#alsace-footage

#alsace-footage

In summer 1936, the French government passed a law that mandated paid holiday, a move that kickstarted the exodus of northerners to the Med every August, and it became a true emblem of the French vacances.

Travelers often overlook tiny European countries, but, as I discovered on a recent trip to Luxembourg-Europe's seventh-smallest nation, with a population of just 699,000-there's much to discover in these hidden gems. Last summer, I visited my aunt, who has lived in Europe for over 20 years, with stints in Paris, Vienna, Zug, Switzerland, and now, Luxembourg. We spent three days touring the historic city nestled between Belgium, Germany, and France. It's built on a rocky plateau overlooking deep gorges, a sweeping canyon, and surrounding countryside.

The modern origins of both beer and wine are rooted in Europe, which is home to a north-south division often referred to as the "beer-wine divide" that splits the continent into two. There's the Wine Belt in the south and the Beer Belt in the north. This is primarily due to their respective climates, with the Mediterranean climate of southern Europe being ideal for growing grapes and the cooler climate of northern Europe better suited toward producing beer.

If you've ever walked a massive trade fair floor feeling overwhelmed by endless booths and brochures, you're not alone. But ProWein Düsseldorf is changing the game, and it's about time. The world's leading wine and spirits fair just announced a major evolution for 2026: the Insights to Action (I2A) Framework. And no, this isn't another buzzword-heavy initiative. It's a data-backed, visitor-focused system designed to make B2B wine buying smarter, faster, and far more efficient.

I had only just stepped aboard the Riverside Ravel in Avignon, France, and it was already clear this would be no ordinary cruise. There were no lines, no waiting for my suite-just a butler offering to unpack in my room while I enjoyed a flute of vintage Taittinger. My husband and I were sailing the Rhône River from Avignon to Lyon, eating our way through the legendary towns of southeast France, including Arles and Dijon.

For many travellers, France begins and ends with Paris, Provence, or the French Riviera. Yet venture west and a very different France emerges, one shaped by Celtic roots, dramatic coastlines, diverse local cuisine, and a fierce sense of regional identity. Brittany ( La Bretagne) is a world unto itself, where land and sea shape daily life, and it should be the location for your next French holiday.

Saint-Jorioz in Haute-Savoie will provide a springtime lift for your spirits. On the shore of Lake Annecy, it's a short bus ride from the city of Annecy, but less busy and with superior lake and mountain views. Hike to the surrounding peaks, towards the lesser-known Col de l'Arpettaz, or cycle on the excellent greenways. Relax by the cool blue alpine water. Behind you lies the underrated Les Bauges Unesco Geopark. The department only joined France in 1860, and has its own Italian-influenced regional cuisine.

It's hard to name the best cities in Europe-there are so many great bustling hubs (not to mention charming small towns) spread across a relatively small continent, making it more a question of what you're looking for. Sure, some travelers just beeline to the best-known landmarks, eager for the chance to cross Rome's Colosseum or Paris's Eiffel Tower off their list. But we're in favor of taking a step back and asking yourself what you're most interested in.

Luxembourg City takes first place with 18.15 percent of reviews mentioning 'beautiful.' Travelers often highlight its clean streets and strong mix of old and modern areas. Even though the capital is small, people seem to appreciate how easy it is to walk around.

Whether you're thinking of moving for work, for political reasons - and the French are very sympathetic to Americans' situation - or for love (of a person or of croissants), here's our checklist of how to move to France as an American Checklist: How to move to France as an American Is there a legal way of avoiding inheritance tax in France by passing your property onto your children while you're still alive?

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, will next week propose new rules that are expected to include a requirement for companies in strategic sectors to produce in Europe if they want to receive public money. But the definition of "European preference" has triggered debate, with calls especially from France for more "Made in Europe", while other EU states such as Germany call for "Made with Europe".