Bourges
Located about 151 mi/244 km south of Paris, Bourges is renowned for its Gothic Cathedral of St. Etienne, which has beautiful stained-glass windows.
While in the city, see the wonderful Gothic Palais Jacques-Coeur, the sculptures and furnishings in the Renaissance Lallemant and Cujas mansions and the "House of Three Flutes."
Reims
Reims is a region known for Champagne production, picturesque rolling hills and vineyards, and its proximity to Paris. Its champagne, the very symbol of sophistication, graceful living and celebration, is produced nowhere else in the world. Sightseeing centers around Reims and its Notre-Dame Cathedral, the heart of France's royal history where twenty-five kings were crowned. This Gothic structure is one of France's most magnificent churches, and some would place its rose windows among the best in the world. South of the Champagne vineyards is Troyes, once one of Europe's most magnificent cities. This capital of the Counts of Champagne is lined with beautifully-preserved half-timbered houses built during the 16th Century. North of Reims are the French Ardennes where Europe's sometimes bloody history has been decided on the fields of Sedan, Argonne and Châlons-sur-Marne, along the rivers Meuse and Marne. Visit all of Reim's attractions, including St. Remi Museum and Basilica, Palais du Tau, Surrender room, Fine Arts Museum, and La Pompelle Fort.
Strasbourg
The rich architectural heritage of Strasbourg makes it an excellent tourist city. It has always been a town of passage, and has all architectural styles. The past is written in its walls, and its streets have a timeless quality. Few people can resist the charm of its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys. Discover the pretty colored facades and impressive portals. Strasbourg is a popular destination where one can forget his usual surroundings. The old city lies around the cathedral on an island formed by two arms of the Ill river. La Petite France is the district which is most reminiscent of old Strasbourg. It is home to many craftsmen and antiques dealers. Its narrow streets offer a series of half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with large inner courtyards and high sloping roofs. The exceptional warmth and hospitality of the people and the gastronomic reputation of Strasbourg makes tourists want to stay.
Beaune
During its 2000 year existance Beaune was for a short period the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, then a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries. The town took on a defensive character through the continous fortification of its ramparts and castle whose functions were to protect its interests and inhabitants. In the 18th century Beaune became the center of commerce for Burgundy's fine wines. Today, the visitor finds a charming blend of medieval half timbered houses, the gentle curves of romanesque architecture, rooftops ornamented by weathervanes, fascinating townhouses and the multicolored tiles and lead "lacework " of the Hôtel Dieu within the city walls. Bastions and towers offer a peaceful protection to the region's most prestigous products, and the moat has been transformed into public or private gardens sheltering century old plant collections.
Paris
Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.
Located about 151 mi/244 km south of Paris, Bourges is renowned for its Gothic Cathedral of St. Etienne, which has beautiful stained-glass windows.
While in the city, see the wonderful Gothic Palais Jacques-Coeur, the sculptures and furnishings in the Renaissance Lallemant and Cujas mansions and the "House of Three Flutes."
Reims is a region known for Champagne production, picturesque rolling hills and vineyards, and its proximity to Paris. Its champagne, the very symbol of sophistication, graceful living and celebration, is produced nowhere else in the world. Sightseeing centers around Reims and its Notre-Dame Cathedral, the heart of France's royal history where twenty-five kings were crowned. This Gothic structure is one of France's most magnificent churches, and some would place its rose windows among the best in the world. South of the Champagne vineyards is Troyes, once one of Europe's most magnificent cities. This capital of the Counts of Champagne is lined with beautifully-preserved half-timbered houses built during the 16th Century. North of Reims are the French Ardennes where Europe's sometimes bloody history has been decided on the fields of Sedan, Argonne and Châlons-sur-Marne, along the rivers Meuse and Marne. Visit all of Reim's attractions, including St. Remi Museum and Basilica, Palais du Tau, Surrender room, Fine Arts Museum, and La Pompelle Fort.
The rich architectural heritage of Strasbourg makes it an excellent tourist city. It has always been a town of passage, and has all architectural styles. The past is written in its walls, and its streets have a timeless quality. Few people can resist the charm of its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys. Discover the pretty colored facades and impressive portals. Strasbourg is a popular destination where one can forget his usual surroundings. The old city lies around the cathedral on an island formed by two arms of the Ill river. La Petite France is the district which is most reminiscent of old Strasbourg. It is home to many craftsmen and antiques dealers. Its narrow streets offer a series of half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with large inner courtyards and high sloping roofs. The exceptional warmth and hospitality of the people and the gastronomic reputation of Strasbourg makes tourists want to stay.
During its 2000 year existance Beaune was for a short period the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, then a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries. The town took on a defensive character through the continous fortification of its ramparts and castle whose functions were to protect its interests and inhabitants. In the 18th century Beaune became the center of commerce for Burgundy's fine wines. Today, the visitor finds a charming blend of medieval half timbered houses, the gentle curves of romanesque architecture, rooftops ornamented by weathervanes, fascinating townhouses and the multicolored tiles and lead "lacework " of the Hôtel Dieu within the city walls. Bastions and towers offer a peaceful protection to the region's most prestigous products, and the moat has been transformed into public or private gardens sheltering century old plant collections.
Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.
