With a rich artistic culture, spectacular landscapes, beautiful monuments and some of the world’s finest cuisine, France’s appeal is boundless. Whether you’re exploring Paris’s acclaimed galleries, sipping champagne in a picturesque vineyard or living it up on the glamorous Mediterranean coast, this multifaceted country is guaranteed to capture your heart.

Key Highlights

Paris delights first-time visitors and entices even the most seasoned travellers to return time and time again. Take a stroll along the French capital’s grand avenues to explore its world-famous museums, iconic buildings, glorious gardens and chic boutiques.

The sun-soaked French Riviera is renowned as a playground for the rich and famous. Go celebrity-spotting on Nice’s beachfront promenade, admire ultra-luxury yachts at St Tropez, bet on black at the Monte Carlo casino or rub shoulders with the stars at Cannes’ international film festival.

Built by kings and nobles, the 300-odd chateaux of the Loire Valley are a must-see. Many of these stately manor homes are open to the public and offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the French aristocracy. The Loire Valley also boasts some of the country’s finest vineyards.

The stunning towns and landscapes of the Provence region have inspired numerous artists including Van Gogh and Cezanne. Provencal cuisine is truly sublime, making good use of the area’s top-quality fruit, vegetables and seafood.

In Depth

Fringed by a dramatic coastline, Normandy and Brittany are steeped in history and tradition. The Mont Saint Michel abbey is one of France’s most enchanting sites, while the port city of Saint Malo was once a renowned pirate haunt. Some of World War II’s most crucial battles took place on Normandy’s beaches and the area is dotted with memorials.

France’s second-largest city, Lyon is also regarded as the country’s gastronomic capital. Visitors can sample authentic Lyonnaise cuisine at a traditional eatery or explore the old city’s many traboules – hidden passageways once used to transport silk. Not far from Lyon are the Rhone Valley’s superb wineries and the towering peaks of the French Alps.

Southern France is home to some of the country’s most attractive scenery and towns. Discover Bordeaux’s lush vineyards, Dordogne’s unspoilt landscapes, the walled city of Carcassonne and the world-famous pilgrimage site at Lourdes.