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Where the historical past is the storied present

The curious traveller’s guide to France

Exploring France, a destination with perennial appeal

From Cabourg to Cannes, Metz to Marseille, the towns and cities of l’Hexagone are repositories of countless stories. Medieval fortresses, distinctive half-timbered homes, 19th-century seaside resorts, Belle Époque façades... If those walls could speak, they would tell of romance and intrigue, glamour and mystery. The regional cuisines may differ, and the accents and number of bises (cheek kisses) may change, but the constant is a dedication to love – of culture, the arts and the good life.

What to see and do in France

First-time visitors should begin with the history of Paris through its legendary art, monuments and districts. Then explore the history and heritage of the coasts, mountains and interior cities.

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Plan your visit to France

After Paris, set off to discover the other gems of France. Travel the Alsace Wine Trail. Sample the resorts from Brittany to the Basque Country. Stay within a fortified cité or beneath old stone vaults. Let Gallic grace and savoir faire spark your imagination.

Discover the coastal and inland charms of Western France

The Atlantic coast of France features not only winsome resort towns, but also a unique culture due to close ties with Wales and England. From Paris, follow the Seine to the sea for a wellness break in Normandy, then down the Emerald Coast. End with gastronomy and history in Toulouse and Carcassonne.

Discover the gastronomy and character of Eastern France

Germanic Europe has shaped northeastern France, whose major cities include Metz, Strasbourg and Colmar. Winemaking also defines these regions, with Alsatian whites making way for Burgundies between Dijon and Lyon. Further south, the Mediterranean way of life reigns supreme on the Côte d’Azur.

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