A country brimming with enticing history, sprawling green spaces, exciting cities and world-renowned gastronomy, France is a place where you can expect to uncover a whole host of breath-taking experiences.
With stunning coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, creating awe-inspiring beaches and cliffs; borders with Spain, Andorra, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium; Alpine villages; medieval cities; sprawling vineyard-filled countryside and a bustling capital with some of the best of European architecture, art, landmarks and shops, every traveller will be satisfied here.
Whether it’s a peaceful, romantic escape for two you’re seeking, a food-filled adventure, a history tour or something else, you’re sure to find it in France, so read on for some travel inspiration for your next French quest.
Paris for opulence
The dazzling capital, known as the city of lights, is a big draw for many travellers seeking varying types of trip, but one thing that for sure when visiting this large city, is that it brims with opulence throughout. From the grand monuments to the super-luxe hotels to the glitzy stores that line the Champs-Élysées, luxury seeking travellers will not be disappointed when holidaying here.
Sitting on the Seine, the 19th-century cityscape boasts boulevards, boutiques and a bounty of cafes from which to enjoy some of the renowned cuisine, while the famed Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the 12th-century Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral and Louvre museum are some of the sights that shouldn’t be missed.
The Côte d’Azur for glamping
Nothing says glamour like the chic Côte d’Azur – or the French Riviera – and what better way to enjoy the best of this Mediterranean coastal area than to hop around the varying towns, villages and microstate of Monaco to take in all of the ravishing beauty of the area?
Whether you wish to hit up a few five-star hotels, hire your own villa or take in the beauty via glamping in France, this stretch of the coast is sure to impress as you traverse the terrain and soak up the breath-taking beauty of the beach-side towns and cliff-side villages that you’ll never want to leave.
With sprawling pools, local activities, gorgeous settings and so much more, glamping here is sure to surpass your expectations.
Provence for romance
France has long been associated as being a romantic destination, with Paris typically taking the lead as the place to head to for couples seeking an escape with romance at its core. If the bustle of Paris doesn’t quite fit the image you had in mind of a peaceful escape for two then the southern region of Provence may suit you much better.
From sprawling vineyards to eye-catching lavender fields to the southern Alps and the shores of the Mediterranean, Provence is the ideal place for long suppers with great wine and delectable foods, bike rides around the countryside, tours of the local villages and vineyards, lazy days at the beaches and exploration of the coastal towns that boast a bit of everything to keep you interested.
Bordeaux for wine and food
French food and wines are revered the world over and there’s no better place to enjoy some of the finest gastronomic offerings than in and around Bordeaux and the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Sitting in the south west of the country, the port city of Bordeaux is the hub of the wine-growing region resting on the Garonne River.
In addition to stunning architecture, historical buildings, gardens, and art museums, visitors here will be awash with ways to try the local wines and other gourmet highlights. Duck dishes, including foie gras and confit duck, are best sampled here, while porcini mushrooms and pastries are highlights of the area.
Don’t miss out on trips to the villages of Issigeac (for its Sunday food markets) and Esplette (for its signature red chillis).
Normandy for history
Cheese, cream, seafood, apple cider – there are many reasons that Normandy makes for a fantastic food destination, but it’s the history here is what really sets the region apart. In Rouen, you’ll find the Cathedrale Notre-Dames de Rouen, where Catholic Saint and military leader Joan of Arc was executed in 1431, while Omaha Beach is a must-visit for those interested in recent history of WWII as it is the famous site for the D-Day landing.
Finally, a true icon is the rocky tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel, topped by a soaring Gothic abbey and sitting one kilometre off the coast. With over a thousand years of history, you cannot miss a visit here.
The final word
France truly offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions, from theme parks to beaches and museums to historical landmarks. Meanwhile, young couples can find romance in the charming cities and towns, indulging in gourmet food and wine, and exploring the stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, France is the perfect destination for 2023. So, start planning your next trip to France and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer.
