History, Heritage and Elegance: Eastern France

One of the world’s most photographed monuments, the Iron Lady is a shining beacon in the City of Light. Its esplanade, lawn and gardens thrum with energy, while the tower’s three observation decks offer increasingly stunning panoramic views.

A village within a city, Montmartre was the favourite haunt of artists, poets and other avant-garde minds. Its signature landmark, Sacre-Coeur Basilica, is worth a visit, as are the cafés, shops and galleries lining romantic cobblestone streets.

On either side of the Seine are some of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Stroll the river to admire famous monuments, gardens and bridges, or relax on the quais like so many Parisians do. For another vantage point, take a river cruise.

Commissioned by Napoleon III, Palais Garnier is a masterpiece of Beaux Arts architecture. During a visit or a ballet performance, discover opulence like the sweeping Grand Staircase and ceiling mosaics shimmering in the light of golden chandeliers.

On bike or by car, travelling the Route des Vins takes you past rolling hills dotted with well-tended vineyards and numerous wine estates. Gather supplies at a local market and wine cellar, then enjoy your picnic surrounded by stunning panoramas.

A distinctive feature of Alsace are brightly trimmed colombage homes lining narrow lanes, giving the region’s towns and villages a fairytale allure. Look for symbolic forms created by the beams, such as St Andrew’s Cross and the Tree of Life.

Strasbourg is Europe’s historic crossroads. In fact, its very name means “town of streets”, as its Roman-era roads and central location made it a key city in antiquity. Explore its lofty cathedral, charming canals and La Petite France district.

Every December since the 1570s, Strasbourg has held a Christkindelsmärik. Besides being the oldest Christmas market in France, it’s also the largest – with over 300 stalls selling mulled wine, hot chestnuts, gingerbread and other wintry delights.

Like most European cities, Vieux Lyon has centuries-old buildings, lively public squares and a warren of narrow streets. But few possess hidden passageways used by merchants to travel unseen. Today, many of these traboules are open to the public.

Bouchons are the cosy eateries that help guard Lyon’s food traditions. Classics include offal-based dishes and other meaty fare, salads and quenelles (fish dumplings). For the sweet tooth, pink pralines are found in pastries, ice cream and more.

At the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon sits in a valley between two hills. One is Croix-Rousse, where the city’s silk industry began. Fourvière Hill is topped by an ornate neo-Byzantine basilica and offers unforgettable city views.

Before Lyon was Lyon, it was the Roman city of Lugdunum. Its Grand Theatre and Odeon on Fourvière Hill have been carefully restored and once again are performance venues. The Gallo-Roman Museum is tucked underground to better showcase the site.

Walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, who loved his hometown and painted here. The city centre never fails to charm with its handsome streets, market and architecture. Aix-en-Provence is also known for its thermal springs, which the Romans favoured.

One of the iconic images of the sunny South is fields of lavender, whose flowers are at their most glorious in mid-July. Travel the Routes de la Lavande for a multisensory treat, and catch one of the festivals that take place during harvest season.

Founded around 600 BCE, Marseille is the country’s oldest city. The lively Vieux Port is where the Phocaeans settled, and it remains a top attraction. To the north is Le Panier, an ancient district known for its charming streets and colourful murals.

South of Marseille, Calanques National Park was established in 2012 to protect this unique zone’s steep-walled inlets (calanques), hidden coves, clear turquoise waters and exceptional biodiversity. Its extravagant beauty is dazzling in any season.

Home of the Cannes Film Festival, this city draws VIPs and the ultra-rich. Its long boardwalk is lined with designer shops and luxury hotels on one side, and sandy beaches on the other. The lovely Lérins Islands are a short shuttle ride away.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso and many others fell under the spell of this resort town, and so will you when you explore its walled old town, beautiful beaches, coastal paths, Marché Provençal and Port Vauban with its numerous megayachts.

The Riviera’s leading city radiates beauty. Vieux Nice is a vibrant district with cobblestone lanes, a daily market and an iconic boardwalk. Climb nearby Castle Hill for panoramic views of the Baie des Anges and its shimmering turquoise waters.

The Côte d’Azur’s many designer boutiques satisfy every desire for luxury shopping. In the region’s markets, browse for Provençal specialities like olive soap, colourful table linens, straw hats and baskets, and all sorts of lavender products.