From the romantic city of Paris to the sunshine and lavender fields of Provence, the medieval splendor of Carcassonne, and more, France ignites the imagination and dazzles the senses like no other country on Earth.

In this 24-segment travelogue, you’ll encounter landmarks of French heritage, such as: the 35,000-year-old cave paintings of Lascaux and Chauvet; the medieval castles of the Cathars; the palace and gardens of Versailles; the locations where the French Revolution unfolded; and the cultural landscape of contemporary France, as seen in the French passion for art, cinema, soccer, fine food, and daring modernist architecture.

With Professor Greene’s expert guidance you’ll discover the essence of French culture in examples such as:

The Many Wonders of Paris—Explore the city’s multidimensional history, iconic landmarks, romantic neighborhoods, and artistic and literary life;

Lyon—Explore the self-proclaimed capital of French gastronomy and sample the city’s culinary scene, from its fine dining restaurants to its more informal “bouchons”;

The Loire Valley—Spend time in one of France’s most celebrated regions, most famous for its 300+ châteaux; take an in-depth look at the palatial splendor of Azay-le-Rideau and Chenonceau;

Regional French Food and Wine—Learn about the history, lore, and methods of preparation of many of France’s favorite regional foods, such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and cassoulet. Visit France’s world-famous wine regions of Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Loire; and

Glories of Art and Architecture: Pay visits to many of France’s greatest cultural treasures, such as the island citadel of Mont Saint-Michel; Claude Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny; the Cathedrals of Rheims, Chartres, and Notre Dame; and Avignon’s magnificent Palais des Papes.

In The Great Tours: France through the Ages, you’ll mine the essence of a culture which lives, for people across the world, as a symbol of romance, beauty, and the very best of life and living.