France Tourism

01/08/2024

Best Day Trips from Strasbourg

With its skyscrapers, monuments and metro lines, much of France has been modernised throughout the years, but pockets of France feel magically untouched by the 21st century. Alsace is one of those regions. The city of Strasbourg is home to the main seat of the European Union Parliament and benefits from modernity mixed with a centuries-old charm. But around Strasbourg are sprinkled quiet yet enchanting villages. From their half-timbered homes and storybook-like streets, these villages in Alsace are sure to captivate. Here are some of Strasbourg's best day trips and activities.

Colmar
About an hour’s drive from Strasbourg, Colmar offers various historical and cultural activities. Stroll past the Gothic architecture of Saint Martin’s Church. Learn more about Auguste Bartholdi, the Frenchman who sculpted the Statue of Liberty, at his eponymous museum. Stroll through its cobbled streets and colourful houses perched along the Lauch River.

Kaysersberg
Just an hour’s drive from Strasbourg, the village of Kaysersberg feels like walking into a storybook. This town of about 4000 inhabitants will charm you with its mom-and-pop shops and fairy-tale-like architecture. Snack on a bretzel topped with melted cheese as you wander down the paths of this town dating back to the 1200s.

Eguisheim
Even smaller than Kaysersberg, the village of Eguisheim is also about an hour’s drive from Strasbourg and was named one of the most beautiful villages in France. Imagine what life was like nearly 1000 years ago as you wander the ruins of the Eguisheim Castles

31/07/2024

On 4 July, the 33rd leg of the Olympic Torch Relay visited the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery and the Australian National Memorial. Four torchbearers carried the flame in front of an audience of over 1,600 people, including more than 750 schoolchildren.

Take a look at the highlights of this event.

Athos Felemou and Floriane Bormans performed the final ‘Torch kiss’ of the stage, before the torch was carried to the top of the Australian National Memorial - © Thomas Capiaux CWGC

30/07/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy6lzaMM1b8

This road in France disappears every day.

30/07/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kp2o7Qbu50

Winter in Marseille has nothing to envy other seasons! Forget the snow and the ski slopes, Marseille offers a multitude of activities to enjoy the mild winte...

30/07/2024

The Vendée is a water sports paradise!

Water sports enthusiasts know: that the Vendée, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic, is a destination par excellence for those who enjoy surfing, kite surfing, sailing or even skimboarding, whether you are a pro or a beginner.

Let it be said, the Vendée has everything to please! Whether you are interested in nature, sport or culture in all its forms, there is always something to discover and enjoy in the French department of Vendée. Located in the Pays de la Loire region and in the historic province of Poitou, it is easily accessible by plane (via Nantes Atlantique airport), by train or by car.
But where the Vendée excels more than any other region is in terms of water sports. In fact, there are some of the most beautiful waves on the Atlantic Coast. Several localities have also been labelled Surf Town, which confirms the region as a surfing destination, for adults and children alike! Indeed, in La Tranche-sur-Mer, several establishments offer activities from the age of five!
A must for surfing, the Pays de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, with its 32 km long coastline, has superb spots for all levels, practicable in all seasons. The one at Sauzaie in Brétignolles-sur-Mer in particular has built a great reputation thanks to its reef wave, rare in France, which will delight the most experienced surfers.

Surfing, but not only that…
But Vendée is not just a paradise for surfers. Indeed, other disciplines are also gradually establishing themselves there, such as wing foil, a hybrid activity halfway between windsurfing and kite surfing, which offers unique gliding sensations. Lessons, training courses or equipment rental are available to try this new sport at the spots in La Tranche-sur-Mer.
In Sables d’Olonne, Quentin Vallée brought back from Tahiti a completely different way of surfing, by capturing the positive energy of the waves. There, he created his school, Vital Surf, and joined forces with Agathe, a yoga teacher, to offer the concept of Yoga Surf: 1 hour of yoga followed by 1h30 of surfing. The sandy coastline of Vendée also lends itself perfectly to the practice of longe-côte, an aquatic hike that is beneficial for your health!
Finally, the Island of Noirmoutier is another fabulous natural sports area. Kite surfing, sand yachting or even wing foiling, the place can be discovered and experienced through the waters. Here, you take your kite, windsurf or paddle depending on the prevailing winds and choose your dream spot.
Need advice or good ideas to prepare for your next trip to Vendée?
Consult the http://in-vendee.com/ website, the best source of inspiration for planning a stay dedicated to water sports!
Translated from Julie Docsterd

29/07/2024

An irresistible desire to enjoy the beauties of our heritage while tasting the freshness brought by the water? Set off to discover these little French Venice’s!

Within the Norman Seine Loops Regional Natural Park, discover the town of Pont-Audemer!
Located in the heart of the numerous arms of the Risle, the town is bathed in canals and surrounded by a wetland.
This geographical particularity has meant that it has long been a tanner's town, where Thierry Hermès and his son, Charles-Émile, founders of the eponymous luxury brand. If this activity has disappeared from the city today, it can still be seen on certain buildings. A discovery during your kayak trip on the canals!

Nicknamed the “Venice of Gâtinais”, Montargis is irrigated by the waters of the Loing, the Briare Canal, the Vernisson and the Puiseaux!
This rich hydrographic network results in numerous canals that crisscross the city centre. To cross them, more than 130 bridges and footbridges are at your disposal! Get lost in the city for a bucolic stroll, past the half-timbered houses and Renaissance mansions, whose charm is enhanced by numerous flower arrangements along the waterways!

In the rich Limagne plain, explore Issoire, located at the confluence of the Allier River, the Couze Pavin and the Boulade stream. Numerous reaches and canals irrigate the city, its gardens and its orchards!
After an obligatory visit to the Saint-Austremoine abbey church, a perfectly preserved jewel of Romanesque art from the 12th century, enjoy a well-deserved break. Meet in the square overlooking the apse of the building, to admire its beauty and enjoy the freshness brought by the Couze Pavin. A nice stop before climbing up to the 15th-century belfry, which offers you a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains: the Puys chain, Sancy and Cézallier!

Located on an island in the middle of the Dronne, the Brantôme site has been occupied since the Neolithic period. This unique geographical location earned it the nickname “Venice of Périgord”.
The city owes its prosperity to its abbey, founded in 769 by Charlemagne! Initially, troglodyte, its first remains can still be visited on the cliff that dominates the watercourse. The so-called Last Judgment cave preserves two impressive bas-reliefs. Do not miss the abbey church built from the 11th to the 13th centuries and the cloister dating from the 14th century.

Head to Provence, in the town of Grimaud, which is divided between a medieval hilltop village and a 20th-century lakeside town, nicknamed “the little Venice of Provence”!
This part, located on the edge of the Mediterranean, was created in the 1960s, by the will of the architect François Spoerry. A visionary, he bought land in the heart of the marshes and the alluvial plain of the Giscle, to build houses at the end of which would be parked not cars, but boats!
This architectural ensemble made up of residences in a style inspired by the surrounding Provence is now labelled 20th Century Heritage!

26/07/2024

Between France's third-largest city (Lyon) and its second-largest city (Marseille), a unique, charming and picturesque area is sure to fill you with enthusiasm.

End of Spring and beginning of summer in our region:
Among the multitude of options that our region has to offer and that would easily be combined with visits and discoveries of the 2 emblematic Lyon & Marseille, let's just mention for example:

Lavenders...
From the end of June up to mid-July, as the fine weather begins to take hold at the gateway to Provence and the climate has become milder at higher altitudes, the scent of lavender wafts across the sun-drenched fields of Drôme Provençale. What would you like more for a holiday full of nature and relaxation? The landscapes of the Drôme are coloured purple... To marvel at such beauty, breathe lavender in deeply and discover traditional local knowledge, there is nothing like a stay or simply a visit to the heady scents...
- Visit Bleu Provence distillery in Nyons, which perfumes the town with its essential oils.
- Meet an artisan who is both a lavender grower and a beekeeper who loves to share his passion with visitors from near and far...
- Make cosmetics with a passionate lavender grower who likes to show visitors around her domain and her craft laboratory...
- Riding an all-road electric scooter along the paths of the Drôme Provençale alongside the lavender fields, to feel in touch with nature and admire the magnificent landscapes while having fun...
So many activities to discover this local cultivation in close contact with its producers... Let us get excited and set off on an adventure to discover the beauty and well-being of this typical plant of our region!

Strolling through the markets
Strolling around the summer markets is a great holiday classic! It is a unique opportunity to meet local producers, and discover, and taste all the specialities of our beautiful region! Cheeses, brioche and pastry (the Pogne and the Suisse), cold meats, olives and oils... and many fruits! Because it is not all wine in the Drôme... Drôme fruits are renowned. In fact, the department is one of the leading producers in France of apricots, apples, pears, peaches, plums... there are plenty of fruits to taste, whole or in juice, to whet your appetite! In our region, gourmet delights are cultivated and enjoyed at the markets...
The Thursday market in Nyons is still one of the most colourful and famous in the Drôme Provençale, while the Saturday morning market in the historic district of Valence, the department's capital, is just as charming, noisy and typical... But in reality, you can find a market open every day throughout the region... Furthermore, on the Sunday morning Romans-sur-Isère market won the title of French Favourite Market 2017!

Wine tourism in Drôme Provençale... an age-old speciality
As the link between northern and southern France's winegrowing regions, Drôme boasts a rich palette of wines: still wines, sparkling wines (Clairette de Die), crus (Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Vinsobres) and “vins de pays” are all found in the region. With its AOC - AOP wines from Grignan-les-Adhémar, Côtes du Rhône méridionales, Cru Vinsobres and Coteaux des Baronnies, Drôme Provençale is an area rich in grape varieties and history, where the wines express their Mediterranean mountain roots while retaining the typical character of Rhône Valley wines. Why not take a tour to the vineyards or the Wine University, which regularly opens its doors to travellers and discover the Drôme wine region and its sun-drenched bunches of grapes... or compare them?

25/07/2024

https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/venues

Full list of Summer Olympic venues and maps for the 2024 Summer Games (Jul 26-Aug 11, 2024). From basketball to boxing, discover Olympic venues in the heart of Paris.

25/07/2024

Best Rooftop Bars in Paris by Arrondissement
France Tourism presents the Best Rooftop Bars in Paris! The City of Lights shimmers with romance, history, and undeniable elegance. But beyond the cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks lies another captivating perspective: the Parisian skyline. Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon, or taking in the breathtaking panorama of the Eiffel Tower from a perch above the bustling Champs-Élysées.
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1st Arrondissement
ROOF at Hôtel Madame Rêve transforms the Parisian skyline in the 1st arrondissement. This sprawling rooftop terrace blossoms into a lush urban oasis. Imagine handcrafted cocktails amidst a verdant escape, savouring Japanese-inspired bites with every breathtaking vista. Iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, Pantheon, and Beaubourg emerge against the panoramic Parisian canvas. Unwind in this sanctuary, soak in the city’s magic, and experience a whole new perspective on the City of Lights.
Cocktail of Choice: Summer Garden
Gin Hendrick’s, Plant Caviar, Saint-Germain, & Prosecco
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2nd Arrondissement
Sip on Parisian perfection at Cheval Blanc. This Michelin-starred brasserie, seven floors above the Seine, boasts a glamorous bar with panoramic city views. Art Deco elegance meets modern energy as you sip innovative cocktails beneath the watchful gaze of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Le Tout-Paris lets you experience the Parisian skyline in a sophisticated and bubbly atmosphere.
Cocktail of Choice: Gamay Rosé
Lemongrass infused Gin, Rosé grape Cordial, Peychaud bitter, & Champagne
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3rd Arrondissement
Rooftop National at Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
Unwind in style at the trendy rooftop bar of Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers in the 3rd arrondissement. Savour creative cocktails with breathtaking Parisian rooftop views. The Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur peek over the city skyline, creating a magical backdrop for your evening. This vibrant escape offers an unforgettable experience under the Parisian sky.
Cocktail of Choice: Hysteria
Fair Vodka, Passion Fruit, H.Theoria Liquor, Matiha Skinos, & Lime Cordial
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4th Arrondissement
Soar above the Parisian skyline at Bonnie, a restaurant, bar, and club perched atop the SO/ Paris hotel in the 4th arrondissement. The Space Age-inspired design transports you to a futuristic wonderland, with panoramic views and a mirrored ceiling that creates a trippy, gravity-defying effect. Bonnie is not just about the view, though. It offers a chic Parisian atmosphere with a New York twist, serving up creative gourmet dishes from breakfast to dinner.
Cocktail of Choice: 20$ Punch
Rum Flor de Caña 12 años, Amaro Montenegro, Maraschino Luxardo, & Cherry Soda
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5th Arrondissement
Embark on a journey at Dar Mima, a rooftop gem atop the Institut du Monde Arabe. Savour fragrant cocktails infused with Eastern spices and signature dishes inspired by Fatima Debbouze’s recipes. This unique Parisian escape lets you soak in cityscapes and cultural immersion, all under the twinkling night sky.
Cocktail of Choice: Easal
Cinnamon Nutmeg Rum, Dates, Verjus, & Honey Mousse
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6th Arrondissement
Perched atop the Hôtel Dame des Arts, Bar de la Dame des Arts is a Parisian nightlife jewel. Savour bespoke cocktails and Champagne with breathtaking 360-degree views of the City of Lights. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambience and create unforgettable memories.
Cocktail of Choice: Aloe-Ha
Tequila Vecinidad, Dry Curaçao, Aloe Vera Syrup, Cucumber, Lime, Salt, & Wasabi
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7th Arrondissement
Savour innovative cocktails with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower at Bramble. Nestled atop the Musée du Quai Branly, this open-air bar offers a unique Parisian experience. Crafted by award-winning mixologist Margot Combat, drinks prioritise local ingredients and minimal waste. It is a picture-perfect escape for a memorable evening.
Cocktail of Choice: Bramble Negroni
Gin, Campari, Red Vermouth, Blackcurrant Bitter, Absinthe, & Redcurrant
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8th Arrondissement
Escape to MUN, a rooftop oasis in Paris’ 8th arrondissement. This restaurant transcends dining, offering panoramic cityscapes as your backdrop. Immerse yourself in a glittering bo***ir setting, where Asian artistry meets French charm. Savour exquisite Asian cuisine – a feast for your eyes and palate. MUN promises an unforgettable sensory experience.
Cocktail of Choice: Sakura
Beefeater 24 Gin infused with Sakura Tea, Saké Rosé, Sakura Shrub, & Raspberry Syrup
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9th Arrondissement
Indulge at Perruche, a verdant rooftop haven above Printemps Haussmann. Savour Provençal delights and refreshing cocktails under Parisian skies. Soak in breathtaking city views as plates and laughter are shared with friends. Perruche offers a taste of the good life, season after season.
Cocktail of Choice: Mentonnais
Gin Bombay Sapphire, Italicus, Bergamot Oléo Saccharum, Fresh Lime Juice, & Egg White
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The best rooftop bars in Paris offer a taste of the city’s magic alongside breathtaking views. But a rooftop cocktail is just one sip of the Parisian experience. Please speak with our experts today to start crafting your perfect Parisian adventure!

19/07/2024

Paris: The brand new “History of the Hôtel des Invalides” route combines a renewed welcome and get ready to discover our exceptional restored pieces.
You will discover with great emotion the renovated relief map of the Invalides, the Napoleonic relics, or objects testifying to the first residents of the Invalides, brought together for the first time in majestic display cases.
The exploration continues in the immersive space, where an animated film immerses us in the fascinating history of the monument.
A team is dedicated to welcoming you and will direct you to the visiting areas.

Découvrez les coulisses du montage de la nouvelle salle du musée de l'Armée consacrée à l’histoire des Invalides !Depuis le 14 juillet, plongez dans l'histoi...

18/07/2024

Treat yourself to a trip to the South-West!
Direction Sarlat, in Dordogne, for a detour punctuated by gastronomy and heritage. In the heart of Périgord Noir, this medieval town is a green setting steeped in history, where architecture from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance combine to delight lovers of beautiful stones.
A medieval town with its mansions and cobbled streets, Sarlat is a true medieval town. At the end of the alleys, you stroll through the first protected area in France to have been restored thanks to the Malraux law of 1964. It is the largest in Europe with 11 hectares of protected areas. Thanks to its picturesque streets and the beauty of its buildings, Sarlat enjoys a significant reputation as the most visited tourist site in the Dordogne.
Maison de la Boétie for literature lovers and Lanterne des Morts for budding detectives: don't miss the emblematic monuments of Sarlat.
Jacques Rouveyrollis created an alchemy between gas, candelabra and electricity on the ground to highlight this medieval jewel. At nightfall, a superb light show is offered to visitors. Indescribable!
Thrills are guaranteed during your visit to the Manoir de Gisson!
A real leap into the past, to the heart of the bourgeois world of the 17th century. Listed as a Historic Monument, it is the only Middle Ages building that opens its doors to you during your stay in town.
1, 2, 3… No less than 15 rooms to visit, in which famous people lived. Royal notary, lawyer, captain of dragoons... There is no shortage of stories.

17/07/2024

Disneyland Paris Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for the Largest Aerial Display


During the Bastille Day celebrations on the evening of 14th July, Disneyland Paris made history by accomplishing a remarkable feat: setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for orchestrating “The Largest Aerial Display of a Fictional Character Formed by Multirotors/Drones.” A staggering 1,571 drones illuminated the night sky, creating a breathtaking giant tricolour Mickey Mouse head over Sleeping Beauty Castle. This mesmerising display captivated guests and marked a monumental achievement for the resort.
This stunning showcase of storytelling and innovation was made possible thanks to the Disneyland Paris Entertainment teams, in collaboration with its official technology provider Dronisos, Europe’s leading drone show technology provider. Months of work culminated in a spectacle that set a new benchmark, exemplifying Disneyland Paris’ dedication to surpassing guest expectations. The team used more than 1,630 drones, including pyro-drones, to illuminate the sky throughout the entire performance, with some sequences requiring more or fewer drones.
Combining pyrotechnics, lights, and breathtaking drone choreography, the spectators witnessed a 12-minute nighttime show that took them through five creative scenes representing the most beautiful Disney classic stories inspired by France, including some of the greatest symbols of French culture like the Eiffel Tower, the emblematic rose window of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and iconic scenes from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Aristocats,” and “Ratatouille.”
“We are thrilled and proud to have set this GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title,” said Ben Spalding, Entertainment Producer at Disneyland Paris.
“It’s a testament to the creativity, innovation, and hard work of our entire team. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests,” explained Matthieu Robin, Entertainment Creative Lead at Disneyland Paris.

While the Bastille Day fireworks, which combined drones and fireworks, was a one-night-only event, Disneyland Paris continues to enchant guests with the Disney Electrical Sky Parade. Introduced in January 2024, this spectacular nighttime parade features more than 500 drones*, synchronised with lasers, video projections, lights, and fountains, all set against the iconic backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle. This show is enhanced by illuminated floats that symbolise the beloved icons of the Main Street Electrical Parade like Mickey Mouse and his friends’ train, Elliott the adorable dragon from Disney Animation’s “Pete’s Dragon,” and Cinderella’s enchanting carriage, all portrayed in the night sky. The parade is set to unforgettable, electro-synthetic music, specially remixed for this extraordinary night, reinforcing the atmosphere of this magical nighttime celebration.
This summer and autumn, Disneyland Paris invites guests of all ages to join in the wonder and excitement of the Disney Electrical Sky Parade. With dazzling nightly performances, this delightful must-see event adds to the magic of a visit to Disneyland Paris.

17/07/2024

Although travellers may associate the region of Alsace with its wintertime magic, this eastern region need not be overlooked during the rest of the year, especially in autumn. This region is sprinkled with half-timbered homes, lush vineyards and a history closely linked to Germany. Strasbourg is a mere two-hour train ride from Paris.
Admire the majestic Notre Dame de Strasbourg cathedral, with its colourful stained-glass windows and history dating back to the 1100s. Gain a new perspective of the town of Strasbourg with a private cruise of its canals.
Wander the quaint streets of Kaysersberg, a village that may have well come straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Spend the day in the kitchen as you discover Alsatian cuisine specialities such as “flammekueche”, Alsace’s take on pizza, and “bretzels” topped with ham and cheese.
Book a wine tour of the Route des Vins through the villages of Eguisheim and Kaysersberg.
Visit the Maginot Line, an elaborate defensive barrier in northeast France constructed in the 1930s and named after its principal creator, André Maginot, who was France’s minister of war in 1929–31.

16/07/2024

Café de Flore is a famous café in the capital. It is located in the chic Saint-Germain des-Prés district of the sixth arrondissement of Paris, which brings together several artistic, literary, cultural and philosophical places. Le Café de Flore, is a meeting place for artists, its name comes from a sculpture of the goddess of Flora installed on the other side of Boulevard Saint-Germain. A few steps from the Louvre Museum, it is ideally located for a coffee or a meal after an impromptu stroll in the neighbourhood. The café was opened in 1887 at the corner of Boulevard Saint Germain and Rue Saint-Benoît. It quickly became a major meeting place for artists of all kinds. Many writers came to write their books there, starting with Charles Maurras, who wrote his work “Under the Sign of Flore”. Other big names in literature went to this café and shaped it little by little: Apollinaire in 1913, André Breton, then Aragon in 1917. The war did not change the habits of the artists, who continued to flock to the establishment daily. Then came the philosophers who monopolised the place and the painters like Thierry Tanguy.
All are influenced by this artistic mecca, stimulating their imagination and creativity. The Café de Flore also attracted artists from the cinematographic world and very quickly great artists like Simone Signoret, Serge Reggiani, Jean Vilar... In the 60s, it was the golden age of coffee and the world of cinema took over the place. At that time, all the cream of the greatest artists were there: Brigitte Bardot, Belmondo, Yves Montand, Alain Delon… Then come the fashion designers, Yves Saint Laurent and his companion Pierre Bergé in particular, who come to enjoy the enchantment of this place. More recently, numerous haute couture fashion shows have taken place in the heart of this café full of history.
More than just a café, an institution. In May 1994, the Prix de Flore, aiming to reward an author with talent deemed promising, was founded by Frédéric Beigbeder. The latter also films several scenes from his film “Love Lasts 3 Years” at the Café de Flore, which he now knows well. In 2012, the Franco-Quebec film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and simply titled “Café de Flore” was released. We find Vanessa Paradis, who portrays a mother of a child with Down syndrome in Paris in the 60s. Very recently, Emma Watson appeared on the terrace of Café de Flore in a Lancôme advertising spot. Café de Flore is therefore an unmissable place in the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.
Whether you are directly or indirectly touched by art in its entirety, it is always good to go there and soak up the special atmosphere of this place. The biggest names in cinema, literature, fashion and photography passed through there one day and, in a certain way, left a trace of their passage. It reflects the charm of the 6th arrondissement district and more generally of the very chic Left Bank district of Paris.
Find this establishment at 172 Boulevard Saint Germain. You can also go to the café's website to discover the dish menu and a little more about the history of the place.

10/07/2024

The Marathon of Médoc Châteaux in costume 6 to 9 September


Each year, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Marathon of Médoc Châteaux criss-crosses the wine region and Médoc’s prestigious châteaux. Now one of France’s largest marathons, this sporting event among the vines is open to all!
The race actually includes three days of festivities, filled with a variety of entertainment and activities.

Several refreshment stations can be found along the route, offering marathon runners a chance to sample some of the wines from the region’s estates.

And because enjoying yourself is the name of the game, runners are encouraged to come in fancy dress according to the theme that changes every year.

So, with costume and bib at the ready, it is time for some fun!

10/07/2024

How to Spend a Weekend in Biarritz

Surf, sand, and sophisticated charm: Biarritz is a captivating escape on France’s Basque Coast.

Biarritz boasts a laid-back atmosphere with a touch of grandeur. This historic seaside resort was once a playground for European royalty, and its legacy of elegance lingers. Today, Biarritz offers a vibrant mix of world-class surfing, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural scene. From indulging in delectable Basque cuisine to exploring the quaint town centre, Biarritz promises an unforgettable weekend getaway.

Here at France Tourism, we have curated the perfect itinerary to help you discover the magic of Biarritz.

Biarritz is conveniently accessible by land or air. Biarritz Pays Basque Airport welcomes international flights, making it a breeze to jet in for your weekend escape. TGV high-speed trains whisk you away from Paris for a scenic journey in just 4 hours. If you are already exploring southwestern France, Bordeaux is just a 2-hour train ride away, making Biarritz an easy add-on to your French adventure.

No visit to Biarritz is complete without seeing the Phare de Biarritz. Towering 73 metres above the sea, this historic lighthouse has guided mariners since 1834. The climb to the top might test your calves with its 248 steps, but the reward is breathtaking. Panoramic views unfold before you, highlighting the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the Basque coastline, and even a glimpse of the majestic Pyrenees mountains on a clear day. It is a postcard-perfect moment not to be missed.

Embark on an unforgettable driving tour along the captivating Basque Coast. This full-day adventure lets you discover a region brimming with natural beauty, colourful towns, and rich heritage.


Ready to Start Planning Your Trip to France?
Speak to a France specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday. With so much to see and do, planning a trip to France is not easy. France Tourism experts are here to help. Our travel designers have the knowledge to help you create the trip you have been longing for!