Hello I was wondering how I can best enjoy France outside of Paris. I am already thinking of going to Avignon and Bordeaux, but I am also looking for that small-town French charm. What are some towns and activities that I might enjoy? (I am young and I enjoy walking, biking, eating, architecture and history.) Cheers!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
There are small towns of charm in every part of France. Biking is possible anywhere and is an especially good way to explore the countryside. I spent a week on a bike in Burgundy and loved it (and it would meet all your criteria, and it's not far from Paris), but I think with planning you could have an experience of similar quality elsewhere too.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
If you like biking then possibly you might enjoy the Canal du Midi in southern France. If you're in Avignon you can find beautiful parts of the canal about 90 minutes west from there (faster if you're travelling by train - there is a station in Agde right next to the canal). The canal runs for several hundred miles beginning at the Mediterranean in the town of Agde, heads west and follows up towards Carcassonne. There are old tow paths that run the length of the canal and you can ride for miles under the beautiful old plane trees, along fields, and stop to eat in one of many of villages along the way...lots of beautiful countryside mixed with villages and larger towns. We spent a summer in this part of France and one of the great joys of our trip was biking along different sections of the canal. There are many B&Bs along the canal if you want to take an extended ride over several days. Just google "canal du midi b&b" and you'll see lots of options. Several of the towns that we have found interesting in this area are Pezenas, Beziers, Narbonne but there are so many to explore besides these. Have fun...you really can't go wrong in any part of France!