The Loire Valley is often associated with its remarkable châteaux. Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise and Chaumont-sur-Loire naturally attract travellers from around the world. But there is another way to discover the region: travelling slowly, cycling between towns and vineyards, meeting local guides and winegrowers, and allowing enough time to understand the territory beyond its monuments.
In Strasbourg’s Petite France district, water shapes the atmosphere. The branches of the Ill River flow between timber-framed houses, old façades reflect in the canals, and the city’s past remains visible at every turn
Just a short walk from Strasbourg Cathedral, beside the Ill River, an inner courtyard seems to slow the pace of the city. Woodwork, galleries, stained glass, attic rooms and old façades create an atmosphere that does not need to be staged. It simply carries the marks of time. The Cour du Corbeau, a 4-star hotel and part of the Stay Collection hotel group, is one of those places where accommodation becomes a direct encounter with history.
In the heart of the Vézère valley, in Montignac-Lascaux, lies one of the greatest treasures of world heritage. More than 20,000 years after their creation, the famous paintings of the Lascaux cave continue to captivate.
What makes the Périgord such a special destination? During this 5-day eductour for France By Locals, I explored prehistoric caves, medieval villages, lush gardens, local farms, and exceptional hotels while meeting passionate local partners. From the immersive visit of Lascaux IV to cruising the Dordogne on a traditional gabare, tasting truffles and caviar, and staying in charming properties, this journey was filled with authentic encounters and inspiring discoveries. Experiences that are already shaping our future tailor-made itineraries for travelers seeking a deeper connection with France.
Astrolub was born from a simple desire: to share the beauty of the night sky with as many people as possible, in an exceptional region where natural darkness still allows for truly contemplative moments
Le Moulin du Roc is above all a story of family and heritage passed down through generations. Built in the 17th century, more precisely in 1670, it was originally a walnut oil and flour mill before later being converted into a turbine that generated electricity for the village
When people ask me what Germain Collection is, I never start by talking about hotels. I talk about emotions, places with soul, and memories that linger long after the journey ends
In Alsace, a guided visit often begins with a detail. A half-timbered façade, an old sign, a street that suddenly changes atmosphere, the scent of local food, or a square shaped by several layers of history. In Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse and other possible destinations across the region, Nicolas leads travellers through a living Alsace: historical, generous, borderland, seasonal and deeply local.
Before recommending a destination, you need to experience it at the right pace. At France By Locals, a fam trip is not only about checking addresses or visiting landmarks. It is a way to understand a region from the inside: how it feels, how it flows, how seasons shape the experience, and which local encounters can bring real meaning to a tailor-made journey.