have a passion for beautifully groomed gardens.
- The dazzling coastline of the French Riviera
A dazzling stretch of coastline that is also referred to as the “Cote d’Azur.”
It wasn’t until this year that I finally made it to the Côte d’Azur, as Naomi from Probe Around the Globe explains: When I was younger, my family would frequently have vacations in the region of France located below Bordeaux. I decided to spend the weekend in Nice, and when I was there, I couldn’t believe how stunning and varied the area is.
Of course, I was aware of the enticing features of the Côte d’Azur, such as its perfect climate, glamorous jet-set culture, and sleepy towns where the wealthy and famous may or may not own a property.
But one thing that no one ever mentioned to me was the incredible history that lay beneath it. This section of France is the newest region in the country because it was a part of Italy and the family of Savoy for centuries before it became a part of France. I went on a culinary tour of Nice and gorged myself on gelato as a way to celebrate the excellent cuisine of the surrounding area.
I did many day trips by train in order to explore more of the area, and during those travels, I came across mediaeval castles, mediaeval villages, and isolated monasteries. Because I like it so much, I returned there again with my mum after a month had passed.
People who are interested in cuisine culture, history, and stunning landscapes will find that Nice, the Côte d’Azur, and the hinterland have so much more to offer than just sunshine and the lavish lifestyles of the affluent and famous.
You may spend the day relaxing on the beach, hiking in the mountains, gambling at a casino, and dining in elegance all within the same 24-hour period. It’s possible that I’ll go there once more very soon!
Evian-Les-Bains, sometimes known as the City of Water
Home to the iconic Evian water, Evian-Les-Bains is a beautiful vacation destination located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Evian is the kind of place that is a little bit off the beaten path and not frequented as much by international tourists. It is located just across the water from the city of Lausanne, which is located in Switzerland (a quick day trip can be taken via ferry between the two European towns), and Evian is known for its thermal springs.
The hot baths and the opportunity to taste Evian water straight from the source are two of the attractions of a trip to this French city, which is located in the Alps. After all, it is stated that there are minerals in the water that vanish immediately after the water has left the earth, which indicates that they will not be present in the bottled water that you can get from any store.
Wine Routes of Bordeaux
Even though the city of Bordeaux is located in France and is filled with breathtaking architecture, the opulent red wines produced in this region are what really bring the people to this world-famous location. The wine routes of Bordeaux compose one of the top wine areas in all of Europe, and vin varietals from the region that you really must try include St. Estephe, Pauillac, and St. Julien as well as St. Emlion.
Artists’ Haunt of Aix-en-Provence
The city is sometimes referred to as “the city of a hundred fountains.” Aix-en-Provence is located in the shadow of the towering Montagne Sainte Victoire, and it is possible to take simple day excursions from the city to adjacent locations such as La Ciotat, Marseille, alpine vineyards, and the Mediterranean coast.
Explore the numerous cobblestone alleyways that are contained inside the city of Aix, try some of the local produce (rosé is a specialty of the Provence region), take pleasure in the vibrant nightlife of the city, look for the city’s hidden beauties, and walk in the footsteps of the impressionist painter Cézanne (who was born in the city).
Les falaises d’Étretat
The stunning chalky cliffs of Etretat in Normandy are Normandy’s response to England’s Seven Sisters and the White Cliffs of Dover, which are located in England. However, Etretat is located in Normandy. This is the place where French people go on vacation to get away from it all and actually unwind, and the best time to go is either at the beginning of summer or at the beginning of fall, when the temperature is pleasant and there are less people about.
In the vicinity of this popular destination for impressionist painters (Claude Monet painted the cliffs on numerous occasions and was instrumental in the development of Northern Normandy as a popular tourist destination), there are many breathtaking coastal walks as well as picturesque French Chateaux, such as the Chateau du Tilleul, which is rumoured to be haunted.
- Snow-capped French Alps
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France is the type of vacation spot that offers a little bit of everything to everyone who visits. During the warmest months of the year, the beaches of the South are among the most stunning that can be found anywhere on the European continent. On the other hand, the shoulder seasons provide some of the very finest opportunities to explore France’s liveliest and most intriguing towns (Nice, Paris, and Lyon to name but a few).
If, on the other hand, you are a lover of anything having to do with adventure, then you absolutely have to go to France in the winters, and more especially, the French Alps. It doesn’t matter if you want to go skiing or snowshoeing; there are plenty of resorts and hotels on mountainside for you to choose from.
Dinan, a city from the middle ages
Dinan is one of the most enchanting and historic towns in all of France, making it an absolute must-see destination for everyone travelling there. Dinan is a city in mythological Brittany, a region in France that is sometimes compared to Cornwall in the United Kingdom. A journey to Dinan may easily be coupled with a visit to the neighbouring walled city of Saint-Malo because of its proximity.
In addition to having fortifications that date back to the middle ages and a high street that is incredibly steep and hasn’t changed much in centuries, Dinan is home to a delicacy that is unique to the region called Kouign-Amann. This dessert is a combination of butter, sugar, and pastry that has been described as having a flavour similar to that of biting into heaven.
The fields of lavender that may be seen in Provence
Should you choose to travel to the lavender fields of Provence in the early summer months, you will be rewarded with an abundance of the distinctive and irresistibly delicious aroma of lavender. Some of the best places to see lavender in Provence include l’Abbaye Senanque as well as various destinations in Sault. Lavender is best seen at sunrise or sunset to make the most of the purple hues against a golden sky. Seeing lavender in Provence at either of these times will allow you to get the most out of the experience.