Charm and heritage of the North American shores

A historical port city on the Canadian east coast, Halifax, surrounded by enchanting nature, stands out as the provincial capital and the cultural hub of Nova Scotia. The city played an important strategic military role in the two world wars and was also the largest Royal Navy base during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Most of the victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest here in the Fairview cemetery, which you will have the chance to discover. At this port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and discover its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. You can admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the chequerboard streets studded with brightly coloured houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where you will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.

Yarmouth, anchored on the south-western coast of Nova Scotia, is appreciated for its maritime charm. A historic port and the second southernmost town in Canada, the charming little town is overflowing with rich Acadian culture, evidence of its vibrant past. The Acadians, descendants of the French settlers who arrived at the start of the 1600s, have conserved their language, culture, customs and traditions. Explore the emblematic Cape Forchu Lighthouse, with its spectacular ocean views, and fall under the charm of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that reigns in its streets edged with colourful houses as well as around its lively quays.

At the Canadian border, Eastport is, as its name suggests, the easternmost city in the United States. It is here that, in 1604, the first French people to arrive in the New World settled. Discover their story at the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. In the late 19th century, this charming town in Maine grew significantly as a result of the development of the canned sardine industry. At the time, the town boasted more than a dozen sardine canneries. The architecture and some mansions from this period live on, affording the town a distinct elegance. One of the attractions of this town is undeniably its proximity to the Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Northern Hemisphere, where visitors can watch the birds and marine mammals that come to feed on the nutrients driven up to the surface.

The former colonial maritime port of Portland, lying in the hollow of Casco Bay, will fascinate you with its abundant nature, cultural riches and unique atmosphere. Let yourself be guided by the salty air of the Atlantic and admire the colourful fishing boats in the old port. A stroll through the paved little streets edged with historical red-brick buildings from the 19th century promises you an extraordinary journey back in time. This city of nature is home to many verdant parks, botanical gardens and other nature reserves where you will find it easy to recharge your batteries and reconnect with the elements.

Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States,  is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.

This little town is the ideal starting point for a stroll around Martha’s Vineyard ».  The  gentle lifestyle of this incomparable setting has been attracting American presidents for several decades. Oak Bluffs will surprise you first and foremost by its Gingerbread Houses. The story goes that the Methodist community settled here more than a century ago, and built these colourful houses, straight out of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale fairytale. You’ll certainly enjoy a visit to the Flying Horses, the oldest wooden carrousel in the United States.

This marina harbour, with only 25,000 inhabitants, boasts fabulous Gilded Age mansions inspired by French and Italian palaces. One example is The Elms, the summer residence of the Berwind family, who made their fortune in the coal industry. Another is the imposing Château-sur-Mer built by the Wetmore family. But the cream of the crop is The Breakers, a Renaissance-style palace composed of 70 rooms.

The biggest city in the United States is fascinating on many accounts. With its five particularly spread out districts - Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island –, it offers an incredible number of cultural interests. You’ll just love taking in the constant buzz in Times Square, visit Ground Zero, taking a stroll in Central Park’s 341 hectares, or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Not surprising then that the Big Apple is to be consumed without moderation!