Feb 6th, 2018, 12:58 PM

Escaping Paris: Three Weekend Getaways

By Carolina Galbiati
Image Credit: Wordpress/Bubblyprofessor.com
Looking for an easy-to-plan, relaxing weekend out of town? Discover three of France's gems, all in different areas of France.

Explore the surf culture in Biarritz, hike and walk the trails of the Parc national de Calanques near Cassis and relax in a cozy wine bar in Strasbourg. A short guide to these cities, with key information including fight and train tickets, hotel, and restaurant suggestions. All close to Paris, here are three intriguing destinations for those days when you can't handle the city and its Parisians anymore.  

1. Cassis

Situated east of Marseilles in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, Cassis is a small commune that, with its charming beaches and town center, offers a relaxing getaway just 2 hours away from Paris. With a plane ticket that costs less than 150 euros, a 1h15 minute flight to Marseilles is the easiest and fastest way to get to one of the most exclusive, yet low-profile escapades. The train is 4 hours long. From Marseilles, it is best to take a train from the station Marseilles-Blancarde that takes you to Cassis in 15 minutes for five euros. However, it is suggested to rent a car at the airport and then drive to Cassis, which-- depending on traffic-- should take no more than an hour. This is because close to Cassis there is the Parc National de Calanques, a protected coastal landscape that merges marine and forest wildlife that you must see during your stay. Famous for its calanques, or sheltered inlets, it is a popular tourist destination for its splendid views of the coastline and also very known for its cave diving and rock climbing. Sheltered away from even more popular Saint Tropez and Marseilles, Cassis is a place to unwind and enjoy the small-town allure while enjoying some of the best beaches France has to offer. 



Image Credit: Shutterstock/Romrodphoto

Main attractions (for first/second time visitors): Calanques National Park, Plage de la grande Mer (popular beach), Calanque de Port-Miou (one of the three biggest calanques) and the Domaine du Bagnol, one of the most scenic and historically significant wineries of the area, and a perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a glass of cold rosè. 



Image Credit: Creative Commons/lcfdriver.com

 

Hotel suggestions

Medium budget: 2 minutes from the city center, on Rue Abbé Paul Mouton is Les Clos Des Aromes, a quiet cottage that overlooks the sea. Guests raved about the management of the hotel and the friendliness of the owner, Julien. I would ask for a room that overlooks the French-style courtyard. Prices start from 100 euros for 2 nights. 

High budget: On 6 Avenue Du 11 Novembre sits a quiet and romantic oasis away from the city noises, on a small hill 5 minutes away from the beach. Voted 8.9 stars on Booking.com, the Royal Cottage offers one of the best views on the sea while hosting its guests to clean, modern rooms and a pool that overlooks the beaches. Prices vary from 170-200 euros for two nights. 

Tip: Cassis does not have as many hotels as the neighboring cities do. However, there are many great apartments one can book on any hotel platform. I suggest Le Faustine, a high-end modern apartment on the beach. Yes, you read right: Le Faustine has a pool with a private entrance on the beach only a few meters away, which is also why the apartment does not have a street address. Ask residents for directions. Prices start from 360 for two nights, but it sleeps 6 people. Yoga retreat, anyone?

Restaurant suggestions 

Medium budget: In a small one way street in the center of the city is La Defonce, a small gem that produces locally grown food, making some of the best dishes of the area. 

High budget: At a 12 minute walk from the city center is a true gem of the city’s fine dining: La Villa Madie, on Avenue de Revestel, is the best spot for a lunch with a great view of the sea and its flavorful dishes. The minimalist architecture of the space and the tranquility are few of the reasons this restaurant was awarded not one but two Michelin stars. Absolutely worth it!

2. Biarritz
 


Image Credit: Shutterstock/LElik83

To get to Biarritz the fastest route is by plane, however the direct train from Paris Montparnasse to Biarritz is only 4 hours long with round-trip prices starting at 100 euros per person. If you prefer flying, the closest airport is Bayonne. A surfer destination in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, just 20 miles away from Spain, Biarritz is known to be the first location in all of Europe where surf was practiced for the first time. Because of this, it attracts thousands of people every year for its windy beaches and the casinos, along with the Hotel du Palais, which was originally built for Empress Eugenie. If this doesn’t please your traveling palate, Biarritz also has many attractions that make it the fun beach city it is: beside the annual Biarritz Surf Festival, it is also known for the churches and palaces built by the royal family. Dine and gamble on the beachfront of the Grande Plage and take a long walk along the old city center while exploring Empress Eugenie’s impeccable taste in interior design and architecture. 

Main attractions (for first/second time visitors): St Martin’s Church, The Russian Orthodox Church, The Chapelle Imperiale, Hotel Du Palais, The Barriere Casino (waterfront of the Grande Plage) and the Asiatica Museum, that hosts a wonderful collection of Indian and Chinese art. 



St Eugenie Cathedral. Image Credit: Shutterstock/LuminatePhotos by Judith

Hotel suggestions

Medium budget: The Grand Tonic Hotel Biarritz, for only 170 euros for a two people, two day stay, is a four star hotel located two minutes away from the beach. Known for its great location, it also sits 200 meters from the Grande Plage beach and from the Bellevue and Barriere casinos on the waterfront. Guests really enjoyed the cleanliness of the hotel and the quality of the service. 

High budget: The Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa is definitely the most luxurious hotel in the area. With its exceptionally soft and large beds, the 5-star hotel is located only 1 minute away from the Biarritz Miramar beach, which guests have access to along with a spa and wellness center. The suites also feature a balcony, with mesmerizing views of the city and the ocean, and the restaurant and cocktail bar are among favorites of locals and tourists. Prices for a two day, two person stay start from 400 euros.

 

Restaurant suggestions 

Medium budget: Tandem is one of the best spots for lunch by the beach. On the terrace, you’ll be surrounded by glass eating fresh seafood with a 360 degree view of the beach and the ocean. The restaurant is also known for its cocktails. It is on 10 Place Saint Eugenie. 

For dinner, on 24 Rue Gambetta is Puig&Daro, a Wine and Tapas Bar in the middle of a very lively street. I suggest arriving early so to sit outside on the terrace. The atmosphere and the food are known to be its strongest features. 

High budget: Villa Eugenie is the Hotel du Palais’s main restaurant, that overlooks the beach in an 1800 Baroque style eccentric and very elegant ballroom-like space. It’s Michelin-starred dishes and incredible view of the Calanques makes it an absolute must for tourists, families, and couples. 

For something a little more modern, I definitely recommend L’Impertinent, a small but revolutionary restaurant on 5 Rue D’Alsace. The cozy ambiance and the modern revisit of traditional French cuisine makes this place perfect for late night dinners. Tip: Let the waiter suggest some wines instead of picking one yourself. This restaurant is known for it’s "particularly interesting" list of wines, says the Michelin guide review.

 

3. Strasbourg



Image Credit: Shutterstock/cge2010

Strasbourg is probably the easiest destination in terms of times and availability when looking for a relaxing trip away from hectic Parisian weekends. Only 1 hour and forty five minutes away from Paris by train, Strasbourg has a lot to offer. Situated in the region of Alsace, its architecture and culture are peculiar to its geographic location, as French and German architectural influences merge to create an aesthetically captivating cultural bridge. It was classified in 1988 as World Heritage by UNESCO, being the first entire city center to be awarded this honorable title. Additionally, Strasbourg hosts one of the biggest Christmas Markets in Europe every year, making it a traveler’s favorite destination during winter season. The river, the snow and the small winter town ambiance makes it the ultimate romantic getaway.

Main attractions: Sandstone Gothic Cathedral or Notre Dame de Strasbourg (one of the principle examples of Brick Gothic, an architectural movement.) Inside is the must-see Astronomical Clock, defined by Victor Hugo as a “gigantic and delicate marvel”. 



Hotel suggestions

Medium budget: For only 170 euros for two nights, Hotel Maison Rouge offers the services of a grand family-style hotel while being located in one of the most vibrant and young neighborhoods of Strasbourg, on Rue des Francs Bourgeois. Its elegance and traditional ambiance will make you feel like royalty without having to maximize your budget. 

High budget: On Rue de Moulins an ulterior escape exists, called Hotel Regent Petite France and Spa. An old converted seventeenth- century mill, this 5 star hotel hosts guests from all over the world that enjoy its renowned spa with saunas, hammam and massages and its beautiful rooms with a view on the river. Prices depend on availability, however start from 150 euros per night for a double room.  

Restaurant suggestions 

Medium budget: Cafe bale on 24 Rue D’Austerliz is a lively and small restaurant, known for its brunches. I suggest going there for lunch on a sunny day, as the terrace is a good spot for people watching and has a great view of Place d’Austerliz and the park in front of it.

High budget: A truly romantic spot in the city center, Buereheisel by chef Eric Westermann specializes in high-end traditional French cuisine. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2017. Price per person: starting at 90 euros. 

Other suggestions: Black and Wine bar, situated on Rue Hannong. In this quiet little street next to busy Rue du 22 November sits this elegant wine bar, perfect for afternoon cocktails or a late night glass.