the middle of france

So I have lived in Paris for a few months, and I have vacationed along the cote d%26#39;azur as well, but i have never been anywhere else in france... what is there to see? what is beautiful? what is off the beaten path? what is unique?

what is authentic french?

where is there great regional food, or great unique shops?

i know this is broad, but i would love to hear what stands out to you great travellers out there.

this is for my honeymoon, and my fiancé and i will have a tiny rental car and the will to explore, get lost, and find ourselves. :)

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My wife and I spent two months travelling around France earlier this year, visiting quite a few places that are off the tourist track. Le Puy-en-Velay is quite extraordinary, for example.

You can find pictures and comments at:

www.lynnbooth.blogspot.com

www.nickbooth.id.au

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I agree that Le Puy is a place to see. Volcanic plugs, with a church on one and a statue you can walk inside on another.

As you are driving from Paris you could call at Vichy on the way. The centre is a refined Spa town with pavillion and gardens, also riverside walks.

After Le Puy you could drive the gorges of the River Tarn to the bridge at Millau which is worth seeing.

You will find authentic regional food anywhere away from the tourist magnet areas. If you want small, independently owned, very French hotels, which are guaranteed to have a regional menu have a look at Logis de France, just click on the region. You tend to get what you pay for.

logis-de-france.fr/uk/recherch/index-ca.htm

If you are looking for somewhere different check out La Verrerie a converted glassworks at Gaillac, and La Thomasse a converted clog factory at Aurillac, both have good cuisine and won%26#39;t break the bank.

Hope this helps your planning, have a great honeymoon.

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