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Travelling in France
Paris is undoubtedly one of the world's great cities, with enough monuments, museums, restaurants, theatres and shows to last a lifetime. But, even if Paris makes the first claim on your affections, you should try to drag yourself away - France has much more to offer.
The northern provinces of Normandy and Brittany are steeped in history both ancient and modern while the LoireValley is world famous for its châteaux and the French Riviera's Nice is the epitome of chic. Meanwhile winter and mountain sports enthusiasts flock to the country's resorts in its five mountain ranges, namely the Alps, the Pyrenees, Jura, Vosges and Massif Central.
Then there is the food and wine - France's gastronomic centre is Lyon where the world's finest chefs create unique culinary masterpieces. Champagne is the most famous wine producing region in the world, and even if you forego the fizz the allure of Bordeaux's rich reds are bound to tempt.
And wherever you go, you'll find the French dedication to enjoying the best of everything, whether wine, fashion or culture, is everywhere. Let the love affair begin.
See & Do in France
From its cities, steeped in art and history, to its stunning and varied countryside France can boast some of the most beautiful locations in the world. Here are our top attractions in Europe's most sophisticated country.
EiffelTower - Paris
One of the world's most famous monuments - La Tour Eiffel is an unmistakeable feature of the Paris skyline. Designed by Gustav Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair in the French capital, at 300 metres the tower was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion. It is no exaggeration to say that the EiffelTower is the symbol not only of Paris but of the entire country, and its iconic status is known the world over.
The Louvre - Paris
Is this the best museum in the world? Possibly - but you will need plenty of time to decide for yourself as it is also one of the largest. The Louvre's varied artefacts range from Egyptian art to the iconic and enigmatic Mona Lisa. Don't miss the controversial glass pyramid entrance, which still causes contention over a decade after it was installed.
See the Paris guide of our partner topdestination.org for more highlights of the city
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| Loire Valley
The 300 châteaux around Tours and Blois, one of France - and Europe's - most beautiful areas of natural beauty, is the LoireValley. This breathtaking region is even just about close enough to Paris to be able to take a day trip out of the city. It is certainly well worth making the effort to see the many marvellous castles that date from various periods in France's history, all against the backdrop of this verdant valley. The very best examples are Chenonceau, Azay Le Rideau, Chambord and Angers. You can even stay in some, such as Gizeux, near Saumur. The Son et Lumiere (sound and light) shows at Amboise and Blois are a thrilling spectacle as the grand old buildings are lit up with the latest in laser technology.
The French Riviera
The French Riviera may be a playground for the rich, but the region has sand and sea enough for mere mortals to share in as well, and the beaches are easily as beautiful as the people that adorn them, with golden sand and azure seas. Main centre Nice has a picturesque old town, plenty of places to stay and the famous Promenade des Anglais. Other slightly less glitzy resorts such as Antibes offer sandy beaches and fine harbours - and, many would argue, more character. Meanwhile, capital of chic Cannes simply oozes money and glitz. At exclusive St Tropez the rich and glamorous party through the night on millionaires' yachts moored in the harbour.
The Alps
The French Alpine ski resorts are among the best and biggest in the world, drawing ski enthusiasts from all over Europe and beyond. The ThreeValleys, Val d'Isère and La Plagne offer vast ski areas, affordable prices and modern facilities. In the summer months the ski runs turn into walking paths and bike trails, and swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses appear from under the snow. Even the bone idle can appreciate the stunning scenery with the small picturesque villages nestling in the shadow of snow-capped mountains offering a warm welcome to everyone.
Brittany
Brittany's jagged coastline hides dozens of sandy beaches, seaside resorts and lively harbours, ripe for discovery. Further inland, more than 650km of navigable rivers and canals create a network of waterways - making the area a great destination for barge or boat holidays.The tiny enclave of Mont St Michel is the most spectacular of the region's attractions. A kilometre offshore this islet has been a monastery for well over a thousand years. The spire of the central cathedral rises 80m above the waves that completely surround the mount at high tide.
Normandy
On June 6, 1944, Normandy was indelibly written into history as the Allied forces made their D-Day landings on its beaches and pushed onto the European mainland. As you'd expect, there are numerous museums dedicated to World War Two, including the excellent Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie in Bayeux. The town is equally famous for its 70-metre tapestry showing the Battle of Hastings. Also in the region, don't miss the gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet at Giverny.
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