Travel to France in Winter: The Allure of the Off-Season

Consider this. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame without the summer hordes. No line at Andre's in

Atlantic-facing La Rochelle for a sumptuous poisson feast (or other decadent items from the tempting menu du jour), while gazing at the ancient ramparts and centuries-old towers jutting over the sparkling sea, even the gargoyles seeming to smile down in languid contentment. Indeed the crowds have evaporated, leaving the majestic Loire chateaux and even Versailles empty for the taking (and gaping). The icing on the cake? A temperate climate that never sees the ghastly winter lows of Washington DC, so one could even score a bit of a sun tan basking in the sun (while bundled in a trendy winter coat, of course.)

Interested in the pictured Chateau? It's dreamy, and just a hop from Bordeaux and Cognac.