Lebanon, land of contrasts and culture

Discover a country where every street corner tells an ancient story, where the warm smiles of the locals welcome you into a world that is both familiar and exotic. From majestic mountains to golden beaches, this land offers a variety of landscapes that amaze and soothe. As you travel its winding roads, you'll uncover picturesque villages nestled between verdant hills and sunny valleys. For food enthusiasts, the local cuisine is a true feast for the senses. Indulge in delicate flavors and spicy dishes that awaken the palate. The colorful markets are filled with intoxicating spices and fresh fruits, while lively cafes invite you to enjoy a traditional coffee while watching the world go by. Adventurers, get ready to explore mountain trails, dive into crystal-clear waters, or race down snowy slopes in winter. This country is a land of opportunity for those seeking adrenaline and wonder. A trip here promises discoveries at every turn and memories that will last forever.

A crossroads of civilizations between the West and the East, Lebanon is a cultural and confessional mosaic rich with 18 religious denominations. Its history is both rich and eventful. The Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Egyptians, and Turks have left extraordinary and varied remains there. Lebanon is not solely defined by its civil war (1975-1990), the summer conflict of 2006, or the different political crises. On the contrary, the land of cedars offers a multitude of archaeological sites, Byzantine ruins, Roman temples, and Crusader castles to discover. Lebanon's historical wealth obviously includes must-see sites such as Baalbek, Byblos, Tyre, and Beiteddine. But a thousand other treasures also await you.

Despite its small size, Lebanon offers a wide variety of highly contrasted landscapes. Just a few kilometers can take you from the desert regions of Hermel or the agricultural plains of the Bekaa to the forested areas of Aakkar or the arid hills of southern Lebanon. Although the mythical cedar forests are increasingly shrinking, the Jeita Grottoes and the Kadisha Valley are natural wonders not to be missed. Varied, fine, and delicious, Lebanese cuisine enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation. Start with a traditional mezze, an assortment of small hot or cold dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, or kibbeh. A meal is often accompanied by arak, an anise-flavored alcoholic drink, followed by local wine. Grilled meats and chicken are a must. The local pastries made with dried fruits and cream or mouhalabieh are a delight not to be missed. In addition to its unique cultural heritage, Lebanon is perfect for adventure sports enthusiasts. In Beirut, enjoy the beaches, dive to discover sunken ancient ruins or ski in Faraya. Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and climbing are also possible in the Lebanese mountains.

Varied, refined, and delicious, Lebanese cuisine enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. You can start with a traditional mezze, an assortment of small hot or cold dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, or kibbeh. A Lebanese meal is often accompanied by arak, an anise-based alcoholic drink, followed by a delicious local wine such as Ksara or Kefraya. Grilled dishes like shish taouk and kafta, made with minced meat and chicken skewers, form the main course. Feel free to pick directly from the dishes with a piece of pita, this delicious Lebanese bread. Finally, don't miss the local pastries made with nuts and cream, or indulge in mouhallabieh, a milk pudding drizzled with orange blossom syrup and sprinkled with pistachios!

Besides its unique cultural and historical heritage, Lebanon is an exceptional destination for sports adventure enthusiasts. As soon as you land in Beirut, you can rush to the beaches or water parks with their swirling slides. You can also gear up with diving bottles and explore the ancient submerged ruins near Tyre or Sidon. Diving is a rapidly growing activity in Lebanon. From November to March, if you feel like skiing, no problem: just an hour's drive and you're in the mountains, ready to hit the slopes of Faraya at the foot of the Mount Lebanon range. You can also wander through the petrified forest, a fabulous mineral landscape where eccentric and impressive shapes emerge. Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, climbing, caving: the Lebanese mountains offer all these activities.