Conserving Versailles Versailles was the official royal residence for over a century from 1682 – 1789. The splendor of the palace and the hundreds of people living there is awe-inspiring to reflect on. However, at …
The Political and Social Climate at the Palace of Versailles. The Palace of Versailles was a place of total luxury from the time of Louis XIV’s initial plans to the end of the French monarchy …
Constructing Versailles, the making of a Palace The Château du Versailles is an iconic destination for all of those interested in French history. A stone’s throw away from Paris, Versailles was the official residence of …
Claude Monet’s Water Lilies are among the most beloved artworks of the 20th century. Displayed in Paris’s Orangerie in a set of rooms devoted entirely to the paintings, they are Monet’s gift to France at …
Designing Paris The Paris that many of us know and love did not always look as it does now. When Napoleon III instructed Hausmann to tear down the urban centre to make way for the …
Paris Leaders & Landmarks The inhabitants of a place surely influence how it is perceived. Parisian politicians have certainly left their marks on some of France’s most famous landmarks, creating some amazing stories for …
South West France Travelling the Canal du Midi: this article will help mature and senior travellers understand the cultural and geographical links between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea through Southwestern France. The picturesque Southwestern …
Guillaumot prevents Paris collapse. Modern-day Paris On April 24, 1777, architect Charles-Axel Guillaumot, newly minted Inspector of Quarries, experienced the worst first day at work. More than two years prior, in the afternoon of December …
Historic Loire Valley The Loire Valley has been the site of both aristocratic grandeur and thousands of years of territorial conflict. Now a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site with the 15th century Château de Chenonceau as …
Practising Responsible Travel In January 2018 we reported on a growing problem: the overcrowding that affects tourist cities across the world. Time Magazine recently called it “The Tourist Trap”, because it is not as simple as …
Around the World in Six Coffees; Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina
- 16 mins read
Africa, Americas, Argentina, Asia and the Orient, China, Europe, France, Italy, Japan, Lists, Morocco, Travel tips
Around the World in Six Coffees; Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina Order a cappuccino in Italy after 11am and expect to receive strange looks. In Argentina, don’t be surprised when your coffee order …
The Elegant Arcades of Paris Part of the pleasure of getting to know the real Paris lies in getting off the main tourist trail and discovering its many hidden pockets and secrets. Its gorgeous arcades …
It has been said that: no other nation on the planet approaches France in its subtle and seamless blend of the old and the new; the industrial and the pastoral Odyssey Traveller’s guided tours for mature …
Things to do in France It has been said that ‘no other nation on the planet approaches France in its subtle and seamless blend of the old and the new; theRead more
Cooking & eating French: 10 of the best books for travellers
- 10 mins read
Blog, Europe, France, Reading lists for Travellers, Travel tips
Discovering French food France’s distinctive culinary tradition is among the most respected in the world. No trip to France will remain untouched by the wonders of French gastronomy. Whether you are tucked into a quiet …
France Travel Books- some suggestions. It has been said that ‘no other nation on the planet approaches France in its subtle and seamless blend of the old and the new; theRead more
The Best Guided Tours of France Odyssey Traveller Australia’s all inclusive French vacation packages provide unique experiences for senior travellers. Our La Belle France small group escorted history tours forRead more
Pilgrimages of the World- Advice for Seniors & Mature travellers
- 9 mins read
Asia and the Orient, Blog, British Isles, England, Europe, History, India, Italy, Spain, Travel tips
Pilgrimage routes and walking tours Several pilgrimage tracks remain intact and active centuries after they were first established. Many Odyssey tours trace their routes, walking in the footsteps of peopleRead more
Exploring Paris and France by rail, tips for learning about history Exploring Paris and France by rail, tips for learning about history. “On each trip, I felt as if I were escaping from the present …
France Guide for Mature or Senior Travellers There are good reasons why France has been the world’s most popular tourist destination for over twenty years. This France guide should give youRead more