coolest places to see in France

[dreamingofeurope]

Hi everyone, I have dreamt of going to France and other parts of Europe and now
that I decided to go in 2 years I am hoping you wonderful Canadians living there can help me out! I love nature and art as well as adventure so I am hoping to get some ideas of amazing places to see and eateries to munch at as well as places that are off the beaten track. If you can give me some tips etc that would be FAB-U-LOUS! Thanks
Heather

[waveringhobbit]

Always explore the countryside. Do not stick to those tourist spots. Be creative and adventurous.

[Allyssa]

I think that must be true of every country! Good advice for all of us wandering spirits!

[dreamingofeurope]

Hi,
Do you have any particular places you have gone to in the country side that
you strongly recommend? Have you discovered a place to eat that is out of this
world and not in guide books? I am looking for the coolest places that are
really something that people happened upon by accident or through inside information. Thanks for any advice or particular places you can guide me to!
Heather

[Jausman]

You can't avoid all tourists. France has been a tourist destination since Caesar published his Gallic Wars, and not all tourists are dumb - many (like thee & me) are quite discriminating! However, if you just want to avoid trampling hordes, I have found serenity and awe at Mont Saint Michel (notwithstanding the guided tour) and Chartres Cathedral. For lovely countryside and quaint little villages, you can't do wrong by trying the upper Dordogne, Lot and Tarn valleys in the south.

As for good restaurants . there are simply too many to choose from. One trick I used when driving through the countryside was to stop at any auberge that had more than one car outside with Belgian licence plates (red) since the Belgians are typically known as connaisseurs of good food (and they tend to favour big portions too). Enjoy!

[dreamingofeurope]

Thank you so much for your insight into great places to check out, I will definitely be watching for the Belgiums ( something I really
never knew :), One of the things I am truly looking forward to is experiencing tantalizing gourmet.
Thank you from A very grateful Canadian
Heather :)

[benedicte]

Hi

I'm french and here are my favorite place in France:

- I'm from a small village at 30km of Bordeaux and I live at 3km from SAINT EMILION, it is famous the his wine but it is a fabulous small medieval village!
(my parents have a B&B no, no I'm not doing promotion lol)
- I lived 10 years near Brest in Britany and the "Presqu'ile de Crozon" is very splendid as well!
- Around Biarritz in south west you can go to Saint Jean Pied de Port it's an amazing village
- If you go around Toulon, go to "L'ile de porquerolles" rent a bike for the day and ride the island. (go to eat at the DAKOTA in Toulon, it is a very good restaurant will cuisine from everywhere, I love that restaurant! - I spent 2 years there)
- You have to go to Paris, It is the capital but the entire city is a museum!
- Go to "l'ile de Re" during summer and do it with a bike as well.
- Walking in the pyrenees and alpes is awesome!

That's it, well there are lots of spots, but I like those ones!

[Shawnies]

Hi there,
Check out Metz, and underrated but beautiful city in the Northeast region of France - I was an Au Pair about 15 minutes away from Metz for nearly a year, and loved spending time wandering in the old city.
When you're in Paris, a great and affordable hotel is called Hotel de la Comete - my boyfriend and I payed under 50EU per night for a private double with a private bathroom, and we were lucky enough to get a room with a balcony, and a view of the Eiffel Tower (it was picture perfect). It's right across the street from a metro stop, which might be a hindrance to some, but for me it was the best part, since everything is just a short trainride away.
And if you're looking for a super fun whirlwind tour of Paris, Fat Tire Bike tours is the way to go.