Label – History
Normandy
Normandy alone offers you centuries of history.
The Bayeux Tapestry will tell you the story William the Conqueror and the Norman conquest of England.
The Cathedrals of Rouen and Bayeux will evoke the remarkable work of medieval builders and architects.
Land of Freedom and remembrance, Normandy was the theatre of the largest military operation of the Second World War.
Walking on the D-Day landing beaches will leave an indelible mark on your emotions, especially if you are walking in the steps of a loved one.
Personalized research on relatives who took part in the conflict or D-Day landing is possible on request.
Brittany
Brittany has always been a land connected to the sea.
From the walls of Saint-Malo, home of the corsairs, and Concarneau, redesigned by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military engineer,
to the Lorient submarine base used as a retreat area by German U-Boat during WWII.
But it’s also:
The mysterious aligned Neolithic stones of Carnac or the surprising atmosphere of the Brocéliande forest.
Land or sea, the choice is yours…
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley and the Renaissance are fundamentally linked together.
But how much do you know of the link between the Loire Valley and the Middle Ages?
Come and visit the last home of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard Lionheart in Fontevraud,
or the impressive cave-dwelling castle of Brézé.
And what of Sleeping Beauty’s castle?
Our guides will tell you all about these fabulous castles…
Bordeaux
History is everywhere in Aquitaine…
Discover the hidden secrets of the Lascaux parietal wall paintings,
Stroll through the narrow alleyways of the splendid medieval city of Sarlat-la-Canéda,
Discover the monolithic church of Saint-Emilion,
Contemplate numerous medieval castles dotted along the Dordogne river.
And this is only a glimpse into the many facets of history in Aquitaine.
Provence
Provence is overflowing with history – let’s not forget that Marseille is the oldest city in France and one of the most ancient cities in Western Europe having been founded over 2500 years ago by the Greeks.
The Roman empire transformed society in southern France bringing with them their culture, their technology and their passion for life.
Traces of their legacy litter the landscape from great amphitheaters (Orange, Arles, Nîmes) to the Pont du Gard Aqueduct. These archeological sites when coupled with medieval mountain top fortresses, churches and the Papal Palace in Avignon make Provence a history lovers paradise.
Alsace
Alsace is a region where history is woven into every village, vineyard, and cobbled street – a place where French and German influences have shaped a rich and complex heritage over the centuries.
From the mighty Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, perched above the Alsatian plain, to the perfectly preserved medieval towns of Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Obernai, the region tells the story of resilient local traditions.
In Strasbourg, admire the soaring Gothic cathedral and wander the historic district of La Petite France, with its half-timbered houses and charming canals.
Add in ancient abbeys, Renaissance architecture and a proud winegrowing tradition dating back to Roman times and Alsace becomes a fascinating destination for any history lover.
Occitanie
From Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces, crusader routes to hidden bastides, Occitanie offers a rich and varied historical journey – mysterious and unforgettable.
The region is shaped by centuries of drama, devotion and remarkable architecture.
Visit Cathar castles on remote clifftops, wander the fortified cité of Carcassonne, or explore commanderies and chapels linked to the Knights Templar.
Discover Aigues-Mortes, admire the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile in Albi, or step back to Roman Gaul in Nîmes, where the Arena and Maison Carrée are remarkably preserved.
From sun-drenched amphitheatres to wind-beaten castles, Occitanie’s history is alive and waiting to be explored.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a region where history comes alive.
Explore the Hospices de Beaune, with its iconic patterned roofs and rich medieval heritage, wander the Roman ruins and ancient streets of Autun, or step into the grandeur of Abbaye de Cluny, once the largest church in Christendom.
Stroll through charming hilltop villages and admire Romanesque and Gothic architecture, or discover the elegant streets of Dijon, reflecting the power and artistry of the Dukes of Burgundy.
