Small Towns of France

About Paris

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

The special atmosphere in Paris is influenced not only by its vibrancy, places of entertainment, restaurants and cafes, theaters and cinemas, museums and historical sites, fashion houses and shops, but, first and foremost, by the architectural planning of the city which was implemented about 150 years ago and completely changed the face of the city. In the second half of the 19th century, France was ruled by Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. During his reign, he, together with his emissary, Baron Haussmann, transformed the overcrowded and neglected medieval Paris into a modern, beautiful city. Their massive urban renewal planning included wide, long boulevards connected by spacious squares, with each boulevard wide enough for a 6-horse chariot to maneuver easily. They built large public parks, theaters, opera houses, and public transportation lines, including the first Metro, which was inaugurated in 1900. They also installed underground sewage and water systems. The Place de l’Etoile (Star Square) is one the most famous squares in Paris. It surrounds the Arc de Triomphe, which was built during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, and its gates include national symbols as well as the names of more than 500 officers who fought in the ranks of Napoleon's army. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following the death of Charles de Gaulle, the square was renamed Place Charles de Gaulle. Concord Square is another of Paris’ most famous squares, and, at its center, there is an Egyptian obelisk. This was the location of the guillotine during the French Revolution. As the excavations for the city’s Metro were taking place, a new raw material was discovered - hard, cream-colored limestone. Baron Haussmann gave instructions that houses were to be built exclusively from this limestone, and the facades of the houses were to be uniform in style. As a result, the streets and boulevards in Paris have a special character - cream-colored stone with black slate roofs, and elaborate iron forges on the balconies. The city’s architecture fits in well with its huge range of attractions. Be sure to notice the decorations at the entrance to the Metro stations. At the beginning of the 20th century, artist Hector Guimard designed these entrances in the Art Nouveau style that dominated Europe at the time. The River Seine, which flows through the city and into the English Channel, has been the lifeblood of the city since Roman times. There are many bridges that cross the Seine, connecting its right bank to its left bank. Paris is surrounded by a ring road, known as the Boulevard Peripherique, which is almost 20 miles long and marks the city’s boundaries. The cities outside the ring road are not part of the Paris municipality but are part of a huge metropolis that is approximately six times the population of Paris itself with 2.2 million inhabitants. Because of the traffic congestion in Paris, it is best to visit the city by train or Metro rather than by a private car. The Metro lines are efficient and easy to navigate, including to the nearby international airports – Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements) that are arranged in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. The first district is the heart of Paris, and it includes the Louvre Museum and the island: "Ile de la Cité," home to the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. A fire broke out in the cathedral in 2019, and it is still undergoing renovations.  Ile de la Cite is also home to the "Sainte- Chapelle", a renowned church with magnificent stained glass windows. Paris, also known as, "the City of Art," has a rich heritage of culture and art. The Louvre, the most famous museum in Paris, was founded over 200 years ago in what had formerly served as a palace. While the Mona Lisa, gifted to King Francois I by its painter, Leonardo da Vinci, at the beginning of the 16th century is one of the museum’s main highlights, the museum is home to many extraordinary collections of art of all types and includes magnificent gardens, as well. Other outstanding museums in Paris include the Musee d'Orsay, the Picasso Museum, the Musee de la Orangerie, and the Pompidou Center. Wandering through Paris, many visitors are inspired by the city’s romantic atmosphere – its parks, riverside promenades, the sidewalk cafes, and the many stores displaying beautiful clothing and objects- from the world’s most luxurious brands to more affordable options. As darkness falls, the city’s buildings and boulevards become illuminated, giving off a special aura. Be sure to see the daily light show at the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower has been a Paris icon since it was erected in preparation for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair celebrating 100 years since the French Revolution. Within 10 minutes of dusk, the tower shimmers with golden lights and beacons. The flashing hours vary according to the seasons, and you can check the current hours on the tower’s website, One simply cannot describe Paris without discussing its cuisine! French cuisine is, of course, renowned, and Paris offers exceptional culinary experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes and patisseries, you can indulge in some of the most delicious dishes, pastries, wines, and cheeses. If you are a foodie, do not miss the market tours – they are unforgettable! For good reason, Paris – the city of art, history, culture, lights, fashion, and cuisine – has been and continues to be one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations!

About Orleans

Orleans is a city in north-central France. Orleans is located in the northern bend of the Loire, which crosses from east to west. Orleans belongs to the vallee de la Loire sector between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, which was in 2000 inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city offers many sights, including the Gallo-Roman town-wall on the north side of the cathedral (4th century AD) and along the rue de la Tour-Neuve; The Hotel Groslot, built between 1550 and 1555; Many historical houses and mansions can still be admired in the city center which is one of the largest in France due to the great importance of the city until the 20th century.

Orleans is a city in north-central France. Orleans is located in the northern bend of the Loire, which crosses from east to west. Orleans belongs to the vallee de la Loire sector between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, which was in 2000 inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city offers many sights, including the Gallo-Roman town-wall on the north side of the cathedral (4th century AD) and along the rue de la Tour-Neuve; The Hotel Groslot, built between 1550 and 1555; Many historical houses and mansions can still be admired in the city center which is one of the largest in France due to the great importance of the city until the 20th century.

About Annecy

Annecy is a commune in the Rhone-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It lies on the northern tip of Lake Annecy. Sometimes called "Venice of the Alps", this idyllic and touristic representation comes from its two canals and the Thiou river lying through the old city and whose initial role was to protect the city and to empower its handicrafts.

Annecy is a commune in the Rhone-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It lies on the northern tip of Lake Annecy. Sometimes called "Venice of the Alps", this idyllic and touristic representation comes from its two canals and the Thiou river lying through the old city and whose initial role was to protect the city and to empower its handicrafts.

About Le Puy en Velay

Le Puy-en-Velay is a commune in south-central France near the Loire river. The city is famous for its cathedral, a kind of lentil, and for its lace-making. Le Puy-en-Velay's most striking attraction is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame du Puy, dating chiefly from the first half of the 12th century. The façade, striped in courses of white sandstone and black volcanic breccia, is reached by a flight of sixty steps, and consists of three orders, the lowest composed of three high arcades opening into the porch, which extends beneath the first bays of the nave.

Le Puy-en-Velay is a commune in south-central France near the Loire river. The city is famous for its cathedral, a kind of lentil, and for its lace-making. Le Puy-en-Velay's most striking attraction is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame du Puy, dating chiefly from the first half of the 12th century. The façade, striped in courses of white sandstone and black volcanic breccia, is reached by a flight of sixty steps, and consists of three orders, the lowest composed of three high arcades opening into the porch, which extends beneath the first bays of the nave.

About Rocamadour

Rocamadour is a commune in south-western France. Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from every country. Rocamadour was a dependency of the abbey of Tulle to the north in the Bas Limousin. The buildings of Rocamadour (from roca, cliff, and sant Amador) rise in stages up the side of a cliff on the right bank of the Alzou, which here runs between rocky walls 120 meters (390 ft) in height. Flights of steps ascend from the lower town to the churches, a group of massive buildings half-way up the cliff.

Rocamadour is a commune in south-western France. Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from every country. Rocamadour was a dependency of the abbey of Tulle to the north in the Bas Limousin. The buildings of Rocamadour (from roca, cliff, and sant Amador) rise in stages up the side of a cliff on the right bank of the Alzou, which here runs between rocky walls 120 meters (390 ft) in height. Flights of steps ascend from the lower town to the churches, a group of massive buildings half-way up the cliff.

About Perigueux

Perigueux is a commune in the Dordogne department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is also the seat of a Roman Catholic diocese. Sights in Perigueux include: the remains of a Roman amphitheater (known locally as the arenes romaines) the center of which has been turned into a green park with a water fountain; the remains of a temple of the Gallic goddess "Vesunna"; and a luxurious Roman villa, called the "Domus of Vesunna", built around a garden courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded peristyle now housed in the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.

Perigueux is a commune in the Dordogne department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is also the seat of a Roman Catholic diocese. Sights in Perigueux include: the remains of a Roman amphitheater (known locally as the arenes romaines) the center of which has been turned into a green park with a water fountain; the remains of a temple of the Gallic goddess "Vesunna"; and a luxurious Roman villa, called the "Domus of Vesunna", built around a garden courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded peristyle now housed in the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.

About Poitiers

Poitiers is a city on the Clain river in west central France. Poitiers is a major university center. The center of town is picturesque and its streets include predominant historical architecture, especially religious architecture and especially from the Romanesque period. Major sights include : Baptistere Saint-Jean (4th century), the oldest church in France; Palace of Poitiers, the seat of the dukes of Aquitaine; Eglise Notre-Dame-la-Grande, oldest Romanesque architecture church in Europe; And more.

Poitiers is a city on the Clain river in west central France. Poitiers is a major university center. The center of town is picturesque and its streets include predominant historical architecture, especially religious architecture and especially from the Romanesque period. Major sights include : Baptistere Saint-Jean (4th century), the oldest church in France; Palace of Poitiers, the seat of the dukes of Aquitaine; Eglise Notre-Dame-la-Grande, oldest Romanesque architecture church in Europe; And more.

About St. Malo

Saint-Malo is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. Today it is a major tourist destination, with many ancient, attractive building. Now inseparably attached to the mainland, Saint-Malo is the most visited place in Brittany. Sites of interest include: The walled city (La Ville Intra-Muros); The chateau of Saint-Malo, part of which is now the town museum; The Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan is a 14th-century building that holds a collection tracing the history of voyages around Cape Horn; And more.

Saint-Malo is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. Today it is a major tourist destination, with many ancient, attractive building. Now inseparably attached to the mainland, Saint-Malo is the most visited place in Brittany. Sites of interest include: The walled city (La Ville Intra-Muros); The chateau of Saint-Malo, part of which is now the town museum; The Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan is a 14th-century building that holds a collection tracing the history of voyages around Cape Horn; And more.

About Caen

Caen is a commune in northwestern France. It is located 15 km inland from the English Channel. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and for the Battle for Caen, heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the city.

Caen is a commune in northwestern France. It is located 15 km inland from the English Channel. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and for the Battle for Caen, heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the city.

About Paris

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

The special atmosphere in Paris is influenced not only by its vibrancy, places of entertainment, restaurants and cafes, theaters and cinemas, museums and historical sites, fashion houses and shops, but, first and foremost, by the architectural planning of the city which was implemented about 150 years ago and completely changed the face of the city. In the second half of the 19th century, France was ruled by Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. During his reign, he, together with his emissary, Baron Haussmann, transformed the overcrowded and neglected medieval Paris into a modern, beautiful city. Their massive urban renewal planning included wide, long boulevards connected by spacious squares, with each boulevard wide enough for a 6-horse chariot to maneuver easily. They built large public parks, theaters, opera houses, and public transportation lines, including the first Metro, which was inaugurated in 1900. They also installed underground sewage and water systems. The Place de l’Etoile (Star Square) is one the most famous squares in Paris. It surrounds the Arc de Triomphe, which was built during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, and its gates include national symbols as well as the names of more than 500 officers who fought in the ranks of Napoleon's army. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following the death of Charles de Gaulle, the square was renamed Place Charles de Gaulle. Concord Square is another of Paris’ most famous squares, and, at its center, there is an Egyptian obelisk. This was the location of the guillotine during the French Revolution. As the excavations for the city’s Metro were taking place, a new raw material was discovered - hard, cream-colored limestone. Baron Haussmann gave instructions that houses were to be built exclusively from this limestone, and the facades of the houses were to be uniform in style. As a result, the streets and boulevards in Paris have a special character - cream-colored stone with black slate roofs, and elaborate iron forges on the balconies. The city’s architecture fits in well with its huge range of attractions. Be sure to notice the decorations at the entrance to the Metro stations. At the beginning of the 20th century, artist Hector Guimard designed these entrances in the Art Nouveau style that dominated Europe at the time. The River Seine, which flows through the city and into the English Channel, has been the lifeblood of the city since Roman times. There are many bridges that cross the Seine, connecting its right bank to its left bank. Paris is surrounded by a ring road, known as the Boulevard Peripherique, which is almost 20 miles long and marks the city’s boundaries. The cities outside the ring road are not part of the Paris municipality but are part of a huge metropolis that is approximately six times the population of Paris itself with 2.2 million inhabitants. Because of the traffic congestion in Paris, it is best to visit the city by train or Metro rather than by a private car. The Metro lines are efficient and easy to navigate, including to the nearby international airports – Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements) that are arranged in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. The first district is the heart of Paris, and it includes the Louvre Museum and the island: "Ile de la Cité," home to the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. A fire broke out in the cathedral in 2019, and it is still undergoing renovations.  Ile de la Cite is also home to the "Sainte- Chapelle", a renowned church with magnificent stained glass windows. Paris, also known as, "the City of Art," has a rich heritage of culture and art. The Louvre, the most famous museum in Paris, was founded over 200 years ago in what had formerly served as a palace. While the Mona Lisa, gifted to King Francois I by its painter, Leonardo da Vinci, at the beginning of the 16th century is one of the museum’s main highlights, the museum is home to many extraordinary collections of art of all types and includes magnificent gardens, as well. Other outstanding museums in Paris include the Musee d'Orsay, the Picasso Museum, the Musee de la Orangerie, and the Pompidou Center. Wandering through Paris, many visitors are inspired by the city’s romantic atmosphere – its parks, riverside promenades, the sidewalk cafes, and the many stores displaying beautiful clothing and objects- from the world’s most luxurious brands to more affordable options. As darkness falls, the city’s buildings and boulevards become illuminated, giving off a special aura. Be sure to see the daily light show at the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower has been a Paris icon since it was erected in preparation for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair celebrating 100 years since the French Revolution. Within 10 minutes of dusk, the tower shimmers with golden lights and beacons. The flashing hours vary according to the seasons, and you can check the current hours on the tower’s website, One simply cannot describe Paris without discussing its cuisine! French cuisine is, of course, renowned, and Paris offers exceptional culinary experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes and patisseries, you can indulge in some of the most delicious dishes, pastries, wines, and cheeses. If you are a foodie, do not miss the market tours – they are unforgettable! For good reason, Paris – the city of art, history, culture, lights, fashion, and cuisine – has been and continues to be one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations!