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From unique architecture to a thriving arts scene, this Canadian province comes tailor-made for fascinating cultural immersion.

Follow in the footsteps of prominent African American writers, artists, musicians, and activists who sought refuge in Paris during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Fans of the hit show can tour the wacky town at a new pop-up exhibition.

The region has come a long way in its relatively short half-century of winemaking pursuits.

Move over fried cheese sticks, bottled Ranch dressing, and overcooked cafeteria burgers: In these nine cities, destination-worthy cuisine is just as important as academic excellence.

The church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has anchored this Left Bank neighborhood for 1,000 years. The leaders of a $5.7 million restoration effort want to keep it that way.

With 24 hours’ notice, AFAR sent writer Tom Rachman to Vienna where, on his quest to discover 
the soul of the Austrian capital, he 
stumbled upon the city’s 
darker side.

We spoke with Tom Butterfield, founder of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, about Bermuda’s important place in art.

New fuel-efficient planes mean longer (read: more nonstop) flights.

AFAR Staffers share their experiences celebrating Thanksgiving around the world

From Garden to Table in L.A.

This national landmark was opened in 1936 as St. Louis’ first historic house museum. The building was “Children’s Poet” Eugene Field’s boyhood home, and now also houses a toy museum.

14th century Château de Roquetaillade is touted as one of Bordeaux’ most visited castles, but don’t let that stop you. I went during high travel season, in August, and it didn’t feel overrun.

Architecturally, it’s an interesting castle to see, because it was carefully restored between 1860 and 1870) by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc , the same gentleman that worked on the Notre Dame in Paris and was asked to design the inside of the Statue of Liberty.

Taking pictures is only allowed outside, and inside the chapel, so you have to take my word for the fact that the castle’s medieval kitchen is fascinating, and surprisingly modern. It has a center island for cooking, without visible above ground vents. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Another lovely detail inside the castle is a secret message from the original stone masons that worked on the castle. Under one of the columns in the front hall, you can see a carved monkey, eating a fruit. This was a signal to future craftsmen, that they were going to be treated fairly and paid well by the owners of Roquetaillade. Had the monkey scratched his back instead? Maybe not a good place to work!


Call/ or email ahead for information on English speaking tours.

In other cities, Schloss Belvedere would be the grand attraction: The baroque palace turned museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its French-style gardens, enormous pools, and upper and lower pavilions are stunning. But in Vienna, a city that’s chockablock with majestic palaces and marvelous art institutions, the Belvedere winds up being underappreciated by visitors. Formerly the summer palace of the French-born military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy, the early-18th-century palace was designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, one of the most celebrated architects of his day. Works in the building’s collection range from baroque masterpieces to 20th-century treasures such as Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss as well as pieces by Oskar Kokoschka and Egon Schiele.

Step off the beaten path that leads to Jim Morrison’s grave at Père Lachaise and head instead to the lesser-known, yet extraordinary Montparnasse Cemetery. Locals bring metro tickets to leave on Serge Gainsbourg’s grave in honor of his song “Le Poinçonneur des Lilas (The Lilas Ticket Taker).” Nearby rest the poet Baudelaire and eternal lovers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. A married couple by the name of Pigeon share a tomb that is as surprising as their family name. Susan Sontag opted for a minimalist grave, while artist Niki de Saint Phalle chose a rainbow-colored mosaic cat for the grave of her assistant Ricardo. Brancusi’s The Kiss sculpture stands at the head of his grave. Stop at a guardian’s kiosk when you enter the tranquil space and ask for a map of the luminaries who have made this their eternal resting place.