French heritage, told
Articles, stories and tips to explore the history, culture and treasures of the regions.
The bastides of South-West France: medieval new towns
A grid plan, an arcaded market square, a wooden hall: the bastides of South-West France are medieval new towns of surprising modernity. Here is the guide to understanding and visiting them.
The Calanques of Marseille: complete guide
Between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques unfurl a string of turquoise coves tucked between high limestone cliffs. Here is the complete guide to this unique national park.
The Gothic cathedrals of France: a guide
Forests of stone soaring towards the sky, bathed in the light of stained glass: France’s Gothic cathedrals are among the great summits of medieval genius. Here is how to understand and visit them.
Giverny: Claude Monet’s house and gardens
At Giverny, in Normandy, Claude Monet spent forty years shaping a garden that became a living work of art: the flowering Clos Normand, the water garden and its Japanese bridge.
The Verdon Gorge: complete guide
Between the Alps and Provence, the Verdon Gorge carves out Europe’s largest canyon: 25 kilometres of dizzying cliffs above an emerald river. Here is the complete guide to exploring it.
The Pont du Gard: complete guide to the Roman aqueduct
Three tiers of golden stone arches above the Gardon: the Pont du Gard is the tallest Roman aqueduct in the world and one of the best-preserved ancient monuments. Here is the complete guide to visiting it.
The Palace of Versailles: complete guide
Palace of the Sun King and summit of French classicism, the Palace of Versailles unfolds its gilding, its Hall of Mirrors and its gardens as far as the eye can see. Here is the complete guide to visiting it.
The city of Carcassonne: the complete guide
A double wall bristling with 52 towers, a castle, a basilica with ancient stained glass: the city of Carcassonne is the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
The Lascaux caves: the complete guide
Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory”, the cave of Lascaux, in the Dordogne, holds paintings 17,000 years old. Here is how to discover it.
Rocamadour: the complete guide to the vertical village
Clinging to a cliff above the Alzou canyon, Rocamadour stacks its houses, sanctuaries and castle: a spectacular “vertical village” in the Lot.
The châteaux of the Loire: the guide
Renaissance residences, designed gardens, spiral staircases and reflections on the water: the Loire Valley lines up the most refined châteaux in France.
Mont-Saint-Michel: the complete guide
An abbey raised on a rock, a bay swept by the highest tides in Europe, a mythical silhouette: Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most visited sites in France.
The most beautiful villages of France: the guide
Cobbled lanes, golden stone, half-timbered houses and perched eyries: discover the most beautiful villages of France, region by region.
Auvergne, land of volcanoes: the complete guide
Dormant volcanoes, crater lakes, lava-stone towns and mountain cheeses: Auvergne is a land of volcanoes in the heart of France. Here is the guide to visiting it.
Corsica, the Isle of Beauty: the complete guide
Limestone cliffs, turquoise beaches, wild mountains and hilltop villages: Corsica earns its name of the Isle of Beauty. Here is the guide to visiting it.
Hauts-de-France: Lille, coasts and remembrance
A Flemish grand square, Opal Coast cliffs, Gothic cathedrals and the memory of the Great War: Hauts-de-France surprises. Here is the guide to visiting it.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: ocean, vineyards and the art of living
The wine capital, Europe’s tallest dune, Atlantic ports and Périgord villages: Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a concentrate of the art of living. Here is the guide to visiting it.
Occitanie: from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean
The pink city, episcopal towns, the Vermilion Coast and Pyrenean peaks: Occitanie unfolds a rare variety. Here is the guide to visiting it, from mountains to sea.
Normandy, a land of remembrance: the complete guide
Chalk cliffs, history-laden beaches, painters’ harbours and abbeys: Normandy is a land of remembrance and light. Here is the guide to visiting it.
Authentic Alsace: villages, vineyards and traditions
Half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, golden vineyards and gourmet markets: Alsace has a charm all its own, between France and Germany. Here is the guide to visiting it.
Provence in 7 days: the ideal itinerary
Hilltop villages, lavender fields, colourful markets and golden light: here is a 7-day Provence itinerary to savour the essentials without rushing.
What to do in Brittany? The complete guide
Jagged coasts, lone lighthouses, granite ports and Celtic legends: Brittany is like no other region. Here is what to do in Brittany for a trip between sea and land.
The Dordogne: a complete guide to the Périgord
Golden valleys, cliff-top castles, honey-coloured stone villages and generous tables: the Dordogne distils everything we love about France. Here is the complete guide to visiting the Périgord.