Things to see and do in France

Attractions in France

Alsace: drive along the superb Alsace wine route

There's no shortage of enjoyable French wine trails to explore, but the Route des Vins d’Alsace - a gloriously scenic 170km (106 miles) drive through the hushed, hilly countryside - is arguably the most atmospheric of the lot. Wine can be bought and tasted at roadside cellars. Alsace wines are predominantly white – the area's dry Rieslings are world-class.

Brittany: explore past and present

A region with a deeply individual character, Brittany blends a proud Celtic heritage with a trove of vibrant travel attractions, from prehistoric megaliths and lively port cities to dense forests and dramatic coastlines. Its still-keen sense of independence only adds to the overall ambience. The Breton language, while not widely spoken, is still very much in evidence.

Cannes: experience the film festival

The Côte d'Azur resort of Cannes bursts to life each spring when its iconic film festival comes to town. La Croisette, the town's seafront promenade, becomes an A-list parade of directors, producers and Hollywood actors, while yachts file along the harbour-side. Even if you don't bag a ticket for a screening, it's a spectacle.

Carcassonne: explore the charming town

Almost too picture-perfect to be true, the fortified town of Carcassonne is home to a wealth of monuments from different eras. Rising above the plains of the lower valley like some far-fetched storybook citadel, it's a favourite of history buffs. And with its current spread of restaurants, Carcassonne is an ideal destination for gastronomes too.

Chamonix: take to the peaks

A magnet for winter sports fans, summer hikers and serious climbers, Chamonix is France's mountain resort par excellence. In addition to the range of opportunities for physical activity, there are plenty of options for those more interested in enjoying the views. As backdrops go, the Mont Blanc Massif takes some beating.

Château de Versailles: revel in the opulence

The Palace of Versailles is a magnificent royal chateau that served as the centre of political power in pre-revolutionary France. Today, the super-sized and beautiful structure remains delicately preserved and represents a fascinating insight into the grand flavours and follies of its day. You'll find priceless artwork, regal luxury and flamboyant design at every turn.

Corsica: explore the rugged island

The island of Corsica is a wonder once visited, never forgotten. Ruffled with mountain ranges and edged by vertiginous cliffs, it's a place of rugged beauty and age-old heritage. Its hiking trails are among the most celebrated in Europe – particularly the world-famous GR20, a challenging long-distance trek through the hills.

French Alps: ski in a snowy wonderland

The French Alps play host to some of the most famed ski resorts in Europe, among them Courchevel, Val-d'Isère, Méribel and L'Alpe d'Huez. The region as a whole covers a colossal area and offers superb choices for skiers of all levels. At most resorts, the season runs from mid-December to April.

Gorges du Verdon: kayak across a vast river gorge

Considered by many to be the most impressive river gorge in Europe (others have it as France's answer to the Grand Canyon), the Gorges du Verdon reaches depths of up to 700m (2,297ft), with steep banks blanketed in greenery. Join a kayak tour to get onto the water.

Lascaux: see the caves art

Discovered by chance in 1940 by a group of teenagers, the cave paintings of Lascaux are considered to be among the world's best examples of prehistoric art. The 15,000-year-old images of bulls, horses and reindeer caused a visiting Pablo Picasso to proclaim, 'we have invented nothing'.

Loire Valley: cycle through the countryside

Is there a better way to take in the medieval chateaux and sparkling wine caves of the Loire region than on two wheels? The gentle pace of life here has drawn countless artists and writers over the years, and plenty of cyclists as well. Bike hire is easily arranged.

Lyon: lose yourself in this idyllic city

There's a great deal more to France's third-largest city than its fabled restaurant scene - although miss that at your peril, foodies. When you aren't savouring the cuisine, you'll discover the art museums, vibrant clubbing scene, riverside walks, and historic old town that make this city an alluring destination. Eurostar can whisk you there from London in five hours.

Marseille: feel the energy

Simmering with the colourful urban rhythms of the south, Marseille is a coastal city with a multi-layered history and a character that's part Provence, part North Africa. From the lively buzz of the daily portside fish market to the clamorous throng of its football crowds, it's a city with a boisterous, confident identity that remains very much its own.

Millau Viaduct: traverse the world's tallest bridge

Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the astonishing Millau Viaduct is today the tallest bridge in the world. Its modernist structure is made all the more impressive by its rural setting, spanning the valley of the River Tarn in the south. You'll need to pay a toll to cross by vehicle.

Normandy: cross to Mont Saint-Michel

Normandy's most iconic sight draws countless visitors yearly with its impossibly photogenic setting: Mont Saint-Michel (Saint Michael's Mount) is a rocky island surrounded by tidal waters 1km (0.6 miles) off the coast of Normandy. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of Avranches, who built a chapel there after the Archangel Michael appeared to him in a dream.

Paris: sightsee to your heart’s content

Anywhere that boasts the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, and Notre Dame Cathedral is more than just another city. Equal parts chic, edgy and drop-dead beautiful, Paris is always cosmopolitan, ever-changing, and unmissable.

Provence: discover the natural beauty

This long-eulogised region of southeast France is famed for its breathtaking countryside and its sense of romance, which combine to create one of the most magical corners of the nation. From medieval hilltop villages to purple fields of lavender, Provence is one of the country's most seductive destinations.

St Tropez: live the high life

Synonymous with glamour, glitz, and the various other trappings of the jet set, St Tropez was 'discovered' by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s and has been a trendy holiday destination ever since. Over the summer months, shiny mega-yachts pack the town's marina, which sits on the gleaming Côte d'Azur.

Tourist offices

Atout France (French Government Tourist Office) in the UK

Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Atout France (French Government Tourist Office) in the USA