Tired of Normandy? Another choice for a weekend away from Paris
The French have this saying « le diagonal du vide », or « the empty diagonal », referring to a band of low-density population that stretches from the French department of the Landes in the southwest to the Meuse in the northeast. (Thanks, Wikipedia for this explanation.)
And my friend was born in a city that lies on this diagonal, Châteauroux. That’s how we got a weekend trip to visit this place. Frankly speaking, I think it’s a lovely small city that is worth visiting. Yes, it’s quiet there, but it’s not at all empty. The locals have their weekend market with fresh produce. There are some cute places to shop, eat or take a drink such as Family’s Coffee Shop (it’s so millennial-coded that I find it cute, imagine listening to Coldplay or One Republic here *chef’s kiss*).
When we went to Châteauroux, the weather was nice and breezy. One of our favorite activities is going to Emmaüs and thrift some stuff. The last time if I remember well, I bought 3 tops (1 for summer and 2 for winter) and 1 vase for a price of 7 euros, a total steal to be honest.
The French have this saying « le diagonal du vide », or « the empty diagonal », referring to a band of low-density population that stretches from the French department of the Landes in the southwest to the Meuse in the northeast. (Thanks, Wikipedia for this explanation.)
And my friend was born in a city that lies on this diagonal, Châteauroux. That’s how we got a weekend trip to visit this place. Frankly speaking, I think it’s a lovely small city that is worth visiting. Yes, it’s quiet there, but it’s not at all empty. The locals have their weekend market with fresh produce. There are some cute places to shop, eat or take a drink such as Family’s Coffee Shop (it’s so millennial-coded that I find it cute, imagine listening to Coldplay or One Republic here *chef’s kiss*).
Two times we went to Châteauroux, the weather was nice and breezy. One of our favorite activities is going to Emmaüs and thrift some stuff. The last time if I remember well, I bought 3 tops (1 for summer and 2 for winter) and 1 vase for a price of 7 euros, a total steal to be honest.
Fun fact, if you ever saw the Harry’s bread brand in supermarkets in France, please remember that its origin is from Châteauroux!
Besides this city, you can drive your car and visit some small villages nearby. We got to Argenton-sur-Creuse and Gargilesse. In Argenton-sur-Creuse, you can take your time enjoying the beautiful river and colorful houses by the riverside. The view from up top in Gargilesse is simply sublime. Don’t forget to visit local boutiques that are located around these lovely villages.
Argenton-sur-Creuse:
Gargilesse (bonus we saw an owl on the way home):
