France 2026

Enchanting France: A  Blend of Heritage and  Unforgettable Journeys

  This year, France was calling not just once, but three times! I headed across the border for three wonderful weekend getaways, each one spent with friends and filled with new places to discover, plenty of laughter, and unforgettable moments along the way. Every trip had its own little adventure, but they all shared the same ingredients: exploring new corners of France, enjoying delicious food, listening to good music, hiking in the nature followed by camping, and simply making the most of our time together. Looking back, what made these weekends truly special wasn't just where we went, but the wonderful memories, we created along the way. Three trips, countless laughs, and plenty of moments worth remembering!

   Easter weekend took me on a acharming little getaway to Dijon, together with my friends Matthias and Aranza. What originally started as a simple plan - to attend a concert by Tony Ann - quickly turned into something much more. When we realised the concert fell on Easter weekend, we decided to extend our trip by an extra day, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful old town of this historic French city. Our AirBnB couldn't have been better located - right in the heart of Dijon, just a two-minute walk from the stunning Place de la Libération. Dijon, often referred to as the City of a Hundred Bell Towers, was granted city rights as early as th 12 th century and flourished during the era of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. Today, its remarkably preserved old town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dijon is, of course, world-famous for its mustard, but also for the renowned Burgundy wine region that surrounds it. And then, there's the iconic local aperitif: the Kir. This elegant drink - made from white wine and crème de cassis - has its roots right here in Dijon. Named after Félix Kir, a former mayor of the city, it became popular when he began serving it at official receptions. The blackcurrants used for the liqueur are grown in the region, adding yet another local touch to this beloved drink. But Dijon isn't just about food and wine, it's practically an open-air museum. The medieval old town is filled with architectural treasures, charming alleyways and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. One of the best ways to explore the city is by following the famous Owl Trail. Simply look out for the small bronze owl markers embedded in the ground - the tip of each triangle points in the right direction to continue walking.

  But why an owl? The owl is Dijon's mascot and a symbol of good luck. Perched on a buttress of the Notre-Dame de Dijon, this tiny carved owl has become a must-see. Legend has it that if you touch it with your left hand, your wish will come true. Despite being damaged in a vandalism attack in 2001, it continues to draw visitors from all over the world. From the owl, we stepped inside the magnificent Notre-Dame church, a masterpiece of 13th-century Burgundian Gothic architecture. Inside, we discovered one of France's oldest Madonna statues - the Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir - dating back to the 11th century. Just a short walk away, we arrived at the famous Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, where mustard has been produced since 1840 using traditional methods and local Burgundy mustard seeds. Naturally, we couldn't resist sampling a few varieties before heading off to our first proper meal of the day. Lunch was a delight: savory galettes filled with chicken, mushrooms, cheese and, of course, Dijon mustard, followed by sweet crêpes with butter and brown sugar - a perfect introduction to the region's culinary pleasures.

  Re-energised, we made our way back toward the tourist office, where we had booked a guided visit to the Tour Philippe le Bon. Rising just behind the impressive Ducal Palace, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Climbing it turned out to be one of the highlights of the day - the rooftops of Dijon stretching endlessly under the warm spring sun. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the city's picturesque streets at a relaxed pace. One street that Particularly stood out was the Rue Verrerie, with its charming half-timbered hosues and beautifully aged facades. Nearby, we admired the elegant Hôtel de Vogüé, one of the earliest grand townhouses built for Dijon's parliamentary members in the 17th century. Its roof, adorned with colourful glazed tiles typical of Burgundy, was a sight itself. The Rue des Forges also offered fascinating glimpses into Dijon's medieval past, and with the sun shining brightly, every corner of the city seemed to glow with history and charm. It truly felt like a dream to explore this place at such a leisruley pace. As evening approached, we decided to wind down in a more relaxed way. Back at the apartment, with a glass of Burgundy white wine, some cider, a few snacks, and several rounds of UNO at the kitchen table, we reflected on the day and exitedly wondered what other highlights awaited us in the days to come.  

  The next morning began, once again, with a culinary highlight. After a relaxed start to the day and a bit of sleeping in, we made our way to the market hall of Dijon - Les Halles de Dijon. But it's not just the incredible variety of local produce that makes this place special - the market hall itself is a sight to behold. Built at the end of the 19th century, this elegant iron structure with its sweeping arches was designed in the style of Gustave Eiffel, giving it a distinctly Parisian flair. We stocked up on all kinds of delicious treats - cheese, pastries, and of course a buttery pain au chocolat - before deciding to enjoy our breakfast back at the AirBnB. It turned out to be one of the best breakfasts of the year so far: simple, local, and absolutely perfect. Afterwards, we strolled past the Dijon Cathedral and made our way to the peaceful Jardin Botanique de l'Arquebuse. This green oasis offers not only an impressive variety of plants, but also three life-sized animal sculptures - a rhinoceros, an elephant, and a hippopotamus - which add a playful touch to the serene setting. One of the true highlights, however, were the magnicficent magnolia trees in full bloom, scattered beautifully throughout the garden. We then continued on to the Jardin Darcy, the city's first public park. Its grand fountain is certainly impressive, though we agreed that the botanical garden had a slightly more relaxing and charming atmosphere.

  Dijon doesn't just impress with its medieval heritage - it even has a touch of Parisian grandeur. the Porte Guillaume, a triumphal arch built in 1788 on the foundations of an old city gate, stands proudly at Place Darcy and marks the entrance to the historic old town. Back in the old town, it was time for lunch. As a starter, we tried one of Dijon's regional specialities: eggs in red wine sauce - rich, flavourful, and deeply rooted in Burgundian cuisine. Afterrwads,w e treated ourselves to something sweet at the Boulangerie Pâtisserie Frémont, picking out a few irresistible pastries to enjoy later. We took a short break back at the apartment to relax and recharge, because the evening held the highlight of our entire trip: the concert by Tony Ann. Since seating at L'Ecrin was unassigned, we made sure to arrive early, taking the bus and securing some of the best seats available. And what followed was nothing short of magical. The concert was deeply moving, dreamlike, and utterly captivating. At times, i felt like I had been transported into another world. Watching Tony Ann playing the piano live, following the flow of his melodies - it was mesmerising. there were moments when I simply closed my eyes and let the music carry me away, imaginning myself in a beautiful, dreamlike landscape. I'm incredibly grateful that me made the trip to Dijon for this concert. In the end, everything - the city, the food, the atmosphere, and the music - came together perfectly. It truly was the perfect Easter getaway.   

   The next morning, it was already time to head back - but not without one final stop. We decided to make a short detour to the charming city of Besancon, adding one last chapter to our Easter getaway. After arriving, we were lucky to find a delicatessen shop still open, where we stocked up once more on regional specialities - cheese, cider and a bottle of Crémant from the Burgundy region - perfect souvenirs to take a piece of France home with us. With our bags a little heavier, we set off on a relaxed walk through the old town of Besancon, making our way toward the gently winding Doubs River. We lingered there for a while, enjoying the calm atmosphere by the water before continuing downstream toward the city's most iconic landmark: the impressive Citadel of Besancon. Even from a distance, the fortress looked absolutely majestic, towering high above the city. After a roughly 15-minute uphill walk, we reached the entrance gate. Given our limited time (and growering hunger), we decided to explore only the outer sections and the surrounding gardens, skipping the paid interior - but even that was enough to appreciate the scale and beauty of the site. We then made our way back down toward the city, stopping briefly at the Besancon Cathedral, located at the foot of the Mont-Saint-Etienne hill, just below the citadel. On the easterns ide of the cathedral lies the historical Porte Rivotte, dating back to the 16th century, with its two round towers and later-added walkways from the 19th century. Just nearby stands another remarkable monument: the Porte Noire, a Roman triumphal arch from the 2nd century, richly decorated with intricate sculptures - a fascinating remidner of the city's ancient past. Alongside the citadel, one of Besancon's most important landmarks is its Astronomical Clock, created by Auguste-Lucien Vérité. This extraordinary mechanism consists of thousands of moving parts and features multiple animated displays. Unfortunately, access to the clock was closed during the time of our visit to the cathedral - but it certainly gives us a reason to return someday. After soaking in a final bit of history and atmosphere, we treated ourselves to a relaxed Indian lunch before beginning our journey back to Freiburg. And just like that, our short but unforgettable Easter trip through France came to an end - filled with stunning architecture, incredible food, and moments that will stay with us for a long time to come.  

  In the middle of July, we headed off on a group getaway to the French-German border, with the charming fortifiled town of Neuf-Brisach as our destination. After spending quite some time researching suitable campsites near Freiburg, we eventually came across Camping Vauban - Onlycamp in Neuf-Brisach. It looked like the perfect base for our weekend trip, so we booked four of their glamping tents for the group. Wanting to make the most of our time together, we set off early on Saturday morning. Our first stop was Birké Pâtisserie, where everyone gathered for breakfast. I treated myself to a cappuccino and a delicious little pistachio and raspberry tart - a perfect way to start the day. Once the whole group had arrived, we took a leisurely walk around Neuf-Brisach's impressive fortifications. The town is famous for its star-shaped layout, carved from distinctive pink sandstone, and is unlike any other in the world. Designed by the renowned military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban for King Louis XIV, the fortress city was astonishingly completed in just four years. Since 2008, Neuf-Brisach has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not simply because it is a fortress, but because it represents one of the greatest masterpieces of military architecture ever built. To be honest, the town centre itself isn't the main reason to visit. With its large central parade ground now serving as a huge parking lot, perfectly straight streets, and strict geometric layout, Neuf-Brisach feels surprisingly orderly and somewhat lacking in atmosphere compared to many of the picturesque Alsatian villages nearby. However, wandering through the vast defensive walls and moats was easily the highlight of the visit. It may seem unusual to stroll through former military trenches, but the immense green spaces surrounding the fortress have become peaceful walking paths that truly showcase the incredible scale of Vauban's vision. Along the way, we also discovered numerous art installations in a variety of styles, which added an unexpected creative touch to the historic setting.

  After our walk, most of the group decided to play a round of mini golf in nearby Breisach. Meanwhile, Valerio, Teresa and I opted for a small adventure into the Alsatian countryside to visit the Trois Châteaux, better known as the Three Castles overlooking Eguisheim. Just as we arrived, a passing rain shower forced us to delay our plans, so we made the most of the unexpected break by enjoying lunch first. Fortunately, the rain soon cleared and we set off on the hike. Rising to an elevation of 591 metres above the Alsatian Plain, the three castle towers dominate the surrounding landscape and can be seen from miles away. The castles date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The oldest, Wahlenbourg, once served as the residence of Count Hugh IV of Eguisheim. It was followed by Dagsbourg to the north, and finally Weckmund, completed during the 12th century. Today, only the characteristiv pink sandstone keeps remain, standing proudly as reminders of what was once a single fortifies complex before it gradually fell into ruin and was abandoned after the 15th century. After exploring the castle ruins, we enjoyed another short walk through the peaceful forest before making our way back to the campsite.

  We arrived almost at the same time as the rest of the group and finally settled into our surprisingly spacious and rather luxurious glamping tents. The rest of the afternoon and evening couldn't have been more relaxing. We spent hours chatting, playing games, enjoying good food and drinks together, and even cooling off with a refreshing swim in the campsite's pool. It was exactly the kind of laid-back summer evening that made the whole trip memorable. The night itself was a little less peaceful than expected. Between a heavy rain shower and church bells ringing loudly at four o'clock in the morning, sleep was somewhat interrupted. Still, after breakfast we packed up and set off for a relaxing Sunday afternoon at Burkheimer Baggersee, already back in Germany. Most of the Sunday was spent relaxing by the lake, playing more games, sharing snacks and cold drinks, and taking a pleasant walk to the nearby Rhine River. It was a wonderfully slow and peaceful day - the perfect ending for a fantastic weekend filled with good company, beautiful scenery, and plenty of memorable moments.  

  At the end of August, it was time for another weekend getaway to France - this time to the beautiful town of Annecy. I travelled by train from Freiburg via Bern and Geneva, while Sarah arrived a little later by car. We met at the Pâtisserie and Café Sébastien Vauxion, where we kicked off the weekend in the best possible way: with a selection of little French treats. Sampling a few local pastries is definitely one of the highlights of any trip to France! Afterwards, we wandered through Annecy's charming old town for a while, exploring its narrow streets and colourful houses. It didn't take long before we started getting hungry again, so we decided to try something a little different and headed to Le Bistro Géorgien for Georgian food. The food was absolutely delicious, although we had to wait for more than an hour for our dishes to arrive. In the end, though, we left full, happy and satisfied. After dinner, I made my way back to Annecy Hostel, while Sarah and her daughter headed to their accomodation just outside the city.

  The next morning started with more French treats, this time from Campagne Boulangerie. After a quick detour to the playground, we set off to explore the Château d'Annecy. The castle was built in several stages between the 12th and 16th centureis and once served as the residence of the Counts of Geneva and later the Dukes of Nemours. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly damaged by fires, some of them quite severe. Today, the historic building is home to the Musée-Château. From the castle walls, we were also rewarded with a beautiful view across the rooftops of Annecy all the way to the sparkling waters of Lac d'Annecy. And, of course, no castle visit is complete without ice cream afterwards! We wandered back down into Annecy's gorgeous old town and stopped at Terre Adélice, where we were faced with the rather difficult task of choosing between no fewer than 86 different flavours. I eventually went for lavender, wild blueberry and dulce de leche. The cheese-flavoured ice creams, on the other hand, seemed just a little too adventurous - even for me! With our ice creams in hand, we continued through the old town and passed the Palais de l'Isle, commonly known as the old prisons. Sitting right in the middle of the River Thiou, it is probably one of Annecy's most recognisable landmarks. At its heart is a fortified tower house dating back to the late 12th or early 13th century. From Pont Perrière, we enjoyed another picture-perfect view of the palace before following the Thiou towards the Jardin de l'Europe, right at the shores of Lac d'Annecy. Within a few minutes, the scenery seemed to change completely: one moment we were strolling through a miniature version of Venice, and the next it almost felt as though we had somehow jumped straight into the canals of Amsterdam. After crossing the romantic Pont des Amours, we found ourselves right of Annecy's lakeside promenade. As the water was still pleasantly warm, there was really only one thing left to do: go for a swim! With its crystal-clear water and spectacular mountain backdrop, Lac d'Annecy is simply stunning, and taking a refreshing dip surrounded by that scenery was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. Later, we slowly made our way back towards the old town for dinner, once again weaving our way through Annecy's narrow streets and picturesque alleyways. To round off the day in suitably indulgent fashion, we treated ourselves to a delicious fondue at L'Estaminet.

  Between the French pastries, Georgian food, countless ice cream flavours, fondue, historic streets, mountain views and a swim in the lake, Annecy turned out to be the perfect destination for a weekend trip. Both the food and the atmosphere of the town completely won me over, and I'm pretty sure this won't have been my last visit to Annecy.