Cambodia is home to some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Asia, the most famous are the Ankor Palaces: Ankor Wat, Ankor Thom etc…but there are also some lesser known sites to be found amongst a wealth of Temples spread out through the tropical forest. The site is immense, the largest archaeological park in the world, and visitors are free to walk through the forest, discovering temples, a walls, and a statues  (...)

The Yucutan peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the Americas: the extraordinary Chichen Izta and Uxmal. The Mayas are a native American people from Central America, founders of a brilliant civilization, which, after a period of very strong growth between the 7th and the 9th century AD, then gradually faded into insignificance. The Maya civilization extended from the Mexican states of Chiapas and  (...)

The architectural evidence of the fusion of indigenous and Spanish cultures, Mexico’s colonial towns are concentrated in the central region. San Miguel de Allende cumulates masterpieces of baroque architecture. An extremely hybrid city, it mixes Spanish, Creole and Amerindian cultures. Most of its religious and civil monuments were erected during the 18th century, such as the Atotonilco sanctuary. Classified as a World Heritage Site,  (...)

The architectural evidence of the fusion of indigenous and Spanish cultures, Mexico’s colonial towns are concentrated in the central region. Perched over 1500m in altitude, Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s architectural gems. Its town-centre, in the colonial style, combines the liveliest colours, making it a warm and lively place. As Mexico’s cultural centre, theatre, arts  (...)

As well as being the political capital, Buenos Aires is also Argentina’s largest city and contains its busiest port. The residents of Buenos Aires are traditionally referred to as « Portenos », people of the port. The people of Buenos Aires are mostly of European origin, with a majority being descendants of Spanish and Italian immigrants.Buenos Aires is best known as the world capital of Tango. Tango music includes three different  (...)

Alsace, with its rich history, has long sought to preserve its unique symbols and characteristics: the storks, the local dialect, and the colourful and lively festivals which happen throughout the year. Strasbourg is the intellectual and economical centre of Alsace. In 1176, construction was started on the Cathedral of Notre Dame, using sandstone from the Vosges mountains. The robots of the astronomical clock perform quite an impressive display.

Scotland is a country scattered with old fortified castles, and historic towns.
Despite its being united with England in 1707, Scotland has retained a very strong sense of national identity, symbolised by its kilts, bagpipes, and haunted castles. Glasgow is famous for its gothic architecture. One of the most mythical of places is Loch Ness, where the famous monster was apparently first sighted in 1933.

France’s second city, Lyon, has more than two thousand years of recorded history, and is situated in an exceptional location, at the crossroads of the major road networks of the Rhone and Soane valleys. In the 16th century, the silk industry transformed Lyon into a major industrial city. The old town of Lyon is an exceptional example of gothic and renaissance architecture, second only in reputation to Venice. Threading through the old town are the ‘traboules’, internal passageways, running through the buildings, (...)

Casamance, the golden land of Senegal, is one of the most picturesque areas of Western Africa, its lakes and streams are the centres of animal life in the area. Zinguichor, administrative centre of Casamance, is the most African town of Senegal, with coconut palms lining its wide avenues, a palmaraie, bright colours, and a relaxed nonchalant atmosphere. The local people are peaceful and welcoming. The mosaic of small tribes have preserved their originality and traditions.

China is increasingly seen as the new world power thanks to the impressive expansion of its liberal economy. But if you look beyond this race for modernity, China is still a country rich in legend and history, and it harbours a wealth of historic treasures. Amongst the most beautiful are the Great Wall, and the Forbidden City in Peking.

Shanghai is China’s most populated city and also one of the world’s largest metropolises. Divided into two by the Huangpu, it is developing an architecture which is simultaneously contemporary and futuristic, mixing Eastern and Western cultures. Ambiguous and combining opposites, it hosts cultural activities which are increasingly moving towards western standards.

The Incas were at the head of the largest American Empire. Towards the end of the 14th century the Empire began its gradual expansion throughout the region, spreading out from the area of Cuzco in the southern region of the Andean mountains of South America. The Empire came to a brutal end with the Spanish invasion led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. The Inca empire originated in the region of Cuzco (Quechua for the « navel of the world») and grew to cover territory from Columbia to Chile.

The Cape region is the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful bays. Cape Town is South Africa’s mother-city, drawing the most attention. It is a relic and symbol of White Africa. An ex-colony, it remains a mixed city with a diverse and strong cultural package. Nowadays, Indians, Blacks, Europeans and Malaysians cross each other in the streets… More than a political capital, it is South Africa’s art-de-vivre, fashion, and gastronomy capital.

Andalucia is undoubtedly Spain’s most exotic region, for its stunning scenery and cultural richness. The mythical Guadalquivir quenches the thirst of the legendary cities of Cordoba and Sevilla. Cordoba, is the town of tolerance, a fusion of cultures, a successful harmony between different peoples. Muslims, Jews and Catholics have lived here for a long time in an almost perfect accord. This rich history justifies the presence and cohabitation of such varied and impressive structures as the  (...)

Rajasthan, or “the land of the Gods” is, without a doubt the most colourful state in India. Its harsh landscapes, half desert, half arid hills, stand in stark contrast against the brilliant colours of the local dress. Rather like a fairytale kingdom, the state is scattered with magical cities: the blue houses of Jodhpur, the pinky-ochre tones of Jaipur, Jaisalmer with its golden sandstone fortress, the white palaces of Udaipur, and Pushkar,  (...)

With 15 million inhabitants, Bombay is an awe-inspiring city. The country’s largest port, as well as its largest industrial and commercial centre, Bombay, or Mumbai is also the cinema capital, home to the many Bollywood studios. When Mumbai was first occupied by the Maurya civilization, they replaced the older Elephanta caves with Hindu temples and dedicated them to Shiva. Later colonised by the British, the town retains many traces of i (...)

With 15 million inhabitants, Bombay is an awe-inspiring city. The country’s largest port, as well as its largest industrial and commercial centre, Bombay, or Mumbai is also the cinema capital, home to the many Bollywood studios. When Mumbai was first occupied by the Maurya civilization, they replaced the older Elephanta caves with Hindu temples and dedicated them to Shiva. Later colonised by the British, the town retains many traces of i (...)

After its discovery by James Cook, the archipelago of the « New-Hebrides » slowly submitted to the colonial powers, leading to a conflict of interests between the French and British, which was eventually resolved in 1904 with the creation of a joint administration. These distant isles became the only Colony in history jointly managed by two world powers. In 1980, the New Hebrides gained independence under the name of « Vanuatu », which quickly replaced the European denomination. We head off to  (...)

The greater part of Morocco’s history is found in the country’s heart, in the imperial cities. Each succeeding sultan and emperor from the Moroccan dynasties has chosen his capital city. Rich from a 12 century history, Fes is the city in which to explore the remnants of Andalucían culture. Both modern and traditional, this city, founded by Sultan Idris the 1st, combines contemporary elements with 13th century relics edified by the Marinids.

Far from the clichés and tranquillity, Vietnam is a surprising country. A land of cultural contrasts, the dragon-shaped country. Bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam is an open and peaceful country. Its capital city, Hanoi, is at the heart of Vietnam’s history. The Ba Dinh quarter, also known as “uncle Hô’s quarter”, is known for its museum and the mausoleum (...)

Amongst the architectural structures in Vietnam recognised as World Heritage sites, the Hue Imperial city is considered to be the most precious. 
Capital of the Nguyen, the Southern Lords, in the 16th century, Hue went on to become capital of the whole of Vietnam after it was reunited by Gia Long in 1802. The Hue Imperial City was built progressively throughout  (...)

A capital city with nearly 13 million inhabitants, the modernity of Tokyo coupled with the comforting humanity of the Japanese is striking. Buildings stand alongside parks, and the city, when one gets to know it, reveals itself to be more horizontal than vertical. A metropolis of anarchic architecture and an extraordinary vitality, Tokyo offers travelers many differing sensations. At the heart of a deep bay, Osaka, the biggest port in Japan, is sometimes called “the city with its feet in the water.” A symbol of Japan's “economic miracle,” Osaka is also its gastronomical capital.

Located in an exceptional setting, Kyoto is rich in natural and historical splendour. Surrounded by hills and wooded mounts, crossed by the Kamo river, Kyoto is Japan’s heart.With its 2000 temples, its palaces, its Japanese gardens, its architecture, Kyoto is considered Japan’s cultural centre. Kinkakuji, the elegant, poetic and delicate temple, dates back to 1397. Its beautiful setting and exceptional position delights its visitors. Built (...)

Born from a combination of Mayan culture and Spanish conquistadors, Guatemala has kept all its charm and beauty. Tikal is the ancient capital of the powerful and conquering kingdom of the ancient Mayas. It is one of the most well-known Mayan cities, holding the transcription of a long list of kings, most of whose tombs have been uncovered, along with their monumental sculptures, palaces and temples. The site takes us (...)

In the 19th century, before photography was invented, painters tried to capture realistic drawings of European monuments including cathedrals, and churches, as well as the Roman Greek and Egyptian temples etc. David Roberts is the most well-known painter of that period because his subject matter was a little different: deserts, Egyptian temples and the biblical sites of the Holy Land. After years of obscurantism, it was he who  (...)

Brazil, a land of contrasts where mysticism meets extreme materialism, and the spectacle of the carnival plays out beside scenes of cruel poverty. Nothing can prepare visitors for the culture shock of this country/continent.
The cidade maravilhosa or « marvellous city » of Rio de Janeiro well merits its name.The city is all beaches, surprising contrasts, stunning  (...)

The United States has always been a symbol of freedom. The great hope-land, the West has the majority of the country’s national parks, and it is here that the notion of freedom really starts to make sense. Nature reclaims its rightful place and man shrinks to insignificance. The Grand Canyon, carved by the flow of the Colorado river, is the best known and the most popular of all the parks. With an incredible diversity of flora and  (...)

Long forgotten culture, the Maya civilisation’s past is filled with myths, scientific discoveries and impressive constructions. We invite you to discover the five most beautiful Maya cities, the only remaining keys to decrypt this legendary civilisation.Chichen Itza was probably the main religious centre of Yucatan. Many mysteries remain about its chronology and the identity of the Itza. Architectural know-how and astrological (...)

Florence is an historic and artistic jewel, bedecked with the most beautiful pieces of Renaissance art. The red roofs and yellow walls of Florence look radiant against the lush green countryside. Founded in the Roman era in 59 BC, it was no more than a small provincial town until the 12th century, when it experienced an economic and artistic boom which continued up until the 16th century. The high concentration of merchants in the city meant that it acted as an economic and cultural crossroads.

Florence is an historic and artistic jewel, bedecked with the most beautiful pieces of Renaissance art. The red roofs and yellow walls of Florence look radiant against the lush green countryside. Founded in the Roman era in 59 BC, it was no more than a small provincial town until the 12th century, when it experienced an economic and artistic boom which continued up until the 16th century. The high concentration of merchants in the city meant that it acted as an economic and cultural crossroads.

Florence is an historic and artistic jewel, bedecked with the most beautiful pieces of Renaissance art. The red roofs and yellow walls of Florence look radiant against the lush green countryside. Founded in the Roman era in 59 BC, it was no more than a small provincial town until the 12th century, when it experienced an economic and artistic boom which continued up until the 16th century. The high concentration of merchants in the city meant that it acted as an economic and cultural crossroads.

Rome, the city where 28 centuries of history converge. The cradle city of Western civilization, Rome has a history which stretches back over more than 2500 years. The centre of the Roman Empire, the heart of the catholic religion in the Vatican, Rome manages to combine Roman amphitheatres, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque fountains into an incredibly harmonious whole. Rome is an open-air museum.

Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and amidst remarkably beautiful landscapes, Sienna is the incarnation of a Medieval city. Its rivalry with Florence extended to urban design; the city's residents have fallen under its Gothic charm and have preserved their city as it was between the XIIth and XVth century.

Istanbul is a mysterious city with many different identities. Byzantium for the Byzantines, Constantinople for the Oriental Roman Empire, Catholic for the Crusaders, and Muslim for the Ottomans, it has long been the refuge of the most powerful empires of the planet. From 1299 to 1923, it was the centre of the Ottoman Empire, which spread right up to the borders of Europe.

Santa Fe de Bogota was founded in 1538 by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. 
The name of the city comes from Bacatá, a resident of Muisca Indians. Bogota was actually founded twice. The first time was when Quesada on August 6 1538 baptized twelve farms in Santa Fé with a Holy Mass and then symbolically pulled grass from the ground and challenged anyone who would resist against the foundation.

Russia : Moscou

Varied and contradictory, much like today's booming Russia, Moscow simultaneously exhibits Orthodox churches with colorful belltowers, a consumer's paradise and remains of Stalinian architecture. A symbol of Russia, the Kremlin is a true fortress-city that holds all of the institutions of government, of museums and palaces, of prestigious churches and cathedrals, like the Assumption Cathedral, the Anunciation Cathedral, the Palace of the Patriarchs...

Saint Petersburg is the second biggest city of Russia, with over 5 million residents. As the capital of the Russian Empire from 1712 to 1917, St Petersburg has preserved a unique architectural ensemble that makes it one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. St Petersburg was founded in 1703 by the Tzar Peter the Great. With its resolutely modern urban design and its foreign aesthetics, the new city was meant to “open a window onto Europe” and to help Russia rise to the rank of the great European powers, as the Tzar wished.

France : Bests sites of Paris

It is the emblem of Paris and probably the most well-know Parisian monument in the world. And yet, in 1889 when it began to rise into the sky of Paris, numerous artists formulate sharp protests in opposition to the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, who was in the process of disfiguring Paris: Notre-Dame de Paris is the most touristic religious structure in France. Located in the very heart of the Ile de la Cité, it lies in the historic center of the city...