France
There isn’t a single travel destination that has the romantic pull of France. Idealised by millions all over the world, thoughts of France involve champagne on the Eiffel Tower, cruises on the Seine, bicycling through wine country and exploring the resorts of the Côte d’Azur.
A holiday in France offers a wide variety of attractions for all travellers, whether interested in culture and history or just having a good time. While Paris is famous for its sophistication, there are more than 40,000 castles and chateaus dotting the countryside, dozens of ski resorts in the French Alps, holiday towns along the coast and countless cities and villages hidden around every hill providing never-ending opportunities to explore for millions of tourists each year.
French culture is known for its effortless sophistication, including the gastronomic delights of French cuisine, museums dedicated to centuries of French art, and the sought-after haute couture creations of French fashion designers. Whether looking for a city break in Paris or exploring the lesser-known delights of Alsace-Lorraine, a holiday in France is the dream vacation for many.
France is the most popular sightseeing destination in the world. With millions of visitors every year, and just about as many things to see and do, this beautiful and historic country is a must for every traveller and tourist. Its buildings can be treasures – such as the magnificent Notre-Dame, stately Arc de Triomphe and the palace of Versailles – or containers of treasures, such as the unrivalled collections of the Louvre (home to Mona Lisa) and Museé d’Orsay with its globally respected portfolio of Impressionist art.
As one might expect, the tourist infrastructure is excellent with diverse offerings for every type of traveller. An organised tour is a good option if you have only a week, but for those with longer to indulge, car rental or train travel is the best way to get around. Wherever you go, France reveals its many faces and charms: the busy weekly markets in small towns, the rolling vineyards of the wine country, the sage-scented Mistral winds of Provence, and the luxuriant high life of the Cote d’Azure all form their own enduring impressions in the visitor’s mind.
