Star Collector: The Flavors of France

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a heady juxtaposition of eras and styles. Here, medieval alleyways, orderly neighborhood squares, and ornate Baroque churches readily intermingle. Porto's historic heart is a UNESCO site of winding lanes, zigzagging staircases and tiled churches. The highlight, though, is a taste of port wine at its best - a happy accident dating from the 17th century when brandy was discovered to preserve wine for transit. After your choice of palate-pleasing shore excursions, return for an onboard fado folk music performance.

See the twisting streets, old mansions, and beautiful plazas of the old district, parts of which have survived since medieval times. Dine on fresh seafood found all over Vigo but especially in the famous El Berbes Quarter. Or head further afield to Santiago de Compostela, where a magnificent cathedral has greeted pilgrims since the 9th century.

Gijon started out as a quiet fishing village some 3,000 years ago and there are many remnants of its passage through time. Explore the colorful houses and shops of Cimadevilla, the old quarter. There are ancient Roman baths at Termas Romanas. Rent a bike and ride the 13 miles of bike lanes past the many outstanding outdoor sculptures. Before you leave, try a glass of the local apple cider, or sidra.

The industrial port of Bilbao is surrounded by lovely green mountains, fertile landscapes with lush forests, steep coasts and the Bay of Biscay. Famed for the curvy, titanium-covered Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, other sites of Bilbao include the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster's Underground, towers designed by architects Arata Isozaki and Cesar Pelli, and an airport designed by Calatrava.

The resort town of San Sebastian on the beautiful Bay of Biscay is known for two golden-sand beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. Walk along the picturesque bayside promenade lined with world-renowned restaurants. The cobblestoned Old Town features vibrant pintxo bars featuring local tapas favorites and upscale boutiques. A soaring statue of Christ overlooks this culinary capital of Spain.

Three impressive sea walls protect Saint-Jean-de-Luz's famous long beach of fine sand making it perfect for swimming. It is also famous for delicious and rustic-style Basque cuisine and its close proximity to well-known Biarritz, an eclectic place of posh restaurants, cozy pizza parlors, beautiful beaches with therapeutic waters popular for surfing and is a preferred haunt of the rich and famous.

Three impressive sea walls protect Saint-Jean-de-Luz's famous long beach of fine sand making it perfect for swimming. It is also famous for delicious and rustic-style Basque cuisine and its close proximity to well-known Biarritz, an eclectic place of posh restaurants, cozy pizza parlors, beautiful beaches with therapeutic waters popular for surfing and is a preferred haunt of the rich and famous.

Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty.  And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France's most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city's borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty.  And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France's most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city's borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Rochelle is said to be the most lovely and unspoiled port city in France, and who are we to argue?  Two 14th century stone towers guard the gateway to the medieval core of the city, the Vieux Port. And this is a city that is focused on ships. You'll find yachts floating in the Port des Minimes, ships in the stained glass of church windows, maybe even decorating the arcaded walkways that line the streets. Learn the art of brandy making with a visit to the Cognac region and the Hennessy maisson, dating back to 1765. While walking past the aging barrels, inhale the heady aroma-the escaping vapors known as "the angels' share."

Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is better known for the UNESCO site monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city's ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant.

Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is better known for the UNESCO site monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city's ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant.

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This third largest port of Normandy is a small ship only port full of historical significance and is the gateway to the Normandy beaches of WWII. View the stunning former Benedictine monastery, the imposing Chateau de Caen built by William the Conqueror in 1060 and the Pegasus Bridge. Then take a walk in the Vaugueux District with its pedestrian-only street lined with shops and eateries.

This port city on the Seine River and gateway to Paris is full of beautiful architecture and is an art-lover's delight. Museums are plentiful here including the Historial Jeanne d'Arc and the Musee des Beaux-Arts with the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France. Stroll the many local markets full of fresh produce and flowers and dine at one of the incredible restaurants featuring fresh ingredients from this region.

This port city on the Seine River and gateway to Paris is full of beautiful architecture and is an art-lover's delight. Museums are plentiful here including the Historial Jeanne d'Arc and the Musee des Beaux-Arts with the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France. Stroll the many local markets full of fresh produce and flowers and dine at one of the incredible restaurants featuring fresh ingredients from this region.