Including Paris, Reims, and the French Riviera
France, known as the epitome of romance, art, culture, and gastronomy, is one of the most iconic and visited countries in the world. France has a rich cultural heritage, with countless museums, galleries, and historic sites. France is a fashion capital, with Paris at its heart. Discover haute couture on the Avenue Montaigne, trendy boutiques in the Marais, and vintage finds in the Saint-Ouen flea market. Beyond Paris, France boasts stunning countryside and natural beauty. Discover the lavender fields of Provence, the picturesque villages of the Alsace region, and the rugged coastline of Brittany. Hike in the French Alps, ski in the Pyrenees, or relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera and Corsica.
Regions
France can be grouped into larger geographical and cultural regions, each offering distinct landscapes, traditions, and attractions.
- Northern France:
- Île-de-France (Paris Region): Centered around Paris, known for its iconic landmarks, museums, and vibrant culture.
- Normandy (Normandie): Famous for D-Day beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, and picturesque seaside towns.
- Hauts-de-France: Includes cities like Lille and Amiens, and historical sites related to World War I.
- Western France:
- Brittany (Bretagne): Known for its Celtic heritage, rugged coastline, and medieval towns.
- Pays de la Loire: Features the Loire Valley with its châteaux, Nantes, and coastal resorts.
- Eastern France:
- Grand Est: Borders Germany and includes the cities of Strasbourg, Reims (Champagne region), and Nancy.
- Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Famous for Burgundy wines, historic towns like Dijon, and the Jura mountains.
- Southern France:
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Mediterranean coastline, cities like Marseille and Nice, and the French Riviera.
- Occitanie: Includes Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier, and the Pyrenees mountains.
- Central France:
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Known for the French Alps, cities like Lyon (culinary capital), Grenoble, and ski resorts.
- Centre-Val de Loire: Features the Loire Valley with its famous châteaux and historic cities like Tours and Orléans.
- Southwestern France:
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Bordeaux wine region, coastal resorts like Biarritz, the Dordogne Valley, and cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse.
The Same
Even combining The Family and The DINKS experience we have only touched on a few of the regions. But one thing we always have in common is trying local cusine.
Cuisine and Wine:
French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its elegance and sophistication. Indulge in classic dishes like onion soup, coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and ratatouille, and savor decadent pastries like croissants, éclairs, and macarons. Explore the wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, sampling world-class wines and enjoying vineyard tours and tastings. We alway love trying the local cuisine and even picking some up at a local market for snacks in your hotel room.
- Breads and Pastries The quintessential French bread, baguette, known for its crispy crust and soft interior is a must. Paired with some cheese this makes a great breakfast or just grab a buttery, flaky croissant or Pain au Chocolat (A croissant-like pastry filled with chocolate.)
- Cheese: So many to choose from. Camembert: A soft, creamy cheese from Normandy. Roquefort: A strong blue cheese from the south of France. Brie: A soft cheese with a white rind, often enjoyed with fruit or bread. France has over 1,000 varieties of cheese, each with unique flavors and textures.
- Main Dishes: Our mouth waters just thinking about these dishes from Coq au Vin (Chicken cooked with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon,) to Bouillabaisse (A traditional fish stew from Marseille,) to Ratatouille (A vegetable stew from Provence, featuring tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.)
- Snacks and Appetizers: While some of you might think twice, we recommend giving these a try, including
- Escargots: Snails cooked in garlic butter, parsley, and sometimes white wine. Yes, even the kids eat this though they don’t know they are actually snails.
- Onion Soup: A rich and hearty soup made from caramelized onions, beef broth, and often topped with a slice of baguette and melted Gruyère cheese.
- Foie Gras: Fatty liver of duck or goose, often served as a pâté.
- Frog Legs: A delicacy in French cuisine, often prepared with garlic, parsley, and butter. The taste and texture are often compared to chicken or fish.
- Quiche Lorraine: A savory tart with a filling of cream, eggs, and bacon.
- Desserts: And last but certainly not least, top you dining experience off with the finest of desserts. Including Crème Brûlée: A creamy custard topped with a layer of hard caramel or Macarons: Delicate almond meringue cookies filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam.
- Wine: When it comes to red wine notable regions include Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley. Chablis, Sancerre, and Alsace are famous for their white wines. Sparkling wine from the Champagne region, known for its elegance and celebratory nature. Particularly popular in Provence, Rose is known for its light and refreshing qualities.
Northern France Including Paris
The most populous and economically significant region, home to the nation’s capital, Paris. It is renowned for landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Versailles. Both the Dinks and The Family visited this region, specifically Paris and Versailles.
The capital city of France, Paris, is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa. Stroll along the Seine River, wander through charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Marais, and indulge in world-class shopping and dining along the Champs-Élysées.
Southern France including the French Riveria
Known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, lavender fields, and historic towns. Key attractions include the French Riviera (Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez), the Luberon region, and the city of Avignon with its Papal Palace.
Both the Dinks and the Family visited this region but different cities. See below the details of each of their trips.
The DINKs
We have visited France a several times visiting different places each time. A couple times on our own, once on a cruise and another on a escorted bus tour. The benefits of the cruise and escorted tour is that it didn’t require a lot of planning and was really easy. Obviously doing it on your own allows you to customize it.
Eastern France including Reims
Reims, located in the heart of the Champagne region in northeastern France, is a city steeped in history, renowned for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and, of course, its world-famous champagne. We stopped by this quaint city while on an escorted bus tour through Europe so we only had one day to visit.
- Cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims: The magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims is one of France’s most iconic Gothic cathedrals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its stunning facade adorned with intricate sculptures and rose windows, and explore its interior, which features beautiful stained glass windows and the intricately carved Smiling Angel.
- Champagne Houses and Cellars: Reims is at the heart of the Champagne wine region, home to prestigious champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Mumm. Take a tour of the champagne houses to learn about the champagne-making process, visit the underground cellars where the wine is aged, and enjoy tastings of this exquisite sparkling wine.
- Historical Landmarks: Discover Reims’ rich history by visiting landmarks like the Palace of Tau, a former residence of the French kings, and the Saint-Remi Basilica, an impressive Romanesque church with stunning medieval stained glass. Explore the Porte de Mars, an ancient Roman triumphal arch dating back to the 3rd century, and the Musée de la Reddition, where the German surrender was signed at the end of World War II.
Marseille, located on the Mediterranean coast of France, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and bustling port. We visited as a stop on a Mediterranean Cruise. For full details on see our blog, Things To Do: Mediterranean Cruise.
- Vieux Port (Old Port): The Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille, where you can watch fishing boats and yachts come and go while enjoying a coffee or a meal at one of the many waterfront cafés and restaurants.
- Le Panier: Wander through the narrow streets of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, filled with colorful buildings, artisan workshops, and trendy boutiques. Visit the Vieille Charité, a former almshouse turned cultural center, which now houses museums and exhibitions showcasing Mediterranean archaeology and contemporary art.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Marvel at the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning basilica perched atop a hill overlooking the city. Known locally as “La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mother), the basilica offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the interior of the basilica, adorned with elaborate mosaics and ex-votos left by sailors and fishermen.
- Beaches and Calanques: We took a boat tour to explore the Calanques, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves stretching along the coast between Marseille and Cassis. The Calanques of Marseille are a natural wonder that must be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate their beauty. These rugged limestone cliffs, coves, and turquoise waters stretch along the Mediterranean coast, creating a breathtaking landscape of striking contrasts. The Calanques offer a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and boating. Visitors can explore the pristine beaches and hidden coves, marvel at the towering cliffs rising from the sea, and soak in the tranquility of this protected natural area. Whether you’re embarking on a challenging hike to secluded beaches or taking a leisurely boat tour to admire the Calanques from the water, a visit to these stunning coastal formations is an unforgettable experience that showcases the unspoiled beauty of Marseille’s coastline. One mistake we made was booking through the cruise line which was an Italian ship. So the commentary on our cruise was only in Italian and French not English. But as always there is nothing like being out on the water taking in all the sites.
- Sports: Marseille is renowned for its vibrant soccer culture, with Olympique de Marseille being one of France’s most storied football clubs. Unfortunately there wasn’t a game when we visited as we were on a cruise and unable to plan around their scheduled. But you can see the stadium in the last picture.
The Family
The Port of Villefranche, nestled along the stunning French Riviera near Nice, is a picturesque and historic port town renowned for its beauty, charm, and deep maritime heritage. We stopped in for the day on a Mediterranean cruise.
- Scenic Beauty: Set against a backdrop of azure waters and lush green hillsides, the Port of Villefranche offers breathtaking views that have inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. The port’s charming waterfront is lined with colorful buildings, quaint cafés, and seafood restaurants, creating a picturesque setting perfect for leisurely strolls and al fresco dining.
- Monaco, a tiny principality nestled along the French Riviera, is renowned for its glamour, luxury, and breathtaking Mediterranean vistas. There is a train station with easy access to Port of Villefranche and we took this opportunity to check out Monaco.
- Glamorous Monte Carlo: Monte Carlo, Monaco’s most famous district, is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and sophistication. Visit the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, a Belle Époque masterpiece, to try your luck at the tables or simply admire its opulent architecture and grand interiors. We walked down to see it but kids are not allowed in.
- Luxury Yachts and Harbor: Admire the impressive display of luxury yachts and sailboats in the glamorous Port Hercule, one of the most prestigious marinas in the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor promenade, lined with chic boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and trendy bars.
- Old Town (Monaco-Ville):Wander through the charming medieval streets of Monaco-Ville, the historic heart of the principality. We explored the Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I, which houses a fascinating collection of marine life and exhibits.
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is a renowned institution dedicated to marine science, conservation, and education. We explored the museum’s state-of-the-art aquariums, which house a diverse array of marine species, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and rays. The kids loved getting close to marine creatures in interactive touch tanks, where visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of touching and observing marine life. We enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Monaco’s coastline from the museum’s terrace and observation deck as well as a leisurely stroll through the museum’s botanical gardens, which feature a diverse collection of Mediterranean plants and offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city below. - We left the early but I wish we had stayed and done the red train trolley tour of Monaco, which offers visitors a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the highlights of this glamorous principality. It passes by top attractions such as the Prince’s Palace, home to the Grimaldi family, and the historic Monaco-Ville district with its charming old town and medieval architecture, as well as the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, the luxurious Hotel de Paris, and the glittering harbor filled with million-dollar yachts. It would have been a relaxing way to see everything.
- See how the Family made a European Cruise Affordable in their blog:
Summary
It’s fascinating to compare two distinct perspectives on experiencing France. While both sets of travelers immersed themselves in the delectable local cuisine and world-renowned wines, their journeys through Paris and the French Riviera showcased unique facets of these iconic destinations. The DINKs ventured beyond the glittering shores of the French Riviera to explore the historic city of Reims, renowned for its Champagne houses and Gothic cathedral.
Determining who did it better is subjective, as each journey offered its own enriching experiences. Whether savoring a glass of Champagne in Reims’ vineyards or relaxing in the French Riveria, both travelers undoubtedly found moments of joy and discovery that define the allure of France. Ultimately, the answer lies in personal preferences and the unique memories each traveler brought home from this captivating country.
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