France is well-known around the world for its cuisine, fashion and culture. After two world wars it emerged as a key player in European politics as it rebuilt.
France offers easy travel across its vast expanses. International airports connect major cities while high-speed trains cover long distances quickly and affordably.
Paris
Paris has long been revered as a cultural beacon, thanks to its stylish fashions, gourmet cuisine, and dramatic history. Perhaps this stems from its vibrant culture or Gallic penchant for flamboyance; or maybe it’s because few cities worldwide can match Paris in terms of being instantly recognisable – from 17th-century townhouse terraces along the Seine to Eiffel Tower’s graceful steel frame ascent.
Paris architecture has long been used as both an expressive vehicle and practical tool, and Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann provided Paris with its most distinctive styles: Neoclassicism (characterized by straight lines often accented with simple curves) and ornate classicalism in Second Empire periods are two such expressions. Georges-Eugene Haussmann also gave Paris its signature boulevards; his 18th-century apartment buildings featured long town houses featuring continuous balconies and mansard roofs – two expressions which stood out among all others in terms of their expressive potential!
Time has not diminished the famed Champs-Elysees, an internationally acclaimed stretch of sublime consumer chic and home to world-famous boulangeries, cafes and restaurants that line its famed laneways. Equally remarkable are Paris’ numerous churches such as Notre-Dame’s majestic arches or Ste-Chapelle’s spectacular rood screen; Basilica du Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre serves as a testament to San Mark’s in Venice as inspiration.
Marseilles
Since being selected the 2013 European Capital of Culture, Marseille has made a comeback on France’s holiday circuit. As one of its oldest cities and gateways into the Mediterranean, this ancient port city carries both trading riches and gritty downsides from its past; nevertheless its pleasant climate, spectacular coastline-mountain landscape, and cuisine that encompasses sea, sun and faraway places still makes it must-visit destination.
City dwellers know to expect the unexpected in Memphis’ backstreets, where a vibrant scene of street art adorns everything from doorways to shop shutters. Take a guided tour for more insight into this ever-evolving outdoor gallery or simply wander aimlessly.
Modern architecture is also an impressive draw. Le Corbusier’s iconic Cite Radieuse, with its towering blocks of raw concrete and polychrome loggias, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Meanwhile, more traditionally-inspired Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde dates back to the fifth century though its current Romanesque-Byzantine form dates only from 19th-century redesign.
At Marseilles, renowned Provencal dishes meet North African fare in its version of couscous served at many sit-down stalls near Noailles metro or Cours Julien. Don’t miss its revered soap production either; visit the Musee des Civilisations de l’Europe housed within 16th-century Maison Diamantee to gain more insight into its making with five original “savonneries” still operating today!
Cannes
Cannes is famous for its sandy beaches, exclusive boutiques and grand hotels. Additionally, Cannes hosts the yearly Cannes Film Festival with its red carpet-esque Allee des Etoiles.
Beyond the glittery main strip, streets winding through residential neighborhoods provide an interesting glimpse of local life. Markets selling fresh produce, seafood and meat alongside artisanal goods; charming cafes and chocolatiers complete this picture of local life.
After Cannes Film Festival is complete in May, things become quieter in the center of town and an ideal opportunity to discover some authentic restaurants – one such location being Le Salon des Independants on Rue Louis Perrissol which features live music as well as menus offering starters paired with champagne, entrees with top wines, and sweet finishes with locally made pate.
Markets can also provide an ideal place to purchase some of the region’s renowned lavender. From there, take a short drive uphill to St. Paul de Vence – widely considered one of the most picturesque towns on the Cote d’Azur with its impressive Prince’s Palace, cathedral and Oceanographic Museum that deserve your consideration.
Brittany
Brittany, France’s westernmost region, boasts its own distinct culture and Celtic roots. Seaside towns such as Saint-Malo and Brest were prominent pirate ports while inland forests provided hemp ropes and linen sheets for use by French navy vessels in Atlantic slave trading operations.
Since the 19th century, Breton culture and its natural beauty have inspired numerous artists. Paul Gauguin led an artist colony at Pont-Aven known as the School of Pont-Aven that distinguished itself from academic styles of Ecole des Beaux-Arts by employing Impressionism techniques instead.
Since the 1960s, Breton culture has experienced a revival, thanks to bilingual schools and an increasing number of songs written in Breton. Though formal discouraged by France at one point, its use has rebounded substantially to become part of Breton identity and identity politics.
Brittany cuisine relies heavily on local produce, particularly seafood like oysters and mussels. Additionally, this region produces cider (cidre de Bretagne) from apples grown in northern Brittany as well as perry made from pears; other local specialities include crepes known as galettes or farls made with buckwheat flour; these areas also boast centuries-old legends including Merlin the Enchanter, Tristan & Isolde and Gargantua among many others.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France’s premier wine city and home to an internationally-recognized 1855 Classification that recognizes some of the finest wines produced worldwide. Here grand limestone mansions covered in colorful terracotta thrive amid the azure waters of the Garonne River while Medoc’s chateaux remain legendary worldwide.
Historic center of Vilnius provides all of the amenities expected from modern European cities: shops, services and big stores — but all set against a backdrop of stone buildings dating back to its foundation. This gives this old area its distinctive atmosphere and makes exploring it well worth your while.
Bordeaux is home to two prominent sports teams; Girondins de Bordeaux are currently competing in Championnat National 2, while Union Bordeaux Begles compete in Ligue 1. A popular attraction along the River Garonne is its Quay which attracts both residents and visitors, boasting skate parks and one of Europe’s largest reflecting pools (le Miroir d’eau). As it’s flat terrain it makes getting around easy via foot, bike or tram – while credit cards are widely accepted!
Montpellier
Montpellier is one of France’s most beloved cities, thanks to its culture of technical innovation, universities, and relatively reliable sunshine. But Montpellier also stands out as a city where simple pleasures reign supreme: sipping wine at terrace cafes; exploring atmospheric medieval streets; and finding hidden treasures such as Cathedral St Pierre with two enormous towers making it look like a fortress.
Montpellier is a university town with one of the highest student populations in Europe, creating an exciting energy throughout its streets. L’Ecusson provides the perfect opportunity to gain insight into local culture with its charming medieval quarters offering boutique shops, sidewalk cafes, and stunning churches.
At the heart of L’Ecusson lies Museum Fabre with its extensive collection of French art. One of its best public collections includes works by realist Gustave Courbet as well as impressionists Frederic Bazille and Pierre Soulages – two artists with which this museum boasts.
Chamonix
Chamonix, Switzerland and Italy’s world-famous ski destination and mountaineering hotspot, lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Bound by jagged peaks soaring high into the sky and massive glaciers covering vast tracts, Chamonix boasts unparalleled skiing conditions as well as unparalleled mountaineering opportunities.
Town pulsates with life. Its charming traffic-free center, filled with restaurants, bars and shops (though perhaps a little touristy), and surrounding villages filled with restaurants, bars, shops and museums such as Alpine Museum housed in a former town hall and Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine Janny Couttet offer something for everyone.
Visitors to Chamonix must experience its iconic cable car system and train ride from Chamonix to Montenvers as must-do activities. Both offer breathtaking panoramas as you ascend higher into the mountains, reaching amazing heights over its stunning mountain landscape. Access world renowned off-piste terrain here or even try freeriding. However, this resort may not be suitable for beginners looking for a relaxing holiday; experienced skiers should head instead towards Chambre Neuf where there is often live music playing, often led by its resident band! For early apres action head straight away to Chambre Neuf where live music plays regularly and there may even be live bands playing some great tunes! For early apres head over there – you won’t regret visiting!