My Trip to Burgundy and Montreaux Recently, we found ourselves in Montreaux, Switzerland for a travel convention. In Montreaux you are on the shores of pristine Lake Geneva, on the Swiss side Friendly travel tip: Switzerland is on the Swiss franc, not the euro.  But it’s 2019 and we did not trade any money in the age of plastic and chipped cards.   You do get to choose which currency you want to be billed in when they run the card.  I have no idea whether you can save a few centimes doing that.   We literally just alternated the currency choice.  A weird temperature blip/micro-climate allows palm trees to grow along the…

Luxury Hotels in the wonderful South of France Great location, great service, memorable food – all these hotels have that, and more. The list is in no particular order; it made sense to us to let all hotels be viewed as equals. Hotel Martinez had the benefit of being the first hotel we chose for the list this year, so it occupies top slot for no other reason than that. Enjoy! Also, see our “Best Hotels in Paris” and “Best Hotels in the Rest of France” lists. 1. HOTEL MARTINEZ – CANNES Classic luxury in the middle of Cannes The Hotel Martinez has been a presence on the Croisette since…

French hotels and regions worth discovering Great location, great service, memorable food – all these French hotels have that, and more. The list is in no particular order; it made sense to us to let all hotels be viewed as equals. Grand Hotel Barriere had the benefit of being the first hotel we chose for the list this year, so it occupies top slot for no other reason than that. Enjoy! Also, see our “Best Hotels in Paris” and “Best Hotels in the South of France” lists. 1. GRAND HOTEL BARRIERE – DINARD The gorgeous Brittany coast is graced with five stars in Dinard. Located on the Côte d’Émeraude of Brittany, the…

The castles you’ll visit in the Loire Valley along the way Click for the full Loire Valley cycling tour description and pricing. Chateau d’Amboise The village of Amboise is anchored by the grand Château Amboise, along the river Loire, just 20 minutes from Tours. In recent times, the château Amboise in the Loire Valley has been partially restored and preserved, but has never quite returned to its 16th century glory, when Leonardo Da Vinci and Italian craftsmen lived on the grounds, building to the specifications of then King Francis I. Amboise is the only major castle still owned by heirs to the French throne. Clos Luce Clos Luce is a…

Click on a link below the France map for more information about each region of France. Find the land beyond Paris, be it the Alps, Provence, Loire castles or the solemn history of the Sommes and Normandy. The more you know, the more you will want to see when visiting France. Click on a bubble image on the map or the links below for more information about each region. France Map – City and Region Information France is divided into 13 distinct regions, each with its own unique charm and character. From the sun-soaked beaches of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur to the picturesque vineyards of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, our Interactive France Map will guide you…

Welcome to Beautiful Provence In my dreams I own an apartment in Paris and a house in Provence.  It is such a beautiful region.  Here are a few images to get your travel juices flowing. We offer several options to tour Provence from Paris.  We’d love to help you arrange a tour! There are thousands upon thousands of charming streets and homes in the region.  Just being around them is healing.  This one is in the village of Vence. I know, I know.  It’s Provence.  Marseilles. The Mediterranean.  So yes, this should be a picture of a fish dish, but food in Provence is so much more than that!  Fig or…

Welcome to Chenonceau Castle! Welcome to the fascinating history of Château de Chenonceau, a stunning masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture that captivates visitors with its elegance, beauty, and remarkable past. Nestled in the Loire Valley, this enchanting castle is not only famous for its breathtaking architecture and stunning gardens but also for the intriguing stories and powerful women who shaped its history. As you delve into the tale of Château de Chenonceau, you’ll discover a captivating narrative spanning centuries, filled with love, rivalry, intrigue, and resilience. Join us as we take you on a journey through time, exploring the rich history of this remarkable castle and unveiling the secrets that…

Hallowed Ground in Normandy at Colleville-Sur-Mer As you stand atop the cliff at Colleville-Sur-Mer, marble crosses and Stars of David stretch as far as the eye can see. There were 4,414 Americans who died on D-Day. Almost all are buried at Colleville-sur-Mer. In total, more than 9,000 Americans are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery, having died in the waves of troops that came ashore on June 6, 1944, and the many days and weeks after. Covering 172 acres, the cemetery was dedicated just after World War II. Though it’s often assumed to be, it is not considered American soil. Devoted French volunteers tend to the graves, place flowers, and…

France’s Provence region should be on your vacation list Before high fashion, multi course meals, political intrigues, grand boulevards and palaces, there was, and always will be, the French countryside.  All French regions claim to be the ultimate countryside experience.  Sorry everyone, but that honor truly belongs to Provence.  It’s the history, the food, the informality.  It’s something.  It is Provence. We Offer Five Different Provence Itineraries Ready to travel to Provence? Let’s go! A Little Provence History Habitation in Provence goes back at least to Neolithic times, thanks to the coastline, climate and game hunting.  Rocky soil meant farming was a tough go.  The original people there were gradually wiped out…

While visiting Normandy, you just may feel as if you are walking through a painting. Impressionism: the vibrant colors, sweeping landscapes, and charming villages are so picturesque, you may start to wonder if, in fact, they are real. You can rest assured that everything in this region is real and authentic. Perhaps that is the reason why so many painters came to Normandy to stir up their creative juices. Come and see for yourself how art and life harmoniously coexist in this gorgeous region. In the 19th century, Impressionism was born in Le Havre, Normandy close to the lovely fishing town of Honfleur. This style of art was seen as…