In the 13th century, the University of Paris was founded on the south bank of the Seine River. Soon after, the area became to be known as the Latin Quarter for the language passers-by would hear on the street. Today the Latin Quarter makes up the core of Paris’ Left Bank, offering a variety of ethnic restaurants, tangled lanes, and the city’s famous cafe scene. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Nîmes’ Arena, which is still in use, is considered the best conserved from ancient Rome. It’s another example of fine Roman engineering and propaganda. The arena still hosts colorful pageantry and macho-men still face dangerous beasts, ala Provencal style — meaning the bull dies of old age, not via the sword. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

At the peak of its empire, England collected art and artifacts as fast as it collected colonies. The British Museum is the showcase for those extraordinary treasures, and is “The” chronicle of western civilization. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

From St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern Museum, the Millennium Bridge connects the city of London with the south bank of the Thames, bridging old and new, traditional and modern. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Through the ages, Mont St. Michel has been among the top pilgrimage sites in all Christendom. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Sarlat is the pedestrian-friendly main town of France’s Dordogne River valley. It’s just the right size: everything in town is within an easy meander along traffic-free, cobblestone lanes lined with foie gras shops, and tourists. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.