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The industrial NORD-PAS-DE-CALAIS surprises visitors with its Flemish architecture, cultural heritage, and traditions such as Carnival in Dunkerque (or Dunkirk). Located in the heart of Flanders but only one hour from Paris by high-speed train (TGV), the capital of Lille is a colorful cobblestone city known for its welcoming gay and lesbian community, numerous museums, good restaurants, and internationally renowned outdoor market. This northernmost region also boasts a natural coastal reserve, which includes more than four square miles of sand dunes and an abundance of plant and animal life.
Amiens, the capital of PICARDY, has been known as a textile center since medieval times. Its old town, narrow streets, and canals are worth exploring; and its world-renowned gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, begun in 1220, is one of the finest and largest in the country.
In ALSACE you will experience a fascinating blend of Franco-Germanic culture, history, cuisine, and even language. Strasbourg, the second largest river port in France, is the intellectual, cultural, and economic capital of the region. Its history has always revolved around the Rhine; and today it also shares the title of European Union Capital with Brussels and Luxembourg. As such, hungry visitors can expect the menu selection catering to business people, students, and politicians to be extensive. It is also justifiably famous for its Gothic cathedral, featuring a single spire, while most other cathedrals in France and elsewhere have two. Strasbourg is a gateway to the region's many wineries and medieval castles, such as Haut-Koenigsbourg, as well as postcard-perfect storybook villages such as Colmar, Obernai and Riquewihr. Alsace is especially popular in December for its many traditional Christmas markets.
LORRAINE, like Alsace, was subjected to invasions throughout the centuries, including those of World Wars I and II. Today it is home to the Centre Mondial de la Paix in Verdun, whose mission is to ensure that past wars are never forgotten. To get a more comprehensive overview of Lorraine, you must visit the Musée Historique Lorrain in the capital of Nancy. The museum is housed in the 13th-century DucalPalace. Other must-sees in Nancy include the Place Stanislas, a masterpiece of harmony; the FineArtsMuseum, displaying works from the 14th through 20th centuries; and the Musée de l'École de Nancy, a perfect introduction to your exploration of Art Nouveau in the city. Of course, where there is art, there is also a strong gay presence and influence, so be sure to keep your eyes open for more contemporary masterpieces. If you are ready to get out of the city and looking to share a beautiful view with someone, the Route des Crêtes, a romantic crest-line drive in the VosgesMountains, is a dreamy escape for lovers. From there you can look out over the whole Alsatian plain and even see the neighboring Black Forest in Germany and the Alps.
Lorraine's other hotspot of gay and lesbian activity is Metz, a city famous for its medieval mansions and churches. Whether or not you have confessions to make during your stay, be sure to visit the gothic Saint Stephen's Cathedral, known as "God's Lantern" because of its stained-glass windows that cover an area of 7,800 square yards. To purify your body as much as your soul, don't miss the Mirabelle (local yellow prune) festival in August. Festivities open with the election of a prune queen and a runner up, so pack your sash.
In the region of BURGUNDY, be sure to visit Dijon, the capital of one of the world's most famous regions for wine tasting and only an hour and a half from Paris by TGV. The Route des Grands Crus, sometimes called the "Champs Elysées of Burgundy," is a place that gay and lesbian wine lovers can't afford to miss.
Once a part of Burgundy, FRANCHE-COMTÉ-the Free Country-struggled to remain independent of the French crown and was a province of the Holy Roman Empire until annexed by Louis XIV in 1674. Its capital, Besançon, is an elegant 17th century city, famous for clock making. Gently rolling farmland in the SaôneValley (famous for great cheese) meets high Alpine scenery to the east in this lovely region.
ILE DE FRANCE
Château de Versailles - www.chateauversailles.fr
NORD-PAS-DE-CALAIS
Dunkirk Carnival - www.northernfrance-tourism.com
Lille - www.lilletourism.com
PICARDY
Amiens - www.amiens.fr
ALSACE
Strasbourg - www.ot-strasbourg.fr
LORRAINE
Centre Mondial de la Paix Place Monseigneur Ginisty, Palais Episcopal - Verdun - Tel. 03.29.86.55.00 - www.centremondialpaix.asso.fr
Musée Historique Lorrain 64, Grande Rue, Nancy - Tel. 03.83.32.18.74 - www.ot-nancy.fr/anglais/decouverte/index.htm
FineArtsMuseum 3, place Stanislas - Nancy - Tel. 03.83.85.30.72 - www.ot-nancy.fr/anglais/decouverte/musees/mba.htm |
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