Travel to France: Castles, Wine and a few Suprises

We recently traveled with a small group to France, exploring the beautiful Loire Valley and the exciting city of Paris. The trip was filled with history, amazing sights, wonderful wine, and a few unexpected moments that served as a good reminder about the importance of travel safety.

The Loire Valley is known for its beautiful castles and châteaux, rolling countryside, and wine production. Our group visited four châteaux, learning about French history and the stories behind these incredible properties. We also enjoyed a wine tasting, where we learned how to recognize a good wine and pick out the different flavors. It was a fun way to experience another part of French culture!

From the Loire Valley, we headed to Paris to see some of the city's famous sights, along with visits to Normandy and Versailles. Paris certainly kept things interesting, though, as we found ourselves dealing with something we hadn't planned on—protests throughout the city.

A Lesson in Travel Safety

When traveling abroad, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings. These days, it also pays to stay informed and think ahead.

We had heard about upcoming protests, so we checked with the hotel staff to get a better idea of what to expect. We learned that the demonstrations involved not only students protesting school conditions, but also labor unions, workers, and members of the Yellow Vests movement, known for raising concerns about the cost of living and economic inequality.

After considering the situation and the possibility of things turning violent, we decided it was best to return to our hotel after our morning tour. Getting there was an adventure in itself! Our taxi driver did an impressive job navigating closed roads, crowds of protesters, and police activity to get us safely back.

While protests weren't exactly what we had in mind for our Paris visit, the experience was a good reminder that things don't always go according to plan when traveling. Sometimes, the best decision is to change your plans and play it safe.

A Few Tips Before Your Next Trip

Protests and other unexpected events can happen throughout Europe, just as they do here at home. Before heading out each day, take a few minutes to check local news and travel advisories. Talk to hotel staff or local guides, pay attention to what's happening around you, and don't be afraid to change your plans if a situation doesn't feel right.

One helpful resource for U.S. travelers is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free program through the U.S. Department of State lets you register your travel plans and receive important safety updates for your destination. It can also help the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate contact you in an emergency.

You can sign up at https://mytravel.state.gov.

Despite the unexpected excitement in Paris, our trip was a wonderful experience filled with history, beautiful scenery, great wine, and memories we'll take home with us. A little preparation and a willingness to be flexible can go a long way toward making your travels safer and more enjoyable.

So, keep exploring, stay aware, and enjoy the adventure!

Happy Travels!

Stephanie | Leaps and Bounds Travel