A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Saint Paul de Vence is a charming hilltop fortified village in Provence, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. It’s a picturesque destination with elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds, as this village attracts about 2.5 million tourists annually.
France is one of the world’s most romantic countries. Within its boundaries, there are several cities that are perfect for couples. So if you’re planning a special getaway or your honeymoon, start with this guide.
France boasts some of the world’s most ancient and stunning cathedrals, each a captivating work of art with exquisite carvings and spires that reach for the sky. This article suggests a remarkable itinerary for touring France’s best cathedrals, featuring notable stops in Paris, Amiens, Laon, Rouen, Reims, Chartres, and Strasbourg. Along this enriching journey, travelers can immerse themselves in the tapestry of France’s vibrant cities and charming villages while savoring regional cuisines. Depending on your schedule, you can opt for the entire tour or select a few highlights. Given their concentration in the northern region, it is certainly feasible to explore them all within just a few days.
The Loire Valley châteaux (castles) make this central region one of the most popular destinations in France for visitors, and with good reason. Just two hours from Paris, the mighty river flows slowly through a gorgeous landscape where medieval fortresses and Renaissance palaces are strung out like jewels along the banks. During the Renaissance, François I made Amboise his capital, making it the aristocratic, artistic, and intellectual heart of France. Chambord, the largest of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley, was built by François I as a hunting lodge. Today, the whole valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Great Wall of China, and many of the world’s most important places.
The gorgeous châteaux that line the mighty River Loire are a major attraction, especially during the summer. However, many remain open in the winter months, allowing visitors to enjoy the historical ambiance with less crowding. Experiencing these magnificent properties during winter offers a unique perspective, where the haunting echoes of history are palpable in the serene, empty rooms. The parks and gardens may lack the vibrancy of summer, yet the shapes of flower beds and stately trees add their own charm. Below are five of the most stunning châteaux that are accessible year-round.
Famous for its cathedral, where French kings were traditionally crowned, Reims (pronounced ‘Rance’ with a nasal twang and a guttural roll on the R if you can manage that!), is a lovely city on the banks of the River Vesle. This vibrant city offers a wealth of interesting buildings, good hotels, excellent restaurants, and of course, an abundance of delightful Champagne to sample at the various Champagne houses in the area.
Normandy is a pilgrimage site for travelers who want to tour the landscape of D-Day, an event pivotal to modern history. The year 2019 marked the 75th anniversary of the invasion that resulted in the liberation of Western Europe from the Axis Powers.
Travelers flock to the beaches of Normandy, a glorious stretch of French coast where once war-torn sands are now peaceful places for vacationers. If you’re going to the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches in the summer, it’s important to secure accommodations in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly. Moreover, if you plan to visit on June 6th, the date of the D-Day commemoration, early planning is essential, ideally several months ahead.
April is an excellent time to experienceFrance. The weather warms up nicely, particularly in the south, while remaining mild in the north, allowing for comfortable outdoor activities. Notably, this month marks when many attractions and sightseeing options reopen, avoiding the heavy crowds typical of summer.
As you would expect, France’s capital transforms into a beautifully illuminated celebration during the holiday season. Most lights start on November 18thand continue until early January.
Within the formidable Château d’Angers (Castle of Angers) in Angers, you’ll discover the most powerful tapestry you’ll ever see. It rivals the Bayeux Tapestry for its impact, but the story is very different.
The Great War Museum (Le Musée de la Grande Guerre) was inaugurated at 11 am on Friday, November 11, 2011, a symbolic time and date that commemorates the end of World War I. This museum is dedicated to preserving the memories and stories of those who lived through the conflict, particularly on this historic day when the Armistice was signed in 1945.
The story of William the Conqueror begins at the Château de Falaise, located 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Caen in Calvados, Normandy. Born in Falaise around 1027 or 1028, William, often called ‘William the Bastard,’ was the illegitimate son of Robert I, known as Robert the Magnificent. By the time of William’s birth, the Dukedom of Normandy, established in 911 by Rollo the Viking, was a dominating force in northern France.
Which cities would you choose for a French trip? Paris must head the list, followed by Nice on the French Riviera, neither of which would come as a shock. However, how about the others? This list of the most popular cities might surprise you…in alphabetical order with one exception. Paris is the most popular French city, so we have to start there.
Explore the picturesque Languedoc Roussillon Wine Country, renowned for its extensive vineyards and exceptional wines.
Logis Hotels in France are an excellent choice for travelers seeking a unique lodging experience coupled with quality dining options.
This article covers the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France, detailing its significance, the graves it contains, and practical information for visitors.
