Our Favourite Places to Visit in France

08 November 2024

The French national celebration of Bastille Day each 14 July always reminds us how much we love to explore this country, as a solo traveller, as a couple, with friends or with kids. It’s hard to narrow down our top destinations in a country of such beauty and variety, but we’ve picked out some that are high up on our wish list.


Paris – for romance

No matter how many times you’ve visited the French capital, you’ll always find something new to fire your imagination. Beyond the famous sights lie clandestine squares, secret alleys and hidden gardens just waiting to be discovered on leisurely strolls punctuated by countless stops at café terraces to people-watch. Some of our most romantic experiences in Paris are strolling around the open-air sculptures of the Jardin des Tuileries by day and through the illuminated courtyards of the Louvre by night, visiting the Musée Rodin, home to the sculptor’s famous The Kiss, and dinner at Chez Paul in the Bastille – a classic bistro with a zinc bar, tiled floor and hand-written menu.

Bordeaux – for food and drink

Situated at the heart of some of the finest vineyards on the globe, this UNESCO World Heritage site is best known for wine and wine tours in the surrounding countryside. But it’s also a wonderful city in its own right – as well as the relatively recent Cité du Vin visitor centre continuing the wine theme, there is an array of fantastic restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars in which to enjoy local produce as you watch the world go by, a vast number of listed classical and neo-classical monuments and buildings to admire as you amble around, and high-end shopping to die for.

Strasbourg - for the Christmas markets

Capital of the tiny Alsace region with its picturesque spread of castles, churches, villages and vineyards, Strasbourg boasts the first medieval centre to have been proclaimed a World Heritage Site. Being home to important European institutions including the Council of Europe and its European Court of Human Rights doesn’t detract from its being drenched in atmosphere, not least before and during Christmas time, when its famous artisan markets of local crafts and festive food and drink bring added sparkle to the city.

Saint Tropez – for seaside luxury

Big, bold and glitzy, this seaside city in the Var region of the south of France has long attracted celebrities and artists for its gorgeous beaches and super-glamorous nightlife. But though yachts outnumber fishing boats in the Vieux Port these days, there’s still character and charm in the cobblestoned La Ponche quarter recalling Saint Tropez’s origins as a fishing village and an array of tempting restaurants and cafés clustered around the harbour, for seafood platters with a view. Boat trips will take you out on the glittering Med and to other iconic local spots including Cannes and Monaco.

Normandy – For rustic charm

Beautiful, low-key and on the doorstep of the UK, this is a region of bewitching seaside towns, ancient harbours, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, medieval monasteries, Impressionist paintings, unspoilt countryside and simple, and delicious local produce. Unmissable sights include the 8th-century Benedictine abbey of Mont-St-Michel clinging to its rocky outcrop – France’s most-visited attraction outside Paris – and the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry.

Provence – For Timeless Charm and Fields of Lavender

With its timeless charm, Provence is the kind of place that captures your heart at first glance. Here, the rolling landscapes are painted in hues of green and violet from its vineyards and famous lavender fields, and the villages are like snapshots of a simpler, rustic era. Visit in the summer to witness the lavender in full bloom, stretching for miles like a fragrant purple sea, or take a stroll through quaint towns like Avignon, where the medieval Palais des Papes towers over winding cobblestone streets. Aix-en-Provence, with its lively markets and art-filled corners, has an atmosphere as warm as the southern sun, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of local wine and Provençal fare at an open-air café. Provence feels like a world apart, full of hidden nooks and sunny vistas that beg you to slow down and stay awhile.

The French Riviera – For Unforgettable Coastlines

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, dazzles with glamour and Mediterranean beauty. Known for its sun-soaked beaches and iconic promenades, this stretch of coastline has long been the go-to for celebrities, artists, and those seeking a slice of the high life. Stroll along Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais, or wander the star-studded streets of Cannes. But the Riviera has more than luxury on offer - dotted along the coastline are hidden coves, picturesque harbours, and dramatic cliffs like those of the Esterel mountains. From Antibes to the quieter bays, each town offers its own take on Riviera elegance, and the seafood and rosé are as abundant as the sunshine. Here, the pace is leisurely, the sea is sparkling, and every day feels like a special occasion.

 

Ready to find your favourite French destination? Contact your Travel Counsellor to start planning your perfect escape to France!

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

27 October 2025

If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends adventure, nature, and authenticity, Costa Rica deserves a spot at the top of your list. With its rainforests, striking volcanoes, and pristine coastline, this Central American gem perfectly captures the relaxed pura vida way of life. What truly sets it apart, though, is the extraordinary range of wildlife that calls it home. From sleepy sloths to migrating whales, Costa Rica offers some of the most remarkable animal encounters on Earth. Here are five you won’t want to miss…

Five dream destinations you should be booking now

Five dream destinations you should be booking now

27 October 2025

Some experiences are too good to leave to chance. The sort of trips where the timing has to be right, the seasons align, and the best places fill up long before most people even think about packing a bag. Planning early isn’t just about being organised, it’s about giving your Travel Counsellor the time to secure the view, the table, the cabin, or the front-row seat that turns a holiday into a story you’ll replay for years. Here are five destinations that almost insist on being booked over a year in advance to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Why a Tented Camp Should Be Your Next Safari Adventure

Why a Tented Camp Should Be Your Next Safari Adventure

22 October 2025

There’s a certain kind of magic that only a tented safari camp can offer. It’s that beautiful in-between where luxury meets wilderness, and your morning soundtrack is a lilting dawn chorus rather than an alarm clock. If you’ve ever dreamed of falling asleep to the distant whoop of a hyena or sipping your coffee as the first light spills across the savannah, a tented camp might just be your perfect kind of paradise. Whether you’re craving authentic bush immersion or romantic seclusion, Claire Stier breaks down why this safari style deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

Show more

Find your personal Travel Counsellor

We have more than 2000 independent Travel Counsellors worldwide, each with the expertise and passion to create your perfect trip and take care of every detail, every step of your journey.

Find your personal Travel Counsellor