What's your favorite place in France (apart from Paris)?

1. 59

   sannyasinmanposted 14 years ago

   What other places can you recommend in France apart from Paris?

   replyreport
   1. 84

      rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      to visit? or to live?
      
      the countryside surrounding Paris, a beautiful small village(commune) south of Paris, Sceaux and Versailles.

      replyreport
      1. 59

         sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         To visit or to live . . .but I guess if you have lived there, then your opinion carries more weight. Have you lived in France then?

         replyreport
         1. 84

            rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            only for part of a summer. I loved it, will return. have you been to Paris?  I have a friend who lives in the city and another friend who has a home in Sceaux. If I were to live there, I would choose this charming, beautiful small village. by metro Paris is 20 minutes away.

            replyreport
            1. 59

               sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, I've been to Paris but not for many years. Never been to Sceaux though . .it sounds idyllic, and just a stones throw from Paris too.

               replyreport
   2. 83

      Suki Cposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I love Normandy.  Several years ago we decided to drive to Brittany, got as far as Normandy & decided to holiday there instead.
      
      There is so much to see and do there - historical places such as Bayeux, Rouen and the D-Day beaches, beautiful countryside, lovely beaches, the food is wonderful and the people are friendly!
      
      I wish we'd moved there instead of Spain

      replyreport
      1. 77

         Princessaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I know what you mean... I lived in Spain 5 years before I decided to definetly move to France.  The nightlife and food were great in Spain but France is another world, I feel at home here

         replyreport
         1. 84

            rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            princessa, you're so right about being a different world.
            when I traveled there a few years ago, I was fortunate enough to stay in a small commune (village for american minds) and it was so amazingly beautiful and the pace of life was so much slower than here in the US. it is going to be a topic of one of my hubs soon because I think people like to read about other countries and how it is different from their own. Especially France, because of its beauty. love reading your france hubs.

            replyreport
            1. 77

               Princessaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               What can I say, I just love it here.  I live in a small town where time passes along with the seasons.  Everything stops at midday for at least 1 1/2 hours for lunch -a proper 3 course lunch with a glass wine!
               
               I am not far from Paris -2 hour train ride- so whenever I feel that the country life is getting too much I can easily go to "the city of lights" and enjoy the bustling rythm of Parisian life. 
               
               BTW thanks for having a look at my French hubs

               replyreport
         2. 49

            mary-kateposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            whats that place called thats near the beach in france where you can live
            O.o

            replyreport
   3. 61

      flodeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The south of France, Aix en Provence, Nice, Cannes... the Cote D'Azur is wonderful. So is the North of France. The beaches of Normandy or very tranquil and beautiful. Must sees!

      replyreport
   4. 67

      avorodisaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Deauville is nice. Hossgore is a wonder!

      replyreport
   5. 53

      roothzimpyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      To see the traditional France Dordogne region has lot to offer. There are some very beautiful villages in this area.

      replyreport
2. 61

   stefferposted 14 years ago

   Reims
   Colmar
   Avignon
   Bordeaux
   Epernay

   replyreport
3. 81

   europewalkerposted 14 years ago

   Strasbourg

   replyreport
4. 0

   Kathryn LJposted 14 years ago

   Morlaix in Brittany.  Fab musem of Brittany beds, it was shut when I went but still had a great time.

   replyreport
5. 60

   Valerie Fposted 14 years ago

   Provence!

   replyreport
   1. 59

      sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Provence gets my vote too. Where were you in Provence?

      replyreport
6. 60

   Valerie Fposted 14 years ago

   Never was there. Read about it though.

   replyreport
7. 79

   jiberishposted 14 years ago

   Longwy

   replyreport
   1. 59

      sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Never heard of that one, so I just googled it. Near Luxembourg . . is that the place?

      replyreport
8. 84

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   idyllic is a nice way to describe it, flowers everywhere, the small round about is surrounded by flowers, the narrow cobblestone streets. everything is within walking distance, nice shops, cafes, bakeries, an amazing park which I have written about in my hub, Sitting in a Park Outside Paris. I am going to write more about my stay there as I think people like to read about lifestyles in other countries.
   
   sitting outside in the evening in my friends garden area, we would hear someone nearby playing the flute, the smell of someone cooking with garlic and potatoes, everything seemed to slow down. people enjoy the lifestyle and ease to get in and out of Paris. 

   replyreport
9. 60

   mistywildposted 14 years ago

   Versailles or Provence

   replyreport
10. 60

    InParisposted 14 years ago

    Dordogne or Colmar or maybe Nice, but not when it is floded with tourists. France hs got so many beautiful places, it is difficult to choose:)

    replyreport
11. 67

    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    Nice/Cap D'Antibes

    replyreport
12. 63

    prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

    Lourdes, France

    replyreport
13. 60

    Lee Booleanposted 14 years ago

    Finistère ... beautiful countryside, wonderful food, great people and excellent wine (ok, does not come from there but I don't drink Cidre)

    replyreport
14. 72

    aguasilverposted 14 years ago

    The Ardéche, great canoeing and when we were there, a fantastic restaurant run by a retired top French chef.... amazing!

    replyreport
15. 82

    CMHypnoposted 14 years ago

    The hills of the Aude - Cathar country - just north of Perpignan.  The old castles like Peyreperteuse are amazing (as is the wine!)

    replyreport
    1. 59

       sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Beautiful countryside. I have been to Montsegur, Albi and other Cathar sites. Amazing!

       replyreport
       1. 58

          CrystalStarWomanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I lived in France for 7 years, from 1993 - 2000, in a tiny village in the Charente-Maritime, near Aulnay de Saintonge. My kids went to schools in La Rochelle - which is lovely, Saintes - which is lovely and Cognac which is lovely too!
          
          However, we went on holiday a couple of times down to 'Cathar country' and it was AMAZING! Mainly because I had the strongest feeling that I'd been there before - but not in the is lifetime!
          
          I was 'searching' for a place that I knew would be special and I visited Rennes le Chateau (after having read about it in the Holy Blood and the Holy Grail) and although it was wonderful - it wasn't THE place... but when I visted Peyreperteuse... WOW!
          
          I can't describe the emotions I felt!
          
          Well actually I could. I feel a Hub coming on!

          replyreport
          1. 84

             rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             write it, those are the best ones! I would love to read it. I know that feeling you're talking about~~ feeling like you had been there before. I felt the same way. I've had a love affair with france since a young girl.

             replyreport
             1. 58

                CrystalStarWomanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                Thanks rebekahELLE
                
                Lots of strange and wonderful things happened to me while I lived in France.
                
                It's strange because the experience at Peyreperteuse allowed me a kind of 'closure' (I was leaving France and moving back to the UK - I was so homesick for England).
                
                It was as though I had experienced all I needed to, to let go and move on...
                
                I wrote about a lot of my experiences several years ago, and I don't know if I'll end up with a duplicate flag if I put any of the stories on Hubpages (I've had one flagged, but left it up anyway!)
                
                I shall have to find some time to think about it. I've only been on Hubpages for 2 weeks, still trying to figure it all out!

                replyreport
                1. 59

                   sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                   Do you believe in reincarnation? Were you perhaps a Cathar in a previous life?

                   replyreport
                   1. 58

                      CrystalStarWomanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      Hi sannyasinman - yes I do believe in reincarnation (and I have had past life regression on 3 different occasions, several years ago now, which were very interesting experiences).
                      
                      When I first went to 'Cathar country' I had chills! I 'knew' the landscape, the shape of the hills and mountains and I just KNEW there was a past life link there. I visited several castles in the area, but each time I thought 'this is not the place' - until I was in the Chateau at Peyreperteuse. I felt like I was home...
                      
                      My feeling is that I was a man when I was last there, in robes like a monk, but I have not had a past life regression where I visited that life. Unfortunately I was with my (now ex) husband at the time and he was angry with me, because I was trying to explain to him what I was experiencing. He was a sceptic and ridiculed me, he refused to take photos of the place, or let me pause a while to try to connect and remember... I would love to go back one day.

                      replyreport
                      1. 59

                         sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                         You went with the wrong man What a shame to visit a place like  Peyreperteuse and not be allowed to fully experience it.
                         
                         I do believe that there is no such thing as coincidence in life. Several years ago, I lived with a French lady in Toulouse who was also a therapist and healer. We visited many places in the area together, including Cathar sites, but not, unfortunately, Peyreperteuse. I did feel drawn to the Cathars, and probably have a past-life involvement, but I am not sure which side I was on ..?

                         replyreport
                         1. 58

                            CrystalStarWomanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                            I agree - there's no such thing as coincidence

                            replyreport
16. 68

    Paradise7posted 14 years ago

    Avignon.  A dusty little town with a red-car railroad, but the home of the Pope when he was exiled from Rome during the reign of Henry VIII.
    
    A peaceful and historic place, and off the beaten track.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       . . . and half a bridge, and a fantastic festival each year . .

       replyreport
       1. 60

          kephriraposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Is it a theater festival thats on every year? I was there when they had one of those a few years ago, but I didn't think my French was good enough to sit through a play. Its still a beautiful place though.

          replyreport
          1. 59

             sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Yes, its a festival of the performing arts, with theatre, street performers, and a general vibrant atmosphere. I used to go there to buy what was my favourite wine Chateau Neuf du Pape . mmmm

             replyreport
17. 84

    rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

    this thread is bringing out my francophilie yearnings.
    
    the best wine, such a lovely country, beautiful flowers and castles and good conversations well into the morning hours... sigh.

    replyreport
18. 60

    Bluestemposted 14 years ago

    Nice is a great town. As is Nîmes. Avignon, which I believe has been mentioned, is a great stop to see the Roman aquaducts and the castle. Aix-en-Provence is neat as well.

    replyreport
19. 77

    Princessaposted 14 years ago

    The Loire Valley for its scenary, beautiful castles, delicious cheeses and good wine!

    replyreport
20. 0

    Wendi Mposted 14 years ago

    Mont Saint Michelle

    replyreport
21. 61

    James Markposted 14 years ago

    A little more difficult to get to, but well worth the trip, is Corsica, l'île de beauté. The combination of mountains and sea so close together is wonderful. I would avoid the high season, though, and go for May, June or September. The area round Porto Vecchio has picture postcard white sand beaches and clear, turquoise sea. Bonifacio is a must; the cliffs and clifftop dwellings are spectacular, and there are views over to  the larger Italian island of Sardinia.
    
    For mainland France, Annecy in Haute-Savoie, within easy reach of Lake Geneva and Chamonix Mont Blanc. If you visit the region and have time to drop down to Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), you must not miss Yvoire, a quaint little lakeside town with an atmospheric feel, partly due to the unusual spire-dome of the church; a light lakeside mist helps too!
    
    A few places to the north Paris worth a visit are Chantilly (superb château and lots of Brit expats),  Senlis (cobbled streets, impressive cathedral) and Pierrefonds (Disneyesque château restored by Violet le Duc features in the Merlin TV series).

    replyreport
    1. 59

       sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Hi James, you obviously know France well, and you mention some great places (some of which I know too).
       I used to live in Morges, in between Lausanne and Geneva, and the boat crosses the lake from there to go to Vvoire. Yes, what a beautiful little town, so well preserved, full of flowers. Annecy too is not far from Geneva, the lake, the canals - another beautiful town . . .ahh . . now I'm feeling homesick for France

       replyreport
       1. 61

          James Markposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks for your reply. Yes, we lived in France for 11 years, mainly in EFL work, but also pastoring a francophone church in the Doubs department, near the Swiss border (Jura canton) - a lovely area. I plan to post some photos when I get time. I did my one and only hub so far while on holiday.

          replyreport
22. 80

    thisisoliposted 14 years ago

    I had a great time in La Rochelle, loved the beaches there as well!
    
    I don't like that much of the south coast, but that is probably down to me being a pasty white skinny English boy surrounded by tanned toned rich Frenchmen :p
    
    I also really like Perpignan and Marseille!

    replyreport
    1. 59

       sannyasinmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I once made a road trip all the way along down the west coast of France (stopping at La Rochelle) and on through Narbonne, and then to the Cote d'Azur and Provence, then driving back up through Avignon to Le Havre.
       I too was a pasty white English man when I set off, but I somehow metamorphosed into a relaxed, bronzed European by the time I got back - with many adventures to tell too.

       replyreport
    2. 58

       CrystalStarWomanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       One of my daughters went to Lycee at La Rochelle - it's a great place for all ages. I used to love going there, sitting outside the cafes, watching the street entertainers...

       replyreport
23. 0

    zampanoposted 14 years ago

    maybe CrystalStarWoman was a perfecta in a previous life.
    I read once a book by an american author : All things are lights
    and that American wrote so well about that medieval France at the time of religious wars.
    
    Nice reading you.
    This country is indeed full of diversity.
    And reading you, the idea of favourite place just vanishes.
    Best is to travel through all places.
    Let me tell you I love America too.
    
    Bless you people.

    replyreport
    1. 58

       CrystalStarWomanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       That's interesting Zampano - thanks. I have read a little about that, I shall have to look into it some more

       replyreport
24. 59

    tksenseiposted 14 years ago

    As far as I can tell, my favorite place in France is staying the hell out of France.

    replyreport
25. 57

    ernest hardtposted 14 years ago

    Le Havre

    replyreport
26. 91

    cocopremeposted 14 years ago

    I think the cliffs of Etretat in Normandy are absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting the beaches of Normandy if you ever get the opportunity.

    replyreport
27. 63

    prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

    Tours, France is nice. I also like to visit Lourdes again!

    replyreport
28. 79

    Jon Greenposted 13 years ago

    Belle Ile, Brittany - a beautiful island with unspoilt beaches. We should never have given it back to France!

    replyreport
29. 62

    freecampingaussieposted 13 years ago

    one of the places I loved is the Ardeche area we camped in ,it was beautiful & I would love to go back !

    replyreport
30. 84

    kerrygposted 13 years ago

    I spent a month touring France as a teenager with my aunt, uncle, cousin, and sister, and we stayed in Royan in Aquitaine, the Chateau de la Caze in the Gorges du Tarn, Chamonix in the French Alps, Beaune in Burgundy, and Paris.
    
    I still really want to visit Provence and Brittany in particular, but of the places I have been, I'd have to say Royan (and Aquitaine in general) was my favorite. The countryside was so beautiful and the people so friendly, even to a group of bumbling Americans like us, only two of whom spoke mediocre French and the rest none at all. Cannot say the same of Paris, although we ran into some sweethearts there as well. I particularly remember an adorable middle aged waiter who took it upon himself to entertain my little cousin, who was 4 and tired and everything that entails, even though I'm pretty sure it was a major faux pas to have her there at all.
    
    The food, of course, was marvelous everywhere. I think I only had one bad meal the entire time we were there and that was at the Grotte de la Mer la Glace, which was a total tourist trap and could be expected to have mediocre, overpriced food.

    replyreport
31. 60

    TheBlondieposted 13 years ago

    I was in France once for about 2 hours. I was in Germany and decided to take a little road trip I don't even remember the name of the town but it was (for some reason) completely deserted. The only person I saw was the waitress at an outdoor cafe I went to. This was three years ago, and I can still remember exactly how everything tasted- the pizza with white sauce, the fresh tossed salad with an edible flower garnish...mmmmm. The weather was perfect and although I was only there for a short time, I would definitely say it was one of the more memorable days of my vacation.

    replyreport
32. 52

    johncimbleposted 13 years ago

    When I was in France I stayed in several places. Cannes was really nice, but also in the country side, Lemones was a really good rural area.

    replyreport
33. 83

    Carmen Hposted 13 years ago

    Nice. It's much warmer there...and then there's the shimmery and sparkly Mediteranean sea in the backdrop.

    replyreport
34. 69

    Riviera Roseposted 13 years ago

    The French Riviera's lovely, not just the glamorous coastline, but up in the hills, where there are lots of quiet untouristy villages, beautiful scenery and unpretentious, usually cheap restaurants.  Gosh, anyone would think I lived there...!

    replyreport
35. 0

    BRIAN SLATERposted 13 years ago

    The Pyrenees are very nice, some fantastic small towns and villages that love tourists.

    replyreport
36. 80

    thisisoliposted 13 years ago

    La Rochelle, gorgeous cognac, friendly people, beautiful ocean.
    
    I really don't like Paris that much, and since Parisians don't seem to care too much for foreigners it all works out perfectly.

    replyreport
37. 61

    citygetawayposted 11 years ago

    I would vote for Fontainebleau, it's charming small town with incredible château in the Parisian area, just 45 minutes (train) from Paris if you need to commute to work.

    replyreport
38. 98

    Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years ago

    The Alsace region.  Absolutely beautiful!

    replyreport
39. 68

    TravelinJackposted 11 years ago

    Provence, Bordeoux, and Normandy are my favorite.  Avignon is a beautiful city in southern France well worth checking out if you're in that area.

    replyreport