The Real Florida

Orlando, in the heart of central Florida, is the world capital of theme-park entertainment, a garden city dotted with lakes that has transformed its marshy lowlands into a universe of parks and attractions beloved by families from every continent. It is here that the Walt Disney World Resort spreads out, the complex that made the city famous, with its four theme parks — from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT, from Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom — joined by Universal Studios and the magical world of Harry Potter, from the Wizarding World to the thrills of Islands of Adventure. For those seeking nature and wildlife, SeaWorld tells the story of the marine world, while numerous water parks offer cool relief under the subtropical sun. But Orlando is more than its parks: the historic downtown, gathered around Lake Eola with its iconic fountain and the swans that glide across its waters, holds a more intimate soul, made of neighbourhoods such as Thornton Park and Winter Park, where art galleries, cafés and tree-lined avenues invite a slower pace. Its cuisine ranges from the international kitchens of International Drive to the flavours of the American South, while Florida's eternal spring makes every season ideal for a visit. All around, wild nature reasserts itself: a short distance away lie the reserves of the Everglades, the crystalline springs where manatees swim, and the beaches of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, with Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center just down the road toward the coast. A city of dreams and imagination, Orlando promises intense days and shared wonder, in the gentle, sunlit climate that Florida offers all year round.

Howey-in-the-Hills is a charming village in central Florida, set among gentle hills and lakes near Lake Harris. A quiet town immersed in greenery, it is known for its golf courses and relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds. The lakeside landscape and well-kept gardens make it a serene retreat. A secluded destination for those seeking calm and nature in Florida.

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city of European origin in the United States, set on Florida's Atlantic coast. Its historic heart unfolds along St. George Street, a pedestrian artery lined with colonial buildings, shops and cafés, leading to the massive Castillo de San Marcos, a coquina-stone fortress that has guarded Matanzas Bay for more than three centuries. Among the must-sees are the sumptuous Lightner Museum, housed in a former Gilded Age hotel, and the Cathedral Basilica, a symbol of the city's long Hispanic heritage. Just minutes from the centre stretch the broad beaches of Anastasia Island, perfect for ending the day by the ocean. St Augustine blends colonial history, elegant architecture and a maritime atmosphere into a city of timeless charm.

Fernandina Beach occupies Amelia Island at the north-eastern tip of Florida, a historic town that boasts a unique Victorian charm and a flag that changed eight times over the centuries. Its historic centre, rich in period buildings, faces golden beaches and a picturesque harbour. The calm waters invite kayaking and island-hopping. Fernandina Beach is an elegant historic pearl of the Florida coast.

Wakulla Springs preserves, in northern Florida, one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, the heart of a state park of rare beauty. Its crystal-clear waters host manatees, alligators and abundant wildlife, explorable on evocative cruises among cypresses and water lilies. An imposing subtropical forest frames the scene. A natural sanctuary where the magic of the springs and the wild nature of Florida meet.

Crystal River is a picturesque town on the Gulf coast of north-central Florida, famed worldwide as one of the few places where it is possible to swim with manatees. Each winter hundreds of these gentle marine mammals gather in the warm-water springs of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, creating a unique nature experience. The area also offers kayaking, snorkelling and fishing among crystalline springs and mangroves. Between manatees, transparent waters and protected nature, Crystal River is an authentic sanctuary of Floridian aquatic wildlife.

Fine white sand and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make St Pete Beach one of the most beloved seaside resorts on Florida's west coast, set on a slender barrier island just a few kilometres from St. Petersburg and Tampa. Its beaches, regularly ranked among the best in the United States, invite days of pure relaxation amid umbrellas, water sports and spectacular sunsets over the horizon. The town's symbol is the historic Don CeSar, an elegant pink Mediterranean-style hotel nicknamed the "Pink Castle," an icon since the 1920s. Along Pass-a-Grille, the charming historic district, colourful houses, boutiques and fresh seafood restaurants line the streets. From here it is easy to reach Fort De Soto Park, with its pristine beaches and mangrove trails, or the museums and vibrant arts scene of St. Petersburg.