If you’re going to France, you’re going to Paris…or so the world assumes. But there are so many brilliant cities and every type of adventure — or relaxation — to tempt you outside the French capital. Buckle up; this is your crash course for exploring France sans Paris.
point me to the castles and history of northern France
Mont Saint-Michel is the stuff of study-abroad dreams. It’s an island abbey with tidal waters you’d do to avoid (the highest in continental Europe, with a difference of nearly 50 feet from low tide to high!), and the inspiration for the castle from Tangled (yes, really). While you’re there, be sure to try an omelette de la mère Poulard; it’s fluffy, eggy perfection.
Beyond Mont Saint-Michel, Brittany and Normandy offer seaside escapes, WWII history, and flawless seafood. If the tide is right, you can even go oyster picking. Pair with a crisp white wine, and it’s a recipe for true French joie de vivre.
point me to the gastronomy of central France
If you like wine — and even if you don’t — Burgundy holds plenty of appeal. Some of the best agriculture in the world is produced here, from truffles to cheese to wine. Pinot Noir, Aligoté, and Chardonnay (the latter two descending from Pinot Noir) are its most famous varietals, but don’t be monogamous; try everything that tempts you! It’s best to hire a guide, as finding smaller producers can be tough.
Lyon, “the gastronomic capital of the world,” awaits all those craving a foodie experience, whether that’s the intimacy of a bouchon (a bistro serving traditional local fare) or a Michelin-starred restaurant with state-of-the-art meals. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, you can find regional cow’s milk cheeses, poultry, crawfish, and wine from up and downstream. Tuck in and be sure to wish your neighbor “Bon appétit!”
point me to the sun-soaked south of France
For those that prefer a place to be active or laze about in the sun without the posh crowds of Saint-Tropez or Monaco, there’s the department of Ardèche in the southeast of France, a bit north of Marseille and Avignon.
Here, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails and gorges underneath imposing limestone arches. Bonus: You can swim in the natural pools between the gorges. The river water is clear to the bottom and refreshing after a hike!
point me to the best fares to France
While it’s typically cheapest and most convenient to fly into France’s capital city, there are dozens of airports outside of Paris that often have great deals as well. Either way, you can get around quite easily, whether driving or taking the country’s hyperfast Très Grande Vitesse (TGV trains) out of 2024’s Olympic city.
Economy fares to Paris can often be found for under 25,000 points each way, while business class fares typically start at 40,000-50,000 points each way. Join point.me to search 150+ airlines for the best availability and easily book your flight with points.
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