Loire Valley Vineyards and Dune of Pilat. One Week in France Itinerary.

Troyes is a little town one hour in a half from Paris by train. It is not very well known but it is a very pleasant city. The town center, which is shaped like a champagne cork, is super pretty with lots of very old half-timbered houses. This is what makes all the city charm. The seine also passes in the middle of the city which makes a pretty quay to walk, or to pose with a small aperitif!

If you have a car I recommend to go at Orient lake that is 30 minutes from Troyes. During the summer you can easily go swim there or go sailing. 

If you like Champagne, you are in the right region! There is a lot of tours offering champagne tastings and explaining how it is made. Very interesting!

Troyes is also known for its outlet stores. The biggest brands are offering their selections at reduced prices, so do not hesitate!

The Touraine region is famous for its wine and all its different châteaux. Tours is a very nice city crossed by the Loire. You will find the famous Wilson Bridge which leads to the great National Avenue famous for its large number of shops. The historic center is very cute and very pleasant to walk around and there are also old half-timbered houses in the city center. You should also take a tour of the covered market, where you can buy “Sainte Maure de Touraine”, the goat cheese specialty of the region.

It is a very young city where a lot of events are organized. Whether it is to have a drink on the famous Place Plumereau, spend afternoons on Simon Island or have a drink on the quays on the banks of the Loire, Tours is worth the detour.

Bordeaux is a city rich in heritage and history. It is also a super pleasant city full of sun! Walk in the street on foot or by bike and you will see the beauty of the streets and monuments. Filled with a very cute neighborhood with lots of small shops, I advise you to stroll and take your time to stop there.

Bordeaux is located in the wine region so I highly recommend going visit a vineyard and take the opportunity for a little tasting! You will not be disappointed!

It is also not far from the sea and the famous "La dune du Pilat". It's a great walk to do and why not have a picnic there? There are also quite a few beaches for surfing if you like it.

And one last thing, you must try the city food specialty, “Les canelés”. A true delight!

I only stay there for 3 days but as you can see there is a lot to do for more days!