photo credit: burgermac

Brittany is a great region to explore, especially for those travelers who are intrigued by the King Arthur legends.  The rugged coastline and strong regional identity give Brittany a unique atmosphere, both Celtic and French, distinct from the rest of the country.

For summer holidays, La Baule and its surrounding port towns are picturesque and well set up for holidaymakers.  La Baule was a popular seaside resort in the 1920s and the architecture reflects this vibrant era.  The sweet smell of pine is everywhere, and despite it being a favourite second-home area for wealthy Parisians, the atmosphere is low key and understated.

La Baule’s 8-kilometer stretch of sandy beach is a perfect place to soak up the sun and bathe in the waters.  The oceanfront is developed with many high rises and other dwellings, and there are lots of choices for restaurants; some right on the beach.  Dining at sunset is recommended so you can take advantage of the fantastic view.

A short trip from La Baule is La Guérande, a fortified 14^th-century village whose ramparts remain intact.  La Guérande is charming and visitors enjoy wandering its narrow cobblestoned streets and visiting the neighbouring salt flats.  Be sure to pick up some of the world-famous “Fleur de Sel” salt in one of the many small shops along the main street.  To learn about the salt flats and their production, visit the Terre de Sel cultural center (Route des Marais salants) just outside the village walls.

Quimper is a quintessential Breton city, where the fight to keep the Breton language alive is an ongoing campaign.  In Quimper you will see traditional dress, la coiffe,  the tall, starched lace headdresses worn for festivals, and hear Breton music in the cafés.  Head to the Old Town, Vieux Quimper, where you will find loads of shops, creperies, and half-timbered buildings which are part of this town’s cultural heritage.  Quimper is famous for its distinct yellow and blue porcelain, which you can view at the Musée de Faience (14, rue Jean-Baptiste Bousquet) and also purchase at many shops around town.  The museum displays over 500 pieces of this unique art, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the many steps involved in its production.

St Malo

Up on the English channel sits the corsair city of St Malo.  With its impressive ramparts and spectacular sea views, St Malo is a delightful place to holiday and attracts over 200,000 visitors per year.  Within the city’s walls is a car-free zone with narrow winding streets and 18^th-century elegant architecture, all easily discovered by foot or by taking the little train which circulates through the town and its surrounding area.  Walk along its 1,750 meters of 12^th century ramparts, still standing even after the World War II bombings which destroyed much of the interior city.

The tides in the St Malo bay are among the most impressive in Europe, and people will situated themselves at certain points on the ramparts to watch the sea crash into the seawall at the highest tide.  It is strongly recommended that tourists consult a tidetable before setting out to explore the beach or rocky areas, and not to walk the parts of the ramparts which will be affected when the tide is high.

photo credit: FaceMePLS

St Tropez, Cannes and Nice

Known for its luxury villas, yachts and movie stars, the French Riviera is indeed the playground of the rich.  But there is plenty of room for everyone along this beautiful Mediterranean coastline and you do not need to be a millionaire to enjoy a holiday here.

St Tropez

This internationally renowned seaside resort is a stunning combination of chic people, ideal weather and Mediterranean architecture.  Despite its reputation as home to the jet set, St Tropes manages to retain an air of authenticity, which is evident in its low-key farmer’s market held every Tuesday and Saturday mornings.  You should plan your French Riviera holiday so you can go to this market and see some regional wares, from les Tropeziennes, or sandals, to les marinières, the blue and white striped cotton shirts that Brigitte Bardot made famous and which put this town on the movie star map.

Walk along the port and admire the little fishing shacks as well as the impressive yachts.  Notice the pale pink and faded yellow paint of the older homes which stand alongside the cafés and restaurants.  This is the heart of St Tropez and if you linger long enough, you risk spotting a celebrity!

Cannes

Cannes becomes the centre of the movie industry each May when it hosts the International Film Festival and stars fly (or boat) in from all over the world to walk the famous red carpet.   But Cannes attracts visitors for other reasons.  An important seaside resort, Cannes’ sandy beach is a lovely place to hire a deck chair and parasol and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.  The Boulevard de la Croisette, with its palm trees and stately hotels, offers a perfect example of 19^th century seaside architecture.  Even if you are not staying there, you will want to walk into the glorious Hotel Carlton to admire its Belle Epoque style.

Nice

Nice is considered the capital of the French Riviera and is the largest resort city on the Mediterranean coastline.   Nice enjoys a mild climate, sheltered by a series of hills which separate it from the inland countryside and make it a year-round place to holiday.  Nice boasts excellent museums, beaches (although rocky, not sandy) and a lively day and nightlife.

La Promenade des Anglais is the graceful boulevard that lines the seafront and, as with La Croisette in Cannes, is an excellent spot for strolling and people watching.  Be sure to stop in at the famous Hotel Negresco, which was The Place to take up residence for aristocrats in the early 20^th century.

On a hill overlooking the Bay is the Marc Chagall Museum.  The artist lived in Nice and was instrumental in the conception and design of this museum, which houses the largest collection of his works, including the 17 paintings of his “Biblical Message”.  Be sure to visit on a sunny day; it will enhance the effect of the stained glass windows he created for the museum.

photo credit: blowfishsoup

Lavender fields, olive groves, the sound of crickets chirping…these are all part of the Mediterranean landscape of Provence.  The sweet air and rugged countryside have attracted writers, painters and of course holidaymakers to this region for decades.   The slow pace, the splendid weather and the warm, open attitude of the people make Provence a favourite destination for travellers.

Avignon

Linked to Paris by a 3.5 hour high-speed train ride, Avignon as a world away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.   The major attraction here is the Palais des Papes which was the seat of the papal court when it was temporarily moved from Rome to Avignon in the 14^th century.  The Palais is a massive fully-ramparted structure which boasts ten towers, 15,000 square feet and is equal to the size of four cathedrals.  The Palais is unfurnished, but a tour of the great halls gives you a good idea of what religious court life was like in bygone days.

A highly esteemed international theater and dance festival is held in the royal courtyard of the Palais each July:  Le Festival d’Avignon.  This famous festival draws thousands of fans from around the world.  Watching a play or dance performance under the soft Provencal night surrounded by the spectacular Palais is an unforgettable experience.

There are a number of museums to see in Avignon for those who want to learn more about Provence’s roots and history.  The Musée Lapidaire (27, rue de la République) is a good place to see regional artifacts dating back to pre-Roman times.  Be sure to take a walk out onto the Pont St-Bénézet, the 12^th-century bridge which French children sing about in their song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.”

Aix en Provence

A favourite university town for French and foreign students, undoubtedly due to its friendly population and superb climate, Aix en Provence is a charming place whose cours Mirabeau is an excellent people-watching spot with its lovely fountains and pretty cafés.  Take a walk through the Vieille Ville, or Old Town, and admire the typical architecture featuring wrought iron, geranium-filled balconies.  Aix en Provence’s native son, Paul Cézanne, loved to depict Aix and the surrounding region in his famous paintings; you can visit his studio at 9, avenue Paul Cézanne.

Arles

Considered the most charming of Provençale towns, Arles is a great place to explore this area’s Roman roots.   Bullfighting is a popular attraction here and you can attend one in the antique Arena in the summertime.  The arena, or amphitheater, is a true Roman relic, dating back to 27 AD and is the most visited site in Arles.  Gladiators used to fight there, entertaining crowds of up to 20,000 people.

Van Gogh spent time in Arles, and some of his paintings feature the hospital where he was interned after cutting off his ear in 1889.   No longer a hospital, this has become the Espace Van Gogh and you can visit this cultural center and learn about the artist’s life and work.

photo credit: fred_v

Visiting the glorious châteaux of the Loire valley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  The children will love the fairytale aspect of the holiday, and the adults will be enchanted by this region’s rich history and breathtaking views.  The Loire valley and all its treasures should be part of any traveler’s “must-see” plans.

A good place to use as a sightseeing base is Tours, where culture and history intersect to form a busy and beautiful urban center.  Although it suffered extensive bombing damage in World War II, the city has been restored to offer wonderful museums, a magnificent flamboyant Gothic cathedral, great shopping and fine restaurants.  Many visitors come to Tours uniquely to drink the highly-regarded Loire Valley wines.  If wine-tasting is a passion, try the region’s Sauvignon Blanc, a local Vouvray or a Muscadet from the Atlantic coast.

The Tours tourism office is an excellent resource and the place to go to begin exploring this area.  (Office de Tourism de Tours, 78-82 rue Bernard Palissy, open weekdays 8:30 – 19h00; Sundays 10-12h30 and 14h30-17h00).  Here you can chose from a selection of guided visits of the city, its museums, or its gardens.  You may also reserve a guided tour which takes you through the region’s châteaux, with choices ranging from day coach trips to more extensive tours which include 1-2 nights in a hotel.

Choosing which châteaux to see is a challenge; among the most popular are Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau and Chambord.

Azay-le-Rideau

A splendid example of Renaissance architecture, Azay-le-Rideau is one of the first stops after leaving Tours.  Constructed in the 16^th century, the detail work on this château gives it the reputation of being one of the most “feminine” in the Loire Valley.  Be sure to have a close look at the staircase which is famous for its elaborate carved decorative work.  If the weather is nice, there are lovely strolling paths along the grounds and along the Indre river.  In the summer evenings, the château hosts a spectacular son et lumière, or light and music show. Azay-le-Rideau is open year-round.

Chenonceau

Also built during the Renaissance period, the château de Chenonceau reaches across the Cher river with an impressive 197-foot arched structure.  The magnificent reflection makes for perfect photographs so have your camera ready.  Chenonceau is the most-visited châteaux in France after Versailles, and it is no surprise why.  With its royal architecture and sumptuously furnished interior, a visit to this special place will forever be remembered by young and old alike.  Open year-round, with audioguided or guided tours available.

Chambord

Chambord is the largest of the châteaux of the Loire Valley, and its design is said to have been based on an idea of Leonardo da Vinci’s.  Completed in 1685, Chambord is a monument to young King François the First’s two loves:  hunting and architecture.  The massive scale of this château is impressive: visitors can, if they have the energy, view all 90 rooms!  Most people are happy with a picking up one of the multi-lingual brochures at the entrance to the château and then selecting what they’d like to see best.  For those traveling with children, there are special visits led by a guide in character costume

If you enjoy taking a step back in time during your holidays then a travel through time in South America is a must.

photo credit: b_barbet

Straddling the Spanish border in the southwestern region of France, the French Basque country draws holidaymakers year round.  Renowned for its food, its golf courses, its surfing and its unique culture (neither French nor Spanish), there is plenty to discover in this beautiful area.

The chic resort town of Biarritz has been a favourite of celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Frank Sinatra…as well as surfers.  Thanks to its first-class waves, Biarritz’s surfing scene is considered to be the best in Europe. The Biarritz Surf Festival is held each July, attracting surfers from as far away as Hawaii as well as the local French stars of the sport.  Even if you are not a fan of the long board, there is still loads to do and see in this beachside town.  The Musée de la Mer is a terrific place to visit, especially if you are travelling with children who will enjoy the impressive aquarium situated in this art deco building.  La pelote basque, or jai alai, is the national sport of the Basque region, and you can visit a chisteras –maker at 6, allée des Liserons.  A chisteras is the extended willow basket  with which jai alai players hurl the ball forward, worn like a glove.   Attending a jai alai game at one of the many frontons sprinkled around the Basque country would be a highlight of any holiday in this region.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, you will want to sample one of the region’s delicacies:  le gâteau beret basque.  A creamy and dense chocolate cake, dome-shaped to resemble that iconic fashion accessory; once you taste this you will want to take some home!

Moving inland from Biarritz you will find the larger city of Bayonne.  Famous for its jambon (ham) as well as being the place where the chocolate bar was invented in 1496, there is a wide variety of things to do (and eat) in this vibrant city.   Visitors flock to the Grande Bayonne neighbourhood, the area surrounding the 13^th century cathedral.  The streets are off limits to cars and the many shops and restaurants make this a lovely strolling area.  If you would like to see a typical Basque artefact, go to the Makilas manufactory at 37, rue Vieille-Boucherie.  A makilas is a traditional Basque walking stick, carved out of the wood of a kumquat tree and, in earlier times, used as a weapon—unsheathe the stick and you will find a sword like arm inside!  These are true works of art, each one carved with intricate Basque patterns and are considered collector’s items.

Further south, near the Spanish border, is the posh town of St Jean de Luz.  Filled with Parisians’ holiday homes as well as the local population, the main street, Rue Gambetta, is packed in the summertime with well-dressed people enjoying the boutiques, restaurants and cafés that line this pedestrian zone.  Admire the typical Basque architecture of the building façades with their dark green and oxblood red painted beams and shutters.  Espadrilles, the rope-soled sandals which all locals wear, are made in St Jean de Luz.  There are several boutiques on the Rue Gambetta where you can purchase a pair or two.

photo credit: isamiga76

Normandy’s rich and varied coastal region is a must-see for history fans as well as any visitor to France wishing to discover this area’s celebrated landscape.  Easily accessible by ferry from the UK or car from Paris (take the A13 motorway towards Rouen and Caen), you will want to allow yourself a couple of days to explore the D-Day beaches and surrounding areas.  Whether or not you are a military history buff, no travel to Normandy would be complete without a stop at the battlefields, the war monuments, the military cemeteries and notable museums.

Visitors may wish to start with Omaha Beach and its bunkers as well as the Pointe du Hoc where the fighting was most concentrated (made famous in the film Saving Private Ryan) before continuing to the Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. Be sure to stop at the thought-provoking American-Gold Beach museum near Arromanches, in Ver-sur-Mer.  A side trip worth taking is to the town of Ste-Mère-Eglise which was the first French town to be liberated on June 6, 1944 and where an effigy of a US paratrooper hangs from a church spire.  Here you can visit the Airborne Museum which houses an important collection of WWII paraphernalia.

This beautiful coast also offers some lovely sandy beaches, and if you are travelling with children, be sure to stop so they may try their hand at shrimping and crabbing.  For fun, try driving one of the chars à voile, a sort of go-cart propelled by wind-power which you will see for hire at many of the beaches.

Moving inland away from the coastline is the medieval city of Bayeux.  The main attraction here is the Tapisserie de la Reine Mathlide, or the Bayeux tapestry, which is housed in its own special centre– a remodelled seminary.  There are two parts to the visit; the initial rooms where you can view a slideshow (in both English and French) which explains the events of the Norman Invasion, and then the upstairs rooms where the tapestry is displayed in special lowlight.

A visit to Bayeux should also include a tour through the spectacular Notre-Dame cathedral, which was where the tapestry was originally located.  You can also explore the Musée Mémorial du Général de Gaulle and see where the French President made his first post-liberation speech.  Opposite the museum is the British War Cemetery.

Moving even more inland you will find the historical city of Caen.  Most of this city was bombed in World War II and visitors are struck by the sleek modern architecture which sits alongside the restored buildings.  Caen boasts a noteworthy war museum, the Mémorial de Caen, whose mission is to promote peace and situate the events of the Allied invasion within a context of other 20^th century world conflicts.

Caen is not only a monument to the events of 1944, however.  A major university town, there is a lively nightlife and student feel to the city.  The shopping and restaurant choices are excellent, and there are many green parks to relax in should you need to take a break from the sight-seeing.

photo credit: ashleyt

Paris’ multitude of museums attract visitors from all over the world, not to mention the Parisians themselves who will often spend a Sunday afternoon taking in an exhibit.  From the renowned Louvre to some of the lesser-known specialized museums, a Parisian holiday should always include a stroll through the quiet halls of a museum or two

If you only visit one museum when traveling to France, make it the Louvre.  It is the largest museum in the Western world and the scope is impressive with over 30,000 works of art spanning ancient civilization to 1850.

You will need to plan several days if you want to view the entire museum.  For visitors who have less time to devote to this task, focus on a certain period or theme and take it from there.  There are excellent 90-minute tours in English which will give you an idea of the layout of the museum; after that you can go back and revisit rooms at your leisure.  If you are a more-independent art lover, take an audioguide which will cover around 130 works with ongoing commentary.

When you feel like you need to take a break from all that visual culture, there is a good food court in the underground mall below the museum (you can leave and re-enter the Louvre as much as you’d like with your day-long ticket).   The food court offers a choice of world cuisine, from roast chicken to Middle Eastern platters.  Service is surprisingly rapid despite the masses who stop to refuel at lunchtime, so you can get in and out and back to admiring the Louvre’s galleries in no time.

Curious to learn how Paris evolved into the bustling, contemporary city it is today?  One of the best places to discover the history of Paris and its evolution since Roman times is the Musée Carnavelet in the Marais district on the Left bank.  As you walk through the rooms of this beautiful museum housed in the former private mansion of Madame de Sévigné, you will understand how modern Paris came to be. The exhibits will interest children and adults alike; the ground floor contains detailed scale models of different neighbourhoods of the city in earlier times; upstairs are depictions of Paris under the Revolution and Revolutionary paraphernalia such as Robespierre’s document-holder. You can visit a recreation of Proust’s bedroom with its odd cork-linked walls (he was sensitive to sound).  On Sundays you will likely find a classical music concert going on in the atrium.

Fans of the Middle Ages will want to see the lovely Musée National du Moyen Age, or the Cluny Museum, in the heart of the Latin Quarter.  The Cluny’s small scale makes this an easy morning or afternoon visit that will not tire you out.  The crown jewel of the Cluny is the series of six tapestries known as the Lady with the Unicorn, housed in their own low-light, circular room.  These treasures are considered some of the finest art produced during the late Middle Ages.  The Cluny also is home to other important medieval artifacts such as illuminated manuscripts, pilgrim’s medals, jewel-incrusted religious icons, furnishings, and of course sculpture and paintings.  You may wish to join an organized visit, or walk through the rooms at your own pace using an audioguide.  There are multilingual descriptive sheets available in each room.

Musée du Louvre

Rue de Rivoli

75001 Paris

Musée de Carnavelet

23, rue de Sévigné

75004 Paris

Musée de Cluny

6, place Paul-Painlevé

75005 Paris

Despite the advent of hyper- and supermarkets, the French are very loyal to their open air food markets.  For visitors traveling to France, nothing beats the French farmers’ markets for history and authenticity.  These venues were the only source for food and household goods for centuries.  If you get an urge during your French holiday to brush up against the locals, you will find no better place to do so than walking through one of Paris’ busy and lively open air markets.

The Rue Cler

Situated in the posh 7^th arrondissement on the western end of the city near the Eiffel Tower, the Rue Cler street market is open every day of the week and offers a delightful experience for the hungry tourist.  Starting at the south end of the pedestrian-only, cobblestone-paved street, you will want to pull out your camera to photograph the glossy, colorful fruit and  fragrant cheese stalls which line both sides of this part of the street.  As you walk further up, you will see wine shops, honey vendors, a chocolate store (although it’s Belgian, not French) and some non-food shops, such as a boutique which sells pretty French-produced linen tea towels in an array of patterns, perfect for taking back home.

While the Rue Cler does cater a bit to the tourist trade (there are many small hotels along this street, and all of the café menus are printed in English), it is above all a purveyor to the local neighborhood.  Newsagents, a post office and a hardware store intermingle with the souvenir shops; all signs that this is a market that draws not only tourists, but meets the daily needs of the Parisians as well.

On the other side of the city not far from the Place de la Bastille is the marché alligre.  Situated in a working class neighborhood, the prices are half what Rue Cler charges and the atmosphere more boisterous.  You will feel like you are in the middle of an auction as you stroll through this market with the vendors shouting their prices and beckoning you to come and taste the best melon or cherries.  It is noisy and fun, and the quality of the goods is top-notch.  At one end of the marché alligre is a flea market which is always an interesting browse.  From stacks of jeans to boxes of old type-setting gear, the stands are a hodge podge of goods.  A little further along you will find loads of fresh-cut flowers, and behind that an indoor market where the meat and poultry is sold.

So on your next holiday in France, be sure to wander through an open air market.  Even if you don’t plan on preparing an elaborate meal, you’ll enjoy the stunning symmetrical displays of this country’s bounty.  You can always pick up a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread and some cheese for an impromptu picnic in one of the city’s many parks.

photo credit: Dave Hamster

Chartres is an easy day trip to take from Paris: just a little over an hour (88 kms).  By train you would leave from the Gare Montparnasse (22 trains each day); by car you would take the A6 motorway at the Porte d’Orléans, in the Nantes-Bordeaux direction, then switch over to the A10 and finally the A11.

Visitors come to Chartres to see the splendid Gothic cathedral, classified as one of UNESCO’s “world treasures”, and of course its famous labyrinth which the pilgrims walked (on their knees!) as they made their spiritual journey.  For those wishing to do their own meditative walk, know that the labyrinth is normally covered by the chairs in the nave of the church although it is uncovered most Fridays for people to experience.  It is a good idea to call ahead and check the cathedral’s schedule if walking the labyrinth is a must-do activity for you (33- 2-37-21-58-08 ).

You can start your visit to the cathedral by admiring the historic stained glass windows.  One of the richest and oldest displays of this type of art in the world; the cathedral’s windows boast 2,600 square meters of stained glass dating back to the middle ages, and is considered one of Europe’s finest collections.  “Chartres blue” is a common reference to the vivid color the glass makers first used here in the 12^th century.  Not every scene depicted is one of religious symbolism; many of the windows show typical trades, customs and dress unique to the Chartres area during the Middle Ages.

While the cathedral and its labyrinth cost nothing to visit, it is worth the nominal cost to take a guided tour in English by the famous tour guide Malcolm Miller.  This fellow has devoted his life to sharing his love of the cathedral with visiting Anglophones and his visit is lively, interesting and funny.  Even the non-religious will enjoy his commentary and learn how to “read” the cathedral’s symbols.  No, it is not Dan Brown, but there are secrets to be discovered with Malcolm Miller’s help!

After you have finished taking in the Cathedral, you might wish to stroll around the town.  The Eure runs through this area, and you can rent a rowboat or canoe to enjoy a slow promenade down the river, or just walk the shady and floral pathways which meander through Chartres at the Parc des Bords de l’Eure.  If you are traveling with children, they might enjoy the parc animalier where they can see goats, rabbits, peacocks and an assortment of small animals.

For a good, simple meal, try any of the creperies around the cathedral.  Know that the further you walk from the cathedral, the less expensive the food will be.  But crepes are always good value for money, and you can fill up with a savory buckwheat “complète” (egg, ham and cheese) followed by a sweet dessert crepe (try the nutella!). You will be satisfied and ready to keep walking all afternoon.

photo credit: aaronperkins

Inland Normandy offers splendid opportunities for travelers to France to experience top-notch cuisine, ample walking,hiking and cycling trails, and charming Norman architecture.  Normandy’s rolling hills and green fields produce some of France’s most tempting offerings from quality cheeses to authentic ciders.  You will want to come to Normandy with a good appetite!

Sixty kilometers from Paris is the town of Giverny, the gateway into Haute Normandy.  Giverny’s most famous resident was the painter Claude Monet, and people come to Giverny to visit his pretty pink house and exquisite gardens.  Open from April 1 through the end of October, La Fondation Claude Monet welcomes visitors from all over the world.  Start with a tour of the artist’s home, where all the furnishings have been maintained as if Monet were still living here with his wife and eight children.  Then step out into the gardens with its water-lily filled ponds and Japanese bridges.  The range and diversity of the flowers is stunning and a witness to Monet’s love of nature and its colors. . (Fondation Claude Monet, 84, rue Claude Monet, Giverny.)

Further inland is the region known as the Pays d’Auge.  This is where many of France’s great cheeses are born.  A good way to visit this area is by driving the cider route, which will allow you to discover the charming village of Beuvron-en-Auge, classified as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”.  Plan to spend a day here enjoying the split-timbered architecture dating back to the 17^th-century and tasting the local cider and calvados.  If you happen to be here in the month of May, there is a geranium festival which brings together 30 flower-producers.  In the fall, the village hosts an important Cider Festival where local producers come to show off their wares including alcoholic and non-alcoholic apple cider, pear cider, and varying strengths of calvados.

The historical city of Rouen, known as the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, suffered great damage during the World War II bombing raids but was fortunately restored to its former splendor.  An important inland port, Rouen attracts tourists who come to admire the Notre Dame gothic cathedral (celebrated in Monet’s series of paintings of its façade in its changing light), museums, shopping and typical regional architecture.  Wander through the old quarter known as St Maclou and admire the medieval houses which, due to settling foundations, lean dangerously to the right and left.  For shopping, head towards the 16^th-century archway which features the large clock (rue du Gros Horloge) and note that the clock as no hands!  In this pedestrian area you will find clothing and shoe shops, bakeries and cafés.

For fans of the 19^th-century writer Gustave Flaubert, there is the Musée Flaubert (Ancien Hôtel-Dieu ,51, rue de Lecat) which celebrates this city’s native son.  Here you can see Flaubert’s parrot, as well as some medical paraphernalia which undoubtedly made appearances in his famous novel Madame Bovary.