{"id":2777,"date":"2025-10-11T13:20:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T12:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/?p=2777"},"modified":"2025-11-05T17:10:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T17:10:31","slug":"10-of-the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/10-of-the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-france\/","title":{"rendered":"19 Truly Enchanting Places to Visit in France"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The gorgeously diverse country, which has inspired centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, includes huge mountain ranges, miles of unspoilt countryside, and long stretches of glittering coastline. From my many trips to France (sixteen now!) \u2014and putting Paris aside\u2014these are some of the jaw-dropping places I completely fell in love with&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2>1. The French Riviera (C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur)&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775700\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775700\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775700\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Nice-Beach-in-August-in-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C680&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"My photo of Nice Beach in August in 2024\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Nice-Beach-in-August-in-2024.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Nice-Beach-in-August-in-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C425&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Nice-Beach-in-August-in-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C664&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Nice-Beach-in-August-in-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Nice-Beach-in-August-in-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775700\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of Nice Beach &#8211; it was such a glitzy place!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775704\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775704\" style=\"width: 2150px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775704\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"My photo of St Tropez taken in August 2024\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?w=2160&amp;ssl=1 2160w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1366&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-St-Tropez-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775704\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My shot of St Tropez &#8211; there were cute pink mopeds everywhere!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"dd661fc8-56d1-4c53-a77f-43318fb79765\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"165\">I could see why the glitzy French Riviera had enchanted royalty and artists like Picasso and Matisse \u2014 it enchanted me too. I thought it was one of the most beautiful coastlines I\u2019d ever seen, with glittering azure seas, Belle \u00c9poque villas, and palm-lined promenades that glowed in the Mediterranean light. I loved how it struck the perfect balance between relaxed and glamorous, effortlessly blending elegance with ease.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"165\">I flew into Nice C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur Airport, wandered the iconic Promenade des Anglais, drove the dazzling coastal road to Monaco, lazed on Saint-Tropez\u2019s sandy beaches, and dined by the sea in Cannes as the sky turned rose-gold at dusk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Southeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/French+Riviera,+France\/@43.3886692,5.8613101,9z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12cebc738732d97f:0x594966412c5651c0!8m2!3d43.2547731!4d6.6378577!16zL20vMDFuZnY5?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the fairytale 4-star boutique <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/le-clair-de-la-plume.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-58876_dev-desktop_los-2_bw-96_dow-Saturday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250726_ppt-Bd_lp-2826_r-2259661216543316137&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=5887601_195566682_2_42_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-26&amp;checkout=2025-07-28&amp;dest_id=-1430714&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=5887601_195566682_2_42_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=5887601_195566682_2_42_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=5887601_195566682_2_42_0__76740&amp;srepoch=1745224460&amp;srpvid=6fad3c44508b0096&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Le Clair de la Plume &#8211; Teritoria<\/a> &#8211; I loved the very pretty historic building and village setting, the lavender-scented garden and their house-made pastries (the crumbly Fig and Lavender Tartlet was especially divine)!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>2. Champagne-Ardenne<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775711\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775711\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775711\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-me-on-the-bridge-in-Essoyes-in-Champagne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"My photo me on the bridge in Essoyes in Champagne taken in summer 2024\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-me-on-the-bridge-in-Essoyes-in-Champagne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-me-on-the-bridge-in-Essoyes-in-Champagne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-me-on-the-bridge-in-Essoyes-in-Champagne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-me-on-the-bridge-in-Essoyes-in-Champagne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-me-on-the-bridge-in-Essoyes-in-Champagne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775711\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of me hanging on the bridge in Essoyes &#8211; it felt like something out of a postcard!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"dd661fc8-56d1-4c53-a77f-43318fb79765\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"7f79b0e0-6de8-46bf-acac-0bb860bd812d\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_775715\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775715\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775715\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Troyes-in-Champagne-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"My photo of Troyes in Champagne taken summer 2024\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Troyes-in-Champagne-taken-summer-2024.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Troyes-in-Champagne-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Troyes-in-Champagne-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Troyes-in-Champagne-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Troyes-in-Champagne-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775715\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Troyes in Champagne &#8211; the half timbered houses were so well preserved here!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1f738843-714b-4868-adf2-4f7f45df3174\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a337dc2d-5e59-415f-bbba-95943c427ce9\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"395\">Champagne\u2019s birthplace completely bubbled over with magic \u2014 its history, sophistication, and charm captivated me! I adored the endless slopes of golden vineyards, the graceful little towns, and the storybook half-timbered houses glowing in the sunlight. The atmosphere felt serene and subtly romantic, the kind of place where time seemed to slow down.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"771\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I drove 3.5 hours from Calais and spent a heavenly week exploring at an unhurried pace. I sipped on world-famous bubbly in the cellars of Mo\u00ebt &amp; Chandon in picturesque \u00c9pernay and sampled glasses of prestigious Taittinger in historic Reims, admired the glowing stained glass of gothic Reims Cathedral, and wandered the medieval lanes of romantic Troyes, where pastel fa\u00e7ades and cobbled streets captured the region\u2019s quiet honey-hued magic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Northeastern part of the country (bordering <a href=\"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/10-of-the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-belgium\/\">Belgium<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Champagne-Ardenne,+France\/@48.84634,1.9974211,7z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47e974ff467ea75d:0x9abff6786592ab3d!8m2!3d48.7934092!4d4.4725249!16zL20vMG1nZnM?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"ddb12f4f86 pp-header__title\">Staying at the unique <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/la-jonquette-francheval123456789101112131415161718.en-gb.html?aid=323684&amp;label=champagne-ardennes-nwNFeDw4j48j8%2Auf0OeUDgS476755041971%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-1848901758%3Alp1007065%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9Ybu3g3JQEN-y0ZaHyBRePiU&amp;sid=fb1055fa2724ad22ce945da88a1e0c7b&amp;dest_id=794&amp;dest_type=region&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=53&amp;hpos=6&amp;nflt=review_score%3D90&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;srepoch=1760267136&amp;srpvid=dc574de30eb304f2&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">La Jonquette<\/a> &#8211; I loved having my own boutique apartment-style space complete with a candlelit hot tub and watching<em> Midnight in Paris<\/em> on the retro projector that turned the ceiling into a star-filled cinema!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Check out my cinematic trip to France, featuring stunning drone footage that went viral&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dog-friendly Road Trip in France\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/szZswmfTSY4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>3. Provence<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775720\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775720\" style=\"width: 2550px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 2560w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 1536w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 2048w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 150w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.webp 2400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C615&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"615\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C328&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1000%2C513&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C394&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C787&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C77&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-drone-shot-of-Provence-Lavender-fields-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775720 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My drone shot of Provence Lavender fields taken in summer 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My drone shot of Provence Lavender fields &#8211; they were seriously Insta-worthy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"dd661fc8-56d1-4c53-a77f-43318fb79765\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_775722\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775722\" style=\"width: 2550px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775722\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C652&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"My photo of Gordes in Provence taken in summer 2024\" width=\"1200\" height=\"652\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C348&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1000%2C543&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C417&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C835&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1113&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C82&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Gordes-in-Provence-taken-in-summer-2024-scaled.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of Gordes in Provence &#8211; , this beautiful hilltop village was one of the most picturesque places I visited!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3e402cbd-be9c-42c3-84e7-fe952cd770db\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"f5398719-6acf-4896-9815-5ed726076832\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"2963b449-72d2-457d-b25c-6ffa9b380188\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"813\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Provence completely stole my heart! I thought it was cinematic \u2014 endless violet lavender fields, silvery olive groves, and rolling vineyards dotted with cliffside stone villages glowing in the Mediterranean light. The whole atmosphere felt dreamy, laid-back, and artistic \u2014 I could see why <\/span>Van Gogh<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> and <\/span>C\u00e9zanne<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> were so inspired here!<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"813\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I took the TGV from Paris to elegant Aix-en-Provence and based myself at the charming 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/hostellerie-du-chateau-des-fines-roches.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-216884_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-90_dow-Sunday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-0_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250928_ppt-_lp-2826_r-13064763409824036296&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=21688408_199946360_2_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-09-28&amp;checkout=2025-09-29&amp;dest_id=-1419113&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=21688408_199946360_2_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=21688408_199946360_2_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=21688408_199946360_2_2_0__39663&amp;srepoch=1751292444&amp;srpvid=831e6334e8f408f1&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hostellerie du Ch\u00e2teau des Fines Roches<\/a>. From browsing Aix\u2019s lavender- scented markets and walking medieval Avignon\u2019s storied walls to exploring hilltop Gordes, fortified Baux-de-Provence, and artistic St. R\u00e9my, exploring the dramatic Calanques National Park, and inhaling the lavender-scented air of idyllic Valensole (they&#8217;re in bloom from late June to mid-July).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"813\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Southeastern part of the country (bordered by the Rh\u00f4ne River, <a href=\"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/10-beautiful-places-visit-italy\/\">Italy<\/a> and the Mediterranean Sea)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"813\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Provence,+France\/@44.0488085,4.6552479,8z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47f47fdfc9e0f5ad:0x44eefb3a98b5f62d!8m2!3d44.0144936!4d6.2116438!16zL20vMGN6eDA?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><em>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tasting the fruity Ros\u00e9 d\u2019Une Nuit at the organic <a href=\"https:\/\/chateau-la-coste.com\/fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau La Coste vineyard,<\/a> I loved how the scent of lavender drifted through the vines as Louise Bourgeois\u2019s towering <em data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"662\">Crouching Spider<\/em> loomed nearby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>4. Loire Valley<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_779482\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-779482\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Orleans-Loire-Valley-France.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-779482 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My snapshot of Orle\u0301ans, Loire Valley, France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-779482\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My snapshot of Orle\u0301ans, Loire Valley, France &#8211; it was a fine and elegant place!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775724\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775724\" style=\"width: 2038px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.webp 2048w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.webp 1536w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Domaine-De-Moresville-Hotel-at-Flacey-in-Loire-Valley-taken-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775724 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Domaine De Moresville Hotel at Flacey in Loire Valley taken 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of Domaine De Moresville Hotel at Flacey in Loire Valley &#8211; it was like something out of a fairytale!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a3cb9426-2c80-4d3d-a445-44091f564317\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a3cb9426-2c80-4d3d-a445-44091f564317\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">It was easy to see why the enchanting <\/span>Loire Valley had<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> earned its UNESCO status \u2014 it was extraordinary! Known as <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\" data-start=\"104\" data-end=\"126\">the Garden of France<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">, I thought it was beautifully romantic, with fairy-tale ch\u00e2teaux (over 300!), rolling vineyards, Renaissance architecture, and elegant towns lining the meandering Loire River. <\/span>The atmosphere felt serene yet regal and I could see why French royalty once called this region home!<\/p>\n<p>Just two hours from Paris, I found my dream escape at the 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/abbaye-de-villeneuve.en-gb.html?aid=311076&amp;label=hotel-53469-fr-xQmUy1mACdxcncUP8vkfxwS169283146686%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-1796206655%3Alp1007065%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9YX-SVbABBf1_TwNC0YE2R9c&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;age=0&amp;all_sr_blocks=5346913_383083271_2_2_0_730113&amp;checkin=2025-08-10&amp;checkout=2025-08-11&amp;dest_id=-1445829&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=5346913_383083271_2_2_0_730113&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=5346913_383083271_2_2_0_730113&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=5346913_383083271_2_2_0_730113_13438&amp;srepoch=1752445647&amp;srpvid=35c99de5d22402db&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Abbaye De Villeneuve<\/a> \u2014 my days filled with exploring grand ch\u00e2teaux such as grandiose Chambord, graceful Chenonceau, and ornamental Villandry, toasting with Saumur\u2019s sparkling wines, sampling Vouvray\u2019s crisp whites, and gliding down the dreamy Loire through landscapes that looked like they came straight out of a painting!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Central part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Loire+Valley,+France\/@47.5627846,-0.6243432,8z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47fd31c40ddaa889:0xd49789bfb849e842!8m2!3d47.5532402!4d1.0105289!16zL20vMGwxaDg?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dining at the trendy <a href=\"https:\/\/aulocalrestaurant.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Au Local in Chinon<\/a>, I loved the creative farm-to-table menu, the soft glow of its Scandi-chic decor, and my beautifully plated dish of locally grown leek, turnip, and quinoa!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>5. Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775735\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775735\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"682\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775735 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Rho\u0302ne-Alpes historic houses taken in summer 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775735\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My shot of Rho\u0302ne-Alpes historic houses &#8211; they oozed character and old-world charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775733\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775733\" style=\"width: 1015px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 1025w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1025px) 100vw, 1025px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1025%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"683\" width=\"1025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?w=1025&amp;ssl=1 1025w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Rhone-Alpes-vineyards-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1025px) 100vw, 1025px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775733 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Rhone Alpes vineyards taken in summer 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775733\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rhone Alpes vineyards &#8211; there were endless rows of lush green vines!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a3cb9426-2c80-4d3d-a445-44091f564317\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"000ce9f8-f2e2-4758-b01c-c3b6eb3144cc\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"373\">I wasn\u2019t sure what to expect from this lesser-known corner of eastern France, but I was quietly in awe of the Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. I found a tapestry of postcard-perfect villages, sunlit vineyards, and graceful towns mirrored in glistening lakes, all set against the grandeur of the Alps. It captured that rare balance of wild beauty and effortless French elegance.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"375\" data-end=\"730\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">A quick two-hour TGV ride from Paris brought me to this peaceful haven, where I spent a unique week at the 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/chateau-de-candie.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-53779_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-10_dow-Thursday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250710_ppt-Bd_lp-2826_r-6130963302399490527&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=5377915_88918821_0_1_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-10&amp;checkout=2025-07-11&amp;dest_id=-1417924&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=5377915_88918821_0_1_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=5377915_88918821_0_1_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=5377915_88918821_0_1_0__17330&amp;srepoch=1751297267&amp;srpvid=99366cb771730456&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ch\u00e2teau de Candie<\/a>. I explored the canal-laced streets of lakeside Annecy, wandered the tranquil vineyards of rustic Beaujolais, swam in the turquoise waters of mirror-like Lac d\u2019Aiguebelette, and fell for the storybook hilltop village of P\u00e9rouges. I just have to mention that I found the weather to be unpredictable \u2014 I was glad I packed layers as the summer evenings were often cool.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Southeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Rhone-Alpes,+France\/@45.2911659,2.7968982,7z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x478ad9d3edc8f14b:0x779335db8902afb9!8m2!3d45.1695797!4d5.4502821!16zL20vMDFjNzl5?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sipping on a latte sweetened with chestnut syrup while people-watching and practicing my French with the friendly server at the quaint <em>Le Caf\u00e9 de Jules <\/em>in Perouges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>6. Burgundy&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775744\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775744\" style=\"width: 1262px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-775744 size-full\" title=\"My photo of hotel de ville at pontailler sur saone in Burgundy taken in spring 2024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?resize=1200%2C1192&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"My photo of hotel de ville at pontailler sur saone in Burgundy taken in spring 2024\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?w=1272&amp;ssl=1 1272w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C636&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C994&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C149&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C763&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-hotel-de-ville-at-pontailler-sur-saone-in-Burgundy-taken-in-spring-2024.jpg?resize=96%2C96&amp;ssl=1 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775744\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of hotel de ville at pontailler sur saone in Burgundy taken in spring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775740\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775740\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.webp 720w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.jpg?resize=720%2C480&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"480\" width=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.jpg?w=720&amp;ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-a-house-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024-.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775740 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of a house in Burgundy taken spring 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775740\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A house in Burgundy &#8211; perfectly reflected the region\u2019s timeless countryside charm!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775739\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775739\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.webp 720w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.jpg?resize=720%2C478&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"478\" width=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.jpg?w=720&amp;ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C425&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Vieille-Saone-Stronger-in-Burgundy-taken-spring-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775739 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of La Vieille Saone Stronger in Burgundy taken spring 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775739\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">La Vieille Saone Stronger in Burgundy &#8211; it was such a peaceful riverside setting!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"298\">I completely fell under the spell of beautiful Burgundy \u2014 a region of golden hillsides, rolling vineyards, and quaint villages that felt almost otherworldly in their beauty. I loved its almost otherworldly tranquility and charm, from half-timbered houses and Romanesque churches to elegant ch\u00e2teaux glowing in the afternoon light.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"718\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">A two-hour drive from Paris led me to two wonderful weeks here \u2014 from following the famed Route des Grands Crus and admiring the gothic Hospices de Beaune to exploring elegant Dijon, the monastic Abbey of Fontenay, and the opulent Ch\u00e2teau de Cormatin. Between tranquil canal cruises, sipping on <em data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3783\">Kir wine aperitifs<\/em><em data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3783\">, <\/em>hikes through the unspoiled region of Morvan\u2019s misty forests, and tastings of rich Pinot Noir and crisp Chardonnay in timeworn cellars, it was all wine-country bliss!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Central-eastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Burgundy,+France\/@47.2514707,1.5417159,7z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47f2043908f3d9b7:0x109ce34b30d2510!8m2!3d47.0525047!4d4.3837215!16zL20vMGxwcDg?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My favorite highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I stayed in the incredible Treehouse Suite at the chic 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/le-domaine-des-pra-c-s-verts.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-338044_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-91_dow-Sunday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250928_ppt-Ld_lp-2826_r-7943086339391641861&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=33804404_326752731_2_42_0&amp;checkin=2025-09-28&amp;checkout=2025-09-29&amp;dest_id=-1433170&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=33804404_326752731_2_42_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=33804404_326752731_2_42_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=33804404_326752731_2_42_0__23020&amp;srepoch=1751223928&amp;srpvid=bc62863acd7f0109&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Le Domaine des Pr\u00e9s Verts Suites &amp; Chambres<\/a> \u2014 perched 7 m high with a jacuzzi on the balcony and the earthy scent of moss and morning dew all around. The retro pastel blue Solex mopeds rentals were a charming extra!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>7. The Dordogne<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"665\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Dordogne.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635962 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Dordogne\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_779484\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-779484\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snap-of-Sarlat-la-Caneda-in-the-Dordogne.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-779484 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My snap of Sarlat-la-Cane\u0301da in the Dordogne\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-779484\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My snap of Sarlat-la-Cane\u0301da in the Dordogne &#8211; it was very peaceful and laid back!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"sr-only\">This ultra-scenic region completely stole my heart \u2014 it felt like stepping into a living fairytale of misty valleys, golden-stoned villages, grand ch\u00e2teaux, and prehistoric cave art. I thought it was utterly peaceful, with a rustic elegance and stuck-in-time charm!<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"7778165b-2ae8-4baa-8963-79f10c49304f\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"970\">I flew into wine-rich Bergerac, drove just 90 minutes, and checked into the charmingly quirky 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/la-rebia-re-d-or.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-431588_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-62_dow-Sunday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250914_ppt-_lp-2826_r-5296873046413237900&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=43158803_375324624_0_1_0&amp;checkin=2025-09-14&amp;checkout=2025-09-15&amp;dest_id=-1453911&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=43158803_375324624_0_1_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=43158803_375324624_0_1_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=43158803_375324624_0_1_0__17122&amp;srepoch=1752445933&amp;srpvid=af309e7459d8010d&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">La Rebi\u00e8re d\u2019Or, B&amp;B et G\u00eete<\/a>. My week was filled with wandering medieval Sarlat-la-Can\u00e9da\u2019s honey-colored streets, climbing to fairytale castles such as the majestic Beynac and imposing Castelnaud, kayaking along the tranquil Dordogne River, marveling at ancient Lascaux&#8217;s (a network of caves) prehistoric art, and meandering through the lively markets of panoramic Domme and regal Beynac-et-Cazenac.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Southwestern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Dordogne,+France\/@45.1418148,0.0437484,9z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47ff7a7475a8138b:0x3066517481126e0!8m2!3d45.1469486!4d0.7572205!16zL20vMGM4MnM?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stopping by the Sarlat\u2019s rustic Saturday market, the air was filled with the scent of sugar and roasted nuts as I tried a slice of freshly baked walnut cake glazed in glossy caramel \u2014 utterly divine!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>8. Auvergne&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775749\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775749\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"684\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Charroux-village-in-Auvergne-take-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-775749 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Charroux village in Auvergne take in summer 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"My photo of Charroux village in Auvergne take in summer 2024\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775749\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of Charroux village in Auvergne &#8211; the villages here were so picturesque and timeless!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775747\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775747\" style=\"width: 947px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.webp 957w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.jpg?resize=957%2C637&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"637\" width=\"957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.jpg?w=957&amp;ssl=1 957w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Volca-lodges-hot-tub-in-Auvergene-taken-summer-2024jpg.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775747 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Volca lodges hot tub in Auvergene taken summer 2024jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775747\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volca lodges hot tub in Auvergene &#8211; the unspolit views were seriously dreamy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775751\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775751\" style=\"width: 1017px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 1027w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1027px) 100vw, 1027px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1027%2C684&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"684\" width=\"1027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?w=1027&amp;ssl=1 1027w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-Volca-Lodges-in-Auvergne-taken-in-summer-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1027px) 100vw, 1027px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775751 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of my stay in Volca Lodges in Auvergne taken in summer 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775751\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My stay in Volca Lodges in Auvergne &#8211; the cellar had turned into a chic bar and restaurant!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This dramatic, one-of-a-kind region was a true hidden gem! I thought the landscapes were breathtaking \u2014 rolling green hills, dormant volcanoes, and wide open plateaus dotted with Romanesque churches, medieval villages, and ancient thermal springs. It felt raw, timeless, and wonderfully authentic \u2014 a peaceful corner of France far from the crowds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a3cb9426-2c80-4d3d-a445-44091f564317\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"c1ba5488-2b9e-4249-aa78-ad0423c2d7ef\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">After only 2.5 hours from the Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes I kicked back for a while and hiked the spectacular slopes of volcanic Puy de D\u00f4me, bathed in elegant Vichy\u2019s healing thermal springs, explored imposing Ch\u00e2teau de Murol perched high above the valleys, strolled stone-built Salers\u2019 storybook streets, and admired historic Notre-Dame du Port\u2019s serene Romanesque beauty in black-stoned Clermont-Ferrand. It felt wild, suspended-in-time, and quietly profound!&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>It\u2019s beautifully remote, but public transport is limited, so I\u2019d recommend renting a car to really experience the region\u2019s wild beauty.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Central part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Auvergne,+France\/@45.7043609,1.9575297,8z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47f6e4b16e4b8fdd:0x1093cafcbe32450!8m2!3d45.7032695!4d3.3448536!16zL20vMDVrdjN6?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the eco-friendly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/les-volca-lodges-de-tournebise.en-gb.html?aid=356980&amp;label=gog235jc-1FCAsoTUIebGVzLXZvbGNhLWxvZGdlcy1kZS10b3VybmViaXNlSAlYA2hQiAEBmAEJuAEHyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuALIw4bDBsACAdICJGIwZmE1OGQwLTFjYzktNDIxZS05YmZiLTE3M2UwMWVhOTc3OdgCBeACAQ&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;age=0&amp;all_sr_blocks=38017303_411285741_0_0_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-14&amp;checkout=2025-07-15&amp;dest_id=-1468030&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=38017303_411285741_0_0_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=38017303_411285741_0_0_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=38017303_411285741_0_0_0__23980&amp;srepoch=1751228877&amp;srpvid=6e7b8fe49b79005f&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Volca Lodges<\/a> &#8211; I adored my &#8216;glamping&#8217; accommodation and sipping on an aromatic Saint-Pour\u00e7ain Blanc while gazing at the untouched countryside from my private balcony hot tub (my photo is above)!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>9. Annecy&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C650&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"650\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C650&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.jpg?resize=640%2C416&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.jpg?resize=768%2C500&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635952 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Annecy France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C355&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"355\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C355&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.jpg?resize=640%2C228&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.jpg?resize=768%2C273&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Annecy-France-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635953 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Annecy France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"d02324cf-d463-49a0-8a2a-afad40c409e4\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">It didn\u2019t take long for me to fall for Annecy, the dreamy alpine town, often called <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\" data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"101\">the Venice of the Alps<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">. I thought it was one of the most photogenic places I\u2019d ever seen \u2014 a fairytale scene of turquoise lakes framed by fir-covered mountains, cobbled streets lined with pastel houses, flower-draped canals, and elegant historic landmarks.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"d99033dd-1f60-4104-be82-e0fc6ef6d2c2\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"755\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I loved how the atmosphere felt so naturally romantic \u2014 alpine elegance met tranquil lakeside living. After a five-hour drive from Paris, I found myself in a real-life fairytale, wandering the pastel-hued Vieille Ville, gazing at the fascinating island prison Palais de l\u2019Isle, touring the medieval Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Annecy, paddleboarding over clear, turquoise waters, and biking the lake\u2019s view-worthy loop trail.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"755\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I discovered it was a favourite weekend spot for locals, so I found early mornings were the best time to enjoy the canals before the crowds arrived.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Haute-Savoie region, Southeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Annecy,+France\/@45.9024748,5.961593,11z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x478b8fe55861febb:0x6a90ac32b5ab892b!8m2!3d45.9058956!4d6.1259117!16s%2Fg%2F11bc5n2nv3?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the wow-inducing 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/lestresomsannecy.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-51450_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-91_dow-Sunday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250928_ppt-_lp-2826_r-3994988176037860218&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=5145022_89070166_0_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-09-28&amp;checkout=2025-09-29&amp;dest_id=-1407760&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=5145022_89070166_0_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=5145022_89070166_0_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=5145022_89070166_0_2_0__15990&amp;srepoch=1751227412&amp;srpvid=17e28d084a510ae5&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Les Tr\u00e9soms Lake and Spa Resort<\/a> \u2014 I enjoyed sipping on a soothing Rooibos with orange peel and vanilla in the herbal tea lounge, relaxing in the the softly illuminated balneotherapy pool and the ornate Moorish hammam!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>10. Lyon&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon-France-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635956 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Lyon France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Lyon.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635957 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Lyon\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"15e55161-0155-4c0a-b5bb-e0ce40a398f2\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_775754\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775754\" style=\"width: 1014px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-my-stay-in-a-Lyon-hotel-taken-autumn-2024.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-775754 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of my stay in a Lyon hotel taken autumn 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"My photo of my stay in a Lyon hotel taken autumn 2024\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My IG snap of my stay in a Lyon hotel &#8211; the hotel were very chic in this city!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"206\">I thought Lyon was an elegant, cultured city with a creative edge. Its golden Renaissance buildings, cobbled lanes, and riverside promenades glowed beautifully at sunset, giving it a warm, artistic charm &#8211; no wonder UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage city!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"624\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Just two hours from Paris by TGV, I spent three days exploring from my base at the 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/fourviere.en-gb.html?aid=2127493&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-1585979_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-94_dow-Thursday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-gb_aud-0_gacid-_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-0_gstkid-0_checkin-20251002_ppt-G&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=158597903_181972351_2_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-10-02&amp;checkout=2025-10-03&amp;dest_id=-1448468&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=158597903_181972351_2_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=158597903_181972351_2_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=158597903_181972351_2_2_0__21110&amp;srepoch=1751296510&amp;srpvid=9fc26b3d580404db&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fourvi\u00e8re H\u00f4tel<\/a>. I wandered the cobblestoned Vieux Lyon and its secret traboules, admired views from the hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvi\u00e8re, took leisurely walks along the mighty Rh\u00f4ne and the graceful Sa\u00f4ne&nbsp;explored&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gl-lyonevents.com\/fr\/la-sucriere-un-lieu-culture-et-evenement-au-coeur-de-lyon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">La Sucri\u00e8re<\/a>\u2019s fascinatin contemporary art, and tucked into <em>Soupe \u00e0 l\u2019Oignon<\/em> in a cozy <em data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"572\">bouchon<\/em> \u2014 it was a fine mix of history, beauty, and creativity!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Southeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Lyon,+France\/@45.7580409,4.7527287,12z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47f4ea516ae88797:0x408ab2ae4bb21f0!8m2!3d45.764043!4d4.835659!16zL20vMGRwcmc?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Sampling traditional Lyonnaise cuisine in the wonderfully atmospheric <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maisonabel.fr\/maison-abel\/le-cafe-comptoir-chez-abel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caf\u00e9 Comptoir Abel<\/a> &#8211; my favorite was the gourmet quenelles de l\u00e9gumes, served with spinach and mushrooms in a velvety b\u00e9chamel sauce!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>11. Languedoc&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Languedoc.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635966 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Languedoc\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"668\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Languedoc.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-770633 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Languedoc\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">This historic region was a true hidden gem! I thought it was very easy-on-the-eye \u2014 a sun-soaked mix of Mediterranean landscapes, rolling vineyards, medieval cities, and hilltop villages steeped in history. The vibe was wonderfully eclectic, blending coastal calm, rustic wine country, and a touch of old-world mystery.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0a75ea93-9606-4aed-af54-ea31ecd916ed\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"735\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">After flying into cosmopolitan Montpellier, I spent a wonderful week soaking up southern France\u2019s magic \u2014 discovering fortified Carcassonne\u2019s medieval ramparts, admiring the mighty Pont du Gard, and tasting crisp Minervois Ros\u00e9 surrounded by sunlit vineyards. I also cruised S\u00e8te\u2019s picture-perfect canals, unwound on Gruissan\u2019s golden beaches, and explored artistic Collioure, which was a jewel of a town nestled&nbsp;between the Pyrenees and the sea.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Southern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Languedoc-Roussillon,+France\/@43.6279707,0.6264636,7z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12b164b0c07ac559:0x107882116652440!8m2!3d43.5912356!4d3.2583626!16zL20vMGx3a3o?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the breathtaking 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/chateau-de-pondres.en.html?aid=311076;label=chateau-de-pondres-NihaTqDcXNEaBAcDSrnQhAS475937085254:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap:neg:fi:tikwd-292682422264:lp9190267:li:dec:dm:ppccp=UmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9YSNxgVPQVI7AT3fx1WXiwSU;ws=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=732848065&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_Ls1JDQVWAzNihtsghCuv12C6cq&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVigcuRof7ODEuRPb7lHk5a1LjP58W3MQSvD45XH4jzaTnno1zEywn8aAl95EALw_wcB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ch\u00e2teau de Pondres<\/a> &#8211; I enjoyed the Cr\u00eapes smothered with fragrant lavender honey and the upscale boutique vibe. The staff even told me that even Gallo-Roman and Celtic remains had been found in the cellars!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>12. Giverny, Normandy&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Giverny-Monet-Garden.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-759261 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Giverny Monet Garden\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C663&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"663\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C663&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.jpg?resize=640%2C424&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Giverny-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635940 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Giverny\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-7\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"user\" data-message-id=\"dfbadc8f-0885-4a7f-9931-986986afe814\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden items-end rtl:items-start\">\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">I\u2019d known this pretty village as <\/span>Claude Monet\u2019s<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> home, but seeing <\/span>Giverny <span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">in person was soul-stirring. I thought it was one of the most peaceful and romantic places I\u2019d ever visited \u2014 a living painting of flower-filled gardens, a pink-shuttered house, a wisteria-draped bridge, and a tranquil lily pond glowing in the sunlight.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"e71029a7-55c6-4522-8d26-da1c31b16372\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"627\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Just 90 minutes from Paris, it was worth every mile. I wandered the perfumed Fondation Claude Monet gardens, explored his whimsical pastel-hued house, visited the inspiring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdig.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Museum of Impressionism<\/a>, and ended at the Romanesque Church of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet rests \u2014 it was a unique visit that actually felt like I&#8217;d stepped inside his paintings!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Normandy, Northern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Giverny,+France\/@49.0818046,1.5127741,14z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47e6c8e2b4ec4081:0x40c14484fbba300!8m2!3d49.081595!4d1.533504!16zL20vMDNzZDAw?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>See the flowers up close \u2014 the air was perfumed with wisteria and water lilies, and I could hear the rustle of willow leaves and the gentle hum of bees. The guides told me Monet had planted the garden himself!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>13. Strasbourg, Grand Est region<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Strasbourg-France.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635947 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Strasbourg France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Strasbourg.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-770629 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Strasbourg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"275\">I loved how Strasbourg blended French charm with German flair. I thought it was very easy-on-the-eye \u2014 pastel half-timbered houses draped in flowers, the soaring Strasbourg Cathedral, and cobbled squares framed by Renaissance fa\u00e7ades. It felt romantic and elegant yet full of life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"1260\">Just two hours by TGV from Paris, I arrived at the elegant 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/le-bouclier-d-or.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-383652_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-6_dow-Sunday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250706_ppt-Lmd_lp-2826_r-10670744437303320824&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=38365201_93743772_2_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-06&amp;checkout=2025-07-07&amp;dest_id=-1471697&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=38365201_93743772_2_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=38365201_93743772_2_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=38365201_93743772_2_2_0__14180&amp;srepoch=1751296159&amp;srpvid=3fbf6a8eddf603a4&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">H\u00f4tel &amp; Spa Le Bouclier D\u2019Or<\/a> and spent a gorgeous weekend wandering the half-timbered lanes of quaint La Petite France, admiring the cathedral\u2019s famed &#8211; and ingenious &#8211; astronomical clock, cruising the gentle Ill River, and exploring landmarks such as the opulent Palais Rohan, the bold modern architecture of the European Parliament, and the folkloric <a href=\"https:\/\/www.musees.strasbourg.eu\/musee-alsacien\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mus\u00e9e Alsacien<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Alsace region, Northeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Strasbourg,+France\/@48.569184,7.5972694,11z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4796c8495e18b2c1:0x971a483118e7241f!8m2!3d48.5734053!4d7.7521113!16zL20vMDliODM?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dining on traditional Alsatian regional dishes in the vaulted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gurtlerhoft.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Restaurant Gurtlerhoft&nbsp;<\/a>&#8211; the earthy forest foraged mushrooms in flaky puff pastry and the rustic onion tart were especially divine!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>14. Corsica<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica-France.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635948 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Corsica France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Corsica.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635949 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Corsica\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">I completely fell in love with Corsica \u2014 a wild yet elegant island of turquoise waters, white-sand and pebble beaches, jagged granite cliffs, and pastel coastal towns perched on limestone bluffs. I thought it was breathtakingly unspoilt, with a rustic-chic vibe and a slower Mediterranean rhythm that felt worlds away from the mainland.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"e5e49f81-c54f-4c99-8872-5dd07b203444\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"792\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Flying from <a href=\"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/uk\/top-10-cool-and-unusual-hotels-in-london\/\">London<\/a> to Ajaccio, I embarked on ten dreamlike days in Corsica \u2014 swimming in the turquoise waters of beautiful Palombaggia beach and secluded Saleccia, hiking the epic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.le-gr20.fr\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GR20<\/a>, exploring atmospheric Bonifacio\u2019s fortress-like cliffs, and losing myself in harbor-fronted Bastia\u2019s colorful alleys.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"792\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I also loved wandering the ancient hilltop village of Sant\u2019Antonino and dipping into the emerald pools of the pristine Restonica Valley, framed by thick pine forests and rugged peaks! I found that the mountain roads were often steep and winding \u2014 not for the faint-hearted, but the views absolutely make it worth it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Mediterranean Sea southeast of mainland France and west of Italy, Southeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Corsica\/@42.1823498,7.7322955,8z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12da00d304e8c551:0xd96e92ea01e96103!8m2!3d42.0396042!4d9.0128926!16zL20vMGYwc2Js?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/paesotel.en-gb.html?aid=356980&amp;label=gog235jc-1FCAsoTUIIcGFlc290ZWxICVgDaFCIAQGYAQm4AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQKIAgGoAgO4AsKthsMGwAIB0gIkNzFjMjA4NTMtNTcxNi00Yjg1LTlhMTktNjJlZjc5ZWFlYTQw2AIF4AIB&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;age=0&amp;all_sr_blocks=39515602_374806225_0_2_0%2C39515603_374806225_0_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-09-28&amp;checkout=2025-09-29&amp;dest_id=-1475330&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=1&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=39515602_374806225_0_2_0%2C39515603_374806225_0_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=39515602_374806225_0_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_age=0&amp;req_children=1&amp;room1=A%2CA%2C0&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=39515602_374806225_0_2_0__8974%2C39515603_374806225_0_2_0__10487&amp;srepoch=1751226057&amp;srpvid=898c8a6159310810&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hotel Restaurant &amp; Spa E Caselle<\/a> &#8211; I especially loved the eucalyptus-scented hammam, the sensory plunge pool and my guest room where I woke up to the babbling Vecchio river each morning!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>15. Colmar, Grand Est region<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar-France.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635958 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Colmar France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.jpg?resize=1000%2C531&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"531\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.jpg?resize=1000%2C531&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.jpg?resize=640%2C340&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.jpg?resize=768%2C408&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Colmar.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635959 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Colmar\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"4f06c425-8c5e-428c-97d5-b57cf5218d22\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"263\">I thought Colmar was pure fairytale \u2014 like stepping into a storybook of brightly painted half-timbered houses, canal-side flowers, and cobbled lanes overflowing with blooms. It had such a dreamy, romantic vibe with a hint of whimsy that I couldn\u2019t stop smiling.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"639\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">A high-speed TGV from Paris got me there in just over two hours, and I spent three enchanting days wandering the medieval Old Town, admiring the ornate Maison Pfister, the historic Ko\u00effhus, and the Gothic \u00c9glise St-Martin. I cruised the winding canals of romantic <em data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"518\">Little Venice<\/em> and marveled at the emotive Isenheim Altarpiece in the renowned <a href=\"https:\/\/www.musee-unterlinden.com\/en\/oeuvres\/the-isenheim-altarpiece\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Unterlinden Museum<\/a> \u2014 I thought it was impossibly picturesque at every turn!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Northeastern part of the country (close to the borders of <a href=\"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/10-beautiful-places-vist-germany\/\">Germany<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/10-beautiful-places-visit-switzerland\/\">Switzerland<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/68000+Colmar,+France\/@48.1116028,7.2275745,11z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x479165dff670c1cf:0xe35d7e3e616ce966!8m2!3d48.0803183!4d7.3546052!16zL20vMDFnOGZy?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the Insta-worthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/colmar-champ-de-mars.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-57310_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-3_dow-Wednesday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250702_ppt-_lp-2826_r-6073305228740843087&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=5731007_94276546_2_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-02&amp;checkout=2025-07-03&amp;dest_id=-1421049&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=5731007_94276546_2_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=5731007_94276546_2_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=5731007_94276546_2_2_0__31874&amp;srepoch=1751222663&amp;srpvid=290683c141de1123&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">L\u2019Esquisse Hotel &amp; Spa Colmar<\/a>, I loved the sleek hammam and incredible contemporary design \u2014 especially the hammered-copper sculpture glinting in the bar where I sipped a fragrant Alsace Bloom cocktail infused with pear and elderflower!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>16. Palace of Versailles, Paris<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Palace-of-Versailles.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-770631 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Palace of Versailles\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"563\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Versailles-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635951 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Versailles\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"db66aec6-dab6-460a-910d-cb08f3613b2d\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">I thought the <\/span>Palace of Versailles<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> was absolutely breathtaking \u2014 a masterpiece of fine Baroque architecture with gold-gilded halls, ornate furniture, and perfectly manicured gardens adorned with ornate fountains and sculptures. It felt majestic and extravagant, with an elegance so otherworldly it gave me goosebumps.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"fb348ea8-a2d9-4989-b0d1-e96de80156d2\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"743\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I took the RER C from central Paris, and after a short walk from Versailles Ch\u00e2teau Rive Gauche, I stepped through the iconic golden gates for a very photogenic afternoon. I wandered through the opulent Hall of Mirrors, explored the lavish royal apartments, strolled the immaculate palace gardens, admired the elegant Grand Trianon and the intimate Petit Trianon \u2014 two retreats built on the palace grounds \u2014 and visited Marie Antoinette\u2019s enchanting pastoral hamlet, a whimsical countryside escape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>city of Versailles, Northern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Palace+of+Versailles\/@48.8048684,2.1177805,17z\/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x47e67dbeb2a2d1cb:0xfaa83490b67c0c36!4m6!3m5!1s0x47e67d94d7b14c75:0x538fcc15f59ce8f!8m2!3d48.8048649!4d2.1203554!16zL20vMGRfNjE?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My favorite highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Finding the hidden doors concealed within the ornate wood paneling of the King\u2019s Chamber \u2014 the air carried a sweet, musky scent of aged wood and candle wax as the guide explained how the king used to slip away unnoticed through them!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>17. Brittany<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635954 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Brittany France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Brittany-France.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635976 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Brittany France\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">I really fell for Brittany&#8217;s raw, untamed beauty \u2014 I found a pristine stretch of windswept coastline, golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and medieval walled towns brimming with old-world charm. I thought it was one of the most soulful regions I\u2019d visited, steeped in Celtic folklore with a touch of mystical intrigue.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"25faa3cd-2a67-4b73-8fb6-0bf9b1f34be5\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"646\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Only four hours from Paris, I found a corner of France that felt very unspoilt and spent a week tucking into farmhouse-made cider-cr\u00eapes and exploring Saint-Malo\u2019s weathered ramparts, Dinan\u2019s medieval lanes, the mysterious Carnac megaliths, and the ethereal pink granite coast, where photogenic pastel rocks met the wild Atlantic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, Northwestern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Brittany,+France\/@47.9954311,-7.8209133,7z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4811ca61ae7e8eaf:0x10ca5cd36df24b0!8m2!3d48.2020471!4d-2.9326435!16zL20vMGdsYjU?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My favorite highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the jaw-dropping 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/chateau-de-locguenole.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-24249_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-15_dow-Monday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-50_bc-AABeuQ_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250714_ppt-B_lp-2826_r-15879247808823122045&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=2424913_95148086_2_42_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-14&amp;checkout=2025-07-15&amp;dest_id=-1433880&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=2424913_95148086_2_42_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=2424913_95148086_2_42_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=2424913_95148086_2_42_0__20019&amp;srepoch=1751228161&amp;srpvid=7b4f8e7e38012124&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Domaine de Locgu\u00e9nol\u00e9 &amp; Spa &#8211; Relais &amp; Chateaux<\/a> &#8211; the whole place was a dream! I especially loved how the quaint greenhouse grew fragrant lavender, mint, and other herbs that were used in both the spa and the Michelin-starred restaurant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"d02324cf-d463-49a0-8a2a-afad40c409e4\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<h2>18. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"563\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Mont-Saint-Michel-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635942 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Mont Saint-Michel\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.webp 410w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.webp 825w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"667\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Normandy.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-large wp-image-635943 alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Normandy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"5be963dd-1d55-4715-8474-6dae19bb5334\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">I was in awe of <\/span>Mont Saint-Michel<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">, a medieval abbey perched dramatically on a rocky tidal island. I thought it was a unique and striking spot &#8211; its spire rose high above the sea, steep cobbled lanes wound up to the Gothic abbey, and vast tidal flats that turned it into an almost otherworldly floating fortress with every change of tide. I have to admit it was a little too touristy but sill the whole place managed to feel mystical, stuck-in-time, and utterly captivating.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"09d903d4-62fd-4d60-9bc3-191c14dced8b\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"753\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The 4.5-hour drive from Paris \u2014 and spending nearly a full day here \u2014 was worth it for sure. I toured its winding stone streets, explored the majestic abbey, soaked up the wonderful sea vistas, stepped inside the atmospheric \u00c9glise Saint-Pierre parish church, and wandered past the quaint boutiques and museums that lined the bustling Grande Rue, the island\u2019s main street.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Normandy, Northwestern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/50170+Mont+Saint-Michel,+France\/@48.6245011,-1.5492978,14z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x480ea8d67c9ceeb3:0xc5834ce47e0dc3fe!8m2!3d48.636063!4d-1.511457!16zL20vMDFwOGg2?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Checking out all the quirky shops &#8211; I especially loved browsing the velvety sea-salted caramels, the cloudy farmhouse Cidre Bouche and the aromatherapy oils made from locally grown juniper in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.fr\/Attraction_Review-g196646-d14976038-Reviews-Les_Galeries_du_Mont_Saint_Michel-Mont_Saint_Michel_Manche_Basse_Normandie_Norma.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Les Galeries du Mont\u2011Saint\u2011Michel<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>19. Gorge du Verdon<\/h2>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-.webp?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-768270 size-full alignnone sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Hiking-tour-to-gorge-du-verdon-\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p>Gorge du Verdon, a river canyon, was just jaw-dropping &#8211; here sheer white limestone cliffs plunged into a winding ribbon of turquoise water, framed by lavender fields, forested plateaus, and medieval hilltop villages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"568\">I stopped by as part of a road trip, driving 2.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence and spending three outdoor-focused days here, basing myself at the gorgeous nearby 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/la-bouscatiere-moustiers-sainte-marie12.en-gb.html?aid=311076&amp;label=la-bouscatiere-moustiers-sainte-marie12-fOdSWwrbMhuX2nr1lwh%2AywS626118749993%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-332635429562%3Alp9190267%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9YX-SVbABBf1_TwNC0YE2R9c&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;age=0&amp;checkin=2025-10-17&amp;checkout=2025-10-18&amp;dest_id=-1454083&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=1&amp;hapos=1&amp;hpos=1&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_age=0&amp;req_children=1&amp;room1=A%2CA%2C0&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;soh=1&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;srepoch=1760259875&amp;srpvid=c6923fcae1020577&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;#no_availability_msg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">La Bouscati\u00e8re.<\/a> I was completely immersed in its wild, rugged wilderness and peaceful Proven\u00e7al charm.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"575\" data-end=\"778\">From paddling through dramatic gorges to hiking panoramic trails, swimming in translucent lakes, and browsing cute pottery shops in a cliffside village \u2014 it was a nature-filled stop but with a creative twist! I just have to mention that I discovered the ladders and hikes were pretty demanding, so sturdy shoes, water, and an early start made the adventure much easier!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Southeastern part of the country.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Verdon+Gorge\/@43.7860609,6.2826633,12z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12cbf9bd072fb97d:0x74cef461a9cce509!8m2!3d43.7613593!4d6.3788372!16zL20vMDN5ZHJq?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Map Location and Directions<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My favorite highlights&#8230;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"sr-only\">The six metal ladders on the Sentier Blanc-Martel trail were a real adrenaline rush \u2014 with 252 steep steps clinging to the cliffside, I actually felt my heart race as I took in the nerve-wracking bird\u2019s-eye views plunging into the canyon below!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"15e55161-0155-4c0a-b5bb-e0ce40a398f2\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The gorgeously diverse country, which has inspired by centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, includes huge mountain ranges, acres of unspoilt countryside, and long stretches of sparkling coastline. From my many trips to France (over fifteen now!)\u2014and putting Paris aside\u2014these are some of the jaw-dropping places I completely fell in love with&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":775702,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1632,21,4,20],"tags":[3566],"class_list":["post-2777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beautifulplaces","category-destinations","category-europe","category-travel","tag-france","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photos-of-Cannes-yachts-taken-in-August-2024-scaled.jpg?fit=2160%2C1440&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2777"}],"version-history":[{"count":165,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":779485,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777\/revisions\/779485"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/775702"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}