In 2003, my buddy, John, and I selected France for our “every fourth year guy trip” (so called because we schedule our adventures to coincide with the rugby World Cup, which is held every fourth year). We visited Scotland in late 1999 (and again in 2007), and we wanted a new place to search for interesting hikes, food, culture, and rugby matches on local pub TV. (Please join me in thanking our wives, Susanne and Karen, for supporting our international excursions. John and I, of course, also support their annual girls’ trips. We just aren’t as giddy when they leave as they seem to be when John and I go away.)

It was easy to choose France as our destination in 2003. The only difficult part was deciding which towns and areas to visit. After intensive research, we decided on a circular route from Paris to the Burgundy region, then to the Alps, the Massif Central, the Loire Valley, and back to Paris. We would have liked to see other areas, too (most notably, Brittany, Provence and the Pyrenees), but we had only two weeks and didn’t want to rush. Better to experience a few places well than a lot of places superficially. Besides, my soon-to-be (now current) wife, Susanne, was flying from Stockholm to meet me in Paris after John returned to the US. What a date! I didn't want to wiped out when she arrived.

With all the arrangements set, and with maps, hiking boots and a rudimentary knowledge of the French language packed away (we knew how to order wine and ask for the restroom—a fine start!), we set off. The next three weeks were an exciting combination of foods, history, scenery and adventure. Among other things, we learned the stereotype of rude French people is entirely false. Everyone we met was at least polite, and most people, especially in Paris, were actually quite welcoming and friendly. I have a theory: if you show respect and have a sense of humor, most locals will treat you well, even if you mangle their language. Works for me, anyway.