France (slightly) off the beaten path: Paris, Loire, Burgundy, Alps
We returned earlier this month from a two week trip to France with out 7-year-old son. We went to well-known areas, for the most part, but tried to avoid the staying in the crowded, well-known spots. I'm going to post some of my experiences with specific reviews of places to stay and restaurants. I have some pictures of each place up at my flickr account in a France set if you want to see what some of these places look like.
We started in Paris, but I don't have much to add. We stayed in the Montparnasse area, and it was nice. There is a very fun flea market on Sunday's right in front of the Montparnasse cemetery. Mainly "antiques". They have a food market on Tuesday mornings in the same place. It's along Blvd. Edgar Quinet. I did find on a foodie blog from Paris a Google map of the winners of the Best Baguette in Paris competition they have every year. These are worth hunting down. There is a difference.
Traveling with a kid, gardens are important. Luxembourg were great, as were the Champ de Mars (nice playground overlooked by the Eiffel Tower). Speaking of which, a great dinner for the first night was to walk down Rue Cler, pick up picnic supplies, and then picnic in the Champ de Mars. Very iconic way to spend your first night.
Next, Getting There
Andrew
Durham, USA 7/29/12
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I see several references to Annecy, and some people with an interest in going there. I heartily endorse that. Here's several links to what I wrote about Annecy over a 3-year period:
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2010/04/ice-cream-in-annecy-fondue-in-geneva.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2010/04/wine-and-cheese-of-day.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2010/04/back-in-annecy-again.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2010/04/back-in-annecy-france.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2009/04/annecy-second-half-of-week-more-flowers.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2009/04/little-more-from-annecy.html
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2009/04/annecy-flower-village-and-recap.html
Although the guidelines frown upon links to a travel blog, it's easier than cutting and pasting the text, and no one needs to see what i wrote unless they're interested. And I get no benefits from people visiting my blog except the satisfaction of knowing that someone might enjoy reading it.
It's been a while, but I thought I'd add to the pictures I've posted (see my response above). I finally got around to putting my short video of Vespers in Vezelay Basilica up on youtube.
We got there just before the tour buses left. By the time we walked up through the town and into the basilica, the religious and the pilgrims were gathering for something. We walked through the cloisters and outside and when we came back in they were just starting to chant Vespers. We believe it was augmented by a recording, but they were definitely chanting, and the sound, even if a recording, was haunting and beautiful in the romanesque nave with the light fading. Really magical moment.
Dinner in the town was very good as well. Hopefully it will encourage some to stay after the buses.
Andrew
And one more . In Clamecy, there was a pastry shop. I took pictures of his very creative little meringue dogs.
I finally tracked down his name and info. If you're heading into Clamecy, his shop is definitely worth a short stroll up into the medieval part of town. (which is wonderful even without the sweets)
Emmanuel Portal
Patissier - Chocolatier - Glacier
22, rue de la Monnaie
58500 Clamecy
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