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Hilary Matson | @hilaryinparis
Rising Pro
Lives in Paris, France
Hello et bonjour ! I'm (another) American in Paris. I've lived in France since 2016 and I loooove sharing my Paris & France recs in hopes I can help others love this city and country as much as I do. I'm quite confident I've seen more of France than most French people, so no matter what you're looking for, I've (probably) done it! ✅ What I'm a great fit for: Mature travelers, couples, solo travelers, and families who enjoy soaking in authentic experiences, great food and wine, off-the-beaten-track gems, classic sites, and sustainable travel. 🌱 What's sustainable travel about? Traveling in a way that is kind to the environment, respectful of local culture, & supportive of the local economy. My trip-planning services are always through a sustainable lens, and automatically include a carbon removal contribution. ❌ What I'm not a great fit for: Travelers focused on bars/clubbing or high-end shopping. ➡️ Follow me on TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest @hilaryinparis for Paris & France recommendations, tips, personal stories, and more. 🌍 PS: I'm on Thatch because I genuinely love sharing France with folks. My day job is running Yugen Earthside, a booking platform for responsible package trips primarily catering to groups of mature American travelers. My company's website is linked below.
Sustainable/Eco • Slow Travel • Coffee • Foodie • Wine • Car-free • 50+ • Female Solo • Groups • Couples • Family • Digital Nomads • People & Culture • Outdoors

DIY your trip to Normandy with guides
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Paris is the most visited city in the world, and for good reason (albeit, I'm biased). Having lived here since 2016, and being obsessed with train travel, I've done tons of day trips and short overnight trips. Let me help you get outside of the City of Lights and explore some of France's other wonderful pockets! This guide includes: 📍 11 day trip recommendations I’ve personally done 🚂 How to get there from Paris car-free ⏱️ Time from Paris 💸 Cost from Paris ✨ Pro Tips about recommendations 💎 Not-to-miss gems 💚 Pro Tips on how to save money on Paris train travel 📍 4 day trip recommendations that are on my list to try next The guide begins with an overview of each of the 15 places recommended and their distances from Paris. Then it goes one by one with detailed notes. The guide ends with a description of 3 metro/train pass options, with costs, and describes which options cover which destinations in the guide. You also get: ✍️My personal notes for each recommendation 📍An interactive map of all recommendations 🔓 Access to all future updates (I'm always adding to this as friends come through town) 🎞️Linked videos (where applicable) that bring recommendations and advice to life 💙If you loved these suggestions, I would really appreciate it if you shared this guide with a friend, left a great review, or contributed a tip.
Sustainable/Eco • History • Nature • Road Trip
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Normandy
Top Areas to Travel to in Normandy
Normandy, located in northern France, is a region known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming towns. From beautiful coastlines to picturesque countryside, Normandy offers a diverse range of destinations for travelers to explore. Here are some of the top areas to travel to in Normandy:
Mont Saint-Michel
Dubbed the "Wonder of the West," Mont Saint-Michel is a breathtaking island commune that draws millions of visitors each year. Known for its captivating Gothic abbey and narrow, winding streets, Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage site that shouldn't be missed. The abbey, perched atop a granite rock, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tidal flats and is a testament to medieval architecture.
Rouen
As the capital city of Normandy, Rouen is steeped in history and charm. This vibrant city is famous for its stunning cathedral, which inspired Claude Monet's iconic series of paintings. Visitors can wander through the picturesque streets of Rouen's historic center, admiring its half-timbered houses and visiting the Gros Horloge, a beautiful astronomical clock. Art enthusiasts will also appreciate the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses an impressive collection spanning several centuries.
Honfleur
Nestled on the banks of the Seine estuary, Honfleur is a quaint and picturesque port town that has attracted artists throughout history. Its charming harbor, lined with colorful houses, has been immortalized by renowned painters such as Monet and Boudin. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the Sainte-Catherine Church, and soak up the artistic ambiance in the many galleries and studios that dot the town.
Etretat
Etretat is a coastal town famous for its stunning cliffs and natural arches. The dramatic white cliffs, made famous by artists like Monet and Courbet, offer breathtaking views of the English Channel. Visitors can explore the picturesque town, walk along the pebbled beach, and hike up to the Falaise d'Aval and Falaise d'Amont viewpoints for sweeping vistas of the coastline.
Bayeux
History buffs will be enthralled by Bayeux, a town known for its remarkable tapestry and connection to the events of the Norman conquest of England. The Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth that depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, is a UNESCO-listed treasure that offers unique insights into medieval history. In addition to the tapestry, visitors can explore the town's charming streets, visit the beautiful Bayeux Cathedral, and take a stroll along the Aure River.
Giverny
Giverny is a small village that served as the home and inspiration for the renowned artist Claude Monet. Visitors can explore Monet's former residence, now known as the Musée Claude Monet, and wander through the enchanting gardens that inspired some of his most celebrated works. The water lily pond, Japanese bridge, and vibrant flowerbeds provide a serene and artistic setting that has captivated visitors for generations.
Normandy offers a wealth of attractions for travelers seeking history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From the iconic island of Mont Saint-Michel to the charming towns of Rouen and Honfleur, there is something for everyone in this captivating region of France. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in Normandy's charm, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting part of the world.

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Explore curated travel guides, itineraries and custom travel planning services for Normandy. Whether you are spending 4 days in Normandy or 2 weeks in Normandy, Thatch guides and itineraries can help you make the most of your trip with curated Normandy recommendations by locals and travel experts. Explore what to eat in Normandy, the best things to do in Normandy and the must sees in Normandy. From a long weekend in Normandy to a trip of a lifetime, let Thatch local experts help you plan the perfect vacation.
Normandy
Historic charm, picturesque landscapes, and breathtaking coastlines, ideal for history buffs and nature lovers.
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