While in France
The Loire Valley: Châteaux, Wine, & Charm
Château-Hopping: The Loire Valley is famous for its fairy-tale castles (there are over 300 in the region!). You cannot go wrong, but we personally love… Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, Amboise, and Loches. Wine Tasting: The Loire Valley produces some of France's best (and most affordable) wines. Head to Vouvray, just 15 minutes from Tours, for tastings at local vineyards. Place Plumereau: Tours' old town square, lined with half-timbered medieval houses and packed with cafés and restaurants. Guinguettes: A French summer staple, guinguettes are open-air riverside dance halls where folks gather to eat, drink, and dance. Our favorite is La Cave aux Guinguettes in Rochecorbon, but Tours has great options too. Eat Like a Local: Don't leave the Loire Valley without trying some of the regional specialties. Rillettes and Sainte-Maure de Touraine are some of our must eats!
Paris: The Greatest Hits (+ Our Hidden Gems)
We all know the Louvre: But here are some lesser known museums—Bourse de Commerce, Petit Palais, Musée National Picasso, Musée Rodin. Freshly renovated following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame is also a must visit. Shop ‘til You Drop: These are the spots you cannot miss according to Analea… Merci, Bobby, Garrice, Le Bon Marché, Printemps, Officine Universelle Buly, Marin Montagut, Brigitte Tanaka, La Grande Épicerie de Paris. Grab a Bite at a Bistro: Order the plat du jour, get a glass of Brouilly (affordable, delicious, always satisfying), and settle in for a few hours. Quench Your Thirst at Our Favorite Bars: Head to Harry's New York Bar, a legendary bar said to be the birthplace of many classic cocktails, or Bisou for custom made libations. Walk Everywhere: Paris is best on foot, especially if you're staying in Le Marais. Wander through Jardin du Luxembourg or Tuileries, Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and Montmartre without an agenda.