John Greene

France ignites the imagination and dazzles the senses like no other country on Earth. In this thrilling travelogue, discover the 35,000-year-old cave paintings of Chauvet, the medieval castles of the Cathars, the palace of Versailles, and the sites where the French Revolution unfolded. Also explore romantic Paris; the Loire Valley châteaux; and France's food, wine, sublime art and architecture, and so much more.

Trace the origins of the Basque people and uncover their unique architecture and culinary traditions, seen in the picturesque city of Bayonne. Travel to the 19th-century resort town of Biarritz and the historic fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Then, head into the Pyrenees and the town of Lourdes, a major site of religious pilgrimage and a lightning rod for the modern role of French Catholicism.

In this much fought-over region, take the measure of Lorraine's great heroine, Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc), and how she saved her country. Examine the oldest written document in a proto-French language. Then travel to picturesque Strasbourg, home to the European Parliament; savor Alsatian wine and German-style beer; and ponder Alsace's poignant roles in French military history.

Witness the 19th-century urban planning works of Emperor Napoleon III and city administrator Georges-Eugene Haussmann, which thoroughly altered the urban landscape of Paris, largely creating the city we know today. Against the sociopolitical background of the Second French Empire, take in the Grands Boulevards, parks, sewer system, and standout masterpieces such as the magnificent Opera Garnier.

In yet another of France's distinct regions, experience the spellbinding vistas of Mont Blanc, western Europe's tallest mountain and the birthplace of rock and ice climbing. Then pay a visit to Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy, and encounter its famous chefs, eateries, and Beaujolais wine. Explore Lyon's historic neighborhoods, World War II history, and its proud invention of the cinema.

Savor Corsica's blend of French and Italian cultures, starting in the capital of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and a location of beautiful coastal scenery. Learn about the island's food and drink at the historic port of Bastia. Also, visit the citadel of Bonifacio, home to the renowned French Foreign Legion, and take in the island's beloved landscapes, flora, and nature trails.

Near the Provencal city of Arles, contemplate two incredible feats of engineering: an ancient Roman viaduct and a 21st-century cable bridge taller than the Eiffel Tower. Stop at the "monarchist" village of Les Baux-de-Provence; then view the Gallo Roman architecture of Arles, see the sites that inspired Vincent Van Gogh, and discover Arles' lavender fields and local food specialties.

Begin by contemplating the French art de vivre ("art of living"), and the timeless appeal that makes France the world's most visited tourist destination. Take an overview of your upcoming journey across the rich cultural landscape of France, and learn about the iconic figure of Charles de Gaulle. Finish with an aerial view over Paris, and a first look at its beloved monuments.

Learn the singular and colorful history of Avignon, home to the papacy in the 14th century, whose legacy is the city's magnificent Palais des Papes, now the site of one of France's most revered theater festivals. See how the rich Rhone valley's produce is embodied in the region's celebrated ratatouille and the Cotes du Rhone wines, and climb the legendary Mont Ventoux, Provence's tallest peak.

Begin your tour of this famous region with the fabulous Chartres Cathedral and its masterpieces of stained glass. Trace the history of the Loire's plethora of extraordinary chateaux, explore two of the most celebrated, and learn about some of the region's notable citizens. Finally, visit the historic maritime city of Nantes, home to a remarkable 19th-century science fiction theme park.