France is without doubt one of the world’s most romantic locations, and this European nation is surprisingly numerous. From the brilliant lights and glamour of Paris to the rolling fields and vineyards of rural Bordeaux, from the snowy peaks of the Alps to gloriously sunny Mediterranean seashores, there’s something for everybody right here and it’s a really perfect vacation spot for ladies travelling solo.
It’s little marvel that France is the most-visited nation on Earth.
Do you know that from mid-2023, you will have to register on-line with the brand new ETIAS system to journey and not using a visa? The ETIAS isn’t a visa; it’s a waiver that lets you enter the Schengen Space visa-free. You possibly can see the variations between the ETIAS and a European visa and learn how to get one. Upon getting what it’s essential journey, France is yours to discover.
Listed below are our prime 5 causes to go to France for ladies travelling solo at 50 plus.
See well-known landmarks
Maybe France’s greatest attracts are its monuments. These are nothing wanting iconic. Who wouldn’t wish to take within the view from the highest of the Eiffel Tower? Or marvel on the stunning cathedral of Notre Dame? Or get that all-important vacation snap in entrance of the Arc de Triomphe? Then there’s the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre Museum, the Paris Catacombs, the Panthéon — and all that is simply Paris!
Enterprise exterior the capital and go to the immense Palace at Versailles. Make a journey to the northern coast to see the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in Normandy, which is barely accessible at low tide), or pay respects to those that fell on the D-Day landings at Omaha Seashore.
Take within the majesty of the Loire Valley Castles or make the journey to Provence to see the traditional Roman aqueduct often called the Pont du Gard.
France has loads of pure landmarks that may astound you. Mont Blanc stands as the very best mountain within the Alps, whereas the Dune du Pilat — an inland dune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine — is a novel marvel of nature that strikes round 1 to five m (3 to fifteen ft) annually.
There may be a lot to see that it’s a good suggestion to plan properly and make an itinerary earlier than you go. Listed below are some extra tricks to make journey simpler.
Expertise historical past and tradition
European international locations are typically considered cultural hubs, and France isn’t any exception. This land has a protracted historical past, from its beginnings with Gaulish tribes by way of its conquest by the Roman Empire to changing into one of the highly effective states of medieval Europe.
France was one of many cultural centres of the Renaissance and later the Age of Enlightenment, highlighted by nice artworks and literature. The French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon, and the following wars had been all landmark occasions in world historical past. France was additionally a key participant in each World Wars.
There are lots of historic websites all through France that you would be able to go to, from the Roman amphitheatre at Nîmes to the places of the D-Day Landings in Normandy.
The medieval citadel of Carcassonne within the south is an extremely well-preserved fortress. Few issues are extra atmospheric than strolling by way of the slim streets, exploring the fortress, or gazing out from the battlements because the solar units.
The Neolithic web site of Carnac in Brittany is one in all Europe’s most vital prehistoric websites. You possibly can see over 3,000 standing stones which have remained there for over 6,000 years.
Loosen up on Mediterranean seashores
France isn’t all monuments and tradition. Typically, you wish to calm down within the solar throughout a vacation, and France is ideal too. The south coast of the nation is bathed in the idyllic Mediterranean sunshine. It might be exhausting to search out higher seashores than these on the Côte d’Azur, a.ok.a. the French Riviera peppered with stunning coastal previous cities like Good, Cannes and Menton to call just a few.
Seaside resorts like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Sainte-Maxime have been favorite vacation spots for Europeans for over 100 years, and their recognition is well-earned. Pampelonne seashore is without doubt one of the area’s most well-known seashores, having appeared within the Brigitte Bardot movie And God Created Lady.
Take pleasure in world-class delicacies
You possibly can’t speak about France with out mentioning the meals. French delicacies is famend for being high-quality. The nation is dwelling to over 630 Michelin-starred eating places — greater than every other nation on this planet. That doesn’t imply you may’t take pleasure in French delicacies on a funds, although! There are many inexpensive and scrumptious choices, with numerous regional dishes wherever you go.
Don’t go pondering it’s all frogs’ legs and snails, both. When in Brittany, attempt some genuine Breton crêpes. and the standard cheese Galette Bretonne. When you’re within the southern area of the Languedoc, you may’t miss out on scrumptious cassoulet — a neighborhood bean-and-meat casserole.
Recognize artwork
To say France is an effective place for artwork is the understatement of the 12 months. The nation, significantly the capital, has drawn artists like a magnet for hundreds of years. Lots of a very powerful Italian artists of the Renaissance, akin to Leonardo Da Vinci, frolicked in France. Later, the Impressionist motion was centred round Paris, with many of the main artists being French. Vincent Van Gogh additionally famously lived in Paris and later in Arles and Auvers-Sur-Oise.
Right now, the nation continues to be related to artwork, and it is without doubt one of the finest locations on Earth to see nice artworks from historical past. There are implausible artwork museums and galleries in just about each main metropolis in France and lots of the smaller cities. When you’re an artwork lover, you may’t go incorrect.
Nonetheless, the crown jewel is Paris — a splendidly protected metropolis for solo travellers who’re additionally artwork fans (like myself). The world-famous Louvre Museum is dwelling to items of artwork from worldwide and all intervals of historical past. The constructing and its grounds are artworks in themselves, and you might simply spend an entire day exploring them.
Then there may be the Musée d’Orsay. Though the Louvre usually eclipses it in recognition, the Musée d’Orsay needs to be excessive on anybody’s to-do listing whereas in Paris, particularly in case you’re a fan of Impressionism and Publish-Impressionism. This unimaginable museum, positioned in a transformed previous prepare station, is dwelling to a group of works from Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, amongst many others.
Conclusion On Visiting France Solo
France is the best choice. And Italy and Spain are the three Mediterranean international locations that supply a genuinely diversified atmosphere and protected hub for ladies over 50 travelling solo. Regardless of your solo journey expertise stage, France will delight you at any time of the 12 months and with any journey type. So be ready to create long-lasting reminiscences and fall in love with France.
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