Our party of 4 is traveling to France this April and we have booked Hotel Linbergh in the St-Germain-des-Pres area by the Latin Quarter for our 5 day home base in Paris. From there we will be renting a car and staying in Normandy and St. Mitchel. Does anyone have recommendations on where to visit/stay between St. Mitchel and Lourdes, France that is a Must See and Stay?
Kathy
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
If you mean Le Mont St Michel (Manche, Basse Normandie), and Lourdes (Hautes Pyrenees, Midi-Pyrenees) that's about the length of the whole Atlantic coast. How about a couple of clues about interests? How long to you have to spend along the way?
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
207 posts
Yes, that is correct. We love history, great little towns to stay. We were thinking about staying in Bordeaux but Rick Steve's says Boring!!
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
Nothing wrong with Bordeaux at all if you like cities. We were there last April, and will be there in 2 1/2 weeks.
If you'd prefer villages, check out Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (http://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/en). There are plenty of them on your route.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Bordeaux isn't a little town. Not everbody shares Mr Steves' opinion of the place. There's lots of small places withing striking distance, especially if you like wine towns. La Rochelle isn't small either, but it's an excellent example of a walled port. If you want to lose yourself, Bazas is off of the track. There's lots of places like that.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I do not believe in Must Sees, but based on your preferences you might like the many stunning hill towns of the Dordogne and Lot valleys. It's a detour from MSM, but not a big one. Quite a drive from MSM so you might want to break up that leg of the trip.
Posted by
Portland
3590 posts
Why don't you take a look at Arcachon? It's on the coast, pretty much directly east of Bordeaux. The Dune du Pilat, largest sand dune in Europe, is close by and an awesome sight. The town itself has an amazing array of 19th century villas, built as second homes, in a riot of architectural styles. You can get a walking tour from the TI office that is inexpensive and very good.
We also liked the Basque area, especially Bayonne. It has a somewhat different history and culture from the rest of France. The Basques specialize in good food. Of course, the French do, too; but Basque food is different. We actually stayed in a small village, Sare, in the hills a bit inland.