France is an absurdly beautiful country. There really isn't enough attention paid to all the wonder that lies outside of Paris. Experiencing France inch by inch proves a breathless journey, as you see in person all the beautiful things that French painters have depicted, Kings and Queens conquered, and writers mused about.
The Poppy Fields in Giverny, the Cliffs of Etretat, the Castles of the Loire Valley...
Monet's Lily Pond
We stopped off in Luxembourg for a day, because I seem to like going to tiny countries that would otherwise be missed on most people's trips. Northern Luxembourg was amazing - crisp air, beautiful forested hills and valleys, and gorgeous museums everywhere displaying the entire spectrum from illuminated manuscripts to ultra-contemporary art.
From the top of a castle in Viand.
