5 reasons to visit France
With its spectacular rural scenery, delectable food, and world-class wines, it's no surprise France is such a well-loved holiday destination. The country's diverse landscapes, from the winding Rhone to the rocky shores of Corsica, make it an unrivalled holiday destination, with so many reasons to keep returning year after year.
Much like neighbouring Italy, it's a great holiday spot for anyone looking for a quintessential European holiday. You'll find plenty of beautiful places to visit, whether you're looking for an adventure or to simply relax.
There are cities jam-packed with culture, like Paris whose museums and galleries need no introduction. Venture into the countryside and you'll discover enchanting provincial towns with cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, dramatic valleys and peaceful vineyards in the grounds of majestic chateaux. Discover the beauty of the Alps, with a rail journey to remember. Don't forget the glitz and glamour of the Mediterranean - the Cote d'Azur attracts visitors from all over the world who want a spot of sun.
Our collection of exclusive trips to some of the prettiest locations in France will show you the best that the country has to offer. Some of these delightful getaways allow you to soak up the wonders of France in the company of some expert celebrity guests, who'll host unique events along the way.
In case you're not already persuaded, here are five reasons why France is always high on our list of dream destinations.
Step aboard the elegant Balmoral ship on this six-day cruise of Normandy and the Channel Islands. Explore the picturesque city of St Malo and visit the famous Mont St. Michel. Discover fascinating WWII history in the Channel Islands with visits to Sark and Alderney, home to incredible wildlife including puffins and dolphins. Sail the River Seine into Rouen with its remarkable Cathédrale Notre-Dame and sample delicious cuisine along the way. Or immerse yourself in rural France with its bustling farmers' markets and quaint medieval villages dotted along the picturesque Dordogne River and Carcassonne. Stop to admire the timeless beauty of Beynac Castle and discover the stone-age cave paintings of Lascaux on a guided tour.
Anyone looking to book a foodie holiday will certainly consider France, a country famous for its food. From warm, crusty baguettes to hearty Boeuf Bourguignon and fresher-than-fresh seafood, there's so much to discover here for those who love to eat. Bordeaux is the viticulture capital of France, famous for deliciously full-bodied red wine, complemented by mouthwatering dishes rooted in tradition. You can discover this lovely region on a foodie cruise in the company of a renowned chef Raymond Blanc or celebrated chef Tom Kerrdige along the Médoc wine region, with visits to local vineyards, elegant wine estates to sample the finest vintages.
Read our exclusive chat with Raymond Blanc OBE
France has several magnificent rivers running through it. There is, of course, the famous Seine, which runs through Paris and has been the backdrop for many a romantic moment - both real and fictional. The Rhone is another of France's major rivers, and winds through one of the country's greatest wine-growing regions. One of the best ways to explore the beautiful banks of France's rivers is on a river cruise. You can choose to sail along the rivers of the Garonne and Dordogne in style, so search your next cruise here.
St Tropez, Cannes, Antibes or St Malo - these are names that conjure images of glistening waters, tree-lined boulevards, and gleaming yachts docked in harbours lined with glamorous cafes. France is home to some of the Mediterranean's most glitzy port towns, where thos seeking a stylish getaway flock to sock in the sun. A cruise is a fantastic way to see the region, taking in both the French and Italian Rivieras, where you'll get to watch mega-yachts.
France is one of the world's most renowned producers of wine, with a history of viniculture stretching back centuries. Bordeaux is the wine capital of France, famous for deliciously full-bodied red wine, complemented by fabulous foods rooted in tradition. On a wine tour, you'll visit several vineyards and wine estates, participate in tastings, and learn about winemaking. Or on this eight-day foodie tour of southern France enjoy with wine tastings in Saint-Emilion at Chateau Coutet. Alternatively, sample fine wines on this wonderful tour of the Loire Valley.
