Blogs about France | World Jewish Travel

Discover the Jewish Heartbeat of France

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Jewish culture and heritage as our blogs, The Jewish Tapestry of Europe: A Journey Through Time and Tradition and The Jewish Story of Bouxwiller, France, take you on an enchanting tour of France. From the energized streets of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo to the historic charm of Portel-des-Corbieres, each story invites you to explore and connect with the vibrant Jewish spirit that thrives in every corner.

Our narrative is one of passion and discovery, crafted to ignite your curiosity and deepen your understanding of Jewish life. With a voice that's both engaging and trustworthy, we weave together tales of tradition and modernity, creating a vivid image of experiences that await in France.

Whether you're tracing the footsteps of history or seeking the pulse of contemporary Jewish communities, our content is your gateway to a world brimming with stories untold. Join us as we uncover hidden gems, celebrate cultural festivals, and reveal the everyday wonders that make Jewish travel in France truly unforgettable.

Step into our vibrant world and let The Jewish Tapestry of Europe: A Journey Through Time and Tradition and The Jewish Story of Bouxwiller, France be your guide to the extraordinary richness of Jewish culture and travel. Together, we'll discover the soul of France, one story at a time.

World Jewish Travel Official April 7, 2024

The Jewish Tapestry of Europe: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

Europe, with its cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and history-soaked cities, holds within its heart a story not often told with the vibrancy it deserves—the Jewish story. It's a tale woven with the threads of resilience, tradition, and an enduring spirit that has significantly shaped the continent's cultural fabric. Let's embark on an enlightening journey to explore the Jewish narrative across Europe, where each destination invites us to immerse ourselves in experiences that are both profound and inspiring.

yannis wissinger August 4, 2022

The Jewish Story of Bouxwiller, France

Bouxwiller is a very old town located within the Saverne arrondissement about 34 kilometers (21 mi) northwest of Strasbourg and has been occupied since Roman times. The Jews have been living in Bouxwiller since the early 1300s. During the Protestant Reformation, Prince of Hanau-Lichtenberg had the capital in Bouxwiller, but was very tolerant of the Jews in hopes of becoming an "enlightened spirit."

yannis wissinger August 4, 2022

The Jewish Story of Haguenau, France

Haguenau is the 4th largest city in Alsace, located about thirty kilometers north of Strasbourg. It is both an industrial and commercial city with a pleasant pedestrian city center, beautiful 18th century buildings, museums, green spaces, and diversified events throughout the year. You can discover the rich heritage of 18th century Haguenau on a self-guided audio walking tour available at the tourist office in French, German, or English. There is also a child-friendly version of the audio tour, and guided in-person tours during the summers.

yannis wissinger August 4, 2022

The Jewish Story of Colmar, France

Colmar is a town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. Its old town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. The Gothic 13th-century, Eglise Saint-Martin church stands on central Place de la Cathédrale. The city is on the Alsace Wine Route, and local vineyards specialize in Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.

Delphine Yague January 3, 2023

The Jewish Story of Troyes, France

©Texts by Troyes la Champagne Tourisme - ©Rashi Route information by CulturistiQ. Troyes La Champagne, capital of the department of Aube, is a unique destination to explore once and again, 160 kilometers south-east of Paris and 120 kilometers from Reims. First on the list of things to see, is the fabulous collection of half-timbered houses which makes the town proud. They have received a glorious facelift, adorning them in a multitude of colours. Water, on which the town was established, has also taken centre stage again. The quays of the Seine are an eloquent testimony to this. Before winding through Paris, the river passes through the former capital of the Champagne counts, where it is infused with the spirit of moderation.

yannis wissinger August 4, 2022

The Jewish Story of Strasbourg, France

If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, there's no doubt that you'll fall in love with Strasbourg! Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace located at the border with Germany, the largest city of the Grand East region of Eastern France, and the official seat of the European Parliament.

Iris Hami September 23, 2024

Discover the Best Jewish Literary Heritage Tours of 2024

Three of the greatest pleasures in life for cultured people are literature, travel and stimulating company. A Gil Travel Jewish literary heritage tour takes you, and your family or friends, to the heart of European cities like Paris, Berlin and Prague. You can explore the old Jewish neighborhoods and walk in the footsteps of great writers like Franz Kafka, Isaac Babel, Alfred Doblin, and the tragic teen diarist Anne Frank.

Iris Hami September 23, 2024

Top Europen Jewish Heritage Travel Destinations

If you’re an American Jew, the chances are that at least some of your ancestors came to the US from Europe or Russia. It can be a wonderful – and often poignant – experience to visit the neighborhoods, streets and synagogues that our forebears knew. Customized Jewish heritage tours in Europe are also vitally important for the next generation. Guided tours of Poland, Hungary, France, Holland and other European countries can help our teens to develop a strong and positive Jewish identity!

Iris Hami September 23, 2024

Discovering the Jewish Heart of Paris: An Insider’s Guide

Paris is one of the great cities of Western European civilization and is one of the great cultural centers of the world. The city also has a rich Jewish history, with evidence of a Jewish community in Paris as far back as the Roman Empire. Modern Paris is a popular destination for Jewish travel, offering an unbeatable mixture of cultural and historical treasures, as well as amazing cuisine and luxury hotels. Organized Jewish tours in Paris are a superb way to explore the City of Light and its vibrant Jewish history.

Discover the Jewish Heartbeat of France

world_jewish_travel