France
France has been the most visited country in the world for the past 30 years and it currently welcomes about 90 million visitors per year. That does not come as a surprise as it has been firmly immortalized in our collective consciousness through art, literature, and film for centuries. The very outline of the Eiffel Tower alone is enough to conjure the aroma of freshly baked crêpes, the patriotic sounds of the Marseillaise, and the images of Saint-Exupéry's Little Prince. Further, France entices people of all ages with its indomitable history and natural landscapes. You can dive into Paris' glitzy Champs-Elysses, the sophisticated French Alps in Chamonix, the solemn beaches of Normandy, and everywhere in between.
Let us welcome you into the French foray, bringing you closer to French culture, history, and more with our expert on-the-ground knowledge. Peruse some of our favorite sites below and let's see which regions of France will have you saying "Enchanté"!
Paris
A truly singular city, Paris is home to world-class art museums, avant-garde fashion, stunning architecture, and so much more. Find your inner Parisian by wandering along the river Seine or by getting lost along winding boulevards. Paris has an uncanny way of leading you to exactly where you are meant to be, and you very well may discover some hidden gems of your own. So, if you are ready to discover this iconic capital city, well, as Audrey Hepburn once say, Paris is always a good idea.
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Normandy
The Northern region of Normandy is known for its storied history, both bold and tragic. Normandy received its name from the Vikings who settled's the region in the 10th century. Thereafter, the region became incredibly powerful and developed its own particular culture, dialect, and traditions which can still be felt today. In more recent history, the dark heritage of World War II looms along the coast as the invasion of D-Day took place along these shores. Those who are intrigued by this heritage can visit the Allied cemeteries where over 9,000 U.S. soldiers have been laid to rest.
Lyon
"Lyon, the second largest city in France, is renowned for both its exquisite cuisine culture, known as the capital of gastronomy, and its contributions to the world of cinema as it is where Auguste and Louis Lumière invented the cinematograph. The geography of the city is split between two main rivers, the Saône and the Rhône (with great opportunities for river tours/walking along the rivers/seeing how the rivers shaped the city). It is also ideally located for a multi-faceted tour as it bridges the Rhône valley to the South and the French Alps to the North.
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Marseille
A port city in the South of France, Marseille has been the meeting point of culture, immigration, and trade since its founding by the Greeks in 600 B.C. It is the oldest city in France, as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. At its heart lies the Vieux-Port (Old Port) where 2 powerful forts, Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, stand guard. This is truly a city that prides itself on its unique culture and actively differentiates itself from the rest of France. In fact, the cuisine and music of this region is quite special, so if you are looking for a more nuanced exploration of France, Marseille is absolutely the place for you.
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