One of the most popular places for Brits to visit, thanks to its close proximity, France has variety enough to tempt even the most picky of tourists. From unparalleled food and wine to fantastic skiing, countryside breaks, and a plethora of art and culture, a holiday here is always a popular choice.
1.Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy
More than three million people pay a visit to Mont-St-Michel island every year. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, the abby and monastery on the island was an important place of pilgrimage during the middle ages. Back then, visitors waited for low tide to reach the island by foot, but today it's far easier, as there are elevated roads and foot bridges.
2. Try ecological tourism in Champagne
It's no surpise that a visit to the Champagne region is a must on a tour of France. But exploring the region (and sampling its famous produce, of course) doesn't have to mean driving around in a gas-guzzling car, or even hiking it on foot. Eco-tourism is all the rage - visitors can see the vineyards via electric car and learn about the lanscape and environment. Plus, there are champagne samples too.
3. See the replica Cave of Pont-d’Arc, Ardèche
France boasts a lot of different art galleries and famous works, but the replica of the Cavern of Pont-d’Arc, which is currently under construction in Vallon Pont – d’Arc in Ardèche, is rather unique. The mind-bogglingly big project aims to build a full-scale replica of the Cavern of Pont-d’Arc, where 36,000-year-old images were found on limestone walls. The replica aims to bring the cavern and images to life for the public, and opens this year.
4. Get vertigo at the Eiffel Tower, Paris
Ooh lala. Does anything say Paris more than the Eiffel Tower? It's rumoured that many Parisians dislike the intrusive structure, but tourists just can't get enough – and the views over the city are superb. For visitors with no fear of heights, there is a new glass floor on the first level of the tower, so people can see everything that's going on 57 metres below them.
5. Sit beside the sea in Bonifacio, Corsica
Technically France, though obviously not a part of the mainland, Bonifacio is the perfect place for some downtime. Slap bang on the Mediterranean Sea, it's very tempting to sit by the harbour and watch the world pass by. But away from the cute cafes and restaurants dotted along the coast, there's plenty to see and do – from watersports (especially those involving wind), to the medieval town and prehistoric sites such as Filitosa.
6. Visit Strasbourg
Home of the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg is more likely to be associated with politics than anything else. But the city has plenty to offer even if you're not a politico – from a stunning cathedral, which turns 100 this year, to pretty streets where 16th and 17th century homes are still standing. There are also numerous restaurants serving excellent French fare.
7. Get active in the Midi-Pyrenees
For a taste of the outdoors, a visit to the Midi-Pyranees is a must. Areas are coated in snow during winter, attracting skiiers from all over the world, while in summer the warmer climate makes it a perfect spot for watersports, picnics, hiking and exploring. The Pyranees is an exceptionally large area, so those who aren't interested in the outdoorsy side of things are generously catered for by a variety of towns and cities, including Toulouse.
8. Find Oscar Wilde at Pere Lachaise cemetary, Paris
Home to writing legend Oscar Wilde, and rock legend Jim Morrison, Pere Lachaise cemetary, in Paris, is visited daily by tourists and fans. The extensive cemetary has a seemingly endless roll call of greats buried there, including Edif Piaf, Marcel Proust and Honoré de Balzac, to name but a few. Oscar Wilde's grave proved so popular that it had to be encased in glass to prevent his admirers kissing the grave with red lipstick on and ruining the stonework.
9. Camp in the Dordogne
The area around the Dordogne is delighfully green, and makes the perfect place to set up camp (literally) for a week or two. Filled with rivers and trees, and dotted with fantastc castles all over the place, it's ripe for exploring. Visitors are unlikely to take in every cute town in the area in one stay, so the best bet is to start somewhere near an attraction, like Montignac, which is close to the fascinating Lascaux caves, where prehistoric paintings were found.
10. Sun yourself in St Tropez
The playground of the rich and famous, well one of the playgrounds, St Tropez has long held a reputation as being rather fabulous, and pricey to boot. But you don't need to break the bank to enjoy the best of what the town has to offer; there are splendid beaches, the fishing quarter and cute cafes nestled among the influx of superyachts and the super-rich. Plus, out of season, the town reverts to it's far calmer fishing villagey self.
One of the most popular places for Brits to visit, thanks to its close proximity, France has variety enough to tempt even the most picky of tourists. From unparalleled food and wine to fantastic skiing, countryside breaks, and a plethora of art and culture, a holiday here is always a popular choice.
1.Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy
More than three million people pay a visit to Mont-St-Michel island every year. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, the abby and monastery on the island was an important place of pilgrimage during the middle ages. Back then, visitors waited for low tide to reach the island by foot, but today it's far easier, as there are elevated roads and foot bridges.
2. Try ecological tourism in Champagne
It's no surpise that a visit to the Champagne region is a must on a tour of France. But exploring the region (and sampling its famous produce, of course) doesn't have to mean driving around in a gas-guzzling car, or even hiking it on foot. Eco-tourism is all the rage - visitors can see the vineyards via electric car and learn about the lanscape and environment. Plus, there are champagne samples too.
3. See the replica Cave of Pont-d’Arc, Ardèche
France boasts a lot of different art galleries and famous works, but the replica of the Cavern of Pont-d’Arc, which is currently under construction in Vallon Pont – d’Arc in Ardèche, is rather unique. The mind-bogglingly big project aims to build a full-scale replica of the Cavern of Pont-d’Arc, where 36,000-year-old images were found on limestone walls. The replica aims to bring the cavern and images to life for the public, and opens this year.
4. Get vertigo at the Eiffel Tower, Paris
Ooh lala. Does anything say Paris more than the Eiffel Tower? It's rumoured that many Parisians dislike the intrusive structure, but tourists just can't get enough – and the views over the city are superb. For visitors with no fear of heights, there is a new glass floor on the first level of the tower, so people can see everything that's going on 57 metres below them.
5. Sit beside the sea in Bonifacio, Corsica
Technically France, though obviously not a part of the mainland, Bonifacio is the perfect place for some downtime. Slap bang on the Mediterranean Sea, it's very tempting to sit by the harbour and watch the world pass by. But away from the cute cafes and restaurants dotted along the coast, there's plenty to see and do – from watersports (especially those involving wind), to the medieval town and prehistoric sites such as Filitosa.
6. Visit Strasbourg
Home of the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg is more likely to be associated with politics than anything else. But the city has plenty to offer even if you're not a politico – from a stunning cathedral, which turns 100 this year, to pretty streets where 16th and 17th century homes are still standing. There are also numerous restaurants serving excellent French fare.
7. Get active in the Midi-Pyrenees
For a taste of the outdoors, a visit to the Midi-Pyranees is a must. Areas are coated in snow during winter, attracting skiiers from all over the world, while in summer the warmer climate makes it a perfect spot for watersports, picnics, hiking and exploring. The Pyranees is an exceptionally large area, so those who aren't interested in the outdoorsy side of things are generously catered for by a variety of towns and cities, including Toulouse.
8. Find Oscar Wilde at Pere Lachaise cemetary, Paris
Home to writing legend Oscar Wilde, and rock legend Jim Morrison, Pere Lachaise cemetary, in Paris, is visited daily by tourists and fans. The extensive cemetary has a seemingly endless roll call of greats buried there, including Edif Piaf, Marcel Proust and Honoré de Balzac, to name but a few. Oscar Wilde's grave proved so popular that it had to be encased in glass to prevent his admirers kissing the grave with red lipstick on and ruining the stonework.
9. Camp in the Dordogne
The area around the Dordogne is delighfully green, and makes the perfect place to set up camp (literally) for a week or two. Filled with rivers and trees, and dotted with fantastc castles all over the place, it's ripe for exploring. Visitors are unlikely to take in every cute town in the area in one stay, so the best bet is to start somewhere near an attraction, like Montignac, which is close to the fascinating Lascaux caves, where prehistoric paintings were found.
10. Sun yourself in St Tropez
The playground of the rich and famous, well one of the playgrounds, St Tropez has long held a reputation as being rather fabulous, and pricey to boot. But you don't need to break the bank to enjoy the best of what the town has to offer; there are splendid beaches, the fishing quarter and cute cafes nestled among the influx of superyachts and the super-rich. Plus, out of season, the town reverts to it's far calmer fishing villagey self.