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The Caves of Lascaux Aquitaine
The caves of Lascaux were discovered by a group of teenagers out walking their dog in 1940. They are one the world's finest examples of prehistoric cave dwellings and their walls are adorned with colourful artworks painted by early man. |
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Lake Paladru in Rhône-Alpes
The Paladru region is without doubt a Mecca for lakeside archaeology, attracting the interest of many researchers since the end of the 19th century. Two exceptional sites were discovered following underwater searches: |
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Art in Champagne
Visit the house of the painter August Renoir, who lived at Essoyes near Bar-sur-Seine. Cristalleries Royales de Champagne in Bayel is where handmade tableware and ‘objets d’arts’ are crafted. www.bayel-cristal.com |
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Camargue is a land of men, horses and bulls
Camargue is synonymous with nature and wide open spaces. Flora and fauna have pride of place in this area which is still home to countless old ranches, tended by traditional horseback herdsman or "gardians". |
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Picardy Culture
Picardy is the cradle of France and a land of simple and genuine pleasures; of rural common sense rooted in a solid country ancestry. The “Picard spirit” could be summed up in the paradox between its tremendous history and self-effacement. |
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Culture and Heritage in Alsace
More than 250 museums and collections throughout Alsace look forward to welcoming visitors keen to discover their rich heritage, ranging from prehistory through to contemporary art.
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History of Paris / Ile de France
Paris was first founded around 52BC and has had a very turbulent history throughout the centuries. Paris first started as an island in the river Seine and its structure developed through many rulers, not least Napoleon who struggled to capture the city because of its narrow streets which made life difficult for his troops and horse drawn artillery. |
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Limousin’s History
The Limousin is a region rich in history, much of which is still there to witness today. Limoges, the famous porcelain centre with its towering cathedral, historic Butchers Quarter and history dating back before Roman times. |
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Normandy Art
You will truly find your own inspiration in scenery that captured the hearts of Turner, Monet, Sisley and many others in the 19th Century. The breathtaking views, the unusual pearlized light and the stunning colours remain the same today. |
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Gothic Architecture
Gothic architecture blossomed in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Metz which, with its richly decorated West Front, Bishops’ Chapel and cloister, is considered as one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind in France. |
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Breton Music and Dancing
Traditional Breton music is symbolised by the Breton bagpipes/organ combination (equivalent to the bagpipe/oboe duo). Played by musicians accompanied by singers or storytellers, this instrumental duo enlivens popular fetes and events. Other instruments may join in, such as the violin, the hurdy-gurdy, the harp or the clarinet. |
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Normandy for History Lovers
For history lovers Normandy truly satisfies in every way. Soak in the atmosphere created by an abundance of timbered houses and huge châteaux, set in the circuit of a glorious medieval past, follow the steps of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, or relive the emotional journey to the D Day landing beaches and more. |
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Historic Towns in Brittany
There are nine historic towns in Brittany which make up The Union Bretonne des Villes d’Art et d’Histoire. This incorporates the Historic Towns of Chateaubriant, Dol-de-Bretagne, Hennebont, Landerneau, Lannion, Pontivy, Port-Louis, Quimperlé, and Saint-Pol-de-Léon. |
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Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Lorraine has been subjected to attack by Julius Caesar, Charles the Bold, Charles V and Louis XIII. As a result, its historic buildings boast a wide range of architectural styles. The architecture also reflects the many different types of building and a succession of periods of history. |
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Heritage in Auvergne
Auvergne has a particularly rich heritage of châteaux that are well worth visiting. Built in the Middle Ages, then under the Dukes of Bourbon d'Auvergne and their vassals, these sentinels set high up on volcanic promontories and these lovely residences nestled in the Bourbonnais bocage bear witness to a prestigious past. |
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Museum of the Great War
It is within the calling of The Historial de la Grande Guerre to situate the specific nature of the bloodiest battle of the First World War in the overall context of the conflict. By way of comparison, the Battle of Verdun caused the lost (dead, wounded, missing) of 337,000 Germans and 362,000 Frenchmen. The losses at the Battle of the Somme totalled 400,000 for the British, 335,000 for the Germans and 200,000 for the French. The idea of creating a museum devoted to the 1914-1918 war originated with the Somme County Council in 1986. The project was envisioned in the context of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which involved combatants from more than twenty nations of the world at that time. |
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Orleans: Gateway to the Loire Valley
As the town of heroine Joan of Arc, discover the stunning historic centre with the stained glass windows of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral telling her story. |
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The European Centre for Deported Resistance Fighters
A site designed with the aim of promoting information, reflection and awareness, the European Centre for Deported Resistance fighters was opened in 2005. It helps visitors to discover the concentration camp system and the history of European resistance against the Nazis. |
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Lorraine's Heritage
In the depths of the countryside and in the most elegant of its towns, Lorraine boasts a wide-ranging heritage. The influence of various sovereigns has left its mark for ever on the unbelievably diverse architecture. |
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Canal du Midi in Languedoc-Rousillon
One of the greatest achievements of irrigation is the Canal du Midi, designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet. The canal that connects the seas, connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s spectacle seems ageless as it still draws many visitors to it today. |
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The Woad Route in Midi-Pyrénées
500 years ago, the woad fields between Toulouse, Albi and Castelnaudary, made their owners foryunes from their deep Cockaigne dye, which was sought after throughout the whole of Europe. The masters of woad in the southern area of Toulouse outdid each other with daring projects and lavish buildings.
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The Belfort Lion
Born on 2 August 1834 in Colmar, Bartholdi, also the creator of the famous Statue of Liberty, sculpted the Belfort Lion in 1880. |
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Culture, History and Art in Corsica
Corsica’s lively culture is the product of centuries of maintained customs and richly expressed in music and crafts. The village fair, a showcase for the Corsican way of life with its winemaking tradition going back to antiquity and its gastronomy full of local flavours, is just one way of discovering and learning to love Corsica. |
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The Renaissance and Classicism in Alsace
Classicism began to gain a foothold in Alsace around the 18th Century, at a time when new churches were being built. It was inspired by ancient art and characterised by a preference for sober and symmetrical designs.
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Art in Loire (Western)
The Musée Tatin at Cossé-le-Vivien. Robert Tatin was an artist and traveller. He created a sculptural, symbolist and naïve world that was a reflection of his life and his personality. Peopled with fascinating statues - giant evocations of Easter Island under Chinese and Aztec influences, this strange home invites you to enter the extraordinary imagination of its creator, the unclassifiable artist who created this museum in 1969.
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The Maginot Line in Alsace
History to Experience. Following its experience during the First World War, the French government took the decision to modernise the country's defences with the building of the Maginot Line. |
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Chateaux and Enclosures in Brittany
Brittany has 4000 chateaux, manors and stately homes built in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance or subsequent centuries. Ravaged by feudal struggles during the Middle Ages, Brittany was the site of many bloody battles to repulse French or English invaders. |
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Culture in Nord-Pas de Calais
A border land rich in abundant resources, torn between the Holy Roman Empire and France, Nord-Pas de Calais was until 1945 a land of invasions. Conditions that formed an industrious and hard-working people, proud of its power and strength but open to all trade and the best of all cultures. |
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Besançon Citadel in Franche-Comté
Set high up on its anticline, Besançon Citadel features a magnificent fortress is one of Vauban's masterpieces, and it is said that its construction was so costly that Louis XIV enquired as to whether the walls had been made out of gold.
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D-Day Normandy
D-Day and Operation Overload are often regarded as the most important operations of all time. The stretch of beach along the Calvados coast is world famous for the part it played in turning around World War II on the 6th June 1944, when British, Canadian and American troops broke through Nazi defences. |
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Corsica History
Corsica's uniqueness stems from its heritage. Everywhere you go, you will see a chapel, bridge, tower, or something of interest to explore. From pre-history you can see the remains of watch-towers from the mysterious civilization known as the "civilisation toréenne" as well as hundreds of menhir statues, including the famous Filitosa statues with their enigmatic sculptured faces. |
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The Costumes in Brittany
Transmitted from generation to generation, the costumes were once worn at all family and public celebrations. The clothing served as a sign, identifying the different parishes and traditional country areas. |
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Guided History Tours in Picardy
Picardy draws the richness of its heritage from a varied and tumultuous history. The cradle of France’s prehistory and of Gothic architecture, and the location of the First World War battle lines, Picardy abounds with unique cultural sites. This is made all the more unique through guided tours by local history enthusiasts. |
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Art in Brittany
For more than 200 years, Brittany has provided great inspiration for artists and is one of the French regions most frequented by painters. At the start of the 20th Century, many artists left their Paris studios during the summer to paint outdoors in Brittany. |
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Dialect and Languages in Alsace
One of the Last Regional Languages Still in Use. The Alsatian dialect is used throughout the whole of Alsace as well is in part of the Moselle area. It is one of the most widely spoken regional languages in France.
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Culture Auvergne
Because of the isolated nature of much of the Auvergne countryside, many ancient traditions have survived. Today the inhabitants are doing their utmost to preserve the special character of the region and the cultural heritage. Many of the old customs are upheld on the most important occasions. |
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History of Provence/Cote D'Azur
Between the coast and the High Alps lie the fortifications and citadels, defences against invasions from the sea and across the Alpine borders. An important figure and a builder of genius, Vauban was often the master builder for these edifices built in exceptional sites. |
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The Hillsides of Hattonchâtel
Located in the Côtes de Meuse area, Hattonchâtel is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. The reredos in the chapel is said to have been carved by Ligier Richier, one of the most prestigious sculptors of the Renaissance. |
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History of Nord-Pas de Calais
Nord-Pas de Calais names are a roll call of European as well as British and French history, from Julius Caesar to William the Conqueror, Edward III and Napoleon. Agincourt’s museum echoes to Kenneth Branagh declaiming Shakespeare and Guines commemorates Henry VIII meeting Francois I at the Field of the Cloth of Gold. |
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Chartres, Stained Glass Capital
A real mix of culture, art and lifestyle permeates this town, from its Cathedral to its tiny streets made for strolling. The Notre Dame Cathedral is a medieval splendour with its original stained glass. |
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Mont Sainte Odile
A Popular Place of Pilgrimage. Dedicated to Alsace's patron saint, Mont Sainte-Odile is a site visited both by pilgrims who come here to pay their respects and by tourists attracted by the incredible view offered from its peak, situated at an altitude of 763 m.
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History in Lorraine
The Ancient Romans settled here for some considerable time. Bishoprics developed. Some of the Dukes of Lorraine showed a love of art and architecture. One of them, Stanislaw, was even a sovereign in his own right – and there was nobody more interested in buildings. |
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Romanesque Art in Rhône-Alpes
From monasteries to small rural churches, mural frescoes to sculptures, the region’s Romanesque architecture displays a wide diversity of expression and influence. In the areas of Lyon, the Savoie and the Vivarais, Romanesque art is primarily exhibited within church buildings and rural chapels, with their single nave and minimalist décor. |
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Churches from Down the Ages
A number of tourist itineraries have been formulated to highlight the religious heritage of the region. The Route of Half-Timbered Churches and 16th Century Stained Glass Windows is unique to Champagne-Ardenne. www.lacduder.com |
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Cité des Sciences and de l'Industrie
The cite des sciences and de l'industrie is one of Europe's largest centre for the diffusion of science and technology which is suitable for all: school parties, senior citizens, young people, clubs and societies, etc. They've welcomed more than 3 million visitors in 2007. |
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Historic Towns
Amboise is a very Italian Loire Valley city with a prestigious heritage. Visit the magnificent royal Renaissance château which offers unrivalled panoramic views of the Loire Valley from its imposing gothic balconies. |
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World War I I in Alsace
Opened in 1941, Struthof was the only camp of its kind on French soil. Some 52,000 prisoners including German detainees and deportees from 20 other countries were subjected to forced labour here in the quarry close to the camp. In total, 22,000 people died here, usually from starvation and exhaustion. Some however perished in the "experimental" gas chamber, making it all the more important to ensure that what happened here is never forgotten.
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The Brittany Marches
From the Middles Ages, a dense network of castles was built up along the border between the Duchy of Brittany and the Kingdom of France. The fortresses, called the Brittany Marches, constituted a powerful line of defence against the many external threats. |
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Stanislaw the Builder-King
Lorraine’s 18th-Century architecture owes much to Stanislaw, the King of Poland who became Duke of Lorraine. Nancy’s outstanding architecture has received worldwide acclaim and regained all the dazzling glory of days gone by. |
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Middle Ages in Languedoc-Roussillon
The Middle Ages are another source of many historic sites in Languedoc-Roussillon. As you travel through the region castles and fortresses or stunning abbeys will captivate you. |
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Ronchamp Chapel
Notre-Dame-du-Haut, standing atop Bourlémont Hill, is a major example of contemporary religious art, a place of worship conceived of by the imagination of Le Corbusier.
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Romanesque Art in Alsace
Simple Decorative Schemes and Styling. From the 10th Century onwards, Romanesque abbeys and churches began to appear in Alsace. These were characterised by their simple decorative schemes and styling, with the main detailed sculptures being reserved for the portal. |
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Romanesque Art in Midi-Pyrénées
Languedoc began to flourish from the year 1,000 onwards and has handed down an exceptional heritage of sites and Romanesque constructions. With such essential buildings as Saint-Sernin in Toulouse and the small ornate chapels buried deep within the valleys of the Ariège, the enthusiast has an inexhaustible list to choose from. Sometimes quite plain, sometimes lavishly sculpted and sometimes pleasantly combined with Gothic art, Romanesque art in our region is at its best.
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Contemporary Art in Paris / Ile-de-France
On the cutting edge of all cultures, Paris Ile-de-France invites visitors to explore its contemporary art treasures. From the most avant-garde venues to more intimate museums and other sites, you will enjoy the diversity and originality of Paris' artistic life. |
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History of Rhône-Alpes
Heritage Theatres, Roman aquaducts, churches, châteaux, fortified villages, museums: The Rhône-Alpes offers an abundance of artistic and cultural heritage.The region’s renowned cultural legacy is widespread, but it can also boast an international reputation for the historic site of Lyon. |
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History in Loire (Western)
Fontevraud Abbey was founded in the 12th Century, and is Europe’s largest set of monastic buildings. A triumphant testimony to a rich past, it offers visitors a superb set of architectural styles.
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Culture in Champagne
Charleville-Mézières, known for the Place Ducale, an exact replica of the Place des Vosges in Paris, and for the International Festival of Puppet Theatre that takes place every three years. (The next one is this year, in September). |
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Local Craft in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Guardians of Provençal or Alpine know-how, many of the craftsmen and women of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur devote their lives to the production of objects according to the oldest methods. |
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Bullfighting in Languedoc-Roussillon
A Spanish Touch. Bullfighting is predominantly known in Europe as a sport whose home is Spain. Languedoc-Roussillon and other regions in the south of France were independent satates for quite some time which led to a collection of differing traditions. As the region is on the Spanish border it was influenced by Spanish tradition. |
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Claude Monet in Normandy
Leader of the movement and father of modern painting, Claude Monet is perhaps one of the best known Impressionists and certainly a major character in Normandy’s artistic heritage. |
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Art in Paris / Ile de France
The multitude of artists' studios, or ateliers, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region provide fertile ground for artistic creation. From the bohemian to the internationally renowned, artists take you behind the scenes to reveal the home of their inspiration and imagination. |
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The Breton Language
Breton is a Celtic language. As part of the Indo-European family, Celtic languages comprise two groups: the Gaelic and Breton. In the fifth century, massive waves of emigrants from Great Britain (Wales, Cornwall, and Devon) crossed the sea and renewed the Breton population: Armorica became Brittany and its language Breton. |
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Normandy’s Greats and Gifts
Amongst Normandy’s famous sons and daughters, the intrepid adventures of William the Conqueror are uppermost. From his birthplace in Falaise to the legendary Bayeux Tapestry which recounts one of his greatest exploits, the presence of William and far reaching influences are fascinating. |
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Cultural Riches in Franche-Comté
Franche-Comté is awash with cultural riches, which give it its special soul. Roman, Gaulish, Spanish and finally French, the region has been fashioned by an impressive history. The architectural diversity and the talent of its creators alone are enough to make a visit worthwhile.
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Cave Dwellings
Very early signs of prehistoric existence can be found in Loire Centre. Caves that have survived centuries in the region are one of the first types of human dwelling to be found in France. |
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World War I
"Le Linge" was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. Between 20th July and 15th October 1915, the Germans organised their defence here in order to prevent French troops advancing on Colmar. |
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Renaissance Villages
You have to leave the towns and their treasures, if you want to discover another more rural but equally diverse side to Lorraine. |
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Exceptional Sites in Languedoc-Roussillon
The Pont du Gard. A part of an aqueduct that carried water to Nîmes still stands in all its glory at a height of 48m and width of 275m. It is an exceptional example of Roman architectural genius and the scale of their power and presence. |
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The Cathar Route in Midi-Pyrénées
The bloody crusades that were waged against the Cathars during the 12th Century swept through the ancient civilisation of the Langue d'oc: a civilisation of troubadours, courtly love, tolerance and democracy before its time, leaving behind them only ruin.
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Wartime Memorials
The clash of battles and cries of the wounded is replaced by the silence of remembrance. The memory of the wars of the 20th Century is one of the principal elements of the region’s identity. Although there are places where you are simply left to your imagination, others are intrinsically devoted to commemoration.
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Bourges, City of Light and Stone
A vibrant, sporty and cultural city home to the prestigious music festival "le Printemps de Bourges". Discover Saint-Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in France with a remarkable sweeping unity and colossal scale. |
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Regional Culture in Alsace
Alsace: a Region with a Distinctive Local Identity. You don't need to be a history lover to appreciate Alsace's rich heritage. Many events, both happy and tragic, have shaped this region’s distinctive identity. |
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Ancient Heritage in Rhône-Alpes
The splendour of ancient sites in Lyon, Vienne, Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Alba-la-Romaine proves that the region played an important commercial and artistic role during the Roman period. The Gallic-roman people have left a multitude of architectural and ornamental masterpieces. |
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War Remnants in Alsace
The Largest Fortification in the Maginot Line in Alsace. When it was completed in 1935, the Schoenenbourg fort was considered to be indestructible. This was amply demonstrated in 1940, when a hailstorm of 3000 bombs and shells rained down on the site. |
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Coastal Fortifications in Brittany
Along the entire coastline, old maritime fortresses are witness to the eventful centuries when Brittany was forced to protect itself from attack by the English Navy. Most constitute part of the Breton coastal defences established by Vauban under the reign of Louis XIV. |
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History of Languedoc-Roussillon
The routes of this land are documented by the remnants of the ages that are scattered throughout this region. |
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History in Midi-Pyrénées
Pre-Historic Art. The Midi-Pyrénées boasts 3,000 identified cavities. Whether cathedrals made of stone and limestone concretions or the moving witnesses of Palaeolithic art, approximately twenty caves have been equipped and are now open to the general public.
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History in Auvergne
In the Northeast of Auvergne, in the heart of the Allier and Bourbonnais area, the land of the Dukes of Bourbon, the ancestral home of eight of the last Kings of France, welcomes art and history lovers. Water, humble and salutary, floods this land of prosperous history with its blessings. |
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The Château de Joux
Built at the entrance to the "Pontarlier Gap", with the Swiss border on the horizon, this proud imposing castle is hard to miss. The Château de Joux stands around three hundred feet above the international commercial route which, as early as under Roman occupation, linked the Jura, Burgundy, Flanders and Champagne to Italy.
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Gothic Art in Alsace
Gothic art only arrived in Alsace in 1225 with the construction of Strasbourg Cathedral, which subsequently served as a model for other churches. It continued to influence church design up until the late 15th Century. Gothic designs were characterised by a quest for maximum balance and brightness. |
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Boating in Paris / Ile-de-France
Discover the Ile-de-France region from a different and very original angle, navigating the Seine, Oise, and Marne rivers or through the numerous canals. |
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Poitou-Charentes: illustrious ambassadors
The history of Poitou-Charentes has been shaped by many notorious people: Charles Martel, Eleanor of Aquitaine, François I, Richelieu, Rabelais and Vauban. Each of these illustrious figures left his or her imprint on the region's history. |
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Baroque Churches in Rhône-Alpes
During the 17th and 18th Century, the Counter Reformation brought about new ways of expressing one’s faith, both colourful and theatrical in style. The Savoyard valleys boast about 60 Baroque churches, brimming with golden cherubs and multi-coloured painted saints, with their massive shining reredos.
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Lyon’s "Mothers" in Rhône-Alpes
Every one of the Rhône’s great chefs works in the shadow of his/her mother or grandmother who has passed on the secrets of carefully prepared dishes. For about a century all the best restaurants in Lyon were owned by women who subsequently became known as “the mothers”. |
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Tours, Reflecting an Art de Vivre
Tours is the ultimate “hop across the channel” city break with a short flight from London Stansted. As a former Gallo-Roman city, you can still see small vestiges. |
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Aeronautics in Midi-Pyrénées
From the airmail pioneers to the "Cité de l'Espace". Aeronautics and space research are the two great technological adventures of southwestern France. With Clément Ader, Mermoz and Saint-Exupéry on the one hand and Caravelles, the Concorde and Airbus aeroplanes on the other, legendary men and aeroplanes have punctuated the history of Toulouse.
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Living Memories of the Past in Poitou-Charentes
Historic museums of all differing types: comic books in Angoulême, automobile and motors in Châtellerault, marine in Rochefort, furniture and regional objects in Saintes or Niort, Beaux-Arts (fine arts) in Poitiers, La Rochelle, Niort, Saintes, Cognac, Angoulême., peasant traditions in Ranton , silver mines in Melle and more. |
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Historic Places in Paris / Ile de France
Les Invalides is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement, now containing museums and monuments, relating to France's military history, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, which were the building's original purpose. The name is a shortened form of hôpital des invalides, the hospital for invalids. |
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The Pilgrims’ Way
Compostela, in Galicia, Spain, became the most accessible and popular destination for 'European' pilgrims in the 12th Century. For two hundred years 30-50,000 people travelled there each year. |
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Museums in Rhône-Alpes
Only the Ile-de-France has more museums than the Rhone Alpes, which has over 200. From some of the finest art museums in Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Grenoble and Chambéry to excellent regional ethnographic museums. |
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Welcome aboard Planet NAUSICAA
Visit giant aquariums, discovery areas, attractions and animal reserves for an unforgettable deep sea adventure – a unique and inspiring opportunity to learn more about the magical world of marine life. |
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Places of Art in Paris / Ile de France
Montmartre is one of the more famous areas of Paris, celebrated for its bohemian nature and colony of artists. Historically, this was a gathering area for artists and writers who travelled from many parts of the world to spend time in Paris. |
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Places of Interest in Paris / Ile de France
Notre Dame
Notre Dame was first constructed between 1163 and1345, commissioned by Maurice de Sully, Bishop of Paris. Built in an age of illiteracy, the cathedral depicted stories of the Bible in its portals, paintings, and stained glass. From the 28 statues to the colourful stained glass windows, Notre Dame is renowned for its art and its history. |
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The land of the Mushroom Caves
Three-quarters of the national production of the ‘Champignon de Paris’ is cultivated in the tufa galleries of the Saumur area. The climatic qualities of these places, whose temperature and hygrometry are constant throughout the year, combined with local savoir-faire, have made these caves the kingdom of mushroom-growers. |
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Wonder at the Living Museum of the Horse, Chantilly
The Great Stables of Chantilly, viewed as the world’s finest, are home to the Living Museum of the Horse. Far removed from dusty, immobile museums, this Museum is perpetually developing in order to offer ever more original shows, put on by the thirty employees of the Living Museum of the Horse. |
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Saines Saveurs Bourgogne, Naturally Good
In November 2005, Burgundy made an innovative move by launching 'Saines Saveurs, Naturally good in Burgundy'. This new label is a commitment from Burgundy's catering professionals to provide healthy natural foods wherever possible. |
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The Routes to Santiago de Compostela in Midi-Pyrénées
UNESCO has inscribed the routes to Santiago de Compostela on the World Heritage List. The region boasts three of the main routes leading to Compostela, the routes of Puy-en-Velay, Arles and the foothills of the Pyrenees, all of which are dotted with comfortable self-catering cottages and friendly hostels.
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An Authentic Open Air Village Museum
Created in 1984, the Ecomusée d'Alsace comprises almost 70 authentic rural homes, dismantled in their original village where they were due for demolition, and rebuilt it here brick by brick.
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Cave Paintings in Rhône-Alpes
With 13 painted caves, the Ardèche gorges are the most visited in France. Inside you can admire engraved or painted masterpieces together with various tools. For a better understanding of this exceptional legacy it is worth paying a visit to the Musée Régional de Préhistoire, close to the Aven d’Orgnac. |
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Puy du Fou®: Get ready for a journey through time!
Escape to the Grand Parc of the Puy du Fou® for an unforgettable trip with family or friends. Puy du Fou® is a whirlwind of extraordinary shows and a real breath of fresh air far from everyday hustle and bustle. Make the most of an exceptional entertainment program during the day, breath-taking shows at night, as well as 17 restaurants, a themed hotel and 45 hectares of pure green bliss. Days at Puy du Fou® are adventure and action-packed. Get ready for a journey through time! |
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Culture and History in Burgundy
There are sites to behold all over Burgundy including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five villages listed as the 'prettiest villages of France' and a unique medieval building site. |
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Chamonix - A voyage through the Mont-Blanc range
Chamonix has been welcoming travellers and adventurers for over two and a half centuries and can be truly described as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The mountain scenery surpasses one's wildest expectations and the Mont-Blanc, jewel in the crown, thrones silently over the Chamonix valley.
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A moving story : Oradour-sur-Glane in Limousin
Oradour-sur-Glane, a quiet, prosperous, market town, was the scene of a unique tragedy. On 10th June 1944 time came to a standstill in Oradour ... |
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The Valley of the impressionists
In the middle of the 19th century, hundreds of Parisian painters, following the lead set by Claude Monet, left their Paris studios and came to set up their easels along the valley of the Creuse. |
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The Dordogne Valley in Limousin
The Dordogne Valley in Limousin, from Bort les Orgues to Beaulieu is a powerful, turbulent, fairytale valley, abundantly stocked with fish and with its riverside towns. |
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Visit Chateau de Chenonceau
Chenonceau is, after Versailles, the most visited French castle. Aside from the visit to the castle, the chateau de Chenonceau provides a large range of activities and services like: a gastronomic restaurant l'Orangerie, a buffet restaurant, a tea room, the Ladies Galery (wax museum) and sailing in small boats during summer months. You can also discovery the vegetable garden, the 16th century farm and the flower workshop where incredible flower displays are created and displayed in the castle. |
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Limoges in Limousin
Limoges had retained its international reputation as the home of the arts of the furnace: porcelaine and enamel. It has just been awarded recognition as a 'Town of Art and History'. |
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The pilgrim's routes to Compostela
A spiritual quest as well as a great adventure since the Middle Ages, the roads to Compostela continue to fascinate many today. On the 6 routes that cross the Aquitaine region converging on the Pyrenees, you will meet walkers from all over the world, believers and atheists alike, those in search of beauty and those who prefer a physical challenge. |
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Know-how in Limousin
Prestige and Quality are the common factors in the know-how that you will come across in Limousin, whether it is in the field of the arts or in food and drink. |
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History in Aquitaine
In Périgord, castles were rarely built with pleasure in mind. Just visit Beynac, Bourdeilles, Mareuil, Biron or Lanquais and you will see for yourself : the defensive quality of each site is most impressive. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, these castles resisted the last great invasions and the countless battles of the Hundred Years War. |
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Heritage in Aquitaine
Lazing on the banks of the rivers, clinging to cliff faces or nestling under the eaves of forests, our villages are the expression of the age-old love of the Aquitains for life and all the delights it offers. |
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400,000 years of human presence
In the Dordogne, there are fifteen or so sites along the length of the Vézere Valley bearing testimony to the life of the tribes of hunters who lived there 400,000 years ago! |
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Bastide Towns in Aquitaine
With their imposing stone gateways, their latticework of streets, their covered market-places and their squares lined with houses set behind archways, you could hardly miss them ! These 'bastides', or walled towns, were built between the 13th and 14th centuries and were created by feudal lords and men of the church, always following the same model. |
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The Ocean and Estuary in Aquitaine
The Ocean and Estuary in Aquitaine : Cordouan Lighthouse and Blaye Citadel.
These are two jewels in the crown of Aquitaine heritage. The first, anchored to a rock in the waters of the Atlantic by the Gironde Estuary and with its light set 67.5 metres high, has been guiding boats since 1584 and standing opposite the Médoc and the Ile Paté, the rock of Blaye has been a crucial strategic site since Roman times. |
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Not to be missed in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Everything in this region sings, even the wind, when it is called the Mistral or the Tramontana. The great poets were able to convey its music, and painters from Cézanne to Picasso, captured its light. Provence is magical, it smells wonderfully of olive oil, lavender and thyme. |
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Not to be missed in Ile-de-France
Around Paris, Ile-de-France offers the joys of discovering both nature and culture. With 9 royal towns, 400 listed gardens and châteaux including 24 masterpieces of landscape art, medieval villages or Cistercian abbeys, the Ile-de-France region boasts a unique and fascinating heritage. |
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Not to be missed in Alsace
Very long and narrow and backing onto the Rhine, Alsace has seen its borders moved on many occasions. The ups and downs of history have caused it to hang on to a very strong regional tradition. This can be seen in its language, its folk traditions and its cuisine. Its countryside beckons the walker, with its hillsides streaked with vineyards in the Munster valley and the flower-decked valleys of the Florival.
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Not to be missed in Aquitaine
If you had to define this land by one word, il would be 'generous'. A generosity that can be seen in its variety of landscapes with hills, valleys, sandy moors and a coast that is almost wild. The Bordeaux vineyards, the Basque Country, the plateaux of Périgord... |
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Not to be missed in Rhône-Alpes
A great river and a chain of mountains give the region its name and create the pattern of life here. The Alps crowned by Mont Blanc provide a skiing area that is unique in the world. Hiking enthusiasts are becoming increasingly numerous in the summertime, walking the waymarked trails through the region's nature parks (La Vanoise, Les Ecrins, Les Bauges), and around the lakes (Lake Geneva, Annecy, Le Bourget). Nearer the Rhône, the Ardèche gorges are a paradise for canoeing. |
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Not to be missed in the Loire (western)
A land of water traversed by the Loire, the region is bathed in the north by the spray of the Atlantic Ocean. While Saint-Nazaire is an important merchant navy port, Nantes is the regional capital, and Saumur, Le Mans and Angers offer visitors a cultural heritage dominated by Gothic art and the Renaissance. |
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Not to be missed in Corsica
Mountains in the sea, pierced with torrents, Corsica, an island of rare beauty, has the full spectrum of landscapes. Dry in the south, it makes up for it with long beaches of white sand, where lazing around can be enhanced by sightseeing tours. |
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Not to be missed in Picardy
With its exceptionally rich architectural heritage, this province is a preserve of Gothic art. Famous for its cathedrals, it offers the discerning an opportunity to explore its towns and their medieval wonders. |
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Not to be missed in Champagne-Ardenne
The fruit of its vineyards is so famous that the first thing you think of in this region is a glass of champagne. You can of course begin the journey underground and visit the wine cellars. Reims, its magnificient cathedral or its museum of fine arts, should not make you forget the 'vine-growers' villages spread around the region. There is also the Ardennes with its wild forests, populated by roe deer and hares. |
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Not to be missed in Languedoc-Roussillon
The Mediterranean on one side, the eastern Pyrenees to the south and Lozère to the north, Languedoc-Roussillon takes pleasure in the contrats if its stepped relief. |
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Not to be missed in Paris
Some cities call to mind lovers, others architecture, yet others an intellectual, cultural or appealing popular atmosphere. Paris has all these faces, plus lots more to discover depending on your particular interest. |
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Not to be missed in Franche-Comté
This is a region with distinct faces. In the north, the valleys of the Haute-Saône which, from the Grays region to the Saône Vosges, passing through Vesoul, back onto the region of Belfort. Châteaux and churches give added attraction to its towns and villages, and a great many museums house specimens showing the traditional craftmanship related to wood, but also to clock making. |
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Not to be missed in Poitou-Charentes
The dispute between Ancient and Modern is not on the agenda in this region where the vestiges of the past are keyed neatly into an openness to the future. |
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Not to be missed in Auvergne
If it were possible, the best way to travel in this region would be on the back of a donkey, just as the writer Stevenson did. It is indeed probably the pleasantest way to see this land of volcanoes, fashioned by their eruptions. Inactive for centuries, they gave birth to a strange and majestic landscape. |
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Not to be missed in Brittany
A land of seafaring people, and the aspect that makes Brittany the daughter of Neptune. Its thousands of kilometres of coastline, from Cancale to Saint-Nazaire, give it a prodigiously varied relief, with the strange rocks of the Pink Granite coast and the idyllic beaches of the Morbihan following on from one another. |
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Lille in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
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Not to be missed in the French Riviera
It is the blue of the south that defines this land. Its climate is so mild, its nature so filled with flowers that thousands of years after the Romans, English aristocrats, fed up with the greyness, fell in love with it. Since then, the Côte d'Azur has been entirely given over to summer pleasures. |
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Not to be missed in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Traditionally an industrial region, it has now turned to tourism, a natural choice in a landscape where forests predominate, and where the Opal Coast has a host of beaches dedicated to surfing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, and more. |
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Not to be missed in Lorraine
Bordered by the three countries, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, Lorraine is a strategic region which today exudes a peaceful charm. There is no shortage of reasons to explore it. For lovers of architecture and the arts, Mirecourt, Bar-le-Duc and Epinal possess many wonders. Enthusiasts for footpaths, will find routes dotted with lakes, forests and green valleys in the Lorraine Regional Park. Another excellent reason to come is for its springs and to stay in one of the well-known spa establishments in Contrexéville or Vittel, where the gastronomy is not to be outdone. |
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Not to be missed in Midi-Pyrénées
Few regions offer such a variety of landscapes, climates and architecture. This is because the region is huge, it runs from Aveyron to Gers and from Ariège to the edges of the Dordogne. |
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Not to be missed in Burgundy
From the vineyards of Chablis to those of the Mâconnais passing through the Côte de Beaune and Côtes de Nuits, from the luminous Loire Valley to the opulent Bresse region passing through the mysterious forests of the Morvan, Burgundy is beautiful in its natural state and in every season. |
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Not to be missed in the Loire (centre)
It is western Europe's last wild river, over 1,000 km long, that shapes the region : The Loire. On its banks the aristocracy built châteaux that are among the jewels of French architecture. Amboise, Chambord, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau are all extraordinary. |
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Not to be missed in Limousin
Nature lovers who like to punctuate their walks with seeing the old craft traditions develop an immediate attachment to this region. Green woods and forests, it is also criss-crossed by water, the Creuse, Vienne and Dordogne rivers... |
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Not to be missed in Normandy
Combining in the same land the pleasures of an extraordinary coastline and those of a green and blossoming countryside, Normandy is a very fortunate region. |
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Hot Air Ballooning
Floating through the air in a hot air balloon is the perfect way to take in the scenery of the region. If you have a head for heights there is no more relaxing way to see the Burgundian countryside. |
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