The other side of France—with the kind of stays you’ll still be dreaming about next year.
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to do Paris. (Yes, we said it. And no, we’re not sorry.)
We love the City of Light as much as the next travel lover, but there’s a France that lives beyond café chairs and postcard views. One where wine is poured straight from the vineyard, castles have moats (real ones), and the coast is lined with oyster shacks instead of souvenir stalls.
The kicker? These places are close—like day trip close. So you can still do Paris and feel like you’ve uncovered the France your friends didn’t post about.
Let’s skip the obvious and head to the places that feel like your own personal discovery.
Burgundy
Think: cobbled villages, canal strolls, and red wine you actually remember the name of.
Stay: Château Sainte Sabine
Set between Dijon and Beaune, this 17th-century château is quietly regal—with fairytale charm, countryside views, and an actual moat. Dinner is divine, but never fussy. From £180/night.
While you’re here:
- Sip your way through Côte de Nuits
- Wander Dijon (yes, like the mustard)
- Pack a picnic for the grounds of Château de la Rochepot
Bordeaux & Arcachon Coast
The ultimate two-in-one: vineyard bliss and breezy beach days.
Stay coastal: Ha(a)itza, Pyla-sur-Mer
Understated, stylish, and just inland from the bay. Great for oyster-fueled afternoons and poolside lounging. From £250/night.
Also stay inland: Les Sources de Caudalie
A vineyard retreat straight out of a wine lover’s dream—spa, stars (Michelin and celestial), and bikes to cruise the château trail. From £330/night.
Eat at:
- Chez Hortense: Mussels, fries, and zero pretense in Cap Ferret
- Le Bouchon du Ferret: Barefoot luxury + cold rosé
- La Tupina (Bordeaux): Comforting, wood-fired, and worth the detour
- La Grand’Vigne: Romance, refined plates, and vineyard views
Normandy
Where coastal charm meets deep history—and the food is quietly excellent.
Stay: Château d’Audrieu
An 18th-century stunner between the D-Day beaches and Bayeux. Classic in the best way. From £230/night.
Or check in:
- Château La Chenevière: French country magic, modern ease
- Hotel Saint-Delis (Honfleur): Artistic and intimate
- La Ferme Saint-Siméon: Where Monet found his muse—and now, so can you
Visit:
- Bayeux (yes, see the tapestry—but stay for the charm)
- Étretat’s dramatic cliffs and surreal garden sculptures
- Honfleur’s half-timbered harbor scenes
- Deauville’s retro glam boardwalk
- Monet’s gardens in Giverny (especially in bloom)
Eat:
- La Rapière: Cozy and seafood-forward
- L’Huîtrière: Harbor oysters and harbor views
- Le Spinnaker: Beachy elegance with a modern menu
Just Outside Paris
For when you want château energy without leaving the Paris orbit.
Stay: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay
A 12th-century abbey turned luxury hideaway. Just 45 minutes outside Paris, but a world away from the bustle. From £200/night.
Think: Cloister courtyards, lazy lake afternoons, and candles flickering over dinner in the former monastery dining room.
Champagne
Where the bubbles come with vineyard views and Belle Époque brunches.
Stay:
- Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa: Sleek, serene, and spa-happy
- Château de Sacy: A boutique perch with a romantic edge
Savour:
- Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery—big names with big cellars
- Leclerc Briant—smaller house, bigger heart
- Dom Pérignon’s village, Hautvillers—quiet and charming
- Brasserie Excelsior for foie gras and old-world flair
- Reims Cathedral for the wow factor (and the history)
Your French Itinerary Remix
We’re not saying skip Paris entirely (unless you want to). But do this:
Start in Paris.
Eat, admire, wander.
Then hop on a train and go further.
- To Burgundy: 1.5 hours
- To Normandy: 2 hours
- To Bordeaux: 2 hours
- To Champagne: 45 minutes
- To Arcachon Coast: 3 hours (with a breezy transfer)
Mix and match depending on your mood: vineyard romance, coastal escape, or château-core getaway. You’ll come home feeling like you saw the real France.
Ready to Plan?
Whether you’re craving red wine naps in Burgundy or oysters by the Atlantic, we’ll curate the dream—perks, upgrades, and those pinch-me moments included.
Our Perks typically include; a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, £75+ hotel credit to spend and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Reach out to plan your trip here.
Trust us: skipping Paris never felt so chic.
Bon voyage, WeGalavant
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