A Shortcut Today Through France

July 9 While making our way from Meersburg on the Bodensee of Germany over to the southwestern corner of the country and the Suedliche Weinstrasse we decided to take a short-cut through a part of France. The Alsace is loaded with picturesque, colorful villages. The deeper colors and pastels can be found on houses along […]

The Bloody Failure of the Maginot Line

July 9 (From Wikipedia, photo by European Focus The Maginot Line named after the French Minister of War André Maginot, was a line of concrete fortifications, obstacles, and weapons installations that France constructed along its borders with Germany during the 1930s. The line was a response to France’s experience in World War I and was […]

The Road from Stuttgart to Lisbon – Part 1

May 21 We’re on our way to Lisbon where we’ll greet return guests Art and Carol for their sixth trip with European Focus since 2007. Along the way, we’re scouting locations for future tours and yes, even pausing to do nothing for a bit. After nine nights spent in Otlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany (a record […]

Paris, Southwestern France and Barcelona Micro-Group Tour

PARIS, SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE & BARCELONA Dates TBD on interest and group This trip starts off with three nights in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, with a guide who knows how to make the most of your time here. We then move away from the city to explore the environs o southwestern France. Carcassonne […]

Pont Neuf in Paris and the End of the Knights Templar

June 15 s Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar was executed at the stake at the place where Pont Neuf bridge stands today in Paris The story of the Knights Templar is one which has always fascinated us. Originally set up as a guard to protect pilgrims who were traveling to […]

Noyers-sur-Serein, France

June 11 After lunch at Auberge de la Beursaudiere in nearby Nitry, Burgundy, we walked around the medieval town of Noyers-sur-Serein, a lovely assembly of half-timbered houses, cobblestoned streets, slate roofs and interesting and picturesque corners everywhere you turn. We love taking our guests to this special place. While well-known amongst the French, it is […]