I would say nearly every part of France contains what is now known as "hidden gems." Lately I got to know a few cities in the Allier department, Moulins and Vichy, which were fascinating places. Much of the countryside there is relaxing and peaceful.
Moulins, the capital of Bourbonnais and former duchy of the enonymous Bourbon family, is a notable destination. Personally, I would prioritize visiting Vichy, renowned for its UNESCO-listed waters and heritage architecture. Then, of course, Moulins.
Would you recommand any reading material on the Centre area ? I'm currently educating myself on Provence and Languedoc regions.
Well, I liked the area I visited. George Sand called it "La Vallée noire" because of what she considered to be its deep, mysterious countryside. I can see what she meant. It's certainly beautiful, with low, rolling hills, and lots of forests. I was charmed by the town of La Châtre. I'd like to explore the area more. The bigger cities around there are Bourges, Poitiers, and Limoges. I have yet to visit any of them, but I think I would start with the latter because of its famous porcelain manufactory. And it has an airport.
I went through it rather than to it. I got off the train from Paris in Châteauroux and picked up my rental car from a local agency before heading off to stay at a château between La Châtre and Aigurande. I also went to Nohant to inspect George Sand's domain. On the way back, I just dropped the car off and got back on the train, so I saw very little of Châteauroux.
As a clear “ville moyenne,” I hope to get there, but it doesn’t have a very good reputation in these southern parts. I’ll never forget a dinner party where somebody talked about an acquaintance getting a job transfer to…(hushed tone) Châteauroux, as if it were a bit like a prison term. I stopped there once by train a LONG time ago, poked around a bit, and also felt it to be a bit gloomy. But I could be totally wrong — I need to see for myself!
I would say nearly every part of France contains what is now known as "hidden gems." Lately I got to know a few cities in the Allier department, Moulins and Vichy, which were fascinating places. Much of the countryside there is relaxing and peaceful.
Moulins, the capital of Bourbonnais and former duchy of the enonymous Bourbon family, is a notable destination. Personally, I would prioritize visiting Vichy, renowned for its UNESCO-listed waters and heritage architecture. Then, of course, Moulins.
Would you recommand any reading material on the Centre area ? I'm currently educating myself on Provence and Languedoc regions.
Pérouges, founded in the 12th century, is like a snapshot in time, and on the Riviera coast Cassis is amazing.
I'm genuinely flabbergasted by Pérouse's preservation of its 12th-century architecture.
The name Cassis alone reads inviting.
I visited the Centre for the first time last year. I was charmed.
Centre of Antibes or Nice ?
No, I mean the Centre region of France, specifically Indre.
French Riviera is in the South-East of France 😊
Yes, I know. I'm responding to the second last paragraph of your article, about exploring other "terroirs" in France.
Oh, yes sure! My bad for the misunderstanding 😊
I haven't yet had the opportunity to visit the Centre. Where should I start ?
Well, I liked the area I visited. George Sand called it "La Vallée noire" because of what she considered to be its deep, mysterious countryside. I can see what she meant. It's certainly beautiful, with low, rolling hills, and lots of forests. I was charmed by the town of La Châtre. I'd like to explore the area more. The bigger cities around there are Bourges, Poitiers, and Limoges. I have yet to visit any of them, but I think I would start with the latter because of its famous porcelain manufactory. And it has an airport.
@David Does this mean you went to Châteauroux? I'd be interested in your impressions. It's on my list for sometime within the next year.
I went through it rather than to it. I got off the train from Paris in Châteauroux and picked up my rental car from a local agency before heading off to stay at a château between La Châtre and Aigurande. I also went to Nohant to inspect George Sand's domain. On the way back, I just dropped the car off and got back on the train, so I saw very little of Châteauroux.
As a clear “ville moyenne,” I hope to get there, but it doesn’t have a very good reputation in these southern parts. I’ll never forget a dinner party where somebody talked about an acquaintance getting a job transfer to…(hushed tone) Châteauroux, as if it were a bit like a prison term. I stopped there once by train a LONG time ago, poked around a bit, and also felt it to be a bit gloomy. But I could be totally wrong — I need to see for myself!
Always the best policy!