France
Whether you’re a Francophile or simply a world traveler, enjoy France, a country with diverse appeal. Explore snow-covered mountains, relaxing beaches, sophisticated cities, wine regions, small mountaintop villages and quiet countryside.
Fly into Paris, the capital. The city earns its nickname, “the City of Light,” when evening lights of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral and bridges over the Seine River illuminate a magical walking tour. Visit famous art galleries, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie.
French wine regions are famous, some bearing names now recognized worldwide, including Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. Stop at large wineries or small cellar doors to taste varied vintages and purchase new favorites.
Come to Marseille and the French Mediterranean shores for sunbathing, swimming and living the Riviera lifestyle. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous at popular Côte d'Azur ports of Nice, Antibes and Saint-Tropez. Visit Cannes in May when celebrities attend the annual film festival. Menton, Bandol and smaller cities, including Cassis and La Ciotat, offer beaches and small cafés for relaxing getaways.
Vacation in the French Alps in summer to hike along trails with mountain wildflowers and valley views. In winter, ski some of the world’s most enjoyable high-altitude terrain. France has more than 200 individual ski mountains, with many ranges interlinked as cooperative resorts. Even if you don’t ski, ride the téléphérique up Mont Blanc for views of three countries.
Provence and the Luberon have many interesting “villages perchés,” perched villages built on small mountains. Visit the weekly markets across these regions for local fresh produce and colorful handicrafts.
In the north, imagine the beaches of Normandy filled with thousands of soldiers engaged in the marine assault against the Nazis, an important event of World War II. See the cemetery and monument memorializing American soldiers who lost their lives in Europe.
Make France an annual destination to visit all its diverse regions. In every city and village, enjoy the excellent cuisine France is noted for.