Oh how interesting! I'm delighted to be in contact with a writer with a similar concept for a different country. As you may have seen, my focus is specifically on towns and cities. It's been very enriching so far, both the Substack part and the travel part. I just subscribed to yours. I can't promise to like and comment regularly, but it will be interesting to compare and contrast. I've never been to Japan, however.
Enjoy. I'm going to cover larger cities too. Just not the places most tourists go visit.
I used to live in France on the Cote d'Azur not far from Grasse. We had friends further west in places like Salernes and Brignoles which I suspect are right in your sweet spot of size for visiting. The waterfall photo you have in your recent vacation post reminds me of a waterfall I've been to a couple of times near Salernes in fact - the "Cascade de Sillans"
On the travel front the "Erich Sonntag Postcard Collection" substack - https://espc.substack.com/ - is a great way to "visit" places all over the world in years gone by
I spent a month in Nice doing a study program long ago, but since have seldom been back to the Côte d'Azur. It is a long way from my part of the South -- it takes as long to drive from here to Nice as to Paris, and it's virtually impossible by train (15 hours.) I do hope to get back someday though. Salernes looks a bit small for my focus but Brignoles and Grasse would be good subjects.
Yes, Aix is easier to get to. I have a friend who lives there, so would like to go back again someday. You are right, it's too big for my focus here, but I'm still going to bigger cities for other reasons -- especially Paris!
Thank you for your comment, David. I'm glad you're along for the ride. I hate to break it to you though, but Nancy, at 100k+ inhabitants, is just over my focus. I'm especially into "villes moyennes", home to between 10-20,000 to 100,000 souls, with the latter being a maximum, and also "petites villes," 5,000 to 10,000. But I agree that Nancy is off the beaten path for many. I've never been there!
I can't claim to have explored it thoroughly, but it was pleasant and user-friendly. I was really charmed by La Châtre, 30 minutes away, but at 4,000 inhabitants it's too small for you.
I've heard several people "down here" say something along the lines of "et puis il a été muté à Châteauroux. Tu imagines!" as if it were some sort of life sentence. It makes me curious.
Nancy recently came on my radar - hoping to visit in the next year (I try to get to France spring and fall, and I know it won't be this fall as I've got that trip sorted now).
I hear and read nothing but great things about Nancy. I’ve never been there — I’ve definitely seen a lot more of the South and the Center than the North.
Aix is a good base and I think you will see a lot more than if you were based in Marseille. As for the Camargue, I spent two nights in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer two years ago and loved that town. I see it’s an hour and a half from Aix though. I honestly wasn’t that taken with the Camargue itself though — it’s of course very flat and quite drab from a scenic point of view. It gets extra points if you’re a bird lover, though.
The challenge on vacation is that even though I am an early riser generally, I like to lounge and not hurry on vacation. Birds would be best early, as well as avoiding heat. I'd do well to hit the road before 7 AM and I'm not sure that will happen. So we shall see. I was in Arles in April 2024 and even though I had a car I still didn't get myself to La Camargue. So maybe this is aspirational lol
Love it! I am heading to La Ciotat in September - which is not small or unknown but darn it's hard to find a whole lot about it online (at least in English). Maybe because it is in the shadow of Cassis?
I’ve heard of La Ciotat but I haven’t been there and agree that it’s not high-profile. With a population of about 36,000, it sounds like a great destination for my next Côte d’Azur trip, but that would probably be during the winter months.
Are you going for travel, a move, or a short-term stay?
I have visited Cassis twice (both times with car) and on one trip I drove the Route des Cretes over Cap Canaille - did not proceed all the way to La Ciotat. I get the sense it's a local gem - if you live nearby it's a vacation location - but Americans end up in Cassis or Aix or MRS (this is what I surmise anyway).
So this will be a treat - five nights in La Ciotat and five nights somewhere else.
Hi I just found you on Substack. I’m new on this platform… my father was French my mother English. I lived in Paris as a small child and have visited many times since. So I’m very interested in your theme … visited Aurillac once - love historic small towns. Thanks for your posts 😊
Thank you so much for your comment and checking out my publication. I actually live quite near Aurillac, but have never visited it! So it is on my list and I'll probably be going there sooner than later. Do you have any impressions, or was it kind of a blur?
Substack is a great place to connect with people with similar interests, whether you write a publication or not. Welcome!
This is exactly what I LOVE about France. Many of my American friends have said, ‘Once you have seen one small village, you’ve seen them all.’ Boy, not me! I love all the higgely piggely roof tops and all the different stones with which they are built. We happened to
have landed in the most perfect village of 200 because we fell in love with the country-side in Southern Burgundy. Our 20 years there were heaven for me and then we had to move back to the US. After 4 years, I’m still not quite recovered. So, believe me, I will love hearing about the history of your region. Thank you🥰🤪
And thank you for subscribing! My focus here is actually on small to mid-sized towns, so population 10,000-80,000 or so. I love the small villages too but feel the “villes moyennes” and “petites villes” don’t always get enough attention from travelers, especially Americans and Australians.
I’m intrigued by what you were doing for 20 years in France and why you had to move back (and where to) in the US.
Feel free to use the direct message function if you prefer.
Hi Sandolore, and thank you for dropping in.How long have you lived there in Angoulême and how do you like it?
I have indeed “been” to Angoulême, but didn’t “experience” it as I was there for professional reasons. So: long drive from Rodez with colleagues, meetings, a very quick visit of which I remember little, a dinner in some large fancy venue that was in the town center and high up? I couldn’t tell you where.
The next day, more meetings, lunch at our hotel where the event was (the Mercure) and the grueling drive home.
I have been here for about 15 years. I really do love it. We have these rolling fogs in the mornings and spectacular Indian summers. The tiny city has tucked in countrysides down nearly every road. I love the old city and the grungy stone faced buildings.The city is on what they call, « the plateau » and since the town is quite hilly, there are high views everywhere. Economically the town is quite depressed but their is a lively cultural scene here because of the different schools, the comics festival and the movie industry. If you are ever coming through this way, there are a few interesting art places in the countryside that are worth checking out!
Thanks David. Statistics will bear me out in some geeky future post that I'll write in the dead of winter, but a lot of "France" is happening in towns of between 5,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. I grew up in one of those in the States and I live next to one of them now, so I guess they've captured my heart. By the way, I've really been admiring your work.
This is great! I used to love reading your blog posts about France. Now that I have been watching more French tv shows (L’art du crime, Munch, crime en…) I am also falling in love with France. Looking forward to reading your posts. ❤️
Sounds delightful! I only saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and spent several weeks near Val d’Europe, in Montévrain. Alas, I didn’t do much. With any luck, I will get to go back one day. <3
Tout c’est bon, Betty. So well-written, captivating, intriguing entree to your coming attractions!! Can’t wait for the first reveal!!! Bon chance. Gery
I love the concept. I'm trying something similar for Japan here - https://lessknownjapan.substack.com/
Oh how interesting! I'm delighted to be in contact with a writer with a similar concept for a different country. As you may have seen, my focus is specifically on towns and cities. It's been very enriching so far, both the Substack part and the travel part. I just subscribed to yours. I can't promise to like and comment regularly, but it will be interesting to compare and contrast. I've never been to Japan, however.
Enjoy. I'm going to cover larger cities too. Just not the places most tourists go visit.
I used to live in France on the Cote d'Azur not far from Grasse. We had friends further west in places like Salernes and Brignoles which I suspect are right in your sweet spot of size for visiting. The waterfall photo you have in your recent vacation post reminds me of a waterfall I've been to a couple of times near Salernes in fact - the "Cascade de Sillans"
On the travel front the "Erich Sonntag Postcard Collection" substack - https://espc.substack.com/ - is a great way to "visit" places all over the world in years gone by
I spent a month in Nice doing a study program long ago, but since have seldom been back to the Côte d'Azur. It is a long way from my part of the South -- it takes as long to drive from here to Nice as to Paris, and it's virtually impossible by train (15 hours.) I do hope to get back someday though. Salernes looks a bit small for my focus but Brignoles and Grasse would be good subjects.
Aveyron is on the wrong autoroute :) .
Aix-en-Provence would be closer. Unless you think it is too big.
Yes, Aix is easier to get to. I have a friend who lives there, so would like to go back again someday. You are right, it's too big for my focus here, but I'm still going to bigger cities for other reasons -- especially Paris!
I, for one, am game to see and hear more about the middling cities in France. I was in Nancy last summer and adored it.
Thank you for your comment, David. I'm glad you're along for the ride. I hate to break it to you though, but Nancy, at 100k+ inhabitants, is just over my focus. I'm especially into "villes moyennes", home to between 10-20,000 to 100,000 souls, with the latter being a maximum, and also "petites villes," 5,000 to 10,000. But I agree that Nancy is off the beaten path for many. I've never been there!
That's fine. I was also in Châteauroux and around last year. Had a lovely time there, too!
Châteauroux is on my 2024 list! It suffers from a bad rep down here. I’m interested in forming my own opinion.
I can't claim to have explored it thoroughly, but it was pleasant and user-friendly. I was really charmed by La Châtre, 30 minutes away, but at 4,000 inhabitants it's too small for you.
I've heard several people "down here" say something along the lines of "et puis il a été muté à Châteauroux. Tu imagines!" as if it were some sort of life sentence. It makes me curious.
Nancy recently came on my radar - hoping to visit in the next year (I try to get to France spring and fall, and I know it won't be this fall as I've got that trip sorted now).
I hear and read nothing but great things about Nancy. I’ve never been there — I’ve definitely seen a lot more of the South and the Center than the North.
Where are you going after or before La Ciotat?
nearby to Aix most likely - and day trips that are an hour or so by car max each day (although if I do visit La Camargue that may be more)
Aix is a good base and I think you will see a lot more than if you were based in Marseille. As for the Camargue, I spent two nights in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer two years ago and loved that town. I see it’s an hour and a half from Aix though. I honestly wasn’t that taken with the Camargue itself though — it’s of course very flat and quite drab from a scenic point of view. It gets extra points if you’re a bird lover, though.
The challenge on vacation is that even though I am an early riser generally, I like to lounge and not hurry on vacation. Birds would be best early, as well as avoiding heat. I'd do well to hit the road before 7 AM and I'm not sure that will happen. So we shall see. I was in Arles in April 2024 and even though I had a car I still didn't get myself to La Camargue. So maybe this is aspirational lol
Love it! I am heading to La Ciotat in September - which is not small or unknown but darn it's hard to find a whole lot about it online (at least in English). Maybe because it is in the shadow of Cassis?
Hi and welcome from another Elizabeth ———- son.
I’ve heard of La Ciotat but I haven’t been there and agree that it’s not high-profile. With a population of about 36,000, it sounds like a great destination for my next Côte d’Azur trip, but that would probably be during the winter months.
Are you going for travel, a move, or a short-term stay?
I am joining Emily Monaco!
I have visited Cassis twice (both times with car) and on one trip I drove the Route des Cretes over Cap Canaille - did not proceed all the way to La Ciotat. I get the sense it's a local gem - if you live nearby it's a vacation location - but Americans end up in Cassis or Aix or MRS (this is what I surmise anyway).
So this will be a treat - five nights in La Ciotat and five nights somewhere else.
Hi I just found you on Substack. I’m new on this platform… my father was French my mother English. I lived in Paris as a small child and have visited many times since. So I’m very interested in your theme … visited Aurillac once - love historic small towns. Thanks for your posts 😊
Thank you so much for your comment and checking out my publication. I actually live quite near Aurillac, but have never visited it! So it is on my list and I'll probably be going there sooner than later. Do you have any impressions, or was it kind of a blur?
Substack is a great place to connect with people with similar interests, whether you write a publication or not. Welcome!
This is exactly what I LOVE about France. Many of my American friends have said, ‘Once you have seen one small village, you’ve seen them all.’ Boy, not me! I love all the higgely piggely roof tops and all the different stones with which they are built. We happened to
have landed in the most perfect village of 200 because we fell in love with the country-side in Southern Burgundy. Our 20 years there were heaven for me and then we had to move back to the US. After 4 years, I’m still not quite recovered. So, believe me, I will love hearing about the history of your region. Thank you🥰🤪
And thank you for subscribing! My focus here is actually on small to mid-sized towns, so population 10,000-80,000 or so. I love the small villages too but feel the “villes moyennes” and “petites villes” don’t always get enough attention from travelers, especially Americans and Australians.
I’m intrigued by what you were doing for 20 years in France and why you had to move back (and where to) in the US.
Feel free to use the direct message function if you prefer.
Hi Betty. I am an American living in Angoulême, have you ever been here?
Hi Sandolore, and thank you for dropping in.How long have you lived there in Angoulême and how do you like it?
I have indeed “been” to Angoulême, but didn’t “experience” it as I was there for professional reasons. So: long drive from Rodez with colleagues, meetings, a very quick visit of which I remember little, a dinner in some large fancy venue that was in the town center and high up? I couldn’t tell you where.
The next day, more meetings, lunch at our hotel where the event was (the Mercure) and the grueling drive home.
It’s definitely on my radar for my publication.
I have been here for about 15 years. I really do love it. We have these rolling fogs in the mornings and spectacular Indian summers. The tiny city has tucked in countrysides down nearly every road. I love the old city and the grungy stone faced buildings.The city is on what they call, « the plateau » and since the town is quite hilly, there are high views everywhere. Economically the town is quite depressed but their is a lively cultural scene here because of the different schools, the comics festival and the movie industry. If you are ever coming through this way, there are a few interesting art places in the countryside that are worth checking out!
I'm ready to find out the REAL France.
Thank you for joining in the comments.
Thanks David. Statistics will bear me out in some geeky future post that I'll write in the dead of winter, but a lot of "France" is happening in towns of between 5,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. I grew up in one of those in the States and I live next to one of them now, so I guess they've captured my heart. By the way, I've really been admiring your work.
Welcome to Substack, Betty. I'm excited to read more about your adventures in France!
Thank you for the welcome, it means a lot! Getting started on Substack is a challenge, but I'm enjoying every minute.
This is great! I used to love reading your blog posts about France. Now that I have been watching more French tv shows (L’art du crime, Munch, crime en…) I am also falling in love with France. Looking forward to reading your posts. ❤️
Oh, thank you for your kind words! I'm really excited about this new project.
Sounds delightful! I only saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and spent several weeks near Val d’Europe, in Montévrain. Alas, I didn’t do much. With any luck, I will get to go back one day. <3
Oh Amy I'm so happy you found me here! I hope you'll subscribe. I'm really excited about this new project.
What a great idea! An interesting niche to explore.
Tout c’est bon, Betty. So well-written, captivating, intriguing entree to your coming attractions!! Can’t wait for the first reveal!!! Bon chance. Gery
Thank you so much for reading it and being the first to comment. I really appreciate it!