Get to know the city of Marseilles, the Gateway to Provence Marseilles is the second largest city in France, behind Paris, and has the varied population you’d expect in a port city which is one of the major European gateways to Africa. Cruise ships and freighters use the modern port, but all the charm is at the Vieux Port (Old Port), where smaller yachts, fishing boats and leisure touring boats jostle for slips. Overlooking the city is Notre Dame de La Garde, high atop a hill.  How old is the Old Port? It was founded by the Greeks around 600 B.C. However, the city goes back even further as far…

Often called the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley greets you with rolling green hills, world-class vineyards, and more than a thousand châteaux. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci flocked here to design grand residences with formal gardens, reflecting the region’s centuries-long legacy of beauty and innovation. Our Top Three Loire Tours from Paris For more Loire Valley options, click here to see all our day trip details and bookings. Highlights of the Loire Valley ChartresHome to the iconic Gothic cathedral Rodin once called the “Acropolis of France,” Chartres features 12th and 13th-century stained glass and a charming Old Town. Nearby, explore castles like Anet and Maintenon. OrléansFamous for Joan of…

Brittany, located in northwest France, offers a glimpse into a world both rugged and charming—distinctly different from many other French regions. With more than 2,000 kilometers of breathtaking coastline, historic medieval towns, and a deep Celtic-influenced culture, Brittany is a must-visit for travelers seeking something off the beaten path. A Spectacular Coastline Rich History & Landmarks Immersive Local Culture Fascinating Towns & Cities Easy Access Day Trips from Paris For a chance to explore Brittany’s highlights in one day, consider our Mont St. Michel Day Trip from Paris, which includes stops in Dinan and Saint-Malo. You can also opt for an overnight trip to spend more time soaking up the…

A short history of the city of Antibes Juan-les-Pins The history of Antibes Juan-les-Pins goes back several millennia. The site was first settled by the Ligurians in the 5th century b.c. The city occupies a remarkable location: on one hand, a defensive site with a natural shelter; on the other, the convergence point for sailing itineraries along the coasts of Italy and Corsica. With the arrival of Christianity in the 3rd century AD, the city became a bishopric or diocese of the Catholic church. But the town, now named Antiboul, would soon experience difficult times, as Visigoths, Saracens, and hordes of Barbarians spread terror throughout the region for centuries. The…

A brief history of the iconic abbey in Normandy, France High on a 264-foot rock off the Atlantic coast, where Normandy meets Brittany, rises the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint Michel. One of Europe’s most visited sites, the abbey is famed for dramatic tides that can completely surround it at high tide, then recede to reveal expansive marshes at low tide. Extraordinary Tides and Salt-Marsh Sheep During high tides, rising waters isolate the abbey as if on an island. At low tide, the coastline gives way to grazing grounds for a unique herd of sheep that feed on saltwater plants. Tides can rush in unexpectedly, once regularly trapping cars in the old…

Chambord castle, a monument to the Loire Valley kings When Francois I ascended to the French throne in 1515 he immediately set out to reconquer the Italian province of Milan. The city, once in French hands, was lost by his predecessor Louis XII. The ambitious young King found military success easily in northern Italy. Upon his return to France he began to build the chateau. The design of the castle was directly influenced by the Renaissance architecture he had seen in Italy. The castle still resembles a medieval stronghold (a central keep flanked by four large towers, two wings, a curtain wall enclosing it all), but, many Italian ideas are…