From Bordeaux to the Alps; Normandy to Provence, France has a wide range of inviting regions to discover. Exploring these diverse areas is a treat you won’t want to miss. There are many different ways to get around the country which give you some exciting options for your vacation. Come and enjoy the sights and culture of the European Union’s largest nation.
Cultural Experiences
With 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sights to visit you’ll be busy trying to keep up with the incredible history and architecture of France. Paris is a treasure trove of art galleries with some of the world’s finest collections housed in the Louvre, the d’Orsay and more than 60 other museums. You’ll find artistic history as you travel around the country including Claude Monet’s idyllic home and gardens at Giverny and many haunts of the Impressionist masters in Provence.
Culinary Adventures in Nice
French cuisine is renowned the world over. It was officially declared one of the world’s cultural treasures by UNESCO on November 16, 2010! You can learn the art of French cooking while on a culinary vacation and what better place for it than the romantic French Riviera. Culinary classes in Nice start by roaming the famous Cours Selaya market for the freshest local produce. Then enjoy a leisurely cooking experience as you create some delicious dishes under the supervision of a French chef.
Skiing and Hiking in the Alps
Ski in the winter; hike in the summer. The French Alps provide the perfect spot for both. French “joie de vivre” calls you back from the mountains to relax by a stone hearth or enjoy a sumptuous buffet on a sunny terrace at your chalet. The towns of Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Méribel and La Plagne are world famous for outstanding vacation facilities and superb skiing from November to May.
Historic Normandy
In the northwest of France is the region of Normandy where the WWII invasion beaches are located as well as some beautiful scenery, historic castles and great food. D-day tours take you to the landing beaches, the Caen war memorial and important sights of the 1944 conflict.
The Bordeaux Wine Scene
Of course you can’t visit France without trying the wine, its most famous export. In the southwest of France lies Bordeaux, a leading wine region established in Roman times. Bordeaux is best known for its red wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot – but sweet whites, rosés and sparkling wines are also produced here.
The countryside of Bordeaux is covered in vineyards surrounding magnificent Châteaux. Learn the art of French wine making at wine tasting events. Wine courses, open to amateurs, offer more in depth lectures on Bordeaux wines, vine-growing, storing and serving wine along with visits to numerous Châteaux. And don’t miss visiting the city of Bordeaux itself which is a major cultural center as well as the world’s major wine industry capital.
Cruising the French Rivers
Meandering through the beautiful countryside on a river boat or barge is an idyllic way to experience France. This slower paced mode of travel, away from the noise of traffic, lets you be a part of the charming rural scene. For more information read this month’s France River cruise article.
Traveling by Train
You’ll find the extensive French rail system is efficient, punctual and comfortable. It connects large cities throughout the country while smaller towns are connected by bus service to the nearest station. High speed trains travel at 186mph connecting Paris to London in just 2 hours 15 minutes. High speed service is also available to the major centers of Nice, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Avignon, Aix en Provence, Marseille, Nantes and Dijon as well as Amsterdam and Brussels. Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports also have high-speed train stations. Rail passes make it easy to use the rail system and are great value compared to individual tickets.
Personalized Travel
Through our partners on the ground in France, we can customize your vacation to include everything you want to do. Paris is one of the world’s fashion capitals so don’t miss out on a shopping tour and fashion show. Or, perhaps a yacht charter in Cannes would suit you better? Tickets for Rolland Garros French Open tennis matches, language and cooking classes or following the route of the Tour de France, we can arrange it all for you.
No wonder France is one of the most visited countries in the world. With superb food and wine, important cultural and historic sights and easy to get around, France offers a fabulous vacation experience you’re sure to enjoy.
