Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal ... more

Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal espaces verts (green open spaces) and of quiet squares. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with distances between many of its major sights and museums invariably walkable. Unforgettable walks exhibiting the best of Paris: stroll down the Champs-Elysees for the chic grand boulevard experience and Rue Cler for a more intimate snapshot of Parisian living.  (close)

Reims is an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of the French nation. Here you will find one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where most of the kings of France were crowned. The neighboring Bas ... more

Reims is an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of the French nation. Here you will find one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where most of the kings of France were crowned. The neighboring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and includes the old royal abbey which is now a museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to Reims, not so much for history but for tasting is the lightest and subtlest in flavor of the world's wines - the champagne.  (close)

Situated in the northeast corner of France, Nancy was the capital of old Lorraine. The city was built around a fortified castle on a rock. Because of it's serenely beautiful, history, cuisine and architecture, it once rivaled Paris as the center for ... more

Situated in the northeast corner of France, Nancy was the capital of old Lorraine. The city was built around a fortified castle on a rock. Because of it's serenely beautiful, history, cuisine and architecture, it once rivaled Paris as the center for Art Nouveau. The medieval alleys and towers around the old Palais Ducal where Charles II received Joan of Arc, the rococo golden gates and fountains, and the dull modern sections contribute all to the diversity of Nancy.  (close)

The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France's greatest cities and also one of France's major ports, only 2 miles west of the Rhine. It was wrestled back and forth between the Germans and the French, resulting in a curious - and often rewarding ... more

The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France's greatest cities and also one of France's major ports, only 2 miles west of the Rhine. It was wrestled back and forth between the Germans and the French, resulting in a curious - and often rewarding - mixture of language, culture and food. La Petite France is the most interesting quarter of Strasbourg. For a good view, walk along rue des Moulins, branching off from rue du Bain-aux-Plantes.  (close)