Beauty just around the corner: France
France is one of the most beloved countries in the world as every destination is a wonder. From Paris to the French Riviera, from Provence to Aquitaine, Brittany and Loire. Places that are everyone’s travel dream. Here too, there is so much #BeautyAroundTheCorner, the stars of Rimor’s itinerary, which, after our last stop in Italy, now takes us to the home of the Eiffel Tower. Today our dealers will tell us about the #BeautyAroundTheCorner of France.
PROVENCE-ALPES-COTE D’AZUR
CAR LOISIRS 13 | Septemes Les Vallons
Gordes and Sénanque Abbey
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. A few kilometres away, surrounded by expanses of fields lush with lavender between June and July, is the Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey, a Cistercian monastery dating back to 1148.
CAR LOISIRS | Six Fours Les Plages
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
This stunning village perched between two majestic limestone cliffs is divided in two by a mountain stream. Legend has it that the Knight of Blacas, to thank the Virgin Mary for having him return unscathed from the Crusades, had a star hung up between the two rock walls, which still watches over the inhabitants today, glittering in the setting sun. Among its narrow streets are the 15 faïence workshops: these glazed majolica tiles became fashionable in the period of Louis XIV when, in order to restore the court’s finances, the sovereign decided to replace the gold pottery with cheaper ceramics.
NORMANDIE
AUTO CAMPING CAR SERVICE | Bretteville Sur Odon
Deauville-Trouville
Two twin resorts with very different characters. The elegant Deauville has been frequented by celebrities since the early 1900s, such as Coco Chanel who opened a boutique there in 1913. The more accessible and less trendy Trouville, on the other hand, boasts a more niche clientele, including artists and writers such as Dumas and Flaubert.
PLEIN AIR NORMANDIE | Yvetot
Jumièges Abbey
Among the oldest and most important monasteries in the West, Jumièges Abbey, of which only its ruins now remain, still holds a surprising charm. Its construction started in the year 1020 at the request of William the Conqueror and became the beating heart of the cultural and spiritual development of the area, only to fall into decline during the Hundred Years’ War and eventually became used as a stone quarry during the Revolution.
NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE
V17 COGNAC | Saint Sulpice De Cognac
V17 LA ROCHELLE | Yves
Écomusée du Cognac
The Écomusée du Cognac is a museum dedicated to exploring the various stages of cognac production. The exhibition space is inside a 19th century cellar where the art and traditions of Cognac are revealed.
CAP PASSION | Merignac
Bourg-en-Bresse
A picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bourg has a fairytale atmosphere. Don’t miss the citadel castle, the French gardens and the terrace overlooking the town below, the 18th and 19th century Moorish House, the 18th century hotel de la Jurade, the town markets, the 19th century washhouse and the river port.
CAMPING CAR’RENT | Soustons
Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve
The Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve is the little Amazon of Landes. You can explore it by boat following the currents that link Lake Léon to the ocean, while admiring its wild nature: yellow water lilies, bald cypresses, tropical plants, birds and roe deer.
40 LOISIRS | Biscarrosse
The Dune of Pilat
Contrary to what you might think, the highest dune in Europe is not in a desert but just a stone’s throw away from Bordeaux. The Dune of Pilat is surprisingly large: between 100 and 115 meters in height depending on the year, 2.7 km long and 500 meters wide. Equally incredible is the view from its summit: on one side the immense pine forest, a pure ocean of greenery, and on the other the Atlantic, the tip of Cap Ferret and the Banc d’Arguin Natural Park.
VIENNE AVENTURE | Naintre
Angles-sur-l’Anglin
The charming village of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle that rises from the rock as if alive, is divided between its lower town and the city, marked by medieval streets and buildings with evocative names, such as the English Trench, the Huche Corne, and the house of Cardinal La Ballue. The Magdalenian wall carvings of Roc-aux-Sorciers, dating back 14,000 years, among the most important in Europe, bear witness to the presence of man in these territories since prehistoric times.
BRETAGNE
BONJOUR CARAVANING 22 | Coetmieux
Castle of Tonquédec
Perched on a rocky ledge overlooking the valley of the river Léguer, set amidst a beautiful forest, is the castle of Tonquédec, built in the 12th century by the Coëtmen-Penthièvre family. Partially destroyed by order of John IV, Duke of Brittany in 1395, it was rebuilt in 1406 by Roland IV of Coëtmen. During the French Wars of Religion, the castle was a hiding place for the Huguenots. After being dismantled by order of Richelieu in the first half of the 17th century, the castle suffered a long decline in the centuries that followed.
CAMPING CAR DE L’OUEST | Loperhet
The Crozon Peninsula
The Crozon peninsula is a cross shape lying in the Iroise Sea, with a mix of spectacular cliffs, moorlands, turquoise waters, hidden coves and sandy beaches. A treasure trove of all that Brittany has to offer within the Armorique Regional Natural Park.
BONJOUR CARAVANING 56 | Guidel
Fort-Bloqué
Fort-Bloqué is a fortification located on the island of Keragan, an islet accessible only at low tide. The military structure was built between 1747 and 1758 on the initiative of the Governor of Brittany Louis-Jean-Marie de Bourbon to strengthen the fortification system on the Atlantic coast following the British siege of Lorient, and served as a base for the French East India Company, in competition with the British East India Company.
SLC 56 | Plougoumelen
The Carnac Stones
In the heart of the Breton countryside lies one of the largest concentrations of menhirs in the world. The megalithic complex of Carnac consists of 3,000 menhirs of different heights dating back to the Neolithic period, between 5,000 and 3,000 years ago. Its origins are still shrouded in mystery to this day, the most reliable hypothesis is that they were burial places with a ceremonial function dedicated to the cult of the dead.
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES
EXPO 7 | Tain L’hermitage
Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
A masterpiece of art brut built at the end of the 19th century by a French postman named Ferdinand Cheval, the palace represents an incredible example of naïve architecture, attracting the curiosity of surrealist artists such as André Breton, Max Ernst and Pablo Picasso.
ALPES EVASION 38 | Voreppe
Vercors Regional Natural Park
The Vercors Regional Natural Park covers 206,208 hectares between two departments: Isère and Drôme. It stands out for the diversity of its wild and majestic landscapes: dizzying limestone cliffs, deep gorges, wide plateaus and verdant valleys.
ESPACE CAMPING CAR | Feurs
Château de La Roche
For centuries, La Roche Castle has withstood the passage of time and the strength of the river in which its foundations sink. It has been surrounded by water since the construction of the Villerest dam in 1982, and has thus become a fascinating romantic island.
LOISIRS CAMPER | Montfaucon En Velay
Voies ferrées du Velay
This railway line, built in 1902, was part of a vast network of over 200 kilometres linking the Doux and Eyrieux valleys in the Ardèche and the Lignon Plateau in the Upper Loire. Travelling at the slow pace of the trains of yesteryear, the “Voies Ferrées du Velay” tourist train offers the opportunity to admire the magnificent stretches of meadows and forests of the Vivarais-Lignon Plateau.
ÉVASION 63 | Lempdes
Puy de Dôme
The Puy de Dôme, peaking at an altitude of 1,465 metres, is the highest volcano in the Chaînes des Puys and the youngest volcanic cone, whose most recent eruption dates back to the 6th millennium BC. On its summit, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view, are the ruins of a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Mercury, a meteorological observatory and an information point with a room dedicated to volcanology.
CAMPING CAR 69 | St Priest
CAMPING CAR 71 | Sennecé Les Mâcon
Oingt
Oingt is a charming medieval fortified village overlooking the valley of Azergues and the hills of Pays Beaujolais. Along the winding cobbled streets of the old town, among the old houses with golden facades, you will be spoilt for choice between the local artists’ and craftsmen’s shops: ceramics, jewellery, sculptures, paintings and blown glass.
ALPES EVASION AVENTURE ATTITUDE | Voglans
Hautecombe Abbey
The Royal Abbey of Hautecombe, overlooking the romantic Lake Bourget, was founded in the first half of the 12th century by Cistercian monks. In the 12th century, the first members of the Savoy family were buried in the abbey, thus initiating a tradition of mausoleums that links it to that of one of the most important European princely families.
CENTRE-VAL DE LOIRE
SUD LOIRE CARAVANES 28 | Fontenay Sur Eure
Maison Picassiette
Also known as the house of a million pieces, this unusual naïve artwork was built in the 20th century by just one man: Raymond Isidore. It is entirely decorated with tiles, bits of crockery and glass mosaics that cover the walls, floors and ceilings.
BERRY CAMPING-CARS | Saint Maur
Gargilesse-Dampierre
A favourite destination for many artists, including writer George Sand, the village of Gargilesse-Dampierre has a picturesque charm. Among its artistic treasures are the church of Notre-Dame, which houses 130 historiated capitals and the crypt under the chevet, which contains a 12th century wooden Virgin Mary and magnificent frescoes dating back to the 13th and 16th centuries.
ETS CASSEGRAIN | Chinon
Chinon
Surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see, the ancient medieval town of Chinon has managed to preserve its character thanks to the ancient streets and the large castle overlooking the village, a genuine fortress that has preserved its imposing defensive walls. It was here that Charles VII met Joan of Arc in 1429 before she liberated Orléans.
OCCITANIE
NIMES ESPACE LOISIRS | Milhaud
Abbey of Saint-Roman
This ancient cave monastery was carved into the rock by hermits and troglodyte monks as early as the end of the 5th century, and was then occupied until the 15th century by Benedictine monks. From the upper terrace there is a sheer rock necropolis with hundreds of tombs and the ruins of a 16th century castle where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Rhone, Avignon, Mount Ventoux and the Tarascon.
MURET CAMPING CARS | Muret
Rieux-Volvestre
The charming medieval village of Rieux is characterised by the old half-timbered houses. Not to be missed is the Fête du Papogay (Festival of the Parrot), celebrated on the first Sunday of May. This festival, which has medieval origins, involves archers trying to shoot down a wooden parrot perched on a 45 metre high pole. Whoever wins the challenge is named King of Rieux for a whole year.
LOISIREO FENOUILLET | Fenouillet
Aeronautical Museum
This museum/showcase on the world of aeronautics is not by chance located in the region that saw the birth of aviation. Thanks to models and touch screens you can discover the processes behind the construction of aircraft and their equipment. The highlight of the visit is the 7,000m² exhibition hall. Alongside the legendary A300B, Concorde, Super Guppy and Caravelle, there are also restored civil and military aircraft on display: Corvette, Falcon 10, Gazelle and Saab Draken.
LOISIREO MONTPELLIER | Mauguio
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Perched between the dizzying cliffs at the entrance to the Verdus Gorge, the beautiful medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is known for its famous Gellone Abbey. Its narrow cobbled streets are lined with old stone houses and small craft shops. From the heights of the town you can enjoy a stunning view of the valley.
LOISIREO PERPIGNAN | Perpignan
The Castle of Peyrepertuse
Nicknamed the “citadel of vertigo”, the imposing Cathar castle of Peyrepertuse, perched on a rocky promontory, dominates unspoilt landscapes. Every year in August it hosts the medieval festival of Peyrepertuse.
LOISIREO ALBI | Puygouzon
Gaillac
The small town of Gaillac has been occupied since Gallo-Roman times. The abbey, donated to the Benedictines by the Bishop of Albi in the 10th century, marked the origin of the town whose prosperity grew thanks to the cultivation of grapevines by the monks, the development of the pastel dyeing industry and its river trade.
PAYS DE LA LOIRE
NANTES CAMPING-CARS | La Montagne
Pornic
Pornic is a picture postcard seaside resort on the Jade Coast, developed around the old port where traditional fishing boats and sailing ships are moored, and overlooked by the 13th century castle. In the medieval old town centre, steps and narrow streets intertwine between the fishermen’s houses.
SUD LOIRE CARAVANES 44 | Saint-Étienne-de-Montluc
Kerhinet
The charming village of Kerhinet is characterised by its thatched cottages made of marsh reeds. Having fallen into a state of neglect, it was completely restored by the Brière Regional Natural Park. At the “Chaumière des Saveurs et de l’Artisanat”, around thirty local producers and craftsmen offer their products, and every Thursday in summer, the market of local products invites you to discover the local gastronomy.
LE HALL DU LOISIR | St Georges Des Gardes
Louresse-Rochemenier
In the troglodyte village of Louresse-Rochemenier you can take a journey into the past to discover the underground world of troglodytes and the life of the farmers who lived there. In addition to the traditional underground passageway that runs for one hectare between two ancient troglodyte farmhouses, permanent installations are set up that use digital, sound and visual technologies to revive the history of this place within the living rooms and using everyday objects of the time.
AZUR 72 | Monce-En-Belin
Asnières-sur-Vègre
The small village of Asnières-sur-Vègre owes its charm to the Romanesque-style Old Bridge crossing the quiet waters of the river Vègre and the ancient houses of the 15th and 17th centuries. The small church of St. Hillary houses splendid frescoes illustrating the Adoration of the Magi, the Presentation at the Temple, the Flight to Egypt, as well as scenes from Hell.
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE
CARAVAN’OR IDYLCAR | Seclin
Seclin
Archaeologists date the first traces of life in Seclin to the beginning of Prehistory, more than 100,000 years ago. Legend has it that Margaret, Countess of Flanders, paid the city a yearly rent of 15,000 herrings – a rare and expensive food in the 13th century – for the poor in the hospice she had created. It is therefore in memory of the Countess that the city has organised a Herring Festival every two years since 2006.
CLC VALENCIENNE | Valenciennes
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux
The spa resort of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux is located in the heart of the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park. It still features a magnificent baroque style tower, a remnant of the former abbey, which today houses an exhibition of more than 300 majolica tiles. Its spas specialise in the treatment of respiratory diseases and rheumatism.
GALLOIS-OISE CAMPING | Francastel
Gerberoy
Nicknamed “village of a thousand rose bushes”, Gerberoy is a small paradise for flower lovers: climbing roses, hydrangeas, wisteria, daisies, and countless types of plants. The paved streets and the 17th and 18th century wattle and daub houses give it a bucolic charm. Every first weekend in June there is the Rose Festival, an unmissable date to immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere.
ARRAS VACANCES | Saint Nicolas Les Arras
Arras
Arras is famous for its two majestic squares, Grand’Place and Place des Héros, surrounded by 155 Flemish-baroque style houses. The city also features an underground dimension: the “boves”, gypsum quarries dug in the 10th century and still in use today, are 12 metres deep and served as a refuge for allied soldiers during the First World War.
MOBILCAR | Berck Sur Mer
Baie d’Authie
Baie d’Authie is a bay straddling the departments of Pas-de-Calais and Somme on the Opal Coast. This stretch of coast, which has remained wild, takes its name from the specific shade of colours created by the light reflected on the sea, depending on the weather and tides. The bay has been chosen by a colony of seals that can often be spotted resting out of the water at low tide.
BROUSSE LOISIRS | Amiens
Abbaye et jardins de Valloires
The Valloires Abbey, built in the 12th century, is a surprising testimony to French Baroque art, surrounded by nine hectares of gardens with more than 5000 species and varieties of plants and shrubs. It holds a place of primary importance in the European Cistercian heritage as the only Cistercian abbey to have maintained the same conditions as in the 18th century.
ILE-DE-FRANCE
CLC Marne La Vallée | Lagny Su Marne
The Commelles Ponds
The history of the Commelles Ponds dates back to the 13th century. Built by the monks of Chaalis Abbey to be used as fish ponds, they cover an area of almost 40 hectares in the heart of the Chantilly forest and the Oise-Pays de France Regional Natural Park.