France

Long live France – birthplace of some of world’s greatest artists, musicians, philosophers, writers and, of course, wines and cheeses. The French live on the knife’s edge between modern innovation and time-honoured tradition; charm and sophistication seem to ooze from every pore. No trip to France would be complete without a trip to Paris, the City of Lights: climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower, visit Mona Lisa at the Louvre, watch a sunset from Montmartre, or hear the bells ring at Notre Dame Cathedral. You could spend weeks in Paris on its own – and please do, if you can spare the time. The amount of delicious baked goods, cafes and street food vendors within a one-block radius makes it impossible to fathom how the French still manage to fit into the designer clothes made famous by French fashion houses like Christian Dior, Coco Chanel or Jean-Paul Gaultier. After Paris, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to go next on the high-speed “TGV” railway system. In Reims, you’ll taste “real” champagne; in Bordeaux, the gastronomic “art of living” that the region’s made famous. Pick lavender or the fruit of the orchards in rural Provence, or dig one’s toes into the warm Mediterranean sands in Nice or Cannes. History buffs can visit the D-Day landing points in Normandy, or the well-preserved walled fortress at Carcassonne. Oh yes, and did we mention the French Alps? Best for: Arts + Culture Lovers; Backpackers/Budget Travellers; Couples/Honeymooners; Families; Foodies; History Buffs; LGBTQ-friendly; Luxury Travellers; Nature Lovers; Road Trippers