Did you ever look at a country and just want to discover it all, but don’t know how to break it down?
I will help you with that because I am the same way and I make a trip a journey!
Actually, I have my eye on 3 destination-focused journeys to discover France to both regions and then cities.
Travel has to be accomplished in small digestible packets, not large lump sums.
To Discover France, you’ve got to go region by region.
Next city by city.
Then, you can begin to discover France through its plentiful destinations and cultures.
Timing is everything so read on, plan ahead and knock the dust off your passport, it’s time to Discover France!
I Want To Discover France
Since this whole lockdown thing has been in effect, I’ve dug deeper into my passion; traveling.
Before I travel, I research.
Why?
I want to discover and uncover any area I travel to as thoroughly as possible.
Otherwise, the trip does not deserve a checkmark off my world map of personal travel.
Therefore to Discover France, it’s got to be a destination-focused journey series.
Discover Travel Differently
Discover France Map Flag On Map 1 1
I travel to learn and understand our world.
To do this, I read, and decide to explore more.
Experience as a travel writer has taught me if you blink, you miss.
Additionally, as a seasoned pro, I prefer to be around others that are there to learn, gasp in awe, and really become part of the culture.
With this frame of mind, I do believe the only choice for a well-rounded, meticulously flawless itinerary is Viking.
No, they are not paying me to write this or sponsoring it, this is my opinion.
My travel life has provided a lot of experiences and let’s just say, some are better left unsaid and no cruises are like a Viking Cruise or A Viking Rivier Cruise.
TIP for the Seasoned Traveler for destination-focused Journeys To Discover France
Perhaps more than one river cruise to capture many different areas.
Once you have arrived in France, Discover France, and its regions through a few of the Viking River Cruises.
In fact, taking 3 separate voyages that don’t overlap is a great idea.
While I learned about doing this from another lady while Cruising on the ocean, I totally vibe with what she does and agree it’s a great way to see the world.
Movies & Scenery & Why I Want To Discover France
As long as I’ve watched the movie ‘Sabrina’ and maybe even before that, I’ve wanted to discover France.
My love of French music, a pang to ride on the waterways, as well as my love of French wines all, culminate and create a reason to discover France.
But there’s more, so much more that I’ve begun to consider.
Difference regions offer different wines and destinations that should be seen.
From the beaches to artwork, classical art museums, famed shopping districts, and Alpine villages the destinations, journeys, and cultures in France are there for the indulgence.
However, with so much to see and do, breaking the trip of a lifetime (or a few different journeys on a trip of the lifetime) may be more prudent.
3 Destination-Focused Journeys To Discover France
Chateaux Rivers & Wine to Discover France
When seeking an adventure, I look for the best way to capture as much as possible in a shorter amount of time.
A River Cruise is the perfect way to really dive into destination and culture.
From what I’ve discovered, this 8-day journey will be plentiful in the deep introduction to Bordeaux the capital of New Aquitaine.
Exploration on my own, as well as an escorted evening, walks on location.
As I’ve mentioned before, my bucket list for traveling always includes at least one visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site and its port on the Garonne River meets that!
Bordeaux by morning and afternoon
Discover France vineyards
While I Discover France within Bordeaux, I will be able to see Place Des Quinconces, as well as churches.
There’s an incredible pedestrian area only and my feet will do some walking to see everything from storefronts to wine up close and personal.
Then, to carry upstream via the Garonne River to Cadillac, the famed towering castle awaits.
Across the river, I can experience a jaunt to Sauternes where countryside hills are blanketed by vineyards.
Naturally, French wine sampling will be a part of the adventure.
More Wine & Culinary Experiences to Discover France in Libourne
Libourne offers many plentiful options for wine-tasting as well as truffles.
Additionally, a visit to yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, Saint-Émilion.
Since the medieval time period fascinates me, this will be spot on with my likes.
The rest of the journey carries on through Bourg and Blay France and to Pauillac before ending back in Bordeaux.
Full immersion, fast!
Walking, touring, tasting, experiencing, and listening.
In fact, it’s a great way to take in a lot at one time.
8 Days to Discover France: Lyon & Provence
So, this epic journey with VIKING can be from Lyon to Provence or Provence to Lyon, and that makes it amazing!
Art, yes, with an Arles painting class.
A visit to the best-preserved amphitheater in the world: Les Arènes.
Plus a visit to Pont du Gard the ancient Roman aqueduct, and I’m certain to see the river Gardon as it crosses it!
Wine. Truffles. Cheese. Discover France and Its Gastronomy.
Discover France cheese, wine, Place Des Quinconces
As a foodie, the chance to visit LYON, the capital of French gastronomy will let me eat taste, eat, adventure, and repeat!
Really, it’s fully immersive from start to finish.
Paris & The Heart of Normandy
Take 8 days and turn them into the chance to fall in love with Paris.
That’s exactly my plan.
I want to journey from Bordeaux to, Lyon and Provence and finish strong with Paris!
Simply put, I want to Discover France through Paris.
Paris the iconic fashion capital, move backdrop, and yes, overall most popular destination.
So, I want to take it all in.
Paris & the River Seine.
To see this lit up at night from the River Seine is on my list of MUST!
Shopping to LV. Yes.
The Eiffel tower, oh YES!
Walk where Joan of Arc has walked and visited the Louvre.
But there’s more.
La Roche Guyon & Normandy
This river cruise includes time in La Roche Guyon to Discover France’s most beautiful acclaimed village.
To top off my love of medieval history, a visit to the city of Rouen.
Then, it’s off to visit historic beaches in Normandy (Omaha Beach).
Plus, time to visit Normandy’s vast coast and time to spend at Juno Beach and the Pegasus Museum.
Each stop, more significant than the last, but not one more important than the other.
Why? Every stop will provide destination-focused information as well as culture hints.
3 Incredible Destination-Focused Journeys To Discover France: Everything You Don’t Want to Miss!
Rather than having to plan my time, on my own, I find that the Viking River Cruise portfolio offers a vast assortment of itineraries and ways to discover France.
Thorough, intentional, comprehensive, as well as intriguing coupled with onboard enrichment to learn more before you arrive at each destination, makes this a winning choice.
A trip from the USA to Europe deserves stellar, award-winning service and attention which Viking provides.
Further, for those of you like me, that are always curious and thirst to delve deeper, a destination-focused cruise is the choice.
Book. Pack. Go!
Take more than one, and really cover Discover France. ~ Dana XO
