JeromeA

This Cevennes summit is a must in the region! Come hiking, biking, or by car, but take the time to stop there, especially in good weather. Then you will benefit (as I was lucky enough to do) from an immense view over the south of the country. They say you can see the sea, but I didn't have that luck... But what a grandiose setting: a perfect destination for athletes, nature lovers, or families out for a walk.

I love this beautiful, wild region, which is thankfully protected by its national park status (the largest in metropolitan France)! The variety of the vegetation, the terrain, and the climate makes it a real playground for adventures! As a fan of hiking and photography, I am a huge fan. My favorite part is the Causse Méjean, with its cliffs and many vultures soaring overhead!

Abbaye de Fontenay is the oldest monument listed as a World Heritage site in France! I understood why once I learned the construction date: 1118! It is quite something to still be able to admire this monastery nestled right in the middle of nature. That is what I liked best here, the forest right at the edge of the site, you can head directly onto the hiking trails from the abbey...

Vézelay is a small village famous for its remarkable religious heritage. The site perched on a hill, the old houses, and the ramparts add extra charm. But it is the imposing Sainte-Marie Madeleine Basilica that catches everyone's eye. Plus, there are a few spots to grab a good meal, so it is definitely a recommended stop!

I love this mountain range, which deserves multiple visits to get the chance to admire it in the sun. The atmosphere of its vast, deep forests is perfect for stressed-out city dwellers. Whether hiking or biking, I discovered the wild environment of the Morvan, a rugged and endearing land. I really like the setting of Lac des Settons, surrounded by larches and fir trees, it is a perfect spot for a welcome moment of rest.

If you are visiting Dijon like I am, do not miss the chance to discover this museum. It was renovated not long ago, and it really highlights an inestimable collection. The variety of works on display is remarkable, spanning everything from Antiquity to the 20th century. You will be blown away by such a concentration of art, so plan for some time! As a bonus, this museum (like all the other museums in Dijon) is free. You only pay to access the temporary exhibitions.

Dijon offers a compact city center that makes for an easy urban hike, and the sights are everywhere. For my part, I fell in love with the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. It is a true testament to the grandeur of the city and an absolute must-see. You can discover the superb Museum of Fine Arts there. All around, the shopping streets invite you to stroll and make some culinary discoveries!

Located in the heart of the famous Burgundy vineyards, Beaune is a town dedicated to epicureans! I loved the shops and the market, which are perfect for tasting (and bringing back) great local products. To make things even better, this city of Art is home to the famous Hospices, an architectural jewel with a remarkable history. As a bonus, the Route du vignoble de la Côte starts right from Beaune...

Calling all photography lovers, you have to walk along the banks of the Yonne. You get an ideal view of the rooftops and monuments of Auxerre. The cathedral and the old Saint-Germain abbey stand out beautifully in this cityscape. I also really liked the timber-framed facades of the 16th-century houses.

I was lucky enough to discover the ancient city of Avallon under beautiful sunshine. It is important to mention that because the town must lose some of its appeal under a gray sky. That said, the ramparts are well preserved and make for a pleasant urban hike. In the end, it is a nice stop, but not a must-see!

From the famous esplanade, the view of the Eiffel Tower is just extraordinary. Plus, I was lucky enough to get there early in the morning. A light mist had settled around the Eiffel Tower, and it gave such an unreal feeling to the moment. If you are passing through Paris, this place is a must, and it remains an essential stop for me.

The most famous traffic circle in France is surrounded by constant traffic, and the crowds pressing in at the foot of the monument make your head spin! This massive arch is definitely impressive, and its solid look is clearly visible from the Champs-Elysees. The perspective is beautiful from the top of the avenue. Finally, the view is superb from the summit, but it is so expensive just for the right to go up!

From the square in front of the Basilica, the view of the French capital is iconic. The religious monument towers over the city and looks like a real movie set, but it radiates an impressive strength. Inside, the stained glass windows are remarkable, but take the time to sit on the steps and enjoy the view.

What can I say, there are just so many people. This small, ultra-touristy area of Montmartre is a victim of its own success, as the crowds in these few streets are insane! People are packed in around the artists, the terraces are overflowing, and it is even hard to push your way through. That said, you can still find quieter streets, and the atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly setting of the site are worth the trip. Try to come during the week since there are a few less people.

Uzès is a marvel to explore on foot while wandering through its lively narrow streets. I loved the vibrant squares in the city center and the many historical sites. My favorite spot was the beautiful Place aux Herbes, shaded by tall plane trees. In the summer, the energy spreads throughout the entire city, and the vibe is festive thanks to the many concerts, exhibits, and local markets.

This small town is a top choice for art and culture lovers. I loved the energy of the streets, and the presence of monuments and mansions gives the town center a rather upscale atmosphere. Try to come on a Wednesday morning because that is the day of the Grand Market, but watch out because it gets really crowded. The vendors offer typical southern products in the shade of the plane trees.

Perfect for hiking, I love walking the trails that offer beautiful views of this land of contrasts. Here, the limestone is as white as the sky is blue! As a bonus, the pine trees provide welcome shade after a good walk. The best part is still taking a dip in the clear water of the Calanques de Morgiou or En-Vau!

I loved the Avignon city center. You are immediately immersed in a Provençal atmosphere, and the contrast with its sad suburbs is striking. I really enjoyed the cobblestone Rue des Teinturiers. It is shaded by plane trees and runs along the Sorgue canal. It is just as bucolic as can be. Plus, the city has a number of grandiose sites between its Palais des Papes and its famous bridge! To top it all off, Avignon is a real cultural crossroads.

If you love old stone buildings and cities steeped in history like I do, Arles will win you over! You really get transported back through the centuries here, and this Roman city in Provence hides so many treasures. You'll find iconic arenas, an incredible museum, and the Camargue is just a stone's throw away. The Musée Départemental de l'Arles Antique remains my absolute favorite.

What a success! I loved how they showcase cultural works in this way. The art really comes to life. Here, the paintings are projected onto huge limestone blocks made of white stone. As a bonus, the digital exhibitions are accompanied by music. At the end of the visit, you can sit down at a cafe and do some shopping at the gift shop. A magical, must-see visit that is perfect for the whole family!