Normandy

Everyone knows that Paris is the city of love! It draws thousands of visitors every year to indulge on its romantic charm, exquisite cuisine, and rich history. But did you know that there is more to France than just Paris? While Paris is fantastic and I recommend it to anyone for dreamy getaway, there are more locations in France that love birds my want to flock to.

For those seeking to decompress in luxury during a getaway in the countryside, the Loire Valley is the ideal place to be. This is home to chateaus a plenty, rolling vineyard hills, and plenty of small towns boasting authentic French culture. There is no better place to unwind after the stress of a wedding and focus solely on quality time with your person. Couples that want more of a city feel but maybe not quite as hustle and bustle as Paris, look no further than Bordeaux. Bordeaux is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in France, making navigating extremely easy.

It also offers several options for entertainment including museums, art galleries, wineries, nightlife and plenty of incredible restaurants to choose from. Bordeaux can also proudly claim the largest water mirror in the world! A must see when visiting! If city lights or dark, starry skies aren't enough, there is always the escape to sun and sea in the French Riviera - Nice to be exact! Miles of private and public beaches just off the boardwalk create the ultimate picturesque beach town. After a day on the beach, indulge in a variety of different cuisines such as fresh seafood or authentic Italian dishes (due to Nice's close proximity to Italy)! There is never a shortage of activities in Nice - Boating excursions, shopping in the marketplace, nightlife, and day trips to the medieval cities of Eze, Antibes, Cannes and St. Paul de Vence as well as the rich country of Monaco!

The Normandy coast is a magical place full of history and beauty. Whether exploring the DDay beaches, paying respects at the American cemetery, learning about France's past at the Musée de la Paix, visiting the historic Bayeux tapestry or reveling in the alabaster coast and cliffs of Étretat, the Normandy coast has a lot to offer. Each trip to this hallowed land brings a new personal revelation. It is a must visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Normandy is a place that can hold the interest of adults and teens alike. Because of its poignant WW2 history, it has educational value outside of the typical museum environment. Yet with its cheeses and pastries, abbeys and churches, cobblestoned streets and ciders, it can also be a fun and a memorable introduction to Europe for tweens and teens. The coast is rugged, the towns quaint and the areas in between show the real workings of France, the agriculture and wildlife, civilians and tradespeople (cidermakers, potters, lacemakers, metal forgers and bakers). Consider going during the off season; while Wintertime in Europe can be a bit rainy and colder, it also means fewer tourists (and November/December have the added bonus of beautiful Christmas decorations).