France Tourism

01/09/2025

October 5, 2025: Cheese Fair Train

Every year, the Cheese Fair marks a symbolic moment for the shepherds: the end of transhumance. It is during the first weekend of October that Laruns becomes the stage for a grand celebration of pastoral culture and the traditions of the Ossau Valley.

For two days, immerse yourself in the festive and authentic atmosphere of this unmissable event. On the program: traditional dances and songs, live sheep shearing demonstrations, and even on-the-spot cheese making... A complete dive into the living heritage of the region. Whether you are curious, a food lover, or simply in search of authenticity, this celebration is made for you!

And that’s not all! The little Artouste train joins the festivities on October 5 for a special day dedicated to the Cheese Fair. Embark on an unforgettable ride through the spectacular landscapes of the Ossau Valley. Upon arrival, the station will offer you a carefully selected glass of wine to accompany a delicious platter of local cheeses.
A perfect marriage of nature, terroir, and conviviality!

29/08/2025

The town of Bergerac in the Dordogne, with its statue of Cyrano, capital of the "Purple Périgord", so called for its wines and the colour of its landscapes in autumn.
It is nestled on the banks of the Dordogne River, a location of undeniable significance, for this is a town inextricably linked to the ebb and flow of river navigation. Here, the traditional flat-bottomed boats, known as "gabarres," once made their calls, setting forth to export the renowned wines of Bergerac and Duras towards Bordeaux and the vast expanse of the Atlantic. No fewer than seven appellations grace this landscape, their sun-drenched slopes fostering the region's esteemed viticultural reputation.
A designated City of Art and History, Bergerac captivates those with an appreciation for exquisite architecture. Wander its narrow, winding streets, lined with half-timbered houses, their golden-hued stones catching the light; admire the delicately crafted and elegant doorways; and discover charming fountains, picturesque squares, and captivating statues at every turn.
A stroll through Cyrano's homeland will lead you to one of its three museums, such as the Museum of To***co Anthropology: unique in Europe, this museum, housed in a beautiful building dating back to 1604, traces 3,000 years of history and culture through its exceptional collections.

28/08/2025

**Cycling the Isle of Ré **Cycling the Isle: Tips and Trails**

Île de Ré is often hailed as a cyclist's paradise, and rightfully so! With its sprawling 110 kilometres of bike paths, it's an idyllic playground for bike enthusiasts. Whether you are cruising through sun-drenched fields, hugging the coastline, or weaving through emerald forests and sun-kissed vineyards, every pedal stroke is a vibrant invitation to explore.

The island's bridge, a majestic link between La Rochelle and Ré, is a cycling adventure in itself, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the shimmering ocean. The paths are generally flat and easily accessible, making them perfect for delightful family outings or more invigorating sporty excursions. Bike rentals abound on every corner of the island, inviting you to embrace a gentle mode of transport, in tune with the surrounding natural splendour.

Cycling around the island is a quintessential experience, allowing you to visit all ten of its charming communes. History buffs can pedal back in time to the Abbaye des Châteliers, a magnificent testament to the island's medieval past. A detour to the lighthouses of Saint-Clément and the iconic Phare des Baleines is essential to soak in Ré's maritime soul.

Île de Ré boasts exceptional signage and detailed maps, making excursions intuitive and utterly relaxing.

27/08/2025

Horse riding thematic stay in France

Discover the beauty of France on horseback with our Horse-Riding themed stays, perfect for riders of all ages and levels. Horseback riding is an enriching activity that allows you to connect with nature, strengthen family and friendship bonds, and enjoy memorable outdoor experiences in breathtaking landscapes. We offer you the opportunity to stay in establishments located near equestrian centres, guaranteeing unforgettable moments for young and old.
Suitable for riders of all ages and levels, this activity offers a unique experience of sharing and discovery.

Ardèche—Equestrian escape in the heart of nature
Ardèche is an ideal destination for horse riding enthusiasts, thanks to its varied landscapes and picturesque paths. The hotel is located in a holiday village with an equestrian centre. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you can enjoy horseback riding through the forests, hills and rivers of the region. Children and adults will be able to learn horse riding in complete safety, supervised by passionate professionals.

Camargue – Horseback riding adventures in the heart of the marshes
The Camargue, with its vast wilderness and iconic horses, is a dream destination for horse riding lovers. Located in Arles, the establishment is close to a renowned equestrian centre. Discover the marshes, beaches and typical landscapes of the region on horseback. Horse riding in the Camargue offers a unique experience, allowing you to observe local wildlife, including the famous white horses and black bulls, in their natural habitat.

26/08/2025

Take the family to the Alsace region of France
Bring the family to Alsace for a four-day road trip along the beautiful wine route. The most beautiful vineyards and villages are on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains with views over the Rhine. It is not only wine - there is plenty of locally brewed beer too and wonderful local specialities to accompany them.
Day 1 - An introduction to the wine and food of Alsace
Start your visit in Strasbourg. This beautiful city will seduce you with its mixture of French and German culture, its wines and food. Before dinner, your guide will introduce you to the wines of the region with a private tutored tasting. Discover the four major grapes used for the wines of the region: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and the blends used for the sparkling Crémant wines.
This evening, choose from relaxed dining on local specialities or a Michelin-star experience, both will allow you to discover how well these wines match with food.
Dine and stay in Strasbourg.
Day 2 - Strasbourg and Choucroute.
Discover Strasbourg from the water with a boat trip on the River Ill. Visit the Cathedral and the typical streets of the surrounding area. Enjoy shopping for local specialities and souvenirs, and have lunch in one of the local restaurants. You can even visit a local brewery. This evening, sample the famous local 'choucroute' in a traditional tavern with a range of white wines from the region.
Day 3—The picturesque Alsace wine route
Discover the beautiful villages of Alsace along "La Route des Vins." Running along the hillsides of the Vosges Mountains, it passes through villages of half-timbered houses and medieval castles (there are 500 in Alsace). Your guide will stop off for you to discover the beautiful village of Obernai, and you will visit the Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg—a must-see for young and old. Enjoy lunch at a cosy winstub—a typical Alsatian restaurant. This afternoon, visit a vineyard to discover a range of wines from the region.
Tonight, choose from one of these picturesque villages of Rhiqewihr, Hunawihr or Mittelwihr and stay in a traditional tavern to discover the village on foot before dining in a local restaurant.
Day 4 - Wine and Storks
Storks nesting on the chimney pots of Alsace is an iconic image of the region. Today you will visit Hunwihr, famous for its Riesling but also its stork centre and butterfly garden—something for all the family.
This afternoon, you will visit the Joseph Cattin winery. You will discover breathtaking views over the Alsace vineyards, the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace Plain, the Black Forest, and even the Swiss Alps on a Segway ride through their beautiful vineyards. Finish your discovery with a traditional Alsatian feast of local food served in the original Alsatian winery. Each dish is accompanied by fine Alsatian wines selected and presented by the winemaker himself.
Dine and stay in Colmar.
Day 5 - Discover the Little Venice of Colmar
Before leaving today, spend the morning discovering the Little Venice area of Colmar and lunching in one of the restaurants before heading home.

25/08/2025

One of the smallest Châteaux of the Loire
Nestled in a lovely little green jewel box, right in the heart of the vineyards of Cheverny, lies the enchanting Château de Troussay. Its 19th-century owner, the wise and kind Louis de La Saussaye, a thoughtful guardian of heritage, crafted a truly unique architectural treasure here: a charming mosaic of the grandest castles in the region, lovingly woven together to create the tiniest of the Loire Castles. Since 1900, the sweet Sainte-Marie family has called it home and cherished it dearly. Having been sold only twice since the 15th century, this precious place holds a magical, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
A Historical Monument and House of the Illustrious, this darling Renaissance gem is fully furnished and surrounded by a lovely English-style park. Take a delightful journey through time, from the 15th century right up to today.
This peaceful and intimate estate is the perfect cosy spot for a relaxing private gathering. It is an ideal setting to host birthday or wedding celebrations, meditative retreats, charming countryside lunches, and so many more possibilities that are wonderful!

22/08/2025

Did you know that this quintessentially French pastry originated in Eastern Europe?

Hailing from Vienna, where it symbolised Austria's victory over the Ottomans, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the croissant gained popularity in its delightful flaky variant, which we still relish today...

Croissants and pain au chocolat have become iconic symbols of French culture, enjoyed during breakfast and tea time. However, their magnificence might have diminished due to almost industrial production, altering their taste and flakiness.

Like an authentic artisan baker, learn to make them yourself in this immersive, small-group pastry workshop. In a professional kitchen located in the heart of the city, you will be welcomed with a hot beverage before meeting your expert chef instructor. Roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of classic French baking. Discover the secrets of creating perfectly laminated dough, practice essential techniques, and craft your very own buttery pastries from scratch. At the end of the class, relax and savour the flaky, golden treats you have prepared—an authentically Parisian accomplishment to remember.

20/08/2025

Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Loire Valley

Uncork the breathtaking Loire Valley from a bird's-eye perspective, embarking on a whimsical hot air balloon escapade!
Take flight from Amboise, the very cradle of royal castles, once the cherished abode of Charles VIII, Louis XII, and François I. Savour a glorious hour and a half amidst the clouds. Feast your eyes on the celebrated châteaux, stately manors, and meticulously sculpted gardens, along with the gently rolling landscapes that captured the hearts of France's most illustrious kings, and others besides!
Guided by your pilot through this tapestry of wonders, indulge in a refined gourmet apéritif in the company of fluffy clouds, where the boundless horizon is your only limit

Explorez la Vallée de la Loire d'une manière unique et aventureuse avec Loire Montgolfières, où chaque vol en montgolfière…

19/08/2025

The Aqueduct of the Gier is an ancient Roman aqueduct probably built in the 1st century AD to supply water to Lugdunum (Lyon), in what is now eastern France. It is the longest and best preserved of the four Roman aqueducts that served the rapidly expanding capital of the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis. It drew its water from the source of the Gier, a small tributary of the Rhône, on the slopes of Mont Pilat, 42 km south-west of Lyon.
Following a winding route of 85 kilometres, the Aqueduct of the Gier is the longest known Roman aqueduct. Its route has been identified in detail, following the numerous remains. Leaving the highlands of the Pilat massif, in the Loire department, the aqueduct follows the surface relief and crosses the Rhône department, passing through Mornant, Orliénas, Chaponost and Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon to end in Lyon.

Film de Michel Peyrard

18/08/2025

l y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Elysées
"There is everything you want on the Champs-Elysées," sang French singer Joe Dassin. Today, maybe, but it wasn't always so. Believe it or not, the most beautiful avenue in the world was nothing but a swamp! This is what the Champs-Élysées was like four centuries ago.
In 1670, Louis XIV asked Le Nôtre (the Château de Versailles' gardener) to develop this uninhabited swamp area. Le Nôtre went on to design a large alley lined with trees and lawns from the present Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle. It would later be known as the Grand Cours, the Grande Allée du Roule, the Avenue de la Grille Royale, and the Avenue du Palais des Tuileries. The name Avenue des Champs-Elysées, which first appeared in 1694, was formalised in 1709.
The urban history of the avenue began in 1765 when Louis XV authorised the construction of buildings on both sides of the Champs-Élysées. Despite all the investment made, the avenue remained unloved, its population consisting of bandits, prostitutes, and low-end taverns. This, of course, discouraged the bourgeoisie from frequenting the neighbourhood.
The Avenue des Champs-Elysées did not really gain importance until the French Revolution. The Avenue was widened, and the low-end taverns closed. They were replaced by luxurious restaurants and cafés, which attracted the celebrities of the time. The bourgeoisie started frequenting the Avenue to show off who had the most beautiful carriage, who had the most beautiful clothes, and who had the most beautiful horses.
With the arrival of the Second Empire, it forever inaugurated the Avenue Champs-Elysées as the most beautiful in the world.

15/08/2025

Gourmet delights of a legendary wine region of Nouvelle Aquitaine
Departure dates 13 April to 29 October 2026
11 Days from $8,195p.p. Economy Flights Included + BONUS luxury hotel night.

Bordeaux is famous for the incredible wines produced throughout its fertile countryside, but that is just one reason why you should explore this region.
Bordeaux is everything you would imagine it to be: beautiful, romantic and a feast for all senses. Wine production has been refined to an art and some of the best wines in the world are made right here. With a wine region comes extraordinary undulating landscapes, rolling vineyards and lush green vistas, your playground on this 11-day river journey. As you cruise along the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne rivers, cycle through picture book landscapes, learn the wine-making process and sample delicious fare prepared with French finesse. Beyond the culinary, you will enjoy a wealth of historical landmarks, from elegant châteaux to churches older than most of the new world.

13/08/2025

We are excited to introduce our newest premium offering:
The Ultimate Loire Valley Royal Experience.
A private and all-inclusive journey designed for travellers seeking the most exclusive and authentic side of the Loire.

"Sleep like a King, Drink like a King, Eat like a King."

This is a uniquely curated 5-day experience featuring château access, private wine tastings, gourmet dining, and handpicked luxury accommodations.
It is ideal for discerning clients who want more than just a tour—they want to feel like royalty with an immersion into French heritage, gastronomy, and elegance.