Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal ... more

Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal espaces verts (green open spaces) and of quiet squares. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with distances between many of its major sights and museums invariably walkable. Unforgettable walks exhibiting the best of Paris: stroll down the Champs-Elysees for the chic grand boulevard experience and Rue Cler for a more intimate snapshot of Parisian living.  (close)

Only an hour away from Paris, Orléans is the capital of the Loire Valley and is famous for two reasons: Joan of Arc and the "Chateaux" in the region. In 1429, Joan of Arc relieved the city from attacks by the Burgundians and the English. That deliver ... more

Only an hour away from Paris, Orléans is the capital of the Loire Valley and is famous for two reasons: Joan of Arc and the "Chateaux" in the region. In 1429, Joan of Arc relieved the city from attacks by the Burgundians and the English. That deliverance is celebrated every year on May 8, the anniversary of her victory. An equestrian statue of Jeanne d'Arc stands on place du Martroi. Other important sites are the Cathedral of "Saint Croix", comparable with Notre Dame and the hotel Groslot.   (close)

This town is a piece of living history, with cobblestone streets and restored white houses with slate roofs and red brick chimneys. Some of its "streets" are mere alleyways originally laid out in the Middle Ages, or lanes linked by a series of stairs ... more

This town is a piece of living history, with cobblestone streets and restored white houses with slate roofs and red brick chimneys. Some of its "streets" are mere alleyways originally laid out in the Middle Ages, or lanes linked by a series of stairs. Blois is famous for its chateau, often called the "Versailles of the Renaissance," the second capital of France, and the "city of kings." The château is like an illustrated storybook of French architecture.   (close)

Amboise is a charming medieval town on the banks of the Loire River, 14 miles east of Tours. Today a small market town, it was once home of the French royal court and the birthplace of Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years here. Château ... more

Amboise is a charming medieval town on the banks of the Loire River, 14 miles east of Tours. Today a small market town, it was once home of the French royal court and the birthplace of Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years here. Château d'Amboise is a15th-century château, a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles, often associated with Charles VIII. Other imporntant sights are: the Hotel de Ville dating from around 1500, the Tour de l'Horloge and the Church of St. Denis.  (close)

Situated at the junction of the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours is an excellent base for visiting the region's magnificent châteaux. The original home of the French language and the "art de vivre", Tours is a land of harmony and proportion. Today, it is ... more

Situated at the junction of the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours is an excellent base for visiting the region's magnificent châteaux. The original home of the French language and the "art de vivre", Tours is a land of harmony and proportion. Today, it is a modern, lively centre; with a thriving university, cultivating economic development. You can taste its charm visiting the old quarter, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Gatien, Touraine Wine Museum, the fine-arts museum and Plessis les Tours.   (close)

Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal ... more

Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal espaces verts (green open spaces) and of quiet squares. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with distances between many of its major sights and museums invariably walkable. Unforgettable walks exhibiting the best of Paris: stroll down the Champs-Elysees for the chic grand boulevard experience and Rue Cler for a more intimate snapshot of Parisian living.  (close)