Paris, Vimy Ridge & Nice

Paris, the capital and largest city in France has been one of Europe’s major centers for art, fashion, gastronomy, science, music and commerce since the 17th century. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. With an illustrious artistic pedigree – Renoir, Rodin, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Dalí and Van Gogh are but a few of the masters who have lived and worked here over the years – Paris is one of the world’s great art repositories, harbouring treasures from antiquity onwards.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is considered by many historians and writers a defining moment for Canada. It was at this moment when the country arose from under the shadow of The British Empire and began its evolution from dominion to independent nation. On April 9, 1917 the Canadian Corps was ordered to seize a heavily fortified, German-held ridge that had a commanding view over the Allied lines. As dawn emerged on that morning at Vimy, almost 100,000 Canadians rushed from tunnels and trenches, and rose up a hill to defeat an enemy position that was considered impenetrable by its German defenders. The victory at Vimy was more than just a crucial military triumph. For the first time all four Canadian divisions made up of troops drawn from all parts of the country, fought together. Brigadier-General A.E. Ross stated after the war, “in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation.” To highlight the sacrifices made by Canadians, which underwent more than 60,000 casualties during World War 1, the French government ceded to Canada Vimy Ridge, and the land surrounding it to build and maintain a memorial. That site is today regarded as our most important war memorial and one of the most inspiring First World War monuments of all.

Nice, capital of the French Riviera, is located in the Côte d’Azur region on the south east coast of France. Often called “Nice la Belle”, the city has a very distinct culture with its relaxed, carefree lifestyle and noticeable Italian and Corsican influences. The local language Niçard, is still spoken by a considerable minority, and in the past, Nice welcomed many immigrants from Italy, Spain and Portugal who have also left their mark in the city’s unique culture. The natural beauty of the Nice area with its mild Mediterranean climate and picturesque surroundings make it the perfect place for not only those in search of relaxation, but also those seeking inspiration.