Hauts-de-France
The Channel ports of Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne, and the refined resort of Le Touquet are focal points along a busy coastline that stretches from the Somme River estuary to the Belgian border. Boulogne has a genuine maritime flavor, and its white cliffs run all the way to the famous port city of Calais. The seaside cliffs and maritime views provide dramatic scenery along the Cote d’Opale, or Opal Coast. To the southwest, the grace of Flemish architecture is displayed in the central squares of the medieval town of Arras. From there to the Somme river valley, lies the traumatic legacy of World War I. Visiting its memorial cemeteries and poppy strewn battlefields, is a compelling and emotional experience. Cathedrals are the main appeal of Picardy and the town of Amiens. The striking Notre-Dame Cathedral there is a striking example of the Gothic architectural style. Closer to Paris is Chantilly, the center of French horsemanship. Among the stables and beautiful gardens is a 19th-century chateau housing numerous art treasures.
The Great East – Alsace and Lorraine
As border regions, Alsace and Lorraine have been fought over for centuries by France and Germany, their beleaguered past is displayed by many military strongholds and cemeteries. Today, tranquility pervades the region, with its pastel-painted villages, fortified towns and sleepy vineyards.
Caught in the wars between France and Germany, Alsace and Lorraine have changed nationality four times since 1871. The border citadels of Metz, Toul and Verdun in Lorraine, and the abundant castles of Alsace have grown tempered in centuries of it warring past. The castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, and Saverne’s ruined fortress round up a list of intriguing and striking castles of the region.
In Alsace, Route du Vin vineyards nudge pretty villages in the Vosges foothills. Strasbourg, the capital, is a cosmopolitan city with a 16th-centurty center, while Nancy, Lorraine’s historic capital, represents elegant 18th century architecture and city-scapes.
One of the primary attractions of this region would have to be its cuisine. Lorraine offers surprisingly good beers and the famous quiche Lorraine, among numerous savory regional dishes. In Alsace, cozy win stubs, or wine cellars, you can enjoy flowery Riesling and Gewurstraminer vintages.
PARIS – ILE-DE-FRANCE
No other European city defines itself by its river in the same way as Paris. The Seine is the essential point of reference to the city: distances are measured from it, street numbers determined by it, and it divides the capital into two distinct areas, the Right Bank on the north side of the river and the Left Bank on the south side. The city is also divided historically: the east is linked to the city’s ancient roots, and the west to the 19th-20th centuries.
Above all, the river is is the life blood of the region. For centuries, fleets of small boats used it, but motorized land traffic stifled this once-bustling scene. Today, the river is busy with commercial barges and massive bateaux-mouches- or tourist boats that dutifully carry sightseers up and down the river.
When in Paris, make sure to visit The Palace of Versailles and its magnificent gardens, the Saint-Denis Basilica, the resting place of the Kings of France, the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte and its park designed by the legendary architect André Le Nôtre, the medieval city of Provins with its impressive ramparts, Fontainebleau Castle, a gem of French art, the charming and romantic Royaumont Abbey, the royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Courances Castle and its marvelous Renaissance water garden, and new the Impressionist village of Auvers-sur-Oise. When it comes to entertainment, children and adults alike are sure to love attractions like Disneyland Paris, the France Miniature museum, and Thoiry Park.
Normandy
A place of history, culture and tradition, Normandy offers much to visitors in search of authenticity and natural beauty. Peaceful and unspoiled, it offers an incredibly diverse landscape, ranging from forests, hedged farmlands and rustic meadows of its countryside, the majestic white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, the famous monastery of Mont Saint-Michel, the meanders of the Seine Valley, Swiss Normandy, and the Cotentin and Bessin marshes. Normandy has unique cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage. Seafood, salt marsh lamb, hard apple cider, Calvados apple brandy, teurgoule, dairy products from Isigny, and cheese from Pays d’Auge are among the treats in store for visitors.
Normandy has an impressive number of major sites that attract visitors year-round, starting with the very famous Mont Saint-Michel and its prestigious Benedictine abbey, the iconic Château-Gaillard, the Gothic cathedral of Coutances, the medieval city of Bayeux, the picturesque towns of Caen and Rouen, the chic resorts of Deauville and Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, the magnificent gardens of Monet, the charming village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei or the elegant Carrouges Castle.
Importantly, Normandy also offers a journey through the history of the Second World War. The site of the brutal in Atkin landings are commemorated at Omaha beach, the American cemetery and memorial, the Pointe du Hoc battleground, and numerous memorable and museums devoted to honoroing those who served and endured the monumental invasion to liberate Europe from tyranny.
Finally, charming places like Étretat, Fécamp or Honfleur, which inspired the Impressionist painters of the 19th century, remain as tranquil and inspiring today as they did in the time of Monet.
Brittany
A land of legends that combines traditions and authenticity to wonderful effect, Brittany has built up a strong identity over time. Wild cliffs, rocky coasts, fern-covered moors, mysterious forests: the region’s natural heritage is exceptional and draws many visitors every year. The mild, oceanic climate also has something to do with it, as do the joyful atmosphere of the place and its impressive built heritage.
Brittany is attached to its traditions and regularly promotes its cultural heritage at such famous events as the Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival, the Vieilles Charrues festival and the many fest-noz all over the area, as well as through its gastronomic heritage, with kouign-amann, crêpes and buckwheat pancakes, far Breton, seafood, and andouille sausage de Guémené.
You’re sure to find something you like in Brittany. The coast is brimming with natural beauty spots, like the Emerald and Pink Granite Coasts, Le Raz Headland, the peninsulas of Crozon and Quiberon or the Gulf of Morbihan. Off the coast, the islands of Groix, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Molène, Bréhat and Ouessant are true havens of peace that are ideal for resting.
And how could anyone resist the architectural attractions of Quimper, the typical character of the Breton villages or the picturesque charm of Pont-Aven? Yet Brittany is also about history and legends, with major sites like Carnac and its impressive megalithic alignments, the city of Rennes, Brittany’s capital, or the famous Broceliande forest where Merlin the wizard is said to have lived!
The Loire Valley
The lush Loire River Valley is supremely regal. The intellectual capital of 13th century France, Orleans attracted artists, poets, and troubadours to the royal court. But the medieval court never stayed in one place for long, which led to the building of magnificent chateaux all along the Loire River. Chambord and Chenonceau, the two greatest Renaissance chateaux, remain prestigious symbols of royal rule, resplendent within their ornamental gardens.
Due to its central location, culture and fine cuisine, Tours is the natural visitor’s capital. Angers is a close second, but more authentic are the historic towns Amboise, Blois, Saumur, and Beaugency, strung out like jewels along the river.
Southward, the windswept Vendee is edged by a wild, sandy coastline that is perfect for windsurfers and nature lovers alike. Inland, the Loire’s more peaceful tributaries and the watery Sologne beg to be explored.
Pays De La Loire
Opening into the Atlantic Ocean, the Pays de la Loire region offers a vast heritage. Vast and expansive, its scenery is very diverse and its attractions appeal to vacationers as well as lovers of flora and fauna. Its 300 miles of coastline make up of a series of superb sandy beaches, rocky coasts and seaside resorts such as La Baule, Les Sables-d’Olonne, Pornic and Saint-Jean-de-Monts. Visitors find it hard to resist the charms of the “Coast of Light”, where you can enjoy the the beach or try your hand at windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Steeped in history and boasting an impressive heritage, this vast area encompasses some of the famous Loire castles, like those of Angers and its famous tapestry of the Apocalypse, Brissac, Le Lude, Montreuil-Bellay, Montsoreau, Saumur or Serrant.
A lively place all year round, the Pays de la Loire region also hosts major events like the Hellfest in Clisson, a big metal music festival, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the legendary sports car endurance race, and the Vendée Globe, a famous round-the-world solo sailing race that starts there every four years.
Burgundy & Franche Comte
Under the duke of Valois, Burgundy was France’s most powerful rival, with territory extending well beyond its present boundaries. By the 16th century, however, the duchy was ruled by governors appointed by the French king, but it still managed to keep its privileges and traditions. Once a part of Burgundy, Franche-Comte struggled to remain independent of the French crown, and was a province of the Holy Roman Empire until annexed by Louis XIV in 1674.
Burgundy was a center of medieval religious faith that produced Romanesque masterpieces at Vezelay, Fontenay, and Cluny. Dijon is a splendid city, filled with the palaces of the old Burgundian nobility and a collection of great painting and sculptures in the Musee des Beaux Arts.
Topographically, the Franche-Comte is divided in two, with gently rolling farmland in the Saone Valley and high Alpine scenery to the east. This forest country of Alpine torrents filled with trout is also the home of great cheeses such as Vacherin and Comte, and the well-known wine of Arbois.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The ultimate summer destination, Nouvelle-Aquitaine not only benefits from a mild and sunny climate, but also enjoys a favorable location between the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees, and the Massif Central. Boasting a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from the famous vineyards of Bordeaux to the Pyrenees mountains, via the charming Dordogne Valley, the peaceful Millevaches Plateau, the mountains of Limousin, the mysterious Poitevin Marsh, the islands of Ré and Oléron or the picturesque Pays Basque. This magnificent territory in south-western France offers vacationers a wide range of activities and sightseeing opportunities. The region has a large number of natural and architectural treasures and combines the joys of the beach and the ocean with the attractions of the forest and lakes.
Favorite tourist destinations include cities of Art and History like Bayonne, Bordeaux, Pau, Périgueux and Poitiers, the castles of Bonaguil, Cazeneuve, Crozant, Roquetaillade and La Rochefoucauld, the medieval towns of Saint-Émilion and Sarlat-la-Canéda, the old port town of La Rochelle, the picturesque villages of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, Collonges-la-Rouge and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, the stunning gardens of Eyrignac and Marqueyssac, and also the famous seaside resorts of Arcachon, Biarritz, Capbreton, Hossegor, Royan and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, as well as the tall Dune of Pilat that majestically tower over the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon. Lovers of religious architecture and artistic heritage will be delighted by gems of Romanesque art like the Church of Aulnay-de-Saintonge, the triad of Melle, Le Dorat Collegiate Church or Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey Church, and age-old traditions and skills like Aubusson’s celebrated tapestry and Limoges’ famous porcelain.
Gourmets in search of new flavors will also be thrilled as the region is renowned for its local specialities and products, like wines from Bordeaux, Bergerac and Jurançon, oysters from Arcachon and Marennes-Oléron, Agen prunes, poultry and foie gras from Landes, Périgord truffles, Chalosse beef, Bayonne ham, poule au pot (poached chicken), Broyé du Poitou, flognarde and Basque cake.
Auvergne-Rhone-Alps
A favorite destination for lovers of mountain landscapes and outdoor leisure activities, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and its exceptional natural heritage are a haven for hikers who love countryside. From walks in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park or the Vanoise National Park to cross-country skiing in the Bauges, through rock climbing in the Mont-Blanc massif, kayaking in the Sioule gorges or swimming in the lakes of Annecy. Skiing fans will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of winter sports resorts in the French Alps. For vacationers who want to walk, they will enjoy the wonders of nature by travelling along the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, an exceptional itinerary dotted with mountain passes at over 6,500 feet in altitude. And to unwind, you can relax on the lake shores of the Massif Central and the Alps, or enjoy the thermal spas of Aix-les-Bains, Brides-les-Bains, Bourbon-l’Archambault, Chaudes-Aigues, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Royat, Uriage-les-Bains or Vichy.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is also rich in architectural heritage. Its castle forts, Romanesque churches, typical villages and towns of great architectural and cultural importance, like Annecy, Chambéry, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Le Puy-en-Velay, Montluçon, Moulins and Riom, are sure to wow you! History enthusiasts and lovers of history need to visit major heritage sites such as Lyon’s historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site of Saint-Romain-en-Gal, Souvigny Priory, Orcival Basilica, Brou Royal Monastery, the medieval towns of Charroux and Salers, the picturesque villages of Balazuc, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Labeaume, Pérouges and Yvoire, and the castles of Anjony, Crussol, Murol, Tournoël and Le Touvet.
While visiting the region, you can enjoy some delicious regional products and famous specialities such as the cheeses from Auvergne and Savoie, green lentils from Le Puy, Lyonnaise salad, potée auvergnate stew, poultry from Bresse, tartiflette, raclette and fondue, wines from Côtes du Rhône, Montélimar nougat, Saint-Genix cake and pompe aux pommes (a local apple pie).
Occitanie
Occitanie offers visitors an infinite variety of sightseing. The famous Pyrenean mountain range with its impressive peaks, the immense cirques of Gavarnie and Troumouse, the peaceful Aubrac Plateau, the romantic Canal du Midi, the impressive Navacelles cirque, the authentic Cévennes massif, and the long, sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, so beloved by sunbathers, really offer a great deal to nature and outdoor lovers.
The region also offers an impressive architectural and cultural heritage. For instance, the beautiful towns of Albi and its Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, Auch and its picturesque streets, Cahors and its Valentré Bridge, Carcassonne and its imposing fortifications, Cordes-sur-Ciel and its Gothic houses, Foix and its medieval castle, Lourdes and its sanctuaries, Millau and its famous viaduct, Montauban and its Place Nationale, Narbonne and its Archbishops’ Palace, Nîmes and its Roman ruins, Perpignan and its palace of the Kings of Majorca, Rodez and its Gothic cathedral, and Toulouse and its Renaissance mansions.
As you explore the region, you will also appreciate some beautiful villages like Belcastel, Bruniquel, Castelnou, Eus, La Couvertoirade, La Garde-Guérin, Lagrasse, Larressingle, Najac, Penneand Sainte-Enimie, charming medieval fortified towns like Beaumont-de-Lomagne, Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Lauzerte and Saint-Clar, majestic Cathar castles like those of Lastours, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens and Quéribus, as well as major cave sites like the caves of Niaux and Le Pech-Merle.
Provence-Alps-French Riviera
Iconic and legendary, the famous French Riviera is a top destination for vacationers worldwide. Nestled between the Alps, the Italian border, and the Mediterranean Sea, the region enjoys a mild and sunny climate all year. Always popular with fans of sightseeing and sunbathing, the Côte d’Azur is famous the world over for its famous destinations like Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez. The lively seaside resorts like Juan-les-Pins, Sainte-Maxime and Hyères, beautiful sandy or stony beaches, the wild creeks of the Estérel, prestigious Baroque heritage, and charming villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Èze, and Bormes-les-Mimosas, are among its many must-see attractions.
Another major destination in the region, the famous Provence, is highly prized by artists and lovers of old buildings, as Provencal is always a synonym for charm and the good life. In its peaceful hills where you can hear the crickets chirping, its wonderful fields of lavender and olive trees, its maquis scrubland fragrant with the scent of thyme and rosemary, its impressive Verdon gorges, exceptional calanques (rocky inlets), secluded creeks and sandy beaches, it has something to amaze every visitor. Be sure to visit the magnificent hillside villages of Luberon, the old city of the Avignon popes, the old town of Aix-en-Provence, the ancient arenas of Arles, the famous Sainte-Victoire mountain immortalised by the painter Paul Cézanne, the charming small town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the majestic citadel of Sisteron or the ceramics made in the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
The PACA region also includes the Alps and therefore appeals to lovers of the mountains and outdoor activities, with its countless hiking paths weaving through Mercantour National Park, Le Queyras Regional Nature Park and Les Écrins National Park, its renowned ski resorts such as Serre Chevalier, Montgenèvre, La Foux d’Allos, Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg, as well as the magnificent Lake Serre-Ponçon, a veritable sea in the mountains that’s ideal for water sports.