While the city can grow hectic, a quick jaunt to the countryside can indulge experiences from art history, landscape design to viticulture, architectural history and local gastronomy.
Tucked away on the edge of the vast Fontainebleau Forest, the charming village of Barbizon is a retreat adopted since the 19th century by landscape painters and well-to-do city-dwellers alike. Among the most famous were Jean-Francois Millet, Camille Corot and Theodore Rousseau.
Any fan of Vincent van Gogh will treasure this moving journey following the last footsteps of the acclaimed painter. Van Gogh spent is final days in this picturesque village on the river Oise.
Whether a fan of landscape design, impressionism, gardening or Claude Monet himself, Giverny offers a glimps into the bucholic dreams of a profoundly important artist & thinker. A visit to Claude Monet’s home and garden in Giverny offers an enchanting escape into the world of the Impressionist master. This serene spot inspired many of Monet’s masterpieces including his iconic lily pads displayed in the Musée de l’Orangerie. Stroll through the vibrant gardens, cross the iconic Japanese bridge over the lily pond, and step into the artist’s colorful home to see where he lived and worked.
Versailles represents the zenith of French 'grandure'— It was built to dazzle, and it still does. The ultimate symbol of French opulence and splendor, the Palace of Versailles is an absolute must-visit. Wander through the meticulously manicured gardens, marvel at the stunning architecture, and get lost in the dazzling Hall of Mirrors. This former royal residence offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the French monarchy.
Explore the diachotomies of French & German culture in this jewel on the Rhine