France

A country synonymous with style and sophistication, France has long been a shining beacon for world-class art and architecture, fine food, and fashion.

Its famous attractions are instantly recognisable, from the latticework of the Eiffel Tower, to the mirrors of Versailles, and the Mona Lisa hanging pride of place in the Louvre. Look beyond the obvious sights and you will find a wealth of natural ‘must-sees’, like the mesmerising cerulean waters of the Côte d’Azur, the woodlands and rivers of the Loire Valley, the deep purple lavender fields of Provence, and the awesome spectacle of the Alps, Mont Blanc. Fairy-tale castles and medieval villages have the power to transport you back in time, like the fortified city of Carcassonne, with its impenetrable ramparts and turreted towers, and the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel, or pretty Alsatian villages, with their pastel-painted, half-timbered houses. The rich and varied landscape offers something for everyone, from cycling and wine tasting in the Loire Valley to endless miles of powder skiing in Chamonix, and simply living the good life with the lavish villas, luxury yachts, and sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera. With bistros and boulangeries aplenty, enjoy breakfasts of warm croissants and leisurely lunches with a glass or two of wine, or while away the afternoon with coffee and cake in a Parisian café.