We are taking a lifetime 10 day trip in October 2015 and will make Paris the focal point of our trip. I would like to take car/train through the french countryside am looking for ideas for various villages that are "off the beaten path" or lesser known that scream french culture and are beautiful. Looking to spend a couple of days outside of Paris at a couple of these villages. I have in my head staying in a french chateau and walking down cobblestone streets and sitting at an old school cafe and sipping wine or coffee. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Posted by
Texas
5 posts
Several years back we went to Paris, then took high speed train down to Avignon and travelled 10 days around the south in Provence.Rented car in Avignon.
Wonderful places to see: Orange, Chataneuff de Pape, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Uzes- great medieval town to wander, Arles- 2days!!, Les Baux, St Remy-( Chateau de Roussan) , Isle L'Sorgue for antiques.Then on to Aix en Provence to get down to seaside Cassis and Bandol.Then to charming towns of Loumarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, Gordes and back to Avignon and Paris.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
midwest,
You don't say how you are traveling, car or train. That will help us provide more useful advice.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Check out Perouges. Beautiful village which meets your criteria.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I've heard of chateux hotels in the Loire, and some of the towns are genuinely charming. You'll find cafes all over France.
Note that "chateau" can cover a lot of historical ground, If what you yearn for is the real Renaissance deal, make sure you do not book a 19th century mansion.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
Barbizon is one hour outside Paris and meets your criteria.
Posted by
105 posts
Try Blois...charming.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Blois is a nice city with a great, underrated, chateau, but I wouldn't call it a village by any stretch. Don't know Barbizon but you can take Bets' advice to the bank!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
"villages" usually do not have train service.. so yes.. rent a car..
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much for your replies thus far. My intent would be to rent a car for a couple of days for this trip outside of Paris. My feeling is that driving through the French countryside to reach these destinations would be half of the fun :)