While many French travellers immediately think of Santorini or Mykonos when planning a holiday in Greece, a growing number are looking for destinations that offer a more authentic and immersive experience.
To help them discover the diversity of the Cyclades, French entrepreneur and digital marketing expert Clemence Borst created Visiter les Cyclades, an online magazine entirely dedicated to the archipelago.
After more than fifteen years of travelling throughout Greece, Clemence realised that French-language information about many Cycladic islands remained surprisingly limited. Although the most famous destinations are widely covered, islands such as Syros, Tinos, Sifnos, Amorgos and Andros often receive far less attention despite their remarkable history, architecture and culture.
"I wanted to create a travel magazine based on real experiences," she explains. "Not just a list of places to visit, but practical advice that helps travellers truly understand each island."
Unlike traditional travel websites, Visiter les Cyclades combines detailed destination guides, travel itineraries, ferry information, accommodation recommendations, restaurant suggestions and firsthand travel experiences gathered over years of exploring the Greek islands.
Among the destinations featured in the magazine, Syros occupies a very special place.
"The first thing that surprises French visitors is that Syros doesn't look like the Cyclades they imagine," says Clemence.
"Instead of whitewashed villages perched on cliffs, they discover Ermoupoli, an elegant neoclassical town with impressive mansions, marble squares, theatres and a fascinating cultural heritage. It's an island with a completely different identity."
As the administrative capital of the Cyclades, Syros offers visitors a unique combination of history, culture and everyday Greek life.
Walking through Ermoupoli, climbing to the medieval district of Ano Syros, enjoying concerts and cultural festivals or dining in traditional tavernas allows travellers to experience a side of Greece that often remains unknown to international visitors.
Through Visiter les Cyclades, Clemence hopes to encourage more French travellers to include Syros in their itineraries instead of simply passing through on their way to more famous islands.
"Syros deserves much more than a stopover," she says. "It's an island where culture, gastronomy and local life come together beautifully. Every time I visit, I discover something new."
The online magazine also highlights local businesses, boutique hotels, family-run restaurants and authentic experiences that help visitors connect with the island while supporting the local economy.
As French interest in Greece continues to grow, Clemence believes that islands like Syros have everything travellers are increasingly searching for: authenticity, culture, quality of life and meaningful experiences.
"My ambition is to help French travellers discover the incredible diversity of the Cyclades," she says. "Every island has its own personality, and Syros is one of the best examples of that richness."
About Visiter les Cyclades
Visiter les Cyclades is a French online magazine dedicated exclusively to the Cyclades. It features destination guides, travel itineraries, practical advice and firsthand experiences to help French-speaking travellers discover the Greek islands with confidence.
Discover more at: https://visiter-les-cyclades.fr