France

Located at the very tip of the Guérande peninsula, Le Croisic is one of those places that feels quietly special. Less polished than La Baule, more authentic than most seaside towns, it offers a rare balance between raw nature, maritime heritage, and slow coastal living. What truly makes Le Croisic unique is its peninsula geography. Here, it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in a single day. Sun, wind, mist, blue skies, dramatic clouds : these constant shifts create microclimates that transform the landscape hour by hour. This ever-changing atmosphere is what gives the peninsula its unmistakable charm. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Why Visit the Wild Coast of Le Croisic? The Wild Coast (Côte Sauvage) is a spectacular coastal path circling the peninsula, where the Atlantic Ocean meets rugged rocks shaped by wind and tides. It is one of the most scenic coastal walks in western France. Le Croisic attracts travelers who are looking for: nature and ocean views, authentic local life, coastal walks without crowds, good food without pretension. It is an ideal destination for a day trip or a slow weekend escape, especially if you want to experience a different side of coastal France. Where to Stay in Le Croisic Airbnb Le Croisic offers many well-located Airbnb options, whether near the harbor, in the historic center, or close to the Wild Coast.I personally recommand this one,  my favorite, ideally located and amazing hosts! Hôtel Les Vikings A beautiful hotel facing the ocean, offering stunning sea views. Perfect for travelers who want to fall asleep to the sound of waves and enjoy the peninsula’s constantly changing light. Where to Eat in Le Croisic Restaurants L’Océan : On the beach, a refined and elegant restaurant for a more upscale dining experience. Le Lénigo : Simple, well-executed food, located directly on the port. Oysters at Au Simalion : A must for fresh, local oysters in a relaxed setting. Le Bac à Sable : A lovely terrace & view, slightly away from the busy harbor area. Crêperie Duc de l’Aiguillon : In my opinion, the best crêpes in Le Croisic. Where to Have a Drink ? Au Simalion : Oysters and a glass of white wine, always a good idea. Le Bistrot de la Poissonnerie : For a truly local atmosphere. Le Gaouch : Live music, great energy, and the only harbor terrace with afternoon sun. Things to Do in Le Croisic Visit an exhibition at the former fish market (ancienne criée) Explore the covered market during the week or the open-air market on Thursdays and Saturdays Walk along the Wild Coast and discover the art installations scattered along the path Rent a bike near the train station to explore the entire peninsula Visit the Océarium of Le Croisic, the third most visited site in Loire-Atlantique Wander through the historic town center, with its narrow streets and colorful houses Relax at Port-Lin Beach (much quieter outside July and August) Pick up a pizza from Krystell in Batz-sur-Mer and enjoy it by the ocean at Baie de Jumel Take a walk through Parc de Penn Avel, a quiet green space perfect for slowing down During spring tides, try shore fishing (“pêche à pied”) in Le Trait You can also spot shrimp and small crabs (étrilles) between Port-au-Roc Beach and Castouillet Beach. Relax & Slow Down Enjoy a massage at Escal’Beauté, located in the Intermarché shopping gallery : warm welcome and quality treatments. Visit the golf course with sea views, even non-golfers will appreciate the setting. Treat yourself to Larnicol chocolates or a fresh waffle on the harbor. Strolling along the harbor at sunrise  A Peninsula Like No Other Le Croisic is not a destination you visit just once.Thanks to its microclimates, changing skies, and peninsula energy, every visit feels different. It is raw, quiet, maritime, and deeply charming : a place that rewards those who take the time to slow down. ✨ Tips from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨ Le Croisic train station is extremely well located, with direct TGV connections from Paris. Take a walk toward Pen-Bron, in the direction of La Turballe, for a peaceful nature escape. Perfect if you want to escape La Baule or Le Pouliguen for the day and experience a more authentic seaside town. Take the time to stroll in Penn Avel park, sit on a bench, very cool park If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments, by email, or on social media! BISOUS

Just 45 minutes outside of Paris lies one of the most iconic palaces in the world : the Château de Versailles. Lavish, grand, and dripping with history, this UNESCO World Heritage site is more than just a quick stop : it’s a full-day experience that transports you straight into the heart of French royal history. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just want to walk through the famous Hall of Mirrors, Versailles is an unmissable day trip from Paris. This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend tours and experiences I personally trust and would use myself. What is the Château de Versailles ? Originally a humble hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles was transformed by King Louis XIV into a symbol of absolute monarchy and French grandeur in the 17th century. For over a century, it served as the royal residence of France until the French Revolution. Today, it welcomes over 8 million visitors a year, offering a glimpse into royal life through: The Palace itself with over 2,300 rooms The Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) The vast Gardens of Versailles, complete with fountains, sculptures & groves The peaceful Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate Should you book a tour ? Definitely yes. Versailles is massive and often crowded : having a guide (or at least booking an audioguide) makes a huge difference in your experience. I recommend booking in advance through GetYourGuide, they offer skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and even full-day packages with transport from Paris. Whether you want a self-paced audio guide or a historian-led walking tour, you’ll find tons of flexible options with free cancellation. Tip : Download the official app before your visit for extra insights on-site. When to visit Versailles ? Best time: Spring (March–June) and Fall (Sept–Nov) for mild weather and fewer crowds Opening hours: Palace: 9 AM – 6:30 PM (closed Mondays) Musical Fountain Shows: Available on select days from April to October : worth it! Tip : Arrive early and visit the gardens first, especially during musical fountain days. Then head to the palace when crowds start to thin out around midday. What not to miss ? The Hall of Mirrors : The most famous room in the palace. Arrive early to enjoy it without huge crowds. The Royal Apartments : See how French kings and queens lived in luxury. The Gardens : Rent a bike or golf cart to explore! Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet : A charming escape from the grandeur, complete with a faux rustic village. The Grand & Petit Trianon : More peaceful, less crowded parts of the estate with stunning architecture. Tip : Don’t miss the Carriage Gallery, it’s free to visit and open on weekends and during the Christmas holidays! What to bring ? Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk a lot, I have the Salomon Speed Cross 3, I recommand 100%) Water bottle (refill stations available) Weather-appropriate clothing (lots of time outdoors) Camera or phone with storage : the views are incredible! How to get to Versailles from Paris ? RER C Train: Take the RER C from central Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (~45 mins). From there, it’s a 10/15 minute walk. Or, book a tour with transport included through GetYourGuide. ✨ A Tip from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨ The Château de Versailles is more than a tourist attraction : it’s an immersive journey through art, history, politics, and luxury. With a bit of planning (and the right ticket), you’ll experience one of France’s greatest national treasures with ease. Book your visit, skip the lines, and walk in the footsteps of royalty : ALL in a day. Click here to browse guided tours, tickets & packages on GetYourGuide BONUS : Admission is free for residents of the EU under 26 years old (student ID required), though the audioguide costs €4.And the palace is also free for everyone on the first Sundays from November to March, but make sure to reserve your ticket in advance on the official website. BISOU