Musing over holiday spots

 

I spent my lunch today  reading a piece about 'The Paris Syndrome', it's where people see no more of France than the capitol city.

It lead me down a rabbit hole thinking about all the places I had visited in France and loved and Paris is not on this list.

So where do I rate.

Nantes,

A beautiful city in the West of France, 6th largest city in the country. There is  the restored Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, which is steeped in history.

There are the remains of the Roman walls, from when they set up 'holiday homes' in the area ,a beautiful Gothic cathedral and the stunning LU  building ( I love their biscuits).

It is also about an hours drive to Puy du fou, which is absolutely amazing. 

Limoges

Situated in south west central France, this beautiful city is the home of porcelain and a Gothic Cathedral ( yes there is a recurring theme). 

The Gare de  Benedictins and Hotel De Ville are both stunning building and the 'little train ' tour around the city is worth the ride just to take in all the sights.

The gardens around the Cathedral are beautiful and you often find people having a 'pique-nique'.

The porcelain museum , was amazing, but that really is right up my 'rue'

Beauvais 

A town about 75km north of Paris and a world away from the  the whole Paris syndrome.

A gothic Cathedral ( that has collapsed more times than I've had hot dinners) is just one of the sights

 A tapestry museum, and  'Pompiers' museum are worth seeing. 

There are also war graves.

This is a beautiful little town and somewhere that I cannot wait to return to.

Le Touquet Paris Plage

I cannot even remember how many times I have been here, I love it very much It was built  really as a holiday resort for English people by John Whitley an English business man, during the 'roaring twenties' it grew and grew, boasting the biggest casino in France ( and the idea for Casino Royale, as Ian Fleming was a regular visitor)

The sand dunes see a lot of bike racing and there is often sand yachting down on the sea front.

The market and market place is great to visit as well as the open air swimming pool. I fell in love with this place in the late 80's and it has never lost its shine in my eyes.

Reims

One of the most popular cities in the Marne, which I expect has a lot to do with the production of bubbles.

It was also as popular in Roman times, of which there is much evidence.

The beautiful gothic Cathedral ( yep another one, and a stunner) is worth a visit. 

And it wouldn't be a visit without tasting the fabulous  biscuit rose de Reims ( a twice baked biscuit often dipped in a glass of champagne).

The pedestrian  centre is ideal for lunches with a few drinkies, if like me you stay in a hotel along there too.

From here you can visit so many wonderful champagne houses both  well known and small producers, ( usually superior to mass produced) 

Epernay

Famous for its 'Avenue de Champagne' this town is worth a visit just to have a wander. The champagne was stored in the cellars that were built into the rock that the town was built on.

Also lesser known for sugar production and also hat making.

Whilst in the Champagne region, Dizy and Bouzy are worth a visit ( if only for photo op). 

Troyes still has its medieval half timbered houses and is a lovely place to visit.

The whole region has hidden gems.

The South of France.

Some parts of the SoF are not my cup of tea as like Paris you have the St Tropez, Nice, syndrome. However  Marseilles is a must visit. a melting pot of Franco/Arab living, it has surprise after surprise. The Eden Theatre between Marseilles and Toulon is regarded as the oldest cinema in the world.

Biarritz

An elegant seaside town in the south west of France, which was the holiday spot of European Royalty in the 1800's

There is a seafront casino ( if that's your thing), all very old glamour

It is a great spot to imagine what  life must have been like back then.

 A place I must get back to.

Oh I got lost in my love of France and forgot all about Calais ( not just a ferry stop off), Honfleur, Deauville ( old school glamour). Stella Plage ( lovely seaside town)

Mont St Michel which is 'my place'.

 Vire in Calvados, a lovely town which was heavily bombed by the British during WWII

Garron in Mayenne, a small town but worth an overnight stay.

I could go on ( and on and on), but this was really just to hint that there are some amazing places to visit in France. Go to Paris once and then travel and see other places.

I love France.......................

..and am now looking to book a holiday there soon.