It`s a land of legend, where natural splendors rival exceptional heritage. Authentic, friendly, and affordable, Georgia is less than five hours from Paris - Eastern Europe’s best-kept secret destination, reads the article, published by the Le Figaro.

"Mythological tales tell that Jason and his Argonauts set sail for Colchis to conquer the precious Golden Fleece, a symbol of prosperity. Heir to the Kingdom of Colchis, Georgia has lost none of its charms; on the contrary, they seem to have increased over the centuries. Its human size and its advantageous geography - between the South Caucasus and the shores of the Black Sea, in Kvariati or Batumi - make it an ideal destination for those wishing to combine the pleasures of seaside resorts with those of mountain hiking. Georgia is home to some of the main peaks of the Caucasus (including the famous Mount Kazbek, culminating at 5,047 m) and the Svaneti region, offering inexhaustible possibilities for high-altitude excursions.

To these majestic landscapes, Georgia adds the mosaic of panoramas of its national parks. Such as the protected area of Lagodekhi, teeming with biodiversity and a sanctuary for local flora and fauna; but also the exotic surroundings of Lake Kelistba or the bucolic region of the wild Truso Gorge. Not to mention in the center of the country the delightful resort of Borjomi, where a spring with thermal properties known for two millennia springs forth.

Living and gourmet heritage

Firmly anchored in the present, Georgia has nevertheless managed to maintain its prestigious heritage intact, such as the troglodyte towns of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe. And if Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe – a 9th-century fortress destroyed and then rebuilt in the 17th century – is imposing, what can one say about the Gelati and Mtskheta monasteries and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral? Listed by UNESCO, they are a reminder of the early presence of Christianity in Georgian lands. The blend of modernity and heritage beauty can also be admired in the capital, Tbilisi, where contemporary architecture coexists with the colorful houses typical of the old town; where the Narikala Fortress neighbors with rooftops overlooking the Kura River and art galleries.

The city is also perfect for savoring the ultimate Georgian treasure: its refined gastronomy, a reflection of its terroir and its conviviality. You have to taste the famous khachapuri (cheese bread decorated with an egg), the khinkali (meat with juice coated in dough), or the fried eggplant stuffed with walnuts to understand the meaning of the word "delight".

Georgia is also home to an unbroken winemaking tradition that dates back eight millennia: the kvevri technique. Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this technique involves burying huge jars of freshly crushed grape juice in the ground to allow the natural magic of winemaking to unfold. Practiced on family estates in the Kakheti region, this technique is at the heart of inspiring wine tours. It also provides an enchanting spectacle during the grape harvest, when the vines and trees are adorned with their golden fleece, writes the author of the article.