Hiking between vineyards, medieval castles, walks on the beach or in the forest: lovers of nature or heritage, everyone finds the ideal destination for a short getaway from our selection.
See alsoEleven of the most beautiful castles in France
Angers, proud medieval
The historic center of the capital of Anjou is easily explored on foot. Dorothee Mouraud
The historic center of the capital of Anjou is easily explored on foot. Start with the castle, a huge medieval fortress whose recently restored ramparts are still standing. After strolling through the inner gardens, visit the royal dwelling and then enter the great hall that houses the Apocalypse tapestry. A few steps away, admire Saint Maurice Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Stop at Place St Eloi and take a break in the garden of the Museum of Fine Arts. Then take Rue St Aubin, the longest shopping street in the city, then go back up for lunch on the rooftop of the restaurant La Réserve, whose view of the castle is exceptional.
Our advice: a few minutes from Angers, go green at Terra Botanica Park, dedicated to the plant world. Animations, shows, attractions in the trees, the place is a real getaway of a whole day.
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Cabourg, chic and romantic
Cabourg is a romantic city. Valentin_Pacaut
Inspiring painters and writers, and in particular Marcel Proust, Cabourg's romantic reputation preceded it. Stroll between gardens and Belle Époque villas with all styles. La Coquette la Belle Lurette, la Baigneuse... All contribute to the city's old-fashioned and refined atmosphere. Then reach the large beach, on which jockeys come to train in the morning, when the tide reveals a huge playground. To the east, in the extension of the Marcel Proust promenade, climb the dunes, from which you can see Dives and Houlgate. When the wind blows, take refuge at the Grand Hotel to have a drink in the cozy atmosphere of the Balbec bar.
Our advice: take a break at Dupont with a tea, Place Morny, open since 1912 and fall for the great classics of pastries or the creations of the house.
See alsoNorman stroll with Marcel Proust: find the time lost in Cabourg
Beaune, in the footsteps of the Dukes of Burgundy
The city of Beaune is a true concentrate of history. OT Beaune
Despite its small size, the sweet Burgundian is a real concentrate of history. Start with the Hospices, an emblematic building of the city with colorful tiles and a Gothic façade, built in the sixteenth century by the chancellor of Philip the Good to welcome the sick. Inside, the Hôtel-Dieu Museum presents the period rooms as well as many medieval works. Then cross Place Carnot, pass through Rue Monge and visit the Wine Museum in the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne. From June 17, immerse yourself in the heart of the wine world with the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne. An astonishing architectural achievement to present the wines through immersive and sensory journeys.
Our advice: test the visit in 2CV with Bourgogne Tours to spin between the vineyards and live an original experience aboard this mythical car.
See alsoFrom Beaune to Savigny, hiking with the scent of grand cru
Metz, historic and dynamic
Discover Metz's medieval heritage in its city centre. Press photo
Head east to discover this city oscillating between tradition and modernity. Discover its medieval heritage in the city centre, starting with the Place de la Comédie, on which the Opera Theatre built in 1752 is located. Then cross the Moselle and head to St. Stephen's Cathedral. A stone's throw away is the Musée de la Cour d'Or, a former palace with collections combining fine arts and archaeology. A little further, discover the cloister of the Recollets then the garden of the Tanners and its amphitheater. Then stop at Place Saint Louis for a coffee between the houses with medieval facades. Continuing on Rue de la Hache and Rue des Allemands, appears the Porte des Allemands, the most important medieval vestige of the city.
Our advice: book a visit to the Centre Pompidou, cousin of the Parisian museum, opened in 2006 in the new Amphitheatre district.
See alsoWhat to do in Metz? Our must-see activities in the City of Light of the Grand Est
Bruges, flamboyant Flemish
Bruges is nicknamed the Venice of the North. Marie Létang
Often nicknamed the Venice of the North, Bruges has a crazy charm. Its many pedestrian streets allow you to stroll serenely between canals and monuments of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and in particular the typical houses of the paintings of the Flemish primitives. Jan Van Eyck had set up his studio there and some of his works can be discovered at the Groeninge Museum. Start your tour from Mark Square and climb the 366 steps of the belfry to get the measure of the city. Then head to the Place du Burg and enter the Basilica of the Holy Blood with its stunning Gothic façade. Lose yourself in the alleys and almost stumble upon the Boniface Bridge, one of the most romantic in the city. Finally, join the Quai du Rosaire to enjoy its magical atmosphere at sunset.
Our advice: do not miss the discovery of the famous beguinage and the St Joseph hospice. Quiet gardens, perfect to escape the crowds of sunny days.
See alsoWhat to see, what to do in Bruges: the essential activities in the Flemish city
The Alpes Mancelles, infinitely nature
The Alpes Mancelles are a true green paradise for hikers. Maxime Guillon _ Sarthe Tourism
Located north of Le Mans, this little-known region is a true green paradise for hikers. Classified Natura 2000, this preserved site alternates plains, hills, forest and the banks of the Sarthe on which it is possible to camp on sunny days. During this wild escape, do not miss the Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point in the great west at 416 meters high. Its amazing lookout offers a 360-degree view of the forest. Each walk offers its share of surprises: remains of a Gallo-Roman city, ancestral dolmens, ruins of castles, Romanesque or Gothic churches... Cross the villages of St Ceneri le Gérei and St Léonard des Bois, with a legendary past and classified among the most beautiful villages in France.
Our advice: test one of JSK's unusual accommodations in St Léonard des Bois: a bubble, a lodge, a barrel and even a dome in the trees. (insolite-jsk.fr)
" READ ALSO The getaway of the week: in the Alpes Mancelles, a city far from the tourist spots
Chablis, between vineyards and history
The hilly landscape offers many wine hikes. Aurelien Ibanez
If its name sounds like the promise of a good dry white, the city of Burgundy is also a city with a great medieval past. The historic route can be identified by bunches of grapes on the ground. Enter through the Porte Noël, built on the remains of the old fortification and discover the collegiate church of Saint Martin, then the Obediencerie, a former monastery of the twelfth century whose cellars hosted the first wine productions, developed by the monks of St Martin de Tours. Walk along the pleasant river Serein and discover the Mirau d'Aval tower, the wash house and the priory of Saint Cosme, which was a stop for Joan of Arc in 1429. Rent an electric bike to evolve between the 5000 hectares of vines, in freedom or for a guided tour with visits of the estate and tasting. The hilly landscape also offers many wine hikes.
Our advice: book a visit to the cellars at Domaine Laroche, located in the Obédiencerie and stay in the old grain mill transformed into a hotel.
Read also48 hours in Beaune, weekend grand cru in Burgundy
Le Touquet, sporty and elegant
The seaside resort of the Opal Coast combines both beach and nature. Press photo
A three-hour drive from Paris, the seaside resort of the Opal Coast combines both beach and nature. Built in 1882, partly destroyed by the war, it still has many listed villas, a few meters from the immense sandy beach, ideal for walks or a sand yachting ride. Discover at the northern tip, the Parc de la Baie de Canche, 45 hectares of protected nature accessible to walkers and bicycles, migratory bird sanctuary, but also the best spot to observe seals lounging. In the city center, walk along Rue Saint Jean, the main pedestrian artery where shops and restaurants are concentrated. Fall in love with the delights of Le Chat Bleu, a confectionery opened in 1912 and whose pretty boxes of chocolates are an ideal gift.
Our advice: have a drink at the Barrière Westminster Hotel, the last major Art Deco hotel in the city, where Ian Fleming found the inspiration to write Casino Royale. Built in 1924, it was completely renovated in 2019.
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Forge les Eaux, green and sporty
Forge les Eaux is nestled between lakes and forests, north-east of Rouen. Marie-Anais Thierry
To the north-east of Rouen, nestled between lakes and forests, this former spa still has its casino, a large estate with restaurants, a spa and an 18-hole golf course.
In town, three museums will catch your interest: the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, the Museum of Faience and the adorable Museum of Models that delights young and old. Located on the Avenue Verte London-Paris, discover the surroundings on this bike lane, pedaling between the groves of the Pays de Bray.
Our advice: take the time to fish for trout or pike on one of the many bodies of water: the ponds of the Epinay, the ponds of the Andelle, the river Béthune and the river of the Epte.
Read alsoWhat to do and what to visit in Rouen? Our essential activities in the capital of Normandy
Mortagne au Perche, authentic and trendy
The small town of Mortagne au Perche is easily accessible by the Nationale 12. Tourist office Mortagne au Perche
Easily accessible by the national road 12, the small town of the Orne has all the attractions. Fortified by the Duke of Alençon, its historic heart still has splendid mansions. Also enter the 13th century Saint Andrew's crypt and the cloister of the Saint-François Convent. Locate the museum dedicated to the writer Alain, installed in the house of the Comptes du Perche, which tells his journey, reveals his universe and delivers many texts of the philosopher. The city is also the starting point for hikes around the center or a little further in the forest of Bellême, with majestic oak forests.
Our advice: find the perfect object at Maison Mérouvel, an antique dealer passionate about furniture and objects of the eighteenth and fourteenth century, with a rare selection.
Read alsoIn the Perche, ten favorite hotels in the countryside
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