France is a country blessed with everything you could need in a holiday, from the gleaming fresh wintry powder and stunning scenery of The Alps, to the blazing warmth of the gorgeous beaches that stretch across the coastline of the South of France on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea.
Then there’s the major cities of France, such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, all of them offering the exquisite arts and culture, not to mention, fine dining experiences, that this country is renowned the world over for.
And somewhere in between is the stunning French countryside, where grand chateaux and beautiful farmhouses are dotted around, amidst the rustic splendour, with wooded valleys, grand lakes and globally acclaimed vineyards stretching for miles of wondrous scenery.
Sounds sublime, doesn’t it?
Areas of France
Despite being a country steeped very much in history and grand tradition, there are a fair few differences between the regions of France.
The north of France, for example, is a classically beautiful part of the country, renowned for the rural French splendour of areas such as Brittany and Normandy. In the north, you’ll find endless flowery meadows, shimmering lakes, stunning beaches and sprawling areas of woodland, with agriculture being a major industry for many of the people who live here.
Because of the stunning countryside, the north of France attracts lots of keen cyclists and engaged couples looking to hold their romantic wedding celebrations in one of the beautiful chateaux that the region is famous for.
In addition, it is a region with a long history, with many of the pretty towns and cities playing a vital part in the two world wars.
Meanwhile, the west coast of France is where many French people go for their holidays, to take in the delicious seafood and beautiful wine regions, which feature some of the world’s best vineyards around Bordeaux, not to mention the vast history and romance which surrounds cities such as La Rochelle and the stunning islands just off its coastline.
Then there’s the beauty and warmth of the Cote d’Azur which lies on the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France and provides a delightful coastline which includes the glittering elegance of St Tropez, Cannes, Nice and then on to Monaco – all playgrounds for the rich and famous, where super yachts are a regular sight.
Don’t forget that the glittering Cote d’Azur accompanies mountains, rolling vineyards, olive groves, pine forests and lavender fields to make up the beautiful and diverse region of Provence. This has been the setting for many a famous chef’s television programmes over the years and, to many, is considered to be one of the most beautiful regions of France.
Moving upwards, along the border of Italy, more towards the east of France and the border with Switzerland, you’ll find the rugged landscape of the Alps, with its highest peak, Mont Blanc and all the mountains which surround it. These are a hot spot for avid winter sports fans and mountain climbers, as well as cyclists and walkers in the warmer months.
Onwards, to the north east again, we move back into the vineyards of areas such as Reims in the Champagne wine-growing region, made popular by fans of the famous drink that takes its name.
So, France, as you will see, is a country of great diversity – a place which is rightfully proud of its heritage and offers great reasons for travellers from all over the world to head there for their holidays or for lovebirds to celebrate the depth of their love for each other.
Whatever their age, taste or style, there’s a part of France guaranteed to appeal to everyone. So why not get exploring today?