Hi again! Still last minute planning our trip to France next month! We are leaving Paris on Dec. 29 and heading to Normandy and then to the Angers area (to see our son's study abroad University). We will have a car and are completely unplanned, flying out of Paris on Jan 5. Thinking we'll stay in the Normandy/ Brittany/ Loire area for that week, but would love less-traveled recommendations. And where to spend New Year's? Thank you!
Posted by
3122 posts
Angers is way, way at the western end of the Loire region which could be great because it's less touristed. You'll just need to check for things that are closed in winter. For example, in Saumur the famous Cadre Noir riding school is only open to the public from Feb to November, and they have a special show this December but it is in Tours and it's earlier in the month (Dec 15, 16, & 17).
In Normandy are you visiting the D-Day beaches, or...? It will be cold along the coast, but you already knew that I'm sure. If you're thinking of spending New Year's at Mont St. Michel you should check bookings ASAP.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6563 posts
All I can offer is that the weather in the Loire Valley is likely to be marginally better than in Normandy. Have a wonderful trip.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10239 posts
Wherever you plan to go for New Year's Eve, look up your restaurant and reserve now. That's a gala evening, costs more, and books up. Otherwise, you'll be eating cold pâté on an old baguette and drinking wine out of the bathroom glass in your hotel room. This is particularly true in the provinces in winter.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks, everyone! I do NOT want to be eating cold paté and drinking wine from my plastic hotel cup on New Years. Great warning. Off to do some Googling now. ; )
L
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Bets, you're criticizing my standard travel meal. :-)