These days, castles aren’t just for royalty. France’s Loire Valley has some truly magnificent châteaus, many of which have been lovingly restored and transformed into some of the country’s finest hotels. If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a château hotel in the Loire, this is an opportunity to learn about some of the region’s … Read more
Known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine, France is the number one most visited country in the world. The largest country in Western Europe is packed with perfect skiing, glittering coastlines, and cosmopolitan cities. And if you’re heading to its rolling countryside in a region such as the Dordogne or the Alsace, why not … Read more
The so-called ‘Cathar castles’ are a series of medieval castles in the Languedoc region of Southern France. They are identified through their connection to the Cathars, a religious movement that flourished in the south of France during the 12th and 13th centuries, and which was considered a heresy by the Catholic church. These Cathar castles … Read more
A guest post by Leyla Giray Alyanak Most visitors to France have the castles of the Loire high on their list: who hasn’t wanted to visit Chambord, Chenonceau, or that little gem, Azay-le-Rideau? Sadly, as they whip through the top chateaux, visitors may miss one of the most spectacular: the Royal Chateau of Blois, an … Read more
A favourite tourism destination of the French and foreigners alike, few places in France offer such a romantic and beautiful view of the country. The Dordogne is in southwest France and occupies a picturesque location between the Loire Valley and Pyrenees Mountains. There’s history at every corner, and usually a good traditional restaurant not far … Read more
It’s easy to get off the beaten track in Brittany. This northern French province boasts swathes of natural beauty, including a wild coastline and endless forests. The Breton culture is built on a proud tradition and delicious cuisine, and locals will be more than happy to show and tell you all about their region. There’s … Read more
Normandy has not only been at the centre of France’s history for centuries but Europe’s too. It’s where William the Conqueror set sail for England from, and some of the most fearsome battles of World War Two took place on its beaches. The landscapes are dotted with pretty towns such as seaside Honfleur, Rouen and … Read more
Germany has more castles than any other country in the world. While Alsace is in France, it shares the banks of the River Rhine with Germany. So, it’s only natural that there are a lot of castles here too. Towns and villages look like something out of fairy tales, while there are the rolling countryside, … Read more