Corners of France worth visiting in 2024
Paris is gearing up to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, meaning that all eyes will be on France this year. During the summer, some of the capital's most iconic landmarks will serve as venues for sporting events, providing a unique opportunity to experience Paris in a new light. Beyond the usual tourist hubs, travelers can explore lesser-known destinations.
Venture to Burgundy to partake in a traditional rural wine festival or indulge in gourmet cuisine in the cowboy country of France. Immerse yourself in art in Occitania or spend a weekend like a local in a tranquil corner of Normandy. Throughout the year, you can also follow the Olympic torch as it journeys across the country or head south to witness the new Tour de France route, culminating in Nice. These insights were reported by yahoo.com.
Moreover, there are numerous new rail routes available, ranging from small local lines to revamped sleeper trains. Additionally, there's a proliferation of cycling routes and infrastructure, making it easier than ever to explore the French countryside.
Normandy's Le Perche region
Located in the southeastern part of Normandy, the Le Perche Nature Park has long been a hidden gem cherished by Parisian "bobos" (bourgeois bohemians). Many have acquired homes here, contributing to the emergence of a vibrant cultural scene amid the serene green landscape.
France, Orne
In Saint-Cyr-La-Rosiere, you'll discover Après l'école, a café/bar, antique market, and cultural venue housed in a former village school. The area is renowned for its thrift shops and charming village fairs in places like Bellemare and La Periere. You'll also find local food markets. Parisians especially love this neighborhood for its rustic charm. Consider embarking on a leisurely hike or bike ride in the area, which boasts over 100 former mansions and grand residences.
Where to stay and when to visit
Reserve a weekend getaway at Maison Ceronne, a chic renovated farmhouse tailored for the ultimate escape. Think sleek design, a serene spa and pool, a hearty restaurant offering seasonal dishes, and even a cinema and karaoke.
Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Burgundy
For wine enthusiasts, Burgundy's sights are likely already familiar. This year, there are numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the region's rich viticultural culture. The final week of January marks the 80th anniversary of St. Vincent Tournant, a delightful wine festival. This year, it will be held in the neighboring villages of Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis, nestled amidst fantastic hiking trails and vineyards stretching all the way to Dijon.
In the neighboring Chenoweth, you'll encounter the medieval winery of the Dukes of Burgundy. Wine aficionados will also appreciate the Hospices de Beaune auction, a prestigious wine sale held in November.
Jura
Venture a bit further east in the region, and you'll find yourself in the Jura, a relatively small wine region surrounding the mountains of the same name that extend across the Swiss border.
La Percée du Vin Jaune is a roving festival celebrating yellow wine, held in a different Jura village each year. In 2024, it will be hosted in Arbois. Winter invites skiing in the mountains, while summer beckons with hiking and water sports on the lakes.
Where to stay and when to visit
Experts recommend Hotel Montrachet in Puligny-Montrachet. Visit Burgundy in the final week of January for the Saint-Vincent Tournante. La Percée du Vin Jaune takes place during the first weekend of February. Spring and early summer are ideal for walks and hikes, while fall brings the wine harvest season.
Camargue, Southern France
One of the draws of France as a travel destination is its vast diversity of landscapes and terrains, and the Camargue exemplifies this. Situated between Arles and the Mediterranean Sea, this expanse of low-lying land is divided by the Rhone River and stands as one of Europe's largest river deltas and France's most extensive wetlands. It's a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 400 bird species. Here, you'll also encounter Camargue bulls and the iconic white Camargue horses, roaming freely.
Where to stay and when to visit
The southern French charm meets Highway 66 at Les Cabanettes, a renovated former motel sure to enchant Mid-Century aesthetics enthusiasts.
Nîmes and Arles, Occitania
Nîmes, a city in Occitania, is renowned for its magnificent Roman architecture, including a majestic amphitheater still used for bullfights. In the fall of 2023, the Maison Carrée (Square House), a Roman temple dating back to the second century AD, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional preservation.
In 2024, the Tour de France route will be modified to bypass Paris, bustling with the Olympic Games, and instead conclude in Nice, traversing parts of southern France, including Nîmes. Plan a visit in July during the final week of the Tour, commencing with the stage from Gruissan to Nîmes.
Where to stay and when to visit
For ultimate luxury, consider the five-star L'Imperator, while for historical charm, Margaret-Hotel Chouleur is a splendid choice. L'Amphitheatre offers budget-friendly accommodations.
Greater Paris, Île-de-France
The Olympic Village will be situated in Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris that has sometimes faced criticism. Thanks to the new metro line 14, the cluster of neighboring suburbs comprising this part of the "petite couronne" is now more accessible than ever. Cultural and artistic activities abound in the area, from the antique markets of Saint-Ouen to the Zone Sensible urban farm in Saint-Denis, or the bars lining the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq, often dubbed "Paris' Brooklyn." With skyrocketing hotel prices in the city center and the multitude of events taking place here, it's an ideal time to explore "le Grand Paris."
Indeed, there are numerous exciting events occurring throughout the Paris region. Alternatively, consider combining your urban excursion with a stay at a picturesque boutique hotel, such as the restaurant-centric Le Doyenné in Essonne to the east of Paris, Le Barn in Rambouillet behind Versailles, or the magnificent Château de Rosa Bonheur with its delightful rooms and artistic heritage in Thomery, Fontainebleau.
Where to Stay and When to Visit
Experience the trendy ambiance of the Mob Hotel in Saint-Ouen, located right next to the historic flea market. There's plenty to discover in Le Grand Paris year-round, but summer, of course, is the season for all things Olympic. Spring offers an ideal opportunity to explore the nearby countryside.