Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for france
A Fortified City in France
By Linda Tancs
Carcassonne is a hilltop town in France known for its medieval citadel, La Cité, comprising numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where the town stands. Take a guided tour of the ramparts for the best experience of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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A Legendary Wine Trail
By Linda Tancs
Officially launched as a tourist trail in 1953, France’s Alsace Wine Route winds its way through 105 miles of picturesque towns, hills and vineyards from the north to the south of the region. The route is especially enjoyed by cyclists along the adjacent Vineyard Cycle Route. Beyond the beauty is plenty of history, including the fact that the world’s oldest wine is found in Alsace. Dating from 1472, it’s located in the historic wine cellar at the Hospices de Strasbourg. Reputedly still drinkable, the remnants in the barrel have survived fires and two world wars.
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Napoleon’s Place in the Country
By Linda Tancs
Now a museum-château, Malmaison was the private residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine from 1799 to 1814. Just half an hour from Paris, it was their country getaway. After the couple divorced, it remained Joséphine’s residence until her death, where she cultivated the gardens still enjoyed today. Be sure to see the black swans in the small pond at the back of the house. In addition to the natural surroundings, the well-preserved home boasts an important historical art collection and exquisite furniture.
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The Champagne Route
By Linda Tancs
The Champagne Route in France stretches for about 435 miles across the Grand Est region. Its epicenter is arguably Reims, where you’ll find some of the largest and most celebrated champagne houses, many of which are open for tours and tastings. A key attraction is Domaine Pommery, covering 123 acres and 11 miles of cellars and tunnels. You’ll even see underground cathedrals dating from the Gallo-Roman era, some of which have monumental bas-reliefs sculpted in chalk. Chalk is a unique feature of the region, and houses like Pommery are fortunate to have their cellars buried in historic chalk pits. Get there via a 45-minute train ride from Paris.
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Inspiring Views of Brittany
By Linda Tancs
The sandstone cliffs of Cap Fréhel offer one of the most beautiful views of Brittany in northwestern France. Those cliffs are also home to many seabirds, including a very small community of the rare razorbill. For the best views of sea, sand, cliffs and birds take the coastal path between the cape and Fort La Latte, a gorgeous castle that has served as the backdrop for many films. Your hour-long walk will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the castle keep. The castle is open through October.
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France’s Little Ireland
By Linda Tancs
Situated in the Manche département, the Cotentin Peninsula is a peninsula in Normandy that forms part of the northwest coast of France. It’s affectionately known as France’s “little Ireland” due to its Ireland-like landscape boasting green countryside dotted with sheep, quaint villages and a rugged coastline. Among the many gems in the area are D-Day sites like the Utah Beach Museum, picturesque harbor towns like Quinéville and Barfleur and UNESCO-designated fortifications at Vauban. The Normandy Discovery Pass offers unlimited travel over two days for two people on all intra-Normandy journeys by train or Nomad coach. You can reach the area by car or train from Paris as well or via ferry from England or Ireland.
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Seaside Chic in Normandy
By Linda Tancs
Emerging from the sand dunes in the 1860s, Deauville is a fashionable seaside resort in Normandy, France. Its well-established pastimes include horseracing, polo, golf and high-end shopping—that is, when you’re not enjoying the beach and its iconic wooden boardwalk. This time of year, though, the locale takes center stage for the annual Deauville American Film Festival. Established in 1975, the festival celebrates American cinema. This year’s event runs through September 15.
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The History of Iron
By Linda Tancs
Located in Montaigu Park in Jarville-la-Malgrange, Le Féru des Sciences in northeastern France invites visitors to learn about how iron has been used through the ages and particularly in the region. You’ll discover how iron ore is mined and how iron is made, follow the history of iron and steel in the region and discover its innovations. The Forge Garden outside provides a pleasant respite and features installations and artifacts like an old section of staircase from the Eiffel Tower.
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The French Tuscany
By Linda Tancs
Sometimes referred to as “the French Tuscany,” Uzès is a medieval town in the Eure Valley with narrow, cobblestone streets and winding roads that date back to the Roman occupation in the first century. In fact, the quaint town was the origination point of a Roman aqueduct that carried water to Nîmes. The centerpiece of that engineering marvel, Pont du Gard, still stands and is the most-visited monument in France dating from antiquity. A footpath will take you around the remains of the aqueduct and some superb viewpoints.
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Pearl of the French Alps
By Linda Tancs
Annecy is affectionately referred to as the Pearl of the French Alps. The prized appellation owes as much to the purity of its lake’s drinking water as it does to the scenery. In fact, Lake Annecy (the second-largest natural lake in France) ranks first in Europe for the purity of its waters. Historically, the town was the capital of the Duchy of Geneva, a division of the Duchy of Savoy, which became part of France in 1860. Now the principal city of the Haute-Savoie region, the picturesque town just shy of the Swiss border is surrounded by mountains ringing its famous lake. Enjoy the activities that the lake has to offer, like pedal boating, cruising, sailing and even two nature reserves on the eastern and southern shores.
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