France

France is the most visited country for vacations in the world.  Paris is the crown jewel.  Architectural beauty, the cafes, the catwalks, museums and music.  Everyone should visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre or take a stroll in the Tuileries Park.  The area on the Left Bank known as St. Germain des Pres has a literary tradition further enhanced by Hemingway and early 2oth century  American writers. New areas of the city like Le Marais has grown in popularity as has the Bastille, still home to political rallies of today.

The region to the north is called Champagne and is a protected world heritage site.  Here the perfect storm of climate and rocky soil come together to create the world’s most celebratory drink.

The western Atlantic coast in the region of Normandy is where Deauville and the seaside town of Trouville is located nearby.  Chanel opened  her first boutique there.  She sensed that women’s lives were changing and the fashion revolution started in this quiet seaside town.

The Loire Valley is just a short ride away by train from Paris and boasts a countryside filled with castles and kings.  Orleans is the gateway city and Joan of Arc is the local celebrity. Lyon is the center of gastronomy where a simple meal is an art form.  For finer dining experiences there is no shortage of Michelin starred chefs in the area.

As you head towards the south eastern coastal areas you will reach Bordeaux.  There the region’s wine and food are reflective of this historic city. The wine tours attract tourists from all over the world.  If glamour and the international scene is your jam then Nice and Cannes on the southern coastal area of France are for you.

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