The Somme

​The Battle of the Somme, or Somme Offensive, took place between July and November 1916. The Somme will ever remain scarred by war. The remains of trenches, shellholes and the many cemeteries and memorials are a constant reminder of the pain that was suffered 100 years ago.

The Remembrance Trail, a circuit linking Albert and Péronne, two symbolic towns of the Great War, enables visitors to discover the main sites of remembrance on the Western Front in the Somme.

2018 has was an exceptional year of remembrance, commemorating 100 years where thousands of visitors came to the area in commemoration of the final battles of the Great War and the Armistice, signed on 11th November 1918.

https://au.ambafrance.org/The-Somme-a-must-for-visiting Australians

Biarritz and the Basque Coast

Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast, and has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surf schools. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge, is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Reached via footbridge, it offers sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay.

With a hop, skip and a jump over the border to Spain, it’s a great destination to discover the Basque culture.

Rouen

English medieval history is closely linked to Rouen. The Anglo-French kings kept a deep affection for the city. William the Conqueror often held court here. Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy in town, and left his heart to the city… as would Joan of Arc, much against her will, when, in the second half of the Hundred Years War, English forces occupied much of northern France, including Normandy and its capital. There is museum dedicated to her in this beautiful city housed in the Archbishop’s Palace, just next to the Cathedral.

Honfleur

Honfleur’s beauty has long attracted artists, with works to be seen both in the town museums and in the modern galleries that abound. Along Honfleur’s stretch of estuary, you can stroll through civic gardens to the beach. Up the hillside, visit Notre-Dame de Grâce chapel and enjoy great views over the Seine estuary. From Honfleur you can also take boat trips out on the vast Seine estuary, or embark on a walk along the phenomenal Pont de Normandie that spans the Seine estuary.

This strip of Normandy is called the Flower Coast or Cote de Fleurie with Deauville and Trouville. Makes for as a great day trip if staying in Normandy for a few days.

Calvados Normandy

In the northwest of France, a couple of hours drive from Paris, Normandy’s Calvados area feels a world away from the capital city. The area beckons visitors with its spectacular seaside, tranquil rolling hills, historical significance, cultural offerings and regional culinary specialties. Indeed, a trip to the land of William the Conqueror makes for a delightful weekend escape.

Grand Place Brussels

The Grand-Place is the central square of the capital city of Brussels. All over the world it is known for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. The Grand-Place is surrounded by the guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi.

The Grand-Place is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the world, a must see to visit, especially at Christmas time with the Christmas tree and nativity scene. The Grand-Place was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998.

One of the best times to come is during the Flower Carpet presentation held every 2 years. Please contact us for détails.

Montparnasse Tower Paris

If you are searching for an incredible panoramic view overlooking the Eiffel Tower and all the other iconic monuments in Paris, look no further. Located right in the city centre, the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck gives you a unique, breathtaking view by day or by night.

Straight in and straight up in just 38 seconds and you’re 200 metres above Paris for the very best view you can get of this beautiful city! The Eiffel Tower is right in front of you – a sight you will never forget. Just like the Empire State Building and the London Eye, the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck gives you a totally unique view of Paris and its monuments.

Paris Notre Dame

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is the most visited monument in France. It was built in the Middle Ages, at the far end of the Île de la Cité. Work started in the 13th century and finished in the 15th century. Badly damaged during the French Revolution, the cathedral was restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc. Its many visitors come to admire its stained glass and rose windows, the towers, the steeple and the gargoyles. You can also discover the Notre-Dame treasury and have a go at climbing the towers to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris.

In 2013, Notre-Dame celebrated its 850th anniversary. For this occasion, many events were organised and the cathedral renewed its bells with the arrival of nine new bell. Road distances from Paris to regions of France are calculated from point 0 on the cathedral forecourt.

Paris Montmartre

With its cobbled streets, stunning Basilica, artists, bistros and much more, Montmartre is full of charm. Perched on the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement, the most famous Parisian district has lost none of its village atmosphere that appealed so much to the artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. A real melting pot of art and inspiration for the cinema, Montmartre still gives as much pleasure to those who stroll around it and figures high on the list for a stay in Paris or a guided tour. Enjoy the wonderful view of the city from the top of Sacré-Cœur, then set off in the steps of Amelie of Montmartre. A photographers paradise!