Why choose Pennsylvania for your next trip?
Located in the Northeast of the United States, Pennsylvania holds a unique place in the country's history.
It was in Philadelphia, on July 4, 1776, that the American Declaration of Independence was signed.
A few decades later, it was on this soil that one of the most decisive episodes of the Civil War played out,
during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Traveling in Pennsylvania, therefore, means crossing centuries of American history,
from battlefields to preserved colonial neighborhoods.
But Pennsylvania is not just about its past. Between its two major cities, Philadelphia in the east and Pittsburgh in the west,
lie varied landscapes: dense forests, encased rivers, gentle mountains, and rolling countryside.
The state has nearly 850,000 hectares of forests, which is why it is named after the Latin "Penn's Woods".
This natural wealth makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts as well as culture buffs.
What makes a custom travel in Pennsylvania particularly interesting is also the state's human diversity.
Lancaster County is home to one of the largest Amish communities in North America. In Amish country,
horse-drawn buggies replace cars, traditional farms dot the landscape, and local markets offer a dive
into a timeless way of life. A rare cultural encounter, just a few hours from New York.
What to see and do during a trip in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania can be experienced at different paces and according to very different desires. Here is an overview of what this state can offer,
from large cities to the most remote natural spaces.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the two faces of the state
Philadelphia is often the first step in a custom travel in Pennsylvania. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Independence National Historical Park,
includes foundational sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its famous steps immortalized by the film Rocky, and the Barnes Foundation,
which gathers one of the world's finest Impressionist collections, complete an exceptional cultural offering.
Geographically opposite, Pittsburgh often surprises travelers. Former steel capital turned cultural and artistic hub,
the city hosts the Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the local hero, as well as the Carnegie museums of art and natural history.
Pittsburgh is also known for its 446 bridges, a world record, and for its lively neighborhoods like Lawrenceville or the Strip District.
Great outdoors, nature, and unusual experiences
Beyond the cities, Pennsylvania unfolds generous nature. The Poconos Mountains in the northeast offer hiking trails
and spectacular waterfalls. Ohiopyle State Park is crossed by the Youghiogheny River, perfect for white-water rafting.
For architecture enthusiasts, a visit to Fallingwater, the house over the waterfall designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a must.
Perched above a stream in the Laurel Highlands, this building constructed in 1936 is considered one of the masterpieces
of modern architecture.
There is no shortage of activities to tailor a stay in Pennsylvania to your liking:
- Hiking and biking on the Great Allegheny Passage, a 370-kilometer route connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland;
- Kayak and canoe on th...
