Carpe diem: even those who haven't seen “The Dead Poets Society” are familiar with this Latin phrase meaning “Pick the day without worrying about tomorrow”. And if there's one country where the philosopher Horace's invitation to enjoy life's pleasures has been heeded, it's France. Here, the pleasures of the eyes, the mind and the palate have plenty to offer, as this (small) selection illustrates.
Molière's homeland could well have inspired the Roman philosopher's famous “carpe diem”, for although Gaul was not yet the world's 1st tourist destination in antiquity, its art of living was already appreciated.
A way of life directly inspired by another ancient philosopher: Epicurus, to whom we owe Epicureanism, a doctrine that prioritizes the satisfaction of the body's needs.
Today, our bodies can easily travel the length and breadth of France to sample gourmet recipes, discover beautiful monuments or admire legendary works of art.
But how to choose? Here are a few ideas, and to find others, don't hesitate to use the Liligo travel comparison service, which not only simplifies your search for air, rail or car travel, but also offers a wide range of cheap tickets.
The Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint-Michel, Château de Versailles: while these monuments are world-famous, France's heritage is not limited to these 3 wonders. Others are also well worth a visit:
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace
An impregnable fortress in the Middle Ages, situated at an altitude of over 700 meters, it was largely burnt down in the 17th century and used as a hideout for brigands during a long period of abandonment.
The history of this building, which inspired Miyazaki, is full of twists and turns! Overlooking the Vosges mountains, this “King's castle” (in German) has weathered 9 centuries of conflict between France and its Germanic neighbor.
Today it offers visitors a beautiful journey through time, with its keep, towers, garden, dwelling and breathtaking panorama to contemplate while drinking a fine white wine from this prolific wine-growing region.
The medieval city of Carcassonne in Occitanie
Talking of majestic, grandiose and medieval, here's a construction made up of 3 km of ramparts (!), 52 towers, a castle, a basilica and an open-air theater. Erected in the 13th century, the city's origins date back to the Gallo-Roman period. Renovated by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, it has been a World Heritage Site since 1997.
Threatened with destruction on several occasions, this impressive example of medieval architecture is now a magnet for lovers of old stones and history, who can then enjoy an aperitif on the banks of the nearby Canal du Midi.
Lyon's International City of Gastronomy, Bordeaux's City of Wine: while these 2 cities epitomize French gastronomy, there are 2 others that should not be overlooked when it comes to fine dining:
Lille, the capital of Hauts-de-France
Welsh, Flemish carbonade, Potjevleesch, fricadelles, chicory au gratin... Lille's rich history has bequeathed us a wealth of culinary specialties that are best enjoyed in an estaminet, one of the region's simple, friendly restaurants and part of its cultural heritage. Authentic, hearty dishes designed to cope with the northern climate, but which can be enjoyed in any season, for example after a trip to Lille's “braderie” (where mussels and French fries are king) or after re-watching “Welcome to the Ch'tis to try the famous Maroilles cheese.
On a sweeter note, waffles from the Méert house (open since 1761!) or the delicate meringue cake Le Merveilleux are just as unmissable.
Bayonne, the pearl of the Basque Country
Head for Nouvelle-Aquitaine to discover other ancestral flavors. One of the stars of the kitchen is the aptly named basquaise’s chicken and its sauce seasoned with Espelette chilli pepper, the flagship condiment from the town of the same name, which also produces Axoa of lamb.
Other meat-based specialties popular in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region include Kintoa pork and the famous Bayonne ham.
Sweet tooths are not left out with the no less famous Basque cake and, since the 17th century, chocolate. A delicacy still developed today by numerous master chocolatiers ready to share their trade secrets with the curious.
Head for the Grand Ouest, with two regions that claim to be the birthplace of cider, and whose history, notably marked by their proximity/rivalry with England, attracts millions of visitors every year.
The Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany
Legend has it that this 12,000-hectare inland sea has as many islands as there are days in the year. A multitude of breathtaking viewpoints and over 180 km of coastal paths await walkers on Île-aux-Moines (the largest in the gulf) and its smaller sister islands, at least 40, some of which are still uninhabited. After discovering this unspoilt marine park, head for Vannes, the capital of Morbihan, classified as a Town of Art and History, or, to complete your discovery of Brittany's natural landscapes, to the Emerald Coast near Saint-Brieuc. The prefecture of the Côtes-d'Armor region is the ideal place to spend a gourmet weekend and immerse yourself in Brittany's many surprises.
Normandy
Speaking of surprises, the art world of the late 19th century was in for a big one when it discovered Impressionism. An artistic movement born in Normandy under the brushes of Eugène Boudin, the pioneer from Honfleur, and later developed (among others) by Claude Monet in his famous home of Giverny.
At the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen, works by one of Monet’s masters, Camille Corot, coexist with those of his classmate Edgard Degas, while other paintings from this movement that revolutionized art history can also be admired at the MuMa in Le Havre.
Four cities for an inspiring trip to Impressionist lands, at your own pace and based on itineraries centralized by Liligo, the free travel comparison service that lets you find the most economical means of transport and accommodation in just a few clicks.
Enjoy your trip(s)!
Valérie from Comme des Français
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Complementary ideas in 3 of the regions mentioned:
