Although a famous picture spot, the Eiffel tower in Paris isn’t the only beautiful place you can visit in France. There are a lot of other places you can go to in order to learn the customs and way of life in the country. Some of the staff members and professors of Alliance Française de Kathmandou have come together to tell us about the places they think everyone should visit when you are in France.
A day in Paris
Sashi Karki completed his internship in Paris and says that his favorite place in the city is the Louvre museum. One of the most famous destinations in Europe, there are a lot of places you can visit in Paris. From the Eiffel tower to Notre Dame, there is much to do and see. Champs Elysees is a road where you can find all the top brands from all over the world and makes for one of the best walks in the city. It is also named the most beautiful avenue in the world and is a 1.9 km stretch between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. Visit the small local cafes that are situated in the footpaths and eat lots of croissants and baguettes. While in Paris, don’t forget to enjoy its nightlife. You can also drive to Disneyland and Chateau de Versailles.
The old town of Poitiers
University of Poitiers is where Sashi completed his studies from and he says that it is the best city for a student. This city is cheaper in comparison to Paris and has people from all over the world. Here you will also get to learn about different cultures and customs. Nearby is a Futuroscope, a French theme park, where you can enjoy a leisurely day with your family and friends.
Grenoble – The Capital of the Alps
There are a lot of museums you can visit when in Grenoble, says Rijendra Shrestha. The archeological museum, Musée de Grenoble, Musée dauphinois are some of the places you have to visit. You should also visit the Bastille and Parc Naturel while you are here. It looks a lot like Kathmandu, apart from the fact that it is a lot better maintained. Don’t miss out on skating and rollerblading around town when you are here. If you are up for a little bit of adventure, go on a hike as there are many trails to go on. Also, try the fruits. They are fresh and delicious.
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The port city of Toulon
The city is mostly known for its traditional Provencal markets that are held every morning from 7:30 am till 12:30 pm. Travel to the market to get a taste of a typical life of a local. The local cheese and fresh fruits are two of the many things that you should definitely try here. The festival of music held during the summer offers classical music concerts and operas playing the compositions of Beethoven and Mozart. Most people, specially students, come here for holidays and to experience the local way of life.
Toulouse – Europe’s pink city
Nicolas Pubill was born in the city of Toulouse that is located in the south west of France. This city is close to the mountains as well as the Mediterranean sea, both of which are a mere two hours drive from the city. It is a really nice place to visit during the summer season. You can walk along the banks of the river Garonne. Although a bustling city, it is quite easy to find relaxing places to enjoy. While you are here, Nicolas suggests you go watch a game of rugby on a weekend. The local team is really good and the atmosphere is great as well. Cassoulet is a famous dish that you shouldn’t miss while here. It is a slow cooked dish with meat, beans, and sometime sausages too. Also because the city is famous for violet flowers, they have alcoholic drinks and desserts made from it that you shouldn’t miss out on.
The commune ofCordes-sur-Ciel
This town won the award of favorite small town in France in 2014, through a popular TV show. It is only an hour away from Toulouse. It’s a small, typical, fortified French town. There isn’t much to do in the city apart from laying back and relaxing. Hangout at a café and observe the day-to-day activities of the local people. Try Chateau Montels while you are here, it’s a sweet wine. There are also many vineyards around town that you can visit and sample wines at during your stay here. During the summer, they also have a medieval festival that you can enjoy.
The cultural region of Brittany
Brittany is a very special place located in the north, says Charlotte Tassel. The pink granite coast is a very rare and famous place. There are only three places in the world with pink granite. The colors of the rock, the sea and the sky come alive during the sunset, making everything breathtakingly beautiful. You can take small hikes around Ploumanac’h. Take a boat out into the sea and you might see dolphins and seals as well. Saint Malo is another place you should visit while you are here. It’s a touristy port surrounded by the sea. At an old castle you will see lots of ancient boats tied around. This is one of the most famous party places in the region.
For food loves, the seafood here is a must try. Try oysters, scallop shells, crabs and lobsters just fresh out of the water. Sample the Galette that is a pancake stuffed with seafood and ham. It is often accompanied by apple cider. Try the ice cream at Le Sanchez that has many varieties of different flavors available.
The great dune of Pyla
La Dune du Pyla or Dune du Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe. You have to climb a small hill of 50 to 60 meters to reach the beach. The hike up the dune, although not that long, feels like an achievement in the heat. It feels amazing to dive into the hot, clear water after the hike. You will see a lot of young people here especially during the holidays so be prepared for an overenthusiastic crowd. The dune is surrounded by pine trees and it makes for a breathtaking scenic escape.
Mont Saint-Michel – The gravity defying medieval monastery
Mont Saint-Michel is a monastery on an island only 600 meters away from the main land. It is the second most popular destination in France, says Niranjan Neupane. There is a big church up on the hill, which is surrounded by the sea once a year for a few hours, making for a sight you will never forget. It’s a place that is also famous for crepe and there are lots of varieties available in this area.
Being a vegetarian, he says that it isn’t hard to eat in France. They have such a wide variety of food available that there is something for everybody. He also mentions that the salt meadow lamb is one of the most popular local dishes here. As the name indicates, the sheep graze in meadows that are bathed in salty seawater during high tide. These lambs are considered a local delicacy.
The alpine town of Annecy
Located near Switzerland, Annecy will remind you quite a bit of Pokhara. Lake Annecy is a clear water lake that is surrounded by small mountains. You can see different colored fish darting about, below the surface of the lake and the variety and the colors are mesmerizing. You can rent a motorboat to take into the lake. They will also teach you how to ride it and then you can go around by yourself. You can also opt to cycle around the lake and have a picnic under the trees at the meadows surrounding the lakes. When you are here, make sure you eat Raclette. It is a semi- hard cow’s milk cheese that is eaten with potatoes, ham, dried meat, and pickled onions.
