France
& Monaco
Paris, and French Riviera
France is an amazing country with a rich and diverse culture. The country is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and exciting tourist spots. The country is also known for being a home to some of the most influential artists, writers, and scientists in the world. We explore fabulous destinations through the most charming regions of France - many with old town centers still preserved in time.
Watch the Video: We visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, going up the most iconic structure in Europe and learn about its history. We begin with aerial views of the famous tower. Ascending the tower, we enjoy panoramic views on the 2nd level and top level, and wrap with the tower lit-up at night.
Watch the Video: Paris may be Europe’s most beautiful city for a river cruise. From below the Eiffel Tower, we embark on a scenic boat journey, where iconic landmarks unfold along the serene waters of the Seine River. We glide past iconic landmarks revealing a unique view of beautiful Paris along the way. Learn More
Watch the Video: Explore one of the most beautiful medieval hill towns on the French Riviera: Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Rediscovered in more recent times by local artists and lined with wonderful shops and cafes. It is now one of the most visited villages in France.
Watch the Video: Monaco is fabulous, from its jaw-dropping harbor and luxurious Monte Carlo landmarks, to its colorful old town with a palace perched on a rocky outcrop. It is magnet for the rich and famous and a joy to visit. We see key sights and share some interesting history. Monaco is an independent country, not France, but is on the French Riviera.
Normandy & Brittany
Along France's north coast, the two provinces of Normandy and Brittany have a rich history that was greatly influenced by Vikings and Normans. Throughout this region, we find beautiful medieval villages and towns with some of the best half-timbered buildings in Europe.
All destinations below (except Fougeres) have their own page, with images, history, self-guided walks, information on sights, and a video.
Explore the charming village of Giverny resides Claude Monet’s beautiful home, gardens and famous water lily pond - truly a masterpiece of natural beauty and a legacy to his creativity. We also share some history of Monet to better appreciate his fabulous creations.
Explore Honfleur, sitting on the north coast of France, truly a journey back in time. For over 1,000 years it played a key role in Normandy’s history, and today has a beautiful harbor, wonderful half-timbered buildings, and many shops & restaurants to enjoy.
Explore Bayeux is a historic gem, awaiting your exploration. It’s 950-year-old tapestry, depicting historic events, is a treasure like no other. Explore its large gothic cathedral & crypt, wonderful museum with lace displays, charming streets, Normandy invasion museum, and visit D-Day beaches to the north.
Explore the medieval walled town of Dinan - a memorable sight with possibly the best-preserved half-timbered buildings on beautiful cobblestone streets you can find. And with a great panoramic view of its river-port, Dinan is a feast for the eyes.
Explore Mont St Michel - an unforgettable sight rising out of the bay with its stunning Abbey reaching to the heavens. It’s the ultimate medieval hill-town with ramparts, a cobble-stone main street, a charming stone village, a most memorable gothic abbey complex, and a rich history.
Watch the Video: The town of Forges, in the French province of Britany, has a lovely old town surrounding one of Europe’s largest castles. We catch it on a beautiful morning, just as the sun is rising over the sleepy village.
Loire Valley
The lush and fertile Loire Valley was home to Royalty during the renaissance period. Today this is chateau country, with over 300 of them along with vineyards and orchards dotting the landscape.
Watch the Video: See charming Amboise in the Loire Valley, France, with a visit to its Chateau and small chapel with Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb. Hear about its history: The Kings that lived here, and Leonardo da Vinci choosing to make Amboise his retirement home. Wrap with a quick stroll around town. Enjoy!
Watch the Video: The “Ladies Chateau” may be France’s most beautiful, and has a great story - including its role in both world wars. Developed by influential women of the 16th century, Château de Chenonceau elegantly spans the Cher river, and is just as grand on the inside. Enjoy your tour of the chateau and hear about its history!
Watch the Video: See the impressive Chateau de Chaumont in the Loire Valley, and learn about its interesting history - including Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont who historians call the “French Father of the American Revolution” - quite a story not many have heard.
Dordogne Valley
The lesser-known Dordogne region of France may be my favorite - for its green hilly countryside, quaint stone villages, cliff-side dwellings, well-preserved castles, and prehistoric artifacts. The first skeletons of pre-historic man were found here, and we find the area to be most beautiful and charming with lots of history.
Watch the Video: In Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, see where the first cro-magnon man remains were found and visit the Pre-History Museum iwith a short story on Human Evolution. The upper-cliff of the Prehistory Museum has great views over beautiful Les Eyzies. With stone buildings merged into cliff-face, this region is amazing.
Watch the Video: It’s a medieval manor house. No, it’s a cliff with caves. Amazingly it is both! You have to see amazing Maison Forte de Reignac. Set into a cliff with caves converted into rooms and a manor-house façade. Caves inhabited around 15,000 years ago with Cro Magnon families, the building was first developed 1,000 years ago into a multi-level dwelling.
Watch the Video: One of the most beautiful villages of France, La Roque Gageac is very picturesque with stone cottages nestled between a towering cliff & the Dordogne River. Once you see it, you will want to add it to your bucket list. We stroll along its charming streets and take a boat ride along the river for great views.
Watch the Video: Castelnaud la Chapelle castle, is a well-preserved medieval fortress with a turbulent history. See inside Chateau de Castelnaud in the Dordogne Valley of France, one of two feuding castles during the 100-years war.
Watch the Video: A charming riverside hill town with stone cottages climbing up toward the majestic castle on top. One of the most beautiful villages in France, the cobble-stone lanes of Beynac-et-Cazenac are a photographer’s dream as we take a morning stroll and relish its panoramic views.