A lot of people look at France's military record of the second half of the 20th century and apply it to all of French history. Nothing could be further from reality. France was born of war and, except for the 200 years of the Pax Romana, hasn't had much peace in her long history. This land has always been coveted by others because of its genial climate and fertile soil. The first inhabitants came here with the ice age and ever since, successive waves of invaders have tried to claim their share... the Celts, the Romans, the Franks, the Vikings, the Visigoths, the Saracens, and on and on. Of course it was the Franks who managed to put it all together and are responsible for the relatively homogenous religious climate of Europe thanks to Charlemagne's forced spread of Christianity. France was the fulcrum of the holy crusades and later a major instigator in wars throughout Europe.
It is said that the kings of France waged wars to keep the peopl'e minds off the misery of everyday life and to bring a little glory to the kingdom. This doesn't account for the wars of religion but it does say something about the bloody revolution and the rise of Napoleon.
After Napoleon, France never really regained her fighting spirit. She suffered at the hands of the Prussians then the Germans, twice. Today most of the physical evidence of the past wars are gone but scars do remain. Every town has a memorial to the fallen sons of the two world wars and the people have an ingrained sensitivity to their country's past weaknesses.
The memories of wars past are everywhere in France. The country is built on them. You can see it in the thousands of cathedrals built during the age of the crusades... a recruiting tool of sorts? There are fading trenches from the first world war and massive concrete German bunkers from the second. The town of oradour-sur-glane remains as it was at the end of WWII: a ghost town and memorial to a bygone era.
We pride ourselves on providing a unique experience for every one of our guests. After all, it is one of the reasons you choose a private guide over a public tour bus. With a private guide you get something unheard of on a public tour...flexibility and our undivided attention. You can consider us your friends who live in France, friends who just so happen to have the time and inclination to show you around this great country.
War is a broad category and it covers all of France. Tell us what era fascinates you and we'll suggest areas to visit, from Roman ruins to German bunkers to France's nuclear birth.
At A Guide in France we do not use standardized itineraries; therefore, we often dine casually, on-the-fly. If you have any restaurant preferences, please let us know during the itinerary-building process and we will plan accordingly.
Meals: we usually dine separately from our guests but will join you if asked. Either way, we will always assist you with the menus and ordering.
Pricing for Travel Partner extended-length guide services*
  • 1 to 2 people = €350/day up to 12 hours
  • 3 to 4 people = €450/day up to 12 hours

Price does not include food, fuel, autoroute tolls, train tickets or entrance fees. Drinks and snacks are provided.

*3 days or more. For quotes on day tours, contact us.
To get started, contact us anytime. Ask questions, tell us where you want to go and what you want to see. We're always glad to help and we look forward to showing you beyond the Eiffel Tower.
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