France

Damn it. France wins again. 

I've always joked that, of course the French are snobby, wouldnt you be if you invented baguettes, croissants, and human rights?

But, after traveling in Austria and Slovenia, I just couldn't imagine anything topping it. 

The first day I entered France from Switzerland I was a little shocked, there was peeling paint, and even some abandoned buildings! Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia feel almost like someone built the "Idyllic Village" Lego set...10,000 times and lined them up and I was riding through them day after day.

France just has a romantic vibe that no amount of peeling paint or drab colorways can hide. In fact, this aire of not caring just adds to the charm. It gives it this totally effortless feel. I had always considered myself a Francophile, now I have the receipts. 

Exhibit 1. 

This video is from my first full day riding in France. I'm getting dumped on by rain in a rural area that is not touristic at all. Just look at this town. I was immediately in love.

And forget whatever stereotypes you have heard about French people. They are charming. Sure, the country often has a gritty feel, but this only adds depth and spice. I don't mind using a bike lock in a city.

I road down the Rhone valley from just south of Lyon to Marseille. Avignon is the hands down most beautiful city I've ever been. The first picture in this post was from Avignon. Everywhere you look you could take that same picture, it's like a set for a romantic movie only lacking the cast. 

Marseille was 180 in vibe but amazing as well. It incredibly diverse and buzzing with energy . I'm now in Séte on the Mediterranean. Look it up. It is an absolutely amazing coastal city known as the Venice of France. Its so charming, and the beautiful hostsl is so inexpensive that I extended my stay two nights.

The vibe is just so rich and feels so effortless.

Exhibit 2.

Before reaching Séte I passed tbhrough a sleepy beach town on a Sunday. There was a tiny boulangerie attached to a tourist chachka shop on the boardwalk. The woman working there was probably about my age, casually stylish, and quite gregarious.  The bread and pastries were good, but I suspect she was as big of a draw. 

She and her helper were a ton of fun, joking and laughing and playing music in a boombox.  I set up shop at a standing table in front with another gentleman who was day drinking. I was just watching the regulars flow in and out and enjoying jokes made in French that I was pretty sure I got. 

Then, this song came on. The stylish baker stopped helping customers, came out from behind the counter, and danced in the sidewalk until the song ended.

Viva France 🇫🇷