Europe
France
France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages, and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine.
Frequently asked questions
Etretat
Etretat is a small coastal village on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, France. The village is best known for its cliffs, including three natural arches and a pointed formation called L'Aiguille or the Needle, which rises 70 meters above the sea. These natural wonders have inspired artists such as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet. Enjoy the charm of this picturesque French village with its pebbled beach, narrow streets, small squares, and traditional Norman architecture.
Chamonix
Chamonix, a picturesque alpine town located in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, is most known for its towering peaks, dramatic landscapes and renowned ski resort. It's the world's capital of alpine skiing and mountaineering, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, paragliding and mountain biking. The town itself is charming with its traditional Savoie buildings, inviting restaurants and lively bars.
Paris
Paris, France's capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its picturesque 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. It's well known for its cafes and boutiques lining on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, famous Notre-Dame cathedral and Eiffel Tower.
Vanoise National Park
Vanoise National Park is located in the Savoie region of the French Alps, established in 1963 as the first national park in France. It is known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, including rugged mountains, glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The park is a sanctuary for wildlife, including chamois, ibex, marmots, lynx and a variety of bird species.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in northeastern France. It's also the official seat of the European Parliament. Located close to the border with Germany, it's the capital of the Bas-Rhin département. The city and the region of Alsace are historically German-speaking, explaining the city's Germanic name.
Bayeux
Bayeux is a town on the Aure River in the Normandy region of northwestern France, 10 kilometers from the Channel Coast. Historically significant, it's known for the Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth more than 900 years old. The town retains much of its historic charm with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and its magnificent cathedral.
Ardeche
Ardeche is a picturesque county in south-central France tracing its history back to the Stone Age. It's known for its natural beauty, full of twisting rivers, deep gorges, and limestone cliffs. Major highlights include the awe-inspiring Pont d'Arc, Chauvet Cave, and Mont Gerbier de Jonc - the source of the Loire River. With a multitude of outdoor activity options, Ardeche is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Chartres
Chartres is a beautiful small city renowned especially for its magnificent, well-preserved Gothic cathedral, one of the finest and largest in France. Situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region, the city retains much of its old-world charm with quaint narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Chartres is also recognized for its 'Fetes de la Lumiere', an annual event when famous buildings in the city are illuminated.
Reims
Reims, a city in northeastern France, is the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region and is known for its historic cathedrals. The city features many beautiful buildings from different epochs, with the highlight being the impressive Reims Cathedral.
Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a geographic gem located on the Channel coast, once a notorious stronghold of privateer pirates. Nowadays, it's more recognized for its beautiful historic buildings, scenic beaches, and mouthwatering seafood. Explore Intra-Muros, the historic walled city, witness the power of nature at the Great Aquarium, and partake in a tour of the Fort National. Don't forget to treat your taste-buds with the world-renowned Malo oysters!
Annecy
Annecy is a charming alpine town in southeastern France. Known as the 'French Venice', it's famous for its beautiful old town, with cobbled streets, winding canals, and pastel-coloured houses. The town is on the shores of Lake Annecy, which is surrounded by mountains and is renowned for its clean, crystal-clear water. Annecy is also a cultural hotbed, with several museums, galleries, and festivals throughout the year.
Giverny
Giverny is a small village in northern France, best known as the rural retreat of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visitors can explore Monet's pink-painted house, stroll through the beautiful gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces, and walk across the Japanese bridge that features so prominently in his paintings. The village is set in the picturesque landscape of the Seine Valley and has a charming, relaxed atmosphere.
Toulouse
Toulouse, nicknamed the 'Pink City' due to its distinct terracotta architecture, is quietly eccentric. It's one of France's most historically rich cities and houses some of Europe's most modern establishments. It also boasts of having vibrant markets, top-notch dining and drinking scenes, attractive river banks and quirky festivals.
Camargue
Camargue, a marshy delta between the Mediterranean and the two arms of the Rhône River. A paradise for birdwatchers, it's home to more than 400 species including pink flamingos. Known for its ancient breed of white horses often seen running wild, and its black bulls being used for bullfighting in local towns.
Lyon
Lyon is France's third-largest city and a gourmet's paradise. It's known for its historical and architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lyon was historically known as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France.
Biarritz
Biarritz, a city on the Bay of Biscay, is known for its beaches like the Grand Plage, and for its thalassotherapy spas. It's also notable for the Rocher de la Vierge, an iconic rock formation in the ocean, accessible by an iron bridge. The city's annual surf competition draws visitors from around the world.
Nantes
Nantes, a city in western France, is distinguished by its creative innovation and dynamic atmosphere. It's known for its rich history and unique blend of modern and traditional architectural styles. The Palace of the Dukes of Brittany, the medieval castle located in the heart of the city, is a key landmark. It's famous for its thriving arts scene with the Nantes Art Museum being a major attraction. You'll also find many parks, namely the Jardin des Plantes, and a vibrant nightlife.
Mercantour
Mercantour National Park is a French national park located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes departments. It encompasses a vast and diverse area of the French Alps, offering a variety of landscapes from barren rocky mountain peaks to lush green valleys and alpine meadows. It's a paradise for nature lovers, featuring many unique animal species and a plethora of native plant species.
Verdon Gorge
Verdon Gorge, often considered one of the most beautiful river canyons in Europe, stretches approximately 25 kilometers in length and up to 700 meters in depth. It is located in the south-east of France and is known for its turquoise color, hence its nickname 'The Grand Canyon of Europe'. Activities that can be done here include hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and swimming.
Finistère
Finistère is a wondrous and breathtaking department in Brittany, France. Known for its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and historic sites, Finistère is an absolute feast for the eyes. Its coastal paths wind along a wild, jagged coastline, revealing hidden beaches, dramatic cliff tops, and charming fishing villages. The interior is equally enchanting, with rolling fields, dense forests, and charming market towns.
Saint-Tropez
Located on the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez is known for its Mediterranean beaches and nightlife. The cobblestone La Ponche quarter recalls the town’s past as a fishing village, although yachts now outnumber fishing boats in the Old Port. The town's beaches include the famous Pampelonne Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and lively beach clubs. There are numerous art galleries and museums such as the Musée de l'Annonciade.
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is a small rocky island located in Normandy, approximately one kilometer off the country's northwestern coast. The island is best known for the spectacular and well-preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel at the peak of the rocky island, surrounded by the winding streets and convoluted architecture of the medieval town.
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River in the south of France. A masterpiece of ancient architecture, it was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1985 because of its historical and architectural importance. The bridge has three tiers of arches, standing 48.8m high, and once carried an estimated 200,000 cubic meters of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens of Nîmes.
Pyrenees
The Pyrenees is a mountain range that spans from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean, forming a natural border between France and Spain. It's known for its beautiful landscapes, which vary from snowy peaks to green valleys. It's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and mountain biking routes. In winter, it's a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Rennes
Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region in France's northwest. It's known for its medieval half-timbered houses and grand Rennes Cathedral. In the center stands the imposing Palais du Parlement de Bretagne (Brittany Parliament), a 17th-century palace. Thabor Park's French gardens, aviary and bandstand make it one of France's most beautiful public parks.
Arles
Arles is a city in the south of France, known for its remarkable Roman remnants including an arena, theater, and baths. Traces of Van Gogh, who lived here from 1888 to 1889 can be found throughout the city. Arles also hosts the internationally recognized photography festival, Rencontres d'Arles.
Quimper
Quimper, a town in the Finistère department of Brittany, is renowned for its medieval architecture. Famous for its cathedral and winding streets filled with half-timbered houses, it's a must-visit for history lovers. Quimper is also known for its fine art and porcelain.
Sarlat
Sarlat, officially known as Sarlat-la-Canéda, is a popular tourist destination in the Dordogne department in southwestern France. It's known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, gastronomy and bustling markets. A must-visit spot is the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos, a Roman Catholic church and former cathedral with a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The city's historic center and labyrinth of narrow streets make for delightful strolls. The Dordogne River nearby offers a range of water activities.
Beaune
Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, is a historic and picturesque city known for its wine auctions, mustard, and a splendid hospital from the Middle Ages - Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). Surrounded by world-famous vineyards, Beaune is a vibrant centre of wine culture and gastronomy.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, a city located in the southwestern part of France and the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is renowned globally for its wines and vineyards. Blessed with a rich history, stunning architecture, and gastronomic delights, Bordeaux offers an elegant and breathtaking landscape. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, praised for its harmonious urban landscape and architectural ensemble.
Nimes
Nîmes is a city in the Occitanie region of southern France. It is known for its Roman monuments such as the Arena of Nîmes and the well-preserved Temple of Diana. Nîmes is also famous for its unique denim fabric, which was first produced here and gained worldwide popularity.
Corsica
Corsica is a mountainous Mediterranean island, with a mix of stylish coastal towns, dense forest and craggy peaks. It's known for its diverse landscapes and its natural reserves. The island offers beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, great mountains for hiking and charming old towns.
Porquerolles Island
Porquerolles Island, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the three islands of Hyères and the largest. It's known for its pristine, white beaches, turquoise waters, and a nature reserve, which makes up more than half of its land area. The island boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from rich, green forests to a rugged coastline, and offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and sailing.
Loire Valley Castles
The Loire Valley Castles, located in France, offers a spectacular array of over 100 vast, majestic and elegant castles which are remnants of France's royal past. Every castle is unique, exhibiting its own individual architectural styles and histories. With its beautiful landscaped gardens and stunning vistas, the region is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Ile de Ré
Ile de Ré is a serene island off the coast of La Rochelle in Western France. Known for its well-preserved natural landscape, pristine beaches and picturesque villages, it serves as an ideal retreat for those looking for peaceful relaxation. The island is scattered with cyclists enjoying the varied terrain and quaint marketplaces selling the famed local salt and freshest of seafood.
Cannes
Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera, known worldwide for its International Film Festival and its luxury shops and hotels. You can visit the Palais des Festivals, the place where the Film Festival takes place or you can walk on the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera. You can also visit the Suquet, the old quarter of Cannes, full of charm and typical French bistros.
Lille
Lille is a city at the northern part of France, near Belgium. It's known for its city center with significant architecture from Lille's Flemish heritage, and the Old Lille has charming French-style narrow streets. There's a diverse culinary scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. The city has also a vibrant arts scene with many museums and art galleries.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France's Languedoc area, well-known for its medieval citadel, La Cité. The First Walls, founded in Gallo-Roman times, protect this old town with 53 watchtowers, barbican, and double walls. The town also includes a cathedral known as Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire. It's a charming place with cobblestone streets and quaint houses.