Hi Reader,

We adore Paris, truly! But only going there and calling it a day? That’s like visiting New York City and thinking you’ve seen all of the United States.

If you have a few extra days to tack onto your France trip, here are a handful of easy, train-friendly add-ons. Book a long weekend to 5 days in each area because they pair perfectly with Paris — especially for food and culture lovers:

• Normandy: Where creamy Camembert, buttery pastries, and fresh oysters meet moving WWII history and dreamy coastal villages. You can spend the morning walking historic D-Day beaches and canals of Bayeux then the afternoon sipping Calvados in an orchard.
• Brittany: Wild cliffs, Celtic culture, crisp apple cider, and the very best savory buckwheat crêpes. It’s one of the few regions in France where you’ll find prehistoric standing stones, Breton language, and truly untamed coastline.
• Champagne: Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, it’s all about wine country elegance. Tour the iconic Champagne houses, stroll charming towns like Reims and Épernay, and toast to the good life. In addition to its wine heritage, there is some major history to uncover here too!
• Loire Valley: Grand châteaux, lush vineyards, and relaxed countryside vibes. A paradise for wine lovers, cyclists, and romantics alike. You can sip Sauvignon Blanc in the shadow of Renaissance castles that feel plucked from a storybook.
• Nancy: The capital of Lorraine is a hidden gem for architecture lovers and pastry fans (hello, quiche lorraine and madeleine cookies!). Nancy is charming, walkable, and culturally rich — with way fewer crowds than Paris. It’s one of the best-preserved Art Nouveau cities in Europe, with stunning architecture and a serious sweet tooth.

If you’re dreaming of a food-forward French escape beyond the obvious, we can help plan the whole thing — from hotel bookings to cheese tastings and wine tours.

Reply to this email or book a discovery call below and let’s make it happen!