Page 49 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

Sweet Valley Living
The Vallée du Lot (p357), more
mellow neighbour of the
Dordogne, is perfect for an
unhurried taste of authentic
French life. Drift through
sleepy stone villages like Puy
l’Évéque or Saint-Cirque-
Lapopie, or the handsome
medieval town of Cahors
(p436) with its glorious
sunflower fields. Throughout
the valley, fabulous riverside
cycling paths lead to
child-friendly beaches.

Saint-Cirque-Lapopie,
a hilltop village in
the Lot Valley

A Rustic Haven for Foodies
Stretching along the Swiss border, Franche-
Comté is a pristine paradise that's bursting
with rustic French specialities – think
excellent charcuterie, cheeses and some
delicious wines. The biggest draw is
Besançon (p337), a city famed for clock-
making that is crowned by
a UNESCO-listed citadel.
A tempting cheese Tiny villages dot rural
board, ubiquitous in valleys, ideal for slow,
Franche-Comté meandering exploration.

FRANCE’S SECRET
PASTIME
In the summer months,
the cities empty as the
French pour into the
countryside to return
to nature. Camping is
enormously popular
in France, with both
rugged sites for the
self-sufficient and chic
glamping spots housed
in yurts or treehouses.
One of the best ways to
experience camping in
France is to seek out
the camping à la ferme
sites (www.camping
france.com). These are Unpopulated Pyrénées Families
tiny campsites on local For mountains, valleys and waterfalls minus hiking the
farms, where there the crowds, make for the Pyrénées Orientales. beautiful
are just a handful of The sacred Catalan mountain of Canigou landscapes of
pitches and your only (p478) is well off the tourist track; or further the Pyrénées
neighbours will be south, head to artsy little Collioure (p480), Orientales
curious hens. which is little changed from the anchovy port
beloved of Matisse and André Derain.
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