France

Paris

In the centre-north of the country on the river Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is one of the largest agglomerations in Europe, with 2.2 million people living in the dense (105 km2) central city, 7 million people in the Métropole du Grand Paris (814 km2) and almost 12 million people living in the metropolitan area.

Nice

Nice (pronounced like the English word "niece") is a large city in France on the French Riviera. It's a popular destination for vacationers young and old, with something to offer nearly everyone. It is well known for the beautiful view on the Promenade des Anglais, its famous waterfront, and is an ethnically diverse port city. In 2021 the waterfront and a considerable part of the city were listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A Beach Destination

Marseille

Marseille (Provençal: Marselha ) is the second most populated city of France (and third urban area) the biggest Mediterranean port and the economic center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. In 2013 the city (with its region) was the European Capital of Culture, a large series of cultural events took place, and several new infrastructures were inaugurated.

Lyon

Lyon is the capital of the French administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône- Alpes. A city of half a million, Lyon alone is the country's third-largest city, but its metropolitan area is only second in population to Paris. Lyon is mostly known as the gastronomic epicentre of France, with one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in the country. Lyon was a Roman provincial capital and thus has extensive Roman ruins. Architecture in old Lyon ranges from 12th century to modern, and is primarily influenced by its position in the Renaissance as a centre of silk production.

Cannes

Once a small fishing village on the French Riviera, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town of 74,000 people (2017) considered to be one of the social hubs of Europe.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg (German: Straßburg, Alsatian: Strossburi ) is the capital of the Grand-Est region of France and is most widely known for hosting a number of important European institutions. It is also famous for its beautiful historical centre - the Grande Île - which was the first city centre to be classified entirely as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic town located in the Île-de-France region of France, just southwest of Paris. The city is best known for the opulent Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of absolute monarchy. The palace was once the principal royal residence of French kings, and its grandeur is evident in its stunning architecture, lavish gardens, and elaborate interiors. The Hall of Mirrors, adorned with mirrors and chandeliers, is a highlight of the palace, and the sprawling gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, offer a magnificent setting for leisurely walks and events. Beyond the palace, Versailles exudes old-world charm, with its charming streets, historic buildings, and local markets. Visitors can explore the charming town center, with its quaint cafés and boutiques, and experience the vibrant local culture. Versailles' historical significance and architectural splendor make it a popular destination for tourists seeking to delve into the grandeur of French history and culture.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is famous for its wines. It deserves to be equally famous for its magnificent neo-classical waterfront and old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a city in southwestern France, and capital of Haute-Garonne in the Midi-Pyrenees region. It stands just north of the Pyrenees on the River Garonne, halfway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, after Paris, Marseille and Lyon. It's known for its rugby, its aerospace industry and for violets, which are used to make bonbons and liqueurs here.

Calais

Calais, situated on the northern coast of France, offers a captivating blend of maritime history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural richness. As a gateway to continental Europe, Calais boasts a unique position overlooking the English Channel, with the iconic White Cliffs of Dover visible across the water. The city's history comes to life at the Calais Lace Museum, showcasing its intricate lace-making heritage, while the Calais Town Hall is a masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance architecture. The Calais Beach and its charming promenade provide a tranquil escape, while the bustling Place d'Armes and its vibrant market scene offer a taste of local life. Beyond its cityscape, Calais offers proximity to other captivating destinations like Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dunkirk, both rich in maritime heritage and scenic beauty. The Calais Wine and Food Festival celebrates the region's culinary delights, while its ferry connections make it a convenient starting point for exploring the wider treasures of northern France. Whether you're delving into its historical sites, enjoying its coastal charm, or venturing further afield to experience more of the Hauts-de-France region, Calais presents an enriching and multifaceted French travel experience.

Lille

Lille (Dutch: Rijsel ) is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France and the core of one of the largest metropolitan agglomerations in the country. Historically, it has also been the capital of Flanders, and later an industrial powerhouse, thanks to which it now boasts a large and handsome historic centre. Today, it is known as a major economic and academic centre, with a very large student population. Situated at the literal crossroads of Europe, Lille is within a 90-minute train ride from Paris, Brussels and London.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a glamorous coastal town located on the French Riviera. Known for its luxurious yachts, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Saint-Tropez has been a playground for the rich and famous for decades. The town's historic Old Port is lined with colorful houses and trendy cafes, while the iconic Place des Lices hosts a lively market and is a popular spot for people-watching. Saint-Tropez's beautiful beaches, such as Pampelonne Beach, attract visitors from around the world, while its art galleries and museums add to its cultural allure. With its chic ambiance, Mediterranean charm, and a mix of relaxation and sophistication, Saint-Tropez remains an alluring destination for those seeking a taste of the French Riviera's jet-set lifestyle.

Montpellier

Montpellier is the principal city in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southwest France. It's been the fastest growing city in France over the past 25 years and, as a result, it has very modern districts on the outskirts that are in stark contrast to the old winding roads of the city centre. The town is home to a lot of students due to the presence of the University of Montpellier which has the oldest medical school in Europe, and, as such, Montpellier has a very young feel to it.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, a stunning island commune in northwestern France, is an enchanting destination celebrated for its dramatic and otherworldly appearance, rich history, and architectural splendor. Rising dramatically from the tidal flats of the Normandy coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site is crowned by a magnificent medieval abbey, resembling something out of a fairy tale. The abbey's Gothic spires and stone walls seem to defy gravity as they ascend to the heavens, creating a mesmerizing silhouette against the backdrop of the open sea. Accessible by a causeway that becomes submerged at high tide, Mont Saint-Michel's unique setting and tidal variations add to its mystical charm. Exploring Mont Saint-Michel is like stepping back in time as you wander through its winding streets, ancient buildings, and charming boutiques. The abbey itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with intricate cloisters, soaring vaulted ceilings, and panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Whether you're admiring the ethereal beauty of the abbey, witnessing the natural spectacle of the changing tides, or savoring French cuisine in one of the island's restaurants, a visit to Mont Saint-Michel promises a truly magical and unforgettable experience on the shores of Normandy.

Colmar

Colmar is a city in Alsace, France. It was the last town in France to be liberated during World War II in Europe, on February 2, 1945.

Avignon

Avignon, a historic city in the south of France, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque setting along the Rhône River. Known as the "City of Popes," Avignon boasts the magnificent Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe, which served as the papal residence in the 14th century. The city's charming Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, bustling squares, and hidden courtyards, where travelers can explore historic churches, vibrant markets, and quaint cafes. Avignon is also celebrated for its annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, drawing artists and spectators from around the world to its captivating performances and artistic atmosphere. Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Provence, Avignon offers an excellent base for exploring the region's renowned vineyards, lavender fields, and charming hilltop villages. The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d'Avignon, is an iconic bridge that partially spans the Rhône River, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Whether you're wandering through medieval streets, savoring Provençal cuisine, or immersing yourself in the city's rich history and arts scene, Avignon promises a cultural and visual feast for travelers seeking to uncover the treasures of southern France.

Annecy

Annecy, in the north of the French Alps, is called "the Venice of Savoie" — a well-deserved title. The medieval town centre built around a 14th- century chateau is dissected by small canals and streams running out of Lac Annecy, which is clean, fresh and a wonderful azure colour. Annecy is the prefecture of the département of Haute-Savoie.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a city in Provence, a region in the south of France.