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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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!
Where you stay in and around Kruger National Park can shape the entire safari experience, from intimate lodges inside the reserve to private game viewing in the Greater Kruger area. Each property included in this round-up offers a different take on a South African safari, whether you’re looking for authentic design, indulgent comfort, or exceptional guiding.
The rail network in Japan makes it easy to shape a trip around the kind of experience you want, rather than following a single fixed route. One day you can be in the middle of a busy food district, the next you’re watching the landscape open out into mountains or coastline. These journeys aren’t about rushing through a checklist, but about choosing routes that naturally link places together and give each stop a bit more meaning.
Finland is often linked with winter trips to Lapland, but there’s much more to discover across the country. From design-led cities to quiet lakes and coastal landscapes, it offers a different pace of travel that feels both refreshing and easy to explore. If you’re looking for a European destination that combines nature, culture, and something a little less expected, Finland is well worth considering.
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