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Paris is likely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of visiting France. Rightly so, as the popular city receives more than 50 million visitors each year.
If you’ve been there and done that, more than once, you’ll enjoy the 3 alternative destinations we’ll cover in our article today. Nantes, Mont St. Michel, and Bordeaux are all worthy destinations in France that should be on your travel list. Each has unique reasons for visiting, but the cities are all easily accessible from Paris.
We’ll tell you why these 3 cities should be on your radar, how to get there, your lodging options, things to do, and food to try.
Fortunately, the destinations featured in our article today can all be easily reached from Paris. Even more fortunate is that Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with good award flight availability.
Let’s start with a few ideas for getting to CDG using miles and points:
This is just a sampling of possibilities for inspiration purposes; availability and prices will vary. See our guide for more information on the best ways to fly to Paris using miles and points.
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While Nantes is often overlooked by travelers, it’s a destination with a lot to offer.
First, the area is much more affordable than Paris, but it offers some of the same period architecture, great food, fantastic art, rich history, and easy navigation.
The city has a whimsical vibe, with art around every corner, a grand steampunk mechanical project, castles, and Gothic cathedrals. On the other hand, the green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas provide a perfect setting for relaxation and taking it all in.
The city is easy to explore on foot, but you can purchase public transport passes to expedite your transit and maximize your visit.
While technically you could fly to Nantes from many major European hub cities, taking the train from the Paris city center is a delightful journey that takes around 2 hours.
If you fly into Paris CDG, you can also take a direct train to Nantes. However, the journey can take over 4 hours from the airport as you must first transit through the city of Paris. A nonstop flight from CDG to Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) will take just over an hour.
If you arrive by plane, you can transit to the city easily and affordably by taking the Navette Aéroport bus to Nantes Gare Sud.
During the spring and fall shoulder seasons, Nantes offers affordable lodging, making it the perfect time to visit the city.
Unfortunately, there are few options for using hotel loyalty points in Nantes.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes is one option in the city center, close to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne castle. The hotel is located in a neoclassical renovated courthouse, conveniently near public transportation. You can use Radisson Rewards points to book your stay.
If you have Best Western Rewards points, the Best Western Hotel Graslin is also an option in Nantes. The hotel receives high ratings for its boutique style, breakfast, and Jules Verne-themed decor. Rooms can be booked starting at 16,000 points.
Fortunately, comfortable accommodations are not expensive in Nantes, so using various card statement credits to offset lodging costs is possible. Here are some ideas, not just for Nantes, but for all of the cities mentioned in this article:
Be sure to check for any Amex Offers on your American Express cards (enrollment required) and Chase Offers on your Chase cards for lodging statement credits. Recent offers have included statement credits for accommodation bookings from select hotel brands, and Hotels.com.
Nantes is a picturesque city to explore, but there are even more reasons to visit the area.
You’ll find many tours and excursions in Nantes through Viator, including a private guided walking tour.
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This iconic abbey sits on an island drastically affected by tides. Fortunately, permanent access has been established, making it easy to approach the entrance without crossing the sands on foot.
Mont St. Michel was carved into the island’s rock and stands impressively on the bays of Brittney and Normandy. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the eighth century. The abbey was added later and is an incredible example of medieval architecture, worth the climb to the top of the island.
The island is breathtaking as you approach it gradually and take in its beauty.
The best ways to get to Mont St Michel are to drive or book a tour.
However, you can take the train from Paris to Pontorson, France, the closest station to Mont St. Michel. The train trip from Paris Montparnasse station via Rennes to Pontorson takes about 4 hours, including transfer times. There are frequent shuttle buses from the train station to Mont St. Michel.
Booking a tour can be the easiest way to visit Mont Saint-Michel. There are frequent departures from Paris that feature a rest break along the way. Viator offers tours that depart from Paris or Bayeau, France.
Finally, you could rent a car. This option allows you to stop when necessary and make spontaneous diversions. Exploring the Normandy area of France is also a nearby option.
Not many lodging options allow you to utilize hotel loyalty points when visiting Mont St. Michel.
Since Mont St. Michel can be done as a long day trip from Paris, hotels in the city, particularly near the Montparnasse station, provide access by train. Popular hotels bookable with hotel loyalty points include the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, Hotel du Louvre, Canopy by Hilton Paris Tracadaro, and the Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris (Marriott).
Hôtel Mercure Mont Saint-Michel is about as close to Mont St. Michel as you can stay using hotel loyalty points. From this Accor hotel, a footpath leads along the water’s edge to the entrance to Mont St. Michel. There are also complimentary shuttles nearby. ALL Reward points have a fixed redemption value of €20 (around $23) off for every 1,000 Reward points redeemed, which is equal to about 2.3 cents per point. Capital One miles and Citi ThankYou Points transfer to ALL at a 1:2 ratio.
The Best Western Hôtel Montgomery is a cozy, quaint hotel less than 7 miles from Mont St. Michel. You can book a room starting at 16,000 Best Western Rewards points.
The best choice for lodging may be on the island. Visiting on weekdays, avoiding holidays and weekends, can be the best time to secure the best rates. Spring, fall, and winter can be the best times to visit, as they tend to avoid summer crowds.
It is possible to spend the night on the island of Mont St. Michel. La Mère Poulard, Le Mouton Blanc, Les Terrasses Poulard, Hôtel la Croix Blanche, and Auberge Saint Pierre are hotels within the walls. The advantage of spending the night is that you can explore the island at night and in the morning when there are no tourists present.
For a small island, there’s plenty to see and do in Mont St. Michel. You’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes for the hilly journey.
Learn more about what there is to see and do at Mont St. Michel and explore guided tours through Viator.
Food can be expensive on the island, and the restaurants are quite touristy. That said, you’ll likely want to have at least a meal there. Here are some dining options you’ll have at mealtime.
Access the official tourism site for more information on visiting Mont St. Michel.
If you’re a wine lover, Bordeaux is the city for you. In addition to being one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its rich history.
With medieval architecture, artisan shops, locally-owned restaurants, markets, and relaxing green spaces, the walkable city center is a traveler’s dream.
While there are plenty of wine tasting venues within the city, the surrounding countryside is home to thousands of vineyards, which is the proper way to experience the Bordeaux region.
The scenic train from Paris to Bordeaux takes just over 2 hours and may be the best option for getting to the city. It’s also a picturesque way to make the journey.
You can also fly directly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) after connecting through one of the major European hub cities and taking a short flight. For example, the flight from Paris (CDG) takes just over an hour. Fortunately, all major airline alliances fly into Bordeaux.
Bordeaux, being a larger city, offers a wide range of lodging options that can be booked using hotel loyalty points.
Here are some hotels you can book in Bordeaux using points.
When staying at the Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel, you can walk to the river and enjoy the trendy Old Docks neighborhood where the hotel is located. It’s a newer hotel with a rooftop pool and city views. You can book a room starting at 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Moxy properties have gained an enthusiastic audience, and the Moxy Bordeaux will not disappoint. Located in the harbor district, guests can walk to the river, enjoy the funky vibe, and even try out the hotel’s climbing wall. Rooms start at 23,000 points per night.
The YNDO Hotel, a member of SLH Hotels, boasts a riverside location ideal for exploring the city. The hotel combines heritage surroundings with modern decor. Standard rooms can be booked starting at 85,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is just a 10-minute walk from all the sites of the city and a shopping mall. The hotel is a popular venue for events. You can book rooms starting at 38,000 points per night.
The Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre is across from the river and just a kilometer from the train station. The city center is 2.5 miles from the hotel and can be accessed via public transportation. The hotel is the perfect option if you’re on a budget, as rooms start at 28,000 points per night.
The First Name Bordeaux, a JDV by Hyatt property, receives excellent reviews for its service, luxury, and warm ambiance. Additionally, the tram stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, making it easy to access from the airport and to explore the city. You can book rooms starting at 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt has 2 additional Mr & Mrs Smith properties located outside the city. Les Sources de Caudalie and Château Léognan are luxury properties offering boutique environments and fine estate wine experiences. Each hotel can be booked starting at 24,250 World of Hyatt points per night.
Experience luxury in the heart of Bordeaux at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel. With its spa, pool, and Michelin-starred restaurant, it will be easy to pamper yourself. This iconic 19th-century property can be booked from 64,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
The Hotel Indigo Bordeaux Centre Chartrons is a boutique property offering the “bohemian charm of a seaside guesthouse.” With rooftop dining and steps away from some of the city’s most popular sites, the hotel could be a good choice starting at just 23,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Accor has dozens of properties in Bordeaux, including Ibis, Mercure, and Novotel brand hotels. There’s a property for every price range and preferred comfort level.
Arguably, the best activity in Bordeaux is wine tasting, but there is much more to do in the area.
You won’t go hungry in Bordeaux, as good cuisine pairs well with fine wines. You’ll find plenty of each when visiting the region.
Any of our featured cities would be good options as a side trip from Paris. You’ll still enjoy rich experiences, but they’re more affordable than in the big city.
The best time to visit these areas is during the shoulder seasons of April and May, or September and October. Avoiding the summer tourist crowds will allow you to book flights and hotels using miles and points and enjoy the cities comfortably.
Regardless of which city you choose, these are 3 cities in France you should consider adding to your travel list.
Yes. The city is a historically rich, affordable city, with an incredible interactive mechanical museum that is worth the trip. Plus, it’s easy to get there by train from Paris.
The island of Mont St. Michel is an architectural wonder that should be on every traveler’s list. The medieval structure is carved into the island and hosts an incredible cathedral, cobblestone streets, restaurants, shops, and is a historical labyrinth worth discovering.
Yes. Although Bordeaux is renown as one of the great wine regions of the world, it’s a city any traveler would enjoy. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city has medieval architecture, pedestrian streets, excellent cuisine, unique shopping, markets, and relaxing green spaces.
France is a member of the European Union and uses the euro.
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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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