5 travel treasures to visit in idyllic France
For many of us, France is the country of fashion and love. Edith Piaf serenading you from every speaker in your house and holding a bottle of French wine. From Paris to Marseille there is something for everyone. Get inspired and explore more through these travel treasures in idyllic France.
1. Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Do you love unique and mesmerizing views of beauty? Then Mont Saint-Michel is the perfect place for you. Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 66 kilometers from Rennes by car. The Abbey was built between the 11th and 16th centuries and currently houses 50 monks and nuns.
Access to the old town is free, while the entrance fee is €10 for adults and children under 18 are free if they want to enter the abbey. Parking costs €9.10 in low season and €14.20 in high season. More information can be found on the official website. The picture speaks for itself, a must see destination in France.
2. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Nestled in the Dordogne valley, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a step into another world, the castle and surroundings a beautifully maintained look into medieval architecture and medieval life. There is a museum of medieval weapons with many authentic antiquities, as well as many videos explaining the history and impact of the castle and the area. The castle also overlooks the Dordogne, 360 degree views of the river.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is 2h30 minutes from Bordeaux and can be reached by train and by car. The cost of the visit is €10.90 per adult, €5.50 for children aged 10 to 17 and children under 10 are free. Guided tours cost €45 for a group of up to 45 people. The opening hours from July to September are from 09:00 to 20:00. More information can be found on their official website.
3. Magic Menton
The French Riviera is a well known area in France for a beach experience with major locations such as Saint-Tropez and Cannes. These destinations are popular with travelers, with a reputation for being the playground of the rich. What if I want something less pretentious? The answer is Chin. Menton is a beach destination that is more off the beaten track, yet part of the French Riviera, the city has all the thrills and attractions of the more popular cities along the same coast.
Italy’s proximity to Menton gives the city a certain Italian flair. If you are looking for a better mix of luxury and more affordable destinations. Chin is for you. Nice is the closest city to Menton with a distance of just 38 kilometers between the two. There are many excellent culinary spots in the city, as well as the world’s number one restaurant, Mirazur. Enjoy stunning white sand beaches to relax all day.
4. Beautiful gorge
In the south of France, there is a travel treasure that is unlike the rest. The Verdon Gorge is only a few hours’ drive from the French Riviera. This destination is more on the adventurous side of travel with an emphasis on adventure travel.
Hundreds of kilometers long, the Verdon Gorge is utter tranquility. Take a kayak down the river and experience spectacular views from your kayak, swim in the clear water and most importantly relax or take a hike on the river for better views of the surroundings.
5. Vertical Village
To titillate your inner Francophile, we’ll end this list with a classic French town, Rocamadour, known as the vertical town perched on the side of a limestone cliff. The town is a well-known pilgrimage destination as it has many churches and religious artifacts from hundreds of years ago.
A visit to the Monkey Forest (La Forêt des Singes) is a must if you are traveling with children, as it is a nature reserve that is home to 150 endangered Barbary macaque monkeys that roam freely in 20 hectares of forest, a wonderful experience of learning. Stunning views and historic churches make Rocamadour a must-see destination.
