Travel Blog
June 3, 2025
I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Scotland and France.
We spent six nights in Edinburgh staying three nights at the “W” Edinburgh and three nights at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. Both are Marriott properties and located in a great central area for walking around the city. I was impressed how easy it was to walk to a lot of the sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. So much to see and such interesting buildings, pubs, shops, and cafes. We also walked to Water of Leith Walkway which took you along the river and through old streets in Edinburgh. This eventually took us to the Botanical Gardens which were also beautiful.
Whilst there we took a 12-hour tour with Viator to Loch Ness and the Highlands. I was a little concerned that this would be too long on a bus as I had read mixed reviews, both my husband I really enjoyed it!
We specifically picked a tour with only around fifteen people and the tour guide filled the time in between stops with interesting information and historical facts. This was a great way to see a lot of the surrounding area without having the hassle of driving.
We also took an “Outlander” tour. Yes, I am a huge fan, but by husband is not and he still thought it was a great tour. We visited four castles and saw so many cute towns and villages.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Edinburgh, the people were so friendly, and the architecture was amazing. Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Next stop Paris. I had been there a few times in the past but not for 30 years! I noticed of course how busy everything has become but still not too bad as we were shoulder season.
We stayed in the second arrondissement at the Hotel Saint Marc. It was a great hotel, very friendly staff, and good-sized rooms. Breakfast was not included and there was no bar in the hotel. It did have a parking garage for a fee close by though which was handy since our friends were driving us to Normandy next. We spent three nights in Paris, did a lot of walking and managed to find some lovely streets off the beaten path.
From Paris we drove to Bayeux in Normandy. The beaches of Normandy have been a bucket list destination for my husband and me. I cannot say enough good things about beautiful Bayeux! What a lovely quaint, interesting little town with the most amazing cathedral.
It was a short drive to Omaha and Gold Beach and the American Cemetery.
I cannot put into words how moving it was to be in a place that held so much history, bravery, and great sadness too. I would love to go back and explore further.
We also took a trip to Mont Saint Michel Abbey. What a unique, amazing place! It was super busy, and the streets were so small that the crowds got to be rather annoying. I cannot imagine what it is like in the summer.
During our last day we visited the Chantilly Chateau. What an incredible property. Obviously, the owners had more money than taste as everything was over the top. The gardens and acreage were amazing though and one can only imagine the lords and ladies that must have visited here back in the day.
Our last night was in the small town near Charles De Gaulle Airport called Senlis. This was a lovely little town with cobbled streets and cute shops.
We had a wonderful two weeks; we saw some amazing sites and I cannot wait to explore another European country!