Category: East and Southeast

Go East to Alsace

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Alsace is an eastern region of France separated from Germany by the Rhine River. It’s a region unique in its own way. Although it is thoroughly French, it bears outward signs of its nearness to Germany. History, also, ties these two countries together. Alsace-Lorraine has been French since the mid-17th century. However, in 1871 it became German during the Franco-Prussian War. In 1918 became French again. 1940 Hitler took it back, but in 1945 it was again restored to France.…

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Three French Christmas Markets: A Video Journey

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Come visit three Christmas markets in different regions of France! One of the wonderful things about Christmas in Europe is Christmas Markets. France has its share! Here are three of them, Alsace (the region closest to Germany), Provence (has its own southern style), and Paris. You’ll see some similarities and some differences. Hope you enjoy them. (These are not my own videos, but those of other travelers.) The first Christmas video is in Alsace, home of the most legendary Christmas…

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Annecy, Jewel of the Alps

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Annecy, nestled near Switzerland and Italy, has been called the pearl of the Alps. See it and you’ll agree. It has also been named the Venice of the Alps, an image that leads us to the river Thiou, as well as canals and bridges that weave through the town’s medieval Vieille Ville, or Old Town. It sits close to the Swiss border, just 25 or so miles north of Geneva. Annecy’s population remains small, around 50,000, since it is hemmed…

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Dijon…More Than Mustard

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For many people, the name “Dijon” only means delicious, spicy mustard. But maybe you didn’t know that the city of Dijon is the capital of the region of Bourgogne…in English, Burgundy. Now you’re getting thirsty because it isn’t just mustard you are thinking about! Burgundy is a region in east central France, southeast of Paris. We think of wine, but historically this area was the home of wealthy nobles more powerful than the king of France. In the 15th century…

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Discover Burgundy, France

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Discover Burgundy, France! Burgundy (Bourgogne) is a word you’ve likely heard before. Burgundy wine is perfect for Coq au Vin, and of course, to simply sip. But Burgundy, France is also a hilly, agricultural region in the east of France where these famous wines are born. The eastern part touches the  Jura mountain region. You can reach Dijon, a great jumping-off spot, by TGV high-speed train in about 1 hour 40 minutes from Paris. In Burgundy, you find more than…

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Discover Lyon

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You’ve heard of Lyon, France, and maybe changed trains there. That was my only experience with Lyon, until recently. Many people told me how nice a city it is, how good the food, how much there is to do. I had to visit it for myself. Worth a Visit Lyon is a sprawling city, the third largest in France. There are a half million people, and more in surrounding suburbs. It’s also known as the second gastronomic capital of France,…

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