Today we present a guest post by Anette, a freelance writer who has travelled in Brazil, Portugal, New Zealand and France, among other places.
Now that the weather has started to warm up, many of us have started thinking about what to do on our well-deserved holidays. And there aren't many places that come alive in the spring and summer like France does.
With its lush, flower-filled countryside, iconic cities with culture and culinary expertise where you can find the world's best ingredients, it's hard to resist the temptation to book a holiday to France!
Paris in spring and summer
Given that Frank Sinatra once sang about spring in Paris, it seems like a good place to start. The country's capital is famous for the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, and the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are of course always unique photo opportunities.
But if you want to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle, walk along the beautiful Seine River or have a lazy picnic at the wonderful Le Jardin du Luxembourg, conveniently located just off the elegant Latin Quarter.
Sunshine on the French Riviera
South-west France is always a safe bet for sunshine. Along the French Riviera you'll find charming coastal towns like Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cannes. Then there's the glamorous microstate of Monaco, famous for the Casino de Monte Carlo where you'll find world-class entertainment once the sun goes down.
While you'll never tire of lounging on the beaches of the French Riviera, there's also plenty of exciting things to explore, such as picturesque Venice and the cinematic meadows that are proof of why so many people are drawn to this enchanting region.
Beautiful Dordogne
If you want to get a taste of old, rural France, it's a good idea to head to the area along the Dordogne River in the south-west of the country. The rich farmland has helped this area become a real haven for foodies.
Not only will you find regional food favourites like foie gras, strawberries, walnuts and truffles. The beautiful towns of Domme and Beynac-et-Cazenac will in themselves leave you breathless and never wanting to leave this magical place.
From vibrant cities, sunny beaches, glitzy casinos and lush countryside, it's hard to beat a spring or summer trip to France!
Elisabeth says:
Definitely a beautiful and contrasting country, with lots of good food!
13 June 2017 - 6:24
Helena says:
Agreed! We also love France! 🙂
13 June 2017 - 18:12
Matts Torebring says:
At first we thought, French, no they don't speak English, we won't go there. But on a trip home from the south, we found an absolutely wonderful Castle Campsite in the middle of the countryside. We got such a positive reception that it has since become France for five summers in a row. Camping Les Castel has about 37 campsites, almost all of which have five stars. We have visited less than half of them. We would have continued this year, but there were obstacles in the way.
13 June 2017 - 7:21
Helena says:
Yes, I know that you love France, and I can understand that. We have perhaps iofs stood in simpler places, but we still appreciate the nature, food and people in France 🙂 .
13 June 2017 - 18:14
Mr Steve says:
France has so much to offer, even off the beaten track. In August 2000, D and I drove through France. From Paris and southwards, mostly in the countryside. A wonderful experience and true refreshment for the soul.
We travelled along the Dordogne River, among other things. Yes, even on the river. I particularly remember a very early morning trip in an electric motorised oak tree. Still, quiet and stunningly beautiful.
13 June 2017 - 8:25
Helena says:
Oh how fun to hear about your trip to France! I have no experience of the Dordogne river, but it sounds fantastic 🙂 Great memories you have!
13 June 2017 - 19:21
Ama de casa says:
France is one of my favourite countries. There are so many different things to do and see there. Too bad they speak so strangely... 😉.
Have a nice day!
13 June 2017 - 8:41
Helena says:
Haha, yes they talk a little strange ... but nice I think! 🙂 I studied French at school, so it's not completely foreign to me, even though I can't speak it. A few words and phrases maybe ... 😉 ...
13 June 2017 - 19:23
Emma, sun like sun? says:
I grew up with camping holidays, preferably in France. I have seen a lot of the country but not Paris even though I have been to the outskirts of the city. Unfortunately, as a child you experience a lot but don't remember most of it.
If we hadn't moved to Spain, it would have been France - if I could decide.
13 June 2017 - 8:41
Helena says:
You have some memories of things you did as a child, but it can be more fragmentary ... I was in Paris as a teenager when I was going on a language trip to England, but that's the only time. On the other hand, we have been almost everywhere along the coast, with the motorhome 🙂.
13 June 2017 - 19:25
Ditte says:
I am very fond of France and have travelled and been here many times and even for longer periods. I am particularly fond of Normandy and Brittany. Paris is wonderful!
There have also been many skiing holidays in the French Alps. Perfect skiing and very varied.
Thank you for a nice and fruitful guest post.
13 June 2017 - 10:23
Helena says:
Agree that Normandy and Brittany are fantastic! It was actually a bit too cold when we were there, and YET it was amazing 🙂 Would love to try skiing in the French Alps on occasion!
13 June 2017 - 19:26
BP says:
As I myself have travelled around different parts of France, I completely agree with Anette. France offers most things and the landscapes differ, but I think it is beautiful everywhere.
Thanks for a nice guest post:-)
13 June 2017 - 16:12
Helena says:
Glad you liked the post! We are also very fond of France. Have not seen everything, but many fantastic places. Some of our favourites are Normandy, Brittany, Verdon and Cannes 🙂.
13 June 2017 - 19:27
Annette says:
I usually look in here with you, and now I also got a tip from BP who knew that our family will drive from Paris down through the Loire Valley and up again and around Normandy this summer.
Great guest post! How we long to return to France! Wonderful, nice people (only you always start with bonjour madame/monsieur, instead of excuse me, I don't speak French), good food and beautiful landscapes. I haven't been to Normandy before, but so far Bordeaux is my favourite place in France, we'll see in the summer if I get a reason to change my mind 🙂 ).
13 June 2017 - 20:00