The Lamartine route… the romantic poet
Lamartine is the romantic poet par excellence. The Lamartine route is a beautiful 60 km circuit in the region which was his source of inspiration (www.destination-saone-et-loire.fr/fr/itineraire/la-route-lamartine.html).
The route starts from his hometown, Mâcon (Saône-et-Loire). The Espace Lamartine evokes his life, his places of inspiration, his travels, his commitment against slavery…
Among the highlights of the itinerary, the Château de Monceau. where he spent several years writing. In particular in a small, well-preserved pavilion.
See also, his childhood home, in Milly-Lamartine. The medieval castle of Berzé-le-Châtel. The rock of Solutré, this “petrified bow of a ship”.
Where to sleep and eat on the Lamartine road?
A restaurant idea: L’autre rive, in Mâcon. Along the Saône. With two Valentine’s Day menus, at €47 and €59.
An idea of accommodation: the Panorama 360 hotel, in Mâcon. Its “romantic offer” includes one night for two people, breakfasts, two hours of spa, a massage. Champagne and rose petals in the room. The price: 134 €.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) is ranked among the ten most romantic cities in the world, according to the Earth Tripper website (earthtripper.com/10-romantic-cities-without-crowds).
The half-timbered houses, the alleys and the quays give it an intimate atmosphere. Ideal for a walk hand in hand.
Don’t miss the Abreuvoir footbridge. Where couples hang a padlock to seal their love.
No gondola in Strasbourg, but electric boats for rent. For a romantic stroll along the water.
The cult place of Strasbourg romanticism? The Orangery Park. Popular with wedding photographers. With a lake, a large waterfall…
Among the must-sees (www.visitstrasbourg.fr/decouvrir-strasbourg/les-incontournables), the cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in pink sandstone. The sumptuous Rohan palace, the Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune church, the Kléber square…
Where to sleep and eat in Strasbourg?
A charming address: the Château de Pourtalès.
This 18th century residence offers a romantic package: 2 nights, breakfasts, bottle of Crémant d’Alsace, rose petals, candlelit dinner at the restaurant l’Éveil des Sens, access to the wellness area.
From €178 per person.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Called the “little Venice of Provence”, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Vaucluse) is dotted with canals.
A village where it is good to stroll, between paddle wheels, works of street art and designer boutiques. With the murmur of water in the background.
One of the charms of the village: its Provençal market, along the canals. Every Thursday and Sunday morning.
More unusual: the village presents itself as the “capital of bargain hunters”, with many antique and bric-a-brac dealers.
Where to sleep and eat in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue?
An idea for a base camp: the guest room Le Rêve de Lily. A room strewn with rose petals, with private jacuzzi, infrared sauna, round bed. 220 € per night.
Romantic options: champagne, bouquet of flowers, meal tray, gift box…