Program 798: France, North vs. South; Streets of Paris; Loire Valley Chateâu Country

A trio of Rick's tour guides banter about the nuances of northern and southern France, from climate and demeanor to food and fashion. Then author Susan Cahill describes how wandering the streets of Paris brings to life the stories of the city's artists, writers, and historical figures. And an expert offers recommendations for enjoying the elegant chateâu country of the Loire Valley.

• Tour guides Grégoire Bouron, Chris Coleman, and Veronique Savoye
• Susan Cahill, author of "The Streets of Paris" (St. Martin's Griffin)
• Tour guide Danielle Farineau

• The Rick Steves online guide to France offers an at-a-glance overview of the country's regions, plus links to information about dozens of cities and places worth visiting.
• In addition to tour guiding, Veronique Savoye offers online French lessons.
• Susan Cahill writes about the people who made history at nearly two dozen sites across Paris in her book "The Streets of Paris." She's also written guides to significant religious sites and small gardens to visit in "Sacred Paris," and "Hidden Gardens of Paris."
• You can listen to Susan Cahill's earlier Travel with Rick Steves interview about "Sacred Paris," in the show archives for program 697 from December 2022, and about the "Hidden Gardens of Paris" on program 721 in July 2023.
• The Rick Steves online guide to France's Loire Valley includes a map to its many chateâux that you can visit.
• Rural vacation homes and farmhouse accommodations are listed on the Gîtes de France website.