There is much more to France than just Paris. While this is a city of romance and a main tourist attraction, don’t forget about the amazing culture in other cities and the outdoor activities as well. France is known for great food, unique shops and fabulous champagne. When visiting France, take your time. It is best to plan an extended vacation as there are far too many things to do, things to see and things to taste to make it all happen in a single week.
Skiing
There are three main ski areas in France. You can choose to ski, snowboard or ride the bobsleigh for a few runs. Val d’Isère, Courchevel and La Plagne are the three main ski areas that the locals find to be the most fun and beautiful. The views from atop the slopes are simply breathtaking.
Taste the Cuisine
French cuisine is delectable. Granted, some of the national dishes, such as escargot, are not generally pleasing to the brain, but the preparations of some national dishes make unconventional foods out to be great eats. France is also known for its pastries. Croissants fresh out of the oven in the morning pair perfectly with a cup of coffee to get tourists ready for a day of sightseeing.
Visit Bayonne
Bayonne is known as the chocolate coast. Bayonne is known as the birthplace of French chocolate. Some of the confections constructed in this region are like nothing you will taste anywhere else in the world. One of the most impressive experiences is pairing chocolates with a sip of the perfect French wine or champagne. After having lunch or dinner at a café, visit a chocolatier to complete the day by indulging in handmade chocolates.
View the Architecture
The architecture in France is absolutely gorgeous. Some of the buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries are ornate, and have not been duplicated since. The cathedrals in Paris are true buildings of beauty both inside and out. In the older portions of cities, you can view the beautiful architecture. Some homes also display this type of architecture and carry the character throughout the entire space. Apartments and shops often try to match the architecture of the area for cohesion. Amidst some of the tall, luxurious buildings are ornate fountains and carefully sculpted artistic statues. Viewing these items in photos is one thing, but seeing the detail up close is an entirely different experience.
After a long day of sightseeing and activities, retreating to a relaxing cottage for an evening of rest is often just what is needed. There are many cottage rental services, hotels and resorts to call home while trekking through France, such as available options via Chez Nous. There are literally thousands of photo opportunities to document your trip. It is a good idea to take an extra memory or SD card along with you for the digital camera. Take your time visiting France. The culture, food and atmosphere are a lot to take in and it should be done so at your leisure to truly appreciate it all.
