Travel to Europe

Romano-Byzantine basilica

This Romano-Byzantine basilica overlooks Montmartre, one of Paris's most picturesque districts. Its distinctive dome rising up over the rooftops, the basilica offers the perfect vantage point from which to survey the city. Inside, the mosaic of Christ and the crypt are of particular interest. Commissioned by the Catholic Church, construction began in 1875 under the watchful eye of architect Paul Abadie, and was finally completed in 1914. The admission is free so at the end it is a good equation art+history+architecture = a free good time in Paris :)

Musee D'Orsay

The bulding was  originally a train station, it  is unique and interesting. The D'orsay has an impressive art collection, which dates back to the early 19th century. It is however primarily known for its magnificent impressionist and neo-impressionist collection. The museum also strives to promote art by organizing festivals, special shows, exhibitions, conferences and concerts on a regular basis.

Eiffel Tower

Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it grotesque, ugly and want it out of there!, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top. Admission (elevator to the top): EUR 9.90 Adults; EUR 5.30 Children under 12.

Seine river

The Seine river is one of the main attractions in Paris,  a commercial waterway located in the north western part of France. It flows from the southern part of the Plateau de Langres, which is a chain of hills in the department of Cote d´Or and it is the second longest river in France, after the Loire.

Divonne les Bains

Divonne les Bains is a popular spa town in the department of Ain, in France, lying on the border with French-speaking Switzerland, between Jura mountains and Lake Geneva. You can also find there casino, golf course, open air swimming pool, hippodrome and artifial lake. A short way above the town there are several natural springs, who were known to the Romans, who who built an aqueduct from Divonne to Nyon to supply water to their garrison. Divonne hosts a small chamber music festival every summer which is centered on its tiny theater, which is the Chateau de Divonne, a 19th-century hotel which overlooks the town.

Ardennes

Ardennes is a region of extensive forests and rolling hills country, mostly in Belgium and Luxembourg, but stretching into France. Much of the Ardennes is covered in deep dense forests, with hills averaging around 1148-1640 feet high and rising to over 2132 feet in the boggy moors of the Hautes Fagnes region of north-eastern Belgium. The region is typified by steep sided valleys with fast flowing rivers, being the Meuse the most prominent of them. Its principal cities are Liège and Namur, both in the Meuse valley.

Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg is a small town and commune, located in the Haut-Rhin département, in Alsace. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the wine route, with its high fortress dominating the city, serving as a reminder of its strategic importance and warlike past. In the present days, this city has a medieval atmosphere, being the best setting for an Alsatian Festival. It is considered one of the finest wine growing areas in Alsace, the first vines were brought there around the 16th century, from Hungary. There's an old well made of stones in the town that has an inscription, this inscription advises you to drink wine with dinner and stay out from water.

Toulouse

Toulouse is located in southwestern France, near the Pyrenees, and has become a center of aviation and spaceflight in the past 20 years, with almost 10% of its population working in the civil aviation and space industries. It is built over an ancient Roman settlement, with many small streets following their Roman counterparts and red brick buildings with a pseudo-Roman style, giving Toulouse the nickname of La ville rose (the Pink city).

Louvre

There is so much to be seen in the Louvre that I recommend you spend at least 2 days exploring. You can arrange in advance for a 2 hour tour that covered all the famous pieces such as Venus d' Milo and the Mona Lisa and then you can see the rest of the Museum on our own. This will work great for you because you will be able to obtain additional history on the famous works then took the rest at your own pace. On Wednesday the museum stays open late  up to 9:30pm. If you can't read French, then it may be really hard for you to read the plaques that give additional information on the painting or object (I suggest you get a guide or you can rent the audio tapes from the museum).

Thanksgiving in France!

Celebrating Thanksgiving in France can be a bit of a challenge, since it is an American (or Canadian) holiday. But if you are an ex-pat living in France or will visit during that time, here is a tip for indulging in turkey day.
In any city, look for an American-themed cafe or bar, and you will likely find some event on Thanksgiving. Also, any association or organization devoted to Americans living in France is sure to have suggestions.
You are not alone :) you may also surf the web in the search of that yummy turkey.