Mont Saint-Michel alone makes France worth the trip

I'll be honest — I went to France primarily to see Mont Saint-Michel, and it delivered beyond what any photo prepares you for. But the surrounding region surprised me just as much. Bordeaux has a character I didn't anticipate, and wandering without a plan for an afternoon turned out to be one of the highlights.

The food is extraordinary. ratatouille sounds simple but here it's done with real craft. wine regions added another layer to the experience. Spent 8 days and honestly could have used a week more.