France has everything you could wish for - snowy Alps, sunny beaches, crème brûlée, fine wine, and of course, excellent cheese. And it's a great destination to explore by car, loaded with your friends and backpacks. It takes about a day driving to magnificent Paris.
What part of France is worth a visit?
All of France is fantastic and ought to be discovered. The French landscape is varied and the snow-covered Alps are only a couple of hours drive from the sunny beach resorts on the Riviera. In Provence, there are lavender fields and olive-tree groves and in several places in the northern and western part of France you can find rugged and windswept marshlands and rocky coasts.
Paris - The capital of France
Sit back and enjoy the Parisian lifestyle in one of the city's many cafés. Observe the stylish Parisians while you have a foamy café au lait and a crispy croissant in this vibrant capital. Certainly, the Eiffel Tower requires a visit and from the top you can enjoy the beauty of the city. The busy main street that is Champs Elysées and the famous stairs in front of Sacre Coeur are also highlights that must not be missed. Other must sees are the magnificent Louvre with the famous Mona Lisa, as well as the lively Latin Quarter.
Skiing in Chamonix
Chamonix is a charming commune situated on the northwest side of the Alps. The commune is loved by skiers and by mountain athletes of all types. The area welcomes you with a wide range of activities to take part in, such as: fantastic after-ski, nice restaurants, affordable shopping, and a buzzing nightlife. Apart from the skiing that is!
The beautiful island of Corsica
The home island of Napoleon Bonaparte is a paradise for holidaymakers and beach lovers, and a very recommendable stop when travelling in France. The island offers also a lot of interesting historical monuments to be explored - and beautiful scenery!
Cannes on the French Riviera
Cannes is famous for its annual celebrity-filled film festival in May, but the city is worth visiting all year round, but best in late summer and early autumn when the sea is still warm, the air is comfortable, and most tourists have gone home.
Nice
Nice is definitely one classic that should never be overlooked when travelling in France. The old town is postcard picturesque with narrow alleyways and little French restaurants. The beach is wonderful with big smooth stones to lie on instead of sand, and the water is azure blue. Take a long walk along the vast beach promenade "Promenade des Anglais" with an ice cream in your hand. The promenade is located right between luxurious hotels and the beach. Here roller-skaters circle around the beach chairs, limousines and beach restaurants. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera, the view is breathtaking!
The Riviera coastline
Regardless if you go to the French Riviera by train, bus or car, the coastal landscape you will see through the window is incredibly beautiful. Winding roads, steep cliffs, donkeys on the sides of the road and the azure ocean beneath you, what more could you ask for? See where the day takes you and check in to one of the many nice little hotels along the road.
French cuisine
France is home to outstanding food and wine. Let us not even talk about the desserts! Croissants, pain au chocolat and baguettes. Forget about wholegrain and fibre bread and give way to white and sweet! You have to try a `croquet monsieur´ which is the world's most famous sandwich. Never before has a sandwich made of ham, cheese and mustard been this delicious! And thank you France for giving us the crème brûlée and lots of fabulous cheese.
You can easily spend your entire vacation exploring just one of the French wine regions. The same goes for the country's culinary traditions. All regions have their own delicacies, such as the fish soup `Bouillabaisse´ in Marseille in the South of France. Or what about a little bit of truffle or Foie Gras - one of the most sought after and priciest delicacies in the world. Remember that dining prices vary quite a lot in France - rather go for the smaller restaurants on the side lanes than the touristy ones on the main streets - in other words, avoid the expensive tourist magnets. Bon appetit and welcome to France.