oooo

Simply referred to as Le Touquet, this seaside town near Calais was only founded in the early 1900s, a baby by French standards. Also known as ‘Paris by the Sea’ and ‘Pearl of the Opal Coast’, Le Touquet was built as a gambling and golf resort by wealthy British. For a century, the town has attracted both Parisians and British to its sandy beaches. Even President Macron has a home here.

As the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, Lille feels more like Belgium than France. Given that France’s fifth largest metropolitan area is only about a 30-minute drive from the Belgian border, it’s really no surprise. Between the Flemish architecture, beer culture, belfries, and friteries {French fry stands}, Lille is a lovely deviation from stereotypical France. Explore Vieux Lille {Old Lille} for its perfectly restored 17th century architecture and eat a Welsh at one of the many cafés. Don’t miss the original Meert shop for a vanilla waffle or Notre-Dame de la Treill, Lille’s cathedral.

Only about a fifteen-minute drive from Beaune, Meursault is a commune in Burgundy most famous for its wine. Meursault is an AOC wine found in the Côte de Beaune sub-region, primarily making white wines from Chardonnay grapes. Beyond the vin, Meursault was built on a former Gallo-Roman camp, with the remains of the fort still seen on the hillside. So, why is this tiny commune one of my 18 places to go in France in 2018? Well, it’s just so dang cute. Plus, there’s the wine.

Metz is 331 km away from Paris and located at the convergence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers. It’s a city rich with history dating to the days when it was a Celtic settlement. Visit Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, said to be the oldest church in France or the Cathedral of Saint Stephen of Metz. With 69,920 square feet of stained glass by artists such as Marc Chagall and Hermann von Münster, it’s the largest expanse in the world. The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole dates to 1752 and is the oldest working opera house in France. The main train station, Gare de Metz-Ville, has been voted as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Don’t miss the views of the Seille River at Porte des Allemands. The military fort dates to the 13th century and is the most preserved of Metz’s ramparts. For something from this century, look to Centre Pompidou-Metz, a branch of Paris’ modern and contemporary art museum.

For those who can’t get enough of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in Paris and Versailles, I give you Rambouillet. The town between Versailles and Chartres is most well known for Château de Rambouillet, a former medieval fortress. Located on the edge of the forest, the château was Louis XVI’s hunting lodge. It’s also where King François I died, where King Charles abdicated the throne, and where Napoleon I stayed before being exiled to Saint Helena. Until recent years, Château de Rambouillet served as the summer residence of French presidents. As a result, the château has hosted international leaders, royalty, as well as the first G6 Summit in 1975. Located near the château are many points of interest, including the Bergerie Nationale, which housed Louis XVI’s Merino sheep. Nearby is the Laiterie de la Reine {Queen’s Dairy} that was built by Louis XVI for Marie-Antoinette. Also in the forest is Chaumiére aux Coquillages {Shell Cottage}. Built in 1779 by Queen Marie-Antoinette for her...

Just about six miles south of Paris lies Parc de Sceaux. André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect who created the Tuileries and Versailles, designed this expansive park. At approximately two-square kilometers, the park is filled with walking and running trails, fountains, a cherry tree grove, and symmetry that will please even the most OCD person {me!}. The main feature is Château de Sceaux, which is home to Musée d’Ile-de-France. Find the history of Paris from the 17th century to the middle of the 20th century, as well as one of the largest collections from the School of Paris. Wander down the Plaine des Quatre Statues {Plain of Four Statues} behind the château; meander along the Grand Canal; enjoy Les Cascades {the Waterfalls}; and in the springtime, don’t miss the spring cherry blossoms at Plaine de Chatenay.

Located in the Calvados department of Normandy, Trouville may border Deauville, but it feels worlds apart. As one of France’s first seaside resorts, Trouville initially attracted artists and writers. In the mid-19th century, the wealthy also started vacationing there and building ostentatious homes. Unlike its glitzy neighbor Deauville, Trouville still has a fishing village vibe. Visit Marché aux Poissons located on the waterfront for freshly caught seafood. Take away the purchases or have them prepared and delivered to the high-top tables at the market. Try your luck at Casino Barrière for machine and table games.

Verdun is located in the Meuse department of northeast France. Dating to the 4th century, Verdun was founded by the Gauls and played a significant historical role throughout the centuries, but it’s now most known for part during World War I. Memorials and museums dot the area, including Fort Vaux, Mémorial de Verdun, Voie Sacrée, Verdun Memorial, Verdun Underground Fortress, World Center for Peace, Liberty and Human Rights – Verdun Episcopal Palace, Monument for Victory and the soldiers of Verdun, and the Ossuary. During the Great War, the Battle of Verdun lasted 300 days and is said to be one of the deadliest in history, with 230,000 dead {700,000 casualties}. The Ossuary is a memorial to those lost during the ‘Hell of Verdun’. Inside the Ossuary are the skeletal remains of approximately 130,000 unidentified French and German soldiers, which can seen from small windows on the back of the building. The inside of the building is engraved with some of the names of the deceased French...

Often overshadowed by Château de Versailles, the town of Versailles has much more to offer than the palace. Of course, you can’t go to Versailles without seeing one of the most popular attractions in all of Europe. Built by Louis XIV in 1623, Château de Versailles was the epicenter for French political power. Almost as impressive as the palace are the Gardens of Versailles. The nearly 2,000 acres were designed by André Le Nôtre and boost 200,000 trees, 210,000 annually planted flowers, 50 fountains, and 620 water jets. When in Versailles, save time to visit the Grand Trianon {built by Louis XVI} and Petit Trianon {a refuge for Marie Antoinette}. Perhaps stop at Marché Notre-Dame or Marché Les Halles, both exceptional food markets, for picnic lunch supplies. Before leaving the city, wander Quartier Saint-Louis, located to the south of the palace, and Quartier Notre-Dame, located to the north. This is where those who served the king and worked inside the palace led their lives. These ar...