NORTH CAROLINA

Three Distinct Regions, One State

Think of North Carolina in terms of its three distinct regions: In western North Carolina, the highest mountains in the eastern United States rise. This region is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, both of which are part of the 3,200-kilometer-long Appalachian Mountain Range. The rolling hills of central North Carolina – famous for its golf courses, bustling cities like Charlotte and Raleigh and historic towns – soften as you approach the vast, lush fields of the state’s coastal plain. And more than 515 kilometers of sandy beaches form the state’s eastern border along the Atlantic Ocean. Taken together, North Carolina presents an outdoor paradise, offering hundreds of waterfalls, four national forests and dozens of lakes in addition to the Atlantic Ocean coast, which draws visitors to its shoreline and the Outer Banks, a string of wilderness islands.

MUST-SEES:

Blue Mountains And Lands Of Adventures

In the western part of the state, North Carolina’s mountainous landscape reaches an altitude of 2,037 meters at Mount Mitchell. The region’s forested peaks with their blue and gray halos offer a landscape of rare beauty and evocative names: the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Two of the National Park Service’s most popular sites, they provide access to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers 3,380 kilometers of hiking trails and is home to elk, black bear and other impressive species, as well as rare species of salamanders, blue fireflies and 200 species of birds.

The 650-kilometer-long Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its spectacular views – watch for designated lookout points – and access to trails, waterfalls and bike paths (in fact, the city of Brevard is nicknamed the “Cycling Capital of the South”). Designated as America’s favorite scenic route, the Blue Ridge Parkway is especially beautiful in the fall, when the tree canopy shows off fiery-colored foliage. It also leads to a variety of attractions including Grandfather Mountain (elevation 1,812 meters), with billion-year-old rock formations, a biodiverse nature preserve and the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which swings 150 feet over a gorge, and Chimney Rock State Park, for hiking, climbing and views of Lake Lure, where 1980s classic “Dirty Dancing” was filmed. The Blue Ridge Parkway also leads to dramatic zip line courses and roadside stops where visitors can learn about folk art, local crafts, fiddle and banjo music, area history related to the Cherokee people and more. For something different, follow the Parkway to Asheville to tour the Biltmore Estate, an emblem of America’s gilded age.

Invigorating and peaceful hiking trails crisscross the state, including the Appalachian Trail and the nearly 1,900-kilometer Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which connects the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.

A Seaside And Wild Coastline

A narrow strip of barrier islands runs along North Carolina’s 515 kilometers of Atlantic Ocean coastline. The giant dunes, vast beaches and wilderness of this ribbon of islands, called the Outer Banks, provide the perfect setting for unforgettable excursions and colorful history. The natural coastline of Cape Hatteras – known for its lighthouse, the largest brick lighthouse in the country – and Cape Lookout is home to a fragile environment and allows visitors to connect with the region’s maritime heritage. Walk in the footsteps of the English who settled the first American colony here, and in those of the Wright Brothers, who made the first motorized flight in history nearby in 1903. You

Practical Information

POPULATION: 10.60 million

CAPITAL & MAIN CITIES : Raleigh (capital), Charlotte, Asheville

TIME DIFFERENCE : -6h can also see herds of wild horses in the area, heirs to the Spanish mustang breed, which have inhabited the Outer Banks since the arrival of settlers in the 16th century and continue to roam the beaches of Corolla and Shackleford Banks today.

CLIMATE: Four distinct seasons marked by warm summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from -5 degrees in winter to 33 degrees in the height of summer.

WHEN TO GO? Year-round, depending whether you want snowy mountain adventures in winter, a mild spring dotted with blooms, a hot summer (perfect for water recreation) or a pleasant autumn.

LOCAL TIP: Enjoy one of the 350 North Carolina-produced beers on tap at the Raleigh Beer Garden. This establishment, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, is a great place to experience the state’s brewing culture.

The coast is a haven for fishermen, seafood lovers and adventurers. Thrill-seekers will enjoy various activities such as hang-gliding, kite-surfing, surfing and stand-up paddling. Outdoor yoga classes on the beach or on a stand-up paddleboard will delight those seeking inner peace.

North Carolina’s coastal villages add charm to the state’s shoreline, from Edenton, the country’s first colonial capital, to Beaufort, formerly the pirate Blackbeard’s coastal sanctuary. His treasures are now housed in the town’s Maritime Museum.

City Experiences

Central North Carolina, called the Piedmont, is home to the state’s largest cities, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Durham. These are filled with restaurants that carry on the state’s signature culinary traditions. Foodies can count on barbecue masters, award-winning chefs, brewmasters and winemakers. Night owls will enjoy these towns with their regular bluegrass and folk concerts and lively beer gardens.

Two hours from the beaches and three hours from the mountains, the vibrant capital city of Raleigh is a renowned culinary destination. The city also boasts over 80 live music venues and hosts the World of Bluegrass, the world’s largest bluegrass festival, annually in September. The downtown area is easily explored on foot, where many historic sites, arts centers and free museums make Raleigh a cultural hot spot. (Don’t miss “CAM,” the Contemporary Art Museum, Artspace or the Lincoln Theater.)

In addition to its nightlife, Charlotte is known for sporting events. Attending a Carolina Panthers game is a great way to mix with the locals. Car enthusiasts can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame or drive to nearby Concord to watch a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway or visit the Mustang Owner’s Museum, which displays classic, modified, racing and unique models.

Back on the western side of the state, toast to one last fun fact: North Carolina is known as the “Southern Beer State” because – with over 360 craft breweries of all sizes and specialties – it claims the highest number of breweries among the Southern states. Asheville is the epicenter of North Carolina’s beer culture thanks to the opening of Highland Brewing Company in 1994. Since then, Asheville has seen its number of breweries and beer festivals multiply.

From Paris: Year-round, there is a flight from Paris to Raleigh five days a week. In season, a direct flight is offered between Paris and Charlotte. Out of season, you can also fly to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

From Munich: flight from Munich to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

From Dublin, Frankfurt, London, and Madrid to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

From Reykjavik to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)

GATEWAYS:

Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Charlotte Douglas (CLT)

Raleigh-Durham (RDU)