It has been my dream to travel to France and when i finally got there it was everything I had imagined and more. I had planned my itinerary such that France was the last destination on my European trip. I guess, leaving the best for last has been a habit of mine. I had budgeted five days to see the magnificent country and although i had been told it was enough, I was weary of running short of time.

The Touristy Part

My trip started in Paris, and clichéd as it may sound, I fell in love! The city is bustling with tourists and all the popular spots were extremely crowded. I covered all the landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame cathedral and the Louvre Museum in the two days I was there. I had no idea how massive the Louvre is and it almost took me an entire day to rush through as much as I could. I made sure to see the Eiffel tower under lights as its beauty is so much more all lit up. The next three days of my trip were budgeted for less ‘seeing’ things but just relaxing in France, eating good food and drinking good wine!

The Off Beat Part

I was aware that there was so much more that i could tick mark of a typical itinerary, but i did not want to return all tired from running about. This takes me to one of the most wonderful places I have ever been to in my entire life. Étreat. Just a three hour drive outside of Paris, this little gem has a beautiful waterfront. Lined with stunning cliffs, picturesque natural arches and surprisingly less crowded, this road trip was perhaps the best day of my entire sojourn.

I did not stay at Étreat and so it was a little tiring doing the to and fro journey in one day but it was well worth it. On my last day there I took a boat tour on Canal Saint Martin, which is not as popular as the one on river Seine, but no less enthralling. I got a chance to go to the non touristy part of France and eat in authentic French restaurants (Spoiler: They were wonderful!!) and hang out in a couple of bars as well. I found the people to be quite friendly and welcoming.

With this ended my trip to Western Europe and all my savings. My planning for the next European trail to follow however, has already begun.