Why is everyone obsessed with Paris?

I agree with you! I have been to France 6 times (a total of about 8 months) and have spent about 2 weeks total in Paris. France has so much else to offer. Paris is just another big city…once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all. I think most people go to Paris only because they don’t know where else to go. All they hear about is Paris. I suggest the south of France. The quaint cities are so much fun. Also the north where you can see the beaches of Normandy, the Chateaux de la Loire, and Mt. St. Michel. I think people would love France (if they don’t already) if they were to just get out of the city.
nicki

Hi I`m Sveta!
I think it`s the romance of Paris that attracts people. They want to feel this atmosphere which was glorified by many authors and film directors. Don`t you think so? I`ve never been to Paris but I dream about it. But also I don`t deny that even little french towns are very pittoresque.
Bye!

I’m sure that’s the answer, Sveta – it’s because Paris gets all the publicity!

Phil

I agree, the majic, the dream American’s have of Paris is all we know. Ok, now enough said, I’m ready to discover Normandy region. What’s your suggestion? D-Day of course, then what? Has anyone been to Monet’s home? I am a Monet lover and wonder if this would be worth the trip and what time of year? South eastern France is the next area I would love to visit this year. Any suggestions there?

Am. Expat

What is to see in Marsaille?
Am. Expat

I agree, I am in Europe for 3 years traveling and enjoying the sites. I am open for more suggestions.

Am Expat

Monet’s home and garden at Giverney is well worth a visit. Any time late spring to late autumn is fine, though if you want the water lilies to be in bloom you have to go in summer. It gets very busy with coach visitors by mid-morning – go first thing in the morning or an hour before closing to avoid the crush.

There are some other great sights nearby like Richard III’s castle near Les Andelys towering over the Seine, boat trips and loads more. There are numerous other gardens, manors and chateaux in the area I can tell you about if you’re into those as well and you’re planning a visit.

If you’re doing the D-Day beaches then you have to see Le Mont St Michel too – stunning!

Then there’s the countryside and manor houses of the Perche, the Alpes Mancelles ……

Phil

Awsome, I am glad to hear favorable feedback on Monet’s Garden. I am interested in a Seine River cruise, we have enjoyed those in other areas, too. We will definately see Mt. St. Michael. To check the other gardens, do you have web sites? Thanks

Am. Expat

I have always wanted to see Mt St Michel but for some reason my plans are always spoiled. Is it easily accessible by train or will we need to rent a car?

For French gardens this site is not a bad start:

http://www.jardinez.com/parc/indexenglish.html

If you’re looking for Giverney it’s in the Eure departement.

But the site is not 100% comprehensive and it even misses some of the best, like the Chateau du Champ de Bataille downriver from Giverney, just south-west of Rouen and near the monastery of Bec Hellouin.

For getting around France by train check out routes and timetables on the English language SNCF website:

http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm
yes, that is ‘indexe’ not ‘index’)

As an example, it takes 3 hours 10 mins from Paris, changing at Rennes and arriving at Pontorson, 10km from Le Mont St Michel. Get a taxi or bus from there unless you really like walking.

Personally, I think it would be a shame to go all that way for a day when there is a lot more to see as well. I would hire a car for the greater flexibility and convenience it offers. Also you never know where you may fancy stopping off en route and it’s a lot easier to stop a car than a train!

Phil

PS I can vouch for all this stuff ‘cos I live here in the Orne, south of Rouen

Here’s a few more chateaux with gardens between us (at Alencon) and Rouen – and we’re just an hour south of Rouen and 1.5hrs from Giverney.

# Mortrée – Château d’Ô (I guess Homer Simpson would like that one)
# Near Mortr̩e РCh̢teau de Sassy
# Aillères-Beauvoir – Château d’Aillières
# Carrouges РCh̢teau de Carrouges
# Essay РCh̢teau de Villiers
# Courtilloles РCh̢teau de Courtilloles
# Sées – Palais d’Argentré and gothic cathedral (okay, so it hasn’t a garden, but it’s worth a visit!)
# Vendeuvre – Chateau and water gardens

Then south of us you’ve got the Loir and Loire valleys, all reachable for day trips for seeing some of the famous classic Loire chateaux.

Never forget distances in France are a lot less than in America (if you know what I mean!), so you can pack more in.

Phil

Ok, which of these great Chateau’s are a must see, we will be Chateaued out if we were to do all of them. Thanks for your valueable input, it’s always better comming from experience.

Am Expat

I’m about to log off for the evening but I’ll be back tomorrow. Meantime, let me know where you’re starting from (Giverney?), and how long you’ve got – a day, two days? I assume priority is gardens, nice chateau attached a bonus? And the Loire is a bit too far south, so you’re more interested in Normandy and the Seine valley? You could always have a look at the gardens website I suggested, but if you really want my personal recommendation I’ll try to reply tomorrow if you let me know. But we’ve got a full house of guests for the weekend, a lake to drain and a phone line to install so I may be a bit pushed for time! I will definitely get back to you by Monday afternoon (west Euro-time) though.

Phil

Thanks, we are starting at Giverny and heading to village of Crepon staying in a old 13th century manor, spending 2 nights and 3 days. We have a tight time table for 2 weeks, so a little is all we have.

Am Expat

I guess that’s Crepon just inland from Gold Beach? If you’re going to be at Giverney then after Monet’s garden you caould see both Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys plus Chateau du Champ de Bataille the same day. The first is the impressive remains of Richard the Lionheart’s massive fortress overlooking the Seine – great views from the top. The second is a newly restored garden in the French classic style with fountains etc. you could then drive on to your place on the coast. I’m afraid I don’t know the coastal area that well but if you’re interested in the D-Day landings you could do worse than look it up on Wikipedia.com which has a load of interesting stuff. The Caen Memorial is supposed to be a must-see (never been myself – keep meaning to) and there’s the American War cemetary inland from Le Mont St Michel (near St James, I think). There are also gun emplacements, the Mulberry harbour remains, underground German bunker defences ….

Phil

Crepon is halfway between Caen and Bayeux . . . a GREAT location. Do see the Peace Memorial in Caen. We spent an entire day there but that’s not really necessary. It was a cold rainy day, so the Memorial was our refuge du jour! If you do spend most of the day there, be sure to sign up for the restaurant meal at lunch time. Its good food well served and you will need a break at mid-day, both for your feet and emotionally. The memorial starts at World War I and continues through World War II and the Cold War and is draining.

The market in Bayeux is on Saturday mornings and it is worth a trip. The town is marked with brass route markers for a historic walk. They’re in the sidewalk and you follow them. The cathedral in Bayeux is fabulous, one of the most inspiring in a country full of gorgeous cathedrals. You should see the tapestry too. It’s impressive.

Head north to Port-en-Bessin and enjoy the port. Then follow the D514 west toward Omaha Beach. You’ll see signs to the ?U.S. Military Cemetery. It is definitely worth a visit. Oddly, it is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. It’s on a bluff above Omaha Beach so there is this incredible cemetery on your left and the ocean on your right as you walk through. We were fortunate enough to see a double rainbow over the ocean while there! We also got rained on. LOL

Giverny is way east of Crepon so it’s definitely a full day trip for you. PHILandJUDE are right; get there as early as possible . . . or go right before closing. The first time we went the line was so long we decided to do something else. Last October, we finally got inside Monet’s gardens. We were there the last day they were open in the autumn! It was absolutely gorgeous. There were plenty of flowers blooming and there was also great Fall color.

Les Andelys is spectacular. It’s closed on Tuesdays but if you go up, they will let you in and it’s not crowded. At least that worked for us. The view from the top down toward the Seine is wonderful.

While in the area, try to visit the little village of Lyons-la-Foret. It is the quintessential French medieval village. You can walk the streets and take pictures right and left. Several movies have been made there so you may feel quite at home. There is a market in the square and lots of restaurants. Walk a block down the hill toward the Tourist Information Bureau and you’ll see ?Lions Beauclerc Restaurant on the left on a corner. It’s excellent, friendly and quite reasonable.

If you have time, Chateau Vascoeuil just northwest is lovely. They have a really nice restaurant on the chateau grounds too if you don’t get lunch someplace else. You eat outside beside a waterfall. The chateau is very nice but not spectacular; however, the grounds are fabulous. There are sculptures all over the place. You just walk from one to the next and a stream (remember the waterfall) runs through the grounds to add to the ambience.

That will MORE than take up a day. You will have to use the Autoroute.

?Beuvron-en-Auge is another small village that is really quaint and pretty. The Auge region was my favorite in the Caen area. It’s very rural and very old fashioned. Beuvron is a small village and would only be a half day or less but very photogenic.

Oh yes, the Chateau d’O is not open to the public. You can stand outside the huge locked iron gate and shoot pictures through the gate. I understand if you telephone the Tourist Information Bureau nearby they will arrange a tour for you. I’m not sure it’s worth it since you have so little time and there are so many other lovely chateaux to visit.

The ?Château Carrouges is easy to find, spectacular, especially the gatehouse, and they have tours in English periodically. It would be worth the trip and the drive is lovely.

Mont St. Michel is not to be missed but that’s quite a drive too so plan an entire day for that.

Americans always want to see the D-Day Beaches and I understand. However, once you’ve seen one beach, you’ve pretty much seen them all so spend one day doing the US Military Cemetery and a couple beaches and then spend the rest of the trip visiting the countryside.

If you want to see a really picturesque town, visit Honfleur. It’s on the coast east of Caen. There is a small harbor where painters sit and paint while you watch, medieval buildings, lots of touristy shops, galleries, a market, churches, museums, etc. It is just beautiful and you’ll see the name pop up on all the travel web sites. It is a lovely, relaxing day trip.

Wow, I think you have more than prooved France isn’t all about Paris. Normandy region all sounds lovely and I appreciate all your input. I feel I’ve got more than enough info to enjoy a week in France, however, we are off to Mosel Valley, Western Germany area where family ancestors are from after the 3rd day. Thanks again.

Am Expat

Normandy isn’t even my favorite part of France. Ask me about Burgundy, Provence, the southwest, the Alps and the Loire some time!

I do hope you enjoy your trip and also hope you plan another trip to France when you can spend more time.

Enjoy Germany. It’s very nice too! )

I hope to meet up with you again, my husband works with a firm in south east France. They have invited us to visit this summer. Hopefully we can see another region before we relocate back to America.

Thanks,
Am Expat

Where in the southeast? We’ve spent quite a bit of time in a small town between Aix en Provence and Avignon and toured all over that area. We’ve spent a little time in Nice and that area, but not nearly as much. I’m not fond of the southeast coastal area because the traffic (at least along the Mediterranean) is horrible. Inland is lovely.

It is a great area on the whole. I hope you enjoy your time there.

Paris has the reputation of being the most romantic city on Earth. I suppose that’s what’s up with the fascination. As for myself, I dig her history-especially during the Revolution.