Somewhere between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the border that Spain shares with France blends into a vast geographical and cultural blanket. Stretching from the Basque coastline to the Pyrenees and dipping down into Catalonia, this cross-border region is filled with history, art, and nature. Travelers exploring this area are treated to a wide variety of landscapes and a mix of cultural influences that tell a story of centuries-old connections and tensions between …
Browsing: France
Since 2015, I have hosted nearly a dozen trips on hotel barges. These are narrow, custom-built vessels that putter along the French canals generally for six nights/seven days. Because the barges are confined to dimensions that will allow the transit of multiple locks, many measuring less than 20 feet wide, staterooms are smallish but adequate…
Initially constructed in 1145 and later reconstructed over a span of 26 years following a fire in 1194, Chartres Cathedral stands as a pinnacle of French Gothic artistry. Situated in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral represents one of the most genuine and comprehensive specimens of early 13th-century religious architecture.
Chartres Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. …
Bordeaux, France is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and of course, its renowned wine industry. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone in Bordeaux and the surrounding areas. Here are some suggestions for things to do on your next visit.
Explore the City:
Bordeaux is a beautiful city with much to offer. Start by taking a stroll along the riverfront and admiring the historic buildings, such as …
Who has not been captivated by tales of knights and dragons, of medieval feuds, battles, and betrayals? Serving as the backdrop for each of these stories is a castle. Visiting a castle can provide a playground for the imagination, allowing the mind to revel in legend and lore. Walking through grand halls past suits of armor, torches, and tapestries, one cannot fathom so many stories embedded in stone. More than a getaway from the stresses …
Hidden in the Baztan Valley near the southwestern French border and a few miles away from the pristine shores of the Bay of Biscay, sits a little village with a big secret. Removed from the bustle of the Basque Country’s San Sebastian and the glitz of Biarritz, Zugarramurdi is a tranquil town where not too much has happened in the last four hundred years.
This lush area of Navarra is an ideal blend of French, …