If you’re looking for a quaint romantic getaway in France, look no further than the charming city of Annecy. After settling in to Lyon, our home base for my 6-week stay in France, my boyfriend and I decided to take the short train ride to explore the medieval town. Although I absolutely love visiting new places, only a handful of cities have immediately captured my heart upon arrival. Annecy is one of them. The winding medieval streets with colorful facades, the canal with arched bridges, and the lake with spectacular views of the mountains creates a certain magic that can only be felt by spending a few days in this cute town. There are so many things to do in Annecy, no matter the season. We visited in November, and although it was cold and a little rainy, we had a great time. Annecy is definitely a must-see while in France!
When we made plans to visit my boyfriend’s hometown near the Loire Valley, I knew we had to spend a day chateau hopping. The Loire Valley is a beautiful region in central France with over 300 castles. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage site. Needless to say, I couldn’t miss a chance to visit a few beautiful French castles! We woke up with the sun to get an early start to the day; the first castle was a 2-hour drive from the little village we stayed in, Chatellerault. I didn’t want to waste any sunlight in the late-November day. Our first glimpse of the massive castle was down a long tree-lined driveway still painted the color of fall. I immediately imagined myself as a sixteenth century queen making my way home from a hunt on a horse-drawn carriage. Our day exploring the must visit castles in the Loire Valley had officially begun!
Paris is famously known as the city of light (or love), and for good reason. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. But it also has a darker side if you know where to look. From famous cemeteries to guillotines, Paris can suddenly seem very eerie with the right locations. If you are visiting in the fall (or anytime, really), here is an itinerary for a spooky Paris!
Call me basic, but I love all things fall. Pumpkins, autumn candle scents, cozy sweaters, and that cool crispness in the air that just can’t be properly described – I can’t get enough! No longer boiling hot, tan lines long gone, but not yet so cold that my face hurts. It’s my favorite time of the year! It is also the perfect time of the year to travel. And where better to travel in the best season than to my favorite city – Paris! Autumn is arguably the best season to experience the enchanting French capital. Paris in the fall should be on everyone’s travel list!
