France 2026
From the winding catacombs beneath Paris to the windswept ramparts of Mont Saint-Michel, this trip delivered one unforgettable moment after another. And no matter where we were, we always found time to duck into a café for a beer and a meat and cheese board.
Highlights
- Paris Catacombs - Descending into the ossuary beneath the city is eerie, fascinating, and unlike anything else in the world.
- Walk along the Seine - A long stroll along the riverbanks took us past the Panthéon, Notre Dame (still awe-inspiring even mid-restoration), the Louvre, and all the way to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Montmartre food tour & Sacré-Cœur - We wound through the village streets of Montmartre on a food tour before climbing up to Sacré-Cœur for a sweeping view across the whole city.
- Mont Saint-Michel - Staying overnight on the island at Le Mère Poulard was magical. The abbey visit was the highlight of the entire trip — walking up through the medieval streets and into the abbey felt exactly like walking into Minas Tirith from Lord of the Rings.
- Rennes - A wonderful day in the Breton capital. We strolled through Parc du Thabor and the stunning Rose Gardens, then browsed a local street market where we picked up a baguette and a pain au chocolat — the perfect afternoon snack.
Tips
- Walk the Seine from end to end — the landmarks come to you naturally and the riverside atmosphere is hard to beat.
- Book Mont Saint-Michel accommodation well in advance; staying on the island overnight (after the day-trippers leave) is a completely different experience.
- Don’t skip Rennes — it’s relaxed, beautiful, and far less touristy than Paris.
- Budget plenty of café stops. Beer, charcuterie, and cheese boards are cheap, delicious, and basically a sport.