What is your favorite small town in France?
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:14 PM
#1
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What is your favorite small town in France?
DH and I are going to France for 2 weeks in July. Looking to spend some time in a small village somewhere south of Paris (but not Provence). We love food and wine and walking around, bike riding, etc-don't like to do a lot of the typical touristy stuff.
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:32 PM
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Hi J,
We were very happy in Beynac et Cazenac, which is near Sarlat.
>We love food and wine and walking around, bike riding, etc-don't like to do a lot of the typical touristy stuff.<
Sounds typically touristy to me.
>What in particular did you like about it?
See my trip report:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645
Photos at http://tinyurl.com/sjch4
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-pla2au
We were very happy in Beynac et Cazenac, which is near Sarlat.
>We love food and wine and walking around, bike riding, etc-don't like to do a lot of the typical touristy stuff.<
Sounds typically touristy to me.
>What in particular did you like about it?
See my trip report:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645
Photos at http://tinyurl.com/sjch4
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-pla2au
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:35 PM
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Somewhat South..can I give a somewhat generic answer?
I did a 10 day driving tour of the Loire valley, east to west, following the Michelin Green guide. There are some very nice small towns along the river route, where there is a castle, a few hundred residents, a few restaurants and a couple of hotels. Very scenic, a lot of these places are on smaller roadways....so I could see biking being a nice option.
Hope this helps,
Mike
I did a 10 day driving tour of the Loire valley, east to west, following the Michelin Green guide. There are some very nice small towns along the river route, where there is a castle, a few hundred residents, a few restaurants and a couple of hotels. Very scenic, a lot of these places are on smaller roadways....so I could see biking being a nice option.
Hope this helps,
Mike
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:38 PM
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My favorite village in all or France is Bourg d'Oisans at the base of Alpe d'huez about 40 minutes east of Grenoble. It's a tiny village but it's a great base for cycling some of the most famous routes of the Tour de France.
The village itself is compact with several good restaurants, and for higher end accomodations you can go to the resorts on AdH or Les Deux Alpes.
From this village you can ride or drive to many of the surrounding villages for hikes, rambles and walks in the mountains or to explore the many picturesque tiny villages.
When I arrive in Bourg d'Oisans, I feel that I am in my 'French home village".
Jun 6th, 2007, 02:13 PM
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Great suggestions, thanks! We have been to Paris and Normandy a number of times but haven't explored much in the central/southern part. We are driving to San Sebastian and going to take our sweet time so are looking for some diversions along the way. Can't wait!
Jun 6th, 2007, 03:14 PM
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The little beach town of Bidart is a good place to be en route to San Sebastian...we highly recommend the Villa L'Arche, overlooking the Atlantic and a marvelous beach. The town is 3 miles south of Biarritz..plenty of possibilities for beach walks, and for hiking further inland. You can walk from Bidart to Biarritz without leaving the beach.
Stu T.
Stu T.
Jun 6th, 2007, 03:45 PM
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My favorite small town is St.Emillion, which is located in the southwestern part of France. It is famous for it's vineyards (Bordeaux wines). The countryside is quiet and beautiful. The town itself is very quaint and old going back to Roman times (I believe).
Jun 6th, 2007, 04:26 PM
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"... but haven't explored much in the central/southern part ..."
Jenski, the Massif Central is often overlooked. Remote, verdant, and mountainous, it is tranquil and intriguing. You'll find well-marked walking trails, good food, and very few other tourists.
Jenski, the Massif Central is often overlooked. Remote, verdant, and mountainous, it is tranquil and intriguing. You'll find well-marked walking trails, good food, and very few other tourists.
Jun 6th, 2007, 04:27 PM
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Oops, I posted just before adding a link to a trip report we did a couple of years ago:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34742279
Anselm
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34742279
Anselm
Jun 6th, 2007, 06:20 PM
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I have spent time twice in Onzain, near Bloois across from Chaumont. Nice little village. a great place to bike from (my vacations were cycling vacations). I can recommend staying at the Chateau des Tertres (www.chateau-tertres.com). good restaurants in the area, vouvray wine district is nearby. nice bike ride to Chenonceaux
Jun 6th, 2007, 06:31 PM
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cigale, We stayed at Moulin des Ruats several times, with my family then with my husband. I have amazingly fond memories from there and now want to take my kids there. Have a slice of their Apple tarte for me and enjoy your stay.
My uncle used to own a little hotel restaurant in Arcy sur Cure just 10 minutes North of Avallon.
My uncle used to own a little hotel restaurant in Arcy sur Cure just 10 minutes North of Avallon.
