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A mere two and a half hours from Paris, few places have played such a pivotal role throughout history as NORMANDY. Home of William the Conqueror, site of the burning of Joan of Arc in Rouen, and target for the D-day invasions by Allied Forces during World War II, Normandy is rich in culture and history. Visit the cemeteries where countless Allied soldiers rest in peace, and pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. With white crosses, Stars of David and Islamic crescents as far as the eye can see, there is no escaping a feeling of bittersweet reverence and awe. Normandy's historical sites of breathtaking beauty and significance include the Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches-les-Bains (WWIID-DayMuseum); Mont-Saint-Michel, the most frequently visited historical sight in all of France (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); the Museum of American Art; the House and Garden of Claude Monet; the Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp; and the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen.
Partially destroyed in WWII, Rouen has restored important sites of cultural heritage in its downtown, including the Palais de Justice, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Hôtel-Dieu. Visit Deauville for a little gambling, the American Film Festival in September, or just to stroll along the Promenade des Planches, the closest beach to Paris and a popular resort for jet-set Parisians.
BRITTANY, whose inhabitants and environs have both been forged by the same unrelenting forces of nature, is also a place of magic and legend-home to Brocéliande, the sacred forest of the ancient Celts and the setting for the quest of the Knights of the Round Table. This region is still very much alive and très gay. Its capital of Rennes, a quick two-hour train ride from Paris by TGV, also dances to the beat of a gay drummer, thanks to its nine gay and lesbian associations, numerous bars, dance clubs, saunas and other gay businesses. Other Desires, a film festival focusing on changing perceptions of sexuality, takes place here in June.
From Rennes, head out to Saint-Malo and stroll along the romantic ramparts of its castle overlooking the sea. Take the time to visit the PinkGraniteCoast, whose rusty-colored rock formations are best enjoyed at sunset, when fabulous hues of pink seem to beckon gay travelers.
If you're looking to make a new gay bosom buddy (or two), head to Brest, a university town and the birthplace of Querelle, the fascinating story of a young, seductive, gay sailor on shore leave, inspired by the life of Jean Genet of Brest (1910-1986). Other must-see highlights include Pont-Aven, one-time home to the artist colony known as the "School of Pont-Aven," led by the painter Paul Gauguin, and Carnac, Gulf of Morbihan, one of the foremost prehistoric centers, famed for its megalithic monuments from the Neolithic period.
While traveling through the WESTERN LOIRE, be sure to stop in Nantes, the former capital of the dukes of Brittany. Expect to find rich reminders of a glorious past and vibrant culture. In the northeastern part of the region and just an hour from Paris by TGV, Le Mans is not only home to fast cars and the fast men and women who drive them, but also home to a half dozen gay and lesbian associations. Under the auspices of a progressive city hall, several businesses in town have signed a rainbow charter to show their support of the gay and lesbian community. Look for the rainbow smiley face in many shop windows, and you'll receive a warm welcome. The city also has a car museum, where you can admire the dream machines and the dreamy babes they attract. And don't forget to visit the medieval town of Vieux Mans, with its narrow cobblestone streets, hilltop gothic cathedral, ramparts, and even the remains of what used to be moats. A torch-lit tour by night is the best way to take it in.
The LOIREVALLEY is renown for its beautiful châteaux, including Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, and Amboise, as well as its majestic and awe-inspiring medieval gothic cathedral. Plan on staying in Bourges, Châteauroux, Tours, Blois, or Orléans-towns from which you can easily savor the riches of the LoireValley while discovering its gay and lesbian culture.
You'll find POITOU-CHARENTES, otherwise known as Cognac Country, to be more traditionally French and less cosmopolitan than other parts of the country. The people here are proud of their medieval surroundings and of the region's 15th century university. Savor the beauty of the region and sip its most famous product in any number of Cognac distilleries. Just be sure to pace your tastings! If you like sailing, the picturesque fishing port, La Rochelle, is a fine departure point for nearby islands such as Aix, Oléron, and Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Near the city of Poitiers, you can fast forward in time at the futuristic theme park Futuroscope.
Round out your tastings with a visit to CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE, where you can enjoy the fine bubbly! Only an hour an a half from Paris by train, Reims is one of the best-known cities in the region. Over 25 kings were crowned in its beautiful Gothic cathedral. When you tire of royalty, visit nearby Troyes, well known for its factory-outlet shopping malls with high-quality goods and rock-bottom prices. You'll find splendid hotels, beautiful architecture, and irresistible shopping, with a dollop of gay nightlife.
COGNAC COUNTRY
Futuroscope Jaunay-Clan - Tel. 05.49.49.30.80 - www.futuroscope.com
NORMANDY
Musée du Débarquement Place du 6 Juin - Arromanches
Tel. 02.31.22.34.31 - www.normandy1944.com
Museum of American Art 99, rue Claude Monet - Giverny
Tel. 02.32.51.94.65 - www.maag.org
House and Garden of Claude Monet Rue Claude Monet - Giverny
www.giverny.org
Palais Bénédictine 110, rue Alexandre Le Grand - Fécamp
Tel. 02.35.10.26.10 - www.benedictine.fr
Joan of Arc Museum 33, place du Vieux Marché - Rouen
Tel. 02.35.88.02.70 - www.jeanne-darc.com
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