Secret streets and courtyards of Lyon
As we climbed from the river towards the basilica, we explored Lyon’s secret staircases and hidden courtyards in a zigzag pattern. These trabules We had to pay attention to the metal plates marking some of the entrances as they were difficult to follow. There is almost no direct route up the river, but these routes, originally intended for the city’s silk workers, reveal charming backstreets and private courtyards for visitors to peer into. At the top, breathlessly, we loved the Basilique Nôtre-Dame de Fourvière. We made another exciting discovery in the cemetery: a giant mosaic depicting the naval battle at Lepanto, which we had recently visited in Greece.
David Innes-Wilkin
Fons, the village of your dreams
We came across Fons in the Quercy black triangle on the last leg of our Jazz trip in Marciac. This medieval village in a deeply wooded valley of chestnuts and oaks was the France you imagine: a village of stone and wooden paths where swallows and swallows nest among ancient buildings and a bistro that is its beating heart. Amazing place. The aperitif at the marketplace under the Milky Way was the perfect way to sign off.
Damien Reidy
Quiet corners in Charente-Maritime
If you’re in Charente-Maritime in the southwest, be sure to spend a day south of Royan; There are many quiet places to visit here and they are all close to each other. Start at the Régulus caves, a troglodyte site with views of the Cordouan lighthouse and traditional fishing nets hanging from the cliffs. Then walk south towards the village of Talmont-Sur-Gironde and the magnificent 12th-century church of Sainte-Radegonde overlooking the estuary. The village is full of narrow car-proof streets and huge hollyhocks growing against whitewashed walls. We had amazing seafood at Les Délices de l’Estuaire before heading to the Fâ archaeological site.
Miles Smith
Deep into the history of the Dordogne
If you are in the Dordogne (between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees) a visit to the Gouffre de Padirac cave is a must. It is an incredible place that can be explored by stairs or by taking the elevator 103 meters down. Once there, you will take a magical boat tour on a river in the cave. The water is turquoise and the rocks surrounding you are constantly changing color. You feel like you’ve entered a different world. I recommend visiting out of season when it is quieter. There is a small souvenir shop and cafe nearby.
Deanna
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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Magnificent gardens of Nantes
While looking for a large hotel close to the airport in Nantes for the last night of our holiday, we found Château Colbert in Maulévrier. It’s a mansion with a great restaurant, but even better, there’s a restored vegetable garden that caters to the hotel and offers tours. Next door, the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a Japanese traveling garden created around the same time as Monet’s garden at Giverny. Japonism It was a strong cultural influence. It was a great end to our garden themed holiday.
Steve
Cycling through a vineyard in Alsace
We visited the Vosges mountains and eastern Alsace on a cycling tour in France in September and were amazed at what a hidden gem this place was. We stayed at the reasonably priced Auberge Ramstein in Scherwiller (doubles from just €87) and found plenty of vineyards to visit on foot, including the biodynamic vineyards at Achillée and the traditional method vineyard at Domaine Dussourt. Unlike Strasbourg, the village and the nearby town of Sélestat were beautiful and quiet; There were also great cycling paths and many walking options on the plains and hills.
Maddy Warner
A champagne experience in the land of De Gaulle
By chance I found myself in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises in the north-east of France. We needed dog-friendly accommodation as we headed south. It was a crisp winter evening and a large moon shone above the delightful main square, flanked by two churches and inviting restaurants serving traditional cuisine and champagne from the nearby hills. Lyrics “france profondecame to mind. By daylight we discovered that we were in the village where President Charles de Gaulle spent his fortnightly stay and retreated when he left politics. His residence, La Boisserie, is open to the public, and his simple tomb in the small churchyard overlooks the fields and hills. There are champagne houses in the village and many small producers in the surrounding area. We followed the sign for Clairvaux and discovered the ruins of one of the most important medieval monasteries in Europe. The hills are gentle and there is no traffic, so you can bring your bike and explore.
Lara
Forest bathing in Fontainebleau
The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at the Fontainebleau forest is the amazing smell: The scent of fresh pine feels like it is purifying body and soul. The forest is a former hunting ground now used for walking, cycling and climbing. For a cultural impact, visit the Château de Fontainebleau that will take your breath away. If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay, the small and charming town of Bois-le-Roi is nestled in the forest And On the banks of the Seine river. It’s also on a direct train line from Paris, so there’s no need for a car and it takes less than an hour; making it ideal for a day trip.
Suzanne
Art and architecture in Honfleur, Normandy
In northern France, on the southern bank of the mouth of the Seine, is the attractive town of Honfleur. Highlights include the old port and the church of Sainte-Catherine, the largest wooden church in France. Be sure to admire the houses with their slate-covered facades and an array of enticing shops and galleries as you wander through a town associated with many important artists, including Monet and Boudin. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of calvados by the harbor while watching the fishing boats along the Seine.
Alison
Winning tip: A treasure trove of museums near Lille
The Musée La Piscine in Roubaix, a converted swimming pool just outside Lille, is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and installations. The art deco-era building is a big part of its charm and reminds me of a time when public buildings were useful. And Beautiful. The €9 entry price is an absolute bargain. We spent three hours there and still couldn’t see everything. The restaurant/tea room is also excellent.
David Pearce