Amboise   Amboise has 12,000 inhabitants and is located in the heart of Touraine, in the land of chateaux. It is a town both traditional and modern, lively and quiet. For centuries, Amboise, where the French Revolution had its roots, has been able to maintain its charm and offers above all else: French quality of living with its measured rhythm, its culinary specialities and the spontaneity of its residents.

Angers   in the heart of the Loire valley which has a reputation for the best spoken French (la belle langue francaise), is on the banks of the Maine River, about 300 kilometers from Paris. Thanks to the TGV train from Paris, one can arrive in one-and-a-half hours.

Biarritz   Biarritz is a peaceful haven nestled between the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic ocean in the Basque region of France. Originally a quaint fishing village, Biarritz began its evolution into a fashionable and refined seaside resort in the 19th century with the arrival and attention of Napoleon III and his empress Eugenie.

Bordeaux   "Take Versailles, add Antwerp and you end up with Bordeaux". This is how Victor Hugo described the wine capital. This distinguished city is one of the best preserved 18th century architectural complexes in the world. Its white stone facades, lush gardens, original cobblestone streets and elegant boulevards are just some of the many aspects which seduce visitors and ranks Bordeaux among Europe's most beautiful cities. Others may consider its geographical location, temperate climate or friendly atmosphere as its strong points.

Cannes   the "Star of the Riviera", sits on the Côte d'Azur in southeastern France, just southwest of Nice. The city's name became official in 1619 and was inspired by the rows of cane that once grew along its seashore. Cannes has been a resort spot since Roman times, and with summer temperature highs of 80F(27C) and winter temperatures no lower than 40F(4C), the city's popularity just keeps growing.

Hyeres (near Nice/Toulon)   Hyeres is located in the posh Cote d'Azur region in the south of France. It boasts many beautiful, clean beaches and a large, striking marina. Hyeres has a history which dates back to the 12th century and the old town is full of winding streets, small shops and a traditional market. There are many cinemas, restaurants and parks which offer recreation for people of all interests.

La Rochelle   La Rochelle is a picturesque port town with 800 years of adventurous history and a relaxed atmosphere located on the Atlantic coast. It was from this ancient capital of French Protestantism that the founders of Montreal in French Canada set sail. The old harbor is bounded by the St. Nicholas and La Chaine towers. You can visit both of them and also the Lantern Tower. The harbor is always full of fishing or pleasure boats.

Lyon Region   Lyon is the third largest city in France and an established business center. There are more restaurants per square meter in this city than anywhere else on earth, so you know you're in for the best of French cuisine. The city is populated by about a half a million people and it's cultural scene is colorful and lively.

Marseille Region   Marseille is the most populated city in France after Paris and offers a port with a 2500 year history. It's as cosmopolitan as Paris, with the advantages of being on the coast. The focal point of the city, the Vieux Port, is a good place to people-watch and at the Basilique St-Victor, the city's oldest church, you can visit the crypt and catacombs for a small fee.

Nantes Region   Nantes was the former capital of Brittany and, while it is not officially a part of it today, it still retains many connections and characteristics of that northern province.

Nice   located in the center of the capitol of the glamorous French Riviera, at the same time peaceful and dynamic. Both in winter and in summer Nice comes alive with carnivals, Jazz , music. and film festivals and its museums. What's more, all the cities along the French Riviera, from Monaco to Cannes, are easily reached by train in under 30 minutes.

Paris   What more can be said of Paris that has not already been said? Inviting promenades lead to the Esplanade of Les Invalides and the Champs de Mars which separates the Eiffel Tower from the Ecole Militaire. While here you should also visit the Botanical Gardens and the pedestrian byways around St. Severin.

Poitiers   the capital of the Poitou-Charentes, is a town with a population of about 100,000 inhabitants. It is renown for both its ancient history and for the theme park Futuroscope. The town is an hour and half from Paris by the high-speed train (TGV), from the Atlantic beaches, and from the Loire châteaux.

Tours Region   in the Loire Valley serves as a good base for seeing a number of châteaux, some good museums and for visiting nearby vineyards. The town's main street is rue Nationale where sits the Musée du Compagnonnage, which documents the origins and activities of the guilds that built the châteaux, and the Musée des Vins, which gives a comprehensive look at the history, mythology and production of wine. West of rue Nationale, Tours' Old Town boasts the place St-Pierre-le-Puellier, whose medieval houses and towers are the city's showpieces.