One of the best parts about living in Paris is its proximity to the French countryside. Sure, Paris is a beautiful city. But like all big cities, it can become a bit suffocating after a while at the grind. And because most people here live in apartments in fairly tight quarters, a solid majority of Parisians who can afford it own homes in the country, where they can spread out, slow down, keep a garden, and breathe fresh country air - if only for a weekend. It also helps that property in France is significantly less expensive once you get about 1.5 hours outside of Paris. While Michael and I don't own any property to speak of, like so many Parisians before us, we sometimes need to get the hell out of Dodge and explore the quieter corners of the country. Last weekend, we rented a car and drove to a lesser-known department called Mayenne, which is in the Pay-de-la-Loire region. We stayed in a super-charming Bed & Breakfast run by a British couple who have converted an old barn and have a gaggle of chickens running around the property. I had never actually seen a chicken run before... it does not disappoint. One of our favorite towns in the area is called Chailland, which is everything I ever dreamed a French country village would be. It wasn't in full glory as the trees are still dormant awaiting springtime, but you get the picture. If you ever find yourself passing through, I would also highly recommend the restaurant in town at the Hotel des Voyageurs. We had a delicious four-course dinner with wine for under 50 Euro.
On Sunday, we drove over to a town called Fourgères, which is technically just across the border into Brittany, and is home to one of the largest medieval castles in Europe; the Chateau de Fourgeres. While there isn't much left of the castle interior like there is in some of the beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley, this one is impressive for its sheer size and age, parts of which date from the 12th century.
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AuthorBecause why not get married and move to Paris to really kick off your thirties? Archives
December 2016
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