Alsace is a cultural region in the Grand Est, today in France after many transitions between French and German control. It sits over the modern district of the Haut-Rhin and the Bas-Rhin. German traits remain in the more traditional, rural
The history of Allier corresponds to the Duchy of Bourbon, with which it shares almost the entire territory. Named after the river Allier, it’s one of the least populated areas of France today. The largest cities are Moulins, Montluçon, and
Beaujolais is a French natural region, corresponding to a former barony, located north of Lyon, extending over the north of the Rhône department, the south of the Saône-et-Loire department, and the northeast of the Loire. I'm pushing a bit beyond the traditional boundaries, up to Tournus, as the themes
Chambéry was founded at a crossroads of ancient routes through the Dauphiné region of France, Switzerland, and Italy, in a wide valley between the Bauges and the Chartreuse Mountains on the Leysse River. The history of Chambéry is closely linked
The Balcons du Dauphiné are the northern tip of the Isère department, with the Rhône as its border. It’s a very pretty area within an hour of our house, with a lot more than you’d expect to find in a
Dordogne is a large rural department in southwest France with an almost mythic reputation: a historic Gaulish stronghold, home to the oldest cave paintings in the world, and a striking number of castles (reportedly 1500). Extremely popular with American and
The Charente-Maritime is a diverse and historic part of France, with coastal areas popular with the French, some of the best seafood on the Atlantic coast, and a long royal history wrapping back hundreds of years. Île de Ré Île de Ré
Historically, the Poitou region is the cradle of French Romanesque architecture. With some planning, in July and August it’s possible to explore one of the densest collections of frescos and intact architecture in France - many of which require guided
Paris is huge and grand, requires a lot of preparation, and deserves at least 4 days for your first visit. They say Paris is overhyped, but we continue to find it charming and exceeding our expectations - a wonderful city! Logistics:
Set in a beautiful valley between the alps and several “Massifs,” Grenoble is a good access point to hiking, skiing, and beautiful drives. We don’t love the city itself - gritty, still fairly industrial, not very lively. Food and Lodging Restaurant le