France in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited France in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Mont Saint-Michel without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Nice felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best coq au vin I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

world-class cuisine was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.