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France Tourist Information & Visitor Guide

France OverviewFrom fabulous cities to glorious countryside, France is well worth exploring. Explore Champagne, home to the world's favourite sparking wine, historic Normandy and the sophisticated French Riviera. Ski in the Rhone-Alps, sail off the coast of Brittany and let the beauty of Provence inspire your artistic side. Enjoy fabulous food with glorious wines in a diverse and beautiful country with a stunning coastline.

The French Regions

Paris Region

  • Paris & Ile de France - although this is the smallest of the French regions, this is also the richest area of France containing the countries capital city, Paris. The region has excellent road, rail and air connections not only across France but with its neighbouring countries
     

Central France

  • Auvergne & Limousin - Auvergne an ancient volcanic region that has managed to escape the pace of development experienced elsewhere. Adjoining Limousin is a pleasant land of forests and farms. This is one of France’s remotest regions and still retains many of its ancient traditions
     
  • Burgundy & Franche-Comte - Burgundy is an affluent area world renowned for its fine wine, cuisine and architecture and the notable cities of Dijon and Beaune. Franche-Comte is divided between the rolling farmland of the Saône valley and the more dramatic Alpine foothills, with its capital at Besançon
     
  • Loire Valley - is rich in both history and architecture. Lying in the heart of France, this area of undulating countryside is renowned for its sumptuous châteaux. This region with its sophisticated cities of Tours and Angers, its luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine all adds up to an eclectic paradise
     

Northern France

  • Champagne - is synonymous with the world famous drink that bears its name. The region stretches from the Belgian border through to the historic cities of Epernay and Reims and then on to the border with Burgundy. Stop at one of the many champagne houses throughout the region for a leisurely tasting
     
  • Northern France - offers plenty to do, ranging from stunning coastlines rich in wildlife through to excellent cuisine. Originally this area was part of Flanders. Lille offers great nightlife, shops, restaurants and a distinct euro-cosmopolitan feel, and Calais is great for inexpensive, good quality French produce
     
  • Normandy - is a rich, fertile and diverse region, ranging from lively beach resorts of Deauville and Honfleur stunning seascapes through to cool watery meadows and isolated castles and villages. The regions history, culture and cuisine are enough to satisfy the most demanding of appetites
     

Eastern France

  • Alsace-Lorraine - is made up of the former heavy industrial centres of Lorraine and the more rural state of Alsace and forms the border with Germany. This area has seen its rule change many times between France and Germany and this is reflected in the culture and cuisine. The regional capital is Strasbourg
     
  • Rhône-Alpes - as its name suggests is dominated by the majestic Alps and the mighty Rhône river. The regions capital is Lyon, France’s second city and gastronomic capital. The region is made of up of many contrasting landscapes and straddles many strategic national and international routes
     

South of France

  • The Riviera - is a region of diverse backgrounds and striking contrasts. Beautiful beaches, luxury shops and famous tourist towns such as Cannes, Nice and St-Tropez, lie side by side with quiet stunning mountain villages, populated by artists and steeped in history
     
  • Corsica - Balzac described Corsica as 'a French island basking in the Italian sun', but the island has a character very much its own. The island retains its independent nature and is pleasantly old-fashioned which is reflected in its original culture, music and language. Ajaccio is the island's capital
  • Languedoc-Roussillon - stretches from the Spanish border to the Rhone delta, the miles of sandy Mediterranean beaches benefit from the 300 days of annual sunshine. This is the area of flamingos and white horses. The beautiful natural landscapes blend well with the fascinating cities of Montpellier, Nîmes and Carcassonne
  • Provence - is the area between the Cote D’Azur and the Alpes where the relaxed lifestyle, creative cuisine and beautiful settings that have attracted artists and visitors alike for centuries. Although close to the Riviera and Marseille, the area retains an idyllic and tranquil peace

Western France

  • Brittany - lies next to the Atlantic frontier of France. The dramatic coastline with its major ports of Brest & Quimper, contrasts with historic towns and sleepy hamlets in rustic locations. The Breton influence still permeates throughout the region, reflecting in the culture, cuisine and architecture
     
  • Western Loire - is a peaceable region of lush countryside, vineyards, long sandy beaches and salt marshes, dotted with many small undiscovered castles, manor houses and hunting lodges. Bucolic pleasures are mixed with fascinating towns & cities, stunning artwork and cultural festivities. Nantes is the attractive capital of the region
     
  • Poitou-Charentes - is a region with a magnificent coastline and is a great destination for countryside holidays. Poitiers, the ancient capital of Poitou, is a fine example of history and modernity, being home to Futuroscope. Water sports reign at La Rochelle and Ile de Ré. One unmissable stop is a visit to the cellars of Cognac - a name synonymous with the famous elixir!

South West France

  • Aquitaine - is a wonderful combination of golden sandy beaches, châteaux, vineyards, mountains and countryside. You can soak up the landscapes, culture and heritage! Enjoy the sloping Bordeaux vineyards, and the sandy heath-lands of the Basque country and gastronomy, takes on a whole new meaning, when flavoured with truffles! Lovers of surf and long walks adore the endless beaches of the Atlantic coast. Bordeaux is the cosmopolitan capital of the region
     
  • Midi-Pyrenees - this region overflows with all the ingredients for a perfect holiday, away from the beaches and fashionable resorts. Un-crowded and uncluttered landscapes, crystal clear rivers, roads free of traffic jams, historical villages and towns and a regional cuisine, which employ’s some of France’s most cherished and desired produce. Toulouse is the region's vibrant capital

Plan your visit to France

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