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Trip Report

Tour of France's small villages

France is full of beautiful towns and villages with super cute town centers. Here is a small overview of three cities I went

  • The quays of Seines in Troyes+ 4
  • Town center with half-timbered houses
  • Lac d'Orient
  • Tour of France's small villages
laura
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AtlasGuru Contributor

EuropeFrance8 days / March 2021

Highs & Lows

Half Timbered House in Troyes!

French people are sometimes unfriendly

Itinerary Overview

Troyes is a little town one hour in a half from Paris by train. It is not very well known but it is a very pleasant city. The town center, which is shaped like a champagne cork, is super pretty with lots of very old half-timbered houses. This is what makes all the city charm. The seine also passes in the middle of the city which makes a pretty quay to walk, or to pose with a small aperitif!

If you have a car I recommend to go at Orient lake that is 30 minutes from Troyes. During the summer you can easily go swim there or go sailing. 

If you like Champagne, you are in the right region! There is a lot of tours offering champagne tastings and explaining how it is made. Very interesting!

Troyes is also known for its outlet stores. The biggest brands are offering their selections at reduced prices, so do not hesitate!

 

The Touraine region is famous for its wine and all its different châteaux. Tours is a very nice city crossed by the Loire. You will can find the famous Wilson Bridge which leads to the great National Avenue famous for its large number of shops. The historic center is very cute and very pleasant to walk around. You should also take a tour of the covered market, where you can buy “Sainte Maure de Touraine”, the goat cheese specialty of the region.

It is a very young city where a lot of events are organized. Whether it is to have a drink on the famous Place Plumereau, spend afternoons on Simon Island or have a drink on the quays on the banks of the Loire, Tours is worth the detour.

 

Bordeaux is a city rich in heritage and history. It is also a super pleasant city full of sun! Walk in the street on foot or by bike and you will see the beauty of the streets and monuments. Filled with a very cute neighborhood with lots of small shops, I advise you to stroll and take your time to stop there.

Bordeaux is located in the wine region so I highly recommend going visit a vineyard and take the opportunity for a little tasting! You will not be disappointed!

It is also not far from the sea and the famous "La dune du Pilat". It's a great walk to do and why not have a picnic there? There are also quite a few beaches for surfing if you like it.

And one last thing, you must try the city food specialty, “Les canelés”. A true delight!

I only stay there for 3 days but as you can see there is a lot to do for more days!

  • 3 Nights: Troyes
  • 2 Nights: Tours
  • 3 Nights: Bordeaux
Troyes - null
1

Troyes

Troyes - null - The quays of Seines in Troyes
The quays of Seines in Troyes
Troyes - null - Town center with half-timbered houses
Town center with half-timbered houses
Troyes - null - Lac d'Orient
Lac d'Orient

Troyes is a little town one hour in a half from Paris by train. It is not very well known but it is a very pleasant city. The town center, which is shaped like a champagne cork, is super pretty with lots of very old half-timbered houses. This is what makes all the city charm. The seine also passes in the middle of the city which makes a pretty quay to walk, or to pose with a small aperitif!

If you have a car I recommend to go at Orient lake that is 30 minutes from Troyes. During the summer you can easily go swim there or go sailing. 

If you like Champagne, you are in the right region! There is a lot of tours offering champagne tastings and explaining how it is made. Very interesting!

Troyes is also known for its outlet stores. The biggest brands are offering their selections at reduced prices, so do not hesitate!

Tours - null
2

Tours

Tours - null - Simon Island
Simon Island
Tours - null - National avenue with tram rails
National avenue with tram rails

The Touraine region is famous for its wine and all its different châteaux. Tours is a very nice city crossed by the Loire. You will find the famous Wilson Bridge which leads to the great National Avenue famous for its large number of shops. The historic center is very cute and very pleasant to walk around and there are also old half-timbered houses in the city center. You should also take a tour of the covered market, where you can buy “Sainte Maure de Touraine”, the goat cheese specialty of the region.

It is a very young city where a lot of events are organized. Whether it is to have a drink on the famous Place Plumereau, spend afternoons on Simon Island or have a drink on the quays on the banks of the Loire, Tours is worth the detour.

Bordeaux - null
3

Bordeaux

Bordeaux - null - Bordeaux's historic center
Bordeaux's historic center
Bordeaux - null - Dune du Pilat
Dune du Pilat

Bordeaux is a city rich in heritage and history. It is also a super pleasant city full of sun! Walk in the street on foot or by bike and you will see the beauty of the streets and monuments. Filled with a very cute neighborhood with lots of small shops, I advise you to stroll and take your time to stop there.

Bordeaux is located in the wine region so I highly recommend going visit a vineyard and take the opportunity for a little tasting! You will not be disappointed!

It is also not far from the sea and the famous "La dune du Pilat". It's a great walk to do and why not have a picnic there? There are also quite a few beaches for surfing if you like it.

And one last thing, you must try the city food specialty, “Les canelés”. A true delight!

I only stay there for 3 days but as you can see there is a lot to do for more days!

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Stay more time in Bordeaux! Big crush on this city.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Lots of small restaurants in the center of Troyes are really cool, don't forget to taste the sauerkraut, the typical dish of the region!
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Take advantage of the wine regions to learn more about this drink so rich in French culture
  • Packing tips?

    At this time of year the temperatures can really change so bring all types of clothing
  • Transportation Tips?

    If you can rent a car do it! The French landscapes are really very beautiful