France holidays combine charming cities and luxury resorts with countryside castles and chic coastal towns.
From the grand boulevards of Paris to the old port of Marseille and all points in between, this is a place where dreams are made.
Nice provides a magical introduction to the French Riviera, blessed with year-round sunshine and boasting landmarks such as the sweeping Promenade des Anglais.
Toulouse, meanwhile, sits close to France’s border with Spain. The so-called Pink City has a character all of its own, with fine food being a particular source of local pride.
For those in search of winter sports excitement, the Alps provide one of the world’s greatest playgrounds for adventure.
From culture-rich city tours to fascinating food adventures, there are France packages for every kind of traveller. Here are just some of the things this incredible country has to offer.
France’s capital has long been hailed as the home of romance – and you'll soon see why.
Marvel at masterpieces in the Louvre, or head to Montmartre and wander around the district that inspired some of Europe’s greatest cultural figures.
Many of the city’s most important landmarks can be found alongside the famous Seine, from the Musée d'Orsay to the Place de la Concorde.
Top off your sightseeing with dinner in the Eiffel Tower restaurant and watch the City of Lights sparkle beneath you.
The French countryside is among the prettiest, and most varied, to be found anywhere in Europe.
Head out on a jeep tour into the wild beauty of the Camargue, near Montpellier, and watch the region’s much-loved white horses roam the marshland.
For breathtaking views, the Gorges du Verdon, known as the French Grand Canyon, is hard to beat.
The names of France’s rustic retreats, from the Loire Valley to the Dordogne, are famed the world over – and with good reason.
Lyon is France’s capital of food – quite an achievement in a nation that prides itself on its world-leading cuisine.
The city’s restaurants and cafes are renowned for using regional classics and carefully sourced ingredients.
Try local favourites, including Lyonnaise potatoes and charcuterie boards of meats and cheese.
Top eateries here include Le Musee and La Cuisinerie. Be sure to wander among the stalls of Les Halles de Lyon, a vast indoor market dedicated to the art of cooking.
Paris is home to the world’s largest art gallery, the Louvre. A must-see as part of any art lover’s holiday to the capital, the gallery is one of scores in France that are worth exploring.
Head to the Riviera for museums dedicated to the works of Matisse and Picasso. Centre d’Art La Malmaison in Cannes is one to look out for here.
If you prefer something a little more contemporary, the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain in Nice displays pieces by pop art pioneer Andy Warhol.
Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera.
The playground of Hollywood stars and international jet setters, this stretch of southern coastline can be best explored from the city of Nice.
Head to Cannes and Saint-Tropez, packed with exclusive resorts and beautiful beaches.
Alternatively, simply stroll along the promenades of Nice, wandering in and out of cafes and restaurants as you go. The Cours Saleya Market is another highlight here.
There are plenty of options for family-friendly French escapes.
Disneyland Paris – complete with the Disneyland Hotel – is always a popular choice with a dazzling array of rides and attractions to suit all ages.
Meanwhile, the Mercure Toulouse Centre Saint-Georges Hotel is close to the family-friendly Cité de l’espace (Space City) and has its own pool.
For a luxury holiday to France, look no further than Nice.
Michelin-starred restaurants, sun-kissed beaches, gorgeous architecture and great museums combine to make this one of the world’s finest holiday destinations.
Hotel Royal Riviera at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has a gorgeous pool and stunning air-conditioned rooms boasting spectacular sea views.
The centrally located Palais Saleya Boutique Hotel is a four-star option just a short walk from Nice Opera and Place Garibaldi.
If you’re searching for more seaside fun, Marseille is a great option.
Three stretches of sand form the Prado Beaches area close to the city’s main attractions.
One of the top-rated hotels here is the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, where amenities include outdoor and indoor pools.
Alternatively, consider the C2, a five-star hotel near to Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Public transport in France is excellent. For more remote areas, hire cars are convenient. Bikes, buses and metro services are easy-to-use options in many cities.
French is the official language here. English is also widely used, particularly in tourist areas including the larger cities and resorts.
The currency in France is the euro. ATMs can be found across France and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Dates for your diary while planning holidays in France include 1 May (May Day), 14 July (Bastille Day) and 11 November (Remembrance Day).
Food in France is about much more than simply refuelling between activities.
Meals are meant to be savoured and tend to be the main event of the day. French cuisine is celebrated the world over, and with good reason.
From delicious buttery croissants to start the morning to charcuterie boards of cheese and meats, there is something for everyone here.
Head to Lyon, France’s food capital, and trace the origins of the bouchon restaurant or wander among the morning markets in search of fresh favourites.
If you're in Bordeaux, seek out the renowned gastronomic hotspot of Quai des Chartons.
From sweeping valleys to hills dotted with vineyards, France’s countryside is brimming with gems both famous and lesser known.
Head to the coastline around Marseille and discover the rugged stretch of national park called Massif des Calanques.
Here you’ll see white rocks rising from the waves and blue waters perfect for swimming.
Travel southwest and you’ll find yourself in the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Spanish border.
These wild mountains are home to scenic hiking trails as well as excellent ski resorts to rival their more illustrious cousins in the Alps.
Grand chateaux and castles give holidays in France a fairy-tale feel.
Probably the most famous is the Palace of Versailles, about 12 miles (20 kilometres) southwest of Paris.
Built in the 17th century, its external architecture and spectacular rooms will take your breath away.
If you’re staying in Montpellier, make the time to visit the Chateau de l'Engarran and its stunning grounds.
In Toulouse, you'll find that the Chateau de Merville, Chateau de Lareole and Chateau de Gramont are all within easy driving distance of the city.
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