If they are feeling adventurous, however, they can traverse the treacherous mudflats when the ocean recedes during low tide. Lets face it, a roundup of the best places to visit in France wouldnt be complete without mentioning the birthplace of bubbly. France is home to many beautiful villages. Burgundy is known for its wine, but there are plenty other reasons to visit this historic region, The fortified medieval city of Carcassonne looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, Nice is the sun-kissed capital of the Cte dAzur a vibrant playground curving round the glorious sweep of the Bay of Angels, There's more to the Cte dAzur than beach and sea, with many fine restaurants, art galleries and picturesque inland villages to entice visitors away from the shore, Since noble Britons rolled in to Cannes in the 1830s, the place has been fashioning itself in the image of the fashionable, Monaco's pristine streets are paved with Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops, while the superyacht-lined harbour is home to late-night bars, Normandy is altogether a gentler place than neighbouring Brittany, dotted as it is with lush meadows and bucolic farmland, Great beaches are everywhere you look in Brittany some bustle with life and energy; others lie tucked away at the end of unpromising little rural lanes, With its ubiquitous elaborate chateaux, the Pays de la Loire is easily Frances valley of the kings, France's second city, Lyon, quietly surprises with its elegant architecture, vibrant museums, and exceptional cuisine, The seat of the papacy for much of the 14th century, Avignon has been left with a history as unique as it is well-preserved, Marseille has had its rough years (and has the reputation to match), but it's a lively and vibrant port city that deserves exploration. Step onto the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica and you might soon forget which country you are in. Bed down for the night in the pretty seventh-century village of Saint-nimie, founded by a saint cured of leprosy in nearby waters. Adventure and snow await on the glossy slopes of the Alps, while the rural villages and bustling cities take up the rest.

A barge, that is, not a canal. Soaring some 700 metres into the air, the gravity-defying limestone flanks of the Verdon Gorge are striking enough. Indeed, every year, more than one million people come to climb the 154 wooden steps to the top and walk along the 2.7km-long ridge. We already have this email. Many do their business in the Chartrons district, where theres a lingering air of aristocratic commerce. But with so much to see and do, choosing which places to visit in France can feel overwhelming. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. The pan-Celtic traditions of that era are still going strong; the Breton language remains proudly spoken, while cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance. If you prefer to keep it to a day trip, however, the fields are open from 09:30 during the summertime; and 13:00 on Sundays. The French will often refer to the iconic Claude Nougaro variety classic whenever the Languedocs most regal of canals comes up in conversation. Strategically situated high above the river Rhne and encircled by medieval ramparts, Avignon's walled old town designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1995 is a warren of cobbled streets, lantern-lit passageways and architectural treasures. Fancy aflavour of la vie en rose? Central Corsica may be dominated by hike-friendly mountains, but the beaches in the north are well worth a look. And while all of them are beautifully maintained and come with their own story, some are more revered than others. Cooler, greener, more refined than the heaving south, the Loire inFranceis an enchanted land of elaborate chateaux, verdant landscapes and world-class vineyards. More recently, its real achievement has been to spin out the sparkle generated by the two-week film festival across the whole year. From rolling vineyards and plunging canyons to towering sand dunes and majestic villages, there is more than enough to satisfy curious travelers. In fact, visitors can even stay with them and enjoy a serene spiritual retreat.

And dont be surprised if you stumble upon a donkey or two while hiking in the countryside.

Take in the wonderful Oceanographic Museum, before descending to the Port Hercule - and up the other headland to Monte Carlo, the casino, the limos, the posh shops and magnificent gardens.

Those looking to explore the citys rich heritage can spend long afternoons getting lost in the Louvre or exploring the Muse d'Orsay, or ducking in and out of Pariss countless historical churches (many of which were reinvented as Republican temples after the Revolution). Aside from this, there are many medievaltowns, abbeys, and castle ruins to explore in the region; making this a great option for a relaxing getaway in France. One of the most beautiful is the Plage du Lotu, which you can access by pleasure boat from the commune of Saint-Florent. Nature lovers will no doubt enjoy lapping up the breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of the Dune du Pilat; the tallest sand dune in Europe.

Just bear in mind that the unique beauty of the location means that it becomes extremely busy during this time. Start up on the Rock where Monaco itself started. The key attraction of Marseille is the city itself the atmosphere, flux and throbbing beat of a big port city.

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We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. But there's plenty to tempt the sunbathers away from the shoreline. lend themselves to kayaking, diving and rock climbing, while the nearby plateaux are popular with amateur cavers. The Old Town recalls its medieval roots through its castle, its cobbled streets and its earthy Monegasque cuisine. Its as simple[], How to Get a Bad Business Shut Down Why does it sometimes seem like prices keep going up and[], How toGo About Giving a Baby Up for Adoption Step 1.Choosing Adoption for Your Baby Choosing to place your baby[], How to Become a Dental Assistant in Cali, How toGo About Giving a Baby Up For Ado, How to Become a Dental Assistant in California, How toGo About Giving a Baby Up For Adoption. But dont miss out on the neighbouring Baie dArchachon, home to one of the countrys richest and most diverse nature reserves. It may not have the mythical might or romantic heritage ofParis, but Francessecond-largest city is French-charming to the core. The heavenly scented crop can be found almost everywhere in the region during this time. It is the towns triumph to pretend that its visitors are all wealthy, beautiful and glam, while catering to the fact that they arent. Purists know nothing. Normandy is often described as the Devon of northern France, with Brittany as the corresponding Cornwall. Then[], How to change optimum wifi password I love spending time with family. What is France? (sometimes within me springs / the green water of the Canal du Midi).

Provenal markets effortlessly rise to their reputation for colours, curves and lust-inducing display. More than a million visitors flock to this spectacular Provenal village every year. This epic complex and its surroundings may well remind you of Howls Moving Castle (and,quelle surprise, thatll be because Studio Ghiblis Hayao Miyazaki actually did base his fantastical edifice on it). Nice has always done commotion and boisterous commerce. A more relaxing day can be spent hiking around the 100km rim of the canyon or hopping on horseback and weaving your way through the vertical limestone cliffs. That said, those who do wish to sample the fruits of the land can embark on a tour of one of the prestigious Champagne houses. More adventurous travelers, however, might prefer to brave white-water rafting along the rapids. Steeped in nobility, the Loire is easily Frances valley of the kings. And this is sure to make for an unforgettable experience or perhaps not if they choose to overindulge! Reaching an altitude of 1,465 meters, thePuy de Dmeis the highest volcano in the region. Today, however, it is one of the most iconic places to visit in France and open to all. Try another? Their 150,000 boxwood trees, carved into surreal globular shapes, resemble flocks of sheep on the hillsideat Vsac, while a 5km-long walking route through the gardens offers unbeatable panoramasfrom the castles clifftop vantage point.

The cuisine is sensational, combining a natural love for seasonal fruits of the land with duck, goose and one of the most luxuriant foods known to mankind, black truffles. One of Frances most celebrated cheeses, Epoisses, comes from a lovely little village of the same name (complete with rambling medieval castle). The French will often refer to the iconic Claude Nougaro variety classic whenever the Languedocs most regal of canals comes up in conversation.

Here, the Niois jostle to sell Provenal frocks, dodgy art, olive oil and simmered lambs trotters on restaurant terraces. Boeuf bourguignon is the regions signature dish but there are scores of other local specialities.

Provence remains overwhelmingly Provenal, its villages still held together by family and farming, festivities and feuds round the fountain.

But by the 19th century, the whole place was in a state of collapse. Unsurprisingly, many of these have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This epic complex and its surroundings may well remind you of , , thatll be because Studio Ghiblis Hayao Miyazaki actually did base his fantastical edifice on it).

New and renewed museums are hitting their stride. The famous birthplace of Napoleon certainly lives up to its nickname the Island of Beauty too. Bathed in the extraordinarily brilliant Provenal light, this former papal enclave has long attracted artists and painters, as well as those in search of cultural diversion, which can be found in the form ofEuropes greatest drama festival: hundreds of shows held daily in 133 different venues and encompassing theatre, music, art and absurdity. Visitors can explore the chapel, along with seven other religious buildings, after climbing the 216 steps (Le Grand Escalier) to the square at the top. Welcome, in short, to the Bordeaux nouveau. If youre lucky, you could glimpse bottlenose dolphins, grey seals or even leatherback sea turtles not to mention thousands upon thousands of migrating birds. Be before the Princely Palace at 11.55am for the daily changing of the guard.

If youre heading on a road trip to Germany, we suggest dropping by this incredibly picturesque castle overlooking the Upper Rhine plain en route. Provence has been a playground since the Romans scattered arenas and theatres across the landscape.

The place lives and works essentially in the present, and has done for the past two and a half millennia.

Local must-dos include lunch in the former fishing village of Ploumanach, walking the Sentier des Douaniers route and seabird-spotting in the Sept-les nature reserve. Relatively near the photogenic town of Arles where Vincent van Gogh spent a year just before his death the villages cobbled alleyways are home to a beautiful thirteenth-century castle and the Muse du Santon, a strangely fascinating museum dedicated tosantons, wax and glass figurines traditionally made in the surrounding area. Not far from the border with Spain, the Cirque de Gavarnie is a huge amphitheatre-like valley that Victor Hugo once described as a Colosseum de la nature. And with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on one side and deep green pine forests on the other, the effort is certainly worth it. The Dordogne Valley is replete with idyllic woodland and picture-postcard villages. This is France's WAG, a fine-looking courtesan at once cultured and racy; a glorious, and playful, slice of urban greensward.

Indeed, wherever you travel within lHexagone, there are countless scenes that will take your breath away. Today, however, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts more than three million tourists a year.

Visitors from all over the world come to admire these sleeping giants which have laid dormant for thousands of years. What sets Cannes apart is the shiny veneer with which it has coated these elements.

Built under the patronage of Louis XIVs first minister Colbert in the 17th century, it is now connected to the Canal de Garonne, and together the two canals allow for barges to travel from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

In the east, ancient caves and rock shelters conceal Europes best treasure trove of prehistoric art.

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For the truth is that Cannes visitor population is not entirely made up of movie legends, Russian billionaires and Mid-East moguls. Sure, it may be a trek to get out there, but for an unusual, truly multisensory hit of unadulterated holiday bliss, the.

And the fairytale-like Chteau de Sully-sur-Loire, which has played host to several famous historical figures including Joan of Arc and Louis XIV, offers a more medieval beauty. But though the city wears its history of monarchy, revolution, revolt and artistic innovation with characteristic style, it is also increasingly looking to the future and outwards to the rest of the world. Of course, the bay is glorious and there are sandy beaches.

Every summer, the seemingly endless ocean of lavender fields makes Provence one of the most beautiful not to mention, fragrant places to visit in France. For immediate drinking.

The Stade Vlodrome soccer stadium - epicentre of culture for many Marseillais - has appeared in refurbished apparel, and Marseille will remain magnificent with itscoast of rocks, the sea,and the beat of a big port city. The strikinggorgeslend themselves to kayaking, diving and rock climbing, while the nearby plateaux are popular with amateur cavers. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. And many, especially those from the south, would empathise with the sentiment. In fact, this is where Vichy, Badoit, and Volvic water comes from.

The region is home to more than 3,000 restaurants, plenty of them serving world-famous Provenal staples such asbouillabaisse and daube, the pretty coastal harbours are lined with smart cafs and trendy bars, and there are numerous medieval villages and towns to explore in the tranqil hinterland that forms a blurred boundary between the Riviera and Provence. Those who prefer to simply sunbathe, however, can do so on one of the islands many pristine beaches. Tucked between the Causses plateaux and the Cvennes mountains, the Tarn canyon is a picturesque adventure and camping holiday hotspot split across the Lozre and Aveyron departments in the south.

Monte Carlos pristine streets are paved with Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops, while the superyacht-lined harbour is home to late-night bars. Hilltop villages and market towns are adorned with some of the most magnificent Romanesque structures in Europe. Its easy to see why Normandy is altogether a gentler place, dotted with lush meadows and bucolic farmland, and famed for its cheese and apples. When the 14th-century Popes fled Rome for Avignon, their interests were markedly more licentious than liturgical: Petrarch described contemporary Avignon as a thoroughfare of vices. Connecting the Garonne river with the tang de Thau basin on the Mediterranean, the 240km-long Midi makes for the dreamiest of waterside cycle trips in summer. Gigantic rock formations,underground pools,andhuge stalactites and stalagmitesbring this extraordinary underground network of caves to life. And the region fulfils its other promises of canoeing and climbing, of prettily-perched villages and of old blokes bringing ancestral wisdom to the game of ptanque. The spectacular location on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains makes Les Baux-de-Provence an ideal spot to take in the regions sprawling southern plains. Built to carry water over 50km to the city of Nmes, the Pont du Gard is surely one of the most impressive Roman monuments still standing. of Auvergne are rounded hilltops formed by hardened magma from a chain of dormant volcanoes. For the ultimate postcard shot, though, nothing beats the flower fields surrounding the Notre-Dame de Snanque Abbey. Located in the northeast of France, just a 1.5 hours drive from Paris, the Champagne region is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves to sip on bubbles. Frances third-largest lake if you discount the French part of Lake Geneva this 28-square-kilometre destination in, More than a million visitors flock to this spectacular Provenal village every year. Originally a sleepy fishing village on the Cte dAzur, the small town became a land of luxury in the late 19th century; thanks to Impressionist painter Paul Signac and other great artists like Henri Matisse and Albert Marquet. Coastal creeks, heavenly hilltops, charming chteaux: these are the most beautiful places to visit in France. One of the most popular destinations on the planet, France is many different things to many different people. There are hundreds of incredible deals and discounts to be found on the website, including reduced prices on hotels rooms, tickets to popular tourist attractions, and more throughout the country.

Needless to say, it remains one of the most popular places to visit in France, outside of Paris. Beyond the glitz and the glamour, older locals still play boules in the Place des Lices. Then there is the undulating landscape, a perfect mirror of quintessential France with its pastoral green meadows and vineyards romantically wrapped around chateaux, farms, honey-stone bastides (fortified hilltop villages) built by feuding French and English in the 13th century and the pice de rsistance the languid twists and turns of the majestic Dordogne River itself. And in the west, vestiges of ancient forests survive around villages such as Huelgoat.

Whether apocryphal or not, there is surely a kernel of truth to these words, since no place on earth would seem to inspire travellers in the way France does: the streetlights and cobblestones of Paris, the snow-capped Alps, the sun-kissed Riviera, the chateau-strewn banks of the Loire each has a lustre that lures writers, artists, musicians and philosophers from across the globe (not to mention the 90 million or so 'regular' visitors). This lies at the foot of the dune and is easily accessible through the main entrance. But its mainly glitter and bling underneath too, and all the way down. Five Scottish-owned chalets - Chardon is French for thistle - sleeping from eight to 20, all with Set in wine and walking country, this swish hotel, spa and golf resort is popular with the Monaco Indulge your fantasies as Count of Provence in a postcard-perfect estate that serves as a model f How the Covid crisis changed our holiday wish list, 10 beautiful hostels perfect for the older solo traveller, France's best holiday islands and when to visit them, The 15 best ski resorts you can reach by train: how to get there and when to book, How to see Italy's most beautiful stretch of coastline like never before, The French island that is alienating hundreds of people like me. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted.

If you fancy cooling down after your victorious ascent, Corniche Beach provides a refreshing spot to enjoy a dip. For those in search of sun, the beaches of the Mediterranean offer sun-worshipping opportunities in spades.

For the full canal experience, you should rent one. Renaissance chateaux, medieval abbeys and fortified villages all stand testimony to the colourful history of this lesser-known region of France. Find out more, The latest offers and discount codes from popular brands on Telegraph Voucher Codes, The mesmerising sights of France, such as Mont St Michel in Normany, have inspired writers for centuries, not to mention some 90 million travellers each year, During the summer, the fields of Provence erupt into a riot of vivid purple as the lavender nears harvest, Paris offers what is arguably the most recognisable and romanticised cityscape in the world. The key sight - it's unmissable as you wing into Nice airport - is the glorious curve of the Bay of Angels, miles of the loveliest urban sea-front in Europe, fringed by the celebrated Promenade des Anglais. It offers the ancient dignity but with added zest and fruitiness. Nestled in the tranquil countryside near the village of Gordes, the stunning 12th-century church is shrouded in a sea of purple every June and July. Perched high on the side of a limestone cliff overlooking the Alzou canyon in theDordogne region, the sacred village is nothing less than majestic.

An impressive cast of renaissance men and royal megalomaniacs from the culturally minded Francis I to the bombastic Louis XIV made the region their playground, with the result that its medieval past is still its backbone today in the shape of the hundreds of fairytale castles strewn along its banks. Its also very beautiful. This is owing to its 300 elaborate chateaux, some of which date back as far as the 9th century. A barge, that is, not a canal. FYI, it also stars in Jean Renoirs 1937 classic Grand Illusion.

For visitors, the chance to combine cultural heritage with gastronomic indulgence makes for a winning formula. Of course, with so many beautiful chateaux to explore, you might want to mix things up by visiting one of the numerous vineyards throughout the region.

You might be lucky enough to catch some of this while listening to a traditional polyphonic song, for instance, or at a village festival or religious procession. cover around ten hectares each and are surrounded by intertwining meadows, streams and forests. Contrary to popular belief, however, Dom Prignon did not inventthe famous wine itself. Known by locals as Little Finland, the Plateau des Mille tangs in the Vosges region is a sprawling labyrinth of some 850 ponds formed after the retreat of the areas glaciers 12,000 years ago. After all, its unique location between France and Italy means that it embraces the best of both cultures. Read more: The best places to stay in France.

It is also home to a 15th-century statue of the Black Madonna which stands within the Chapel of Notre Dame. Not only does it boast some of the most exquisite wines and cuisine in the world, but also some of the most beautiful destinations. Whatever you do, though, be sure to have your camera at the ready. Purists sniff, but let them. Rather than locked in an endless tussle with a wild ocean, its coastline consists for the most part of long low dunes, lapped by the Channel. Much smaller and less substantial than its Cte-dAzur neighbour, Nice, Cannes gleams on the surface. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. The 52 towers and monumental walls battled their way through the Middle Ages, guarding the frontier against the Spanish. With its stunning French architecture and surrounding deer-filled park, Chteau of Chambord, for instance, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the valley. Indeed, the towering dune offers some of the most beautiful natural views in Europe. Perched on a rocky hilltop 700 metres up, the twelfth-century Chteau du Haut-Knigsbourg has changed hands many times over the years, most recently from Germany to France following the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

It is not difficult to coax the British to the Dordogne in southwest France the English fought the French over this glorious rural idyll until the end of the Hundred Years War (1453) for goodness sake. Often referred to as the garden of France, the Loire Valley was once the stomping ground of French royalty and nobility. Stroll the most graceful streets in France, eat well, drink better and then have the liveliest possible time in a city lately in touch with its Latin side. That said, some of the most scenic spots to enjoy it include theValensole Plateau,the Sault Plateau, and theLuberon Valley. Therefore, make sure you arrive early and join the first tour of the day at 10:30. Go for the gentle pace of life, the grandeur of the countryside, perhaps at its most beautiful against the backdrop of autumn leaves and leave plenty of room in the boot for the fruits of the land. And even if there were no historical wonders in Burgundy, the gastronomic cuisine would be reason enough to holiday here.

This 10km-long stretch from Perros-Guirec to Trbeurden is known as the Pink Granite Coast for the huge blocks of pinkish Atlantic-polished rock that line its shores. Want to explore all the exciting things France has to offer but on a tight budget? Well, without stating the obvious, France is France. Dont miss the unearthly Pavin crater lake. No other region in Europe, not even Tuscany, has so nourished our dreams and sensual demands. Spread over 30 hectares and renowned for its 20 or so different shades of ochre, its an unexpected sight ripe for your next Instagram post. Any fishing or water sports fans will evidently be in their element, and there are decent footpaths and cycling routes too. Parfois au fond de moi se ranime / Leau verte du Canal du Midi(sometimes within me springs / the green water of the Canal du Midi). This beautiful sun-drenched coastal resort on the French Riviera is after all renowned for its designer boutiques and immaculate sandy beaches; not to mention yacht-hopping celebrities. Make sure to drop by the thermal baths at nearby Luxeuil-les-Bains and the Notre-Dame du Haut chapel designed by modernist master Le Corbusier. The 12th-century cit, overseen by the Trencavel family, would have been full of merchants, food and music, so a certain vibrant raucousness is traditional. And be aware that sly griffon vultures are known to scavenge in these parts so watch that picnic!

After all, this is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in France. This three-tiered aqueduct, built in the first century BC, straddles the Gardon river near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and boy is it astonishing to behold.