After a few weeks in Basel, it was time to say “auf wiedersehen” to Switzerland and “Bonjour” to France. I was off on a 3 week solo journey through France. After my Swiss recharge, I was beyond ready and incredibly excited. I had switched up some of my travel plans due to transportation logistics and ease of travel and ended up in Paris for a few extra days. I was so glad that I did that. Since I wasn’t planning on being there, I had nothing planned and really nowhere I needed to be. That allowed me to just enjoy and live in the moment.

I picnicked on the Champ de Mars under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. I drank champagne along the Seine. I visited museums (Rodin and D’Orsay). I toured Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried.) And I practiced my French.

I had one excursion planned: A day trip to the Loire Valley to check out some castles. The Loire Valley is home to thousands of castles, vineyards, and old villages. It’s super easy to navigate to some of the castles by train but I would highly suggest you either join a tour group with included transportation (like I did) or rent a car to go from town to town. Traveling by bike, along the river, would be a dream. If you end up doing that, let me know!!!

The first castle we visited was Château de Chambord. The largest castle in the Loire Valley, with its decorative towers and partial moat, the views from the top were exquisite. I felt so lucky to be visiting a castle!

After about an hour drive, we were at our next castle: Château de Chenonceau. This was a bucket list castle for me. I was SO excited to visit. Nicknamed “The Ladies Castle” because of five women leaving their mark on the castle over the years. The most famous was Catherine de Medici. I walked through the bountiful gardens and through all the rooms in the chateau eager to see it all. For lunch, I had quiche Lorraine, an eclair, and a carafe de vin rosé. Am I French yet??? Before leaving I visited a labyrinth, hopeful I’d make it out in time to catch my bus. Rest assured, Snicks, it was easy peasy. I navigated my way through pretty quickly. Prochain château s’il vous plaît!

We had one final chateau to see: Château de Cheverny. We could only partially view this one because there are still people that reside in the castle. And guess what?! This one had a labyrinth too! Not gonna lie though, I got really nervous in it. The walls were much higher than the last one. I got scared that I’d be stuck and would need to send out a flare for rescue. Luckily I found my way out. What a relief. As I emerged into the light from the labyrinths darkness, I quite nearly bumped into an older couple debating entering the maze. Jubilant and still a little nervous from being lost, I stammered that it was a hard maze. I could tell by their reactions that the man and woman didn’t understand. The couple watched me as I tried to mime “tricky maze” when finally I gave up and said “Bonne chance” (good luck). As I began to walk away, the woman responded “Merci beaucoup” and walked the opposite direction of the maze. Lol.

My bonus trip to Paris was a success. I was ready to soak up some sun and seaside in the South of France. Until next time, Paris! Next stop: Nice, France!!

Tips, Links, and Locations

Loire Valley Chateaux

Château de Chambord Château, 41250 Chambord, France

Château de Chenonceau 37150 Chenonceaux, France

Château de Cheverny Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, France

Paris Museums

Art Greats Musée d’Orsay 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

The Thinker Musée Rodin 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France

Napoleon’s Tomb Musée de l’Armée 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France