From chateaus and Champagne to clifftops and countryside, the diversity of landscape, history, art and food is trés magnifique to say the very least. Read on for Vicki's highlights of this enchanting itinerary.
Overview:
Château de Chenonceau — Loire Valley
Early days of this itinerary had us driving through the picturesque Loire Valley to the small village of Chenonceaux, home to rolling fields, beautiful little streams leading from the River Cher and the stunning Château de Chenonceau. Imagine all things fairytale, horse chestnut tree-lined avenues and lilyponds, and you'll get the picture.
The chateau sits at the end of a long, graveled driveway with a stone bridge passing over the opening of the river, seeming to float on the water itself. Towering with three high-ceilinged floors, inside you’ll find big fireplaces, drapes and hanging art befitting of royalty — literally!
The history of this beautiful home includes being torched and rebuilt, to being gifted to the King’s Mistress, then seized by his widow. From the architecturally aligned gallery to the perfectly manicured gardens and maze, and up to the Black Room of Louise on the top floor (supposedly haunted by her heartbroken ghost), you will feel transported to the days of intrigue and scandal.
, Loire Valley, France by Vicki Rothwell.png)
Caves Monmousseau
Also in the Loire Valley, we found ourselves winding our way through country lanes, past fields of cows, to the tiny township of Montrichard. Still on the river but obscurely nestled within the cliffside, sits Caves Monmousseau. Built back in 1886 and named after its founder, this large stone quarry proved itself perfect for winemaking, including the traditional method of producing sparkling wine similar to the one used by Dom Pérignon in Champagne.
An absolute must is a guided tour through the caves. Surrounded by murals projected in technicolour onto the chilly interior of the cave walls, discover the winery’s history and the local folklore surrounding the neighbouring chateaus and royalty. You’ll be walked through the traditional wine making process still being used and see some of the winemakers and ground staff carrying out their daily duties.
This experience is beautifully finished off with a tasting of the wines, paired with little appetisers in the cellar door. I dare you to leave without being impelled to part with your money for a bottle or two. I couldn’t go past the extra brut, delicious! And let’s be honest, if you don’t visit a winery and sip on a few bubbles, have you even really been to France?
Cancale
Next is a quaint little fishing port, beautifully situated on the Brittany coast with views of Mont Saint-Michel on a clear day. Cancale is famous for its oysters, believed to be so good that King Louis XIV would serve them at his decadent parties in Versailles.
A visit to the preserved working farm, La Ferme Marine, will awaken your knowledge of the history of oysters and their importance to the region, along with the hard work and research that goes into producing this highly desired delicacy. If you time your visit right, the tide will be out and you will be able to see the oyster beds in the sea used for farming. A selection of house bred oysters are served to you after the tour along with a lovely local wine.
Further on down the coastway into the township is a seafront lined with charming seafood restaurants, patisseries and little cafes to sit and sip a cidre. A must-do on a sunny day is gazing out over the harbour to watch the traditional fishing boats float by. And of course, don’t forget to grab yourself a cheesy fridge magnet from one of the locals (my souvenier of choice!).
Normandy
Just when I thought my time in the north of France had covered everything, our itinerary took us to Pointe du Hoc, followed by an open top jeep excursion retracing the path Allies took from the D-Day landing beaches. What people think they know of this region does not even come close to doing it any kind of justice, and contrary to popular opinion, you don’t have to be a war buff to be engrossed in the stories and atmosphere before you.
The sheer cliffs of Pointe du Hoc stormed by the Rangers on that fateful morning of June 6th was home to the German Defences leading inland. You can freely roam through the empty German Bunkers that remain in place with views across the ocean accompanied by large, now grassy craters in the ground formed from bombs fired from the floating forces. Once a site of attack and defiance, the headland is now a peaceful place for reflection.
Sainte-Mere-Eglise is the starting point for the drive to Omaha Beach in an authentic WWII jeep. The winding country roads, past quaint churches and farmhouses, seem serene. It’s hard to imagine this landscape being the backdrop to the airborne drop zones amidst explosions and gunfire, but this is exactly what makes the history hit home. To feel immersed in the happenings here, the bravery and the sacrifice felt by the storytelling of your guide, is truly special. This was by far, my favourite experience.
Ready to explore northern France the Bunnik way?
France is so very much more than the sequins of the Moulin Rouge and the extravagance of the Riviera. There is such an unexpected diversity to the northern part of this beautiful country. From the Rouen Cathedral, the stunning Mont Saint-Michel, the Calvados made in the orchards, the house and gardens of Claude Monet so famously depicted in so many of his masterpieces and of course, the infamous beaches that were home to invasion, the richness in its history, art, food and people has left me wanting to visit again.
Do yourself a favour, venture past the pathways of Paris on a Bunnik Tours Best of Northern France tour and find even more beauty than you could have imagined.
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