If you’re visiting Paris it pays to venture beyond the Boulevard Périphérique and see what you can find around the wider Île-de-France region. Many of the attractions like the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris will be known to all, but some exciting discoveries may not. If you can’t get enough of châteaux and formal …
Louis XIV may have had the biggest hand in Montpellier’s history, when he appointed it capital of Bas Languedoc in the 17th century. This put the city in the service of the king and attracted the gentry who built themselves neighbourhood brimming with cultured homes. So there are many mansions to be seen around the …
Found between Paris and the French Riviera, and bordering both Italy and Switzerland, you could say that Rhône-Alpes is at Europe’s crossroads. For natural splendour there’s nowhere that can pack in so much: Three of the five largest lakes in France are set here, as well as the mythical Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in …
Seeing as it contains La Rochelle and the top-tier theme park Futuroscope, it’s no shock that Poitou-Charentes is among France’s most popular tourist regions. Historic La Rochelle is the destination that everyone knows and loves thanks in no small part to its old port, kept safe for centuries by those iconic towers. But there’s so …
An urbane city noted for its elegance and high-culture, Aix has been settled by some of France’s preeminent minds and artists. Most notable of all is Paul Cézanne who immortalised the limestone peak of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which rises to the east of the city. Provence is famously scorching in summer, but the streets of …
In the 14th century Avignon was the most important city in Europe: It was the seat of the Catholic church, represented in spectacular style by the Palais des Papes, the largest gothic building in the world. This period furnished Avignon with a glorious cityscape of gothic and renaissance buildings that today are protected as a …
Set in north-western France, Plays de la Loire is a region of châteaux and vineyards, with the city of Nantes as its capital. It’s also where you can find Puy du Fou, one of the country’s most-visited theme parks, with medieval and fantasy-style shows pulled off with amazing technical expertise. Nantes is packed with sights …
Capital of Poitour-Charentes towards the west of France, Poitiers is a university city with layer upon layer of medieval history to delve into. All you need is a bit of background and the many churches take on deep meaning as the queens, dukes and counts who ruled from this city come alive. There are loads …
World-beating wine and UNESCO-listed Roman ruins are on the menu in the small city of Orange in Vaucluse. The Theatre is one of Europe’s most spectacular Roman monuments, and you’ll be amazed by how much of this building is still in situ. There’s an informative little museum next door, and a short walk from the …
A major port for centuries, and France’s historic gateway to England, Calais hasn’t always been in the news for the right reasons. Many people rush by on their way to Paris or more picturesque places in northern France. But if you have an open mind there’s a lot to keep you occupied. The ever-present belfry …