Brittany is a place that is not usually on a lot of traveler’s lists. France’s northwest cul-de-sac that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean is just too far off the beaten path for many tourists. However, this can make all the more reason to visit. With over 1,500 miles of jaw-dropping panoramic coastline, charming medieval towns and villages, and the amazing diversity on display, there are really great things to see in Brittany. It has a Celtic identity that really is not found in any other part of France. Here, you’ll hear bagpipes, see traditional dancing, even some of the Breton language. And if you are someone who is into history or likes myths and legends, Brittany has a lot of that too!
Along the north coast, west of Normandy’s Mont St-Michel, stand some of Brittany’s finest old towns. A striking introduction to the province greets ferry passengers: the River Rance, guarded by beautifully preserved St-Malo on its estuary, and beautiful medieval Dinan 12-miles upstream. Further west stretches a varied coastline that peaks in the seductive Île de Bréhat, and the pink granite coast of the Côte de Granit Rose (The northernmost stretch of the Breton coast).
The South Brittany Coast benefits from the warm temperatures brought up with the gulf stream and consequently has a different vegetation from the north and warmer sea waters. There are two distinct main areas, the Morbihan to the east and Finistere to the west. The Morbihan coast is more “broken” around Vannes and is a sailors paradise, thanks to the beautiful islands and sheltered waters. The Finistere area in the west has a strong fishing heritage and is well known for amazingly fresh seafood, especially the the belon oysters. Many argue the seafood in this area is the best in all of France.
The Loire River in Central France is considered to be the `Gardens of France`. There are literally countless chateau (castles) scattered between a beautiful river and charming little towns.
The southeast coast of Provence is sprinkled with some of the world`s most popular beaches and destinations, including Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Saint Tropez and Menton. Known all over the world for its glamour and beauty, the Riviera is a playground for the rich and famous and a true paradise destination.
With many of the most beautiful places to visit in France, Provence, a region in southeastern France, is made for explorers. From the Southern Alps and Camargue plains to rolling vineyards, olive groves, pine forests and lavender fields, the stunning variety of landscape offered here make it an irresistible destination to discover.
Alsace-Lorraine, a historic province in Eastern France, is where you will find the ancient capitals at Strasbourg and Nancy. The only thing that separates Germany from this region is the Rhine, and the area is extremely reminiscent of the German look (and sometimes feel).
The winemaking region of Champagne is known for its sparkling white wine. This is one of the most famous and posh areas of France with many well-known Champagne companies like Moet and Chandon, that have cellars and vineyards. This region is intended to enjoy at a leisurely pace if you truly want to appreciate what it has to offer.
Burgundy has it all - glorious countryside and vineyards, amazing gastronomy, a fabulous history, picturesque villages, awesome towns, the Burgundy Canal and an incredible capital city - Dijon. There are also more chateaux in this region than any other in France.
Normandy, a region of Northern France just west of Paris, is famous for its role in World War II as well as a number of other significant events throughout its history. However, its rugged coastline on the English Channel is also home to a number of beautiful small towns and villages perfect for an escape from the congestion of Paris, including Caen, Le Havre, and Rouen.
Boasting spectacular surf spots, glistening waters and varied coastline, France offers a diverse mix of fabulous seaside resorts. From the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel, the 6,000 miles of French coastline is spoiled with picturesque little towns offering colorful fishing ports and wild, beautiful sea views. Whether you want to escape to a glitzy resort, the pristine secluded shores, or a frozen-in-time fishing village, the options are endless on the coast of France.
France boasts lively cities, idyllic sun-drenched beaches and the glamorous and gorgeous Cote d`Azur coastline. There are so many different possibilities from world-renowned Paris, one of the most famous cities in Europe, to a seaside holiday spent lounging on beaches, swimming in the sea, and dining at stylish waterfront restaurants.
France is not just Paris, but fortified towns with elaborate chateaus and castles; Roman ruins and religious monasteries; verdant vineyards and sunflower fields; magnificent mountains and the warm Riviera sunshine and so much more. With its winding country lanes, exploring France`s countryside is often best done by car.
France is famous for its wine regions, with over 3,000 different wines across two million hectares of vineyards, wine lovers from around the world flock to France for its sheer abundance of vineyards and vintages. Each wine region offers a different grape variety, unique environmental conditions, and their own special wines.
France has so many charming towns, villages, cities and hamlets that are totally unique from one another and worthy of any travel bucket list. These villages offer the best of French culture and heritage and beyond the most popular tourist sites. Many of these villages only have a population of a few hundred, offering visitors a more intimate and authentic experience of France.
With over 2,000 years of history, France boasts more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and has the fourth largest number of historical sites in the world after Italy, China, and Spain. The UNESCO-listed sites take a variety of forms including historic towns, palaces, castles, religious buildings, forts, canals, and landscapes.