Regions of France - your favorites?
Aug 9th, 2015, 05:40 PM
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Regions of France - your favorites?
Fodorites...
As an offshoot to another question I have on here.... Since you are seasoned travelers with unique experiences...
What have been your most memorable experiences in the various regions of France? What has made a particular region stand out to you? Whether in the big city, the beaches of the south, the mountains, the countryside, a particular interaction, winery, food item, restaurant, day trip?
Discuss!
For me, we were in Paris. We walked down a side street that had zero tourists and went to a cafe, had a lovely omelet and coffee. But the husband/wife owners were just some of the nicest people we have ever met. So earnest. Our conversation was just head nods and smiles, but the best conversation ever. Just additional clarity that even though our home and Paris have so many differences, it is a small world and we are all more similar than we think.
Looking to see more of the lovely country next, what experiences have defined France for you?
As an offshoot to another question I have on here.... Since you are seasoned travelers with unique experiences...
What have been your most memorable experiences in the various regions of France? What has made a particular region stand out to you? Whether in the big city, the beaches of the south, the mountains, the countryside, a particular interaction, winery, food item, restaurant, day trip?
Discuss!
For me, we were in Paris. We walked down a side street that had zero tourists and went to a cafe, had a lovely omelet and coffee. But the husband/wife owners were just some of the nicest people we have ever met. So earnest. Our conversation was just head nods and smiles, but the best conversation ever. Just additional clarity that even though our home and Paris have so many differences, it is a small world and we are all more similar than we think.
Looking to see more of the lovely country next, what experiences have defined France for you?
Aug 9th, 2015, 07:30 PM
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I've only visited parts of France, but I think you can find the kind of experience you describe just about anywhere -- or (unfortunately) no where! It really just depends. If your experience is like mine -- and as a solo traveler, I suspect my experiences are, by definition, different -- then you might have similar experiences, and you might not. I've had moments like that in any number of places around the world. I've also had moments where I was, shall I say, given my privacy -- and that, too, can be a really good thing! Trying to plan for specific moments? I wouldn't. JMO.
I haven't had a moment that "defined" France, or anywhere else. So if you are trying to decide where to go, I would recommend that you think about where there are things that you want to see and experience, and wherever you end up, be open to the moment.
For inspiration, I generally recommend the National Geographic, Eyewitness, and Insight Guides. I find them worthy of the investment, but you should also be able to consult them at a library.
Hope that helps!
I haven't had a moment that "defined" France, or anywhere else. So if you are trying to decide where to go, I would recommend that you think about where there are things that you want to see and experience, and wherever you end up, be open to the moment.
For inspiration, I generally recommend the National Geographic, Eyewitness, and Insight Guides. I find them worthy of the investment, but you should also be able to consult them at a library.
Hope that helps!
Aug 9th, 2015, 10:55 PM
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I've not been to a bit of France I didn't like, but I'd put the south Dordogne at the bottom of the list.
Been to Brittany twice. I could live there were it not for the number of my compatriots who have already chosen to do that. The further west, the better.The weather, as behoves a chunk of rock stuck out into the Atlantic, is not reliable. People, towns, food and beaches fantastic.
I've spent a long weekend in Beaune, and loved it. MUCH posher than Brittany; very douce and cared for. BIG wines. Much mediaeval.
For the last 11 years we've gone every year at least twice to the Hautes Pyrenees, spending most of our time there or in the Gers. Totally different again. Different type of people and cuisine- you'd better like duck. Not at all touristy. Fantastic scenery in the mountains and very "real life" in the towns and villages.
I'm not a city girl, but I could live in Paris, which I love.
I nearly forgot- Nice. Visited once for a couple of days' business. Nice city, expecially the old town. Not as much up itself as I expected. I got robbed, which left a bad taste; but was well looked after by everyone but the hotel once it had happened.
Dordogne- not so much. But it might have been because of the sort of holiday we were having.
Been to Brittany twice. I could live there were it not for the number of my compatriots who have already chosen to do that. The further west, the better.The weather, as behoves a chunk of rock stuck out into the Atlantic, is not reliable. People, towns, food and beaches fantastic.
I've spent a long weekend in Beaune, and loved it. MUCH posher than Brittany; very douce and cared for. BIG wines. Much mediaeval.
For the last 11 years we've gone every year at least twice to the Hautes Pyrenees, spending most of our time there or in the Gers. Totally different again. Different type of people and cuisine- you'd better like duck. Not at all touristy. Fantastic scenery in the mountains and very "real life" in the towns and villages.
I'm not a city girl, but I could live in Paris, which I love.
I nearly forgot- Nice. Visited once for a couple of days' business. Nice city, expecially the old town. Not as much up itself as I expected. I got robbed, which left a bad taste; but was well looked after by everyone but the hotel once it had happened.
Dordogne- not so much. But it might have been because of the sort of holiday we were having.
Aug 9th, 2015, 11:34 PM
#5
Being taught to cross country ski by an Olympic Bronze medal winner at his hotel in the Jura with no one else staying at the hotel or getting access to the plateau for a week. Only French (which I did speak), only customers etc.
Learning to sail in Paimpol harbour (in French when I did not speak it)
Catching ducks in Barfleur harbour by jumping in and catching them on the way down. (I was younger then)
Watching Bastille fireworks from a yacht in St Malo harbour
Boating on the Canal du midi
Visiting the wine cellar under Irancy , six levels of 12th century cellar under the village, the guide turned off the lights and let us find our own way back
Tasting George Brunet wine in Vouvray. Still drinking the wine 20 years later.
Looking for a spitton at in the Baumard tasting room and selecting the cup for the best white wine at the Prix de Paris. (they were very nice about it)
Eating st jacques in garlic butter in Epernay
Cycling out of the walled village of Cravent the wrong way from Mrs Bilbo much to the consternation of the guides. You had to be there...
Learning to sail in Paimpol harbour (in French when I did not speak it)
Catching ducks in Barfleur harbour by jumping in and catching them on the way down. (I was younger then)
Watching Bastille fireworks from a yacht in St Malo harbour
Boating on the Canal du midi
Visiting the wine cellar under Irancy , six levels of 12th century cellar under the village, the guide turned off the lights and let us find our own way back
Tasting George Brunet wine in Vouvray. Still drinking the wine 20 years later.
Looking for a spitton at in the Baumard tasting room and selecting the cup for the best white wine at the Prix de Paris. (they were very nice about it)
Eating st jacques in garlic butter in Epernay
Cycling out of the walled village of Cravent the wrong way from Mrs Bilbo much to the consternation of the guides. You had to be there...
Aug 10th, 2015, 03:42 AM
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It was in the nondescript town Charleville-Mezières on a Sunday morning. We were 18 and wanted to drive home with our 12-year-old Volkswagen bug.
On the road another car crushed into our side and wrecked our car. It was driven by a young female driver. It was just in front of her parents' home.
They had a family reunion on this Sunday and the family took us in to do the paperwork, to organize the wreck of our car being brought to a garage and to invite us to a nine-course family-style lunch with champagne, matching wines and cognac. We had a lively conversation about everything, of course including politics.
We came home safely. The leftovers of our car were scrapped, but we got a nice compensation from the French insurance.
On the road another car crushed into our side and wrecked our car. It was driven by a young female driver. It was just in front of her parents' home.
They had a family reunion on this Sunday and the family took us in to do the paperwork, to organize the wreck of our car being brought to a garage and to invite us to a nine-course family-style lunch with champagne, matching wines and cognac. We had a lively conversation about everything, of course including politics.
We came home safely. The leftovers of our car were scrapped, but we got a nice compensation from the French insurance.
Aug 10th, 2015, 03:59 AM
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On the north coast of Brittany, there is a tiny village called "Plouescat" (which is Celtic and means "Herring Village"). One evening, there was the "Fête de la Mer" - the "fest of the sea".
The whole village was there and the populations of the neighbouring villages too. It was crowded and the only food that was served were mussels and frites which we consumed in huge amounts, washed down with equally huge quantities of wine.
A band began to play Celtic tunes and quickly we found us dancing with the locals in a circle. Everyone held hands with anyone else and it did not count if you were tourist or not. The fête continued into the wee hours when the full moon came out.
The next morning was extremely quiet. Exhausted from the night before, everyone seemed to sleep long. Tide was high and the Baie de Kernic was flooded. I took my little boat and paddled to the ancient cairn which was half-submerged. I was floating in the middle of the grave, surrounded by the stones, closed my eyes and felt the age-old Celtic energy still alive.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...G_5970.JPG&f=1
The whole village was there and the populations of the neighbouring villages too. It was crowded and the only food that was served were mussels and frites which we consumed in huge amounts, washed down with equally huge quantities of wine.
A band began to play Celtic tunes and quickly we found us dancing with the locals in a circle. Everyone held hands with anyone else and it did not count if you were tourist or not. The fête continued into the wee hours when the full moon came out.
The next morning was extremely quiet. Exhausted from the night before, everyone seemed to sleep long. Tide was high and the Baie de Kernic was flooded. I took my little boat and paddled to the ancient cairn which was half-submerged. I was floating in the middle of the grave, surrounded by the stones, closed my eyes and felt the age-old Celtic energy still alive.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...G_5970.JPG&f=1
Aug 10th, 2015, 04:07 AM
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Our twin boys were 13 months old and we were vacationing in Cap Benat (Bormes-les-Mimosas) on the Côte d'Azur. During the vacation, both boys had learned to walk, started to speak and to eat solid food.
On of the boys had to touch everything. On the beach, he grabbed into a submerged crevice between a couple of rocks. He withdrew his little arm and we saw that it was completely surrounded, up to the shoulder, by the tentacles of an octopus.
Our boy made a grunting sound and looked the octopus in the eyes and the octopus looked back and we wondered who was more amazed. After half a minute, we let the octopus retreat back into the sea.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...4086-l.jpg&f=1
On of the boys had to touch everything. On the beach, he grabbed into a submerged crevice between a couple of rocks. He withdrew his little arm and we saw that it was completely surrounded, up to the shoulder, by the tentacles of an octopus.
Our boy made a grunting sound and looked the octopus in the eyes and the octopus looked back and we wondered who was more amazed. After half a minute, we let the octopus retreat back into the sea.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...4086-l.jpg&f=1
Aug 10th, 2015, 05:09 AM
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We had a conference in Reims. In the evening, our hosting organization had arranged a visit of the wine cellars of Taittinger. Monsieur Taittinger himself welcomed us and we had a leisurely tour through the caves. It ended in a subterrenean dome which once was a Roman quarry.
We were 18 metres below ground, standing between racks of bottles, and the only illumination came from candles. We were served canapés with foie gras and other delicacies and were given a glass of champagne. When we had emptied our glasses they were refilled. And refilled again. And again. And again. Until our glasses were collected.
We were given new glasses, and this time they were filled with Taittinger Reserve Champagne. And when they were empty they were refilled. And refilled. And refilled.
After we had staggered up to the reception hall, Monsieur Taittinger said au revoir, not without handing each of us a bag with some souvenirs and a bottle of champagne.
Of course, it was all complimentary.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...%2F511.JPG&f=1
We were 18 metres below ground, standing between racks of bottles, and the only illumination came from candles. We were served canapés with foie gras and other delicacies and were given a glass of champagne. When we had emptied our glasses they were refilled. And refilled again. And again. And again. Until our glasses were collected.
We were given new glasses, and this time they were filled with Taittinger Reserve Champagne. And when they were empty they were refilled. And refilled. And refilled.
After we had staggered up to the reception hall, Monsieur Taittinger said au revoir, not without handing each of us a bag with some souvenirs and a bottle of champagne.
Of course, it was all complimentary.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...%2F511.JPG&f=1
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