France is a country rich in iconic attractions and romantic cities, and it has a certain je ne sais quoi that you just don’t find anywhere else in the world. The capital, Paris, is simply magical, with top attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Cœur and the Louvre Museum, to name just a few.
Another city that deserves a visit is Bordeaux, a city well known for its cultural and historical significance, as well as its iconic wine. In fact, it is known in Europe as The City of Wine and a visit to the wine-growing region or a wine-tasting experience while in Bordeaux is surely a must. The main attractions of Bordeaux include the Miroir d’Eau (“the Body of Water”), the Grand Théâtre, the Belvedere and the Place de la Bourse. There are also 350 buildings considered historical monuments, making Bordeaux an excellent choice for those with an interest in European history.
Another French gem is Lille – a city full of things to do even if you have a small budget. We particularly like the Natural History Museum, which has one of the best insectariums in the world! The wonderful citadel dating back to the 17th century is also a must-see and, if you are going to Lille around September, you can enjoy one of the largest flea markets in Europe at the annual “Braderie de Lille” event.
There is simply so much to enjoy in France that you may find that just one vacation is not enough to see all that the country has to offer. For example, France boasts more than 40,000 castles and fortresses dating back to the 9th and 21st centuries. The oldest is the Château de Thil, the construction of which began around 850 AD. The most recent castle is the Château Louix XIV, completed in 2011. But if you’re planning to visit France just once then Versailles and its glorious palace should certainly top your list of places to visit. The palace was built in 1623 and was home to French royalty up until 1723. A visit takes you on a majestic journey back in time!
There is so much to see and admire in France that it is difficult to know where to start if you want to experience the country’s many delights. As a part of our complete vacation-planning service, we will take the time to understand what you want from your France vacation and we will then suggest the best regions, cities and attractions.
It is no wonder that France welcomes 90 million visitors a year as it has so much diversity to offer. From the castles of the Loire to the Normandy beaches, every locations brings unique surprises. Many choose to start in Paris, the romantic capital and the heart of the country. Celebrated for its elegance and its extraordinary wealth of cultural and artistic attractions, Paris hold icons and masterpieces, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. But, beyond these icons of the city, Paris has much more to offer, such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie, with their treasures of French Impressionist art.
The second largest city in France is Marseille and, over time, it has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country, making it ideal for a chic Europe vacation. The charm of Marseille combines well with a visit to one of the spa towns, such as Aix-les-Bains or Evian-les-Bains, for a truly luxury and relaxing France vacation.
After Paris, our customers love to visit the French Riviera to take in the delightful cities of Nice, St Tropez, Antibes and Cannes. Here, you can leap into the world of the jet-set and Hollywood stars, and explore this glorious stretch of coast’s luxury beach life. Another popular region is Provence thanks to its soft daytime light and pastel-colored landscapes that have inspired writers and artists. Must-sees are the fortified medieval cities of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, as well as the ancient Roman cities, such as Arles.
If you have a special interest in European history, Normandy needs to be on your travel bucket list, while Brittany will enchant you with its Celtic roots. For those who love walking, take the Sentier des Douaniers path along the coast of Brittany to experience some truly unbeatable coastal views!