Yes, I am in France. As soon as I arrived back from Madrid, I packed my hiking gear and drove across Germany to France. Parlez-vous français? – un petit peu! I haven’t explored this country much besides Paris and Normandy, and let me tell you, driving through Southern France is very picturesque. From Strasbourg to Dijon and Lyon, I love the little towns, the smell of fresh croissants, the fashion and the atmosphere.
But which town in this part of France is better?
The reason for this drive, however, was to get to the little town Le Puy en Velay, which is the starting point for an approx. 260km hike. The Robert-Louis-Stevenson Hike! Crazy idea? Maybe but not really. I should have enough hiking experience and training by now, don’t you think? Furthermore I will take it easy and walk approx 20km per day. Amazing how numbers add up over time and the simplicity of it all. Walk, eat, take in everything, sleep and repeat! But first the drive.
Strasbourg – Le petite Paris
Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand East region in northeastern France and very close to the German border. Without much knowledge about Southern France, Strasbourg was on the way and therefore my first stop in France. What a surprisingly gorgeous city it was. Touristy, however very cute and chic inside the Petite French historic area.
From amazing fashion boutiques, to shops with local and fresh produce, as well as lots of different bistro’s and patisseries, there is plenty of temptation. But I behaved (more or less)!
In addition to the pretty town, the Rhine River adds to the charm, creating beautiful photos. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg stands very grand near the town square. With the original construction initiated in 1015, the cathedral has momentous significance for religious, cultural and symbolic reasons. An amazing building!
And how unique is the Janus Fountain with the big head? I loved it all and the photos speak for themselves.
This city is definitely highly recommended by me.
So let’s keep driving through southern France. Dijon and Lyon are next! But which one is better? Or should you see both?
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Dijon
After Strasbourg, Dijon was next on my stop. Dijon is the capital of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France. And Burgundy is one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. The landscape in this area is stunning and the wineries add to the experience of the french countryside. As you would guess by the name. And of course, there is the Dijon mustard. Sounds familar?
I have heard that it is a nice town and I guess it is in a way. Definitely the same as Strasbourg for shopping, local produce and variety of bistro’s and restaurants. A pretty town however, in comparison to Strasbourg, Dijon lacked colour and therefore charm for me. Somehow it felt a bit dirty and without appeal.
I have also noticed more and more refugees the further south I am driving. It is quite interesting because after visiting so many different countries it is the first time I notice their presence.
All in all is is a nice place to see. But between Dijon and Lyon? I can’t wait to see which one is better. As for Dijon, come here for shopping and dining. You will enjoy it! (Read more below… )
Lyon
Lyon is the third most populated city in France and the capital city of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. It is definitely a big city. The inner city is quite spread and supposedly reflects 2000 years of history. A mix of roman to medieval and renaissance architecture.
There was certainly a mix of architecture but I couldn’t find anything too impressive or ‘wow’. Nevertheless the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere on top of the hill certainly stood out and gave a great photo opportunity. I walked around a bit, found a great local food market and left again to continue with my journey, driving through southern France.
As a summary, and after visiting Strasbourg, Dijon and Lyon, I wouldn’t put Lyon on my ‘must visit’ list. (Even though you might have heard great things about it). But Strasbourg and Dijon are definitely nicer. To me!
And I have reconfirmed my thoughts more than a year later when I cycled throughLyon on my big cycling trip. (Read here)
Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne was on the way only 55km Southwest of Lyon so I stopped there too. It was the same as Lyon. The city felt dirty, big (but smaller than Lyon) and busy. There was only a little bit of the old French town left and it felt quite modern otherwise. It doesn’t reflect the french charm to me and so I didn’t spend much time there. As you most likely can tell by now, you can see which places I like the most based on how many photos I take. I hardly took any of Saint-Etienne or of Lyon.
Next stop is Le Puy en Velay and my destination to start my hike. I am definitely looking forward to discovering the smaller towns and villages that I will pass through then. Can’t wait!
(Read part 1, part 2 and part 3).
