International House Biarritz

It all starts with a warm meeting with a local, native guide. Over a cup of coffee or a glass of local wine, he’ll give you an overview of the city’s history, personal anecdotes and tips on how to avoid tourist traps.

Then the tour begins with the must-see sites, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, or Place Bellecour in Lyon. However, with a local guide, these places take on a different dimension. Instead of just historical facts, he tells local stories, urban legends, or shares personal memories linked to these places.

Where a traditional guide would take you along the beaten track, a local guide will introduce you to lesser-known but equally charming neighborhoods. You could stroll through the Marais in Paris to discover its cobbled streets and artisan boutiques, or explore Les Halles in Biarritz, a mecca for Baque Country gastronomy. These neighborhoods are often an authentic reflection of the daily lives of their inhabitants.

No visit to France would be complete without a tasting of local specialties. Your local guide will point you in the direction of the best boulangeries for a crisp croissant, fromageries to sample mature cheeses, or small restaurants to savor traditional dishes like huitres in Bordeaux or coq au vin in Lyon. He’ll explain the origins of the dishes and advise you on the best food and wine pairings.

Your local guide may introduce you to friends, craftspeople, shopkeepers or even artists. These exchanges enrich your experience, giving you a better understanding of the local culture and the concerns of the local people.

The local guide might take you to unusual places that tourists often overlook, such as an ancient crypt, a hidden artist’s studio, or a walk along a peaceful canal. These places, often off the beaten track, will leave you with unique memories.

The local guide is full of recommendations for the rest of your stay, places to revisit and events not to be missed..