France Destination Guide
Book a flight to France and plunge into a charming world of fine food, historic architecture and that renowned Gallic flair. There's lots to see and do so let this France travel guide help your sojourn get started!
Whatever you have been dreaming about in a holiday, chances are that France has it in abundance. A global centre for art, fashion and culture, for foodies especially, it's hard to pick a better country to visit than France.
Home to thousands of small bistros and cafes, France is the source of culinary classics like croissants and Champagne, but for something out of this world head to a Michelin-starred establishment and treat yourself to an unforgettable night of fine food.
Try not to fall in love with Paris
Capital Paris is not only the focal point of France, but also in some cases the world. The city is home to many prestigious museums and galleries including the Musee D'Orsay, Musee Rodin, the Centre Pompidou and the Musee Picasso.
Add to that list the world renowned Lourve Museum where you can wait your turn to see the famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
The best way to get around Paris is on the easy-to-use Metro system but hiring a bike is another option. If you just want to explore the main sights and have time to wander then better still is to explore Paris by foot so you can really soak up the city's atmosphere.
Sure it might be a cliché but still it's worth stopping underneath the Eiffel Tower for a baguette on the beautiful lawn. You've come all the way to Paris so why not also go all the way to the top so you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city?
Though Paris is jam-packed with things to see and do, consider heading out of the city on a day trip if time permits. There are many Paris tours that will take you out to nearby Versailles, the sumptuous must-see symbol of old French royalty, as well as France's most visited tourist attraction, Fontainebleau.
Beauty lies beyond "la magnifique capitale"
Of course, France is not all about Paris and even if you don't visit in July to see the great annual cycling race, you can make your own 'Tour de France' by visiting other French destinations.
There are many French cities worth visiting and these include Lyon, a modern city with a rich history; multi-cultural Marseille, the heart of Provence in the south; Toulouse, called 'the pink city' for its unique brick architecture and Bordeaux, a city synonymous with wine.
Take a fast train or hire a car to fully appreciate the breadth of France's stunning landscape. Go skiing in the Alps, surfing at Biarritz, sunbathing in seaside towns such as Nice and Cannes, or explore the mountainous Pyrenees.
Mont Saint Michel is another popular French attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on an island near Lower Normandy, it's the home of a well-preserved monastery and a medieval town. History aficionados, you'll be delighted to take a tour of the nearby D-Day landing beaches.
Flights to France are in abundance with the country home to over 30 international airports. Paris Charles de Gaulle offers the most flight destinations but consider flying into Nice if you want to explore the French Riviera, Bordeaux the south, or Lyon if you have your sight set on the Alps.
