France

Published to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the military mission that changed World War II, D-Day Landings: A Travel Guide to Normandy’s Beaches and Battlegrounds is Bradt’s new guidebook to visiting beaches, memorials, museums, battlefields, and other sites associated with D-Day and the Battle of Normandy (Operation Overlord). A simple-to-follow, portable guide for independent travellers, it will help visitors to explore World War II history.

This is one of those magnificent books. You know...a book that you cannot put down, that time travels you back to a specific place and, while you’re reading it, you’re so engrossed that you look up and are surprised to be in the now? 

A visit to the fairytale village of Riquewihr is a prerequisite for history and architecture fans planning a trip to Alsace, France. A Plus Beaux Village, the town has an abundance of both medieval and renaissance architecture. The romantic half-timbered houses are perfectly restored, and no matter the time of year, you will see fresh flowers adorning every building.

Wandering Educators note: We were so pleased to learn about the debut novel from Dr. Leslie Schweitzer Miller – a New York City psychiatrist, fine artist, and author. Discovery is a story told in two parts: one set in 1885 and centered on the very real historical figure Abbé François Bérenger Saunière, the other beginning in 2012 when characters Dr. Giselle Gélis and Dr. David Rettig meet and fall in love. 

Paris is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world - and for good reason. The city seems to have a personality all its own, full of charm, quirks, and subtle beauty - it is unlike anywhere else in the world. For those who have visited la Ville des Lumieres in the past, the incomparable experience that comes from the city’s personality does not need to be explained. But if this is your first trip to Paris, you may need some help in understanding how to best take in all that the city has to offer.

I love looking for unique places to stay while we travel. To me, meeting people and getting to know the rhythm of a place is key to travel. Bed and Breakfasts are *the* way to do this - you've got your own glimpse into another culture, while staying!  I've found an incredible B&B in Southwest France to share with you today - called Au Bellefleur.

Love art, wine, and caves? How about history, mountains, and lakes? Well, I’ve got the perfect place for you! Head to France, and explore the Occitanie region. It’s chock-full of all of the above, and more (think food: cassoulet!). 

Paris is consistently ranked among the top cities in the world for tourist visits, and often places in the top three results in lists from media and publications such as CNN, TripAdvisor, and Condé Nast Traveler.