What are your favorite activities when on a countryside vacation? You may enjoy taking a tour and soaking up the area’s history. Perhaps you prefer to stroll on your own and admire beautiful architecture. Or maybe it’s all about the natural scenery and the local cuisine.
Fortunately, you can have it all on your next trip to France. Whatever your vacation activity preferences, you’ll find something just right for you, with these 5 ways to explore the French countryside.
Take a Military History Tour
France played a significant role in both World Wars and has its own fascinating military history. This is evident from the abundance of war museums, monuments, and landmarks. But France’s Normandy region is perhaps best known for its pivotal role in the Second World War.
It was here, on Normandy’s shoreline, that a decisive turning point in the war was reached. This is still celebrated today, in countless WW2 tours, which include visits to the famous landing beaches and various other points of interest.
However, the best by far is the Band of Brothers Tour. This tour company brings history to life, with all-inclusive tours throughout European WW2 sites like Normandy. It’s the best way to see the countryside and make new friends while learning more about the horrors and the bravery of World War 2 battles.
Go On a Medieval Walkabout
The French countryside offers more than just World War history. You’ll get a good dose of medieval architectural history, too. France is a very old country, and many of its old buildings are beautifully preserved.
If you love exploring castles, and who doesn’t, you’ll be happy to know that France boasts some of the best castles in the world. You’ll have no trouble finding a tour to explore one. One of the best is the Carcassonne Castle, a fortified medieval town in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
The town of Carcassonne features cobbled streets (remember to wear sturdy shoes and the stunning Château Comtal. Best of all, you can boast to your friends back home that you visited the scenery captured in films and shows like Dragonheart and Game of Thrones.
Visit the Ancient Tree of Liberty
The village of Pérouges is considered one of the French countryside’s most beautiful villages. This ancient fortified town overlooks the Ain Valley in Rhône-Alpes and features cobblestone streets (remember to wear those sturdy shoes again) and quaint old houses.
This medieval walled town developed around the local wine-making and weaving industries in the 14th and 15th centuries, and a stroll here is like walking a path back in time. But it’s probably more famous for its 200-year-old tree, known as the “Tree of Liberty”.
Make your way to the Place du Tilleul, which in English translates to the lime tree square, in the center of Pérouges. You’ll discover a tree planted soon after (and in commemoration of) the French Revolution. A walk around here offers even more interesting sights, including beautiful old churches and a sundial.
Enjoy Beautiful Views (and Delicious Stews)
Are you looking for good views and good food? Stop over in Cassel in the Flanders region. It’s perched on the highest hill overlooking the plains below. The old churches with impressive architecture and beautiful paintings are definitely worth a visit.
For most visitors, the old-world feel and peaceful views are the attraction. The town also has a decidedly Flemish influence due to its proximity to France’s border with Belgium. And if you’re going to tour Belgium next, don’t miss these top 5 things to do in Antwerp.
But before you leave Cassel, try some of their delicious local cuisine. Exploring the countryside can work up a hearty appetite, after all.
Treat yourself to Flemish culinary delights at Estaminet’T Kasteel Hof, near the town’s windmill. It’s one of the best restaurants in Cassel for Flemish cuisine like the famous Flemish stew, and has a little shop to buy locally-made items.
Sip Champagne in its Birthplace
Champagne is the celebratory drink of choice at weddings, anniversary dinners, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, but few people know the origins of this bubbly drink. It was in Hautvillers, a charming village in the Reims Mountain vineyards in the French countryside, that the champagne we know today, was born.
The process was perfected at Hautvillers Abbey centuries ago. The town is still home to several champagne producers like Champagne Joseph Desruets, where you can sample their efforts on a champagne-tasting tour.
Next, head to Mercier in Epernay, where you can tour wine cellars on a small train, followed by a champagne tasting. Epernay has the most beautiful scenery in France’s Champagne region. You’ll realize this as you pass through the Avenue de Champagne, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Image: Leonard Cotte, Unsplash
