FRANCE

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

PARIS (BVA/CDG)

Paris, the “City of Light,” remains an unparalleled global capital of culture, gastronomy, and romance. The city is revitalized, featuring a fully restored Notre-Dame Cathedral alongside timeless icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Beyond the grand boulevards of the Champs-Élysées, visitors explore the artistic soul of Montmartre and the trendy boutiques of Le Marais. Whether indulging in a buttery croissant at a sidewalk café or cruising the Seine at sunset, Paris masterfully blends its imperial history with a modern, eco-conscious energy, making every cobblestone street feel like a living museum.

POITIERS (PIS)

Poitiers, the ancient “City of 100 Steeples,” is a hilltop treasure in western France where medieval history meets futuristic thrills. The city remains defined by its Romanesque heritage, from the 4th-century Saint-Jean Baptistery to the legendary Palace of the Counts of Poitou, seat of Eleanor of Aquitaine. While the famous Notre-Dame-la-Grande remains under facade restoration, its vibrant interior stays open to the curious. Just north, the high-tech Futuroscope theme park provides a stark, modern contrast. With its student-driven energy and proximity to the Loire Valley, Poitiers offers a quintessentially French blend of academia, art, and adventure.