To many people, Western Europe with its rich architectural heritage of impressive castles and palaces, magnificent natural scenery, and distinct yet sometimes quirky culture, epitomizes all that is Europe. Manmade marvels abound in this part of the world that is equally blessed with natural wonders. France’s Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower, Salzburg‘s Hohensalzburg Castle, and Ghent‘s Gravensteen Castle are just a few of the manmade wonders that draw thousands to explore this part of Europe. On the other hand, the rich diversity of the natural landscape of Western Europe, from the stunningly beautiful vistas of Switzerland to the rocky outcrop of Le Rocher in Monaco, and the tulip fields of the Netherlands is as mesmerizing as the manmade structures which adorn them.
Another area that defines Western Europe is the art and culture that forms such an intrinsic part of this region. Some of the true legends of the art world, such as Michelangelo, Dali, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt called this part of Europe home. Throughout Western Europe, there is no shortage of museums and galleries where one can get lost in the beautiful creations of these masters. Besides art and culture, another area that is toasted in this part of Europe is food. Each country has its own distinct burst of flavors in food and drink, whetting the appetite and cravings of thousands of visitors.
Marseille is a cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic French-Mediterranean port city and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in France. It is France’s oldest city and the second most populated city after Paris. Greek traders founded the place 2,600 years ago and after them came the Persians, Romans, Russians, Armenians, Vietnamese, Spanish and even north Africans – all leaving their…
Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is situated in central-eastern France on the Rhône-Alpes between Paris and Marseille. It is an interesting destination for travel due to its variety of beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine. Both the birthplace of nouvelle cuisine and home of the celebrated bouchon, Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France. Thousands…
Facing the incomparable Mediterranean Sea, in the heart of the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, is Nice. France’s fifth-largest city, a cosmopolitan town in the French Riviera near the border with Italy. Locals call this city, Nice la Belle, and it is in fact gorgeous. Everywhere you go, you will be amazed with its natural…
Located in the south of France, Toulouse is a vibrant city that is located 679km from the capital city of France, Paris. It is the fourth largest city in France and it’s popular throughout the world mainly as the place where Airbus planes are built. Consequently, Toulouse is an ancient city which was founded in…
The capital city of France, Paris, is one of the world’s great travel destinations. Its well-known attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe and The Louvre, have captured the hearts and imagination of travelers from all over ethe world. The city of lights is full of history with incredible architecture, art and culture.…
The commune of Saint Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera. Perched high on a hill, the village has been drawing visitors to its environs through the ages. Saint Paul de Vence has been a big draw for artists and visitors from various parts of the world because…
Reims, an ancient city, was founded by the Celtic tribes and later invaded by the powerful Romans in 356. There is a long chronology of historical events that took place in Reims. Most importantly it is known as the Coronation or the Champagne capital of Europe. Being a rich ancient city, it is certainly an…
The French commune of Eze is located between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera. It is easily accessible from either city, and a bus or train ride is generally the best way to visit. The medieval village of Eze sits like an eagle’s nest at a height of 427 meters from the sea, on…
The island of Corsica lies like a mini-continent in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the 18 regions of France, located southeast of the French mainland. The topography of the region is so diverse and spectacular that the island has been aptly called the Island of Beauty (Ile de Beaute). From the rugged mountain…
The commune of Chamonix situated in south-eastern France and north of Mont Blanc is a photographer’s delight. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, it draws mountain climbers from all over to scale the beautiful rugged terrain, especially that of Mont Blanc. During the winter, the slopes around the area are buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders…
Carcassonne in France is the largest citadel in Europe that was fortified by the Romans. This citadel is located between the Mediterranean Sea and Toulouse and happens to be one of the major tourist spots, especially among the connoisseurs of history. It is the astounding walls of Carcassonne’s citadel which protected the city for centuries…
Cannes is a lively and cozy city located on the French Riviera. Once a small fishing village, it is now a dazzling and exclusive seaside town considered to be one of the ‘happening’ places of Europe. Cannes is synonymous with the International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events held annually. This annual red-carpet…
Avignon is a beautiful city located on the banks of the Rhône river. For many years, but mostly during the 14th century, it was the capital of Christianity after Pope Clement V moved himself and his court to the small city. Today, the city which has its own song has much of the original architecture,…
Once referred to by geographer Raoul Blanchard as the “Pearl of the French Alps,” the largest city of the Haute-Savoie department in southeastern France definitely lives up to its name. Deriving its name from the beautiful lake on which it lies, Annecy is a gorgeous blend of natural beauty and manmade charm. Its Old Town…
Gay Paris is high on the travel map of the LGBT community for its open acceptance of all kinds of people. You can be sure that you’ll never run short of options for gay hotels in Paris. The city of love has some of the oldest cruising venues and a well-established LGBT presence. Many of…
As the capital of the Normandy region, Rouen is rich in history. If you know a thing or two about history, you probably know Normandy from World War II. This region played a significant part during the war, and its capital is no exception. But, the city’s character dates back to the Roman Era and…
The name Dijon is synonymous with the finest mustard sauces in the world. Dijon, a quaint city in France, 190 km northwest of Geneva, is not only renowned for its traditional mustard but also for elegant medieval and Renaissance architecture. Once the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, the rich history of Dijon is reflected…
Looking for the best things to do in Colmar doesn’t have to be a challenge. This beautiful, colorful town in northeastern France’s Alsace region is a tourism hotspot that’s rich in history and culture. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to its picturesque half-timber houses, Gothic and early Renaissance structures, traditional festivals, and…
France is all about culture, food, wine, and fashion. Albi is a classic French city that will awe you with its astounding culture and breathtaking scenery. This city is located in the South French Tarn Department along River Tarn. Albi is an embodiment of timeless history, art, and culture less than an hour away from…
Are you the kind of person who enjoys Nikki Beach and spraying bottles of champagne around a swimming pool with a lot of people? Well, this blog is definitely not for you. I like to find a deserted beach, preferably with no one else to be seen. Antisocial? Very, but who cares? My trip starts…
Lille is the fourth-largest urban area in France and is noted as an underrated place. However, travelers there discover a hidden gem. Many people know Lille as a simple stop on the way to Brussels, London, or Paris. In fact, not many tourists intentionally visit the place, even though Lille houses two UNESCO World Heritage…
Mention France and the first image that comes to mind is Paris, the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. France with its rich history and culture is one of the most visited countries in the world. Throughout history, people have traversed their lands seeking art, culture, geographical diversity or to simply enjoy its gastronomic delights. However,…
The ‘City of Light,’ Paris, is one of the prettiest places in the world. The wide cobblestoned streets with candlelit restaurants, the arched bridges, and the nocturnal twinkle of the Seine, Paris certainly makes romance easy. There is no dearth of whimsical and sexy boltholes for romantic weekend escapes and honeymoons in the city, and…
Ah, Paris. Cobblestoned streets with candlelit restaurants, arched bridges across waterways, and the nocturnal twinkle of the Seine- Paris is primed for romance. As Audrey Hepburn said, “Paris is always a good idea,” and we find ourselves heartily agreeing with her. So, it’s only natural that you enjoy a romantic vacation in this French capital…