Intriguing history, must-see cultural attractions, and delicious food and wine all combine to provide so many reasons to take a weekend break in France.
It is relatively easy to get around the country, either driving or by rail, so an escape can be had with just two or three days away from home. Or, if you are visiting France, there are many great places that can be visited as a weekend away from Paris so you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a completely different taste of France.
Within a few hours, you could be whisked away for a romantic city break, discover a new favourite wine at one of the beautiful vineyards, explore an elegant castle, or wander the rolling hillsides, dramatic coastline, or through vibrant lavender fields. From quaint medieval villages to World War II beaches and battlefields to white-sand beaches and glamourous southern cities, France offers something for all travel tastes.
It is hard to choose the best weekend break in France because they are all great, so we’ve asked some fellow travellers to join us with their favourite weekend getaway ideas to inspire you with lots of great choices. We’ve included ideas for what to see and do, recommendations for places to stay, and great places to eat, to help you make the most of your well-deserved getaway.
No matter which getaway you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful weekend away filled with culture, food, and seeing more of the beautiful sights around France!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEEKEND BREAKS IN FRANCE
Located in the northern French Alps, Lake Annecy is one of France’s most amazing destinations. The crystal-clear waters of the lake – one of the purest in Europe – are dominated by the dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains. At 15 km long, it takes about 40 km to travel around the lake by car.
To the north of the lake lies Annecy, a historic and touristic town, also nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” for its picturesque old town crossed by flower-decked canals. The lakefront is occupied by the Jardins de l’Europe, a beautiful public park with magnificent views over the turquoise water of the lake and the surrounding mountain peaks. It is recommended to drive along its banks to reach the lakeshore villages.
Menthon is dominated by a fairy-tale castle that dates back to the 13th century. The next village, Talloires, is famous for its idyllic setting where celebrated hotels and restaurants are found. Facing Talloires is Duingt with its castle that was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries and is featured in one of Cézanne’s paintings.
From Talloires, a road climbs to the Col de la Forclaz (1150 m), a mountain pass with stunning views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding peaks. A few restaurants serve traditional dishes from the Savoie region (tartiflette, raclette and fondue, without forgetting local cheese such as Beaufort, Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie).
On the west side of the lake, the Semnoz mountain (1699 m) is accessible by car and offers a 360º view of the northern French Alps, including Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Ecrins.
Lake Annecy provides plenty of walks in the surrounding mountains, some of them requiring physical endurance such as the ascent to La Tournette (2351 m), the highest peak near Annecy.
In addition, visitors can take part in a wide range of activities across the lake: water sports (sailing, diving, water skiing), cycling on a dedicated path, mountain sports (via-Ferrata, canyoning, paragliding) and, of course, lake cruises.
Contribution and Photo from Pierre of French Moments
Located a quick train or car ride from Paris, Tours is a delightful weekend trip, perfect for a romantic getaway or city break. Tours is almost like a “mini-Paris,” with plenty to do and see, but it remains eminently walkable and not too overwhelming.
Some highlights of Tours include: visiting the Basilica of Saint Martin and sampling delicious crepes after your meal at nearby Le Timbre Post; touring the awe-inspiring 11th-century Cathédrale Métropolitaine de Saint-Gatien; having a drink and watching the sunset along the Guinguette du Pont Wilson; or going for a stroll along the Rue Nationale, checking out the adjacent Hôtel de Ville (pictured.) There is often live music in the Guinguette area, and lots of places to sit down and relax, maybe even dangling your feet into the Loire River.
If you have some spare time and are in the mood for a museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours has a large and varied collection, including Renaissance art and Impressionist art, with over 1000 pieces to enjoy. The Place de Plumereau in the city center is filled with a mixture of Renaissance architecture and quaint timbered houses, similar to those you would see in Strasbourg, and the fact that it is car-free makes it ideal for walking around.
Speaking of houses, you can find a variety of charming and historic accommodations on Airbnb for very reasonable prices to top off your weekend in Tours.
While Tours is perhaps best known for being a college town, home to the largest university in the region, it is also a fantastic jumping-off point for a short road trip through the beautiful castles of the nearby Loire Valley. The Loire Valley chateaus are something you definitely shouldn’t miss out on when you’re in the area!
Contribution from Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk
Picture deep blue beautiful crystal-clear water next to golden sand beaches with a promenade that is lined with colourful houses each with glamorous French balconies. That’s the first impression Cannes gives and every moment you spend here increases the glamour of this gorgeous city on Côte d’Azur in southeast France famous for its international film festival that hosts a who’s who of the world’s celebrities.
Cannes is not just a beach town that wakes up once a year, but it is a thriving cultural centre and a weekend here is a great way to relax in glamorous company with great food.
When in Cannes, a perfect day starts with good food followed by some time on the beach. The local market, with tonnes of restaurants around Rue du Suquet, offers great freshly prepared French dishes. If you wish, there are great spas that offer relaxation in the most luxurious way followed by a walk along the promenade in the evening.
If you want to enjoy the sunset with a view of Cannes head to Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance de Cannes which offers not only great views but the way up is through the flower-laden beautiful streets of Cannes. It would be an impossibility not to see and visit Palais des Festivals where the annual film festival is held.
Another great thing Cannes offers is its proximity to almost medieval villages along the coast like Eze. These picturesque villages offer great settings for dinner as well as sunsets. If you want to tickle your olfactory sense, Grasse is a stone’s throw away for a few hours of sheer pleasure for your nose.
To make your weekend even more perfect take a boat to the isle of St Margaret and enjoy some pristine relaxation and calm with options for nude sunbathing.
Contribution and Photo from Ucman of Brown Boy Travels
Lyon is one of the most beautiful and delicious places to take a weekend break in France. It is famous as the gastronomic capital of France, which is quite the compliment considering how seriously the French take their cuisine. Lyon is the perfect place to go if you want to experience French culture and food.
The most beautiful neighborhood in Lyon is the historic district, Vieux Lyon. Don’t miss the chance to explore the long, hidden passageways called traboules that are located around Vieux Lyon. The French Resistance used these passageways to hide from the German army during World War II.
The best museum in Lyon is the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It has works from famous French artists like Rodin and Gauguin, as well as classic Greek sculpture. When the weather is nice, enjoy a stroll in the museum’s lovely garden.
One of the most fun activities in Lyon is a short river cruise. Lyon is located at a confluence of the Rhone and Rhine rivers, so on the river cruise, you’ll get to see both. If you prefer views from the air, head up to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere. And to get in touch with nature, try a stroll in the Parc de la Tete d’Or with its very own zoo.
There are so many wonderful restaurants in Lyon, it’s hard to know which to choose. Start by having a prix-fixe lunch at one of Lyon’s classic bistros, known locally as bouchons. Le Un, Deux, Trois is one of the best. And for a gourmet dinner, stop at the Michelin-starred Le Gourmet de Seze. It’s Parisian quality haute cuisine, but at a much more reasonable price.
Try staying at the Globe et Cecil, which is cozy, conveniently located, and affordable–a real rarity in Lyon!
Contribution from Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours
The southeastern French region of the Côte d’Azur is one of Europe’s most idyllic and favourite weekend destinations. However, rather than glamorous destinations such as Nice or Cannes travellers should instead opt for the understated, historic and character-rich city of Toulon.
Situated 65 km east of Marseille, Toulon is a centuries-old naval port truly offering something for everyone. A romantic, active and gastronomic destination all rolled into one.
Spend a couple of hours on a walking tour through its charming old town district and then head to the beautiful marina lined with an abundance of seafood restaurants. How better to spend a sun-filled spring weekend afternoon than watching the world on the Mediterranean with a platter of the freshest shellfish and a glass or two of local wine? If this sounds like your perfect afternoon head for the renowned Le Saint Gabriel in the centre of the marina.
Alternatively, pack your swimmers and sun cream for an afternoon lounging on one of the many nearby beaches or taking a boat tour to the picturesque Porquerolles Islands!
The more active should aim for a day on the adjacent Mount Furon exploring its many hiking and cycling trails. Accessed by cable car visitors are also treated to incredible panoramas over the city and Bay of Toulon.
Toulon is also known as one of the best weekend away trips for Rugby fans. As one of Europe’s most successful teams attracting some of the world’s best players Toulon’s Stade Muyol is a mere stone’s throw from the marina.
Unlike its glamorous neighbours, Toulon is not home to luxurious, ridiculously priced seafront hotels. Aim for the old town and the boutique Grand Hôtel Dauphiné for your perfect base for an unforgettable weekend.
Contribution and Photo from Paul of The Two That Do
You can have a lovely weekend break in the most exciting city on the French Riviera – Nice. The riverfront town has everything you could need for a weekend, plus plenty of nearby towns and villages that you can see on a quick day trip from Nice.
A weekend in Nice can be a typical city break with a focus on gastronomy if you dine in the Michelin-starred Chantecler Restaurant in Hotel Negresco.
It can be a beach escape, if you’ll enjoy chilling on the long city beach lined by the Promenade des Anglais – or pop to the neighboring Villefranche-sur-Mer for a quieter pebble beach.
Couples especially will love visiting Nice. If strolling on the Promenade des Anglais with views of the Mediterranean Sea is not enough, you can rent a scooter in two and ride through Nice and the surrounding countryside on typical small winding roads.
Nice has its fair share of exciting weekend markets and the best thing to do is just to stroll around with an ice cream in hand. Make sure to get your cone at the Fenocchio ice cream parlor, as recommended by locals.
Nice is an exciting metropolis, but it has its quiet side too. Stroll through the charming but usually busy Old Town (Vieux Nice) and hike to the top of Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau). This historic hilltop park with ruins of the former Chateau de Nice offers stunning views of the sea and the city. On the other side, you can admire a view of the Old Port of Nice.
You can stay at an Airbnb or go, for example, to the highly-rated 3-star Hotel de France.
Contribution and Photo from Veronika of Travel Geekery
Situated mid-way between Strasbourg and Basel in the Haut-Rhin department, Colmar is the perfect destination for a weekend in France. The Alsace region of eastern France is beautiful, but it has a rather mixed identity having changed hands between France and Germany a few times over the last 200 years.
The colourful, timber-framed houses are reminiscent of towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany. The food has a heavy, German quality to it and although French is more widely spoken these days, you can sometimes still hear the German dialect ‘Alsatian’ spoken.
It is these colourful houses that draw visitors to the region. Inspiration for the set of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was taken from these small villages and you will see why when you visit. Colmar and the surrounding villages look like they are straight out of a fairy tale and make for the perfect romantic getaway for couples or a fun place for families to explore.
Colmar itself is a beautiful little town and the best place to base yourself. La Petite Venise is the best area to stay where the colourful houses line the canals that run through the centre. As accommodation goes, the Pierre et Vacances La Petite Venise is perfectly situated, only a 5-minute walk into the centre. It’s great for families as it has suites with kitchen facilities and an indoor pool. For a fantastic meal out, try L’Epicurien but make sure to book ahead.
You can easily get around on foot but to make the most of a weekend here, it is best to have a car. Visiting the neighbouring villages of Riquewihr and Eguisheim (two of the most beautiful villages in France) and Kayersberg will be the highlight of your weekend.
Contribution and Photo from Jacquie of Flashpacking Family
Situated in the northeast of France, Metz is the city perfect for an amusing and relaxing getaway. It is only one and a half hours away from Paris by train and is the ideal destination for a short break. The city is a combination of lively streets surrounded by shopping spots and the pathways alongside the river make it perfect for pedestrians. You should visit the city to see the lively parks and gardens, animated terraces, cafés, and bars that are a part of the city’s lifestyle.
Metz is full of history where you can witness the past and the future meet in the city’s well-preserved buildings. It catches your eyes with its historic cathedral standing above the rest of the town. More than that, you can see signature buildings by famous architects like Rudy Ricciotti. But there is much more to the city. Explore many street fairs, festivities like the summer Mirabelle Festival that is popular for its outdoor concerts.
There are many marked places that you must visit and things you must see. Taking a walk through the shimmery annual flea market in the Outre Seille quarter and the popular Christmas market is worth it. You can spot stalls for everything there. You can also pick a special outdoor gift for women from those stalls.
After exploring the city life, witness its history at the Cour d’Or Museum and numerous art galleries like Centre Pompidou-Metz. Don’t forget to take a stroll through St Etienne’s Cathedral and combine your voyage by eating delicious food at the popular, The Covered Market.
End your day on a fine note by visiting city monuments that lit up at night. Then you can finally have a nice and comfortable stay at the most preferred hotel in Metz, Alerion Centre Gare.
Contribution from Paulina of Paulina on the Road
Hidden in the Luberon Valley, the small town of Roussillon may lose in terms of popularity to such major touristic destinations like Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. However, this is a noteworthy stop on the route around Provence, and may truly be a great weekend escape, especially for nature lovers.
Roussillon has a population of fewer than 5,000 people and is perched atop a hill, which divides it into lower and upper towns. A perfect way to start exploring is by venturing into the cozy streets of the lower town for relaxed shopping and breakfast in one of many lovely cafes.
The upper town offers mesmerizing panoramas of Roussillon and the surrounding area. This is a viewpoint to enjoy the unique ochre canyon with its yellow and orange hills. Known as Les Sentiers des Ocres, this may as well be the most colorful hiking experience in the whole of Europe.
The trail of the canyon will lead through the former ochre deposits. Roussillon was once thriving because it was one of the industrial towns specializing in producing pigments. By the 1900s, synthetic dyes started taking over natural pigments, and the production in the Roussillon area started declining.
This lead to a whole canyon becoming a beautiful hiking area with two trails. One is shorter and takes about 30 minutes, while the second one is about 90 minutes. Both are easy to hike, and the path will wind among yellow sand hillocks and old pine trees. It is better to visit Les Sentiers des Ocres in the morning while it is still not packed with visitors.
Contribution and Photo from Inessa and Natalie of Through a Travel Lens
In central France, you’ll find the quaint town of Vichy, known for its pivotal role in World War II and unique mineral waters.
Vichy was originally established as a spa town by the Romans because of the hot thermal water baths, which were known to have medicinal properties. The town was visited by many famous historic figures such as Louis XV’s daughters: Adélaïde and Victoire of France, Napoleon’s mother, Laetitia Bonaparte, and Napoleon III. With the construction of the opera house, Vichy became a cultural center in France. However, during WWII the opera house was taken over by the French government, which at this point was controlled by Marshal Philippe Pétain.
Nowadays, Vichy is the perfect small town for a weekend getaway in France, rich in history, arts, culture, architecture, and spas. You and your significant other or girlfriends can spend a couple of days exploring the best of the city and enjoying the riverfront beach.
Try Tahiti Plage, a restaurant and bar with delicious cocktails on in the park bordering the beach! It has 4.3/5 stars out of a whopping 1,263 reviews on Google! Try their strawberry daiquiri for the ultimate relaxing vacation vibe. For classic French sandwiches, pastries, and coffees, try Boulangerie Jouannet, but be mindful that during lunchtime, it can get busy with students from the CAVILAM language institute.
Be sure to try Vichy Water at many “sources” in town where you can fill your own bottle. You can also learn about and collect Vichy Water at Hall des Sources in one of two main parks, called Parcs des Sources. The other beautiful park to explore is Parcs de Vichy that follows the waterfront.
For a final activity, see a show at the original opera house and admire its beautiful architecture that was recently renovated and restored.
Stay in Hȏtel Les Nations, built in 1859 in beautiful art deco style. For $95/night you are in a central location between parks, the city center, opera house, beach, and shops!
Contribution and Photo from Alanna of Periodic Adventures
If you only had one weekend to spend in Provence, the city of Avignon would offer the perfect introduction to the region. It’s a cultural city, rich in heritage, and delightfully preserved. The entire historical centre of the city is a UNESCO site, and you’ll have no doubt why it was awarded the title as you stroll among the impressive landmarks.
Once home to the Papal court, Pope Clement V decided to relocate here to escape the unrest in Rome at the time. The Palais des Papes stands as a legacy to this time when Avignon was separated from the Kingdom of France by the River Rhône. Today, you can explore the interior and get a glimpse of the grandeur that once was, thanks to an interactive histopad.
Nearby, what’s left of the Pont d’Avignon reaches out into the Rhône, only 4 of its original 22 arches remaining after the rest were gradually eroded and washed away by the river. A petite chapel sits atop the bridge, and it’s once-grand beginnings are forever immortalised by the famous French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”.
A weekend in Avignon could easily be spent exploring the many art galleries, shopping in charming boutiques, discovering the covered markets at the Halles d’Avignon, taking the ferry to the Ile de la Barthelasse and dining at the impressive range of eateries within the city. For a truly special dining experience, book a table at the Michelin starred La Vieille Fountaine to dine in sumptuous surroundings, or eat lunch beneath the shade of Plane trees at the more modern L’Agape restaurant. Stay at Les Jardins de Baracane which is an affordable, charming B&B situated right in the old town.
Contribution and Photo from Nadine of Le Long Weekend
Lille (also known as Rijssel) is a beautiful city in the northeastern part of France. It’s close to Belgium, and when you’re in Lille you can feel the Belgium influence since there are many places to drink Belgium beers and it has some cozy squares, which you can also find in Belgium cities.
The city is perfect for art lovers, since there are many great museums. A must-see is Musée des Beaux-Arts which has a very impressive collection of (mainly old) art. Expect images by Rodin and paintings by Rubens and Van Gogh. It’s also a beautiful building, and feels like a small version of the Louvre (one of the best museums in Paris), but visiting this museum is a lot cheaper.
Another great museum is the Musée la Piscine. This is a former swimming pool which has been transformed into an art museum. A big eye-catcher is a room with the large (empty) pool, where many statues are set up.
If you want to see beautiful artwork for free, check out the metro stations in Lille. Every single one of them has either a beautiful mural or an interesting art installation. Or go to the Jardin des Géants, which is a city park near Station Lille Europe. In this park, you’ll find some giant heads made of plants, so cool!
Besides finding the great works of art, Lille is also a great city just to wander around and watch the historic buildings. You can find beautiful 17-century mansions around Place du Général de Gaulle. Enjoy your time in Lille!
Contribution and Photo from Jacoba of Op reis met Co
The Opal Coast in the northeast is often overlooked for southern, warmer areas of France but there is so much here for a weekend getaway. Stretching from Bray-Dunes in Nord to Berck-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais the beaches here are absolutely beautiful and attract a fraction of the crowds of some of the better well-known areas of the country.
There is history galore and plenty of World War II forts to explore which you will just stumble upon during any drive in this region. The two main museums in the area are The Musée 39-45f and the Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique which give a fantastic insight into life in this area through the war.
Don’t miss a trip to the main towns too, Boulogne-sur-Mer is packed full of great restaurants and its market is legendary. The fortified old town of Boulogne is beautiful and the walks around it are perfect for a promenade. For more set activities then head to Nausicaa, Europe’s largest aquarium and full of sea creatures to amaze and mesmerise – you could spend the whole day here and not see them all.
There are plenty of hotels to ensure fantastic family holidays in northern France including the Najeti Hotel du Parc in the sweet little beachside town of Hardelot.
The Opal Coast feels like a little taste of French holidays from years gone by and is the perfect weekend break to get out and enjoy the stunning coastline, fascinating history and amazing food of this region.
Contribution from Nichola of Family Hotel Expert
If you are looking for a fun city break in southwest France, then visiting Toulouse should be on top of your bucket list! Nicknamed the Pink City (“La Ville Rose”), Toulouse is a great place to spend a weekend. You can easily get there by train or plane from Paris, Bordeaux or any major city in Europe.
As you get to Toulouse, start your visit at the Capitole. This central square is home to the majestic city hall, luxury restaurants and shops. From there, head to La Daurade. You can walk along the banks of the river Garonne up to St Pierre. If you want to do like the locals, grab something to eat and drink beforehand and stop there for a picnic! It’s also a great sunset spot!
You can then cross the Pont Neuf to Saint Cyprien where you can visit the museum Les Abattoirs and roam around this typical Occitan neighbourhood.
Toulouse is also known for shopping. You will find loads of high street, luxury and local shops all around the city centre. The best places to go to are St Georges, Carmes and Rue Saint Rome.
When it comes to food, Toulouse also has loads to offer. SouthwestFrance is known for its authentic and rustic cuisine. Foie gras, cassoulet, duck confit… all the good stuff is here! Amongst the hot spots for restaurants, Rue du Taur is the most famous. It goes from the Capitole to Saint Sernin and features dozens of amazing places to eat.
Finally, don’t forget to experience the nightlife during your weekend in Toulouse. Esquirol and Jean Jaures are two awesome neighbourhoods with bars, nightclubs, tapas bars and pubs!
Contribution from Pauline of Beeloved City
One of the best weekend breaks in France is the Alsatian town of Strasbourg. The former city-state is located near the German border, and like many border regions, it blends the two cultures in a unique fashion. The city has even changed hands between French and German control over the years adding several layers of difficult history. That’s part of the reason why Strasbourg is the formal seat of the European Parliament.
The EU Parliament building is one of many landmarks in the city. It’s open to the public, but if you’re visiting for just a weekend you may opt to view it from the water. A boat tour of Strasbourg is one of the best activities you can arrange over a weekend break. The River Ill forms a ring around the medieval center of the city and a series of locks and canals makes for an exciting tour from the water.
The city is also well known for its iconic Gothic Cathedrale Notre Dame. The historic church is a must-see attraction in the city and if you climb the tower stairs to the observation tower above, you’ll have a panoramic view of the picturesque city below.
If you’re still wondering what to do in Strasbourg, make sure to sample the local Alsatian cuisine. Like the architecture and dialect, the cuisine blends influences from French and German kitchens. The result is a delicious blend of technique and ingredients that you can’t leave the city without trying.
All of this makes Strasbourg an unforgettable destination in eastern France for a perfect weekend getaway.
Contribution and Photo from Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting
Montpellier, the fastest growing city in the country, is located near the south coast on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is famous for its wine, almost perfect weather, and for being a part of the finely preserved coastline of marinas and beaches in the Occitanie region. It is also the capital of the Languedoc Region of France, situated right at the easternmost border of Languedoc as it enters Provence.
The city is built on two hills, Montpellier and Montpelliéret with streets that are old, narrow, charming, and intimate while the modern area is a tourist centre and the seat of the International Vine and Wine Fair.
The main focus point of the city is the Place de la Comédie with the Opera going all the way back to 1888. This medieval feel is continued through much of the city. Other noteworthy places include the Musée Fabre, Place Royale du Peyrou and the Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier. This vibrant city in the south of France is well connected to other major cities, including Paris, and is easy enough to get to. Often overshadowed by neighboring cities in Provence, it is well worth a visit and makes for a great city break getaway.
Contribution and Photo from Rai of A Rail of Light
Bergerac is a great little town in the heart of the Dordogne region that’s an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. It’s the perfect escape if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend exploring beautiful medieval villages, and enjoying some of the amazing cuisine and wine this area is renowned for.
The town of Bergerac is located on the banks of the Dordogne river, and a great way to orient yourself with the area and take in some local scenery is to take a short river cruise on a gabare – a flat bottomed boat that have transported goods along the river since the Middle Ages. Once you’ve finished your cruise, take a short walk from the wharf into the town, where you’re in the heart of the old town with its beautiful half-timbered houses. It’s definitely worth visiting the market on Saturday which has an amazing selection of local produce including regional specialities such as duck products, walnuts, chèvre (goat cheese) and honey.
It’s worth hiring a car for your visit to Bergerac to explore some of the beautiful surrounding villages. Issigeac a short 10-minute drive away has arguably the best market in the southwest, and the medieval town comes to life on Sundays (market day). Other local villages worth visiting include Monpazier, Villereal, Eymet and Monflaquin.
For a special meal visit La Tour des Vents restaurant in the heart of the Monbazillac vineyards – a Michelin starred restaurant that has stunning views out over Bergerac.
There are some average hotels in Bergerac itself, so it’s a great idea to stay slightly outside of the town for a relaxing break. Domaine de Pémontier has two beautiful gites available to rent, both in the style of the local architecture with a fantastic pool.
Contribution and Photo from Kylie of Visiting Dordogne
The Loire area makes one of the best weekend breaks in France. This French region is filled with charming villages and fairy-tale castles, creating the perfect setting for a weekend of castle hunting along the Loire.
The area around the Loire region was very popular with royalty and nobility, building the most beautiful castles and palaces.
The most visited palace at the Loire is Chenonceau. This majestic castle was built partly upon a river, connecting the two river banks. The palace itself is beautiful and earns its place in royal history for the court intrigues set here, but the caste grounds are worth your time as well. There are landscaped flower gardens, a maze, boat rental, forest and vegetable garden.
Other Loire highlights are Villandry for its world-class flower and vegetable gardens designed and organized by theme, the castle in the city of Blois for its eclectic design and famous Chambord. Chambord is the biggest palace in the area: it is said to have 440 rooms. The palace also has 85 staircases, of which the one designed by the even more famous Leonardo da Vinci is the most intriguing. It consists of two spiralling and twisting stairs that never meet.
There are so many palaces still there and open to visitors, you would need weeks to visit all of them. Pick just two or three for your weekend break, as you’ll also need so time for a wine tasting and strolling around charming Loire towns like Tours and Blois.
Contribution from Maartje of The Orange Backpack
Authuille is a small, quaint town that lies in an area well known to Australians and many British too. While there is not much to the town itself it is usually visited for what lies around it. It is a quiet place and one that feels like it is stuck in time, it’s beautiful and its past is heartbreaking.
Authuille is a part of the Somme. It is a pilgrimage site for many Commonwealth nations to pay their respects to the many graveyards and monuments that are dotted all over the countryside here. During WWI hundreds of thousands of Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives here and are buried or remembered for their sacrifice. While many may not consider this a weekend getaway in France it is visited by people who are visiting the UK or are from there themselves. They visit this area to find their family members on remembrance walls or to see the place their family member is laid to rest.
There are guided tours you can take, even all the way from Australia that will get you here or you can hire a car and drive the area yourself. There are plenty of maps available in English and a beautiful campground in Authuile to stay in which gives you a great base to explore the Somme.
While you are there you can also taste some amazing French cheese, wine and baguette while sitting on the verandah of your little cabin after a day of exploring the Somme.
Contribution from Bec of Travels in Gippsland
Le Havre likely wouldn’t top many lists for weekend breaks in France, but its little gems tucked away amidst the modern post-war buildings might just surprise you!
Founded in 1517 to replace several ports nearby that silted up, Le Havre is now the second largest port in France. Most of the city was destroyed by bombings in WWII so there isn’t much historic architecture left but that adds to its uniqueness.
Le Havre was rebuilt with Auguste Perret’s designs and is now considered an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture which put it on the UNESCO World Heritage list. But the city isn’t all sombre uniform-looking concrete buildings.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the Hanging Gardens found in an old fortress transformed into a beautiful city garden or a walk along the beach and boardwalk to watch sailboats and kite surfers.
For a delicious meal, pop into Les Halles Centrales, an indoor market loved by locals, for fresh produce, baked goods, local seafood, and other regional specialities. Then wander over to the Bassin du Commerce for a stroll across the unique pedestrian bridge and to see the city’s beautiful war memorial. This area is especially pretty in the evening when the sun is setting and casting its glow on the surrounding buildings.
The one thing you mustn’t miss on your visit to Le Havre is St. Joseph’s Church. With its octagonal spire rising 107 metres into the sky, it’s the dominant structure on the city’s skyline. Although the church looks austere on the outside, the inside is beautiful, especially when the light shines through its thousands of stained-glass windows creating a stunning kaleidoscope effect.
Besides being a great place to spend a weekend in France, Le Havre is also a great starting point to explore the Normandy region whether for its WWII history or simply for its beauty.
A weekend in Paris is simply not enough, but that just means you’ll have to come back for a second weekend or more to see more of the amazing sights of France’s capital city.
The obvious place to start for first-time visitors is the Eiffel Tower, visible from so much of the city. Constructed between 1887 and 1889 the tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world and offers visitors a breathtaking view across Paris.
Back at ground level, a great way to get acquainted with the city is to take a cruise along the Seine or a bus tour of the city. The Seine cruise will take you past some of the amazing architecture as well as give you a different view of Paris. The bus tour can get you to places further from the river and provide a great view from the top deck, especially on a sunny day.
If you want to visit places of worship, three of the best in Paris are Notre Dame, Sacré-Coeur and Saint Chapelle. Each offers amazing sights, from the twin towers of Notre Dame to the stunning white stone of Sacré-Coeur with more views across Paris. At Saint Chapelle, the exterior may not excite you, but just wait until you see the stained glass from inside; it’s an astonishing deluge of colour.
No visit to Paris would be complete without visiting one of the world’s great museums. The Louvre could easily occupy your entire weekend if you were to explore it in full but visiting the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo is top of most visitor’s lists. Then just wander for as long as you like, and you may find yourself among incredible artifacts far away from the crowds.
READ MORE: Weekend in Paris: A 48-Hour Itinerary
Looking for more information to plan your visit to France? You may find these articles helpful.
RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO FRANCE
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- For all things France, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his France travel guide, full episodes of his TV show, or download his app for excellent audio tours.
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