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Beautiful French Town

The towns and villages of France

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A testament to Alsace's turbulent history, the Neustadt (New Town) is a monumental district developed by the German Empire at the end of the 19th century, offering a unique urban planning model.

Republic Square and the Rhine Palace: The heart of the Neustadt, this circular square is bordered by the Rhine Palace (the former imperial palace dedicated to Wilhelm II). With its massive Neo-Renaissance dome and shaded park, it embodies the splendor of Prussian architecture.

The National and University Library (BNU): This rigorously classical monument houses one of the richest manuscript collections in Europe. Its glass dome floods the interior with light conducive to scholarship.

Liberty Avenue and Art Nouveau Buildings: Linking the Imperial Palace to the University, this wide, tree-lined avenue displays opulent facades blending neo-baroque, neo-gothic styles and superb touches of Jugendstil (Germanic Art Nouveau) with original floral and geometric motifs.

Strasbourg

Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Prodigy of Rhenish Gothic

The historic center of Sélestat, encircled by charming, leafy boulevards, invites you to a bucolic stroll and discover its mercantile past.

The Witches' Tower and the Strasbourg Gate: Remnants of successive fortified walls (medieval and Vauban), these tall watchtowers built of brick and pink sandstone punctuate the town. The Witches' Tower, with its pointed arch doorway, recalls the dark days of the Renaissance trials.

The House of Alsatian Bread and the Guilds: Housed in the former headquarters of the bakers' guild (1522), the House of Bread offers insights into the history of grains and baking techniques. The aromas of warm brioches and pretzels baked in a wood-fired oven waft from the building, tempting you to indulge.

The Facades of Rue des Chevaliers: As you stroll along this cobbled street, the traveler discovers superb half-timbered houses, sculpted mullioned windows and secret private mansions in German Renaissance style with magnificent oriels (corbel windows).

Sélestat

The Humanist Library, the Beacon of the Renaissance

The district is home to two of Europe's largest train stations, architectural gems of the 19th century.

Gare du Nord: With its monumental façade adorned with statues representing major European cities, it is the busiest train station in Europe in terms of passenger traffic.

Gare de l'Est: Recognizable by its grand rose window and classical architecture, it is the gateway to Germany and Central Europe.

The Little India Quarter: Between the two stations, the Brady cul-de-sac district immerses visitors in an explosion of Indian and Pakistani colors and spices.

The 10th arrondissement

The Canal Saint-Martin, the Art of Living by the Water

Once the world's leading wine trading center, this district has been completely reinvented.

Bercy Village: The old white stone wine cellars have been transformed into boutiques and restaurants. It's a welcoming, entirely pedestrianized area.

The Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts): A magical, timeless place (reservations required) housing a unique collection of 19th-century fairground rides and objects.

Parc de Bercy: One of Paris's most beautiful modern parks, divided into three themed gardens (the "Vegetable Garden," the "Prairie," and the "Romantic Garden").

Cinémathèque Française: Housed in a deconstructed building designed by Frank Gehry, it is the temple of cinema.

The 12th arrondissement

The René-Dumont Green Corridor and the Planted Promenade

The southern part of the district offers a welcome respite, a blend of nature and international architecture.

Parc Montsouris: Designed during the reign of Napoleon III, this English-style park is one of the most picturesque, with its lake, waterfalls, and centuries-old trees. It's a popular spot for students and joggers.

Cité Internationale Universitaire: A veritable open-air exhibition of world architecture. It features pavilions in a variety of styles (Swiss, Japanese, Brazilian, etc.), some designed by Le Corbusier.

Villa Seurat: Nearby, this private cul-de-sac houses artists' studio-homes with incredible facades, where Salvador Dalí and Henry Miller, among others, once lived.

The 14th arrondissement

Montparnasse: The beating heart of bohemian life

In Sète, water jousting is not just tourist folklore, but a true secular and chivalrous tradition that the locals have perpetuated since the port's inauguration in 1666.

The Sacred Combat on the Water: Two heavy boats (one red, one blue), propelled by vigorous rowers, race towards each other. Perched on the tintaine (the raised platform at the stern of the boat), the jouster, dressed in white and armed with a wooden lance and a pavois (shield), must throw his opponent into the water to the cheers of the crowd.

The Grand Tournament of Saint Louis (August): This is the highlight of the year in Sète. At the end of August, the city comes to a standstill to celebrate its patron saint. The tournament of heavyweight jousters in the Royal Setting attracts thousands of spectators. The winner's name is forever etched in the city's history, achieving the status of a local hero.

The Atmosphere of Brass Bands and Peñas: Tournaments unfold to the traditional sounds of the Languedoc oboe and the tambourine (the tambourine). The terraces ignite with the rhythm of the peñas (brass bands), creating a festive fervor of incredible conviviality and intensity.

Sète

The Historic Canals and the Heart of the Languedoc Venice

Tarbes' city center invites leisurely strolls, punctuated by flower-filled squares and unique architecture shaped by the Pyrenean elements.

Brick and Pebble Architecture: Wandering through the streets of the Sède district, visitors notice the local architectural identity. Traditional houses combine red clay brick with the geometric alignment of pebbles polished by the floods of the Adour (the river that borders the city), creating unique textured facades.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède Cathedral (12th-18th centuries): This monumental building surprises with its fortress-like appearance and the diversity of its styles. While its origins date back to 12th-century Romanesque art, its choir is dominated by a sumptuous 18th-century Baroque baldachin in Campan marble, a striking and theatrical feature.

Place Marcadieu and the Halle Brauhauban: The beating hearts of Tarbes' commerce, these spaces celebrate Gascon conviviality. Place Marcadieu, with its monumental early 20th-century Baltard-style metal market hall, hosts one of the largest markets in Southwest France every week.

Tarbes

Massey Garden, a Jewel of Greenery and History

The history of the 11th arrondissement is inextricably linked to woodworking and furniture making, a legacy still visible today.

Cour de l'Industrie: One of the last great artisan districts in Paris, where painters, sculptors, and cabinetmakers continue to perpetuate exceptional skills.

Passage de l'Homme: A verdant and tranquil alleyway, lined with converted stables, offering a bucolic respite from the hustle and bustle of the boulevard.

Viaduc des Arts: On the southern edge, these restored arcades house luxury fine craft workshops beneath a suspended tree-lined walkway.

The 11th arrondissement

Bastille and Roquette, the Beating Heart of the Night

Bordered by the avenues of Choisy and Ivry and Boulevard Masséna, it's a true sensory immersion.

Authentic cuisine: This is where you can savor the best pho, bo bun, and Peking duck in the capital in a vibrant atmosphere.

Exotic supermarkets: A visit to Tang Frères or Paristore is a journey in itself, where you'll discover fruits, vegetables, and spices from all over Asia.

Chinese New Year: If you visit in February, don't miss the grand parade of dragons and lions, a colorful event that attracts thousands of spectators.

The 13th arrondissement

Butte-aux-Cailles: A village out of time

The southern part of the district is the gateway to major international events.

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: This is the largest exhibition center in France. It hosts world-renowned events such as the Paris International Agricultural Show and the Paris Motor Show.

The Rooftop Farm (Urban Nature): On the roof of Pavilion 6 at the Expo, you'll find the largest urban rooftop farm in Europe. A visionary project where fruits and vegetables are grown right in the heart of Paris.

Paris Heliport: Located on the edge of the district, this is the departure point for unforgettable flights over the Paris region.

The 15th arrondissement

Between Heaven and Earth: The Seine Riverfront and Beaugrenelle

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