The old capital of Languedoc, Toulouse is nowadays France's fourth-largest city. It is a city with a distinguished historical past, and also a city of the future and the high-tech center of the aerospace industry in France. Its small, 18-century Old ... more

The old capital of Languedoc, Toulouse is nowadays France's fourth-largest city. It is a city with a distinguished historical past, and also a city of the future and the high-tech center of the aerospace industry in France. Its small, 18-century Old Quarter is a maze of narrow lanes and plazas in which to get happily lost. Its River Garonne is peaceful by day and romantic by night, when the Pont Neuf is floodlit. Stumble across grand churches, fine art and handsome 16th-century mansions.   (close)

In the heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is the world's most evocative shrine. Spirituality is part of this city through the depth and beauty of the sight, the marks of the past and the serenity of the Sanctuaries. Lourdes was just a small market town o ... more

In the heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is the world's most evocative shrine. Spirituality is part of this city through the depth and beauty of the sight, the marks of the past and the serenity of the Sanctuaries. Lourdes was just a small market town on the 11th of February, when Bernadette Soubirous met, along the Cave, the "Lady" that made this town a Marian city. Today Lourdes has the second greatest number of hotels in France with 270 establishments.   (close)

Biarritz is a sophisticated coastal town in French Basque Country, which first became popular with the aristocracy and then with wealthy British tourists in the mid-19th century. Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a Palace on the beach ... more

Biarritz is a sophisticated coastal town in French Basque Country, which first became popular with the aristocracy and then with wealthy British tourists in the mid-19th century. Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a Palace on the beach at what is now the world class Hotel de Paris. The beaches, casinos, golf courses or surfing spots draw a cosmopolitan crowd from all over the world. Don't forget to take a visit to the Museum of the Sea, it will fascinate you.  (close)

Bordeaux is one of the world's most important wine-producing areas and also a major cultural center. The city has excellent museums, lively nightlife and beaches close by. Wide avenues, neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks all give the cit ... more

Bordeaux is one of the world's most important wine-producing areas and also a major cultural center. The city has excellent museums, lively nightlife and beaches close by. Wide avenues, neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks all give the city an 18th-century grandeur. The most interesting neighborhood in Old Bordeaux is the "golden triangle:" cours Clemenceau, cours de l'Intendance, and les allées de Tourny. Tour the chateaux, imbibe the world-class wines and Bordeaux will charm you forever.   (close)