As a holiday country, France has everything - broad sandy beaches bathed in sunshine, dramatic mountain peaks and river gorges, gently rolling emerald countryside with a timeless feel, vibrant towns and cities with an up-to-the-minute cultural buzz. Everywhere you'll find world-renowned cuisine at reasonable prices, friendly service, space to breathe and time for the small courtesies of life. With so much on offer, how to choose your next French holiday destination?
Most of France is easily accessible these days, even on a budget, which opens up plenty of choices. French holiday experts like French Connections can be a good starting point to narrow your selection with regional and travel guides and accommodation listings.
If you want to just nip across the Channel, the Northern coast of France offers some seaside gems like smart Le Touquet, with its golf courses, gourmet restaurants and a huge beach for wind sports. Then there's Honfleur, with picture-book harbour and arty shops. Drive from here along the Cote Fleurie past beamed and thatched houses, contented cows and apple orchards to Deauville, favourite resort of elegant Parisians. Beyond lies Caen, a good base to explore the Normandy landing beaches of WWII and the tapestry at Bayeux.
Brittany's countryside and coast are largely wild and unspoilt; the region has a wealth of local festivals and cultural traditions. For wine lovers and those who enjoy historic houses and gardens, the Loire is ideal. Travel from one domaine to the next, taking in fairytale riverside chateaux likeVillandry, with its formal potager combining vegetables with flowers.
The banks of the Dordogne river offer peaceful pastoral idyll alongside pre-history seen in cave paintings and excellent museums. For those who crave the freedom of mountains and nature, the less well-known Cevennes region offers mile after mile of breathtaking pine-clad peaks.
The sun-filled South of France has happening resorts, ancient cities oozing culture, wild horses of the Camargue and countryside heady with heat and the scent of lavender and vines. No wonder Nice, Bandol, Montpellier and Arles are all favourite places. And talking of culture, who could ignore Paris, a world of enchantment on its own and one of the world's most romantic cities?
So many enticing destinations; better start planning the holiday after next!
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ABOUT AUTHOR:
Glynis Shaw is www.frenchconnections.co.uk, the French property website for renting a holiday home, farm house, gite or villa in France, or to buy and sell property in France.
