GOLF
What do say we go play a few holes down by the beach in Dinard and Wimereux, or in Basque country at Chantaco golf course in Saint-Jean-de-Luz?

Work on your swing by day before indulging in some fine dining in Bordeaux or enjoy the dolce vita on the Côte d’Azur after a day on the green, and if you’re feeling up to it, take a hike in the Alps.

Women will be the main focus with their own tournament: The Evian Championship, in 2018. Grab your clubs! We’ll see you on the green for the Ryder Cup at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines national golf course.

CUISINE
There’s no rumbling stomach France can’t satisfy, whether in a gourmet bistro or Michelin-starred restaurant, a cosy rustic inn or café, a street food truck or a market. Tables everywhere groan with the French basics: crunchy baguette, decadent cheeses and pastries and fine wine.

Meal time is sacred and to be treasured, in good company with plenty of lively conversation – it’s a way of life in France.

CULTURE
Dive into a melting pot of culture! If the museums are too busy, don’t fear – there are plenty of other ways to get your culture fix in France. Hunt down Parisian street signs and look up their history on Paristique, then head down into the catacombs to glimpse the city’s remarkable underbelly.

On the Croix-Rousse hillside in Lyon you can consider whether graffiti really is art – and in Bordeaux you’re spoilt for choice of theatres, cinemas and concerts.

MOUNTAIN
The mountain is where it’s at!

Ski and snowball fight during the picturesque winter on Mont Blanc or try snowshoes and dogsledding on the Vosges Mountains.

When things warm up go trekking in the Jura Mountains or splash around in the Pyrenean lakes during the summer, or throw your rucksacks on your back and set off on long hikes via ferrata routes. When you make it to the top, take a flight on a paragliders or dare to give skydiving a try.

FESTIVALS
Festival season runs all year in France. There are festivals by the sea and on the ski slopes, festivals in castles and festivals in churches. Blues in Binic, jazz in Sète, cello in Beauvais, rock in Saint-Malo, the Transmusicales in Rennes, musicals in Aix-en-Provence, dance in Lyon, photography in Arles… enjoy!

SEASIDE
Did everyone bring their swimmers? Creek or beach, sand or pebble, seaside or ocean, rough or waveless, there will be something for everyone.

Next, head to the beaches of Normandy with a bucket and spade in hand, get everyone involved in a diving competition in Etretat or try your luck at kiting in Saint-Brieuc.

The amazing calanques on the Cassis’ coastline is an absolute must! Or give scuba diving a try in Ajaccio or try to hang ten surfing in Guéthary, and if water sports aren’t for you, work on your tan at the Côte d’Azur.

FAISHON
It’s time for a lesson in French fashion! Hit the streets and chase the latest trends, where the elegant, the daring, the hipsters, the suits, the urbans and chics, prance side by side.

Sit front row at fashion shows inspired both high fashion house designers and the lesser-known. If you live for fashion, wear your sailor’s stripes or N°5 and pay tribute to Jean-Paul Gaultier and Coco Chanel.

WINE
We’re off to the vineyards! From Alsace to Médoc, Bourgogne and Champagne, and from winemaking estates to wine cellar cooperatives, we’re off on the route des Vins (wine route). We’ll stop to admire the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the côtes du Rhône. We’ll call in at the Cité du Vin and get on top of our food and wine pairings over some bottles of Romanée-Conti. We’ll even try vinotherapy at Caudalie. To top it all off, we’ll have lunch with the winemakers and help them bring in the harvest in September.

ART & CRAFT
Make sure you pay a visit to France’s numerous artisans and craftspeople. At the market or in their workshops, they pass down traditions to ensure that ancient skills survive today.
You can watch them weaving wicker, sculpting wood, tanning hides, making soap or stitching by hand with golden thread.

Take home a hamper from the Alps, ‘santons’ (charms) from Provence, wooden toys from the Vosges and espadrilles from the Basque Country – all products made exclusively in France.

NATURE
Sea breeze or mountain air, it’s all just as fresh!

Rediscover the joys of camping in the Ardèche, catching fish and foraging for the evening meal by the fire. Go for long walks and bike rides in the forest and build your own log cabin or relax and picnic alongside Normandy’s infamous cows.

In the Lot, be adventurous and look out for caves to explore, canyons to descend, and rocky heights to climb.

Just saying Provence conjures up a scene of summer, of air filled with the scent of lavender, the tangy aroma of freshly pressed olive oil and the sound of cicadas singing. In winter though, there’s nothing quite like the sight of the snow-capped peak of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Provence really is a year round destination which offers a taste of the good life in a way that’s truly unique. Genuine joie de vivre is found in every corner of Provence, from villages and historic towns to the mountains and untamed countryside.

Provence must-sees
Marseille, the city on the edge of the Mediterranean
Marseille makes for a fabulous first port of call. On arrival, head to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde to greet the “Bonne Mère” (the Good Mother) who watches over the city from her 160 meter (525 feet) high perch. Peek inside at the suspended model boats – votive offerings, and colourful mosaics. Outside, there are breath-taking views over the city, sea and the harbour which is crowned by the fabulous contemporary museum of Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). A footbridge runs between the museum and the old Fort Saint-Jean, symbolising the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean.

Aix-en-Provence, at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain
In Aix-en-Provence, take a break from shopping in the chic boutiques to admire the architectural treasures of the town nicknamed “little Versailles” thanks to its classically proportioned mansions and elegant baroque town hall. Walk in the footsteps of the great painter Cézanne, a son of Aix-en-Provence, and visit his studio at Les Lauves. Enjoy the most sublime views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain from the nearby Esplanade Cezanne, a sight which inspired the artist to capture its beauty in more than 80 paintings.

The Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence in Les Alpilles, is one of the most beautiful hilltop villages of Provence. Carved into arid white rock, this small town is home to some twenty historic monuments dotted around its cobbled streets – including an ancient castle. Don’t miss the Carrières de Lumières, a gallery in a former quarry that’s now dedicated to extraordinary, immersive art exhibitions.

Avignon, city of the Popes
In Avignon, discover the ancient Papal state in the Rhone Valley. The dazzling architecture of the UNESCO listed historic centre was shaped by the Popes who lived there. The jewel in the crown is without a doubt the Palace of the Popes. It’s the largest Gothic palace in the western world and was home to nine successive Popes in the 14th century. In the courtyard of the Palace, the famous Festival of Avignon was founded in 1947. 25 rooms, from the chapels with their incredible frescoes to the apartments of the Pope, provide a stunning backdrop for the arts and exhibitions.

Art de vivre in Provence
The art of the good life in Provence is enhanced by its vineyards. From the Mediterranean port town of Bandol in Var, renowned for its deep reds to the great wines of Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, there are endless wine trails to relish. Along the way, you’ll experience the pleasures of Provence: take in an opera performed in the glorious Roman theatre of Orange – it’s an unforgettable experience, and marvel at the colourful markets, filled with the fragrance of Provence…

Nature puts on a show
A visit to Provence is also about immersing yourself in its exceptional natural landscape. Whether by car, on foot or by bike à la Tour de France, don’t miss a trip up Mont Ventoux, known as the giant of Provence (1911 meters/6269 feet high). The splendour of the Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe, lined with emerald waters is astounding. Or you might prefer to discover the Camargue and explore its vast wild spaces of land and water where the famous white horses and bulls graze alongside wild pink flamingos.

Gastronomy of Provence
Life in Provence is intensified by its gastronomic specialties and the flavours grown from its rich earth. The fruity olive oil which, mixed with capers and olives makes tasty tapenade, and the aromatic herbs of Provence make a marvellous addition to so many dishes. In Marseille, try the bouillabaisse, an iconic fish soup, and in Martigues, the local speciality, poutargue, is a caviar made from the eggs of mullet or tuna. Sun-baked vegetables feature in dishes like ratatouille, delicious with Camargue rice, or soup au pistou flavoured with piquant basil. Enjoy them raw with anchoïade, a sauce made with anchovies, capers and garlic, or boiled with cod and aioli (garlic mayonnaise). For the sweet toothed, crystallised fruit, a specialty of of Apt, or Calissons d’Aix, almond and orange blossom flavoured biscuits, will definitely hit the mark.

It’s another south. A south where nature, both dramatic and serene between the Pyrenees and the Cevennes, serves as a haven for the most original experiences. And where the copper stone carries memories from the centuries, from Nîmes la Romaine to the Cathar castles and the medieval Carcassonne and Rocamadour. Begin with the pinkest of all: Toulouse! Friendly and celebratory, the regional capital embodies the sweetness of life in Occitanie at every turn – especially on its terrace bars with breathtaking views of the Garonne.

The must-sees in Occitanie-South of France
What is there to visit in Occitanie? To capture the spirit of the region and see life in pink, head first to Toulouse.

Toulouse
The coppery tints of its bricks give it an air of Italy, but its monuments have a very singular personality: explore the Capitol, its Town Hall; the interminable neoclassical façade of the basilica of Saint-Sernin, a masterpiece of Romanesque art; and the Gothic Couvent des Jacobins. Not to mention the Hotel Assézat, one of France’s most stunning Renaissance mansions to punctuate its courtyards and alleys.
From the Pink City, you can easily explore the rest of Occitanie and discover some gems left behind by skilled architects.

Albi
In Tarn, the episcopal city of Albi is a gem of architecture – its Cathedral Sainte-Cécile is a masterpiece of Gothic art and contains the largest collection of Italian Renaissance paintings executed in France.

Cathar country
To fully go back in time to the Middle Ages, two other wonders must be explored: the fortified city of Carcassonne and its imposing wall punctuated by 52 towers, and the medieval village of Rocamadour, clinging to a cliff 150 metres above the Alzou canyon. And push on to Montpellier: close to the sea, you’ll get delightfully lost in the winding streets of its old Ecusson centre. Occitanie, then independent from France, finally rallied the kingdom in the 13th century following the crusade against Cathar heresy. This memory permeates the famous Cathar castles, fortified citadels where the Albigensians took refuge.

Nîmes
In Nîmes, you dive straight into antiquity. Inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, its huge amphitheatre is the best preserved in the Roman world. You can also add on extra visits such as the Museum of Romanity or the amazing Castellum, arrival point of the Nîmes aqueduct. All that remains is to head 40 kilometres out of the city to the Pont du Gard. At a height of 48 metres, you can witness the whole story of this incredible aqueduct that carried water to the fountains, gardens and houses of Nîmes, from a spring near Uzès.

Occitanie: gentle experiences combining sport and culture

Love sport or love culture? In Occitanie you can combine the two by cycling along the Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète, passing through Narbonne – its 241 kilometres are strewn with monuments and exceptional landscapes. To vary the pleasures, you can also opt for a boat ride. And for music lovers, there’s nothing like the experience of the jazz festival in Marciac: the world’s greatest names in the genre meet there each summer.

To fully soak up Toulouse’s party atmosphere, you need to go to a bar, either indoors or on a terrace with your feet in the Garonne. Then all that’s left is to enjoy the calm of the Cévennes mountains, whose national park is the largest of its kind in France.

Traditions and heritage in Occitanie-South of France
Occitanie is also home to some unusual traditions. At the Maison Causse in Aveyron are expert tanners who turn the finest leathers into gloves. And on the roof of the Galeries Lafayette in Toulouse, you can enjoy a 180-degree panorama across the Pink City while enjoying the culinary delights of chef Michel Sarran.

In Northern France you take to the heights: but not the ones you might expect!
To the north, dazzling monuments stand out: the splendid Gothic cathedral of Amiens, Arras square with its Flemish Baroque influences, and Renaissance-inspired Chateau de Chantilly. Plus the most important military cemetery in France! All these sit alongside extraordinary cultural spots including the Louvre-Lens, an Art-Déco art museum, and giant aquarium Nausicáa.

The must-sees in Hauts-de-France
Gateway to Northern France, the Château de Chantilly is not only a magnificent chateau set in a park of 115 hectares – its sumptuous apartments, commissioned by the Duke of Aumale, also house the second collection of ancient paintings in France after the Louvre, and the second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts after the BNF (France’s National Library)!

Lille
In Lille, the old capital of Flanders, do you have to wear your swimsuit to go to the museum? You might be tempted to believe it, as its André Diligent Roubaix Museum of Art and Industry is installed in a fabulous 1930s Art-Déco pool. Admire sculptures by Rodin, Claudel and Picasso at the edge of the pool, illuminated by the gigantic glass roof! Between the Lille Flandres and Lille Europe stations is another unusual place dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions, performances and parties: the Tripostal, a 1950s building formerly dedicated to sorting the city’s post.

From Amiens to Arras
Visiting Northern France also means going back in time, strolling through the medieval streets of Amiens housing its flamboyant Gothic cathedral, or around the Grande Place in Arras, lined with houses merging classicism with French and Flemish Baroque styles.

The Opal Coast
Then we head for the Opal Coast, stopping at Montreuil-sur-Mer, a pretty town whose imposing 13th-century ramparts dominate the Canche River. Along the water we arrive at Le Touquet Paris-Plage, a chic Art-Déco seaside resort. The ‘Jardin de la Manche’ groups together around 20 buildings listed as historical monuments, mainly villas dating from the Roaring Twenties, neo-Norman or neo-medieval times.

Around the Louvre-Lens
If there’s one place that symbolises the rebirth of a territory, it’s the Louvre-Lens. Built on a former coal mining site, this ‘other Louvre’ is the locomotive of the cultural, tourist and ecological conversion of this flagship city of the mining basin. From antiquity to modern times, it revisits 5,000 years of art history in the Galerie du Temps where 205 Louvre masterpieces are on permanent display. Complete this with a visit to Lens, which has unsuspected wealth; although almost entirely destroyed during the First World War, it has been rebuilt in an eclectic style that gives pride of place to Art Déco.

Gourmet treats from Hauts-de-France
Among the sweet delicacies of Northern France, the waffle from Méert is without doubt the most famous: filled with Madagascan vanilla, it’s the emblem of this prestigious confectioner which has delighted the Lillois since 1761. If you have a sweet tooth, you should also taste the marvellous double meringues welded together by a chocolate whipped cream, and the tarte au sucre, made with brown sugar from sugar beet.

Do you know the Picardy ficelle? Unrelated to the mini baguette, it’s actually a kind of crêpe (pancake) stuffed with ham and mushroom duxelle and topped with cream and grated Gruyère cheese.

In Northern France you can also feast on the ratte potato from Le Touquet, eaten in its skin; waterzoi, a dish originating from Belgium made from poultry or fish with vegetables cooked in a broth with crème fraîche; or Maroilles flammiche, an iconic cheese pie from the region.

As for the fricadelle, it’s a must for any self-respecting ch’ti (Pas-de-Calais local): try this minced meat sausage in the local chip shops, accompanied by chips of course!

Here you can climb to the summit of a mountain or dip your toes in a crystal clear lake: in the shadow of Mont Blanc in the Alps, the pure air will soon have you feeling refreshed and relaxed. In winter, ski resorts tempt you onto the slopes then afterwards recharge your batteries at invigorating mountain spas and magnificent restaurants and places to stay. In the summer the fresh air and natural beauty of the Alps are an invitation to disconnect from the pressures of daily life. Hike across the peaks and through fragrant meadows, enjoy an exhilarating white water rafting ride, or discover the artisans and their traditional crafts – there’s so much to do…

Must-sees in the Alps
Whenever you visit the Alps, you’re guaranteed breath-taking views in the French mountains. Pre-ski season watch as the first snowflakes fall on the slopes, it’s quite magical. Then when the snow settles, take your pick from downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and Nordic Skiing to conquer the Alps.

Non-skiers and families are also perfectly catered for in the Alps with cosy mountain spas, snowshoeing and sunny terraces, ideal for those who want an active break or simply to relax.

Where to ski in winter
With 112 resorts, Savoie and Haute-Savoie offer mountain holidays for everyone. The 3 Vallées make up one of the largest ski areas in the world. Sophisticated Courchevel combines skiing with a spot of superb shopping. In Méribel you’ll experience an authentic Savoyard atmosphere in traditional chalets. Reach for the sky at Val-Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300 metres high (2,515 yards). For lofty mountain sports, Tignes will float your boat: the 2 Alpes, Val d’Isère and Alpe d’Huez are among a handful of resorts where you can ski in the summer. Avoriaz is a fully pedestrianised resort (except for sleds!) and hosts a unique series of contemporary art exhibitions and music festivals each year. And from Saint-Gervais or Chamonix, discover the famous Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, on the slopes of Mont Blanc, one of the most legendary peaks in the world.

How to spend summer in the Alps
Summer in the mountains is the perfect place for wandering. Thousands of kilometres of marked trails are perfect for hiking, mountain biking and cycling. The forests make for an idyllic playground with many tree climbing courses. And, there are white water experiences galore, from a canoe, kayak or raft. But if you feel like something a little less strenuous, take a tour of the Alps or the grand lakes such as the unforgettable Lake Annecy or Lake Bourget…

From sport to relaxation in the heart of the Alps
Whether you seek a totally relaxing holiday, a high adrenalin sports break or something in between, the Alps will suit your needs. When the weather is good, hop aboard a sailing boat on Lake Annecy and follow the historic route Napoleon took on his return to France from exile in 1815. Maybe you you’d like to try paragliding, hiking and sleeping overnight in a mountain refuge, or discover the arts and crafts of the mountain artisans. Winter brings many types of snow sports including the unusual, like diving under the ice, flying down a zip-line or a bracing horse ride over powdery snow. Whenever you visit, take time to be pampered at one of the many luxury spas. From salt walls to ice caves, beauty products created from mountain specialities like donkey milk and bee pollen, the Alps are the perfect place to recharge your batteries.

Gastronomy at the summit
A little indulgence is a good thing, especially in the mountains where fine dining excels. No less than 40 starred restaurants feature in the Michelin Guide, an unusually high number in one area. Wild herbs, alpine products like Reblochon cheese or Sisteron lamb feature on the menus of the grand restaurants of Mont Blanc which compete with each other to be the most innovative and delicious. There are also the tasty food trucks and cheese bars for less formal dining. Families will love the hearty dishes of the Alps – from cold meats to the famous raclette, tartiflette and fondue dishes. In Meribel you can even enjoy dinner under the stars in a gondola. But whatever you do, make sure you leave room for ‘les bugnes’, the moreish, iconic donuts of the Duchy of Savoy!

From the boulevards of Paris to the fashionable seaside resorts of the Côte d’Azur, France offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Fairy-tale castles, glorious cathedrals, and picture-perfect villages delight romantics. At the same time, the country’s contemporary monuments and rapid train transit jolt visitors from the storybook surroundings into the ambience of the 21st century.

Begin with the Eiffel Tower, the modern emblem of France. Then discover famous masterpieces of art at the Louvre Museum. Spend a day pretending to be royalty at the elegant Palace of Versailles. Save time for leisurely gourmet meals – traditional French gastronomy has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Each region has its own distinctive cuisine and culture. The coastal region of Brittany offers the old-world charm of quaint fishing villages and ancient seaports, while the French Alps reveals the region’s hearty cuisine of cheese fondue and charcuterie served in cozy chalets near ski slopes.

Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a feat of ingenuity as much as it is a famous landmark. This structure of 8,000 metallic parts was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair of 1889. Originally loathed by critics, the 320-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline.

The Eiffel Tower’s gracefulness has earned it the nickname of “Iron Lady.” Visitors are impressed by the tower’s delicate airiness despite its monumental size and the breathtaking panoramas at each of the three levels.

Tourists can dine with a view at the first level or indulge at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the second level. At the exhilarating height of 276 meters, the top level offers a sweeping outlook over the city of Paris and beyond. Vistas extend as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day.

Louvre Museum
In a stately palace that was once a royal residence, the Louvre ranks among the top European collections of fine arts. Many of Western Civilization’s most famous works are found here, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture.

The collection owes its wealth to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre. Other pieces were added as a result of France’s treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I.

The Louvre has an astounding collection of 35,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces. It’s impossible to see it all in a day or even in a week.

Palace of Versailles
More than just a royal residence, Versailles was designed to show off the glory of the French monarchy. “Sun King” Louis XIV transformed his father’s small hunting lodge into an opulent palace with a sumptuous Baroque interior. The palace became Louis XIV’s symbol of absolute power and set the standard for princely courts in Europe.

Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart created the elegant Baroque facade and lavish interior of the Château de Versailles, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most emblematic space in the castle is the Hall of Mirrors, where courtiers waited for an audience with His Majesty. This dazzling hall sparkles with sunlight that enters through the windows and is reflected off massive ornamental mirrors.

Versailles is equally renowned for Les Jardins, formal French gardens featuring decorative pools, perfectly trimmed shrubbery, and magnificent fountains. The gardens were created in the 17th century by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre and are surrounded by 800 hectares of lush parkland.

Beyond the formal gardens is the Domaine de Trianon, which includes Le Grand Trianon palace; Le Petit Trianon château; and Le Hameau de la Reine, Marie-Antoinette’s fabricated pastoral village featuring quaint rustic buildings set around a lake.

Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet originally had a working dairy and farm. This idyllic spot was designed as a place for Marie-Antoinette to escape court life and spend time with her children. Marie-Antoinette also came here for walks and to visit with friends. The hamlet is one of the best places to visit at the Château de Versailles to get a glimpse of the private world of Marie-Antoinette.

Côte d’Azur
The most fashionable stretch of coastline in France, the Côte d’Azur extends from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. Côte d’Azur translates to “Coast of Blue,” a fitting name to describe the Mediterranean’s mesmerizing cerulean waters. To English speakers, this glamorous seaside destination is known as the French Riviera, words that have a ring of sun-drenched decadence.

During summer, the seaside resorts are packed with beach lovers and sun-worshippers. The rich and famous are also found here in their lavish villas and luxury yachts. The town of Nice has panoramic sea views and stellar art museums. Cannes is famous for its celebrity film festival and legendary hotels.

The best sandy beaches are found in Antibes, which also has an atmospheric Old Town and superb museums. Saint-Tropez offers fabulous public and private beaches along with the charm of a Provençal fishing village, while Monaco seduces with its exclusive ambience and stunning scenery.

Mont Saint-Michel
Rising dramatically from a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most striking landmarks. This “Pyramid of the Seas” is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by imposing defensive walls and bastions.

The main tourist attraction, the Abbaye de Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture with soaring Gothic spires. Visitors are awed by the serene beauty of the Abbey Church, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.

Since it was built in the 11th century, the Abbey Church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, known as “The Heavenly Jerusalem.” Modern-day pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay by foot as it was done in the Middle Ages.

Loire Valley Châteaux
Traveling through the Loire Valley feels like turning the pages of a children’s storybook. Throughout the enchanting countryside of woodlands and river valleys are fairy-tale castles complete with moats and turreted towers. The entire area of the Loire Valley, a lush area known as the “Garden of France,” is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the Loire castles are medieval fortresses built on hilltops and surrounded by ramparts. However, the most famous Loire châteaux are sumptuous Renaissance palaces that were designed purely for enjoyment and entertaining, as an extension of court life outside of Paris.

The Château de Chambord, built for King Francis I, is the most magnificent château; Château de Chenonceau has a distinctive feminine style; and the Château de Cheverny is a Neoclassical-style manor house in idyllic surroundings.

It is also worth visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges as well as the city of Orléans, where Joan of Arc helped defeat the English army in 1429, and the Château Royal d’Amboise, the residence of French kings for five hundred years.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
For more than eight centuries, the magnificence of Chartres Cathedral has inspired the faithful, and some say this sublime sanctuary has restored belief in the doubtful. The UNESCO-listed cathedral exemplifies the glory of medieval Gothic architecture.

The Chartres Cathedral is renowned for its marvelous stained-glass windows, most dating to the 13th century. Covering 2,500 square meters, the brilliant stained-glass windows allow colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The intricately detailed windows reveal the incredible craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.

The rose windows are especially noteworthy for their incredible size and details. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window that dates from the 12th century.

From April through October, the city of Chartres hosts a Festival of Lights (Chartres en Lumières). This free public event includes spectacular evening light shows, illuminating the cathedral and over 20 other monuments in the city. The cathedral is enlivened by multicolor scenes that resemble the monument’s medieval-era painted facade. The light shows are accompanied by music for a truly dazzling presentation.

Provence
Provence is a gorgeous landscape of olive groves, sun-drenched rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with little villages nestled in the valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scenery has enchanted many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.

The rustic natural beauty and country charm of Provence immerses visitors in a place where the art de vivre is a way of life. Sultry weather encourages leisurely strolls along cobblestone streets and afternoons spent on sunny terraces of outdoor cafés. Provence is also a region known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

The quintessential Provençal town, Aix-en-Provence is famous for its colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France. Fascinating ancient ruins and traditional festivals distinguish the town of Arles. The medieval city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes.

Even tiny villages, like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Rémy, and Gordes, have amazing historic sites, fantastic museums, and an irresistibly quaint ambience.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The awesome spectacle of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an unforgettable sight. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc soars to 4,810 meters. Thanks to its elevation, Mont Blanc (“White Mountain”) is always blanketed in snow.

Beneath its heavenly peak is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix, nestled in a high-mountain valley. This quaint little town is filled with historic churches, cozy chalet restaurants, and charming auberges.

Chamonix is a great base for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor adventures, or just relaxing. This delightful village is one of the best places to visit in France for inspiring natural scenery and alpine accommodations. Upscale mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.

Catering to diners with good appetites, local restaurants serve hearty traditional French meals, as well as international cuisine. To sample the regional Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue, and raclette (melted Gruyère, Comté or Emmentaler cheese served with boiled potatoes).

Alsace Villages
Some of the prettiest villages in France are tucked away in the green, rolling hills of Alsace, where the Vosges Mountains border the Rhine River of Germany. These picturesque Alsatian villages feature pastel-painted, half-timbered houses clustered around small parish churches. Cheerful flowering balconies and pedestrian cobblestone streets add to the appeal.

Many of the villages have won France’s “Villages Fleuris” award for their lovely floral decorations, such as Obernai, with its characteristic burghers’ houses; the charming little village of Ribeauvillé, where many homes are adorned with potted flowers; the “town of art and history” Guebwiller; and the captivating medieval village of Bergheim.

Other flower-bedecked Alsatian villages are so pretty that they have been designated as both “Villages Fleuris” and “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), including the storybook hamlet of Riquewihr, with its quaint historic houses, and the enchanting village of Eguisheim, nestled in a valley. Another “Most Beautiful Village” is Mittelbergheim, known for its gastronomy and gorgeous pastoral landscape, at the foot of the verdant Mont Saint-Odile.

For those planning an Alsace vacation itinerary, Colmar is a good base to explore the Alsatian villages and surrounding nature trails.

Carcassonne
With its turreted towers and crenellated ramparts, Carcassonne seems straight out of a fairy-tale scene. This well-preserved (and renovated) fortified city offers a total immersion into the world of the Middle Ages.

Known as la Cité, the UNESCO-listed walled medieval town of Carcassonne is a warren of narrow, winding cobblestone lanes and quaint old houses. Nearly every street, square, and building has retained its historic character. Within la Cité, the 12th-century Château Comtal is particularly interesting and reveals the fascinating heritage of the Cathar country in the Languedoc region.

Must-see tourist attractions are the double-circuited ramparts with 54 towers and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire with spectacular stained-glass windows. One of the other popular things to do here is view the Bastille Day fireworks on July 14th.

Brittany
Brittany is a beautiful historic region on the northeastern coast of France. A rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and weathered sea ports characterize this region, which is steeped in ancient traditions and famous for its costumed religious festivals.

A mystical land of myths and legends, Brittany has a Celtic influence and a dialect related to Gaelic. The local cuisine is delicious, best known for its savory buckwheat crêpes and sweet dessert crêpes.

The quintessential Breton port is Saint-Malo surrounded by ancient walls. Quimper is a picture-postcard historic town with handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a spectacular château and is where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants.

Other highlights of Brittany are the pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles. Belle-Île-en-Mer, the largest of the Breton islands, appeals to vacationers in search of a peaceful seaside setting. Ferry boats run from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes to Belle-Île-en-Mer.

Biarritz
Biarritz is a fashionable beach town on the beautiful Bay of Biscay in France’s Basque country. This celebrated seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic air; it was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.

The imperial couple’s grandiose Second-Empire-style palace has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais, a luxury hotel featuring a gastronomic restaurant and sensational views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its broad seafront promenade, has attracted high-society vacation goers since the Belle Epoque.

Other must-see sights are related to the ocean: the Aquarium de Biarritz; Lighthouse; and Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock) figure, which stands along the coastline on an immense rock beaten by the Atlantic’s wild waves. For a taste of the town’s regal past, visit the chic Miremont Tearoom that has served exceptional pastries since 1872.

Rocamadour
uspended between heaven and earth on a sheer limestone cliff, Rocamadour is an unforgettable sacred site. In the 11th century, this pilgrimage destination was the third most important in Christendom after Jerusalem and Rome. Rocamadour was also a stop on the medieval Way of Saint James pilgrimage trail to Santiago de la Compostela in Spain.

The village has seven ancient sanctuaries, but pilgrims flock to the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which possesses the venerated Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour). This precious Virgin Mary figure was carved from walnut wood that naturally darkened over the centuries and is associated with miracles.

Another must-see sight is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur, the largest church of Rocamadour built in Romanesque and Gothic style between the 11th and 13th centuries. For a challenging spiritual experience, pilgrims can ascend the steep flight of steps, with 12 Stations of the Cross, leading up to the château at the highest point in the village.

About 145 kilometers from Limoges in the Limousin, Rocamadour is surrounded by the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy, a natural park of the Dordogne region.

Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux
Visitors can delve into the fascinating world of prehistoric art in Lascaux, the finest example of Paleolithic art in the world. This UNESCO-listed site is in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne region. Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux Cave contains exquisite prehistoric paintings, but in 1963 was closed to the public to prevent damage.

A replica of the cave was created at the nearby Lascaux II site, 200 meters from the actual cave. Opened in 1983, Lascaux II is a faithful reproduction of the Lascaux Cave and its paintings. The Paleolithic art has been carefully recreated, including every detail of the animal paintings in authentic ochre hues. Lascaux II represents 90 percent of the paintings depicted in the prehistoric cave. Tourists must take a guided tour to visit Lascaux II.

Opened in 2016, the sleek ultra-modern International Centre for Cave Art presents a complete replica (Lascaux IV) of the original Lascaux Cave along with museum exhibits that provide context for the prehistoric artworks. Virtual reality exhibits and a 3-D film help bring the prehistoric period to life. To visit the Lascaux IV cave, tourists must go on a guided tour. The museum portion of the visit is self guided.

Highlights of the Lascaux prehistoric cave paintings are the Salle des Taureaux (Hall of the Bulls) with panels featuring unicorns and bears and the Diverticule Axial, a narrow 30-meter-long hall with impressive drawings of bulls, cows, and horses. The art reproductions of the replica caves are so accurate that visitors would not be able to tell the difference from the original.