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November 4, 2015

Road trip thru France’s Most Beautiful Destinations

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Over the past three years, I’ve shared some fun adventures in travel through France. Many will agree that train travel through the country is one of the fastest ways to get around, and I agree, if you have the extra budget and if you don’t get stuck in the middle of a train strike, which happens often and unexpectedly and for extra effect, usually take place during the summer months when visits to the country is at its highest.

If you are up for the challenge, have the time, and are open to an adventure, I recommend taking a road trip through France instead. I have done this a few times now and have found that two weeks is a nice time to cover the best of any one region.

Driving in France_girlgonetravel

This is some a subject I’ve written about extensively in the past, but thought it might be more helpful to gather the highlights here to help better decide the destination for you, as well as plan your trip.

The Aquitaine Region

I have loved a lot of the different areas I’ve explored through the country, but the Aquitaine Region remains my very favorite of all time. Start your travels in Bordeaux. On one of my very first days here I had gotten lost exploring its winding streets. I had accidentally thrown away my map as I distractedly indulged in some gourmet chocolate samples given to me by one of the local shopkeepers as I walked by.

Bordeaux at night.

But, even in the rain the cobblestone streets, limestone buildings and many arches found throughout the city made this a fun adventure and one I would happily repeat.

The city is easy to walk and taking the trams from one end to another is inexpensive and a quick option. For this reason, I would plan to park my car and explore it all by foot.

Walking through one of Bordeaux's beautiful city parks.

You will need a car to get to other favorite spots, such as St. Emilion and Bergerac, a short, beautiful drive through the French wineries and farmland.

St Emilion is a must see when in the Aquitaine region_girlgonetravel

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is one of my favorite French road trip regions. There are so many historic villages and smaller destinations that aren’t easily accessible any other way. Start your travels in Angers, deserving of at least a full day of exploration before moving on.

The Loire Valley is home to many lovely, historic villages._girlgonetravel

You will definitely want to plan on breaks from driving as your tour around so that you can fully enjoy the Loire Valley wine tasting experience offered at the various wineries in the region.

Loire Valley_girlgonetravel

The Rhone Valley

Of course, nothing beats a summer road trip through Southern France. This is a drive that you must definitely experience. The valleys, forests, as well as the many B&Bs and chateaus, the views and endless fields of lavender make for a magical and very French road trip experience. The Rhone Valley can have quick moments of rain followed by immediate sunshine, and days are often marked by the presence of the mistral winds.

Rhone Valley vacations_girlgonetravel

Take a break from your car to ride your bike through the winery of TerraVentoux.

Other beautiful areas that make for a fun road trip are Champagne and the Midi-Pyrénées.

Reims, France_girlgonetravel

Most travelers arrive through Paris, which I recommend walking through and taking the metro around, especially to enjoy the most of everything the city has to offer.

Rainy day at the Louvre, Paris. Just one highlight among many more to explore during a road trip thru France.Rainy day at the Louvre.

But the true beauty of France is outside of the larger cities, and once you do it, you will find that there is no better way to travel here.

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, close to home or farther away. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and CEO of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications management, and brand development agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She splits her time between her homes in New Jersey and Finger Lakes.

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am a communications professional, an award-winning travel blogger, a public speaker, CEO of a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency, a wife, and a mom of 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading!

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Some times, more than others, you need to hold on Some times, more than others, you need to hold on to moments of joy tighter than ever.

For me, this week, it has been found during long drives through country roads and wintery scenes in wine country. Or with a good movie or TV show (Sylvie’s Love was my latest, along with Netflix’s special “Pretend It’s A City” with Fran Lebowitz). Or with loving conversations with dear friends.

The point is, as a society, there is much to do, but our heart and mind and soul are sacred. Care for them. Love them. Feed them joy, however and wherever you may find it. We may live to fight another day...but we don’t have to live to fight every day.♥️
Of all the places in all the world, here lives a p Of all the places in all the world, here lives a piece of my heart.
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Feeling so in tune with what brings me joy and foc Feeling so in tune with what brings me joy and focusing all my energy on that as much as I can, in all the ways possible. Like spending cold afternoons getting mud on my boots in places like these with people I love.
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Snuggled up in @theflxcottage, cozy and warm, read Snuggled up in @theflxcottage, cozy and warm, ready to greet this new year.
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Looking back at this year in photos and I have to Looking back at this year in photos and I have to laugh at how very little it all says about this year. My health scare definitely impacted me but it by no means defined this year for me. It was a year of centering. 

I am grateful for so much. The health and safety of my family. Our ability to continue to work and have jobs. The honest, safe, strong, and loving relationship with my husband whom I really, really enjoy spending time with. The closeness, support, and love of my closest friends - all the tears, laughter, raw conversations and uplifting we shared with each other. The incredible weight lifted from letting go of the people and things that don’t matter. The clarity in what I want. The incredible peace in having all I need. 

I have no resolutions for this coming year other than to hold on to what I already have and to give more to those who aren’t so lucky, which I have found so gratifying.

This year showed me what a lot of other people value and how they define what’s most important to them and in many ways, I needed to see it. It helped me make better choices in what I call friendships and where I focus my attention and time, of which we all increasingly have so little.

So despite all that 2020 took from us, I feel crazy fortunate to still feel I am walking away with such important lessons and tremendous growth. And after all, isn’t that a sign of a year well lived?

Happy New Year. My heart to all who’ve lost so much, who need help and continue to struggle through, and to the many great souls who continue to give to so many.
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#newyear #bye2020 #bestofnine
Headed to #HobokenNJ to pick up the most special p Headed to #HobokenNJ to pick up the most special package to complete my holiday bliss, our oldest son.

There exists nothing I wanted more than my family, together, happy, and healthy. It’s always been something I have appreciated but this year served as an important reminder of how precious that is.

A reminder too that family is what you make it. And we can make joy anywhere. This holiday season I want to say thank you to all those taking the steps to take care of themselves and others. Thank you to all those who fight for we, the people daily. To the activists who have shaped this year in more ways than one. Thank you for the kindness of strangers and friends, old and new. And expressed gratitude for the reminder that true peace and joy is not in things, likes, clicks, or paid-for content - it is in people and moments, many of which never even make it onto the gram but are everything that makes life worth living. Hold on to those the tightest.

Happy Everything.

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