For a truly fairytale experience in France, consider visiting Colmar, Mont Saint-Michel, Annecy, Carcassonne, Dinan, Eguisheim, Rocamadour, Èze, Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Riquewihr, Strasbourg, or exploring the fairytale castles of Chambord and Chenonceau, and the lavender fields in Provence.
Here’s a more detailed look at some of these enchanting destinations:
*Towns & Villages:
-Colmar: Known for its colorful houses, flower-lined canals, and a plethora of intimate shops, cafes, and bakeries, Colmar is a fairytale-like town in Alsace.
-Mont Saint-Michel: Perched on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy, this medieval abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction, often described as a real-life fairytale.
-Annecy: Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy boasts flower-decked canals, a historic medieval town, and snow-capped peaks, making it a picturesque destination.
-Carcassonne: This fortified citadel in southern France is one of the most striking walled settlements on the continent, offering a journey back in time.
-Dinan: A charming medieval town in Brittany, Dinan features cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and well-preserved ramparts, offering a journey back in time.
-Eguisheim: Located in the heart of the Alsace wine region, Eguisheim is known for its unique circular layout and picturesque half-timbered houses.
-Rocamadour: Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Alzou River, Rocamadour is a jewel of French medieval heritage.
-Èze: A medieval village on the French Riviera, Èze offers breathtaking panoramic views and narrow streets that give the impression of visiting a castle.
-Albi: A charming village located between two valleys, Albi is known for its medieval charm and a remarkable collection of medieval town houses and streets.
-Cordes-sur-Ciel: Perched high above the clouds, this medieval hilltop village offers breathtaking views and an enchanting stroll through cobblestone streets lined with Gothic facades.
-Riquewihr: Another fairytale town in the Alsace region, Riquewihr is known for its gorgeous architecture, courtyards with fountains, and half-timbered houses adorned with colorful flowers.
-Strasbourg: Unique blend of French and German architecture, charming canals, cobbled streets, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the picturesque “La Petite France” neighborhood, and its vibrant history, all set within a scenic location on the River Ill, making it a visually captivating city with a fairytale-like atmosphere.
*Châteaux (Castles):
-Château de Chambord: One of the most prestigious castles in the Loire Valley, Chambord is known for its sloping towers and vast grounds, making it worthy of a fairytale palace.
-Château de Chenonceau: A charming castle on the Cher River, Chenonceau has a fascinating history filled with stories of strong women and is a favorite among visitors.
*Lavender Fields:
The main lavender fields of Provence are centered between the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and to the east of Avignon. Provence,France has many villages with lavender fields including:
1)Valensole: It is located within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region with the highest concentration of lavender farms.Valensole is a pretty village that sits on a hill overlooking a lavender valley and is a must-see on a South of France trip.
*Why Valensole is famous for its lavender fields?
-The fields are among the most photographed in the world.
-The region has the highest concentration of lavender farms in Provence.
*What to see in Valensole?
-Lavandes Angelvin: A small shop located along the Route de Manosque.
-MEA Provence: A place with lavender fields, a garden, and exhibition panels about the history of lavender growing in the area.
-Shop: A place to buy lavender-scented products like soaps, essential oils,and honey.
2)Sault: A hilltop town in Vaucluse with lavender views, plum orchards, and forests.
The Sault plateau, like Valensole, is also rich with lavender fields. If you drive along the Mont Ventoux road (D164) from Sault, known as the lavender capital of France, you will discover the Chemin de la Lavande, translated as the ‘Lavender Path’.
3)Sénanque Abbey: A 12th-century Cistercian abbey in Vaucluse framed by lavender.
4)Gordes: A village in Vaucluse.
5)Roussillon: A village in Vaucluse.
6)Saignon: A village in Vaucluse.
7)Rustrel: A village in the Luberon Valley.
8)Bonnieux: A village in the Luberon Valley.
9)Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: A village near Valensole.
Other villages with lavender fields in Provence are Aurel, Drome and Ferrassières, Vaucluse.Lavender is in bloom from mid-June to mid-August, with July being the peak time.
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