France Beyond the Highways

With this itinerary, you get the best that France has to offer, beyond the major highways.

Start by driving to Honfleur, a beautiful and charming village in Normandy. Here you can easily spend half a day walking around and looking at the beautiful houses, but you can also go on exciting excursions.

Not far from Honfleur are the limestone cliffs of Etretat, war memorials such as Omaha Beach, and charming small Calvados producers like Christian Drouin. If you are interested in food, you can also visit the small village of Camembert, which is home to the Musee de Camembert, a museum entirely dedicated to cheese.

Continue on to the small town of Vitré. Here you have a beautiful city with a grand castle. Be sure to eat a Galette, a local pancake made from buckwheat, which usually has a hearty filling. From Vitré you can easily drive to the Mont-Saint-Michel monastery or to the Christian Dior museum in Granville.

From Vitré you can continue down the west coast to the metropolis of Bordeaux. Spend a day or two walking around the old town and visit the exciting and innovative museum La Cite du Vin.

Just a few miles from Bordeaux you will find your next stop, the wine region of Saint-Emilion. Stay for example in the middle of the vineyards at Chateau La Grande Clotte and don't miss a tour with an electric bike along the vineyards.

After you feel satisfied with the vineyards, continue north to Azay-Le-Rideau. If you are interested in World War II, you can make a stop in Oradour-Sur-Glane, a village that was completely destroyed by the Germans during World War II. When you then arrive in Azay-Le-Rideau, you are in the heart of the Loire Valley, known for its white wine and its beautiful castles. The village of Azay-Le-Rideau itself is home to many cozy cafes and restaurants.

The last stop in France is the city of Troyes. Just before you get here, however, you should stop in the small village of Montgueux, the only one in this area that produces real Champagne. Montgueux champagne is often not available at the liquor store and is therefore an extra good souvenir. Then check into your hotel in Troyes and go out on the town. The colorful city center invites you to take walks and the city's champagne bars may be particularly tempting for tastings. A perfect end to a wonderful trip!