Holland, Michigan is home to the often photographed "Big Red Lighthouse", standing guard over the channel connecting this lake to Lake Michigan. The beachfront Holland State Park is home to a wide variety of deer and migratory birds. Don't miss Windmill Island!
Vatnajökull National Park is one of Iceland’s largest protected areas, extending across a vast landscape of glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, mountains, rivers, and glacial plains. At its center lies Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap, whose outlet glaciers spread into surrounding valleys and lowlands. The park stretches across southeast and central Iceland and includes several distinct regions, from Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón to the volcanic landscapes of Askja and Kverkfjöll.
Nestled in the wine-growing region of South Moravia, Valtice, Czech Republic, is a charming town known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The centerpiece of Valtice is the majestic Valtice Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases an impressive Baroque façade and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Bonaventure Island is a small island off the coast of Percé in Quebec's Gaspésie region, within the Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé. Surrounded by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the island combines coastal cliffs, forests, meadows, rocky shorelines, and open sea. Its best-known feature is its large colony of Northern Gannets, one of the world's largest and most accessible colonies of the species.
Estes Park, Colorado, is a picturesque mountain town nestled at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas, Estes Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a city that enchants with its blend of historical charm and vibrant modernity. Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, Aix-en-Provence, often simply called Aix, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined boulevard that exemplifies the city's elegance with its grand fountains and historic buildings, including the beautiful Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the imposing Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, known for its remarkable Romanesque and Gothic features.
Aix-en-Provence is also celebrated for its lively arts scene and as the birthplace of renowned painter Paul Cézanne. Art enthusiasts can explore the Paul Cézanne National Museum, which showcases a rich collection of his works and offers insights into his creative process. The city is dotted with various art galleries and studios, reflecting its deep-rooted artistic spirit. The Granet Museum is another highlight, housing an impressive collection of works from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
The charm of Aix-en-Provence extends to its bustling markets and gastronomic delights. The city's markets, such as the Place Richelme Market, offer an array of local produce, cheeses, and pastries, making it a delightful experience for food lovers. Don’t miss out on trying traditional Provençal specialties like ratatouille and bouillabaisse at one of the local bistros.
Fun Fact: Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its natural hot springs, which have been used for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. You can visit Les Thermes Sextius, a modern spa complex that continues this ancient tradition, offering a luxurious experience amidst the historical backdrop of the city
Other Popular Destinations in France
Paris
France's capital and most populated city, Paris is an alluring destination and an essential stop for any global traveler. A center of fashion, gastronomy, and the arts. Major tourist attractions in the City of Lights include the Eiffel Tower (such great heights!), the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), the Arc de Triomphe, and Grand Palais.
Marseille
Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures.