Paris and Brussels: Hidden Gems and Culinary Delights

Bayeux is an old, well-preserved town in Normandy. Most known as the backdrop for the Battle of Normandy, visitors who descend from WWII veterans often feel a special, somber connection to this part of France. On June 6, 1944, otherwise known as ‘D-Day’, thousands of Allied troops landed on Normandy’s Atlantic Coast, with a mission to drive out the German occupying forces. More than 120,000 Allied soldiers died in combat over the next three months. Although victorious, the campaign for Normandy caused the highest number of losses for America in all of WWII. A landscape of remembrance, on a tour of the Norman countryside you’ll see the remains of tanks, aircraft, and military bunkers. Special cemeteries and memorials in the area pay tribute to the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.  Despite the destruction of nearly every neighboring village, the town of Bayeux endured WWII unscathed. Along with all its medieval architecture, the town’s most precious treasure, the Bayeux Tapestry, was miraculously spared. Stitched in the 11th century, the Tapestry tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066. As you view the tapestry and stroll through the charming streets of Bayeux, the sweeping cathedral spires and gently flowing River Aure cast you back to another time. A landscape of war, but also remembrance, a trip to Bayeux and Normandy will deepen your appreciation and respect for the past.  

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Aix en Provence is a warm city baked into the Provence-Alpes-Côte region of Southern France. Often referred to as simply ‘Aix’, this city is a starting point for traveling the Provencal region. Aix is set amongst a backdrop of rambling vineyards, quaint villages, and the imposing Sainte-Victoire mountain range. It’s no surprise that artists like Cézanne have devoted lifetimes to painting this landscape. Aromatic lavender fields in the north blossom once a year with a scent that defines the French countryside. Head south and you’ll find the rocky Mediterranean shore with dramatic Calanques cliffs and clear blue waters. With the sun out nearly all year round, locals live the epitome of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Wander through narrow medieval streets, shop at lively marketplaces, and enjoy a glass of rosé on a cafe terrace beneath the gentle Provencal sun. From old-world architecture and bubbling fountains to refined galleries and leafy parks, this leisurely city has everything you could ask of a French vacation.   

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Rennes is the capital of Brittany, the most northwest region in France. A sea and countryside getaway, Brittany is famous for its medieval towns, ancient rocky landscapes, and seaside villages. Dotted along the blue-green Atlantic coastline, towns like St. Malo, Dinard, and Cancale are long-time summer vacation spots for the French. Needless to say, you have to try the fresh seafood. Offshore, the island of Mont-Saint-Michel rests dreamily amongst the waves. One of the most beloved UNESCO heritage sites in France, this medieval abbey is connected to the mainland by a bridge over a causeway.   Heading inland, there are centuries-old churches, stone cottages, and castles that belonged to Brittany’s medieval royalty, who were known for constantly feuding over successions. The river town of Dinan is surrounded by a fortress wall, a must-see for both its history and profound beauty. In Rennes, half-timbered houses and cobbled streets give way to some of the oldest marketplaces in France. Rennes itself is a tranquil, medium-sized city, easily explored in half a day. In the evening, the city’s gastronomic scene invites you to try local specialties - pancakes, such as savory stuffed galettes and thin, lemony crêpes, are the order of the day here.

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The magic of Paris is undeniable. This is the most romantic destination in Europe, and surely the number one bucket list destination of all time. If you want to say you've traveled, you have to visit Paris at least once.  Along with classic must-sees like the Eiffel Tower and the  Sacre-Coeur, there is so much to see and do in Paris that it helps to narrow it down by interest. Fashion and shopping enthusiast? Look no further than the Galeries Lafayette, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, or the Marais. Art aficionado? Once you're done with the Louvre, make a start on the Musée d'Orsay. History buffs won't be able to walk a block without uncovering a monument to Napoleon or Louis XIV. If you visit Paris with a foodie, be warned — you'll gaze in a lot of patisserie windows, and sample your weight in croissants. Because Paris always has so much on offer, it never grows old.  At dusk, as you stroll the wide boulevards past Haussmann apartment buildings and sharply dressed Parisians, or gaze down at the city from the hill at Montmarte, you might find yourself saying 'Paris Je t' aime'. This is, after all, the City of Love.

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It feels as though everything in Brussels is tinted with gold. From the gilded rooftops of the old houses on the Grand Palace to the foil-wrapped bonbons piled in chocolatier windows, Brussels seems to sparkle and wink at you around every corner. Aside from the lustrous architecture and Trappist ales, this shiny city is probably still best known for its iconic street food options: salty, golden fries, and fluffy, honey-colored waffles.    While a major political center, home of the EU and NATO, don’t be fooled by Brussels stern ‘Eurocratic’ facade. Brussels revels in cheeky humor and mischief. So much so, Brussel’s beloved mascot, the ‘Manneken Pis’, is a statue of a small child urinating into a fountain. The city takes great pleasure in dressing this statue in festive-themed costumes. It’s no surprise that the artist Magritte, one of the great visual tricksters of the 20th century, called Brussels home. After a few days exploring the city, and taking in its sights and scenes, you’re sure to come away smiling.         

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Switzerland’s second-most populous city, Geneva is a place where languages, cultures, and institutions have converged for hundreds of years. Here, diplomacy and sophistication play a central role. Formerly home to the headquarters of the UN, Geneva still hosts the International Red Cross, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization. Lake Geneva, the largest body of water in Switzerland, dominates the surrounding landscape with its calm waters and brooding presence. By the lakeside, the imposing Jet d’Eau blasts water 140 meters into the air for most of every day. As you stroll through the city’s enchanting old town, you'll find its winding streets dusted with antique shops, ancient architecture, galleries, and world-class restaurants.   Centuries of influence from countless cultures have given Geneva a special, complex identity. Travelers here can spend hours sampling food and drink from across the world. Or, simply sit by the water, and sip an Espresso while you soak up Geneva's unique and cosmopolitan vibe. 

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