YOUR FRENCH ROAD TRIP!
Hi Jeff & Marlon!
I’m so excited to work with you to help plan a road trip of a lifetime! Below, you’ll find 3 regions in France that I love. I selected these specific locations because I thought they fit your preferences well and would be perfect for your 2 week drive. Within each region, I’ve listed some favorite highlights and included links with additional information. I’ve already got some amazing hotel and food ideas but I’ll save that for the next step.
Any of these areas can be done in about 1 week (without rushing through) so I thought you could select 2 to make an excellent well-rounded trip. It’s all up to you but I can see what you think so far and refine from there.
OPTION #1: LOIRE VALLEY
The Loire Valley has everything you’re looking for… history, art, culture, fun adventure possibilities, cute villages, lovely countryside, great food, and wonderful hotel options. It’s also not far from Paris so you can see a lot within shorter driving distances (there’s so much you can do & see!).
Highlights:
Do the chateaux tours
Hot air balloon over chateaux / canoe around chateaux
See the celebrated garden festival
Take art walks and visit galleries
Explore darling villages & cave dwellings
Go to the food markets
City visit: Nantes
WHAT TO DO & SEE IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
VISIT STUNNING CHATEAUX
The Loire Valley is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, renowned for its plethora of well preserved castles and fascinating history. You can choose to visit just 1 or more but they all have something special. And the countryside between them is gorgeous.
My top choices: Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos du Lucé (Da Vinci’s residence)
HOT AIR BALLOON
Imagine gliding over splendid scenes like the one above. Cruising over the wonderful Chenonceau castle is definitely a bucket list item. Looks totally dreamy!
ART MUSEUMS & GARDEN FESTIVAL
Visit the international garden festival as well as the center for arts and nature at the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire. Or check out the unique new art gallery at La Fondation du Doute. Spend an ideal morning or afternoon of wandering.
GET LOST AT THE LOCHES MARKET
Loches is an adorable town with a famous market that happens each Wednesday and Saturday. It’s a great place to explore all the seasonal foods on offer as well as the local delicacies.
SEE THE CAVE VILLAGES
The Trogolodyte villages are strewn throughout the Loire Valley. These quirky spots are super fun to visit and marvel at the famous cave dwellings where houses were build right in the rock walls. You can even stay overnight or dine at some of these amazing places.
CITY VISIT: NANTES
It’s our town and I have SO many great places for you to check out. Towards the exit of the river Loire into the Atlantic, the city has character, history and plenty of cultural activities/art walks. You can see a lot in 1 day or spend more time as there’s tons to do and see. If the timing is right, I’d be happy to take you around and show you my favorite spots!
LOOSE ITINERARY
OPTION #2: BRITTANY
Brittany is a national treasure and can feel like it’s own country. It reminds me a bit of the old world style of America’s East Coast (think Martha’s Vineyard) but with an English country charm. The coastal landscapes are stunning with their turquoise water beaches engulfed by rocky cliffs. And the various medieval wall-cities are enchanting. There’s plenty to do and see and les Bretons are some of the friendliest folks you’ll come across in France.
Highlights:
Visit medieval walled-cities
Go to an international photography festival in a quaint village
Explore adorable seaside towns
Opportunity for scuba diving (if you don’t mind colder waters)
Shop at wonderful markets
Tour the famous salt marshes
Take a day trip to one of the many nearby islands
Do some beautiful coastal walks with stunning landscapes
WHAT TO DO & SEE IN BRITTANY
VISIT MEDIEVAL WALLED CITIES
You can find many medieval walled cities throughout Brittany. They are wonderful to wander through the ancient streets or walk upon the ramparts, browse in cute shops, taste fresh pastries from bakeries and have a tasty lunch. There are quite a few which I will recommend but my favorite is Dinan.
STAY & EAT AT A SPECIAL PLACE
This off-the-beaten-track cottage is a wonderful spot to rest and dine before heading onto the rest of your trip through Brittany. Their Michelin star restaurant is a culinary adventure—it’s a meal you won’t forget! I also love the inspired decor and the friendly service.
TOUR THE SALT MARSHES
It might sound strange to visit salt fields but it’s actually fascinating… especially for foodies! It’s where the famous Guerande fleur de sel comes from and also a home to some beautiful wildlife. It’s great simply to drive through, rent a bike or to the take tour and see how salt gets made.
GO TO THE FAMOUS PHOTO FESTIVAL
Luckily, this remarkable festival lasts until the end of October. It’s truly a must-see. This wonderful small village hosts an international festival in an outdoor setting. Enormous images take over the town and you can spend the entire day visiting exhibitions from world-famous photographers.
DISCOVER THE WILD COAST
Brittany is famous for its côte sauvage and it’s stunning turquoise waters. The coast also boasts walking trails along much of the coastline with forts along the way, perfect for a morning or afternoon jaunt. The weather is never certain but it’s always an adventure.
EXPLORE CHARMING PORT TOWNS
There are plenty of adorable port towns throughout Brittany. They are picture perfect little spots where you can wander around, shop at darling boutiques and have traditional galettes or fresh seafood for lunch. A few of my favorites are Pornic, Vannes and St Malo.
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OPTION #3: DORDOGNE
The Dordogne is one of France’s best-kept secrets to Americans. It’s wildly popular with the British so there is English spoken throughout the region. The landscape is simply stunning and there is so much to do and see. You can spend your days wandering through the vast number of historic villages, tour castles, visit markets or get more adventurous by canoeing the river or venturing into underground caves.
Highlights:
Take a boat or canoe down the Dordogne and marvel at the villages from the water
Hot air balloon over the UNESCO city site of Rocamadour
Visit the many charming villages throughout the valley
See Josephine Baker’s castle
Go the the many daily markets for local specialties
Wander the famous suspended gardens
See the historic cave paintings in Lascaux
Explore cave villages
City visit: Bordeaux
WHAT TO DO & SEE IN DORDOGNE
MARKETS & MEDIEVAL VILLAGES
Simply exploring the picturesque villages is one of the highlights of the Dordogne valley. There are so many that are classified as les plus beaux villages that are wonderful. Driving along the river and making stops wherever you fancy is perfect. And don’t forget to shop at many of the excellent village markets that happen daily.
FLY OVER ROCAMADOUR
You will have just missed the famous hot air balloon festival that happens the last weekend in September but you still have the opportunity to take a ride over this remarkable UNESCO city site. How incredible to view it from above!
VISIT JOSEPHINE BAKER’S CASTLE
There are plenty of castles to visit in the region but this one is particularly special. Not only can you see the gorgeous gardens, architecture and cool art deco decor but you’ll also learn all about the fascinating history of Josephine.
EXPLORE THE MARQUEYSSAC GARDEN
You could spend an entire afternoon wandering this suspended hilltop garden with breathtaking views over the valley below. It’s a gem in the area that is not to be missed.
CAVE VISITS
From to the world famous Lascaux cave paintings to cave dwelling villages, to taking a subterranean boat ride into the Gouffre de Padirac—there are various interesting tours, excursions and visits to be had in the area.
BOAT OR CANOE DOWN THE RIVER
It’s wonderful to drive through the many adorable villages that line the Dordogne but why not see them from the river! You can take a boat ride or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a canoe (a perfect excursion on a sunny day).
LOOSE ITINERARY
ROUTE OPTIONS
These are the 3 different route options that I suggest. Option #1 would be a bit less driving time, giving you a bit more of a “slow travel” feel while options #2 and #3 would have you covering more ground. It’s totally up to you!
OPTION #1
OPTION #1: PARIS > LOIRE VALLEY > BRITTANY
1. From Paris head to the Loire Valley for 6 nights (2-3 hotels).
2. From there, continue on to Brittany for 8 nights (3-4 hotels).
3. Head back to Paris to stay extra days or fly home.
*This trip would give you the most leisure time/least driving time. And it’s an easy loop with no backtracking.
OPTION #2
OPTION #2: PARIS> DORDOGNE > BRITTANY
1. From Paris head to the Dordogne region for 6 nights (2-3 hotels).
2. Continue on to Brittany for 8 nights (3-4 hotels).
3. Head back to Paris to stay extra days or fly home.
* This trip would include a couple of longer driving days but once in the regions, there are plenty of great day trips with shorter distances.
OPTION #3
OPTION #3: PARIS > DORDOGNE >
LOIRE VALLEY
1. From Paris, head to the Dordogne region for 7 nights (2-3 hotels).
2. Head to the Loire Valley for 7 nights (2-3 hotels).
3. Make your way back to Paris to stay extra days or fly home.
* I’m offering this suggestion if you don’t want to drive further up into Brittany. Again, there will be a couple of longer driving days but once in each area, there are perfect day trip options.