Why France is Always a Good Idea

Most people are familiar with a line attributed to Audrey Hepburn," Paris is always a good idea," but Sabrina Fairchild, her character in the famous movie, never actually said the line.

According to travelpander. com, "This iconic statement is a misconception that stems from the character's love for Paris, which many fans relate to and admire." For this article, I want to expand the notion to include all of France. 

Of all the European countries, I have spent the most time in France, with Italy and Ireland in second and third place. Most recently, I visited Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Grasse, St. Paul de Vence and Nice. On past trips, Arles, Nimes, Carcassonne, Biarritz, Brittany, Strasbourg, Juan les Pins, Avignon, the Loire Valley and Perpignan all stand out in my memory. 

The travelblogs.com./52 lists reasons for visiting France, including incredible cities, followed by romance as depicted in films like Charade, To Catch a Thief or Funny Face; world-renowned culture, art and cinema; fashion, beaches, mountain ski resorts, Gothic and Roman architecture; and a unique location. France 

shares a border with eight countries and is only a short Chunnel or ferry ride from the United Kingdom. 

What places will I visit on my next trip to France in the fall of 2026? Versailles is a must, since I was only there once. I am looking forward to Giverny, Monet's countryside home. Caen will serve as a base for visits to the D-Day Landing sites, the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Center and Omaha Beach. There's a two-night stop in Caen, an attraction in itself for medieval heritage, a link to William the Conqueror and the Normandy Peace Memorial. On the way to the seaside town of Saint Malo, I am looking forward to visiting an apple cider orchard. Nearby is Bayeux, which features well-preserved medieval streets.

The next two nights will be at the Hotel Oceania in a prime Brittany oceanside location. This affords access to Le Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered a must-see. This monastic complex dates from the 11th century. My travels will take me south to Chinon, another medieval treasure and a gateway to the Loire Valley, home to many chateaus and wineries.

The entire 170-mile-long valley is another UNESCO site. I have visited many of the châteaux in the past. On this trip, I will concentrate on two: Chenonceau and Amboise. Accommodations for the two-night stay will be in the Chateau de Beauvois, a 15th-century castle that was a favorite retreat for Louis XIII. One can plan a stop in Orleans, where a local historian will present the amazing medieval and Renaissance architecture on a walking tour. 

My tour will end in Paris with a two-night stay, although one may extend for another night or two. I am looking forward to a cruise on the Seine, a bistro lunch, a visit to the newly rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie and other sites. On the second day, many options exist, including a panoramic tour of the city in the morning or a visit to Montmartre, including Sacre Coeur Basilica. The afternoon is free to visit the Louvre, Luxembourg Garden, Latin Quarter, Musee d'Orsay, Pompidou Center or Rodin Museum. 

The final evening, without a Paris extension, features an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, highlighting French cuisine and spectacular views of the City of Light. 

I explored several options before deciding on doing the France Magnifique tour, including Romania, still on my bucket list, and revisiting Ireland. France won out because my previous visits had been so memorable. 

I reserved 10 places for Del Webb Cane Bay residents and friends for September 29, 2026. The pricing, including economy airfare, is $6,499 double and $7,999 single. The price also includes 10 nights in four- and five- star hotels; all breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners, including the one at the Eiffel Tower; black car service to and from your local gateway such as Charleston; transfers in Paris; all excursions and tours mentioned in the brochure; and the services of an experienced, full- time tour manager. The deposit, including the full cost of trip protection insurance, is $1,247, with final payment due on July 1, 2026. The trip protection is true Cancel for Any Reason, meaning you can cancel up to the day before and receive a cash credit to your credit card, minus the trip protection, without any documentation for the amount you have paid.

Written by Tom Gannon