A little tour in France

"A Little Tour in France" by Henry James is a travelogue from the end of the 1800s, recounting the author's travels as he journeys across France. The story spotlights areas outside of Paris, with the goal of revealing the true heart of the country and its inhabitants. James wants to leave behind the usual tourist attractions of the capital. His aim is to find the deep culture, long history, and beautiful scenery of France's countryside. The starting point of the story is the city of Tours, which he calls the "garden of France," and he describes the city as having a cheerful and pleasing feel. The story looks at how Americans often picture France, mainly thinking of Paris, and contrasts this with the real, lively provinces. The experiences with local culture are told with careful consideration of architecture, history, and the beauty of the Loire River area. This beginning sets the mood for a trip through France that is both individualized and full of cultural observation, encouraging us to consider the complexities and pleasures of traveling away from the popular tourist spots.