Soak up the glamour and beauty of France

24th Apr 2012 by Page & Moy

A trip to France can provide travellers with a lifetime of memories, with the country's varied and fascinating regions offering one special experience after another.

All sorts of people will find something to interest them in the world's number one tourist destination, from those who love the buzz and activity of big cities to seekers of rural beauty and relaxation.

Monaco and the Riviera

The Riviera is one of France's most alluring and well-known destinations, largely thanks to its associations with the rich and famous. Several resorts and charming coastal towns are dotted along the Cote d'Azur in the south-east, providing endless opportunities for exploration.

One touring holiday gives visitors the opportunity to see the area while staying in Menton, a town situated between mountains and sea that was once the retreat of choice for artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau.

Highlights of the visit include a day trip to Monaco, where guests can indulge themselves in the local boutiques and high-end stores or enjoy a coffee at a seafront cafe while taking in the array of millionaires' yachts anchored in the harbour.

Travellers will also have the opportunity to see some historic Provencal villages, stroll along La Croisette in Cannes and visit the beautiful coastal resort of Antibes.

Another way to experience some of the best that this part of France has to offer is by arranging a holiday to coincide with major local events, such as the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival in February and the Monaco Formula One grand prix in May.

Albi, Carcassonne and the Dordogne

Travellers can take in the sights of Albi, Carcassonne and the Dordogne as part of a rail holiday or by flying to south-west France.

Guests can begin their journey with a few days in Albi, whose history encompasses religious wars between the Cathars and Crusaders. A walk through the town provides the opportunity to see several sights and landmarks offering an insight into local heritage, including the 13th-century Gothic cathedral of Sainte Cecile.

Art enthusiasts can pay a visit to a historic palace containing the most comprehensive collection of work by Toulouse Lautrec, who was born in Albi.

Carcassonne in the Languedoc region boasts a double-walled fortress whose walls stretch for more than two miles, making it the largest building of its kind in Europe. The walls enclose medieval streets, museums and other attractions.

The picturesque towns of St Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors and Rocamadour are among the other attractions not to be missed in this part of France, along with the spectacular Dordogne valley.

Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar high-speed rail links from London and south-east England provide a fun and memorable way to reach a city whose international renown is matched by the range of its attractions and activities.

Visitors who want to make sure they see all of the most famous sights in Paris can start their holiday with a coach tour of the city and see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde and Place Vendome.

There will also be an opportunity to take in the striking sight of Notre Dame cathedral before heading to Versailles, with its stunning royal chateau and grand gardens.

An optional tour takes holidaymakers to Montparnasse Tower, a skyscraper boasting a 56th-floor observatory that offers panoramic views of the French capital and its many landmarks.

Art and culture buffs will have free time to embark on their own explorations of centuries of craft and creativity at locations such as the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay.