Traveler's notebook

The Traveller’s Notebook: Exploring France(Part-1)- Exquisite picturesque for the travellers.

by Zarbakht Bilal

Campervan here everyone! Snacks? Water bottles? Blankets? Sleeping bags? Umbrellas? Firecrackers? Paints and canvas? Notebooks? Camera? Let’s go!

Before reading, turn on this lovely and light travelling music as we are going to the country where love is in the air, where the magic flows with water and where fragrance is diffused in the air. Yes, we are going to France <3 This will make you drift onto the adventure road. Enjoy! 🙂

https://youtu.be/PCPzfiNj68s

 

Todays Schedule:

Exploring top 14 exotic towns and villages in France.

TOP 14 EXOTIC TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN FRANCE:

On our today’s scheduled list, we have to chalk out fourteen must-to-go places in France. So, Lets began!

1. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France:

Les Plus Beaux Villages have more to offer beyond a pretty façade. In addition to being beautiful, a village must have at least 2 national heritage sites, have less than 2000 inhabitants, and show a strong plan for welcoming tourists while retaining the original character of the site. Beautiful vintage streets and retro architecture is the speciality of this village.

2. Castelnaud, Occitanie:

Built on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the Château de Castelnaud offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Dordogne Valley. Founded in the 12th century, it is a perfect example of a medieval fortress. Today, the Château houses an important collection of weapons and armour. Along the bastion, the most powerful siege machines from the Middle Ages have been recreated and placed in attack positions. Castelnaud has a strong architecture and forts. It still holds the mist of medieval ages.

 

3. Yvoire village, France:

A flower haven! Yvoire is a classic medieval village with a pop of colour. Summers here are both inquisitive and enchanting. And don’t fail to visit the Garden of Five Senses. This garden will tickle all your senses as you get lost in thousands of flowers, fruits and mazes. Enter at your own pace for an amazing sensory experience. Yvoire was originally a fishing village, not surprising given how close it is to Lake Geneva.

 

 

4. Èze Village, Nice, France:

Completely surrounded with a stone wall, the village has only one entrance/exit. Medieval streets, rooftops, courtyards, wells, create a sense of mystique and mystery. It is best to come here in the spring. And if you arrive in the morning, it almost does not find people, and can, as Nietzsche once, enjoy the peace and quiet. And, despite the fact that in the village are a large number of art galleries and shops, not know about it, and many Frenchmen, not to mention the tourists, they still prefer to Cannes and Saint Tropez.
You can get here by car and by bus number 82 and 112 from Nice.

 

5. The village of St. Paul de Vence, France:

Medieval walls encircle narrow streets and capture the heritage of more than a thousand years. Picking out the marks of history, either alone or with a guide, is to enter into the soul of Saint-Paul de Vence. The fountain at the heart of the village fills St-Paul’s medieval vaults with music. The village is an open-air gallery with artists at work in their studios and staging exciting exhibitions.  A painting hung in the morning can find a home before evening falls… if it captures the heart of a visitor. Savour wine produced in Saint-Paul, stroll around the ramparts, enjoy a drink on a terrace… happy to have found a place where life is still so sweet.

 

6. Bayeux, France:

The northern French town of Bayeux is best known for the eponymous tapestry that depicts the 11th-century Norman Conquest. You can see it, of course, on display at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. The cloth’s original home was the Bayeux Cathedral, which still towers over the area, looking a bit like a Gothic wedding cake. Inside you’ll find beautifully detailed murals and haunting crypts. Bayeux makes an excellent jumping off point to tour nearby historic sites.

 

7. Roussillon, Cote d’Azur:

One of the most impressive villages in France, Roussillon is a countryside dream. You’ll quickly notice the famous red cliffs and ochre quarries. The clear blue Provencal sky and the shades of yellow, brown and red (and everything in between) illuminate this magical village. Once you set foot in Roussillon, you’ll instantly be taken it by its atmosphere and charm. You can hike, or hire a mountain bike to see the village up close. And on your travels, stop to take a look at the arts and crafts, galleries, restaurants or any ongoing festivals (usually in the summer months).

 

8. Honfleur, Normandy:

Colourful and bursting with life, it’s hard to remember that Honfleur was originally built with the sole purpose of trading. As the years have progressed, this seaside town is now famed for attracting impressionist painters. You can see the art up close among the museums and modern galleries dotted around the town. Honfleur is both cultural and wealthy – a fact magnified by the yachts surrounding Vieux Bassin (the heart of the port), and the rows upon rows of high-rise home packed tightly together. Moving with the tide, this town is now dedicated to tourism so you can choose from an enticing selection of arty hotels, shops, restaurants and more.

 

9. Domme, Dordogne:

This picturesque village in the south occupies a splendid position high above the Dordogne River. Honey coloured streets, warm welcoming locals and pretty views to match – need I say more? One thing you should know before visiting is that this village has an intriguing cave system that sits underneath the main square. These caves were used to shelter locals during the war, but today, it’s open for tourists and residents alike to admire the beautiful formations. At the end of your visit, a lift will take you to a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the Dordogne valley. It’s a special sight for sure, and you like many visitors won’t help but fall head over heels for Domme. People say that the best view is in Domme.

 

10. Ploumanac’h, Brittany:

Oh, this pink granite coast is a budding photographers delight. The colours of blush pink perfectly compliment the sound of the waves gently crashing on the rocks. You’ll seldom find this sight anywhere else in the world. This quaint seaside village is the definition of calm. Families and nomads should aim to tick this hidden gem of their bucket lists – beaches for days, heavenly coastal walks, and bird watching are within arms reach. But please don’t visit expecting the high life, even during midsummer, Ploumanac’h remains a pleasantly sleepy little place.

 

11. St-Guilhem-le-Désert, Languedoc:

On the banks of the Herault gorg, you’ll find St-Guilhem-le-Désert. Medieval personality, this village is surrounded by cliffs and oak trees. Beautiful views will be everywhere you turn in this UNESCO gem. With a little exploration, you’ll find the amber stone houses that have stood the test of time, Renaissance-style windows, an ancient tower and of course the grand focus, Abbaye de Gellone.  The church is so beautiful, but above all, you can feel the history through the walls. Like other French religious buildings, the abbey was vandalised by Protestants during the Reformation. But still, it remains intact which further adds to its charm.

 

12. St-Tropez, Côte d’Azur:

At the heart of the French Riviera is the gorgeous St. Tropez. Famed in songs and notorious spray tans, you’ll quickly learn why this is one of the most famous resorts in Europe. The Med is truly bluer here, so top up your tan, join the locals in a game of boules or explore the cobblestones streets. We don’t need to sell this seaside town; if you’re after days spent poolside, an eclectic mix of shopping and historical charms then this is the place for you. And if you’re dying to experience a taste of the high life, you can celeb-spot on popular Nikki Beach.

 

13. L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence:

If you’re looking to experience the scenery of a bygone time, L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of those places that one has to see. The ebb of greenery and the reflection of the water shining from the several canals is simply superb. Known as the ‘island city’, antique lovers and art collectors will be gifted with more than 300 secondhand shops. You’re more than guaranteed to leave with a steal! The antique fairs during Easter have gained a worldwide reputation, so much so that more than 500 antique dealers come to show off their gems. This is the best place for antique lovers as it offers a wide range of classical antiquity and vintage showpieces. It is paradise away from paradise.

14. Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes:

This snowtopia quickly gained its fame through its proximity to Mont Blanc. But little do many know that these mountain views are as lovely all year round. Chamonix is great for skiers, hikers, thrill seekers and anyone with a love for picturesque views. The talk about this town being extreme is true -, especially as a sports oasis. But if you haven’t got the adrenaline pumping through your veins, don’t worry, many come to admire the views, the shopping and the gastronomic atmosphere. It is the best place for those who believe in magic. A perfect fairytale indeed!

 

 

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1xhCqS4wNVuo3Xy4GSoobiJQ6HQjjVbbk&w=750&h=500]

 


Well, folks, that’s a wrap on the best towns and villages in France! But the fun doesn’t end here. In the next part, we will be exploring best restaurants and eatables in France. Suggestions are open for the followers from France. Much Love <3

 

sources: https://www.saint-pauldevence.com,  https://www.tripadvisor.com,  http://castelnaud.com/en/,  https://cheeseweb.eu,  https://www.oliverstravels.com.