Second Cities: The best destinations to add onto a trip to Paris
Welcome to TPG's Second Cities series, where we help you find amazing places that are only a couple of hours away from your original destination. This is the way to get the most out of your itinerary and visit destinations that see fewer tourists but deserve attention.
Paris is aptly nicknamed both the City of Love and the City of Light. Even though winters can be cold and rainy, there's never really a bad time to go. It's romantic year-round and the lights of the Eiffel Tower glitter, rain or shine. With Valentine's Day coming, Paris may be on your mind -- for a couples escape, a family vacation or a getaway with friends.
But why limit your adventure to Paris? France is full of medieval castles, gorgeous coastline, charming villages and more.
The French Riviera, Bordeaux's vineyards and Provence's lavender fields may already be on your radar, but there's still more to see and do. Sip wine in a castle in the French countryside, explore one of France's most incredible medieval citadels or admire 6,000-year-old megaliths. Here are some other destinations to visit in combination with Paris.
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Visit castles and sip wine in the Loire Valley
Why go: All of France is special for wine lovers but the Loire Valley is one of the best regions for oenophiles, especially if you're also into castles. The area features hundreds of towering châteaux, many of them with vineyards of their own. This is an ideal way to taste with kids in tow -- younger children, tweens and teens will all love exploring the castles as you savor your sauvignon blanc or cabernet franc.
Getting there: The Loire Valley is only a few hours away from Paris by car. If you'd prefer, you can take the train from Paris to Tours and then rent a car.
Where to stay: With Hyatt's Small Luxury Hotels program, you can stay at some seriously charming hotels (and castles) while earning and burning Hyatt points. Enjoy a walk in the vineyards or a visit to the Caudalie spa at the 18th-century château Les Sources de Cheverny ($230/25,000 points per night).
Read more: How to redeem points with the World of Hyatt program
What to do: Start by exploring the city of Tours, visiting the gothic cathedral, Les Halles de Tours market and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Rodin and more. Then head east to the countryside to begin your castle and wine adventure. Although the Château de Chenonceau is one of the most popular attractions in the region, you should still visit to wander and wine taste. The only castle in the region to be built over the water, the structure actually spans the Cher River.
Head west toward Nantes through the Loire-Anjour-Touraine Natural Park. Follow the Loire River, which has a number of cycling paths, stopping at châteaux along the way, like the wine-centered Château de Minière or the Château de Targé, hidden among the greenery.
If it's bubbles you're after, follow the river northwest to the Bouvet Ladubay winery, where you can sample the Loire Valley's renowned sparkling wine, Crémant. Both traditional and cycling tours of the cellars and grounds are available.
Discover the beauty of Brittany and Normandy
Why go: Brittany and Normandy make for the perfect road trip from Paris. Drive past walled cities, blustery beaches and hilltop castles. History lovers, foodies and anyone wanting to get out of the city will love these western regions.
Getting there: Take a train from Paris to Rennes, the capital of Brittany (just an hour and a half on the high-speed line). After a quick stop to check out the impressive Palais du Parlement de Bretagne building and the manicured Thabor Gardens with their own aviary, rent a car and start your road trip. Alternatively, rent a car in Paris and drive a few hours to Normandy. There also are river cruises along the Seine from Paris that stop in various parts of Normandy if you'd prefer that to a road trip.
Read more: The best ways to get to Paris using points and miles
Where to stay: These regions don't have much of a selection when it comes to points hotels, so it may be best to consider a home rental, like this picturesque countryside cottage or this romantic treehouse, both available on Airbnb.
What to do: Options for a Brittany/Normandy itinerary are endless, but there are some stops you must include. The majestic Mont Saint-Michel is home to the Monastery of Saint Michel, a monastery-turned-jail-turned-church set atop its own mountainous island. Farther west, Saint Malo is a medieval walled city set upon a golden-sand beach.
Southern Brittany is known for its Carnac Stones. These aren't just any rocks, though -- you can see over 3,000 prehistoric megaliths. Check out some of the dolmen stone formations which were once tombs. Further inland, the caves, boulders and trails of the Huelgoat Forest are perfect for nature enthusiasts. The Nantes-Brest canal runs for over 200 miles through the Brittany region. Explore the villages lining the canal or kayak/canoe in its waters.
If you want to absorb the history of D-Day, drive through spots like Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Arromanches, Utah Beach and Caen. Here, you'll find memorials, museums and beaches where the Allies landed in 1944. Further north in Normandy, drive through the beautiful cliffs and seashore of Étretat. The breathtaking scenery once served as inspiration for great artists like Claude Monet. Closer to Paris, Giverny was Monet's longtime home and the site of the water lily pond and bridge that he often painted.
Explore the Occitanie and Languedoc-Roussillon regions in southern France
Why go: Most visitors associate southern France with Nice and the French Riviera, but you can avoid all the glitz with a relaxing getaway to lesser-explored areas like Occitanie and Languedoc. These regions have a little bit of everything: medieval villages, sandy stretches of beach, cultural cities and delicious wine and cuisine. Although they lack the international glamour of St.Tropez and Cannes, you'll have a truly charming French experience instead.
Getting there: Fly just over an hour on airlines like EasyJet (from ORY) or Air France (from CDG) from Paris to Toulouse. Once there, rent a car.
Where to stay: The DoubleTree by Hilton Carcassone sits on the banks of the Aude River and overlooks the famous fortified hilltop historic center of Carcassone. Room rates start at $150/49,000 points per night.
Read more: The award traveler's guide to Hilton Honors
What to do: Start by heading southeast toward Carcassone, a medieval city set atop a hill. The walled citadel (which dates back to Roman times) has over 53 towers to be explored. Then veer north to Albi, a beautiful town spanning the Tarn River. Highlights include the Albi cathedral and the 13th-century Berbie Palace.
From Albi, head east, passing through natural parks like Grands Causses, where castles are scattered throughout the dense forests, hilly countryside and the famous Tarn gorges. Slightly south, the Haut Languedoc park has extensive hiking trails -- keep your eyes out for the many sheep that roam the park. Continue on until you reach the coast, where you'll find a number of beautiful, quiet beaches.
The seaside town of Sète is particularly interesting. It's often called the Venice of Languedoc for its lengthy canal system. Béziers is another medieval city worth visiting, especially if you're looking to avoid crowds; it sees fewer visitors than the more popular Carcassone. Nearby, you'll find many Languedoc-Roussillon vineyards.
Alternatively, there's plenty to do if you'd prefer to ditch the road trip and hang out in Toulouse. Known as the Pink City for its terra-cotta rooftops, the city has many historical buildings, museums and monuments worth seeing. Stroll (or perhaps ride a bike) across the Pont Neuf, one of the city's most beautiful bridges, stretching across the Garonne River. AvGeeks should tour the Airbus factory just outside the city center near the airport.
Bottom line
Paris is an incredible city with endless activities, but adding a stop in one of these easy-to-reach destinations will expose you to so much more of France's history, culture and way of life. After all, Paris doesn't have limestone cliffs, hundreds of castles, miles of vineyards, medieval citadels or sandy beaches. Explore a second city and voilà -- your France adventure will be even better.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.