It doesn't take a lot of imagination to see why France is the world's most visited destination.
It has a winning formula of captivating cities, awe-inspiring landscapes and some of the world's best food and wine. If you want to visit more than one region, you can use public transportation and a large network of motorway. It is tempting to stay in one place and enjoy the lifestyle.
Do you know where to go in France? Some inspiration can be found by looking at these top destinations.
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If you want to get away from the main sights of Paris, you should check out the lesser-known attractions. You can check out the vintage shops of the 10th arrondissement before going to the Marais. Take in the amazing views of Paris from the top of the hill. There are footpaths around the beautiful 19th-century Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
At some point, you will want to be on two wheels as you explore the gently rolling landscapes of the Loire Valley, as cycling is made so much easier along the Vélo Verte network. It is possible to combine visiting vineyards with a glimpse into Renaissance life in the 42 sumptuous chateaux, such as the magnificently elaborate Chateau de Chenonceau and the more intimate and romantic Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau.
The D-Day beaches are the most striking on Normandy's coastline. The American cemetery at Omaha Beach and the Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer are two of the most moving memorial. You end up in a 19th century time capsule in the resorts of Cabourg, Deauville, Trouville and Honfleur.
There is an outrageously picturesque old town set on its own island on the River Ill. You can relax on one of the cafe terraces in Place du Marché Gayot, just behind the Notre Dame. The city is a great starting point for a tour of the wine route. Alsace is the only place in France where beer and wine can be found.
There are terracotta rooftops and stone cottages in the pine-clad hills and vineyards in the valleys. You know you are in Provence when you see the Luberon. The medieval lanes of France are some of the prettiest places in the country. If you want to start, put Bonnieux, Gordes, Ménerbes, Roussillon and Saignon on your list.
Mont-St-Michel is a 10th century Benedictine abbey. The walk to the island takes at least 20 minutes, during which you can see the abbey, monastery and spiral of village houses. You will continue to see that view. One of the panoramic restaurants circling the island is a good place to start.
The tallest sand dune in Europe is Dune du Pilat. The waters on the western side of Cap Ferret are much rougher than the waters on the eastern side. It is ringed with campsites and gives you one of the loveliest views. You will be fascinated by the antics of the paragliders when you are not running up the mountain.
Lyon is a great place to eat in France. Lyon's bouchons, intimate little bistros that specialize in lyonnaise cuisine, are ideal for large appetites. You can start your tour in the Renaissance lanes of Vieux Lyon, which have secret passageways.
France's wine capital hums with the sounds of people enjoying themselves in Bordeaux's cafe filled 18th century lanes of Saint-Pierre and Place du Parlement. The museum celebrating wine from Bordeaux and beyond can be found at La Cité du Vin, which is located along the River Garne.
Annecy is a beautiful city on the doorstep of the French Alps. The medieval heart squeezes into gaps between the Thiou River and Canal with tall pastel-colored townhouses towering over the quayside cafes. The Palais de l'le, a medieval castle and former prison that is now a museum, is a must see. One of France's most beautiful beaches is Lake Annecy.
Since Napoleon III's mother fell in love with this fishing village, royalty has been flocking to it. The surfers brought some laid-back cool to the beaches of Biarritz. After swimming in the Grande Plage and Plage de la Cte des Basques, you should check out the coastal towns of St-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne.
Everything you need in a Mediterranean city can be found in the capital of the Cte d'Azur. The morning food market at Cours Saleya is a must visit if you want to see the views from the top of the chateau. Before you visit the Chagall and Matisse museums, chill out on a Nice beach. Villefranche-sur-Mer and ze are two attractive coastal villages that are accessible by train.
The volcanic landscape of the park is one of the most dramatic in France. The green-covered lava domes, cinder cones and craters of the Chane des Puys are a dream to explore on foot, on two wheels or from an exhilarating paraglide flight.
The article was first published in June 2012
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