My Trip to Burgundy and Montreaux Recently, we found ourselves in Montreux, Switzerland for a travel convention. In Montreux, you are on the shores of pristine Lake Geneva, on the Swiss side. Friendly travel tip: Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, not the euro. But it’s 2019, and we did not exchange any currency 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/microclimate allows palm trees to grow along 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. Discover the land beyond Paris, whether it’s the Alps, Provence, the Loire castles, or the solemn history of the Somme and Normandy. The more you know, the more you’ll want to explore on your visit. Click on a bubble image on the map or use the links below for details on 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…

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…

Spread over 172 acres atop the cliffs of Colleville-sur-Mer, the Normandy American Cemetery solemnly honors the lives of the servicemen who died on D-Day and in the ensuing battles to liberate France. Nearly 9,400 Americans rest here—many of them among the waves of troops that landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, in one of the most pivotal operations of World War II. Though administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), this land is not considered U.S. soil. Nevertheless, French volunteers routinely place flowers and flags at the headstones—especially around American holidays—to show gratitude for the sacrifices made. Reflecting on D-Day Sacrifices Walking among the rows of crosses…

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…

Thinking of adding a touch of southern France to your Paris vacation? Explore romantic villages, rolling lavender fields, and ancient Roman ruins on our Provence tours. We offer four fantastic itineraries (plus custom options) to help you soak up the region’s beauty—whether you have just one night or a full week. One Night in Provence Quick Escape (2 Days, 1 Night) Three Days in Provence Extended Getaway (3 Days, 2 Nights) Ultimate Provence Five-Day Retreat (5 Days, 4 Nights) Six Days in Provence: Avignon to Nice Immersive Adventure (6 Days, 5 Nights) Custom Provence Tours Have something else in mind? We can build a trip just for you. Let us…

A short history of the charming town of Bayeux Bayeux, a quaint town in Normandy, France, is situated near the English Channel in the Calvados region. Nestled along the Aure River, it is approximately 16 miles west-northwest of Caen and about 166 miles northwest of Paris. This charming town is renowned for the medieval tapestry that carries its name and showcases its historical significance. We offer a very popular overnight trip from Paris to Bayeux and the D-Day beaches. The town was first known as Baiocasses to the Gauls and Augustodurum to the Romans. The Romans later recast the town as a city named Civitas Baiocassium. In the 4th century Bayeux…

France’s Legendary Coastal and Countryside Escape The Normandy region combines a stunning 360-mile coastline—highlighted by the dramatic WWII landing beaches—with a lush interior dotted with farmland, market towns, and historic cities like Caen, Bayeux, and Rouen. Here, you’ll find culinary delights (cheeses, cider, and Calvados brandy) alongside centuries of pivotal history. Truly, welcome to Normandy! Quick Normandy Facts The D-Day Landing Beaches The largest military landing in history unfolded on Normandy’s coast on June 6, 1944. Museums, bunkers, and memorials stretch along these shores, honoring the Battle of Normandy. Nearby, the medieval town of Bayeux—the first town liberated by the Allies—offers a superb base for exploring these beaches. Its majestic…