These three getaways are just within a radius of 1.5 hours travel time and yet they offer such a fantastic experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Though Paris is a romantic city and there’s always something exciting going on, admit it that you need a break and a breath of fresh air to stay grounded and keep your perspectives. These weekend getaways from Paris can renew your mind, body and spirit and introduce you to a world of possibilities outside the city limits.
These three weekend getaways could be interesting for residents in Paris as well as tourists coming to the city and looking to explore surrounding areas:
- Etretat
- Loire Valley
- Reims
How to get there?
It’s easy to take a quick trip by car or train from Paris and know a little bit more about these beautiful towns.
- Etretat
Where?
Etretat part of Normandy (North western France ) is a historic part of France that has been a significant place throughout the ages. Etretat or popularly known as the Falaises (the cliffs) is one of the most breathtaking views you can get.
Weather
It is quite windy throughout the year. Minimum temperature can be as low as 4° in the winter months and in summer months can range between 20° and 22°.
Best time to visit
Obviously if you want to enjoy lazing around the cliffs with some spectacular photographs or take a dip in the sea or just hang out in the pebble beaches, the best time to go is in July and August.
Must See Must Do!
The most important attraction is the chalk cliffs of Normandy with their natural arches and pointed formation called the L’Aiguille or The Needle. Some of the cliffs are high as 300 Ft. These cliffs attracted artists including Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet and have been inspirations to many impressionists. They were also featured prominently in the 1909 novel The Hollow Needle and the 2014 movie Lucy. You can go for some stunning walks along the cliff tops, enjoy the sunset or just lie on the velvet grass floor with just the blue skyroof and turquoise waters for company. And at night, the cliffs are magically lit up which makes it an unforgettable memory. The gardens of Etretat close by are also something that need to be visited. The blend of landscape and land art sculptures makes it a delight for both garden and art lovers. There is more to Etretat than the cliff formations and thick pebble beach; The town itself is full of charm and the remarkable wooden covered markets stand out. Le Clos Lupin, a typical old villa conceals mysteries for visitors while the churches around Etretat add to its charm.
Shop For
Souvenirs like shell craft, pebble art and beach side paintings are very popular here.
Eat Here
You can enjoy some authentic apple cider and calvados (apple brandy)here, coupled with fresh mussels and potato fries, this indeed enhances the authentic experience. Caramel toffees are a specialty here.
- Loire Valley
Where?
Located in the middle stretch of the Loire river in central France, the area of the Loire Valley comprises about 800 square kilometers. It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards such as cherries and artichoke and asparagus fields, which line the banks of the river.
Weather
The climate is favourable most of the year, the river often acting as a demarcation between France’s Northern and Southern climate. Minimum temperature can be as low as 2° in the winter months and in summer months can range between 21° and 24°.
Best time to visit
The climate can be cool with springtime frost while the wine harvest months may have rain, but they are good times to visit. The best time is in summer –July and August when the temperatures are warmer with cool breeze because of the Atlantic influence.
Must See Must Do!
Notable for its historic towns, architecture and wines, the valley has been added to the list of World heritage sites in 2009 by UNESCO. The architectural heritage in the valley is famous, especially the Chateaux, or the castles such as Chateau d’Amboise, Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Villandry etc and their spectacular gardens are truly a must visit . There are more than 300 castles, most of them a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and many built on top of hills. You can take a wine tour at Bouvet- Ladoubay or get an aerial tour over Amboise through a hot air balloon ride, the incredible views will want you hanging in there forever. This will surely make one open their hearts to an unending sky of dreams. For those who would like to have a sporty trip, traverse the valley and its countryside by bicycle, passing through adorable towns, copious historical sites and scenic paths.
Shop For
Needless to say, a bottle of local wine should be on your shopping list. Other souvenirs like Faience pottery, wicker baskets and other hand made goods are popular.
Eat Here
The valley is one of the world’s well-known areas of wine production and includes several French wine regions situated along the river. Loire wines tend to exhibit a characteristic fruitiness with fresh, crisp flavors, so there’s nothing like experiencing a wine tour and tasting some of the finest French wines. Goat cheese and a box of pralines are also some things that you can try.
- Reims
Where?
Located in North East of France, Reims is in the region of Champagne-Ardenne.
Weather
In Reims the summers are short, comfortable and partly cloudy and the winters are very cold, windy and mostly cloudy. Minimum temperature can be as low as 0° in winter and in summer months can range between 21° and 25°.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit for warm weather activities is from mid-June to early September.
Must See Must Do!
At the site of 900 years’ worth of coronations, it’s almost mind blowing to think of all the historical figures that have passed through the Reims Cathedral. It’s a 13th century sculpture with its own story to tell, as it was beheaded during the German bombing of 1914 and the fragments became a famous piece of anti-German propaganda within France. And for art lovers, in the apse you can find unparalleled stained glass windows. This towering structure from centuries ago does take your breath way. Also, the Palace Tau next door where the Cathedral’s treasury is kept is something that cannot be missed. On display is an astonishing assortment of tapestries, reliquaries and statues. The other site that one cannot help notice is Porte de Mars, there isn’t a great deal of Reims’ Roman history surviving but this arch in Place de la Republique is still going strong and is the largest Roman arch in the world. One of the reasons it has remained intact is that it was a city gate and then part of a medieval castle for Reims’ archbishops. Reims is also famous for a lot of museums like fine arts museum, war museum and automobile museum. The automobile museum has 230 cars on display, some of them are limited editions and among the last remaining models in the world and the oldest vehicle dates to 1908. There is also an extensive bike collection and whopping selection of 500 miniature and toy cars.
Shop For
Vesle Street is a paradise for those who love shopping – clothing, lingerie, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes and more. Gourmet cuts of meats, cheese and chocolates are also some of the things you can buy here.
Eat Here
Reims is the champagne region of France and famous for the sparkling beverage we all know and love. Take a tour at Pommery or Veuve de Clicquot and taste the champagne stored in the caves there.
Paris may be the heart of France but there is an entire body of French culture out there to explore on these weekend getaways. So those of you planning a trip to Paris, don’t forget to block a couple of days for exploring the surrounding areas and discover a French adventure of your own. Paris is always a good idea but France is much more than Paris!! A bientôt!
[The writer is an avid traveller and a HR professional currently based in Paris]