by secret alleys and courtyards in Lyon
Approaching the basilica from the river, we explored Lyon’s secret staircases and hidden courtyards. these traboules difficult to follow, so we had to look out for the metal plates that mark some of the entrances. There is almost no route directly up from the river, but these routes, which originally worked for the city’s silk workers, reveal charming back streets and private courtyards where visitors can look. At the top, breathless, we loved the Basilique Nôtre-Dame de Fourvière. In the crypt we made another exciting discovery: a huge mosaic of the sea battle of Lepanto, a site we recently visited in Greece.
David Innes-Wilkin
Fons, the village of your dreams
On the last part of the road trip to Jazz in Marciac we went to Fons, in the black triangle of Quercy. In a deep wooded valley of walnut and oak, this medieval village was the France you imagine: a village of stone and wooden paths, with herons and swallows nesting in ancient structures, and a bistro at its heart. great place. An aperitif at the market under the Milky Way was the perfect way to sign off.
Damien Reidy
Quiet corners in Charente Maritime
If you are in the Charente Maritime in the south-west make sure to spend a day south of Royan, where there is a collection of quiet places to visit, all close by. Start at the Régulus caves, a troglodyte site with views of the Cordouan lighthouse and traditional fishing nets hanging from the cliffs. Then, walk south to the village of Talmont-Sur-Gironde and the impressive 12th-century church of Sainte-Radegonde, which overlooks the estuary. The village is full of narrow, car-free streets with huge holly growing against the white walls. We had great seafood at Les Délices de l’Estuaire before heading to the archaeological site of Fâ.
Miles Smith
Deep into the history of Dordogne
Gouffre de Padirac cave is a must visit if you are in the Dordogne (between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees). It’s an incredible place that can be explored via steps, or by taking a lift 103 meters down. Once there you are taken on a magical boat ride on a river in the cave. The turquoise water and rock around you are forever changing color. You almost feel like you’ve entered another world. I would recommend visiting out of season when it’s quieter. There is a small gift shop and cafe nearby.
Deanna
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will appear online and may be printed. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage
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Glorious gardens in Nantes
Searching for a large hotel within the airport at Nantes for our last night on holiday, we found Château Colbert in Maulévrier. It’s a mansion with a great restaurant but, even better, there’s a restored vegetable garden supplied by the hotel, with tours available. Next door is the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier, a Japanese strolling garden created around the same time as Monet’s garden at Giverny, when Japanese it was a strong cultural influence. It completed our garden theme holiday in great style.
Stephen
Vineyard cycling in Alsace
On a cycling trip through France in September we visited the Vosges mountains and Alsace in the east, and we were amazed at how much of a hidden gem it was. We stayed at the reasonably priced Auberge Ramstein (doubles from €87 single room) in Scherwiller, and found plenty of vineyards to visit on foot, including the biodynamic vines at Acaillée and the traditional vineyard at Domaine Dussourt . Unlike Strasbourg, the village and nearby town of Sélestat were lovely and quiet, the flats and hills had great cycling routes, and lots of hiking options too.
Maddy Warner
Experience champagne in the land of De Gaulle
I ended up in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises in the north-east of France by accident. We needed dog friendly accommodation on the way south. It was a crisp winter evening with a large moon shining over a delightful main square framed by two churches, with inviting restaurants serving traditional food and champagne from the nearby hills. The words “free france,” came to my mind. In the light of day, we discovered that we were in the village where President Charles de Gaulle spent every other weekend and retreat when he left politics. His residence, La Boisserie, is open to the public, and his simple tomb in the small cemetery looks out over the fields and hills. There are champagne houses in the village and plenty of small producers in the surrounding areas. We followed the sign for Clairvaux and discovered the remains of one of the most important medieval monasteries in Europe. The hills are flat and there is no traffic, so you can bring your bike and explore.
Lara
Forest swimming in Fontainebleau
The first thing that hits you when you arrive in the forest of Fontainebleau is the wonderful smell: the fresh smell of pine feels like it is cleansing body and soul. The forest is an ancient hunting ground, now used for walking, cycling and climbing. For a cultural hit, visit the breathtaking Château de Fontainebleau. To stay somewhere quieter, the small, beautiful town of Bois-le-Roi is within the forest and by the bank of the Seine. It’s also on a direct train line from Paris, so there’s no need for cars, and it takes less than an hour – making it ideal for a day trip.
Suzanne
Art and architecture in Honfleur, Normandy
In the north of France, on the south bank of the Seine estuary, is the attractive town of Honfleur. Among its highlights are the old port and the church of Sainte-Catherine, which is the largest wooden church in France. As you stroll through a town that has been associated with many notable artists, including Monet and Boudin, be sure to admire the slate-fronted houses and charming shops and galleries. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of calvados by the bay, while watching the fishing boats on the banks of the Seine.
Alison
Winning tip: A museum to treasure near Lille
Musée La Piscine in Roubaix, a converted swimming pool just outside Lille, is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and installations. The building, from the art deco period, is a big part of its appeal and reminds me of when public buildings were practical. and beautiful. The entry price of €9 is a total bargain. We spent three hours there and still didn’t see everything. The restaurant/tea room is also excellent.
David Pearce
