Louis Xiv XIV (Xiv) travel tips

The USA is a nation of immigrants, and there are plenty of places across the country with a distinctly European vibe.

There is no good way to tell visitors to Paris that the queue at the Louvre never gets any smaller and the trip itself can turn into a day spent in line. The good news is that there are plenty of other spots to visit that will let you experience the real Paris, the one known to its residents, even during the Olympic Games—many of which are centred around the city's historic bridges, terraces and waterways.

Few hotels embody New York City’s timeless elegance and grandeur quite like The Pierre. Gracing the corner of Fifth Avenue and 61st Street in Manhattan, The Pierre has hosted discerning celebrities, royalty, and dignitaries since 1930.

The most visited city in the world offers a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. Think sumptuous castles and ancient hunting grounds in under an hour from the Eiffel Tower or day trips to the Normandy D-Day landing beaches, Champagne tasting or visiting the Loire Valley château—all are possible in a day trip from Paris and here are six of the best.

A recent report ten years in the making recently boldly selected The World’s 50 Best Hotels. So what makes a great hotel?

Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox, which marks the end of summer and beginning of autumn. But as the seasons change, so does the weather with cooler and drier temperatures. While it’s a no-brainer to update your wardobe to accommodate these shifts, you should apply this mindset to your skincare and beauty routine, too.

Paris' wealth of architectural icons, monumental museums and unmissable dining experiences makes it difficult for visitors to contemplate straying beyond the city limits. Yet on Paris’ doorstep are magnificent châteaux, exquisite gardens, medieval cathedrals, and rambling forests, which can add a new dimension to a holiday in the French capital.

Summer has arrived in Paris, and the world with it. By day, international hordes pile into the Musée d’Orsay to catch the final month of the blockbuster “Manet / Degas” exhibition as throngs surround the closed, fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral to snap any possible selfies. By night, the available picnic space quickly disappears on the lawns of the Champ de Mars and its direct view of the Eiffel Tower.

There are few more quintessentially French views than castle turrets stretching up into a clear blue sky. From the gracious châteaux of the Loire to majestic palaces like Versailles, the country’s castles mark its landscapes, reveal its history and draw visitors from around the world.