France

Introducing France

France holds some of my very first memories of travel because as a small boy, our annual summer holiday often involved a car journey to Dover for a ferry crossing on Sealink or Townsend Thoresen to Calais before a long journey down the Route de Soleil used to lead us to Spain or Yugoslavia.

Quite often though we stayed in France en route – places like Amiens, Lille, Narbonne, Montpellier and then also a couple of holidays in Brittany at La Baule.

I loved learning French at school and this stood me in good stead as in later years lads trips to Le Mans for the 24-hour motor race, then a Rugby World Cup in Nantes, day trips on the Eurotunnel to Le Touquet, and then to live in beautiful Corsica in 1998.

So whether it’s the beauty, the history, the cars, the fashion, the chic, the food, the wine, the cheese, or just the French “Joie de Vivre”, it’s a country that I have always loved and will continue to enjoy at every opportunity.

Key Information

Getting Around

Driving in France is so easy and the roads are generally in great condition, certainly compared to those in the UK! Getting out on the open road in France with those signature straight tree-lined roads bordered by vineyards is a pleasure.

Train services today include the magnificent Eurostar and then the SNCF services which are excellent and regular.

Flights from all the major airports serve the smaller provincial destinations so if time is of the essence then flying is a good alternative.

Cycling is of course in the land of the “Tour de France” a religion and a great way to get out and explore the cities or the countryside.

Top Things To See & Do

Alsace
A region in North East France on the German and Swiss border and with Strasbourg as its capital the area is famous for its forests, cities and villages, vineyards and pretty little restaurants and bars.

Bordeaux & Biarritz
The cultural city of Bordeaux boasts incredible architecture and typical French streets full of flair and life. Of course, the region however is famous for its vineyards and world-class wines. Just a couple of hours down the road is the surfing capital and luxury resort of Europe, Biarritz.

Burgundy
Another wine-growing region is set among rolling hills and green pastures. Its medieval regional capital Dijon is a delight.

Champagne
Not far from Paris is Epernay which is a great base from which to explore this region famous of course for the fizz but also for towns like Troyes and Reims that offer those in search of history plenty of interest!

Corsica
The Ile de Beaute lies off the southern tip of France. With its imposing mountains which are ideal for hikers to the sandy beaches for family holidays, Corsica offers an incredible mix of attractions.

Dordogne
Countryside, castles, and fine food are what await visitors to one of the most naturally beautiful regions of France.

French Riviera
Head to the Cote Azur and discover how the other half live in resorts such as Nice, St Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco.

Normandy
Known across the world for its part in World War Two and the D-Day landings Normandy annually attracts those looking to commemorate those events but also those who seek fine seafood, stunning architecture, pretty seaside resorts, and maybe the most beautiful harbour port in France at Honfleur.

Languedoc
Located in the Southwest corner of France this region includes Toulouse, Montpellier, Languedoc, and the famous pilgrimage site at Lourdes.

Loire Valley
This is another beautiful area of France known primarily for its wine and its castles and a great place to walk and explore on foot or a bike at a very sedate and leisurely pace.

Paris
The capital of France is full of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysee, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Provence
Fields of lavender, fine wines, excellent cuisine, the town of Avignon, and some sensational countryside including the Camargue National Park which is perfect for hiking and exploring.

Pre-bookable Excursions in France

More Information

Contact the French Tourist Office or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to France.