Essence en France

Hello, I’ve visited Corsica several times with our kids, and we loved the warm welcome and friendliness of the locals as we explored many villages. We’re originally from the JURA region. Now that we’re retired, we’d like to live somewhere between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio. Which village or town would you recommend for a peaceful and welcoming lifestyle?

Hi there,

We’re planning to spend a few days in Valencia and the surrounding area. Can you recommend the must-see sights? PS: If you know any great restaurants, we’re all ears!

Thanks in advance

Hi everyone,

I’ll be staying in Porticcio for a week in mid-June.

I’d love some tips on things I’d like to do while I’m there:

- Which rivers with waterfalls can you swim under or in natural "pools" near Porticcio?

- Where can I go to listen to Corsican singing in a church in the area (is there a specific day of the week for this, for example)?

- Which restaurant would you recommend for Corsican specialties in Sartène?

- Are there any excursions (Lavezzi Islands, Calanques de Piana) where we might spot dolphins?

- Where can I do hobie cat or optimist sailing, as well as jet skiing, around Porticcio?

That’s all for now! 😉 😉 😉

Thanks in advance for any tips you can share!

Looking for advice on staying in Lyon for 3 days in a hotel in the 5th arrondissement—affordable but safe and clean. In October 2025.

Hi everyone,

It’s official: our Lyon weekend is confirmed from June 12th to 14th (girls only, no kids!). Do you have any must-see spots to recommend? Are there any exhibitions happening around that time?

Which places do you suggest for going out and having a good time?

Can’t wait!

Hi, Our son, currently in Central America, will board a sailboat on 04/16 to cross the Atlantic. He’s expected to arrive around 05/31 in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, and we’d like to welcome him on the day he arrives. I’m looking for accommodation in the area for a few days around that date, from which we can explore the Camargue. We’ll be bringing our e-bikes. Could you tell me which towns to look in and which areas to avoid, please? I think Port-Saint-Louis isn’t a great option if we want to avoid the toll for the ferry every time we leave by car. Thanks for your tips. Claire

PS: Are there a lot of mosquitoes in late May/early June?

Hi everyone! I’m Loubna, I’m Algerian. My friends and I are planning a trip to France, but we don’t know this region at all. Could you help us out? Thanks in advance!

Hi there, I’m facing a pretty big and important dilemma—I moved to Argentina (Buenos Aires) when I was 20, and now, at 30, I’m coming back to France. I’m looking for a city to live in and build a life for the next several years. I’m a single guy, so that’s the context.

The thing is, I have quite a few strict criteria... First and foremost, I *need* a city that’s bustling with people everywhere—I really don’t like quiet, small countryside towns. Nightlife is super important to me, especially on weekends. It’s crucial that there’s a wide range of options for going out in the evening (mostly bars—I’m not really into nightclubs, but I’d like to be one day if possible). The social aspect is the *most* important thing (honestly, the *only* thing that matters to me). I don’t care at all about living conditions, safety, cleanliness, or whether things work smoothly. But I *do* need a place where people are generally "chill"—not cold, rigid, or overly professional, with social norms that don’t make my head spin. I know I’ll never find the same Latin vibe here in France, haha, but I’m trying to survive anyway.

In France, I’ve always lived in Essonne (91), around Bures-sur-Yvette / Les Ulis / Gif / Orsay, etc. I *hate* it—way too quiet, empty streets, and zero activities that suit me. There’s not a single proper bar in any of the surrounding towns, just PMU tobacco shops, and nightlife is nonexistent.

I went to Hossegor once with friends—great vibe, nightlife, bars, beach, etc. But I’m guessing it’s *super* expensive to buy a place there, close to the action (and I’m not even sure if it’s a nice place to live overall).

When I came back to France, I spent 3 months in Paris because I thought it would obviously be the closest to what I was looking for. I still have horrible memories of it—it haunted me so much that I had to escape the capital in a hurry... And I was (I think?) in one of the best neighborhoods for my tastes: Belleville.

So here I am, going in circles because I don’t know enough about French cities. All my friends love quiet, small provincial towns or even living alone in the mountains.

A couple told me about Montreuil, but they were there a long time ago, so I don’t know what it’s like now. They said there was activity, that the city was pretty big, and that there was a good nightlife scene (bars, nightclubs, all kinds of outings), plus the metro (which would make it easy to get to Paris or for people to come to Montreuil from Paris).

So, for now, Montreuil is my only option, but I’m scared and would love other opinions (on Montreuil and other possibilities).

Sorry for the novel, but this is *really* important to me—my future depends on it, in a way ^^'

Thanks so much for reading and for any help you can give!

Hello, At the beginning of June, we’ll be spending a few days in Sardinia. We’ve decided to return via a detour through Corsica and want to make the crossing from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio (2 people and 1 car). There are currently two companies, Moby Lines and Ichnusa Lines, that operate this route. Unfortunately, we don’t know either of them at all. The prices and crossing times are pretty much the same, and we’d like to choose the most reliable one (punctuality/risk of cancellation for a booked crossing) and, if possible, the more comfortable of the two. Could you share your thoughts on either company to help us decide? Thanks in advance for your replies. Have a great day.

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking about planning several short trips in France outside peak tourist seasons, especially in spring and autumn.

The idea would be to prioritize:

- fewer crowds at tourist sites - more affordable accommodation prices - a more local atmosphere

However, I also have some concerns about:

- attractions or restaurants sometimes being closed - more unpredictable weather depending on the region - less frequent transportation in certain areas

For those of you who’ve traveled in France off-season before, what do you think were the main pros and cons? Are there any regions or specific times that are particularly worth prioritizing?

Thanks in advance for your experiences! 😊

Hi there,

I’m looking for a ski resort in the Massif Central for a family trip—two adults and three kids (ages 4, 5, and 6)—for a week between late February and early March.

The main goal is to introduce my kids to skiing, so I’m looking for a resort that’s really "family-friendly." But honestly, almost every resort (Super-Besse, Mont-Dore, Lioran, etc.) claims to be family-friendly, so I’m not sure which one to choose. Plus, it’s not always easy to check the location of accommodations on booking sites.

For what I have in mind, we don’t need 30 km of slopes. What would be ideal, though, is a resort that’s mostly pedestrian-friendly, with lodging within a reasonable distance from the base of the slopes and a ski school available.

I’ve read some things here about places like "Chalmazel-Jeansagnière," but the thread is a bit old.

Any recommendations?

Thanks so much for your help!

Best,

deb75

Hi, We’re heading to Corsica at the end of July, and after a 4-night stay in Zonza, I’d like to head toward Cargèse or Porto to visit the Calanques de Piana. What’s the actual travel time? Maps says 2h40/3h, but I’m wondering if that’s really accurate. How long does it take to get back to Ajaccio Airport afterward? Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Normandy and, after reading quite a few posts here, I still have some questions about the most logical order to avoid spending too much time on the road.

The idea is to have a fairly smooth itinerary, taking the time to enjoy the places, over about ten days (possibly a little more), combining the coast and the inland areas.

I’m particularly wondering about: – The best starting point (starting with Mont-Saint-Michel or saving it for the end) – The balance between the coastline and more inland areas – The areas where it’s really worth slowing down the pace

If any of you have done a route that felt particularly coherent, your feedback would really help me fine-tune the planning.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi, I saw that the first tram from Pont du Garigliano leaves at 5:15 AM, and by taking the RER B at Cité Universitaire afterward, I’d arrive at Roissy at 6:30 AM—2 hours before my international flight. Is this doable, or not? If anyone’s done this before, I’d love to hear about it. Thanks

Hi there, We’re about to finalize a booking for late July near the Pink Granite Coast. We’re wondering about the traffic jams that could make our trip miserable, given how famous the place is—we’re excited to see it too. Could it get pretty bad? Thanks for sharing your experiences.

En juin 2020, mon épouse et moi visiterons la Bretagne et la Normandie. Nous aimerions surtout visiter les villages qui ne font pas partis des visites touristiques habituelles. Nous aimons voyager hors des sentiers classiques. Nous faisons appel à vous pour nous dire quels villages sont à voir dans ces 2 régions. merci.

Bonjour à tous,

Ici c'est le compte rendu du début de notre périple de 5/7 jours en Normandie (puis chez les voisins en...Bretagne):

J01 de Valenciennes à Mont St Michel: dimanche 06 Septembre 2020.

Après un détour par le Sud de Lille (récupération du fils…) nous mettons le Cap au Sud/Ouest vers 10h00, par les autoroutes via Amiens, Pont de Normandie, Avranches pour arriver « au Mont » vers 16h00 après 515km. Parking P3 (14,20€ les 24h) des résidents et hôtels situé à 50m du départ de navette gratuite AR incluse dans le prix du parking (pas trop de touristes à cette heure « tardive » du dimanche), et arrivée à l’hôtel vers 16h30. Chambre triple avec vue sur la baie à l’hôtel** Du Guesclin pour 1 nuit. Et de 17h15 à 18h30 nous attaquons le Tour complet des remparts dans le sens anti-horaire depuis la porte de l’Avancée, via la Tour du Nord (près de l’entrée de l’Abbaye), le passage devant l’abbaye, pour atteindre la Tour Gabriel, et retour au départ: superbe, peu d’affluence, beau temps, vues magnifiques. Repas du soir dans le très beau restaurant panoramique de l’hôtel, vue sur baie à une table « fenêtre » (délicate attention !). Bien sûr la journée n’est pas finie et nous pouvons alors déambuler dans une rue principale désertée, et son ambiance particulière (photos ci-dessous dites « de nuit » mais il n’est alors que 21h15/21h30). Quel privilège !



J02 depuis le Mont St Michel vers Saint Cast: lundi 07 Septembre 2020.

Après un lever de soleil mémorable sur la baie, puis un petit déjeuner servi « à table », nous escaladons les marches menant à l’Abbaye pour l’heure réservée en ligne (9h30-tarif 11€/pers.). Le « groupe masqué » est conséquent, bien que dans la norme, et la dispersion sur le parcours libre (avec petite brochure) fléché Covid, évite les regroupements. Pas d’impératif de rythme et 1h15 plus tard nous en ressortons. Bien sûr ça n’a pas le charme d’avec un guide accompagnant, mais ce plaisir d’y être n’est pas à bouder ! Récupération des bagages à l’hôtel, reprise de la navette, parking P3 et c’est reparti vers « le Sud » pour Dol de Bretagne à 26km/25mn. Vers midi la petite ville est très calme, et le parking devant la cathédrale St Sanson** est gratuit. En face, l’office du tourisme n’est pas avare de renseignements et nous fournit un plan/circuit pédestre très sympa: Cathédrale, passage près des remparts, centre historique** avec ses rues commerçantes typiques, maisons à pans de bois, est avalé sans courir en 45mn. Puis pique-nique sur place. Il reste 50km/50mn pour atteindre St Cast le Guildo et son agence Armor Conseil pour la remise des clés de l’appartement (Résidence du Casino, 72m2, 5ème étage, 2 chambres, plage à 20m, vue d’enfer matin et soir, location de draps chez Ohier à 50m, supérette Carrefour City, et boulangerie à 200m, et un centre ville qui n’a pas trop changé depuis 25/30 ans. Très, très sympa tout ça. Après l’installation, une petite balade s’impose vers les hauteurs du quartier de l’Isle derrière la résidence de la mer… souvenirs. Etrangement la crèperie Bretan’Or, pourtant renommée semble fermée, ainsi que le vénérable hôtel du Centre et des Plages (ex « des voyageurs ») ?? Et pour cette soirée de retrouvailles avec la station, un très bon repas de crêpes/galettes s’impose au Régal’ette à 100m. Bilan du jour = 12km à pieds de balades/visites.

Quelques photos en bas de page...

* la suite à lire sur le blog: https://blogs.crespel.me/bretagne/

Hi there,

I’m traveling alone from my remote Pyrenees home to Roissy Airport, arriving at Austerlitz Station. I’m a bit nervous about getting to the airport—could you suggest a route?

While you’re at it, maybe you could recommend a budget hotel near the airport?

Thanks so much for your help!

Best to you all

Hi everyone,

I’m looking into a trip to Paris around mid-February. I’d love to know more about the temperature (weather) in Paris, museum access (closures or anything else), how easy it is to get around on foot (slippery due to ice?), public transport, etc.

Also, are there any events or activities I absolutely shouldn’t miss? I could adjust my dates based on what you know.

On another note, I’d love to catch a hockey game. Are there any around Paris? I’m happy to watch a few games no matter the level 🏒🥅

FYI, I’m not afraid of the cold since I’m from Quebec 😁😆😆🧑‍🌾

Thanks in advance for your help! 👍😊❤️❤️

Hi,

This summer, we’re planning a family trip to Corsica.

We’ve chosen Sari Solenzara because we want to combine: sea, mountain hikes, natural pools, canyoning, and peace and quiet. Does this choice seem like a good one to you?

Second question: which airport should we prioritize to have the easiest roads to access?

Thanks in advance for your tips! :-)

Bonjour à tous et toutes, Nous souhaiterions depuis très longtemps nous rendre en Alsace pour voir les fameux et réputés "marchés de Noël" Mis à part celui de Strasbourg, pouvez vous nous donner des tuyaux sur d'autres marchés (Sélestat, Colmar, Mulhouse) Des adresses également d'hôtels, restos, choses à voir, etc… Je sais que ma question est un peu "bateau", mais nous avons besoin de conseils éclairés. Merci d'avance à tous.

Bonjour,

Je souhaiterais passer trois jours dans la région d’Annecy. Que me conseillez-vous de visiter ? A titre d’information, j’adore la nature et j’aime bien marcher mais pas des ballades de plus de deux heures.

Merci pour vos précieux conseils.

How do I get to ibis budget coeur orly from the Metro Line 14 Orly station on foot

We’ll be back from a river cruise with a stop in Strasbourg for just the afternoon and evening. We’d like to spend the afternoon in either Colmar or Kaysersberg and then return to Strasbourg for dinner and a stroll afterward. I’d love your advice on which spot—Colmar or Kaysersberg—you’d recommend. I’ve noticed there’s a bus line 145 that runs from Colmar to Kaysersberg, taking about 40 minutes and costing around 5 €.

Is there a train or another way to get directly from Strasbourg that’s quick and affordable? I think a taxi would be pretty expensive. The issue is we don’t have much time—our flight is the next morning. We’ve already visited Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr about 10 years ago and loved them all. Our river cruise covers the Main, Rhine, and Danube.

We’re really looking forward to seeing places in Germany, like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, among others.

Thanks, and looking forward to your tips!

Hi there,

My husband, our 1-year-old son, and I have decided to head to southern France in mid-September.

We don’t know the region at all—it’ll be our first time.

We only have 9 days, and we’re really torn between Provence for its gorgeous villages, its "slow" vibe, Provençal markets, flavors, and colors, and the famous French Riviera for its beaches, ports, and because it’s intrigued us for so long.

I found a beautiful place to stay in a *mas*, but it’s not in the region at all (it’s in the Gard).

My husband found a place he really likes in Saint-Aygulf, but before booking, I’m hesitating and wanted to get some advice.

Obviously, with only 9 days, we clearly have to choose. I thought about splitting the trip in two, but that seems like a bad idea for two reasons: first, we’re traveling with a little one, and second, if we spread ourselves too thin, we risk not seeing anything properly.

Since we don’t know the area at all, I’m worried the coastline might be too built-up with big buildings, etc., like Lloret de Mar (no offense to anyone who loves it—it’s just not what we’re looking for).

Anyway… what would you recommend for a first 9-day trip to the south?

Thanks so much!

Hi Does anyone know a reliable and affordable shuttle service from Roissy airport to Lille train station? I know there are TGVs, but we’d like to avoid a long wait at Roissy station. Thanks in advance for your tips! BD

Hi there, We’re heading to Forcalquier as a couple and would love to explore the Valensole area, including the Verdon Gorge, etc. We’ll be there for 5 days, so I’d like to put together a little rundown of things to see, plus the best tips—what to avoid, what to recommend, restaurants, and so on. Thanks so much!

Hi everyone, after a stay in the South and one in the North, I’m planning a mini road trip in Corsica (Bastia-Bastia) in June to explore places I haven’t seen yet. Since we’re heading to the mountains later this year, we’ve deliberately skipped the Corsican mountains. Could you share your thoughts and, most importantly, suggest things to see? We love nature, reasonable hikes, peaceful spots, and small villages. No cities. No boat excursions (yes, that includes Piana and Scandola). We already know the area between Bastia and Calvi.

June 7 Flight arrival in Bastia and night at the hotel

June 8 Drive to Calvi (beach and/or fortress) Meal at Les Boucaniers restaurant Night in Calvi

June 9 Walk from Calvi fortress to Alga beach Charcuterie platter at A Casetta Calvi Night in Calvi

June 10 Drive from Calvi to Piana Buvette du col de la Croix and visit the orientation table Chemin des muletiers (Muleteers’ Path) Or Sentier de la source des roches bleues (Blue Rocks Spring Trail) counterclockwise Or (less scenic) Tête du chien (Dog’s Head, starting at the parking lot) Dinner at Épicerie Castellani in Piana Night in Piana

June 11 Drive from Piana to Propriano Arone beach and meal at Le Café de la plage Drive along the coast, stopping wherever we like Night in Propriano

June 12 Hike starting from Campomoro in the Jardin du Vent (Wind Garden), and visit the Genoese tower of Campomoro Meal in Campomoro: restaurant Chez Pierre Paul U spuntinu Night in Propriano

June 13 Around Propriano (avoid Capu Laurosu beach—sewage treatment plant...) Night in Propriano

June 14 Drive from Propriano to Bastia airport Meal at L’Éternisula in Zonza Aiguilles de Bavella (Hole of the Bomb) Night at the same hotel as arrival

June 15 Departure

Hi everyone, I’m spending two days in Lille. Any places you’d recommend? I was thinking of visiting Vieux Lille, which I’ve been told about. Would you have any shops, museums, or typical restaurants to suggest for a great time?

Thanks! Have a nice day

Hi everyone! I need to spend a short night near the airport to catch a 6:00 AM flight on June 18th. Do you have any suggestions for me? I'm looking for a simple but clean hotel! With a reasonable price, of course, 🙂 and especially a transfer option from Saint-Exupéry train station the night before and to the airport the next morning. Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences.