Some of the best places to visit in France

In order to visit some of the best places in France, the tourist hotspots that induce longing and years of saving up, in a short period of time I decided to join a coach tour. We went to many beautiful cities, visited iconic places and left with memories to last a lifetime.

Pont du Gard – After Nice, our next stop was the Pont du Gard. This is an ancient Roman aqueduct that was built during the 1^st century AD. Also, in 1985 it was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. It is a marvel to behold. Given the century in which it was constructed, it still stands strong, a testament to the genius engineering abilities that existed in ancient times.

 

Avignon

We then headed to Avignon to the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace). This building is a medieval Gothic structure that reigned supreme at a time when Christianity was central and exerted tremendous influence in Europe. This palace which was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1995, was built during the 14^th century and is the largest Gothic building in the world.

The awe factor for me was on the outside, the design and imposing size. I regret paying a fee to enter, it was not worth it. The interior does not contain furnishings from the era in which it was occupied. To use up the space there were ‘Art’ exhibits in the rooms. The majority was an eyesore, crude and unattractive. Given the purpose and period during which the palace was built, the modern art display looked out of place and vulgar. In my opinion, Renaissance and/or religious art of a Christian nature would have been more appropriate for this 14^th century Pope’s Palace so I was particularly turned off by some sexually explicit sculptures.

 

 

Nîmes

The next day we had a quickie photo stop at the Roman amphitheater in Nîmes. This arena is still being used today for events. It was built in 70 AD and still standing strong.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne was next on the list. This fortified town is another UNESCO world heritage site with an interesting history. The cite de Carcassonne was built during the 12^th century, has 52 massive towers and the walls are 3 km long.

 

 

 

Lourdes

We moved on to the foothills of the Pyrenees to the site of Christian religious pilgrimages, Lourdes. This town is best known for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary and claims of miraculous healing, many of which have been confirmed by the Catholic Church.

Although I am not a religious person I found Lourdes very tranquil, peaceful and beautiful. It is worth visiting again. I even joined the procession at the Grotto which is held daily.

 

 

Biarritz

Surfers’ Paradise was next! This was a very quick stop, just a little time to gaze at the surfers on the beach, take some pictures of the statue of the Virgin Mary at the Rocher de la Vierge and visit the local market to get a quick bite. I bought some foie gras but never got to taste it, kept it too long and it spoilt.

 

Bordeaux

The city reeks of sophistication and elegance. It is also synonymous with fine wine, Bordeaux wine mes amies. The architecture is a sight to behold and the squares are decorated with beautiful fountains and statues. To add to the chicness there was even a man playing on a grand piano in the square.

Unfortunately, this was just a photo stop for us and our hotel was located too far out. I didn’t get a chance to sample the wine but had something else (can’t remember the name) based on recommendation. It was sweet yet very strong.  I really want to visit Bordeaux again!

 

 

Tours

After wine region Bordeaux we zipped off to castle wonderland. I wrote about the Loire Valley under French Chateaux.

The town of Tours was our base. I loved it here, beautiful square, delicious street food and a chance to get the authentic French experience in a place less crowded than Paris.

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel looks like it was built by a King with the pomp and frills of royalty in mind but its inception is actually entirely religious. This UNESCO site was founded by a Bishop during medieval times after having visions of the archangel St Michel and has been the seat of the monastery ever since. It draws both religious pilgrims and ordinary tourists.

The architecture and feel of the place are like stepping into an ancient time period. It is so imposing and solid that you feel as if it will still be standing strong 2000 years from now. Most people were angry (not a nice feeling to have while visiting a monastery) because we were given too little time here. I intend to return when in France again. It is possible to visit from Paris as a very long day trip.

 

 

D-Day landing site Omaha beach

On 6^th June 1944, the Allied forces landed on the beach of Normandy to begin the liberation of France and the rest of Europe that was under occupation. Omaha beach refers to the stretch on which the landings occurred.

We stayed in Bayeux and a visit to the war cemetery was very humbling and sad. Just looking at the waste of youth, many of whom were never identified is devastating.

Giverny

We drove on to the house of Claude Monet, founder of French impressionist painting. His garden and village were the subject and background of many of his paintings. The largest collection of Monet’s paintings can be found in the Musée Marmottan-Monet in Paris

The house is well furnished and has been beautifully restored along with the well-kept garden. A visit to Giverny can be done as a day trip from Paris.

 

After Giverny, we returned to the city of love and light for our final night. The following morning concluded our Highlights of France tour.

Ten full days of adventure and don’t you agree that these are truly some of the best places to visit in France?

Dijon

Earlier in the tour, we had a brief stop here just to snap a few pictures and buy some world-famous Dijon mustard.

 

Food

Photos of what I ate, some are French others are not but they were eaten in France! 

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Pros and Cons of the tour

The tour was like being given a platter with various dishes to sample. We got a glimpse of some of the best places to visit in France or to be more accurate, some of the tourist hotspots and then to decide which we really liked and wanted to return to another time. We were given an array: different atmospheres from the chic to medieval, cultured, religious and artsy. I wouldn’t have been able to visit so many places in such a short time on my own. Also, everything was organised so no need to sweat over getting the best deals on hotels and stress about transport.

The con: time was not my own. In some places, I wanted to spend longer but we had a schedule to follow.

This was my only organised tour but  I would definitely take another in the future. So tell me what are your favourite places in France or if you haven’t made the trip as yet which would you like to visit?