France Travel Guide

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m) above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over Paris.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback. Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. For a special experience, visit Notre-Dame on a Sunday morning when Paris' museums are closed and services are being held.

Louvre

One of the world's great art museums, this vast edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was opened to the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art. Don't even attempt to see it all in one day.

Pompidou Center

Built in the 1970s and named after former French president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Center is now considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design, complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theaters have regular musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers.

Musée d'Orsay

This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigmeand Henri Chapu's marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy. The museum is undergoing construction on level 5 until March 2011.

Musée Rodin

The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kisswhile outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The Thinker.The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel, Rodin's pupil and mistress, and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet and Rodin himself.

Musée National Picasso

The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973, after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in 1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as Harlequinand Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are in the hands of private collectors.

Versailles

The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km) southwest of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms, and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon enjoyed the company of their mistresses.

Fontainebleau

In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km) south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like The Rape of Europaand the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the Ballroom with its monumental fireplace and frescoes. The palace was a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles.

Vieux Bordeaux

Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centers on the Quartier St-Pierre ,which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few years, but many streets remain fairly seedy. One of the most opulent displays of Bordeaux's former glory is the Grand Theater. It was built between 1773 and 1780 on the site of a Roman temple and is faced with an enormous colonnaded portico topped by 12 Muses and Graces. Visitors can view the impressive interior by attending one of the operas or ballets.

Nearby is the Esplanade des Quinconces, which was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers nearly 12 hectares (30 acres) - making it the largest square of its kind in Europe. A smaller but more beautiful square is the earlier Place de la Bourse. Its centerpiece is a fountain of the Three Graces and is bordered by quays opening onto the river and flanked by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange. Crossing the river is the impressive Pont de Pierre, which was built during Napoleon's Spanish campaigns, and has 17 arches in honor of his victories. The views of the river and quays from here are memorable, particularly when floodlit at night.

Important churches include the delightful Basilique St-Michel, across from which is the Fleche St-Michel, which has the tallest stone tower in France; it was built in 1472 and is 374ft (114m) high. During July and August (afternoons only) visitors can climb the 228 steps for wonderful views over the river. To the west is the 13th century Cathédrale St-André, the most impressive and ostentatious church in Bordeaux (look out for the wonderful sculptures in the doors).

The city's museums are gathered around the cathedral, the best being the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of European art including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet, a resident of the city. The old town is fairly compact and is best seen on foot; two-hour walking tours can be arranged through the local tourist office. Boat tours can also be arranged.

The Wine Country

The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organize tastings and tours of the cellars and vineyards. Château Mouton-Rothschild is located just north of Pauillac. It is still run by the Rothschilds and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come as much for the impressive collection of art as for the wine. Château Lafite-Rothschild is nearby and was purchased by the Rothschilds in 1868. The vinothèquecontains many vintage bottles, several dating from 1797. Château Margaux is an imposing 19th century château south of Pauillac; the estate produces three wines from its 650 acres .To see the vat rooms and wine cellars, make an appointment by letter or phone.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

One of France's best-known attractions, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on a rocky island just off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of Avranches, who built a chapel here. Construction of the current abbey began in 1023 but was not finished for 400 years. Built with granite, it encompasses a range of architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic. The abbey was a place for pilgrimages for centuries and also served as a monastery, a prison and a fortress against the English. There is still a Benedictine monastery within the abbey, which can be visited on a guided tour. Among the maze of cobbled streets within the walls of the abbey are a number of other attractions, including a maritime museum and a multimedia museum that tells the story of the island. The abbey is connected to the shore by a causeway, but there are plans to construct a bridge to it so that the sea will again flow freely around the island.

Scandola Nature Reserve

The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as 450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper, a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be arranged from both Calvi and Porto.

La Croisette

The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction. Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi. La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the Plages du Midi.

Ile St Honorat & Ile St Marguerite

The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organize tours of the island and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine, honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for week-long retreats. On the neighboring Ile St Marguerite is the fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was imprisoned.

Antibes

Antibes is a pleasant excursion a few miles east of Cannes. It has one of the best markets on the coast and an excellent Picasso museum in its ancient seafront castle, the 16th century Château Grimaldi. Picasso was lent a room in the castle to use as a studio in 1946. Several extremely prolific months followed before he moved to Vallauris, leaving all his Antibes output to what is now the Musée Picasso. Although Picasso donated other works later, most of the collection dates from this one period. The best known work is Ulysses and his Sirens. There are also works here by some of Picasso's contemporaries, including Nicholas de Stael. Picasso himself is the subject of some of his paintings. Alongside the castle is a cathedral which dates from Medieval times; only the choir and apse survive from the original Romanesque building, the nave and magnificent facade are Baroque. Nearby is a market which is open every morning over the summer and overflows with local produce.

Côte d'Azur Beaches

People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife, it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from the center; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been favored by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to prove you've been there.

St Tropez Surrounds

The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim; congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village of Gassin, its lower neighbor Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are available at the tourist office.

St Tropez Town Center

Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that has been a center of activity for centuries; today it is a busy enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town center bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade,a colorful festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a procession in honor of the town's patron saint - whose bust is carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honor with gun salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing.

Musée Matisse

Matisse spent the last few years of his life in Nice and he is honored by this museum. The Musée Matisse has several permanent collections, mostly painted in Nice and many donated by the artist and his heir. The better known paintings include Nude in an Armchair with a Green Plant(1937), Nymph in the Forest(1935/1942) and Portrait of Madame Matisse(1905). There is also an ensemble of drawings including The Créole Dancer(1951) and Blue Nude IV(1952). Seeing his nude sketches today, you'll wonder why early critics denounced them as 'the female animal in all her shame and horror.'

The Château

With wonderful views over the rooftops and gleaming mosaic tiles of Old Nice, along the sweep of the promenade des Anglais and out to the Mediterranean, the Château park is a lovely attraction in itself and a good place for visitors to orientate themselves with the city. The Château has long gone but with cool walks in the shade of the trees, a large grassy park, Roman ruins and a waterfall, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. To reach the park, visitors can either climb the steps at the front, from the Quai des Etats Unis, or for those who aren't up to it an elevator is available.

Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice

Outside Nice, near the airport, this vast tourist attraction includes a botanical garden and a bird and insect zoo where visitors can tour a greenhouse full of wonderful butterflies. There is also a tacky theme park with automated dinosaurs and mock Mayan temples but the highlight of the park is the Musée Départemental des Artes Asiatiques ,which houses a collection of ethnographic artifacts, including silk goods and pottery, as well as traditional and contemporary art.

Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret

Housed in the former residence of the Ukrainian Princess Kotchubey is a fine collection of 19th and 20th century art, including works by Boudin, Ziem, Raffaelli, Renoir and Monet. The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret gallery includes great sculptures including works by J. B. Carpeaux, Rude and Rodin. There is also an important collection devoted to the masters of the Second Empire and Belle Epoque, a great attraction for visitors to Nice.

Cimiez

In a residential area in the hills above the hustle and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the Roman Amphitheater. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from the town center.

Château de Chenonceau

Only a few miles outside Tours, on the River Cher, the Château de Chenonceau is probably the most celebrated of the many châteaux in the Loire valley. It was used as a mill in the Middle Ages and bridges the whole width of the river. It was owned by a succession of powerful noblewomen including Henri II's mistress Diane de Poiters, the Queen Regent Catherine de Medici and Louise de Loraine and is often referred to at the 'Château des Femmes' .Inside visitors can see a wonderful 200ft (61m) gallery, Louis XIV's sitting room and Francois I's bedroom.

Villandry

Five miles (8km) outside Tours is the tiny village of Villandry and its wonderful château. The château is best known for its gardens that are open between February and November. It is not your standard ornamental garden; between the vine-shaded paths and ornamental box hedges are carrots, cabbages and aubergines carefully arranged in patterns; roses climb gracefully above small herb gardens. Villandry is an easy cycle from Tours and, for those that have worked up an appetite, there are some excellent local restaurants.

Château d'Angers

A kilometer-long wall, studded with 17 circular towers, surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts, windmill tower, 15th century chapel, and royal apartments. The overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft (100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours provide insight into its architecture and fascinating history.

Château de Chambord

Eleven miles (18km) east of Blois, the vast Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It was commissioned by François I, who wanted to outshine the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and the result is a spectacular Renaissance masterpiece with 450 rooms. It was designed by an Italian architect in 1519, but was worked on by French masons. The outside is essentially French medieval - massive round towers with conical tops, and an explosion of chimneys, pinnacles and turrets. The details inside, however, are pure Italian: the Great Staircase (attributed by some to da Vinci), panels of colored marble, niches decorated with shell-like domes, and freestanding columns. Wandering through, you can get a good feel for the contrasting architectural styles, which have combined to create a very decadent, if at times discordant, whole. The château is surrounded by a 20-mile (32km) wall containing a 5,261-hectare (13,000-acre) deer park.

D-Day Beaches

Early on 6 June 1944 the largest armada ever known left England's south coast and set off to liberate France. Shortly thereafter British, American and Canadian soldiers began landing on the beaches. Today veterans and their families walk along the same beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha. A good place to start a battlefield tour is at Arromanches-les-Bains, a few miles northeast of Bayeux. After it was taken by the British 50th Division, this small fishing village was turned into the mammoth military harbor using a prefabricated port that was towed across the Channel. Two and a half million men and 500,000 vehicles landed here. The wreckage of 'Mulberry Harbour' remains just off the beach. A little down the coast are Omaha and Utah, the beaches where the US Division famously landed. The cliffs are still pitted with German bunkers and shell holes, but otherwise these fairly innocuous beaches show little sign of the bloody battles that took place here. Many people come to Normandy to pay respects to the Allied soldiers at the many vast cemeteries along the coast that are maintained so immaculately.

Palais Longchamp

One of Marseille's most scenic buildings is the Palais Longchamp. Built during the Second Empire, it is the grandiose conclusion of an aqueduct that once brought water from the Durance to the city. Although the aqueduct is no longer in use, water is still pumped into the center of the colonnade connecting the two palatial wings. Below, a spectacular fountain features an enormous statue of three muscular women above four bulls wallowing in a pool from which a cascade drops four or five storys to ground level. In the palace's north wing is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which displays a vast array of paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They include works by Corot, Millet, Ingres, David, and Rubens as well as some 80 sculptures and objets d'art; particularly interesting is a gallery of Pierre Puget sculpture.

Massif des Calanques

Directly south of Marseille, and to the west of Cassis, is the wild coastline of the Massif des Calanques. Some of France's most beautiful and dramatic scenery can be found along this 12-mile (19km) stretch of coastline; the sea has cut gorges, up to a mile (2km) deep, into the limestone. Dazzling white limestone cliffs overhang the sea and attract rock climbers and deep-sea divers. The mountains rise up 1,850ft (564m) and are a haven for climbers. Walking tours and boat trips can be organized via the tourist board. The highlight of the Calanques is Sormiou, with its beach, seafood eateries and small harbor. Sormiou is separated from another small but enchanting settlement at Morgiou by Cap Morgiou, which offers a panoramic belvedere with splendid views of both the Calanques and the eastern side of the massif. At Morgiou there are tiny creeks for great swimming.

Marseille Beaches

The most popular beach near the city center is the Plage des Catalans. This marks the beginning of Marseille's corniche that ends at the Plage du Prado, the city's main sand beach, where the water is remarkably clean. There is a nice walk along the corniche which takes you past the Anse des Auffes, a picturesque inlet with small fishing boats beached on the rocks and behind the Plage de Prado to the Parc Borély, which has a boating lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden (daily 8am to 9pm; free). Along the Malmousque peninsula are a number of tiny bays and beaches that are perfect for swimming when the mistral wind is not inciting the waves.

Château d'If

On the sparsely vegetated island of If is the infamous prison, Château d'If, which is best known as the penal setting for Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.François I built the fortress here to defend Marseille and its port in the 16th century, and the site later housed a state prison. The cells are horribly well preserved; carvings by Huguenot prisoners can still be seen inside some of the cells. The views back towards Marseille and the mountains beyond are wonderful.

Cassis

Cassis is a beautiful resort town just west of Marseille. Hemmed in by high white cliffs, its modern development has been limited and it retains much of the charm lost by its more high-profile neighbors. Built on the side of a hill, the old village is centered around a shady square where the inhabitants come to cool off and play 'pétanque' on summer nights. Portside posing and drinking aside, there's not much to do except sunbathe and look up at the ruins of the town's medieval castle, built in 1381. A popular excursion is to take a boat trip to the calanques - long, narrow, deep fjord-like inlets that have cut into the limestone cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, you can take the well-marked footpath from the Route des Calanques behind the western beach; it's about a 90-minute walk to the furthest and best calanque, En Vau, where you can climb down rocks to the shore. Intrepid pine trees find root-holds, and sunbathers find ledges on the chaotic white cliffs. The water is deep blue and swimming between the vertical cliffs is an experience not to be missed.

Palais des Papes

Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power. The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI. It was built primarily as a fortress with massive outer walls, battlements and sluices for pouring hot oil onto attackers. Inside the palace, so little remains of the original interior that visitors could be mislead into believing that all the popes and their entourage were as virtuous as the last official occupant, Benedict XIII. In reality the interior was once elaborately decorated, displayed the decadence of the feuding cardinals and their mistresses. The fire of 1413 destroyed most of the decoration and furnishings, but evidence of the once magnificent interior remains including some frescoes, including one painted by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti in the Great Audience Room. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the palace taking in the Pope's Bedchamber, the Chapelle St-Martial and the Stag Room. Nearby, dwarfed by the palace, is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.

Petit Palais

Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais contains a wonderful collection of 13th to 15th-century paintings and sculpture. Most are the work of Italian masters from that era and, as you progress through the 19 rooms, you can observe how they wrestled with and finally conquered the representation of perspective - a revolution from medieval art, where the size of figures depended on their importance rather than position. The highlights of the collection are Botticelli's sublime Virgin and Childand The Angel of the Annunciationby Sano Di Pietro.

Pont d'Avignon

Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont d'Avignon, known best from the famous children's song of the same name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to shorten the journey for the busy traders ferrying their goods between the Mediterranean and Lyon. The torrents of the Rhône regularly damaged and brought down sections of the bridge and builders finally gave up repairing it in 1660, four centuries after it was built. Today only four of the original 22 arches remain. On the first of the bridge's bulwarks is the tiny Chapelle St-Nicholas, and this delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is well worth a visit.

Orange

Just north of Avignon, Orange was the former seat of the Counts of Orange, a title created in the 8th century and passed to the Dutch crown in the 16th century. The family's most famous member was Prince William, who ascended the English throne in 1689. Today the town is best known for its spectacular Roman theater and triumphal arch, both of which remain remarkably intact. The rest of Orange isn't strikingly picturesque, however there are pleasant tree-lined streets and squares with some nice cafes and restaurants.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side of a hill, dominated by the ruins of an ancient château towering above. The château was the pope's summer retreat from the Palais and although all that remains are the foundations and two outer walls, it is still an imposing sight and a wonderful viewpoint. The village below is a maze of well-restored medieval buildings and narrow streets that weave around the hillside. Today life in the village often involves working in the surrounding vineyards or selling the famous wine to the many tourists who visit.

Cap Corse

North of Bastia is the vacation destination of Cap Corse, a 25-mile (40km) peninsula edged with quiet and quaint fishing villages. The peninsula is divided by a narrow spine of mountains, which rise over 3,000ft (914m) above sea level. On the east side of the Cap Corse mountain spine are a series of small villages cuddle into coves, while on the west coast the settlements cling precariously to rugged cliffs battered by wild waves. The peninsula's best stretch of sandy beach to enjoy on vacation is Plage de Tamarone, near Macinaggio. A favorite with vacation visitors in Cap Corse is the picturesque village of Centuri, while hikers head for the many walking trails like the well-known Sentier des Douaniers. Make sure the camera is loaded for visits to the panoramic viewpoints of Capo Grosso, Moulin Mattei and the Tour de Seneque, above Pino. The vineyards of Patrimonio are renowned, particularly for their muscat, and most wineries welcome vacation visitors for wine tasting. The Cap Corse wine route, or 'route des vins', is signposted from St-Florent.

Balagne

The inland area along the northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange trees and the breadbasket of the island, crisscrossed by a network of narrow, winding roads. Tiny villages such as Sant'Antonino and Speloncato perch high above the countryside built around rocky outcrops, while others along the Artisan's Route, like Pigna, proudly display their traditional crafts such as pottery and stringed instruments. Set beneath a wall of imposing jagged mountains that remain snow-capped until July, the rocky coastline of the Balagne area shelters a string of stunning white sand beaches and an old fishing settlement, now turned into one of the island's most popular vacation resort towns, at Calvi. In the shadow of its citadel, built by the Genoese, Calvi bathes in the legend of Christopher Columbus whose birthplace it is said to be. It was during an attack on Calvi that another famous mariner, Lord Nelson, lost his eye. Not far away from this historic and compact gem can be found another port town, Ile Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in direct contrast to Calvi, which he felt was too Genoese. Many of the settlements along the Balagne coast have been developed into busy holiday villages, however the stunning scenery and idyllic beaches more than compensate for the crowds. Trains connect Calvi and Ile Rousse with Ajaccio and Bastia. Buses are also available.

Palais des Beaux-Arts

A striking and ornate 19th century building which houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts, Palais des Beaux-Arts is a masterpiece in itself. Inside the building is a treasure-trove for art lovers, an attraction second only to the Louvre in Paris. The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens, to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a number of works by French artists, including three major items: Belisarius Asking for Almsby David; After Dinner at Ornansby Courbet; and Sleepby Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum contains mainly paintings, there are also some collections of ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French drawings.

Filitosa

The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica, Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site. Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300 BC.

Cours Saleya Food and Flower Market

Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya bustles with activity every day and is a riot of color and fresh smells. A wonderful attraction for visitors, the market is packed with flowers, fresh produce, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés. On Mondays the area hosts a large flea market and an antiques market.

Epernay

Epernay, along with Reims, is one of the great centers of champagne production; dug into the chalk beneath the town are more than 200 miles (322km) of cellars and tunnels containing champagne from the surrounding area including such great brands as Moët et Chandon, Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane. Having been ravaged by war over the centuries, few old buildings remain in the town, but visitors come here to visit the great champagne houses rather than the architecture. Both Moët et Chandon, the world's largest producer of bubbly, and Mercier give guided tours of their cellars in English throughout the day. They are both situated near each other on Avenue de Champagne. Castellane also has daily tours from March to December.

Iles Sanguinaires

The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.

Les Calanques

The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques, and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun highlights the natural red and pink colors of the rock, and the drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to Porto.

Reims

A visitor's first impression of Reims (pronounced Rhance) is of a sprawling industrial town peppered with concrete apartment blocks, the result of World War I bombs and later disastrous town planning. However Reims is an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of the French nation - it contains one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims ,where dynasties of French monarchs were crowned starting with Clovis, first king of the Franks. The neighboring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and, half Gothic, half Romanesque in style, includes the old royal abbey which is now a museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to Reims not so much for history but for the hedonistic pleasure of visiting the cellars of its great champagne producers. This is the home of the world's best bubbly. The best of the best is to be sampled at the Maison de Pommery, which has more than 10 miles (16km) of tunnels extending 100ft (30m) down into the chalk below its Gothic superstructure. Move on to Mumm, which contains 25 million bottles of slowly fermenting champagne in their vaults, and then Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. All give a guided tour of the cellars and champagne making process, followed by a tasting.

Château-Thierry

Château-Thierry is an industrial town 55 miles (89km) east of Paris on the River Marne. The surrounding countryside was the site of many great battles during both World Wars and a number of monuments and cemeteries mark the bravery of thousands of Allied soldiers who fought to liberate France and who now lie interred under her soil. The town is also known as the home of the famous poet and fable writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95); the Musée Jean-de-la-Fontaine is one of the most popular literary museums in the world and contains a collection of his personal effects, memorabilia and a number of editions of his works.

Amiens

Amiens is the ancient capital of Picardy and lies on the River Somme, 75 miles (121km) north of Paris and 65 miles (105km) south of Calais. Walking around the maze of narrow streets, divided by canals, visitors will feel that this is a city past its prime, nevertheless there are a couple of sites worth exploring. The city's centerpiece is the Gothic cathedral, built between 1220 and 1270, and is one of France's finest. The interior contains wonderful examples of medieval masonry and woodwork; 126 slender pillars hold up the vast structure and the stalls are decorated with thousands of carved figures. Like most great churches it has been added to and restored over the centuries. The nearby Musée de Picardie displays the history and art of the region from prehistoric times through to the present day, along with exhibits from the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. The art collection includes European paintings and sculptures from the 16th century including works by El Greco, Fragonard, Guardi, and Tiepolo.

Troyes

Those who are tired of fighting off the summer crowds in Champagne country find a refreshing alternative in the quaint old town of Troyes, a little off the tourist track and therefore exuding plenty of genuine French appeal. In the beautifully restored city center, sporting quaint narrow streets, Renaissance mansions and pretty old houses, stands one of France's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city also boasts a private collection of art housed in the old Bishops palace, the Musée d'Art Moderne that displays works by Bonnard, Degas and Gauguin.

Cahors

Situated 55 miles (89km) north of Toulouse in a loop of the Lot River, the ancient city of Cahors was inhabited long before the Romans arrived, and in medieval times was a thriving university town. Across the river is the town's signature piece, the Pont Valentré. This magnificent fortified bridge was built between 1308 and 1500 and features a trio of towers, battlements and seven pointed arches. The Cathédrale St-Etienne dominates the old town and features a sculptured Romanesque north portal, which was carved around 1135. Today the town is best known for its excellent cuisine and the fine deep red wine that is made in the surrounding vineyards. Sunday is market day and a good opportunity to buy some of the local produce. A good excursion from Cahors is the stunning cliff-edge village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, 19 miles (31km) to the east. Perched high above the south bank of the Lot, the village, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens, is best visited in the evenings when the tour buses have left and the excellent restaurants have more tables available.

Montauban

Montauban lies on the banks of the River Tarn, 50 miles (80km) north of Toulouse and is one of the most ancient cities in southwest France. Its origins date from 1144 when the count of Toulouse decided to create a bastidehere as a bulwark against English and French royal power. The genius of the original medieval town plan is still obvious in the lovely town center, and though the suburbs now sprawl way beyond the old core, the city is still dominated by the fortified Eglise St-Jacques fort and the 14th-century brick bridge, Pont Vieux. The artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was born in Montauban and many of his works now hang in Musée Ingres, situated in the old 17th-century Bishops Palace, including The Dream of Ossian,originally intended for Napoleon's bedroom in Rome.

Conques

Conques occupies a spectacular position on the flanks of the steep, densely wooded gorge of the little River Dourdou, a tributary of the Lot, and is one of the great villages of southwest France. The site was chosen as a retreat by a hermit called Dadon in the 7th century, and was named from the Latin concha, meaning shell. Dadon founded a community of Benedictine monks here, one of whom pilfered the relics of the martyred girl, Ste Foy, from the monastery at Agen. Known for her ability to cure blindness and liberate captives, Ste Foy's presence brought pilgrims flocking to Conques and the magnificent Romanesque abbey-church became a prime place on the pilgrimage route to Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims still come today, along with tourists who come to admire the beautiful town.

Rocamadour

Tiered precariously halfway up a cliffside above a small river, Rocamadour has one of the unique settings of any town in Europe. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour (who is believed to be Zacchaeus of the Biblical gospel) was discovered, an event that led to a succession of miracles in the town. Since the 8th century it has been an important pilgrimage site; everyone from prince to pauper has ventured here in the hope of curing their ailments at the shrine, which has been plundered several times so the reliquary today bears little relation to the original. Today the town is overrun by tourists and its atmosphere has suffered accordingly, but, despite this, it is a must-see for the stunning views of the Dordogne and its marvelous situation.

Les Eyzies

In 1868 prehistoric skeletons were discovered in the Vézère valley and the area was found to be one of the richest in the world in ancient sites and deposits. The small market town of Les Eyzies suddenly became the base for exploring this treasure-trove of antiquity, including the many prehistoric painted caves, the most famous and beautiful being at Lascaux, which were discovered in 1940 by boys looking for their dog. The paintings were made about 30,000 years ago and depict wild boar, deer and majestic bulls. Unfortunately visitors cannot view the actual paintings because the caves have been closed to the general public to prevent deterioration, but a replica gives you a clear picture of the remarkable works. The town has some excellent museums in which prehistoric art and artifacts are on display.

Grenoble

The beautiful university town of Grenoble is situated on the Drac and Isère Rivers, and is surrounded by proud mountains, dramatic gorges and hidden valleys. The prosperous, lively and cosmopolitan city is a base for companies involved in the chemical, nuclear research and electronics industries, but more obviously it is home to 40,000 students, many international. There are some excellent walks among the mountains surrounding the city and there are ski slopes within easy driving distance, but for many tourists Grenoble is simply a stopover before heading further into the Alps. Before you go, however, take a scenic ride on the distinctive egg-shaped suspended cable cars known as 'Les Bulles'.

Bayeaux

This ancient Viking settlement is situated a few miles inland, between La Havre and Cherbourg, and was the first French town to be liberated in 1944 during World War II. Fortunately Bayeux was spared from too much war damage, and remains full of old-world character with wooden houses, some elegant stone buildings and cobblestone roads. Many visitors flock here to explore the sites associated with the war's 'Longest Day' including an interesting D-Day museum and the famous landing beaches (less than 10 miles/16km away). A museum celebrating an older, but equally historic battle is located in the vicinity. This, the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, contains the famous tapestry that tells the story of the Battle of Hastings. The 231ft (69m) strip of embroidered linen depicts scenes of Harold's coronation as the Saxon king of England, him being told of the apparition of a comet (a portent of misfortune), William dressing for war, and Harold's death. (Admission EUR7.80 (adult), free for children under nine; open 9am to 6.30pm, closing at 7pm from May to August and 6pm from November to March). Also worth seeing is the Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a fine Norman Romanesque cathedral, rich in sculpture.

Honfleur

By accident or design is not certain, but somehow the quaint fishing village of Honfleur, just across the estuary from busy, bustling La Havre, has managed to make time stand still and presents its many visitors with scenes and experiences largely unchanged for 100 years or more. The town fortunately escaped serious damage during the World War II Normandy landings, and since then development has been minimal. It still functions as a fishing port and follows traditions dating back to medieval times, although it has lost its beach, due to the silting up of the river. There are a few interesting museums, including those dedicated to composer Eric Satie and Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin, and some lovely gardens. Honfleur is certainly worth a visit from La Havre.

Lyon National Opera House

This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the Rhone River. The first five levels of the opera house are underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera House Orchestra. The acoustics are so good that it currently makes more recordings than any other French opera house and has released award-winning opera CDs including 12 world premieres, ballets and symphony performances.

Historical Museum of Lyon & International Puppet Museum

To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon. It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in 1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction to the mansion's contents. The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets, stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts was established in 1801 and is one of the largest galleries outside of the capital city of Paris. Featuring the works of artists from 15th to the 20th centuries, visitors can view the works of Perugino, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and Delacroix. The museum is best known for its outstanding collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Musée des Moulins

Something different that appeals particularly to the mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills. Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved, working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of windmill technology.

Natural History Museum

An attraction in Lille particularly enjoyed by children, the Natural History Museum has been drawing the crowds since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology collections, the museum is both educational and fun.

Open Air Museum

Travel back in time with a visit to Lille's living museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore. The Lille Open Air Museum site covers 10 hectares, an attraction where visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans demonstrate old skills.

Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral

A modern architectural attraction, Lille's cathedral (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is an imposing homogenous structure, begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints, but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after the perfection of the unique main façade, designed by local architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice, who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a pink translucent veil.

Hospice Comtesse

In the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an art museum. Works are displayed in the old hospital ward, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, and other halls where the community of Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and porcelain from the region.

Arc de Triomphe

The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 meters) tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every evening at 6pm. On July 14, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées.

Les Invalides

Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of the greatest French military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its 13 hectares of building and large church with a golden dome make Les Invalides a classical French architecture masterpiece.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden. In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs demonstration gardens and trains botanists.

Disneyland Paris

Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must for all children visiting the city. With all their favorite characters, exciting rides and much more, children of all ages will love Disneyland Paris. There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for visitors and vacationers to choose from to help make their Disneyland Paris experience one to remember.

Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle

Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids' imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must for children of all ages.

Le Jardin d' Acclimatation

This children's amusement park sees thousands of tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around and let off some steam.

Parc Asterix

Based on the comics by Uderzo and Goscinny, the Parc Asterix, is a theme park located just outside of Paris. It's well known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and the Oxygénarium.

France Miniature

Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over 130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been created a 1/30 scale and some for the models are even animated. Children will love spending a day out at this miniature country.

Basilique St-Michel

Constructed in stages between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Basilique St-Michel is a typical Gothic-style church and the main place of Catholic worship in Bordeaux. The main distinguishing feature, the Basilique's tower and spire, which rises to a height of 374 feet (114m) is considered the highest in the south of France. At the base of the tower lies an ossuary where an exhibition of the mummies excavated during the 19th century can be viewed.

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

Designed by renowned architect Victor Louis, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux was built between 1773 and 1780 and is one of the oldest 18th century theaters remaining in the world. Inaugurated in 1780, it served as the National Assembly for the French Parliament briefly in 1781 and was the scene of the premiere of the ballet La Fille Mal Gardéein 1789. This theater is the oldest in Europe to have never burnt down or needed rebuilding since its erection nearly 250 years ago and is now home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux. Guided tours are available.

Grasse Perfumeries

France has long been associated with fine perfume, and Grasse is where those heady scents are born. The small town in the French Riviera isn't on the coast, so tourists who are tired of the beaches come for the famous perfumeries like Molinard, Fragonard, and Galinard. Each factory offers tours and a gift shop, and several allow you to try your hand at creating your own scent; for a more comprehensive experience you can also visit the International Perfume Museum.

Biot

The village of Bio is over 2,500 years old, and retains much of its medieval charm in the 15th-century architecture and narrow, winding streets. The town has been a hub of craftsmen for centuries, and is known for its pottery and blown glass, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists in the French Riviera. There are several glass-blowing factories that offer tours, allowing you to watch the age-old process in action. Biot is also the site of an ancient volcano, and geology buffs will enjoy hiking the scenic rock formations. Located only 2.5 miles (4km) from the coast, Biot makes an excellent day trip when you're tired of the beach.

Èze

Perched on a mountain 1,400 feet (427m) above sea level, the medieval town of Èze is a popular stop on the route between the French Riviera and Monaco. The winding cobblestone streets lead you to the ruins of a 12th-century castle, the terraced Exotic Gardens and their spectacular views, and also to the many shops, which is the most popular reason for visiting Èze. The streets are dotted with tiny boutiques and shops selling a variety of French souvenirs.

Aquaboulevard

The largest water park in Europe and located in the heart of the city, Aquaboulevard is a great treat for kids on rainy days in Paris, as its facilities are indoors, with outdoor pools and a beach for when the weather is fine. The park itself includes waterslides and wave machines, with Jacuzzis for parents, but the complex also offers cinemas, tennis courts, a fitness center, play areas, and other attractions.

Fontevraud Abbey

Built in the 12th century, Fontevraud Abbey is thought to be the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son King Richard I, however it is not known exactly where their bodies are interred. The effigies are still there, and are a popular sight for tourists. The abbey has housed a monastery, nunnery, prison, and church over the centuries, and various sections have been rebuilt in Gothic, Classical and Romanesque styles.

Saumur

Saumur is located at the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers in Loire Valley. The region is known for producing world-renowned wines, and also produces mushrooms in an interesting undergrounds process viewable to the public. Saumur is home to the Château de Saumur, which was built in the 10th century and passed through the hands of Henry II of England, Philip II of France, King Henri IV (of France and Navarre), and Napoleon Bonaparte. Another interesting attraction is the Museé des Blindes, with over 850 tanks on display. Saumur is located in easy distance of Paris, Nantes, Angers, Tours, and several other cities, making it an ideal day trip.

Château d'Ussé

The Château d'Ussé overlooks the Indre River, built by Charles VII in the mid-15th century. The fairytale castle passed through the hands of many nobles, and was said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write the story of Sleeping Beauty. It subsequently inspired Walt Disney in the design of his iconic castles in the Disney logo and at several theme parks. Only parts of the house are open to the public.

Ancient Theater of Fourvière

The ancient theater in Lyon is the oldest in France, dating back to the year 17 BC. Built by the Emperor Augustus, it was originally used for theater, pageants, musical shows, and poetry competitions. While much of its rich decorations are gone, decorated floors of inlaid marble and porphyry are still visible. Now it is primarily a tourist site, but the Nuits de Fourvière festival is held there every year. Nearby you can also see the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele.

Musée de la Civilization Gallo-Romaine

The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization is located on the site of the ruins of the Roman city of Lugdunum, which dates back to 43 BC. The museum houses rich collections of artifacts, including glassware, mosaics, ceramics, and other items relating to the military, domestic and spiritual lives of the Romans. Highlights include a chariot from 700 BC and a 3rd-century sarcophagus. There is a gift shop and workshop area for children.

Corte

For a change of pace on your island holiday, pack some hiking boots along with your swimsuit and head for the dramatic Corsican hinterland. Corte lies marooned in the center of Corsica, surrounded by dramatic granite mountains. This independent and proud town has long epitomised Corsican nationalism - for a short time in the 18th century it was the capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state. Now a university town, it remains dominated by the Haute Ville (upper town) and its forbidding citadel, site of the Musée de la Corse, the island's premier museum. While on vacation in Corte, it's easy to spend a morning wandering around the narrow cobbled streets or soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many bars and cafés that line the main street. Corte is an excellent base for exploring the island's wonderful mountain scenery. A few miles to the southwest, near Bergeries de Grotelle, walkers will find a number of glacial lakes and around Valée de la Restonica are a series of stunning natural gorges and basins with refreshing swimming spots. Buses and trains connect Corte with Ajaccio, Bastia and other vacation towns on the island.

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a popular and fashionable family vacation resort and spa town located on the eastern side of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural freshwater lake in France. Although the lake is icy cold, you can sail, fish, play golf and tennis, or picnic on the parkland at the water's edge. The main town of Aix is two miles (3km) inland from the lake and has been built around its thermal springs. Many small hotels line the streets, and streams of vacation visitors take to the baths each day; in the evening, for a change of pace, they play the slot machines at the Aix-les-Bains casino or attend tea dances.

Amboise

On the banks of the Loire, 20 miles (32km) east of Tours, is the Renaissance town of Amboise, a popular vacation destination. Both historic and beautiful, Amboise attracts tourists by the busload, but this doesn't detract from its charm. It has been the favorite residence of Leonardo de Vinci, Charles VIII and Mick Jagger, who owns a nearby château.

Charles VIII's château dominates the town and is an impressive fusion of Renaissance and Gothic styles that is built on a rocky spur separating the valleys of the Loire and the Amasse. The original 15th-century entrance opens onto a terrace with a panoramic view of the river. The castle fell into decline after the revolution and less than half of the original structure still stands. However many grandly furnished rooms remain, including the Kings' apartments, which are open to vacation visitors.

Leonardo da Vinci was invited to Amboise by François I to encourage the French Renaissance. He made his home at the Clos-Lucé, which is now a museum to his work with 40 models based on his drawings on display - including flying machines and a wooden tank. To the east of Amboise are some children's museums, including the Mini-Châteaux, a two-hectare (five-acre) park with models of the great Loire château. An excellent aquarium is also situated nearby.

Angers

The vacation destination of Angers straddles the Maine River, towards the west of the Loire Valley, and is a popular base from which to explore the local sites and the surrounding châteaux country. Angers is a busy regional center and university city with an air of sophistication. Like Tours, Angers was badly damaged during World War II. Much of it, however, has been lovingly restored and it remains a pleasant, amiable town with a lively atmosphere. Top Angers vacation attractions include the intriguing museum, Musée Jean Lurçat, which is known for its famous tapestry Le Chant du Monde,and the Cathedral with its beautiful 12th-century nave and famous stained-glass windows, also dating from the 12th century. However Angers' most prominent attraction is the Château d'Angers.

Annecy

Situated 80 miles (129km) east of Lyon, the vacation destination of Annecy has a magical setting on the shore of Lake Annecy at the foot of the Alps. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of the web of canals that cut through the Annecy old town. Annecy is probably the best base for a holiday in the Haute-Savoie region. Just six miles (10km) to its west is Gorges du Fier, a dramatic river gorge. A gangway takes visitors through a narrow gully that has been cut by a torrent of water over the eons; you can hear the roar of the river below. Emerging from this labyrinth, you'll be greeted by a huge expanse of boulders. The site is closed to the public between mid-October and mid-March. Visitors can also take a cruise on the ice-blue lake for which the town is famous.

Bastia

Situated in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia is the island's major commercial center. Despite this the old town has retained its charms as a vacation destination; and opulent Baroque churches and crumbling pastel houses line the maze of tightly packed streets and alleyways.

The Vieux Port is the most photogenic part of town, where old houses tower above the harbor and the reflections from colorful fishing vessels ripple on the water. The citadel perched high on the headland of Bastia dominates the other side.

The Bastia harbor comes alive in the evening when tourists on vacation here fill the waterside bars and restaurants. The pebble beaches below Bastia town tend to be very crowded in summer and sun seekers are advised to head further south where a sandy shore extends for miles down the east coast of the island.

Bayonne

The popular vacation destination of Bayonne is the capital of Basque country, and a beautifully preserved cathedral city. Its narrow streets - lined with half-timbered houses - are atmospheric and perfect exploring on foot. Bayonne is divided by the Nive and Adour rivers and is set between the mountains and the sea a few miles up the coast. Together with adjoining Anglet and Biarritz it forms the continuous urban area known as BAB.

The city's most striking landmark is the magnificent gothic Cathédrale Ste-Marie, dating from the 13th century. Bayonne also has two museums well worth visiting: Le Musée Basque, which showcases the traditions, architecture, and decorative arts of the Basque region and Le Musée Bonnat, which displays thousands of drawings and paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by Rubens, Greco and Ingres.

The Bayonne Festival takes place every year for five days from the first Wednesday in August and is an explosion of activity with cow races, bull fights in the Roman arena, candle-lit processions and marching bands. Bayonne is well-known for its chocolates, marzipan and prime-smoked ham, all of which is available at the wonderful Covered Market. And according to tradition, if not historically verified fact, the bayonet was invented here in the 1600s.

Blois

Much of the historic ambience of medieval Blois remains preserved in its white-washed houses and narrow cobbled alleys, but modernity has impacted quite severely on this, the noble former seat of the dukes of Orléans. Tourists still flock to Blois on vacation to visit the magnificent chateau, now encircled by a traffic-laden highway but none the less spectacular for this infringement. This beautiful castle witnessed the murder of the duc De Guise by Henri III, and is renowned for its awesome 13th century hall. Those into chateaux can make excursions from Blois to some other gems in the nearby countryside, including the well-known Chateau de Chambord.

Bonifacio

The ancient town of Bonifacio, at the very southern tip of Corsica, dates from 833AD but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialization of this buzzing haven that attracts huge holiday crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come on vacation here for the magnificent setting; Bonifacio sits on a narrow limestone peninsula, the bright white cliffs plunging into the Bouches de Bonifacio strait, between Corsica and Sardinia.

The most scenic way to approach Bonifacio is by boat through the channel, almost a mile long, that protects the town's beautiful natural harbor. No wonder that the buzzing marina attracts yachts from all over the world, as well as ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists arriving on vacation from Sardinia and elsewhere. Alternatively you can fly in to Bonifacio from Marseille or bus from the other Corsican towns.

The Italian-flavored town boasts quaint medieval architecture, offset with the requisite cafés, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. Bonifacio's old town and citadel, built in the 12th century by the Genoese conquerors, is an interesting vacation attraction and reached up a long, steep flight of steps. The citadel has been put to use in modern times as headquarters for the French Foreign Legion, which was based here between 1963 and 1983.

There are diversions aplenty to enjoy on vacation in Bonifacio and surrounds, ranging from watersports of all sorts at the nearby Plage de Piantarella to some splendid golf courses, as well as boat trips to the offshore Archipel des Lavezzi island group.

Carnac

Carnac, on the south coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biscay, is one of Brittany's most trendy vacation resorts. The family-friendly vacation resort of Carnac Plage is bright and breezy, sporting a sand-duned peninsula, a lovely stretch of beach, plenty of entertainment and various fun in the sun facilities. Ironically, Carnac is located alongside one of Europe's most important, ancient and mysterious archaeological sites; just north of the seaside town, hundreds of massive standing stones, even older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt, are aligned in rows in a field, their original purpose unknown. The nearby Musée de Préhistoire complements these fascinating relics with displays of collections dating as far back as 450,000 BC.

Dinard

Opposite St Malo, sitting atop a rocky headland above the Rance, Dinard was a popular vacation spot with the British in Edwardian times; they still visit today for the bracing sea air and a stroll along the promenade. The seafront is lined with Victorian buildings, which ensure the town still retains its elegant and sedate old world character. The main Dinard beach is La Grande Plage, a strip of sand between the two peninsulas that define the edges of the old town. It is popular with families on vacation here and is crowded on hot days. Smaller and more isolated is Plage de St-Enogat, a 20-minute walk east through the village of St-Enogat, or Plage du Prieuré, just a 10-minute walk from Dinard. There is a great difference between high and low tides, and swimming pools along the Grand Plage and the Plage du Prieuré beaches catch seawater during high tides for those who opt not to make the trek along the salt flats during low tides to bathe in the sea.

Evian-les-Bains

Evian-les-Bains, on the southern end of Lake Geneva, is famous for its famous mineral waters, which have been bottled since the early 18th century. Many of the French have second homes in Évian, but visitors come to this chic vacation resort principally to enjoy the creature comforts and spa facilities of the deluxe Evian-les-Bains hotels.

La Baule

Just west of Nantes, La Baule is Brittany's most fashionable and expensive vacation resort. Like most Breton seaside towns, it was the Victorians that first flocked here to play and promenade in the balmy air. Today La Baule is favored by the French rather than foreigners, a popular vacation destination for the Parisian upper-middle-class when they need to unwind. La Baule's inviting five mile (8km) stretch of white sandy beach provides the perfect place to acquire a summer tan and show off designer beachwear while frolicking in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. The town itself provides the other holiday necessities: a casino, plenty of shops and boutiques, and some excellent bars and restaurants.

Lourdes

Not strictly Basque country, but part of the nearby Bigorre region, the town of Lourdes is situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées and has been one of the great Roman Catholic pilgrimages since the Virgin Mary allegedly revealed herself to a shepherd girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858. Over five million pilgrims visit the town each year, particularly in August, from the Catholic nobility to the poverty-stricken sick and ailing.

Pilgrims are sometimes offended by the commercialization of the shrine (there is a very good trade in candles and Lourdes water) but miracle cures have been documented by the church so it can be assumed this exploitation does not affect the healing properties of the spring in which the afflicted bathe in a grotto. The Virgin is said to have appeared 18 times at the Grotto of Massabielle and mass takes place here every day.

Lourdes itself is ancient and includes several sights of interest for vacation visitors. The Fortified Castle was successively a military fortress, a state prison and, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the residence of the counts of Bigorre. There are wonderful panoramic views of Lourdes town and the sanctuary from high on the fortifications. Since 1921 the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen, which exhibits the art, traditions and history of the Pyrénées.

There are some interesting churches to see while on vacation in this religious town. The Upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1854; the inside is as impressive as the magnificent exterior. The oval Basilica of Pius X is one of the world's largest churches, its underground chamber can hold as many as 20,000 people. Mass is held in six languages, including English, every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.30pm from April to October. The Musée Ste-Bernadette is nearby, as is the house where Bernadette was born which, along with the home of her parents, has become a shrine.

Nantes

Attractively situated on islands in the estuary of France's mighty Loire River, the solid city of Nantes exudes an air of importance and historical significance, an interesting vacation destination. Although not officially part of Brittany any longer, Nantes has always been regarded as the Breton commercial and maritime center, once a springboard for exciting colonial expeditions, shipbuilding and trading. Today Nantes remains a wealthy industrial port, its architectural heritage reflecting its past achievements, from the medieval remnants in the narrow streets of pedestrianized Bouffay, near the castle of the Ducs de Bretagne, to the magnificent stained-glass windows of its impressive cathedral. The city also has some good museums including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of sculpture and paintings from the 12th to 19th centuries, and Musée de Jules Verne contains memorabilia of the famous futuristic novelist, who was born in Nantes.

Orléans

At one time the second most important city in France after Paris, Orléans is today a modest and attractive city well worth a day visit to explore its cobbled streets. Chief attractions are the magnificent neo-Gothic Orléans Cathedral, the House of Joan of Arc, and the ornately decorated Hotel de Ville. Orléans' long history stretches to a time before the Romans but its most famous event was Joan of Arc's deliverance of the city from the English in 1429. The occasion is commemorated most fervently with Joan of Arc Day celebrated each year on the 8th of May, when Orléans makes merry with lively street parades in medieval style.

Pau

The popular vacation destination of Pau is situated 50 miles (80km) inland, high above the Gave de Pau River, and is a good base from which to explore the Pyrénées and the picturesque little villages of the Bearn region. This year-round vacation resort was frequented by the English in the early 19th century (at one time 20 percent of the population was from England) and many customs were imported from across the Channel to become entrenched, including fox hunting and afternoon tea. Pau is home to 85,000 people and is the most cosmopolitan city in the western Pyrénées. While on vacation, panoramic views can best be enjoyed when strolling along the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Worthy Pau sightseeing excursions include the 12th century Chateau de Pau, containing some interesting contemporary artifacts including a crib fashioned from a single tortoise shell. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is worth a peek with a collection of European paintings by the likes of El Greco, Degas, Zurbaran and Boudin. The people of the Pau and Bearn region are very proud of their language (a variation of Occitan) and heritage and have indulged in friendly rivalry with the Basques of Bayonne for centuries.

Porto

The small seaside vacation resort of Porto is watched over by the 16th-century Genoese Tower standing guard over the fishing harbor, and although crowded in summer, retains a certain charm. While on vacation, Porto is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and spectacular coastline. The Gorges de Spelunca, a spectacular ravine, is popular for its rocky pools, Genoese bridges and hiking opportunities, while the Forêt d'Aïtone is one of the island's most beautiful forests, with waterfalls and numerous walking trails.

Quimper

Quimper, Brittany's oldest city, beckons those who need nothing more from a holiday than cobbled streets to wander through, a lazy river to cruise gently down or a wide selection of cafés and bars to sample. The idyllic vacation town of Quimper, spread around the junction of the Steir and Odet Rivers on the western edge of Brittany, serves the purpose well. Fortunately Quimper was spared the bombs of WWII and has escaped too much modern development, so the medieval character remains intact with old buildings overhanging narrow lanes and footbridges. If you can bestir yourself to investigate the local interests take a tour of one of the pottery studios that has been turning out internationally renowned Quimperware for centuries.

Rouen

The capital of Normandy and a popular vacation destination, Rouen is also a center of industry and commerce; it is the fifth largest port in France and the closest one to Paris, split into a right and left bank area by the River Seine.

Rouen is also one of France's most historic cities; William the Conqueror died here in 1087 and in 1431 it was the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake in the Place du Vieux-Marché (the Old Marketplace); the position is still marked by a huge bronze cross and worth visiting while on vacation.

Allied bombing largely destroyed the cityof Rouen; all of its bridges and many of its great churches were ruined. However, substantial investment has been focused on restoring parts of the city to its former medieval glory. The great Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalized by Monet, remained fairly unscathed and is well worth a visit for its wonderful stonework.

An especially interesting Rouen vacation attraction is the Chapelle de la Vierge, where the heart of Richard the Lion-Heart is entombed as a token of his affection for the people of Rouen. The chapel also contains the Renaissance tombs of the cardinals d'Amboise.

Dozens of churches and some fine museums can be explored including the Musée des Beaux-Art, which is one of France's best provincial museums and includes the works of great French artists such as Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Fragonard and Monet (including several versions of his Rouen Cathedral).

Tours

Located at the junction of the Loire and the Cher Rivers, the vacation destination of Tours is a great base for exploring the valley. The town was badly bombed during the last war and many buildings were replaced with ugly apartment blocks. Tours is, however, surrounded by magnificent châteaux and is a fun place to spend the evenings; the streets and bars are filled with locals and tourists and the huge student population adds to the vibrancy. Within the city the Cathedral is worth a visit while on vacation. Its flamboyant Gothic façade is flanked by towers dating from the 12th century, inside are some glorious 13th-century stained-glass windows and the handsome 16th-century tomb of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's two children. There is also a fine provincial museum in Tours, in the Palais des Archevêques, with a number of Old Masters works' including those by Degas, Delacroix, Rembrandt, and Boucher.

Briançon

Perched among the French Alps, Briançon is the highest town in Europe. The town is divided into the lower town, where the Durance and Guisane rivers meet and much of the modern amenities lie; and the walled and fortified upper town, which was built in the 17th century to defend the town from Austria and so contains the most interesting sights. Briançon is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Part of the massive Serre-Chevalier ski area, which also includes Saint-Chaffrey, La Salle le Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains, it enjoys up to 300 days of sunshine per year. But the town is a popular tourist area in summer as well, drawing visitors to see its citadelle, forts, and sundials, as well as to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. Briançon is also the site of one of the most thrilling stages of the Tour de France. Situated only six miles (10km) from the Italian border, Briançon has a distinctly Italian feel compared to other towns in Provence. There are a number of good pizzerias but few French restaurants, and some lively bars.

Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou is an historical themepark in western France, attracting over 1.5 million visitors a year, making it the second most popular paid attraction in the country. The experience is akin to being on a giant interactive movie set as different historical scenes are played out with considerable exuberance by a large a cast of actors against very realistic and impressive sets. There are five thrilling attractions, or perhaps more accurately, performances, including The Vikings and Richelieu's Musketeers, each lasting around 40 minutes.

In the evening during peak season, the Cinescene historical extravaganza is held on reputedly the largest stage in the world, with over 1,000 actors, hundreds of horses and great volleys of fireworks. The children especially will be spellbound. The park is set in gorgeous woodlands, and has 25 restaurants, 3 hotels and plenty of other amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Performances are in French so English-language translation headsets should be reserved in advance if required.

Cite De L'espace

This theme park in Toulouse has its head firmly in the clouds, dedicating its 8.6 acres (3.5 hectares) to celebrating flight and outer space. Children will love exploring full-scale models of rockets and space stations, and teens will enjoy the feeling of anti-gravity in the Gyro simulator. There's a moon-walk simulator; and the enormous planetarium, IMAX theater, and Terradome show educational films about space flight and the history of the universe. The park is located on the outskirts of the city, and is a great activity for children in Toulouse.

St Sernin Basilica

Of the many beautiful buildings in Toulouse, the St Sernin Basilica is one that should not be missed. The church, built from the area's distinctive rose-colored bricks, is the largest Romanesque church in Europe and contains many beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The Basilica was built around 1100, and contains many relics, as well as the graves of Saint Saturnin and Saint Honoratus. There are free guided tours on weekends, conducted in French only.

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m) above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over Paris.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback. Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. For a special experience, visit Notre-Dame on a Sunday morning when Paris' museums are closed and services are being held.

Louvre

One of the world's great art museums, this vast edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was opened to the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art. Don't even attempt to see it all in one day.

Pompidou Center

Built in the 1970s and named after former French president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Center is now considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design, complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theaters have regular musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers.

Musée d'Orsay

This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigmeand Henri Chapu's marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy. The museum is undergoing construction on level 5 until March 2011.

Musée Rodin

The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kisswhile outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The Thinker.The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel, Rodin's pupil and mistress, and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet and Rodin himself.

Musée National Picasso

The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973, after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in 1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as Harlequinand Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are in the hands of private collectors.

Versailles

The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km) southwest of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms, and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon enjoyed the company of their mistresses.

Fontainebleau

In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km) south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like The Rape of Europaand the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the Ballroom with its monumental fireplace and frescoes. The palace was a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles.

Vieux Bordeaux

Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centers on the Quartier St-Pierre ,which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few years, but many streets remain fairly seedy. One of the most opulent displays of Bordeaux's former glory is the Grand Theater. It was built between 1773 and 1780 on the site of a Roman temple and is faced with an enormous colonnaded portico topped by 12 Muses and Graces. Visitors can view the impressive interior by attending one of the operas or ballets.

Nearby is the Esplanade des Quinconces, which was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers nearly 12 hectares (30 acres) - making it the largest square of its kind in Europe. A smaller but more beautiful square is the earlier Place de la Bourse. Its centerpiece is a fountain of the Three Graces and is bordered by quays opening onto the river and flanked by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange. Crossing the river is the impressive Pont de Pierre, which was built during Napoleon's Spanish campaigns, and has 17 arches in honor of his victories. The views of the river and quays from here are memorable, particularly when floodlit at night.

Important churches include the delightful Basilique St-Michel, across from which is the Fleche St-Michel, which has the tallest stone tower in France; it was built in 1472 and is 374ft (114m) high. During July and August (afternoons only) visitors can climb the 228 steps for wonderful views over the river. To the west is the 13th century Cathédrale St-André, the most impressive and ostentatious church in Bordeaux (look out for the wonderful sculptures in the doors).

The city's museums are gathered around the cathedral, the best being the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of European art including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet, a resident of the city. The old town is fairly compact and is best seen on foot; two-hour walking tours can be arranged through the local tourist office. Boat tours can also be arranged.

The Wine Country

The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organize tastings and tours of the cellars and vineyards. Château Mouton-Rothschild is located just north of Pauillac. It is still run by the Rothschilds and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come as much for the impressive collection of art as for the wine. Château Lafite-Rothschild is nearby and was purchased by the Rothschilds in 1868. The vinothèquecontains many vintage bottles, several dating from 1797. Château Margaux is an imposing 19th century château south of Pauillac; the estate produces three wines from its 650 acres .To see the vat rooms and wine cellars, make an appointment by letter or phone.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

One of France's best-known attractions, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on a rocky island just off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of Avranches, who built a chapel here. Construction of the current abbey began in 1023 but was not finished for 400 years. Built with granite, it encompasses a range of architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic. The abbey was a place for pilgrimages for centuries and also served as a monastery, a prison and a fortress against the English. There is still a Benedictine monastery within the abbey, which can be visited on a guided tour. Among the maze of cobbled streets within the walls of the abbey are a number of other attractions, including a maritime museum and a multimedia museum that tells the story of the island. The abbey is connected to the shore by a causeway, but there are plans to construct a bridge to it so that the sea will again flow freely around the island.

Scandola Nature Reserve

The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as 450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper, a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be arranged from both Calvi and Porto.

La Croisette

The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction. Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi. La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the Plages du Midi.

Ile St Honorat & Ile St Marguerite

The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organize tours of the island and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine, honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for week-long retreats. On the neighboring Ile St Marguerite is the fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was imprisoned.

Antibes

Antibes is a pleasant excursion a few miles east of Cannes. It has one of the best markets on the coast and an excellent Picasso museum in its ancient seafront castle, the 16th century Château Grimaldi. Picasso was lent a room in the castle to use as a studio in 1946. Several extremely prolific months followed before he moved to Vallauris, leaving all his Antibes output to what is now the Musée Picasso. Although Picasso donated other works later, most of the collection dates from this one period. The best known work is Ulysses and his Sirens. There are also works here by some of Picasso's contemporaries, including Nicholas de Stael. Picasso himself is the subject of some of his paintings. Alongside the castle is a cathedral which dates from Medieval times; only the choir and apse survive from the original Romanesque building, the nave and magnificent facade are Baroque. Nearby is a market which is open every morning over the summer and overflows with local produce.

Côte d'Azur Beaches

People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife, it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from the center; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been favored by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to prove you've been there.

St Tropez Surrounds

The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim; congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village of Gassin, its lower neighbor Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are available at the tourist office.

St Tropez Town Center

Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that has been a center of activity for centuries; today it is a busy enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town center bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade,a colorful festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a procession in honor of the town's patron saint - whose bust is carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honor with gun salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing.

Musée Matisse

Matisse spent the last few years of his life in Nice and he is honored by this museum. The Musée Matisse has several permanent collections, mostly painted in Nice and many donated by the artist and his heir. The better known paintings include Nude in an Armchair with a Green Plant(1937), Nymph in the Forest(1935/1942) and Portrait of Madame Matisse(1905). There is also an ensemble of drawings including The Créole Dancer(1951) and Blue Nude IV(1952). Seeing his nude sketches today, you'll wonder why early critics denounced them as 'the female animal in all her shame and horror.'

The Château

With wonderful views over the rooftops and gleaming mosaic tiles of Old Nice, along the sweep of the promenade des Anglais and out to the Mediterranean, the Château park is a lovely attraction in itself and a good place for visitors to orientate themselves with the city. The Château has long gone but with cool walks in the shade of the trees, a large grassy park, Roman ruins and a waterfall, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. To reach the park, visitors can either climb the steps at the front, from the Quai des Etats Unis, or for those who aren't up to it an elevator is available.

Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice

Outside Nice, near the airport, this vast tourist attraction includes a botanical garden and a bird and insect zoo where visitors can tour a greenhouse full of wonderful butterflies. There is also a tacky theme park with automated dinosaurs and mock Mayan temples but the highlight of the park is the Musée Départemental des Artes Asiatiques ,which houses a collection of ethnographic artifacts, including silk goods and pottery, as well as traditional and contemporary art.

Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret

Housed in the former residence of the Ukrainian Princess Kotchubey is a fine collection of 19th and 20th century art, including works by Boudin, Ziem, Raffaelli, Renoir and Monet. The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret gallery includes great sculptures including works by J. B. Carpeaux, Rude and Rodin. There is also an important collection devoted to the masters of the Second Empire and Belle Epoque, a great attraction for visitors to Nice.

Cimiez

In a residential area in the hills above the hustle and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the Roman Amphitheater. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from the town center.

Château de Chenonceau

Only a few miles outside Tours, on the River Cher, the Château de Chenonceau is probably the most celebrated of the many châteaux in the Loire valley. It was used as a mill in the Middle Ages and bridges the whole width of the river. It was owned by a succession of powerful noblewomen including Henri II's mistress Diane de Poiters, the Queen Regent Catherine de Medici and Louise de Loraine and is often referred to at the 'Château des Femmes' .Inside visitors can see a wonderful 200ft (61m) gallery, Louis XIV's sitting room and Francois I's bedroom.

Villandry

Five miles (8km) outside Tours is the tiny village of Villandry and its wonderful château. The château is best known for its gardens that are open between February and November. It is not your standard ornamental garden; between the vine-shaded paths and ornamental box hedges are carrots, cabbages and aubergines carefully arranged in patterns; roses climb gracefully above small herb gardens. Villandry is an easy cycle from Tours and, for those that have worked up an appetite, there are some excellent local restaurants.

Château d'Angers

A kilometer-long wall, studded with 17 circular towers, surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts, windmill tower, 15th century chapel, and royal apartments. The overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft (100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours provide insight into its architecture and fascinating history.

Château de Chambord

Eleven miles (18km) east of Blois, the vast Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It was commissioned by François I, who wanted to outshine the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and the result is a spectacular Renaissance masterpiece with 450 rooms. It was designed by an Italian architect in 1519, but was worked on by French masons. The outside is essentially French medieval - massive round towers with conical tops, and an explosion of chimneys, pinnacles and turrets. The details inside, however, are pure Italian: the Great Staircase (attributed by some to da Vinci), panels of colored marble, niches decorated with shell-like domes, and freestanding columns. Wandering through, you can get a good feel for the contrasting architectural styles, which have combined to create a very decadent, if at times discordant, whole. The château is surrounded by a 20-mile (32km) wall containing a 5,261-hectare (13,000-acre) deer park.

D-Day Beaches

Early on 6 June 1944 the largest armada ever known left England's south coast and set off to liberate France. Shortly thereafter British, American and Canadian soldiers began landing on the beaches. Today veterans and their families walk along the same beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha. A good place to start a battlefield tour is at Arromanches-les-Bains, a few miles northeast of Bayeux. After it was taken by the British 50th Division, this small fishing village was turned into the mammoth military harbor using a prefabricated port that was towed across the Channel. Two and a half million men and 500,000 vehicles landed here. The wreckage of 'Mulberry Harbour' remains just off the beach. A little down the coast are Omaha and Utah, the beaches where the US Division famously landed. The cliffs are still pitted with German bunkers and shell holes, but otherwise these fairly innocuous beaches show little sign of the bloody battles that took place here. Many people come to Normandy to pay respects to the Allied soldiers at the many vast cemeteries along the coast that are maintained so immaculately.

Palais Longchamp

One of Marseille's most scenic buildings is the Palais Longchamp. Built during the Second Empire, it is the grandiose conclusion of an aqueduct that once brought water from the Durance to the city. Although the aqueduct is no longer in use, water is still pumped into the center of the colonnade connecting the two palatial wings. Below, a spectacular fountain features an enormous statue of three muscular women above four bulls wallowing in a pool from which a cascade drops four or five storys to ground level. In the palace's north wing is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which displays a vast array of paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They include works by Corot, Millet, Ingres, David, and Rubens as well as some 80 sculptures and objets d'art; particularly interesting is a gallery of Pierre Puget sculpture.

Massif des Calanques

Directly south of Marseille, and to the west of Cassis, is the wild coastline of the Massif des Calanques. Some of France's most beautiful and dramatic scenery can be found along this 12-mile (19km) stretch of coastline; the sea has cut gorges, up to a mile (2km) deep, into the limestone. Dazzling white limestone cliffs overhang the sea and attract rock climbers and deep-sea divers. The mountains rise up 1,850ft (564m) and are a haven for climbers. Walking tours and boat trips can be organized via the tourist board. The highlight of the Calanques is Sormiou, with its beach, seafood eateries and small harbor. Sormiou is separated from another small but enchanting settlement at Morgiou by Cap Morgiou, which offers a panoramic belvedere with splendid views of both the Calanques and the eastern side of the massif. At Morgiou there are tiny creeks for great swimming.

Marseille Beaches

The most popular beach near the city center is the Plage des Catalans. This marks the beginning of Marseille's corniche that ends at the Plage du Prado, the city's main sand beach, where the water is remarkably clean. There is a nice walk along the corniche which takes you past the Anse des Auffes, a picturesque inlet with small fishing boats beached on the rocks and behind the Plage de Prado to the Parc Borély, which has a boating lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden (daily 8am to 9pm; free). Along the Malmousque peninsula are a number of tiny bays and beaches that are perfect for swimming when the mistral wind is not inciting the waves.

Château d'If

On the sparsely vegetated island of If is the infamous prison, Château d'If, which is best known as the penal setting for Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.François I built the fortress here to defend Marseille and its port in the 16th century, and the site later housed a state prison. The cells are horribly well preserved; carvings by Huguenot prisoners can still be seen inside some of the cells. The views back towards Marseille and the mountains beyond are wonderful.

Cassis

Cassis is a beautiful resort town just west of Marseille. Hemmed in by high white cliffs, its modern development has been limited and it retains much of the charm lost by its more high-profile neighbors. Built on the side of a hill, the old village is centered around a shady square where the inhabitants come to cool off and play 'pétanque' on summer nights. Portside posing and drinking aside, there's not much to do except sunbathe and look up at the ruins of the town's medieval castle, built in 1381. A popular excursion is to take a boat trip to the calanques - long, narrow, deep fjord-like inlets that have cut into the limestone cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, you can take the well-marked footpath from the Route des Calanques behind the western beach; it's about a 90-minute walk to the furthest and best calanque, En Vau, where you can climb down rocks to the shore. Intrepid pine trees find root-holds, and sunbathers find ledges on the chaotic white cliffs. The water is deep blue and swimming between the vertical cliffs is an experience not to be missed.

Palais des Papes

Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power. The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI. It was built primarily as a fortress with massive outer walls, battlements and sluices for pouring hot oil onto attackers. Inside the palace, so little remains of the original interior that visitors could be mislead into believing that all the popes and their entourage were as virtuous as the last official occupant, Benedict XIII. In reality the interior was once elaborately decorated, displayed the decadence of the feuding cardinals and their mistresses. The fire of 1413 destroyed most of the decoration and furnishings, but evidence of the once magnificent interior remains including some frescoes, including one painted by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti in the Great Audience Room. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the palace taking in the Pope's Bedchamber, the Chapelle St-Martial and the Stag Room. Nearby, dwarfed by the palace, is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.

Petit Palais

Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais contains a wonderful collection of 13th to 15th-century paintings and sculpture. Most are the work of Italian masters from that era and, as you progress through the 19 rooms, you can observe how they wrestled with and finally conquered the representation of perspective - a revolution from medieval art, where the size of figures depended on their importance rather than position. The highlights of the collection are Botticelli's sublime Virgin and Childand The Angel of the Annunciationby Sano Di Pietro.

Pont d'Avignon

Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont d'Avignon, known best from the famous children's song of the same name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to shorten the journey for the busy traders ferrying their goods between the Mediterranean and Lyon. The torrents of the Rhône regularly damaged and brought down sections of the bridge and builders finally gave up repairing it in 1660, four centuries after it was built. Today only four of the original 22 arches remain. On the first of the bridge's bulwarks is the tiny Chapelle St-Nicholas, and this delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is well worth a visit.

Orange

Just north of Avignon, Orange was the former seat of the Counts of Orange, a title created in the 8th century and passed to the Dutch crown in the 16th century. The family's most famous member was Prince William, who ascended the English throne in 1689. Today the town is best known for its spectacular Roman theater and triumphal arch, both of which remain remarkably intact. The rest of Orange isn't strikingly picturesque, however there are pleasant tree-lined streets and squares with some nice cafes and restaurants.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side of a hill, dominated by the ruins of an ancient château towering above. The château was the pope's summer retreat from the Palais and although all that remains are the foundations and two outer walls, it is still an imposing sight and a wonderful viewpoint. The village below is a maze of well-restored medieval buildings and narrow streets that weave around the hillside. Today life in the village often involves working in the surrounding vineyards or selling the famous wine to the many tourists who visit.

Cap Corse

North of Bastia is the vacation destination of Cap Corse, a 25-mile (40km) peninsula edged with quiet and quaint fishing villages. The peninsula is divided by a narrow spine of mountains, which rise over 3,000ft (914m) above sea level. On the east side of the Cap Corse mountain spine are a series of small villages cuddle into coves, while on the west coast the settlements cling precariously to rugged cliffs battered by wild waves. The peninsula's best stretch of sandy beach to enjoy on vacation is Plage de Tamarone, near Macinaggio. A favorite with vacation visitors in Cap Corse is the picturesque village of Centuri, while hikers head for the many walking trails like the well-known Sentier des Douaniers. Make sure the camera is loaded for visits to the panoramic viewpoints of Capo Grosso, Moulin Mattei and the Tour de Seneque, above Pino. The vineyards of Patrimonio are renowned, particularly for their muscat, and most wineries welcome vacation visitors for wine tasting. The Cap Corse wine route, or 'route des vins', is signposted from St-Florent.

Balagne

The inland area along the northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange trees and the breadbasket of the island, crisscrossed by a network of narrow, winding roads. Tiny villages such as Sant'Antonino and Speloncato perch high above the countryside built around rocky outcrops, while others along the Artisan's Route, like Pigna, proudly display their traditional crafts such as pottery and stringed instruments. Set beneath a wall of imposing jagged mountains that remain snow-capped until July, the rocky coastline of the Balagne area shelters a string of stunning white sand beaches and an old fishing settlement, now turned into one of the island's most popular vacation resort towns, at Calvi. In the shadow of its citadel, built by the Genoese, Calvi bathes in the legend of Christopher Columbus whose birthplace it is said to be. It was during an attack on Calvi that another famous mariner, Lord Nelson, lost his eye. Not far away from this historic and compact gem can be found another port town, Ile Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in direct contrast to Calvi, which he felt was too Genoese. Many of the settlements along the Balagne coast have been developed into busy holiday villages, however the stunning scenery and idyllic beaches more than compensate for the crowds. Trains connect Calvi and Ile Rousse with Ajaccio and Bastia. Buses are also available.

Palais des Beaux-Arts

A striking and ornate 19th century building which houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts, Palais des Beaux-Arts is a masterpiece in itself. Inside the building is a treasure-trove for art lovers, an attraction second only to the Louvre in Paris. The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens, to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a number of works by French artists, including three major items: Belisarius Asking for Almsby David; After Dinner at Ornansby Courbet; and Sleepby Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum contains mainly paintings, there are also some collections of ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French drawings.

Filitosa

The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica, Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site. Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300 BC.

Cours Saleya Food and Flower Market

Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya bustles with activity every day and is a riot of color and fresh smells. A wonderful attraction for visitors, the market is packed with flowers, fresh produce, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés. On Mondays the area hosts a large flea market and an antiques market.

Epernay

Epernay, along with Reims, is one of the great centers of champagne production; dug into the chalk beneath the town are more than 200 miles (322km) of cellars and tunnels containing champagne from the surrounding area including such great brands as Moët et Chandon, Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane. Having been ravaged by war over the centuries, few old buildings remain in the town, but visitors come here to visit the great champagne houses rather than the architecture. Both Moët et Chandon, the world's largest producer of bubbly, and Mercier give guided tours of their cellars in English throughout the day. They are both situated near each other on Avenue de Champagne. Castellane also has daily tours from March to December.

Iles Sanguinaires

The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.

Les Calanques

The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques, and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun highlights the natural red and pink colors of the rock, and the drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to Porto.

Reims

A visitor's first impression of Reims (pronounced Rhance) is of a sprawling industrial town peppered with concrete apartment blocks, the result of World War I bombs and later disastrous town planning. However Reims is an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of the French nation - it contains one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims ,where dynasties of French monarchs were crowned starting with Clovis, first king of the Franks. The neighboring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and, half Gothic, half Romanesque in style, includes the old royal abbey which is now a museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to Reims not so much for history but for the hedonistic pleasure of visiting the cellars of its great champagne producers. This is the home of the world's best bubbly. The best of the best is to be sampled at the Maison de Pommery, which has more than 10 miles (16km) of tunnels extending 100ft (30m) down into the chalk below its Gothic superstructure. Move on to Mumm, which contains 25 million bottles of slowly fermenting champagne in their vaults, and then Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. All give a guided tour of the cellars and champagne making process, followed by a tasting.

Château-Thierry

Château-Thierry is an industrial town 55 miles (89km) east of Paris on the River Marne. The surrounding countryside was the site of many great battles during both World Wars and a number of monuments and cemeteries mark the bravery of thousands of Allied soldiers who fought to liberate France and who now lie interred under her soil. The town is also known as the home of the famous poet and fable writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95); the Musée Jean-de-la-Fontaine is one of the most popular literary museums in the world and contains a collection of his personal effects, memorabilia and a number of editions of his works.

Amiens

Amiens is the ancient capital of Picardy and lies on the River Somme, 75 miles (121km) north of Paris and 65 miles (105km) south of Calais. Walking around the maze of narrow streets, divided by canals, visitors will feel that this is a city past its prime, nevertheless there are a couple of sites worth exploring. The city's centerpiece is the Gothic cathedral, built between 1220 and 1270, and is one of France's finest. The interior contains wonderful examples of medieval masonry and woodwork; 126 slender pillars hold up the vast structure and the stalls are decorated with thousands of carved figures. Like most great churches it has been added to and restored over the centuries. The nearby Musée de Picardie displays the history and art of the region from prehistoric times through to the present day, along with exhibits from the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. The art collection includes European paintings and sculptures from the 16th century including works by El Greco, Fragonard, Guardi, and Tiepolo.

Troyes

Those who are tired of fighting off the summer crowds in Champagne country find a refreshing alternative in the quaint old town of Troyes, a little off the tourist track and therefore exuding plenty of genuine French appeal. In the beautifully restored city center, sporting quaint narrow streets, Renaissance mansions and pretty old houses, stands one of France's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city also boasts a private collection of art housed in the old Bishops palace, the Musée d'Art Moderne that displays works by Bonnard, Degas and Gauguin.

Cahors

Situated 55 miles (89km) north of Toulouse in a loop of the Lot River, the ancient city of Cahors was inhabited long before the Romans arrived, and in medieval times was a thriving university town. Across the river is the town's signature piece, the Pont Valentré. This magnificent fortified bridge was built between 1308 and 1500 and features a trio of towers, battlements and seven pointed arches. The Cathédrale St-Etienne dominates the old town and features a sculptured Romanesque north portal, which was carved around 1135. Today the town is best known for its excellent cuisine and the fine deep red wine that is made in the surrounding vineyards. Sunday is market day and a good opportunity to buy some of the local produce. A good excursion from Cahors is the stunning cliff-edge village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, 19 miles (31km) to the east. Perched high above the south bank of the Lot, the village, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens, is best visited in the evenings when the tour buses have left and the excellent restaurants have more tables available.

Montauban

Montauban lies on the banks of the River Tarn, 50 miles (80km) north of Toulouse and is one of the most ancient cities in southwest France. Its origins date from 1144 when the count of Toulouse decided to create a bastidehere as a bulwark against English and French royal power. The genius of the original medieval town plan is still obvious in the lovely town center, and though the suburbs now sprawl way beyond the old core, the city is still dominated by the fortified Eglise St-Jacques fort and the 14th-century brick bridge, Pont Vieux. The artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was born in Montauban and many of his works now hang in Musée Ingres, situated in the old 17th-century Bishops Palace, including The Dream of Ossian,originally intended for Napoleon's bedroom in Rome.

Conques

Conques occupies a spectacular position on the flanks of the steep, densely wooded gorge of the little River Dourdou, a tributary of the Lot, and is one of the great villages of southwest France. The site was chosen as a retreat by a hermit called Dadon in the 7th century, and was named from the Latin concha, meaning shell. Dadon founded a community of Benedictine monks here, one of whom pilfered the relics of the martyred girl, Ste Foy, from the monastery at Agen. Known for her ability to cure blindness and liberate captives, Ste Foy's presence brought pilgrims flocking to Conques and the magnificent Romanesque abbey-church became a prime place on the pilgrimage route to Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims still come today, along with tourists who come to admire the beautiful town.

Rocamadour

Tiered precariously halfway up a cliffside above a small river, Rocamadour has one of the unique settings of any town in Europe. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour (who is believed to be Zacchaeus of the Biblical gospel) was discovered, an event that led to a succession of miracles in the town. Since the 8th century it has been an important pilgrimage site; everyone from prince to pauper has ventured here in the hope of curing their ailments at the shrine, which has been plundered several times so the reliquary today bears little relation to the original. Today the town is overrun by tourists and its atmosphere has suffered accordingly, but, despite this, it is a must-see for the stunning views of the Dordogne and its marvelous situation.

Les Eyzies

In 1868 prehistoric skeletons were discovered in the Vézère valley and the area was found to be one of the richest in the world in ancient sites and deposits. The small market town of Les Eyzies suddenly became the base for exploring this treasure-trove of antiquity, including the many prehistoric painted caves, the most famous and beautiful being at Lascaux, which were discovered in 1940 by boys looking for their dog. The paintings were made about 30,000 years ago and depict wild boar, deer and majestic bulls. Unfortunately visitors cannot view the actual paintings because the caves have been closed to the general public to prevent deterioration, but a replica gives you a clear picture of the remarkable works. The town has some excellent museums in which prehistoric art and artifacts are on display.

Grenoble

The beautiful university town of Grenoble is situated on the Drac and Isère Rivers, and is surrounded by proud mountains, dramatic gorges and hidden valleys. The prosperous, lively and cosmopolitan city is a base for companies involved in the chemical, nuclear research and electronics industries, but more obviously it is home to 40,000 students, many international. There are some excellent walks among the mountains surrounding the city and there are ski slopes within easy driving distance, but for many tourists Grenoble is simply a stopover before heading further into the Alps. Before you go, however, take a scenic ride on the distinctive egg-shaped suspended cable cars known as 'Les Bulles'.

Bayeaux

This ancient Viking settlement is situated a few miles inland, between La Havre and Cherbourg, and was the first French town to be liberated in 1944 during World War II. Fortunately Bayeux was spared from too much war damage, and remains full of old-world character with wooden houses, some elegant stone buildings and cobblestone roads. Many visitors flock here to explore the sites associated with the war's 'Longest Day' including an interesting D-Day museum and the famous landing beaches (less than 10 miles/16km away). A museum celebrating an older, but equally historic battle is located in the vicinity. This, the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, contains the famous tapestry that tells the story of the Battle of Hastings. The 231ft (69m) strip of embroidered linen depicts scenes of Harold's coronation as the Saxon king of England, him being told of the apparition of a comet (a portent of misfortune), William dressing for war, and Harold's death. (Admission EUR7.80 (adult), free for children under nine; open 9am to 6.30pm, closing at 7pm from May to August and 6pm from November to March). Also worth seeing is the Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a fine Norman Romanesque cathedral, rich in sculpture.

Honfleur

By accident or design is not certain, but somehow the quaint fishing village of Honfleur, just across the estuary from busy, bustling La Havre, has managed to make time stand still and presents its many visitors with scenes and experiences largely unchanged for 100 years or more. The town fortunately escaped serious damage during the World War II Normandy landings, and since then development has been minimal. It still functions as a fishing port and follows traditions dating back to medieval times, although it has lost its beach, due to the silting up of the river. There are a few interesting museums, including those dedicated to composer Eric Satie and Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin, and some lovely gardens. Honfleur is certainly worth a visit from La Havre.

Lyon National Opera House

This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the Rhone River. The first five levels of the opera house are underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera House Orchestra. The acoustics are so good that it currently makes more recordings than any other French opera house and has released award-winning opera CDs including 12 world premieres, ballets and symphony performances.

Historical Museum of Lyon & International Puppet Museum

To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon. It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in 1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction to the mansion's contents. The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets, stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts was established in 1801 and is one of the largest galleries outside of the capital city of Paris. Featuring the works of artists from 15th to the 20th centuries, visitors can view the works of Perugino, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and Delacroix. The museum is best known for its outstanding collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Musée des Moulins

Something different that appeals particularly to the mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills. Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved, working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of windmill technology.

Natural History Museum

An attraction in Lille particularly enjoyed by children, the Natural History Museum has been drawing the crowds since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology collections, the museum is both educational and fun.

Open Air Museum

Travel back in time with a visit to Lille's living museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore. The Lille Open Air Museum site covers 10 hectares, an attraction where visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans demonstrate old skills.

Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral

A modern architectural attraction, Lille's cathedral (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is an imposing homogenous structure, begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints, but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after the perfection of the unique main façade, designed by local architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice, who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a pink translucent veil.

Hospice Comtesse

In the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an art museum. Works are displayed in the old hospital ward, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, and other halls where the community of Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and porcelain from the region.

Arc de Triomphe

The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 meters) tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every evening at 6pm. On July 14, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées.

Les Invalides

Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of the greatest French military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its 13 hectares of building and large church with a golden dome make Les Invalides a classical French architecture masterpiece.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden. In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs demonstration gardens and trains botanists.

Disneyland Paris

Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must for all children visiting the city. With all their favorite characters, exciting rides and much more, children of all ages will love Disneyland Paris. There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for visitors and vacationers to choose from to help make their Disneyland Paris experience one to remember.

Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle

Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids' imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must for children of all ages.

Le Jardin d' Acclimatation

This children's amusement park sees thousands of tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around and let off some steam.

Parc Asterix

Based on the comics by Uderzo and Goscinny, the Parc Asterix, is a theme park located just outside of Paris. It's well known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and the Oxygénarium.

France Miniature

Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over 130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been created a 1/30 scale and some for the models are even animated. Children will love spending a day out at this miniature country.

Basilique St-Michel

Constructed in stages between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Basilique St-Michel is a typical Gothic-style church and the main place of Catholic worship in Bordeaux. The main distinguishing feature, the Basilique's tower and spire, which rises to a height of 374 feet (114m) is considered the highest in the south of France. At the base of the tower lies an ossuary where an exhibition of the mummies excavated during the 19th century can be viewed.

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

Designed by renowned architect Victor Louis, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux was built between 1773 and 1780 and is one of the oldest 18th century theaters remaining in the world. Inaugurated in 1780, it served as the National Assembly for the French Parliament briefly in 1781 and was the scene of the premiere of the ballet La Fille Mal Gardéein 1789. This theater is the oldest in Europe to have never burnt down or needed rebuilding since its erection nearly 250 years ago and is now home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux. Guided tours are available.

Grasse Perfumeries

France has long been associated with fine perfume, and Grasse is where those heady scents are born. The small town in the French Riviera isn't on the coast, so tourists who are tired of the beaches come for the famous perfumeries like Molinard, Fragonard, and Galinard. Each factory offers tours and a gift shop, and several allow you to try your hand at creating your own scent; for a more comprehensive experience you can also visit the International Perfume Museum.

Biot

The village of Bio is over 2,500 years old, and retains much of its medieval charm in the 15th-century architecture and narrow, winding streets. The town has been a hub of craftsmen for centuries, and is known for its pottery and blown glass, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists in the French Riviera. There are several glass-blowing factories that offer tours, allowing you to watch the age-old process in action. Biot is also the site of an ancient volcano, and geology buffs will enjoy hiking the scenic rock formations. Located only 2.5 miles (4km) from the coast, Biot makes an excellent day trip when you're tired of the beach.

Èze

Perched on a mountain 1,400 feet (427m) above sea level, the medieval town of Èze is a popular stop on the route between the French Riviera and Monaco. The winding cobblestone streets lead you to the ruins of a 12th-century castle, the terraced Exotic Gardens and their spectacular views, and also to the many shops, which is the most popular reason for visiting Èze. The streets are dotted with tiny boutiques and shops selling a variety of French souvenirs.

Aquaboulevard

The largest water park in Europe and located in the heart of the city, Aquaboulevard is a great treat for kids on rainy days in Paris, as its facilities are indoors, with outdoor pools and a beach for when the weather is fine. The park itself includes waterslides and wave machines, with Jacuzzis for parents, but the complex also offers cinemas, tennis courts, a fitness center, play areas, and other attractions.

Fontevraud Abbey

Built in the 12th century, Fontevraud Abbey is thought to be the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son King Richard I, however it is not known exactly where their bodies are interred. The effigies are still there, and are a popular sight for tourists. The abbey has housed a monastery, nunnery, prison, and church over the centuries, and various sections have been rebuilt in Gothic, Classical and Romanesque styles.

Saumur

Saumur is located at the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers in Loire Valley. The region is known for producing world-renowned wines, and also produces mushrooms in an interesting undergrounds process viewable to the public. Saumur is home to the Château de Saumur, which was built in the 10th century and passed through the hands of Henry II of England, Philip II of France, King Henri IV (of France and Navarre), and Napoleon Bonaparte. Another interesting attraction is the Museé des Blindes, with over 850 tanks on display. Saumur is located in easy distance of Paris, Nantes, Angers, Tours, and several other cities, making it an ideal day trip.

Château d'Ussé

The Château d'Ussé overlooks the Indre River, built by Charles VII in the mid-15th century. The fairytale castle passed through the hands of many nobles, and was said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write the story of Sleeping Beauty. It subsequently inspired Walt Disney in the design of his iconic castles in the Disney logo and at several theme parks. Only parts of the house are open to the public.

Ancient Theater of Fourvière

The ancient theater in Lyon is the oldest in France, dating back to the year 17 BC. Built by the Emperor Augustus, it was originally used for theater, pageants, musical shows, and poetry competitions. While much of its rich decorations are gone, decorated floors of inlaid marble and porphyry are still visible. Now it is primarily a tourist site, but the Nuits de Fourvière festival is held there every year. Nearby you can also see the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele.

Musée de la Civilization Gallo-Romaine

The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization is located on the site of the ruins of the Roman city of Lugdunum, which dates back to 43 BC. The museum houses rich collections of artifacts, including glassware, mosaics, ceramics, and other items relating to the military, domestic and spiritual lives of the Romans. Highlights include a chariot from 700 BC and a 3rd-century sarcophagus. There is a gift shop and workshop area for children.

Corte

For a change of pace on your island holiday, pack some hiking boots along with your swimsuit and head for the dramatic Corsican hinterland. Corte lies marooned in the center of Corsica, surrounded by dramatic granite mountains. This independent and proud town has long epitomised Corsican nationalism - for a short time in the 18th century it was the capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state. Now a university town, it remains dominated by the Haute Ville (upper town) and its forbidding citadel, site of the Musée de la Corse, the island's premier museum. While on vacation in Corte, it's easy to spend a morning wandering around the narrow cobbled streets or soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many bars and cafés that line the main street. Corte is an excellent base for exploring the island's wonderful mountain scenery. A few miles to the southwest, near Bergeries de Grotelle, walkers will find a number of glacial lakes and around Valée de la Restonica are a series of stunning natural gorges and basins with refreshing swimming spots. Buses and trains connect Corte with Ajaccio, Bastia and other vacation towns on the island.

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a popular and fashionable family vacation resort and spa town located on the eastern side of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural freshwater lake in France. Although the lake is icy cold, you can sail, fish, play golf and tennis, or picnic on the parkland at the water's edge. The main town of Aix is two miles (3km) inland from the lake and has been built around its thermal springs. Many small hotels line the streets, and streams of vacation visitors take to the baths each day; in the evening, for a change of pace, they play the slot machines at the Aix-les-Bains casino or attend tea dances.

Amboise

On the banks of the Loire, 20 miles (32km) east of Tours, is the Renaissance town of Amboise, a popular vacation destination. Both historic and beautiful, Amboise attracts tourists by the busload, but this doesn't detract from its charm. It has been the favorite residence of Leonardo de Vinci, Charles VIII and Mick Jagger, who owns a nearby château.

Charles VIII's château dominates the town and is an impressive fusion of Renaissance and Gothic styles that is built on a rocky spur separating the valleys of the Loire and the Amasse. The original 15th-century entrance opens onto a terrace with a panoramic view of the river. The castle fell into decline after the revolution and less than half of the original structure still stands. However many grandly furnished rooms remain, including the Kings' apartments, which are open to vacation visitors.

Leonardo da Vinci was invited to Amboise by François I to encourage the French Renaissance. He made his home at the Clos-Lucé, which is now a museum to his work with 40 models based on his drawings on display - including flying machines and a wooden tank. To the east of Amboise are some children's museums, including the Mini-Châteaux, a two-hectare (five-acre) park with models of the great Loire château. An excellent aquarium is also situated nearby.

Angers

The vacation destination of Angers straddles the Maine River, towards the west of the Loire Valley, and is a popular base from which to explore the local sites and the surrounding châteaux country. Angers is a busy regional center and university city with an air of sophistication. Like Tours, Angers was badly damaged during World War II. Much of it, however, has been lovingly restored and it remains a pleasant, amiable town with a lively atmosphere. Top Angers vacation attractions include the intriguing museum, Musée Jean Lurçat, which is known for its famous tapestry Le Chant du Monde,and the Cathedral with its beautiful 12th-century nave and famous stained-glass windows, also dating from the 12th century. However Angers' most prominent attraction is the Château d'Angers.

Annecy

Situated 80 miles (129km) east of Lyon, the vacation destination of Annecy has a magical setting on the shore of Lake Annecy at the foot of the Alps. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of the web of canals that cut through the Annecy old town. Annecy is probably the best base for a holiday in the Haute-Savoie region. Just six miles (10km) to its west is Gorges du Fier, a dramatic river gorge. A gangway takes visitors through a narrow gully that has been cut by a torrent of water over the eons; you can hear the roar of the river below. Emerging from this labyrinth, you'll be greeted by a huge expanse of boulders. The site is closed to the public between mid-October and mid-March. Visitors can also take a cruise on the ice-blue lake for which the town is famous.

Bastia

Situated in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia is the island's major commercial center. Despite this the old town has retained its charms as a vacation destination; and opulent Baroque churches and crumbling pastel houses line the maze of tightly packed streets and alleyways.

The Vieux Port is the most photogenic part of town, where old houses tower above the harbor and the reflections from colorful fishing vessels ripple on the water. The citadel perched high on the headland of Bastia dominates the other side.

The Bastia harbor comes alive in the evening when tourists on vacation here fill the waterside bars and restaurants. The pebble beaches below Bastia town tend to be very crowded in summer and sun seekers are advised to head further south where a sandy shore extends for miles down the east coast of the island.

Bayonne

The popular vacation destination of Bayonne is the capital of Basque country, and a beautifully preserved cathedral city. Its narrow streets - lined with half-timbered houses - are atmospheric and perfect exploring on foot. Bayonne is divided by the Nive and Adour rivers and is set between the mountains and the sea a few miles up the coast. Together with adjoining Anglet and Biarritz it forms the continuous urban area known as BAB.

The city's most striking landmark is the magnificent gothic Cathédrale Ste-Marie, dating from the 13th century. Bayonne also has two museums well worth visiting: Le Musée Basque, which showcases the traditions, architecture, and decorative arts of the Basque region and Le Musée Bonnat, which displays thousands of drawings and paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by Rubens, Greco and Ingres.

The Bayonne Festival takes place every year for five days from the first Wednesday in August and is an explosion of activity with cow races, bull fights in the Roman arena, candle-lit processions and marching bands. Bayonne is well-known for its chocolates, marzipan and prime-smoked ham, all of which is available at the wonderful Covered Market. And according to tradition, if not historically verified fact, the bayonet was invented here in the 1600s.

Blois

Much of the historic ambience of medieval Blois remains preserved in its white-washed houses and narrow cobbled alleys, but modernity has impacted quite severely on this, the noble former seat of the dukes of Orléans. Tourists still flock to Blois on vacation to visit the magnificent chateau, now encircled by a traffic-laden highway but none the less spectacular for this infringement. This beautiful castle witnessed the murder of the duc De Guise by Henri III, and is renowned for its awesome 13th century hall. Those into chateaux can make excursions from Blois to some other gems in the nearby countryside, including the well-known Chateau de Chambord.

Bonifacio

The ancient town of Bonifacio, at the very southern tip of Corsica, dates from 833AD but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialization of this buzzing haven that attracts huge holiday crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come on vacation here for the magnificent setting; Bonifacio sits on a narrow limestone peninsula, the bright white cliffs plunging into the Bouches de Bonifacio strait, between Corsica and Sardinia.

The most scenic way to approach Bonifacio is by boat through the channel, almost a mile long, that protects the town's beautiful natural harbor. No wonder that the buzzing marina attracts yachts from all over the world, as well as ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists arriving on vacation from Sardinia and elsewhere. Alternatively you can fly in to Bonifacio from Marseille or bus from the other Corsican towns.

The Italian-flavored town boasts quaint medieval architecture, offset with the requisite cafés, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. Bonifacio's old town and citadel, built in the 12th century by the Genoese conquerors, is an interesting vacation attraction and reached up a long, steep flight of steps. The citadel has been put to use in modern times as headquarters for the French Foreign Legion, which was based here between 1963 and 1983.

There are diversions aplenty to enjoy on vacation in Bonifacio and surrounds, ranging from watersports of all sorts at the nearby Plage de Piantarella to some splendid golf courses, as well as boat trips to the offshore Archipel des Lavezzi island group.

Carnac

Carnac, on the south coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biscay, is one of Brittany's most trendy vacation resorts. The family-friendly vacation resort of Carnac Plage is bright and breezy, sporting a sand-duned peninsula, a lovely stretch of beach, plenty of entertainment and various fun in the sun facilities. Ironically, Carnac is located alongside one of Europe's most important, ancient and mysterious archaeological sites; just north of the seaside town, hundreds of massive standing stones, even older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt, are aligned in rows in a field, their original purpose unknown. The nearby Musée de Préhistoire complements these fascinating relics with displays of collections dating as far back as 450,000 BC.

Dinard

Opposite St Malo, sitting atop a rocky headland above the Rance, Dinard was a popular vacation spot with the British in Edwardian times; they still visit today for the bracing sea air and a stroll along the promenade. The seafront is lined with Victorian buildings, which ensure the town still retains its elegant and sedate old world character. The main Dinard beach is La Grande Plage, a strip of sand between the two peninsulas that define the edges of the old town. It is popular with families on vacation here and is crowded on hot days. Smaller and more isolated is Plage de St-Enogat, a 20-minute walk east through the village of St-Enogat, or Plage du Prieuré, just a 10-minute walk from Dinard. There is a great difference between high and low tides, and swimming pools along the Grand Plage and the Plage du Prieuré beaches catch seawater during high tides for those who opt not to make the trek along the salt flats during low tides to bathe in the sea.

Evian-les-Bains

Evian-les-Bains, on the southern end of Lake Geneva, is famous for its famous mineral waters, which have been bottled since the early 18th century. Many of the French have second homes in Évian, but visitors come to this chic vacation resort principally to enjoy the creature comforts and spa facilities of the deluxe Evian-les-Bains hotels.

La Baule

Just west of Nantes, La Baule is Brittany's most fashionable and expensive vacation resort. Like most Breton seaside towns, it was the Victorians that first flocked here to play and promenade in the balmy air. Today La Baule is favored by the French rather than foreigners, a popular vacation destination for the Parisian upper-middle-class when they need to unwind. La Baule's inviting five mile (8km) stretch of white sandy beach provides the perfect place to acquire a summer tan and show off designer beachwear while frolicking in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. The town itself provides the other holiday necessities: a casino, plenty of shops and boutiques, and some excellent bars and restaurants.

Lourdes

Not strictly Basque country, but part of the nearby Bigorre region, the town of Lourdes is situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées and has been one of the great Roman Catholic pilgrimages since the Virgin Mary allegedly revealed herself to a shepherd girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858. Over five million pilgrims visit the town each year, particularly in August, from the Catholic nobility to the poverty-stricken sick and ailing.

Pilgrims are sometimes offended by the commercialization of the shrine (there is a very good trade in candles and Lourdes water) but miracle cures have been documented by the church so it can be assumed this exploitation does not affect the healing properties of the spring in which the afflicted bathe in a grotto. The Virgin is said to have appeared 18 times at the Grotto of Massabielle and mass takes place here every day.

Lourdes itself is ancient and includes several sights of interest for vacation visitors. The Fortified Castle was successively a military fortress, a state prison and, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the residence of the counts of Bigorre. There are wonderful panoramic views of Lourdes town and the sanctuary from high on the fortifications. Since 1921 the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen, which exhibits the art, traditions and history of the Pyrénées.

There are some interesting churches to see while on vacation in this religious town. The Upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1854; the inside is as impressive as the magnificent exterior. The oval Basilica of Pius X is one of the world's largest churches, its underground chamber can hold as many as 20,000 people. Mass is held in six languages, including English, every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.30pm from April to October. The Musée Ste-Bernadette is nearby, as is the house where Bernadette was born which, along with the home of her parents, has become a shrine.

Nantes

Attractively situated on islands in the estuary of France's mighty Loire River, the solid city of Nantes exudes an air of importance and historical significance, an interesting vacation destination. Although not officially part of Brittany any longer, Nantes has always been regarded as the Breton commercial and maritime center, once a springboard for exciting colonial expeditions, shipbuilding and trading. Today Nantes remains a wealthy industrial port, its architectural heritage reflecting its past achievements, from the medieval remnants in the narrow streets of pedestrianized Bouffay, near the castle of the Ducs de Bretagne, to the magnificent stained-glass windows of its impressive cathedral. The city also has some good museums including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of sculpture and paintings from the 12th to 19th centuries, and Musée de Jules Verne contains memorabilia of the famous futuristic novelist, who was born in Nantes.

Orléans

At one time the second most important city in France after Paris, Orléans is today a modest and attractive city well worth a day visit to explore its cobbled streets. Chief attractions are the magnificent neo-Gothic Orléans Cathedral, the House of Joan of Arc, and the ornately decorated Hotel de Ville. Orléans' long history stretches to a time before the Romans but its most famous event was Joan of Arc's deliverance of the city from the English in 1429. The occasion is commemorated most fervently with Joan of Arc Day celebrated each year on the 8th of May, when Orléans makes merry with lively street parades in medieval style.

Pau

The popular vacation destination of Pau is situated 50 miles (80km) inland, high above the Gave de Pau River, and is a good base from which to explore the Pyrénées and the picturesque little villages of the Bearn region. This year-round vacation resort was frequented by the English in the early 19th century (at one time 20 percent of the population was from England) and many customs were imported from across the Channel to become entrenched, including fox hunting and afternoon tea. Pau is home to 85,000 people and is the most cosmopolitan city in the western Pyrénées. While on vacation, panoramic views can best be enjoyed when strolling along the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Worthy Pau sightseeing excursions include the 12th century Chateau de Pau, containing some interesting contemporary artifacts including a crib fashioned from a single tortoise shell. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is worth a peek with a collection of European paintings by the likes of El Greco, Degas, Zurbaran and Boudin. The people of the Pau and Bearn region are very proud of their language (a variation of Occitan) and heritage and have indulged in friendly rivalry with the Basques of Bayonne for centuries.

Porto

The small seaside vacation resort of Porto is watched over by the 16th-century Genoese Tower standing guard over the fishing harbor, and although crowded in summer, retains a certain charm. While on vacation, Porto is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and spectacular coastline. The Gorges de Spelunca, a spectacular ravine, is popular for its rocky pools, Genoese bridges and hiking opportunities, while the Forêt d'Aïtone is one of the island's most beautiful forests, with waterfalls and numerous walking trails.

Quimper

Quimper, Brittany's oldest city, beckons those who need nothing more from a holiday than cobbled streets to wander through, a lazy river to cruise gently down or a wide selection of cafés and bars to sample. The idyllic vacation town of Quimper, spread around the junction of the Steir and Odet Rivers on the western edge of Brittany, serves the purpose well. Fortunately Quimper was spared the bombs of WWII and has escaped too much modern development, so the medieval character remains intact with old buildings overhanging narrow lanes and footbridges. If you can bestir yourself to investigate the local interests take a tour of one of the pottery studios that has been turning out internationally renowned Quimperware for centuries.

Rouen

The capital of Normandy and a popular vacation destination, Rouen is also a center of industry and commerce; it is the fifth largest port in France and the closest one to Paris, split into a right and left bank area by the River Seine.

Rouen is also one of France's most historic cities; William the Conqueror died here in 1087 and in 1431 it was the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake in the Place du Vieux-Marché (the Old Marketplace); the position is still marked by a huge bronze cross and worth visiting while on vacation.

Allied bombing largely destroyed the cityof Rouen; all of its bridges and many of its great churches were ruined. However, substantial investment has been focused on restoring parts of the city to its former medieval glory. The great Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalized by Monet, remained fairly unscathed and is well worth a visit for its wonderful stonework.

An especially interesting Rouen vacation attraction is the Chapelle de la Vierge, where the heart of Richard the Lion-Heart is entombed as a token of his affection for the people of Rouen. The chapel also contains the Renaissance tombs of the cardinals d'Amboise.

Dozens of churches and some fine museums can be explored including the Musée des Beaux-Art, which is one of France's best provincial museums and includes the works of great French artists such as Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Fragonard and Monet (including several versions of his Rouen Cathedral).

Tours

Located at the junction of the Loire and the Cher Rivers, the vacation destination of Tours is a great base for exploring the valley. The town was badly bombed during the last war and many buildings were replaced with ugly apartment blocks. Tours is, however, surrounded by magnificent châteaux and is a fun place to spend the evenings; the streets and bars are filled with locals and tourists and the huge student population adds to the vibrancy. Within the city the Cathedral is worth a visit while on vacation. Its flamboyant Gothic façade is flanked by towers dating from the 12th century, inside are some glorious 13th-century stained-glass windows and the handsome 16th-century tomb of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's two children. There is also a fine provincial museum in Tours, in the Palais des Archevêques, with a number of Old Masters works' including those by Degas, Delacroix, Rembrandt, and Boucher.

Briançon

Perched among the French Alps, Briançon is the highest town in Europe. The town is divided into the lower town, where the Durance and Guisane rivers meet and much of the modern amenities lie; and the walled and fortified upper town, which was built in the 17th century to defend the town from Austria and so contains the most interesting sights. Briançon is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Part of the massive Serre-Chevalier ski area, which also includes Saint-Chaffrey, La Salle le Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains, it enjoys up to 300 days of sunshine per year. But the town is a popular tourist area in summer as well, drawing visitors to see its citadelle, forts, and sundials, as well as to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. Briançon is also the site of one of the most thrilling stages of the Tour de France. Situated only six miles (10km) from the Italian border, Briançon has a distinctly Italian feel compared to other towns in Provence. There are a number of good pizzerias but few French restaurants, and some lively bars.

Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou is an historical themepark in western France, attracting over 1.5 million visitors a year, making it the second most popular paid attraction in the country. The experience is akin to being on a giant interactive movie set as different historical scenes are played out with considerable exuberance by a large a cast of actors against very realistic and impressive sets. There are five thrilling attractions, or perhaps more accurately, performances, including The Vikings and Richelieu's Musketeers, each lasting around 40 minutes.

In the evening during peak season, the Cinescene historical extravaganza is held on reputedly the largest stage in the world, with over 1,000 actors, hundreds of horses and great volleys of fireworks. The children especially will be spellbound. The park is set in gorgeous woodlands, and has 25 restaurants, 3 hotels and plenty of other amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Performances are in French so English-language translation headsets should be reserved in advance if required.

Cite De L'espace

This theme park in Toulouse has its head firmly in the clouds, dedicating its 8.6 acres (3.5 hectares) to celebrating flight and outer space. Children will love exploring full-scale models of rockets and space stations, and teens will enjoy the feeling of anti-gravity in the Gyro simulator. There's a moon-walk simulator; and the enormous planetarium, IMAX theater, and Terradome show educational films about space flight and the history of the universe. The park is located on the outskirts of the city, and is a great activity for children in Toulouse.

St Sernin Basilica

Of the many beautiful buildings in Toulouse, the St Sernin Basilica is one that should not be missed. The church, built from the area's distinctive rose-colored bricks, is the largest Romanesque church in Europe and contains many beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The Basilica was built around 1100, and contains many relics, as well as the graves of Saint Saturnin and Saint Honoratus. There are free guided tours on weekends, conducted in French only.

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m) above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over Paris.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback. Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. For a special experience, visit Notre-Dame on a Sunday morning when Paris' museums are closed and services are being held.

Louvre

One of the world's great art museums, this vast edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was opened to the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art. Don't even attempt to see it all in one day.

Pompidou Center

Built in the 1970s and named after former French president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Center is now considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design, complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theaters have regular musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers.

Musée d'Orsay

This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigmeand Henri Chapu's marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy. The museum is undergoing construction on level 5 until March 2011.

Musée Rodin

The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kisswhile outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The Thinker.The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel, Rodin's pupil and mistress, and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet and Rodin himself.

Musée National Picasso

The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973, after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in 1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as Harlequinand Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are in the hands of private collectors.

Versailles

The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km) southwest of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms, and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon enjoyed the company of their mistresses.

Fontainebleau

In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km) south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like The Rape of Europaand the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the Ballroom with its monumental fireplace and frescoes. The palace was a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles.

Vieux Bordeaux

Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centers on the Quartier St-Pierre ,which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few years, but many streets remain fairly seedy. One of the most opulent displays of Bordeaux's former glory is the Grand Theater. It was built between 1773 and 1780 on the site of a Roman temple and is faced with an enormous colonnaded portico topped by 12 Muses and Graces. Visitors can view the impressive interior by attending one of the operas or ballets.

Nearby is the Esplanade des Quinconces, which was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers nearly 12 hectares (30 acres) - making it the largest square of its kind in Europe. A smaller but more beautiful square is the earlier Place de la Bourse. Its centerpiece is a fountain of the Three Graces and is bordered by quays opening onto the river and flanked by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange. Crossing the river is the impressive Pont de Pierre, which was built during Napoleon's Spanish campaigns, and has 17 arches in honor of his victories. The views of the river and quays from here are memorable, particularly when floodlit at night.

Important churches include the delightful Basilique St-Michel, across from which is the Fleche St-Michel, which has the tallest stone tower in France; it was built in 1472 and is 374ft (114m) high. During July and August (afternoons only) visitors can climb the 228 steps for wonderful views over the river. To the west is the 13th century Cathédrale St-André, the most impressive and ostentatious church in Bordeaux (look out for the wonderful sculptures in the doors).

The city's museums are gathered around the cathedral, the best being the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of European art including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet, a resident of the city. The old town is fairly compact and is best seen on foot; two-hour walking tours can be arranged through the local tourist office. Boat tours can also be arranged.

The Wine Country

The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organize tastings and tours of the cellars and vineyards. Château Mouton-Rothschild is located just north of Pauillac. It is still run by the Rothschilds and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come as much for the impressive collection of art as for the wine. Château Lafite-Rothschild is nearby and was purchased by the Rothschilds in 1868. The vinothèquecontains many vintage bottles, several dating from 1797. Château Margaux is an imposing 19th century château south of Pauillac; the estate produces three wines from its 650 acres .To see the vat rooms and wine cellars, make an appointment by letter or phone.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

One of France's best-known attractions, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on a rocky island just off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of Avranches, who built a chapel here. Construction of the current abbey began in 1023 but was not finished for 400 years. Built with granite, it encompasses a range of architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic. The abbey was a place for pilgrimages for centuries and also served as a monastery, a prison and a fortress against the English. There is still a Benedictine monastery within the abbey, which can be visited on a guided tour. Among the maze of cobbled streets within the walls of the abbey are a number of other attractions, including a maritime museum and a multimedia museum that tells the story of the island. The abbey is connected to the shore by a causeway, but there are plans to construct a bridge to it so that the sea will again flow freely around the island.

Scandola Nature Reserve

The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as 450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper, a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be arranged from both Calvi and Porto.

La Croisette

The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction. Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi. La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the Plages du Midi.

Ile St Honorat & Ile St Marguerite

The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organize tours of the island and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine, honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for week-long retreats. On the neighboring Ile St Marguerite is the fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was imprisoned.

Antibes

Antibes is a pleasant excursion a few miles east of Cannes. It has one of the best markets on the coast and an excellent Picasso museum in its ancient seafront castle, the 16th century Château Grimaldi. Picasso was lent a room in the castle to use as a studio in 1946. Several extremely prolific months followed before he moved to Vallauris, leaving all his Antibes output to what is now the Musée Picasso. Although Picasso donated other works later, most of the collection dates from this one period. The best known work is Ulysses and his Sirens. There are also works here by some of Picasso's contemporaries, including Nicholas de Stael. Picasso himself is the subject of some of his paintings. Alongside the castle is a cathedral which dates from Medieval times; only the choir and apse survive from the original Romanesque building, the nave and magnificent facade are Baroque. Nearby is a market which is open every morning over the summer and overflows with local produce.

Côte d'Azur Beaches

People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife, it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from the center; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been favored by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to prove you've been there.

St Tropez Surrounds

The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim; congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village of Gassin, its lower neighbor Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are available at the tourist office.

St Tropez Town Center

Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that has been a center of activity for centuries; today it is a busy enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town center bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade,a colorful festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a procession in honor of the town's patron saint - whose bust is carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honor with gun salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing.

Musée Matisse

Matisse spent the last few years of his life in Nice and he is honored by this museum. The Musée Matisse has several permanent collections, mostly painted in Nice and many donated by the artist and his heir. The better known paintings include Nude in an Armchair with a Green Plant(1937), Nymph in the Forest(1935/1942) and Portrait of Madame Matisse(1905). There is also an ensemble of drawings including The Créole Dancer(1951) and Blue Nude IV(1952). Seeing his nude sketches today, you'll wonder why early critics denounced them as 'the female animal in all her shame and horror.'

The Château

With wonderful views over the rooftops and gleaming mosaic tiles of Old Nice, along the sweep of the promenade des Anglais and out to the Mediterranean, the Château park is a lovely attraction in itself and a good place for visitors to orientate themselves with the city. The Château has long gone but with cool walks in the shade of the trees, a large grassy park, Roman ruins and a waterfall, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. To reach the park, visitors can either climb the steps at the front, from the Quai des Etats Unis, or for those who aren't up to it an elevator is available.

Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice

Outside Nice, near the airport, this vast tourist attraction includes a botanical garden and a bird and insect zoo where visitors can tour a greenhouse full of wonderful butterflies. There is also a tacky theme park with automated dinosaurs and mock Mayan temples but the highlight of the park is the Musée Départemental des Artes Asiatiques ,which houses a collection of ethnographic artifacts, including silk goods and pottery, as well as traditional and contemporary art.

Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret

Housed in the former residence of the Ukrainian Princess Kotchubey is a fine collection of 19th and 20th century art, including works by Boudin, Ziem, Raffaelli, Renoir and Monet. The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret gallery includes great sculptures including works by J. B. Carpeaux, Rude and Rodin. There is also an important collection devoted to the masters of the Second Empire and Belle Epoque, a great attraction for visitors to Nice.

Cimiez

In a residential area in the hills above the hustle and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the Roman Amphitheater. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from the town center.

Château de Chenonceau

Only a few miles outside Tours, on the River Cher, the Château de Chenonceau is probably the most celebrated of the many châteaux in the Loire valley. It was used as a mill in the Middle Ages and bridges the whole width of the river. It was owned by a succession of powerful noblewomen including Henri II's mistress Diane de Poiters, the Queen Regent Catherine de Medici and Louise de Loraine and is often referred to at the 'Château des Femmes' .Inside visitors can see a wonderful 200ft (61m) gallery, Louis XIV's sitting room and Francois I's bedroom.

Villandry

Five miles (8km) outside Tours is the tiny village of Villandry and its wonderful château. The château is best known for its gardens that are open between February and November. It is not your standard ornamental garden; between the vine-shaded paths and ornamental box hedges are carrots, cabbages and aubergines carefully arranged in patterns; roses climb gracefully above small herb gardens. Villandry is an easy cycle from Tours and, for those that have worked up an appetite, there are some excellent local restaurants.

Château d'Angers

A kilometer-long wall, studded with 17 circular towers, surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts, windmill tower, 15th century chapel, and royal apartments. The overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft (100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours provide insight into its architecture and fascinating history.

Château de Chambord

Eleven miles (18km) east of Blois, the vast Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It was commissioned by François I, who wanted to outshine the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and the result is a spectacular Renaissance masterpiece with 450 rooms. It was designed by an Italian architect in 1519, but was worked on by French masons. The outside is essentially French medieval - massive round towers with conical tops, and an explosion of chimneys, pinnacles and turrets. The details inside, however, are pure Italian: the Great Staircase (attributed by some to da Vinci), panels of colored marble, niches decorated with shell-like domes, and freestanding columns. Wandering through, you can get a good feel for the contrasting architectural styles, which have combined to create a very decadent, if at times discordant, whole. The château is surrounded by a 20-mile (32km) wall containing a 5,261-hectare (13,000-acre) deer park.

D-Day Beaches

Early on 6 June 1944 the largest armada ever known left England's south coast and set off to liberate France. Shortly thereafter British, American and Canadian soldiers began landing on the beaches. Today veterans and their families walk along the same beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha. A good place to start a battlefield tour is at Arromanches-les-Bains, a few miles northeast of Bayeux. After it was taken by the British 50th Division, this small fishing village was turned into the mammoth military harbor using a prefabricated port that was towed across the Channel. Two and a half million men and 500,000 vehicles landed here. The wreckage of 'Mulberry Harbour' remains just off the beach. A little down the coast are Omaha and Utah, the beaches where the US Division famously landed. The cliffs are still pitted with German bunkers and shell holes, but otherwise these fairly innocuous beaches show little sign of the bloody battles that took place here. Many people come to Normandy to pay respects to the Allied soldiers at the many vast cemeteries along the coast that are maintained so immaculately.

Palais Longchamp

One of Marseille's most scenic buildings is the Palais Longchamp. Built during the Second Empire, it is the grandiose conclusion of an aqueduct that once brought water from the Durance to the city. Although the aqueduct is no longer in use, water is still pumped into the center of the colonnade connecting the two palatial wings. Below, a spectacular fountain features an enormous statue of three muscular women above four bulls wallowing in a pool from which a cascade drops four or five storys to ground level. In the palace's north wing is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which displays a vast array of paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They include works by Corot, Millet, Ingres, David, and Rubens as well as some 80 sculptures and objets d'art; particularly interesting is a gallery of Pierre Puget sculpture.

Massif des Calanques

Directly south of Marseille, and to the west of Cassis, is the wild coastline of the Massif des Calanques. Some of France's most beautiful and dramatic scenery can be found along this 12-mile (19km) stretch of coastline; the sea has cut gorges, up to a mile (2km) deep, into the limestone. Dazzling white limestone cliffs overhang the sea and attract rock climbers and deep-sea divers. The mountains rise up 1,850ft (564m) and are a haven for climbers. Walking tours and boat trips can be organized via the tourist board. The highlight of the Calanques is Sormiou, with its beach, seafood eateries and small harbor. Sormiou is separated from another small but enchanting settlement at Morgiou by Cap Morgiou, which offers a panoramic belvedere with splendid views of both the Calanques and the eastern side of the massif. At Morgiou there are tiny creeks for great swimming.

Marseille Beaches

The most popular beach near the city center is the Plage des Catalans. This marks the beginning of Marseille's corniche that ends at the Plage du Prado, the city's main sand beach, where the water is remarkably clean. There is a nice walk along the corniche which takes you past the Anse des Auffes, a picturesque inlet with small fishing boats beached on the rocks and behind the Plage de Prado to the Parc Borély, which has a boating lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden (daily 8am to 9pm; free). Along the Malmousque peninsula are a number of tiny bays and beaches that are perfect for swimming when the mistral wind is not inciting the waves.

Château d'If

On the sparsely vegetated island of If is the infamous prison, Château d'If, which is best known as the penal setting for Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.François I built the fortress here to defend Marseille and its port in the 16th century, and the site later housed a state prison. The cells are horribly well preserved; carvings by Huguenot prisoners can still be seen inside some of the cells. The views back towards Marseille and the mountains beyond are wonderful.

Cassis

Cassis is a beautiful resort town just west of Marseille. Hemmed in by high white cliffs, its modern development has been limited and it retains much of the charm lost by its more high-profile neighbors. Built on the side of a hill, the old village is centered around a shady square where the inhabitants come to cool off and play 'pétanque' on summer nights. Portside posing and drinking aside, there's not much to do except sunbathe and look up at the ruins of the town's medieval castle, built in 1381. A popular excursion is to take a boat trip to the calanques - long, narrow, deep fjord-like inlets that have cut into the limestone cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, you can take the well-marked footpath from the Route des Calanques behind the western beach; it's about a 90-minute walk to the furthest and best calanque, En Vau, where you can climb down rocks to the shore. Intrepid pine trees find root-holds, and sunbathers find ledges on the chaotic white cliffs. The water is deep blue and swimming between the vertical cliffs is an experience not to be missed.

Palais des Papes

Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power. The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI. It was built primarily as a fortress with massive outer walls, battlements and sluices for pouring hot oil onto attackers. Inside the palace, so little remains of the original interior that visitors could be mislead into believing that all the popes and their entourage were as virtuous as the last official occupant, Benedict XIII. In reality the interior was once elaborately decorated, displayed the decadence of the feuding cardinals and their mistresses. The fire of 1413 destroyed most of the decoration and furnishings, but evidence of the once magnificent interior remains including some frescoes, including one painted by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti in the Great Audience Room. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the palace taking in the Pope's Bedchamber, the Chapelle St-Martial and the Stag Room. Nearby, dwarfed by the palace, is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.

Petit Palais

Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais contains a wonderful collection of 13th to 15th-century paintings and sculpture. Most are the work of Italian masters from that era and, as you progress through the 19 rooms, you can observe how they wrestled with and finally conquered the representation of perspective - a revolution from medieval art, where the size of figures depended on their importance rather than position. The highlights of the collection are Botticelli's sublime Virgin and Childand The Angel of the Annunciationby Sano Di Pietro.

Pont d'Avignon

Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont d'Avignon, known best from the famous children's song of the same name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to shorten the journey for the busy traders ferrying their goods between the Mediterranean and Lyon. The torrents of the Rhône regularly damaged and brought down sections of the bridge and builders finally gave up repairing it in 1660, four centuries after it was built. Today only four of the original 22 arches remain. On the first of the bridge's bulwarks is the tiny Chapelle St-Nicholas, and this delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is well worth a visit.

Orange

Just north of Avignon, Orange was the former seat of the Counts of Orange, a title created in the 8th century and passed to the Dutch crown in the 16th century. The family's most famous member was Prince William, who ascended the English throne in 1689. Today the town is best known for its spectacular Roman theater and triumphal arch, both of which remain remarkably intact. The rest of Orange isn't strikingly picturesque, however there are pleasant tree-lined streets and squares with some nice cafes and restaurants.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side of a hill, dominated by the ruins of an ancient château towering above. The château was the pope's summer retreat from the Palais and although all that remains are the foundations and two outer walls, it is still an imposing sight and a wonderful viewpoint. The village below is a maze of well-restored medieval buildings and narrow streets that weave around the hillside. Today life in the village often involves working in the surrounding vineyards or selling the famous wine to the many tourists who visit.

Cap Corse

North of Bastia is the vacation destination of Cap Corse, a 25-mile (40km) peninsula edged with quiet and quaint fishing villages. The peninsula is divided by a narrow spine of mountains, which rise over 3,000ft (914m) above sea level. On the east side of the Cap Corse mountain spine are a series of small villages cuddle into coves, while on the west coast the settlements cling precariously to rugged cliffs battered by wild waves. The peninsula's best stretch of sandy beach to enjoy on vacation is Plage de Tamarone, near Macinaggio. A favorite with vacation visitors in Cap Corse is the picturesque village of Centuri, while hikers head for the many walking trails like the well-known Sentier des Douaniers. Make sure the camera is loaded for visits to the panoramic viewpoints of Capo Grosso, Moulin Mattei and the Tour de Seneque, above Pino. The vineyards of Patrimonio are renowned, particularly for their muscat, and most wineries welcome vacation visitors for wine tasting. The Cap Corse wine route, or 'route des vins', is signposted from St-Florent.

Balagne

The inland area along the northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange trees and the breadbasket of the island, crisscrossed by a network of narrow, winding roads. Tiny villages such as Sant'Antonino and Speloncato perch high above the countryside built around rocky outcrops, while others along the Artisan's Route, like Pigna, proudly display their traditional crafts such as pottery and stringed instruments. Set beneath a wall of imposing jagged mountains that remain snow-capped until July, the rocky coastline of the Balagne area shelters a string of stunning white sand beaches and an old fishing settlement, now turned into one of the island's most popular vacation resort towns, at Calvi. In the shadow of its citadel, built by the Genoese, Calvi bathes in the legend of Christopher Columbus whose birthplace it is said to be. It was during an attack on Calvi that another famous mariner, Lord Nelson, lost his eye. Not far away from this historic and compact gem can be found another port town, Ile Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in direct contrast to Calvi, which he felt was too Genoese. Many of the settlements along the Balagne coast have been developed into busy holiday villages, however the stunning scenery and idyllic beaches more than compensate for the crowds. Trains connect Calvi and Ile Rousse with Ajaccio and Bastia. Buses are also available.

Palais des Beaux-Arts

A striking and ornate 19th century building which houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts, Palais des Beaux-Arts is a masterpiece in itself. Inside the building is a treasure-trove for art lovers, an attraction second only to the Louvre in Paris. The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens, to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a number of works by French artists, including three major items: Belisarius Asking for Almsby David; After Dinner at Ornansby Courbet; and Sleepby Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum contains mainly paintings, there are also some collections of ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French drawings.

Filitosa

The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica, Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site. Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300 BC.

Cours Saleya Food and Flower Market

Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya bustles with activity every day and is a riot of color and fresh smells. A wonderful attraction for visitors, the market is packed with flowers, fresh produce, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés. On Mondays the area hosts a large flea market and an antiques market.

Epernay

Epernay, along with Reims, is one of the great centers of champagne production; dug into the chalk beneath the town are more than 200 miles (322km) of cellars and tunnels containing champagne from the surrounding area including such great brands as Moët et Chandon, Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane. Having been ravaged by war over the centuries, few old buildings remain in the town, but visitors come here to visit the great champagne houses rather than the architecture. Both Moët et Chandon, the world's largest producer of bubbly, and Mercier give guided tours of their cellars in English throughout the day. They are both situated near each other on Avenue de Champagne. Castellane also has daily tours from March to December.

Iles Sanguinaires

The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.

Les Calanques

The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques, and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun highlights the natural red and pink colors of the rock, and the drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to Porto.

Reims

A visitor's first impression of Reims (pronounced Rhance) is of a sprawling industrial town peppered with concrete apartment blocks, the result of World War I bombs and later disastrous town planning. However Reims is an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of the French nation - it contains one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims ,where dynasties of French monarchs were crowned starting with Clovis, first king of the Franks. The neighboring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and, half Gothic, half Romanesque in style, includes the old royal abbey which is now a museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to Reims not so much for history but for the hedonistic pleasure of visiting the cellars of its great champagne producers. This is the home of the world's best bubbly. The best of the best is to be sampled at the Maison de Pommery, which has more than 10 miles (16km) of tunnels extending 100ft (30m) down into the chalk below its Gothic superstructure. Move on to Mumm, which contains 25 million bottles of slowly fermenting champagne in their vaults, and then Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. All give a guided tour of the cellars and champagne making process, followed by a tasting.

Château-Thierry

Château-Thierry is an industrial town 55 miles (89km) east of Paris on the River Marne. The surrounding countryside was the site of many great battles during both World Wars and a number of monuments and cemeteries mark the bravery of thousands of Allied soldiers who fought to liberate France and who now lie interred under her soil. The town is also known as the home of the famous poet and fable writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95); the Musée Jean-de-la-Fontaine is one of the most popular literary museums in the world and contains a collection of his personal effects, memorabilia and a number of editions of his works.

Amiens

Amiens is the ancient capital of Picardy and lies on the River Somme, 75 miles (121km) north of Paris and 65 miles (105km) south of Calais. Walking around the maze of narrow streets, divided by canals, visitors will feel that this is a city past its prime, nevertheless there are a couple of sites worth exploring. The city's centerpiece is the Gothic cathedral, built between 1220 and 1270, and is one of France's finest. The interior contains wonderful examples of medieval masonry and woodwork; 126 slender pillars hold up the vast structure and the stalls are decorated with thousands of carved figures. Like most great churches it has been added to and restored over the centuries. The nearby Musée de Picardie displays the history and art of the region from prehistoric times through to the present day, along with exhibits from the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. The art collection includes European paintings and sculptures from the 16th century including works by El Greco, Fragonard, Guardi, and Tiepolo.

Troyes

Those who are tired of fighting off the summer crowds in Champagne country find a refreshing alternative in the quaint old town of Troyes, a little off the tourist track and therefore exuding plenty of genuine French appeal. In the beautifully restored city center, sporting quaint narrow streets, Renaissance mansions and pretty old houses, stands one of France's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city also boasts a private collection of art housed in the old Bishops palace, the Musée d'Art Moderne that displays works by Bonnard, Degas and Gauguin.

Cahors

Situated 55 miles (89km) north of Toulouse in a loop of the Lot River, the ancient city of Cahors was inhabited long before the Romans arrived, and in medieval times was a thriving university town. Across the river is the town's signature piece, the Pont Valentré. This magnificent fortified bridge was built between 1308 and 1500 and features a trio of towers, battlements and seven pointed arches. The Cathédrale St-Etienne dominates the old town and features a sculptured Romanesque north portal, which was carved around 1135. Today the town is best known for its excellent cuisine and the fine deep red wine that is made in the surrounding vineyards. Sunday is market day and a good opportunity to buy some of the local produce. A good excursion from Cahors is the stunning cliff-edge village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, 19 miles (31km) to the east. Perched high above the south bank of the Lot, the village, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens, is best visited in the evenings when the tour buses have left and the excellent restaurants have more tables available.

Montauban

Montauban lies on the banks of the River Tarn, 50 miles (80km) north of Toulouse and is one of the most ancient cities in southwest France. Its origins date from 1144 when the count of Toulouse decided to create a bastidehere as a bulwark against English and French royal power. The genius of the original medieval town plan is still obvious in the lovely town center, and though the suburbs now sprawl way beyond the old core, the city is still dominated by the fortified Eglise St-Jacques fort and the 14th-century brick bridge, Pont Vieux. The artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was born in Montauban and many of his works now hang in Musée Ingres, situated in the old 17th-century Bishops Palace, including The Dream of Ossian,originally intended for Napoleon's bedroom in Rome.

Conques

Conques occupies a spectacular position on the flanks of the steep, densely wooded gorge of the little River Dourdou, a tributary of the Lot, and is one of the great villages of southwest France. The site was chosen as a retreat by a hermit called Dadon in the 7th century, and was named from the Latin concha, meaning shell. Dadon founded a community of Benedictine monks here, one of whom pilfered the relics of the martyred girl, Ste Foy, from the monastery at Agen. Known for her ability to cure blindness and liberate captives, Ste Foy's presence brought pilgrims flocking to Conques and the magnificent Romanesque abbey-church became a prime place on the pilgrimage route to Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims still come today, along with tourists who come to admire the beautiful town.

Rocamadour

Tiered precariously halfway up a cliffside above a small river, Rocamadour has one of the unique settings of any town in Europe. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour (who is believed to be Zacchaeus of the Biblical gospel) was discovered, an event that led to a succession of miracles in the town. Since the 8th century it has been an important pilgrimage site; everyone from prince to pauper has ventured here in the hope of curing their ailments at the shrine, which has been plundered several times so the reliquary today bears little relation to the original. Today the town is overrun by tourists and its atmosphere has suffered accordingly, but, despite this, it is a must-see for the stunning views of the Dordogne and its marvelous situation.

Les Eyzies

In 1868 prehistoric skeletons were discovered in the Vézère valley and the area was found to be one of the richest in the world in ancient sites and deposits. The small market town of Les Eyzies suddenly became the base for exploring this treasure-trove of antiquity, including the many prehistoric painted caves, the most famous and beautiful being at Lascaux, which were discovered in 1940 by boys looking for their dog. The paintings were made about 30,000 years ago and depict wild boar, deer and majestic bulls. Unfortunately visitors cannot view the actual paintings because the caves have been closed to the general public to prevent deterioration, but a replica gives you a clear picture of the remarkable works. The town has some excellent museums in which prehistoric art and artifacts are on display.

Grenoble

The beautiful university town of Grenoble is situated on the Drac and Isère Rivers, and is surrounded by proud mountains, dramatic gorges and hidden valleys. The prosperous, lively and cosmopolitan city is a base for companies involved in the chemical, nuclear research and electronics industries, but more obviously it is home to 40,000 students, many international. There are some excellent walks among the mountains surrounding the city and there are ski slopes within easy driving distance, but for many tourists Grenoble is simply a stopover before heading further into the Alps. Before you go, however, take a scenic ride on the distinctive egg-shaped suspended cable cars known as 'Les Bulles'.

Bayeaux

This ancient Viking settlement is situated a few miles inland, between La Havre and Cherbourg, and was the first French town to be liberated in 1944 during World War II. Fortunately Bayeux was spared from too much war damage, and remains full of old-world character with wooden houses, some elegant stone buildings and cobblestone roads. Many visitors flock here to explore the sites associated with the war's 'Longest Day' including an interesting D-Day museum and the famous landing beaches (less than 10 miles/16km away). A museum celebrating an older, but equally historic battle is located in the vicinity. This, the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, contains the famous tapestry that tells the story of the Battle of Hastings. The 231ft (69m) strip of embroidered linen depicts scenes of Harold's coronation as the Saxon king of England, him being told of the apparition of a comet (a portent of misfortune), William dressing for war, and Harold's death. (Admission EUR7.80 (adult), free for children under nine; open 9am to 6.30pm, closing at 7pm from May to August and 6pm from November to March). Also worth seeing is the Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a fine Norman Romanesque cathedral, rich in sculpture.

Honfleur

By accident or design is not certain, but somehow the quaint fishing village of Honfleur, just across the estuary from busy, bustling La Havre, has managed to make time stand still and presents its many visitors with scenes and experiences largely unchanged for 100 years or more. The town fortunately escaped serious damage during the World War II Normandy landings, and since then development has been minimal. It still functions as a fishing port and follows traditions dating back to medieval times, although it has lost its beach, due to the silting up of the river. There are a few interesting museums, including those dedicated to composer Eric Satie and Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin, and some lovely gardens. Honfleur is certainly worth a visit from La Havre.

Lyon National Opera House

This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the Rhone River. The first five levels of the opera house are underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera House Orchestra. The acoustics are so good that it currently makes more recordings than any other French opera house and has released award-winning opera CDs including 12 world premieres, ballets and symphony performances.

Historical Museum of Lyon & International Puppet Museum

To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon. It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in 1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction to the mansion's contents. The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets, stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts was established in 1801 and is one of the largest galleries outside of the capital city of Paris. Featuring the works of artists from 15th to the 20th centuries, visitors can view the works of Perugino, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and Delacroix. The museum is best known for its outstanding collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Musée des Moulins

Something different that appeals particularly to the mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills. Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved, working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of windmill technology.

Natural History Museum

An attraction in Lille particularly enjoyed by children, the Natural History Museum has been drawing the crowds since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology collections, the museum is both educational and fun.

Open Air Museum

Travel back in time with a visit to Lille's living museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore. The Lille Open Air Museum site covers 10 hectares, an attraction where visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans demonstrate old skills.

Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral

A modern architectural attraction, Lille's cathedral (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is an imposing homogenous structure, begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints, but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after the perfection of the unique main façade, designed by local architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice, who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a pink translucent veil.

Hospice Comtesse

In the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an art museum. Works are displayed in the old hospital ward, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, and other halls where the community of Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and porcelain from the region.

Arc de Triomphe

The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 meters) tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every evening at 6pm. On July 14, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées.

Les Invalides

Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of the greatest French military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its 13 hectares of building and large church with a golden dome make Les Invalides a classical French architecture masterpiece.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden. In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs demonstration gardens and trains botanists.

Disneyland Paris

Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must for all children visiting the city. With all their favorite characters, exciting rides and much more, children of all ages will love Disneyland Paris. There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for visitors and vacationers to choose from to help make their Disneyland Paris experience one to remember.

Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle

Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids' imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must for children of all ages.

Le Jardin d' Acclimatation

This children's amusement park sees thousands of tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around and let off some steam.

Parc Asterix

Based on the comics by Uderzo and Goscinny, the Parc Asterix, is a theme park located just outside of Paris. It's well known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and the Oxygénarium.

France Miniature

Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over 130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been created a 1/30 scale and some for the models are even animated. Children will love spending a day out at this miniature country.

Basilique St-Michel

Constructed in stages between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Basilique St-Michel is a typical Gothic-style church and the main place of Catholic worship in Bordeaux. The main distinguishing feature, the Basilique's tower and spire, which rises to a height of 374 feet (114m) is considered the highest in the south of France. At the base of the tower lies an ossuary where an exhibition of the mummies excavated during the 19th century can be viewed.

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

Designed by renowned architect Victor Louis, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux was built between 1773 and 1780 and is one of the oldest 18th century theaters remaining in the world. Inaugurated in 1780, it served as the National Assembly for the French Parliament briefly in 1781 and was the scene of the premiere of the ballet La Fille Mal Gardéein 1789. This theater is the oldest in Europe to have never burnt down or needed rebuilding since its erection nearly 250 years ago and is now home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux. Guided tours are available.

Grasse Perfumeries

France has long been associated with fine perfume, and Grasse is where those heady scents are born. The small town in the French Riviera isn't on the coast, so tourists who are tired of the beaches come for the famous perfumeries like Molinard, Fragonard, and Galinard. Each factory offers tours and a gift shop, and several allow you to try your hand at creating your own scent; for a more comprehensive experience you can also visit the International Perfume Museum.

Biot

The village of Bio is over 2,500 years old, and retains much of its medieval charm in the 15th-century architecture and narrow, winding streets. The town has been a hub of craftsmen for centuries, and is known for its pottery and blown glass, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists in the French Riviera. There are several glass-blowing factories that offer tours, allowing you to watch the age-old process in action. Biot is also the site of an ancient volcano, and geology buffs will enjoy hiking the scenic rock formations. Located only 2.5 miles (4km) from the coast, Biot makes an excellent day trip when you're tired of the beach.

Èze

Perched on a mountain 1,400 feet (427m) above sea level, the medieval town of Èze is a popular stop on the route between the French Riviera and Monaco. The winding cobblestone streets lead you to the ruins of a 12th-century castle, the terraced Exotic Gardens and their spectacular views, and also to the many shops, which is the most popular reason for visiting Èze. The streets are dotted with tiny boutiques and shops selling a variety of French souvenirs.

Aquaboulevard

The largest water park in Europe and located in the heart of the city, Aquaboulevard is a great treat for kids on rainy days in Paris, as its facilities are indoors, with outdoor pools and a beach for when the weather is fine. The park itself includes waterslides and wave machines, with Jacuzzis for parents, but the complex also offers cinemas, tennis courts, a fitness center, play areas, and other attractions.

Fontevraud Abbey

Built in the 12th century, Fontevraud Abbey is thought to be the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son King Richard I, however it is not known exactly where their bodies are interred. The effigies are still there, and are a popular sight for tourists. The abbey has housed a monastery, nunnery, prison, and church over the centuries, and various sections have been rebuilt in Gothic, Classical and Romanesque styles.

Saumur

Saumur is located at the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers in Loire Valley. The region is known for producing world-renowned wines, and also produces mushrooms in an interesting undergrounds process viewable to the public. Saumur is home to the Château de Saumur, which was built in the 10th century and passed through the hands of Henry II of England, Philip II of France, King Henri IV (of France and Navarre), and Napoleon Bonaparte. Another interesting attraction is the Museé des Blindes, with over 850 tanks on display. Saumur is located in easy distance of Paris, Nantes, Angers, Tours, and several other cities, making it an ideal day trip.

Château d'Ussé

The Château d'Ussé overlooks the Indre River, built by Charles VII in the mid-15th century. The fairytale castle passed through the hands of many nobles, and was said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write the story of Sleeping Beauty. It subsequently inspired Walt Disney in the design of his iconic castles in the Disney logo and at several theme parks. Only parts of the house are open to the public.

Ancient Theater of Fourvière

The ancient theater in Lyon is the oldest in France, dating back to the year 17 BC. Built by the Emperor Augustus, it was originally used for theater, pageants, musical shows, and poetry competitions. While much of its rich decorations are gone, decorated floors of inlaid marble and porphyry are still visible. Now it is primarily a tourist site, but the Nuits de Fourvière festival is held there every year. Nearby you can also see the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele.

Musée de la Civilization Gallo-Romaine

The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization is located on the site of the ruins of the Roman city of Lugdunum, which dates back to 43 BC. The museum houses rich collections of artifacts, including glassware, mosaics, ceramics, and other items relating to the military, domestic and spiritual lives of the Romans. Highlights include a chariot from 700 BC and a 3rd-century sarcophagus. There is a gift shop and workshop area for children.

Corte

For a change of pace on your island holiday, pack some hiking boots along with your swimsuit and head for the dramatic Corsican hinterland. Corte lies marooned in the center of Corsica, surrounded by dramatic granite mountains. This independent and proud town has long epitomised Corsican nationalism - for a short time in the 18th century it was the capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state. Now a university town, it remains dominated by the Haute Ville (upper town) and its forbidding citadel, site of the Musée de la Corse, the island's premier museum. While on vacation in Corte, it's easy to spend a morning wandering around the narrow cobbled streets or soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many bars and cafés that line the main street. Corte is an excellent base for exploring the island's wonderful mountain scenery. A few miles to the southwest, near Bergeries de Grotelle, walkers will find a number of glacial lakes and around Valée de la Restonica are a series of stunning natural gorges and basins with refreshing swimming spots. Buses and trains connect Corte with Ajaccio, Bastia and other vacation towns on the island.

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a popular and fashionable family vacation resort and spa town located on the eastern side of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural freshwater lake in France. Although the lake is icy cold, you can sail, fish, play golf and tennis, or picnic on the parkland at the water's edge. The main town of Aix is two miles (3km) inland from the lake and has been built around its thermal springs. Many small hotels line the streets, and streams of vacation visitors take to the baths each day; in the evening, for a change of pace, they play the slot machines at the Aix-les-Bains casino or attend tea dances.

Amboise

On the banks of the Loire, 20 miles (32km) east of Tours, is the Renaissance town of Amboise, a popular vacation destination. Both historic and beautiful, Amboise attracts tourists by the busload, but this doesn't detract from its charm. It has been the favorite residence of Leonardo de Vinci, Charles VIII and Mick Jagger, who owns a nearby château.

Charles VIII's château dominates the town and is an impressive fusion of Renaissance and Gothic styles that is built on a rocky spur separating the valleys of the Loire and the Amasse. The original 15th-century entrance opens onto a terrace with a panoramic view of the river. The castle fell into decline after the revolution and less than half of the original structure still stands. However many grandly furnished rooms remain, including the Kings' apartments, which are open to vacation visitors.

Leonardo da Vinci was invited to Amboise by François I to encourage the French Renaissance. He made his home at the Clos-Lucé, which is now a museum to his work with 40 models based on his drawings on display - including flying machines and a wooden tank. To the east of Amboise are some children's museums, including the Mini-Châteaux, a two-hectare (five-acre) park with models of the great Loire château. An excellent aquarium is also situated nearby.

Angers

The vacation destination of Angers straddles the Maine River, towards the west of the Loire Valley, and is a popular base from which to explore the local sites and the surrounding châteaux country. Angers is a busy regional center and university city with an air of sophistication. Like Tours, Angers was badly damaged during World War II. Much of it, however, has been lovingly restored and it remains a pleasant, amiable town with a lively atmosphere. Top Angers vacation attractions include the intriguing museum, Musée Jean Lurçat, which is known for its famous tapestry Le Chant du Monde,and the Cathedral with its beautiful 12th-century nave and famous stained-glass windows, also dating from the 12th century. However Angers' most prominent attraction is the Château d'Angers.

Annecy

Situated 80 miles (129km) east of Lyon, the vacation destination of Annecy has a magical setting on the shore of Lake Annecy at the foot of the Alps. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of the web of canals that cut through the Annecy old town. Annecy is probably the best base for a holiday in the Haute-Savoie region. Just six miles (10km) to its west is Gorges du Fier, a dramatic river gorge. A gangway takes visitors through a narrow gully that has been cut by a torrent of water over the eons; you can hear the roar of the river below. Emerging from this labyrinth, you'll be greeted by a huge expanse of boulders. The site is closed to the public between mid-October and mid-March. Visitors can also take a cruise on the ice-blue lake for which the town is famous.

Bastia

Situated in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia is the island's major commercial center. Despite this the old town has retained its charms as a vacation destination; and opulent Baroque churches and crumbling pastel houses line the maze of tightly packed streets and alleyways.

The Vieux Port is the most photogenic part of town, where old houses tower above the harbor and the reflections from colorful fishing vessels ripple on the water. The citadel perched high on the headland of Bastia dominates the other side.

The Bastia harbor comes alive in the evening when tourists on vacation here fill the waterside bars and restaurants. The pebble beaches below Bastia town tend to be very crowded in summer and sun seekers are advised to head further south where a sandy shore extends for miles down the east coast of the island.

Bayonne

The popular vacation destination of Bayonne is the capital of Basque country, and a beautifully preserved cathedral city. Its narrow streets - lined with half-timbered houses - are atmospheric and perfect exploring on foot. Bayonne is divided by the Nive and Adour rivers and is set between the mountains and the sea a few miles up the coast. Together with adjoining Anglet and Biarritz it forms the continuous urban area known as BAB.

The city's most striking landmark is the magnificent gothic Cathédrale Ste-Marie, dating from the 13th century. Bayonne also has two museums well worth visiting: Le Musée Basque, which showcases the traditions, architecture, and decorative arts of the Basque region and Le Musée Bonnat, which displays thousands of drawings and paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by Rubens, Greco and Ingres.

The Bayonne Festival takes place every year for five days from the first Wednesday in August and is an explosion of activity with cow races, bull fights in the Roman arena, candle-lit processions and marching bands. Bayonne is well-known for its chocolates, marzipan and prime-smoked ham, all of which is available at the wonderful Covered Market. And according to tradition, if not historically verified fact, the bayonet was invented here in the 1600s.

Blois

Much of the historic ambience of medieval Blois remains preserved in its white-washed houses and narrow cobbled alleys, but modernity has impacted quite severely on this, the noble former seat of the dukes of Orléans. Tourists still flock to Blois on vacation to visit the magnificent chateau, now encircled by a traffic-laden highway but none the less spectacular for this infringement. This beautiful castle witnessed the murder of the duc De Guise by Henri III, and is renowned for its awesome 13th century hall. Those into chateaux can make excursions from Blois to some other gems in the nearby countryside, including the well-known Chateau de Chambord.

Bonifacio

The ancient town of Bonifacio, at the very southern tip of Corsica, dates from 833AD but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialization of this buzzing haven that attracts huge holiday crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come on vacation here for the magnificent setting; Bonifacio sits on a narrow limestone peninsula, the bright white cliffs plunging into the Bouches de Bonifacio strait, between Corsica and Sardinia.

The most scenic way to approach Bonifacio is by boat through the channel, almost a mile long, that protects the town's beautiful natural harbor. No wonder that the buzzing marina attracts yachts from all over the world, as well as ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists arriving on vacation from Sardinia and elsewhere. Alternatively you can fly in to Bonifacio from Marseille or bus from the other Corsican towns.

The Italian-flavored town boasts quaint medieval architecture, offset with the requisite cafés, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. Bonifacio's old town and citadel, built in the 12th century by the Genoese conquerors, is an interesting vacation attraction and reached up a long, steep flight of steps. The citadel has been put to use in modern times as headquarters for the French Foreign Legion, which was based here between 1963 and 1983.

There are diversions aplenty to enjoy on vacation in Bonifacio and surrounds, ranging from watersports of all sorts at the nearby Plage de Piantarella to some splendid golf courses, as well as boat trips to the offshore Archipel des Lavezzi island group.

Carnac

Carnac, on the south coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biscay, is one of Brittany's most trendy vacation resorts. The family-friendly vacation resort of Carnac Plage is bright and breezy, sporting a sand-duned peninsula, a lovely stretch of beach, plenty of entertainment and various fun in the sun facilities. Ironically, Carnac is located alongside one of Europe's most important, ancient and mysterious archaeological sites; just north of the seaside town, hundreds of massive standing stones, even older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt, are aligned in rows in a field, their original purpose unknown. The nearby Musée de Préhistoire complements these fascinating relics with displays of collections dating as far back as 450,000 BC.

Dinard

Opposite St Malo, sitting atop a rocky headland above the Rance, Dinard was a popular vacation spot with the British in Edwardian times; they still visit today for the bracing sea air and a stroll along the promenade. The seafront is lined with Victorian buildings, which ensure the town still retains its elegant and sedate old world character. The main Dinard beach is La Grande Plage, a strip of sand between the two peninsulas that define the edges of the old town. It is popular with families on vacation here and is crowded on hot days. Smaller and more isolated is Plage de St-Enogat, a 20-minute walk east through the village of St-Enogat, or Plage du Prieuré, just a 10-minute walk from Dinard. There is a great difference between high and low tides, and swimming pools along the Grand Plage and the Plage du Prieuré beaches catch seawater during high tides for those who opt not to make the trek along the salt flats during low tides to bathe in the sea.

Evian-les-Bains

Evian-les-Bains, on the southern end of Lake Geneva, is famous for its famous mineral waters, which have been bottled since the early 18th century. Many of the French have second homes in Évian, but visitors come to this chic vacation resort principally to enjoy the creature comforts and spa facilities of the deluxe Evian-les-Bains hotels.

La Baule

Just west of Nantes, La Baule is Brittany's most fashionable and expensive vacation resort. Like most Breton seaside towns, it was the Victorians that first flocked here to play and promenade in the balmy air. Today La Baule is favored by the French rather than foreigners, a popular vacation destination for the Parisian upper-middle-class when they need to unwind. La Baule's inviting five mile (8km) stretch of white sandy beach provides the perfect place to acquire a summer tan and show off designer beachwear while frolicking in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. The town itself provides the other holiday necessities: a casino, plenty of shops and boutiques, and some excellent bars and restaurants.

Lourdes

Not strictly Basque country, but part of the nearby Bigorre region, the town of Lourdes is situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées and has been one of the great Roman Catholic pilgrimages since the Virgin Mary allegedly revealed herself to a shepherd girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858. Over five million pilgrims visit the town each year, particularly in August, from the Catholic nobility to the poverty-stricken sick and ailing.

Pilgrims are sometimes offended by the commercialization of the shrine (there is a very good trade in candles and Lourdes water) but miracle cures have been documented by the church so it can be assumed this exploitation does not affect the healing properties of the spring in which the afflicted bathe in a grotto. The Virgin is said to have appeared 18 times at the Grotto of Massabielle and mass takes place here every day.

Lourdes itself is ancient and includes several sights of interest for vacation visitors. The Fortified Castle was successively a military fortress, a state prison and, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the residence of the counts of Bigorre. There are wonderful panoramic views of Lourdes town and the sanctuary from high on the fortifications. Since 1921 the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen, which exhibits the art, traditions and history of the Pyrénées.

There are some interesting churches to see while on vacation in this religious town. The Upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1854; the inside is as impressive as the magnificent exterior. The oval Basilica of Pius X is one of the world's largest churches, its underground chamber can hold as many as 20,000 people. Mass is held in six languages, including English, every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.30pm from April to October. The Musée Ste-Bernadette is nearby, as is the house where Bernadette was born which, along with the home of her parents, has become a shrine.

Nantes

Attractively situated on islands in the estuary of France's mighty Loire River, the solid city of Nantes exudes an air of importance and historical significance, an interesting vacation destination. Although not officially part of Brittany any longer, Nantes has always been regarded as the Breton commercial and maritime center, once a springboard for exciting colonial expeditions, shipbuilding and trading. Today Nantes remains a wealthy industrial port, its architectural heritage reflecting its past achievements, from the medieval remnants in the narrow streets of pedestrianized Bouffay, near the castle of the Ducs de Bretagne, to the magnificent stained-glass windows of its impressive cathedral. The city also has some good museums including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of sculpture and paintings from the 12th to 19th centuries, and Musée de Jules Verne contains memorabilia of the famous futuristic novelist, who was born in Nantes.

Orléans

At one time the second most important city in France after Paris, Orléans is today a modest and attractive city well worth a day visit to explore its cobbled streets. Chief attractions are the magnificent neo-Gothic Orléans Cathedral, the House of Joan of Arc, and the ornately decorated Hotel de Ville. Orléans' long history stretches to a time before the Romans but its most famous event was Joan of Arc's deliverance of the city from the English in 1429. The occasion is commemorated most fervently with Joan of Arc Day celebrated each year on the 8th of May, when Orléans makes merry with lively street parades in medieval style.

Pau

The popular vacation destination of Pau is situated 50 miles (80km) inland, high above the Gave de Pau River, and is a good base from which to explore the Pyrénées and the picturesque little villages of the Bearn region. This year-round vacation resort was frequented by the English in the early 19th century (at one time 20 percent of the population was from England) and many customs were imported from across the Channel to become entrenched, including fox hunting and afternoon tea. Pau is home to 85,000 people and is the most cosmopolitan city in the western Pyrénées. While on vacation, panoramic views can best be enjoyed when strolling along the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Worthy Pau sightseeing excursions include the 12th century Chateau de Pau, containing some interesting contemporary artifacts including a crib fashioned from a single tortoise shell. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is worth a peek with a collection of European paintings by the likes of El Greco, Degas, Zurbaran and Boudin. The people of the Pau and Bearn region are very proud of their language (a variation of Occitan) and heritage and have indulged in friendly rivalry with the Basques of Bayonne for centuries.

Porto

The small seaside vacation resort of Porto is watched over by the 16th-century Genoese Tower standing guard over the fishing harbor, and although crowded in summer, retains a certain charm. While on vacation, Porto is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and spectacular coastline. The Gorges de Spelunca, a spectacular ravine, is popular for its rocky pools, Genoese bridges and hiking opportunities, while the Forêt d'Aïtone is one of the island's most beautiful forests, with waterfalls and numerous walking trails.

Quimper

Quimper, Brittany's oldest city, beckons those who need nothing more from a holiday than cobbled streets to wander through, a lazy river to cruise gently down or a wide selection of cafés and bars to sample. The idyllic vacation town of Quimper, spread around the junction of the Steir and Odet Rivers on the western edge of Brittany, serves the purpose well. Fortunately Quimper was spared the bombs of WWII and has escaped too much modern development, so the medieval character remains intact with old buildings overhanging narrow lanes and footbridges. If you can bestir yourself to investigate the local interests take a tour of one of the pottery studios that has been turning out internationally renowned Quimperware for centuries.

Rouen

The capital of Normandy and a popular vacation destination, Rouen is also a center of industry and commerce; it is the fifth largest port in France and the closest one to Paris, split into a right and left bank area by the River Seine.

Rouen is also one of France's most historic cities; William the Conqueror died here in 1087 and in 1431 it was the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake in the Place du Vieux-Marché (the Old Marketplace); the position is still marked by a huge bronze cross and worth visiting while on vacation.

Allied bombing largely destroyed the cityof Rouen; all of its bridges and many of its great churches were ruined. However, substantial investment has been focused on restoring parts of the city to its former medieval glory. The great Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalized by Monet, remained fairly unscathed and is well worth a visit for its wonderful stonework.

An especially interesting Rouen vacation attraction is the Chapelle de la Vierge, where the heart of Richard the Lion-Heart is entombed as a token of his affection for the people of Rouen. The chapel also contains the Renaissance tombs of the cardinals d'Amboise.

Dozens of churches and some fine museums can be explored including the Musée des Beaux-Art, which is one of France's best provincial museums and includes the works of great French artists such as Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Fragonard and Monet (including several versions of his Rouen Cathedral).

Tours

Located at the junction of the Loire and the Cher Rivers, the vacation destination of Tours is a great base for exploring the valley. The town was badly bombed during the last war and many buildings were replaced with ugly apartment blocks. Tours is, however, surrounded by magnificent châteaux and is a fun place to spend the evenings; the streets and bars are filled with locals and tourists and the huge student population adds to the vibrancy. Within the city the Cathedral is worth a visit while on vacation. Its flamboyant Gothic façade is flanked by towers dating from the 12th century, inside are some glorious 13th-century stained-glass windows and the handsome 16th-century tomb of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's two children. There is also a fine provincial museum in Tours, in the Palais des Archevêques, with a number of Old Masters works' including those by Degas, Delacroix, Rembrandt, and Boucher.

Briançon

Perched among the French Alps, Briançon is the highest town in Europe. The town is divided into the lower town, where the Durance and Guisane rivers meet and much of the modern amenities lie; and the walled and fortified upper town, which was built in the 17th century to defend the town from Austria and so contains the most interesting sights. Briançon is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Part of the massive Serre-Chevalier ski area, which also includes Saint-Chaffrey, La Salle le Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains, it enjoys up to 300 days of sunshine per year. But the town is a popular tourist area in summer as well, drawing visitors to see its citadelle, forts, and sundials, as well as to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. Briançon is also the site of one of the most thrilling stages of the Tour de France. Situated only six miles (10km) from the Italian border, Briançon has a distinctly Italian feel compared to other towns in Provence. There are a number of good pizzerias but few French restaurants, and some lively bars.

Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou is an historical themepark in western France, attracting over 1.5 million visitors a year, making it the second most popular paid attraction in the country. The experience is akin to being on a giant interactive movie set as different historical scenes are played out with considerable exuberance by a large a cast of actors against very realistic and impressive sets. There are five thrilling attractions, or perhaps more accurately, performances, including The Vikings and Richelieu's Musketeers, each lasting around 40 minutes.

In the evening during peak season, the Cinescene historical extravaganza is held on reputedly the largest stage in the world, with over 1,000 actors, hundreds of horses and great volleys of fireworks. The children especially will be spellbound. The park is set in gorgeous woodlands, and has 25 restaurants, 3 hotels and plenty of other amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Performances are in French so English-language translation headsets should be reserved in advance if required.

Cite De L'espace

This theme park in Toulouse has its head firmly in the clouds, dedicating its 8.6 acres (3.5 hectares) to celebrating flight and outer space. Children will love exploring full-scale models of rockets and space stations, and teens will enjoy the feeling of anti-gravity in the Gyro simulator. There's a moon-walk simulator; and the enormous planetarium, IMAX theater, and Terradome show educational films about space flight and the history of the universe. The park is located on the outskirts of the city, and is a great activity for children in Toulouse.

St Sernin Basilica

Of the many beautiful buildings in Toulouse, the St Sernin Basilica is one that should not be missed. The church, built from the area's distinctive rose-colored bricks, is the largest Romanesque church in Europe and contains many beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The Basilica was built around 1100, and contains many relics, as well as the graves of Saint Saturnin and Saint Honoratus. There are free guided tours on weekends, conducted in French only.

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's signature sightseeing attraction and bring more than six million visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. The Eiffel Tower was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m) above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over Paris.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on the Isle de la Cité, and as the most enduring symbol of Paris is an alluring tourist attraction. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback. Opposite the north door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum. For a special experience, visit Notre-Dame on a Sunday morning when Paris' museums are closed and services are being held.

Louvre

One of the world's great art museums, this vast edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was opened to the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The best-known attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, which is protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art. Don't even attempt to see it all in one day.

Pompidou Center

Built in the 1970s and named after former French president Georges Pompidou, the futuristic Pompidou Center is now considered part of the Parisian landscape. The outrageous design, complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million; it is the city's most popular attraction by far. The building houses the Musée National d'Art Modern (MNAM), which displays a vast collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd and its numerous cinemas and theaters have regular musical and dance performances. The square to the West of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers.

Musée d'Orsay

This great museum is fairly new by Paris standards. It is situated in a railway station by the Seine and houses a vast collection of works from the significant 1848 to 1914 period. There are important works from the Art-Nouveau movement but the Orsay is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The collection is arranged chronologically and contains highly regarded works by Monet, Manet and Courbet. Also on permanent display is the famous painting by Gustave Doré entitled L'énigmeand Henri Chapu's marble statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy. The museum is undergoing construction on level 5 until March 2011.

Musée Rodin

The Rodin Museum is situated near the Musée d'Orsay and is housed in what was formerly the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful hotel where Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) once lived and worked. Inside are many of Rodin's great marble sculptures including The Kisswhile outside, in the garden, are famous bronzes including The Thinker.The museum also includes many works by Camille Claudel, Rodin's pupil and mistress, and paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet and Rodin himself.

Musée National Picasso

The Picasso Museum is situated in a 17th century mansion in the heart of Paris. The collection was started in 1973, after the French government accepted Picasso's own collection in lieu of death duties, and was added to after his widow's death in 1990. All the phases of work from the Paris-based artist are represented including his paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and even poetry. Memorable works include the self-portrait Paolo as Harlequinand Nude in an Armchair. Most of Picasso's great paintings however are owned by and housed in foreign museums or are in the hands of private collectors.

Versailles

The Château de Versailles stands 15 miles (24km) southwest of Paris and is one of France's noted attractions. Most of the palace was built between 1664 and 1715 by Louis XIV (known as the Sun King), who turned his father's hunting lodge into the grandest palace ever built. The 'Old Château' still exists but is enveloped by the vast white stone façade of the New Château. This lavish statement of monarchical power was to become a symbol of the excess that would lead to the revolution of 1789. Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, signifying the end of the Great War. Within the palace visitors can also see the former Royal bedchambers, the grand staircase and other staterooms, and within the vast landscaped park and gardens are many wonderfully ornate fountains and ponds. There is a small train that ferries visitors from the palace to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, former love nests where both the Sun King and Napoleon enjoyed the company of their mistresses.

Fontainebleau

In the 16th century, Henry II and Catherine de Medici commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant to build a new palace here within the Fontainebleau forest 40 miles (64km) south of Paris. Italian Mannerist artists Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio came to assist in the interior decoration, helping to found the School of Fontainebleau. Visitors will see the long Gallery of François I, which the artists adorned with scenes like The Rape of Europaand the monarch holding a pomegranate, a symbol of unity, as well as the richly adorned Louis XV Staircase and the Ballroom with its monumental fireplace and frescoes. The palace was a refuge for French monarchs from the days of the Renaissance; they valued it because of its distance from the slums of Paris and for the rich hunting grounds that surrounded it. Many important events have occurred here, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon stood on the grand steps in front of the palace and bade farewell to his shattered army before departing for Elba. Compared to the glories of Versailles, however, Fontainebleau can be a bit of an anticlimax; it is best to see it before Versailles.

Vieux Bordeaux

Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centers on the Quartier St-Pierre ,which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few years, but many streets remain fairly seedy. One of the most opulent displays of Bordeaux's former glory is the Grand Theater. It was built between 1773 and 1780 on the site of a Roman temple and is faced with an enormous colonnaded portico topped by 12 Muses and Graces. Visitors can view the impressive interior by attending one of the operas or ballets.

Nearby is the Esplanade des Quinconces, which was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers nearly 12 hectares (30 acres) - making it the largest square of its kind in Europe. A smaller but more beautiful square is the earlier Place de la Bourse. Its centerpiece is a fountain of the Three Graces and is bordered by quays opening onto the river and flanked by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange. Crossing the river is the impressive Pont de Pierre, which was built during Napoleon's Spanish campaigns, and has 17 arches in honor of his victories. The views of the river and quays from here are memorable, particularly when floodlit at night.

Important churches include the delightful Basilique St-Michel, across from which is the Fleche St-Michel, which has the tallest stone tower in France; it was built in 1472 and is 374ft (114m) high. During July and August (afternoons only) visitors can climb the 228 steps for wonderful views over the river. To the west is the 13th century Cathédrale St-André, the most impressive and ostentatious church in Bordeaux (look out for the wonderful sculptures in the doors).

The city's museums are gathered around the cathedral, the best being the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of European art including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet, a resident of the city. The old town is fairly compact and is best seen on foot; two-hour walking tours can be arranged through the local tourist office. Boat tours can also be arranged.

The Wine Country

The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organize tastings and tours of the cellars and vineyards. Château Mouton-Rothschild is located just north of Pauillac. It is still run by the Rothschilds and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come as much for the impressive collection of art as for the wine. Château Lafite-Rothschild is nearby and was purchased by the Rothschilds in 1868. The vinothèquecontains many vintage bottles, several dating from 1797. Château Margaux is an imposing 19th century château south of Pauillac; the estate produces three wines from its 650 acres .To see the vat rooms and wine cellars, make an appointment by letter or phone.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

One of France's best-known attractions, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on a rocky island just off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of Avranches, who built a chapel here. Construction of the current abbey began in 1023 but was not finished for 400 years. Built with granite, it encompasses a range of architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic. The abbey was a place for pilgrimages for centuries and also served as a monastery, a prison and a fortress against the English. There is still a Benedictine monastery within the abbey, which can be visited on a guided tour. Among the maze of cobbled streets within the walls of the abbey are a number of other attractions, including a maritime museum and a multimedia museum that tells the story of the island. The abbey is connected to the shore by a causeway, but there are plans to construct a bridge to it so that the sea will again flow freely around the island.

Scandola Nature Reserve

The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as 450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper, a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be arranged from both Calvi and Porto.

La Croisette

The long, shop-studded promenade of La Croisette, and its seven miles (11km) of beach, is Cannes' major attraction. Palatial hotels line this strip each with their own private beach and this is where you are most likely to spot a familiar face, or topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi. La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet is a lovely place to stroll, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants. At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the famous. Just beyond is the atmospheric Vieux Port, with its odd medley of luxury yachts and tiny fishing vessels, and the rows of palm trees and fragrant flower market of the Allées de la Liberté. Further west along the seafront are the free beaches (where the locals go), along the Plages du Midi.

Ile St Honorat & Ile St Marguerite

The two islands of Lerins - Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat lie within a 20-minute boat ride from Cannes. Ile St Honorat is a tiny forested island, the smallest and most southern of the Iles de Lerins. It has been the site of a monastery since the 5th century and today the Cistercian monks are the only inhabitants on the island. Much of the monastery is surprisingly modern, with the exception of the ruins of the 11th-century monastery on the sea's edge. The monks organize tours of the island and try to sell their produce to tourists including homemade wine, honey and lavender oil. The monastery also welcomes visitors for week-long retreats. On the neighboring Ile St Marguerite is the fortress where the man in the 'iron mask' was imprisoned.

Antibes

Antibes is a pleasant excursion a few miles east of Cannes. It has one of the best markets on the coast and an excellent Picasso museum in its ancient seafront castle, the 16th century Château Grimaldi. Picasso was lent a room in the castle to use as a studio in 1946. Several extremely prolific months followed before he moved to Vallauris, leaving all his Antibes output to what is now the Musée Picasso. Although Picasso donated other works later, most of the collection dates from this one period. The best known work is Ulysses and his Sirens. There are also works here by some of Picasso's contemporaries, including Nicholas de Stael. Picasso himself is the subject of some of his paintings. Alongside the castle is a cathedral which dates from Medieval times; only the choir and apse survive from the original Romanesque building, the nave and magnificent facade are Baroque. Nearby is a market which is open every morning over the summer and overflows with local produce.

Côte d'Azur Beaches

People don't just come to St Tropez for the nightlife, it also has some of the best beaches in France. Most are away from the center; although the family beaches, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Cannebiers, are within walking distance. The most serious collection of beaches are along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St Tropez, the best known is the Plage de Tahiti which has long been favored by exhibitionists wearing next to nothing. All beaches are lined with restaurants and shops selling endless gifts or items to prove you've been there.

St Tropez Surrounds

The area immediately around St Tropez is pretty grim; congested roads are lined with billboards and neon signs, but the surrounding hills are almost uninhabited and make for a welcome excursion from the masses and the mayhem. The best view of this richly green and flowering countryside is from the hilltop village of Gassin, its lower neighbor Ramatuelle, or the tiny road between them, the dramatic route des Moulins de Paillas, where among the vineyards are three ruined windmills that were once powered by the dreaded winter mistral. Several vineyards offer wine tasting. Along the coast there are a number of good walking trails. Maps are available at the tourist office.

St Tropez Town Center

Behind the cafés, the small streets and old buildings of St Tropez form a picturesque scene, but they are popular venues for their multitude of shops and restaurants rather than their historical significance. Place aux Herbes is a lively square that has been a center of activity for centuries; today it is a busy enclave of vegetable, fruit and flower stalls. Every May the town center bubbles to life with the St Tropez bravade,a colorful festival dating back to the 15th century. It originated as a procession in honor of the town's patron saint - whose bust is carried through the town, accompanied by a guard of honor with gun salvos, and Provençal singing and dancing.

Musée Matisse

Matisse spent the last few years of his life in Nice and he is honored by this museum. The Musée Matisse has several permanent collections, mostly painted in Nice and many donated by the artist and his heir. The better known paintings include Nude in an Armchair with a Green Plant(1937), Nymph in the Forest(1935/1942) and Portrait of Madame Matisse(1905). There is also an ensemble of drawings including The Créole Dancer(1951) and Blue Nude IV(1952). Seeing his nude sketches today, you'll wonder why early critics denounced them as 'the female animal in all her shame and horror.'

The Château

With wonderful views over the rooftops and gleaming mosaic tiles of Old Nice, along the sweep of the promenade des Anglais and out to the Mediterranean, the Château park is a lovely attraction in itself and a good place for visitors to orientate themselves with the city. The Château has long gone but with cool walks in the shade of the trees, a large grassy park, Roman ruins and a waterfall, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. To reach the park, visitors can either climb the steps at the front, from the Quai des Etats Unis, or for those who aren't up to it an elevator is available.

Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice

Outside Nice, near the airport, this vast tourist attraction includes a botanical garden and a bird and insect zoo where visitors can tour a greenhouse full of wonderful butterflies. There is also a tacky theme park with automated dinosaurs and mock Mayan temples but the highlight of the park is the Musée Départemental des Artes Asiatiques ,which houses a collection of ethnographic artifacts, including silk goods and pottery, as well as traditional and contemporary art.

Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret

Housed in the former residence of the Ukrainian Princess Kotchubey is a fine collection of 19th and 20th century art, including works by Boudin, Ziem, Raffaelli, Renoir and Monet. The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret gallery includes great sculptures including works by J. B. Carpeaux, Rude and Rodin. There is also an important collection devoted to the masters of the Second Empire and Belle Epoque, a great attraction for visitors to Nice.

Cimiez

In a residential area in the hills above the hustle and bustle of the city, the grounds of Cimiez include a large park set amidst olive groves, the Archaeology Museum, Matisse Museum and the Franciscan Museum and Monastery. Also within the gardens, the Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall displays some 450 of the artist's oils, drawings, pastels, lithographs, sculptures, and ceramics. During a couple of weeks in August, Cimiez is the site of the Nice Jazz Festival, with music being played every day until midnight and performed on three stages, in the olive groves and the Roman Amphitheater. It is an hour's walk, or a short bus ride from the town center.

Château de Chenonceau

Only a few miles outside Tours, on the River Cher, the Château de Chenonceau is probably the most celebrated of the many châteaux in the Loire valley. It was used as a mill in the Middle Ages and bridges the whole width of the river. It was owned by a succession of powerful noblewomen including Henri II's mistress Diane de Poiters, the Queen Regent Catherine de Medici and Louise de Loraine and is often referred to at the 'Château des Femmes' .Inside visitors can see a wonderful 200ft (61m) gallery, Louis XIV's sitting room and Francois I's bedroom.

Villandry

Five miles (8km) outside Tours is the tiny village of Villandry and its wonderful château. The château is best known for its gardens that are open between February and November. It is not your standard ornamental garden; between the vine-shaded paths and ornamental box hedges are carrots, cabbages and aubergines carefully arranged in patterns; roses climb gracefully above small herb gardens. Villandry is an easy cycle from Tours and, for those that have worked up an appetite, there are some excellent local restaurants.

Château d'Angers

A kilometer-long wall, studded with 17 circular towers, surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts, windmill tower, 15th century chapel, and royal apartments. The overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft (100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours provide insight into its architecture and fascinating history.

Château de Chambord

Eleven miles (18km) east of Blois, the vast Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It was commissioned by François I, who wanted to outshine the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and the result is a spectacular Renaissance masterpiece with 450 rooms. It was designed by an Italian architect in 1519, but was worked on by French masons. The outside is essentially French medieval - massive round towers with conical tops, and an explosion of chimneys, pinnacles and turrets. The details inside, however, are pure Italian: the Great Staircase (attributed by some to da Vinci), panels of colored marble, niches decorated with shell-like domes, and freestanding columns. Wandering through, you can get a good feel for the contrasting architectural styles, which have combined to create a very decadent, if at times discordant, whole. The château is surrounded by a 20-mile (32km) wall containing a 5,261-hectare (13,000-acre) deer park.

D-Day Beaches

Early on 6 June 1944 the largest armada ever known left England's south coast and set off to liberate France. Shortly thereafter British, American and Canadian soldiers began landing on the beaches. Today veterans and their families walk along the same beaches codenamed Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha. A good place to start a battlefield tour is at Arromanches-les-Bains, a few miles northeast of Bayeux. After it was taken by the British 50th Division, this small fishing village was turned into the mammoth military harbor using a prefabricated port that was towed across the Channel. Two and a half million men and 500,000 vehicles landed here. The wreckage of 'Mulberry Harbour' remains just off the beach. A little down the coast are Omaha and Utah, the beaches where the US Division famously landed. The cliffs are still pitted with German bunkers and shell holes, but otherwise these fairly innocuous beaches show little sign of the bloody battles that took place here. Many people come to Normandy to pay respects to the Allied soldiers at the many vast cemeteries along the coast that are maintained so immaculately.

Palais Longchamp

One of Marseille's most scenic buildings is the Palais Longchamp. Built during the Second Empire, it is the grandiose conclusion of an aqueduct that once brought water from the Durance to the city. Although the aqueduct is no longer in use, water is still pumped into the center of the colonnade connecting the two palatial wings. Below, a spectacular fountain features an enormous statue of three muscular women above four bulls wallowing in a pool from which a cascade drops four or five storys to ground level. In the palace's north wing is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which displays a vast array of paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They include works by Corot, Millet, Ingres, David, and Rubens as well as some 80 sculptures and objets d'art; particularly interesting is a gallery of Pierre Puget sculpture.

Massif des Calanques

Directly south of Marseille, and to the west of Cassis, is the wild coastline of the Massif des Calanques. Some of France's most beautiful and dramatic scenery can be found along this 12-mile (19km) stretch of coastline; the sea has cut gorges, up to a mile (2km) deep, into the limestone. Dazzling white limestone cliffs overhang the sea and attract rock climbers and deep-sea divers. The mountains rise up 1,850ft (564m) and are a haven for climbers. Walking tours and boat trips can be organized via the tourist board. The highlight of the Calanques is Sormiou, with its beach, seafood eateries and small harbor. Sormiou is separated from another small but enchanting settlement at Morgiou by Cap Morgiou, which offers a panoramic belvedere with splendid views of both the Calanques and the eastern side of the massif. At Morgiou there are tiny creeks for great swimming.

Marseille Beaches

The most popular beach near the city center is the Plage des Catalans. This marks the beginning of Marseille's corniche that ends at the Plage du Prado, the city's main sand beach, where the water is remarkably clean. There is a nice walk along the corniche which takes you past the Anse des Auffes, a picturesque inlet with small fishing boats beached on the rocks and behind the Plage de Prado to the Parc Borély, which has a boating lake, rose gardens, palm trees and a botanical garden (daily 8am to 9pm; free). Along the Malmousque peninsula are a number of tiny bays and beaches that are perfect for swimming when the mistral wind is not inciting the waves.

Château d'If

On the sparsely vegetated island of If is the infamous prison, Château d'If, which is best known as the penal setting for Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.François I built the fortress here to defend Marseille and its port in the 16th century, and the site later housed a state prison. The cells are horribly well preserved; carvings by Huguenot prisoners can still be seen inside some of the cells. The views back towards Marseille and the mountains beyond are wonderful.

Cassis

Cassis is a beautiful resort town just west of Marseille. Hemmed in by high white cliffs, its modern development has been limited and it retains much of the charm lost by its more high-profile neighbors. Built on the side of a hill, the old village is centered around a shady square where the inhabitants come to cool off and play 'pétanque' on summer nights. Portside posing and drinking aside, there's not much to do except sunbathe and look up at the ruins of the town's medieval castle, built in 1381. A popular excursion is to take a boat trip to the calanques - long, narrow, deep fjord-like inlets that have cut into the limestone cliffs. If you're feeling energetic, you can take the well-marked footpath from the Route des Calanques behind the western beach; it's about a 90-minute walk to the furthest and best calanque, En Vau, where you can climb down rocks to the shore. Intrepid pine trees find root-holds, and sunbathers find ledges on the chaotic white cliffs. The water is deep blue and swimming between the vertical cliffs is an experience not to be missed.

Palais des Papes

Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power. The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI. It was built primarily as a fortress with massive outer walls, battlements and sluices for pouring hot oil onto attackers. Inside the palace, so little remains of the original interior that visitors could be mislead into believing that all the popes and their entourage were as virtuous as the last official occupant, Benedict XIII. In reality the interior was once elaborately decorated, displayed the decadence of the feuding cardinals and their mistresses. The fire of 1413 destroyed most of the decoration and furnishings, but evidence of the once magnificent interior remains including some frescoes, including one painted by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti in the Great Audience Room. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the palace taking in the Pope's Bedchamber, the Chapelle St-Martial and the Stag Room. Nearby, dwarfed by the palace, is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.

Petit Palais

Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais contains a wonderful collection of 13th to 15th-century paintings and sculpture. Most are the work of Italian masters from that era and, as you progress through the 19 rooms, you can observe how they wrestled with and finally conquered the representation of perspective - a revolution from medieval art, where the size of figures depended on their importance rather than position. The highlights of the collection are Botticelli's sublime Virgin and Childand The Angel of the Annunciationby Sano Di Pietro.

Pont d'Avignon

Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont d'Avignon, known best from the famous children's song of the same name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to shorten the journey for the busy traders ferrying their goods between the Mediterranean and Lyon. The torrents of the Rhône regularly damaged and brought down sections of the bridge and builders finally gave up repairing it in 1660, four centuries after it was built. Today only four of the original 22 arches remain. On the first of the bridge's bulwarks is the tiny Chapelle St-Nicholas, and this delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of bargemen, is well worth a visit.

Orange

Just north of Avignon, Orange was the former seat of the Counts of Orange, a title created in the 8th century and passed to the Dutch crown in the 16th century. The family's most famous member was Prince William, who ascended the English throne in 1689. Today the town is best known for its spectacular Roman theater and triumphal arch, both of which remain remarkably intact. The rest of Orange isn't strikingly picturesque, however there are pleasant tree-lined streets and squares with some nice cafes and restaurants.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side of a hill, dominated by the ruins of an ancient château towering above. The château was the pope's summer retreat from the Palais and although all that remains are the foundations and two outer walls, it is still an imposing sight and a wonderful viewpoint. The village below is a maze of well-restored medieval buildings and narrow streets that weave around the hillside. Today life in the village often involves working in the surrounding vineyards or selling the famous wine to the many tourists who visit.

Cap Corse

North of Bastia is the vacation destination of Cap Corse, a 25-mile (40km) peninsula edged with quiet and quaint fishing villages. The peninsula is divided by a narrow spine of mountains, which rise over 3,000ft (914m) above sea level. On the east side of the Cap Corse mountain spine are a series of small villages cuddle into coves, while on the west coast the settlements cling precariously to rugged cliffs battered by wild waves. The peninsula's best stretch of sandy beach to enjoy on vacation is Plage de Tamarone, near Macinaggio. A favorite with vacation visitors in Cap Corse is the picturesque village of Centuri, while hikers head for the many walking trails like the well-known Sentier des Douaniers. Make sure the camera is loaded for visits to the panoramic viewpoints of Capo Grosso, Moulin Mattei and the Tour de Seneque, above Pino. The vineyards of Patrimonio are renowned, particularly for their muscat, and most wineries welcome vacation visitors for wine tasting. The Cap Corse wine route, or 'route des vins', is signposted from St-Florent.

Balagne

The inland area along the northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange trees and the breadbasket of the island, crisscrossed by a network of narrow, winding roads. Tiny villages such as Sant'Antonino and Speloncato perch high above the countryside built around rocky outcrops, while others along the Artisan's Route, like Pigna, proudly display their traditional crafts such as pottery and stringed instruments. Set beneath a wall of imposing jagged mountains that remain snow-capped until July, the rocky coastline of the Balagne area shelters a string of stunning white sand beaches and an old fishing settlement, now turned into one of the island's most popular vacation resort towns, at Calvi. In the shadow of its citadel, built by the Genoese, Calvi bathes in the legend of Christopher Columbus whose birthplace it is said to be. It was during an attack on Calvi that another famous mariner, Lord Nelson, lost his eye. Not far away from this historic and compact gem can be found another port town, Ile Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in direct contrast to Calvi, which he felt was too Genoese. Many of the settlements along the Balagne coast have been developed into busy holiday villages, however the stunning scenery and idyllic beaches more than compensate for the crowds. Trains connect Calvi and Ile Rousse with Ajaccio and Bastia. Buses are also available.

Palais des Beaux-Arts

A striking and ornate 19th century building which houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts, Palais des Beaux-Arts is a masterpiece in itself. Inside the building is a treasure-trove for art lovers, an attraction second only to the Louvre in Paris. The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens, to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a number of works by French artists, including three major items: Belisarius Asking for Almsby David; After Dinner at Ornansby Courbet; and Sleepby Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum contains mainly paintings, there are also some collections of ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French drawings.

Filitosa

The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica, Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site. Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300 BC.

Cours Saleya Food and Flower Market

Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya bustles with activity every day and is a riot of color and fresh smells. A wonderful attraction for visitors, the market is packed with flowers, fresh produce, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés. On Mondays the area hosts a large flea market and an antiques market.

Epernay

Epernay, along with Reims, is one of the great centers of champagne production; dug into the chalk beneath the town are more than 200 miles (322km) of cellars and tunnels containing champagne from the surrounding area including such great brands as Moët et Chandon, Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane. Having been ravaged by war over the centuries, few old buildings remain in the town, but visitors come here to visit the great champagne houses rather than the architecture. Both Moët et Chandon, the world's largest producer of bubbly, and Mercier give guided tours of their cellars in English throughout the day. They are both situated near each other on Avenue de Champagne. Castellane also has daily tours from March to December.

Iles Sanguinaires

The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.

Les Calanques

The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques, and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun highlights the natural red and pink colors of the rock, and the drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to Porto.

Reims

A visitor's first impression of Reims (pronounced Rhance) is of a sprawling industrial town peppered with concrete apartment blocks, the result of World War I bombs and later disastrous town planning. However Reims is an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of the French nation - it contains one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims ,where dynasties of French monarchs were crowned starting with Clovis, first king of the Franks. The neighboring Basilique St-Rémi is even older and, half Gothic, half Romanesque in style, includes the old royal abbey which is now a museum documenting the history of the town. Most visitors come to Reims not so much for history but for the hedonistic pleasure of visiting the cellars of its great champagne producers. This is the home of the world's best bubbly. The best of the best is to be sampled at the Maison de Pommery, which has more than 10 miles (16km) of tunnels extending 100ft (30m) down into the chalk below its Gothic superstructure. Move on to Mumm, which contains 25 million bottles of slowly fermenting champagne in their vaults, and then Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. All give a guided tour of the cellars and champagne making process, followed by a tasting.

Château-Thierry

Château-Thierry is an industrial town 55 miles (89km) east of Paris on the River Marne. The surrounding countryside was the site of many great battles during both World Wars and a number of monuments and cemeteries mark the bravery of thousands of Allied soldiers who fought to liberate France and who now lie interred under her soil. The town is also known as the home of the famous poet and fable writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95); the Musée Jean-de-la-Fontaine is one of the most popular literary museums in the world and contains a collection of his personal effects, memorabilia and a number of editions of his works.

Amiens

Amiens is the ancient capital of Picardy and lies on the River Somme, 75 miles (121km) north of Paris and 65 miles (105km) south of Calais. Walking around the maze of narrow streets, divided by canals, visitors will feel that this is a city past its prime, nevertheless there are a couple of sites worth exploring. The city's centerpiece is the Gothic cathedral, built between 1220 and 1270, and is one of France's finest. The interior contains wonderful examples of medieval masonry and woodwork; 126 slender pillars hold up the vast structure and the stalls are decorated with thousands of carved figures. Like most great churches it has been added to and restored over the centuries. The nearby Musée de Picardie displays the history and art of the region from prehistoric times through to the present day, along with exhibits from the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. The art collection includes European paintings and sculptures from the 16th century including works by El Greco, Fragonard, Guardi, and Tiepolo.

Troyes

Those who are tired of fighting off the summer crowds in Champagne country find a refreshing alternative in the quaint old town of Troyes, a little off the tourist track and therefore exuding plenty of genuine French appeal. In the beautifully restored city center, sporting quaint narrow streets, Renaissance mansions and pretty old houses, stands one of France's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city also boasts a private collection of art housed in the old Bishops palace, the Musée d'Art Moderne that displays works by Bonnard, Degas and Gauguin.

Cahors

Situated 55 miles (89km) north of Toulouse in a loop of the Lot River, the ancient city of Cahors was inhabited long before the Romans arrived, and in medieval times was a thriving university town. Across the river is the town's signature piece, the Pont Valentré. This magnificent fortified bridge was built between 1308 and 1500 and features a trio of towers, battlements and seven pointed arches. The Cathédrale St-Etienne dominates the old town and features a sculptured Romanesque north portal, which was carved around 1135. Today the town is best known for its excellent cuisine and the fine deep red wine that is made in the surrounding vineyards. Sunday is market day and a good opportunity to buy some of the local produce. A good excursion from Cahors is the stunning cliff-edge village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, 19 miles (31km) to the east. Perched high above the south bank of the Lot, the village, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens, is best visited in the evenings when the tour buses have left and the excellent restaurants have more tables available.

Montauban

Montauban lies on the banks of the River Tarn, 50 miles (80km) north of Toulouse and is one of the most ancient cities in southwest France. Its origins date from 1144 when the count of Toulouse decided to create a bastidehere as a bulwark against English and French royal power. The genius of the original medieval town plan is still obvious in the lovely town center, and though the suburbs now sprawl way beyond the old core, the city is still dominated by the fortified Eglise St-Jacques fort and the 14th-century brick bridge, Pont Vieux. The artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was born in Montauban and many of his works now hang in Musée Ingres, situated in the old 17th-century Bishops Palace, including The Dream of Ossian,originally intended for Napoleon's bedroom in Rome.

Conques

Conques occupies a spectacular position on the flanks of the steep, densely wooded gorge of the little River Dourdou, a tributary of the Lot, and is one of the great villages of southwest France. The site was chosen as a retreat by a hermit called Dadon in the 7th century, and was named from the Latin concha, meaning shell. Dadon founded a community of Benedictine monks here, one of whom pilfered the relics of the martyred girl, Ste Foy, from the monastery at Agen. Known for her ability to cure blindness and liberate captives, Ste Foy's presence brought pilgrims flocking to Conques and the magnificent Romanesque abbey-church became a prime place on the pilgrimage route to Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims still come today, along with tourists who come to admire the beautiful town.

Rocamadour

Tiered precariously halfway up a cliffside above a small river, Rocamadour has one of the unique settings of any town in Europe. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour (who is believed to be Zacchaeus of the Biblical gospel) was discovered, an event that led to a succession of miracles in the town. Since the 8th century it has been an important pilgrimage site; everyone from prince to pauper has ventured here in the hope of curing their ailments at the shrine, which has been plundered several times so the reliquary today bears little relation to the original. Today the town is overrun by tourists and its atmosphere has suffered accordingly, but, despite this, it is a must-see for the stunning views of the Dordogne and its marvelous situation.

Les Eyzies

In 1868 prehistoric skeletons were discovered in the Vézère valley and the area was found to be one of the richest in the world in ancient sites and deposits. The small market town of Les Eyzies suddenly became the base for exploring this treasure-trove of antiquity, including the many prehistoric painted caves, the most famous and beautiful being at Lascaux, which were discovered in 1940 by boys looking for their dog. The paintings were made about 30,000 years ago and depict wild boar, deer and majestic bulls. Unfortunately visitors cannot view the actual paintings because the caves have been closed to the general public to prevent deterioration, but a replica gives you a clear picture of the remarkable works. The town has some excellent museums in which prehistoric art and artifacts are on display.

Grenoble

The beautiful university town of Grenoble is situated on the Drac and Isère Rivers, and is surrounded by proud mountains, dramatic gorges and hidden valleys. The prosperous, lively and cosmopolitan city is a base for companies involved in the chemical, nuclear research and electronics industries, but more obviously it is home to 40,000 students, many international. There are some excellent walks among the mountains surrounding the city and there are ski slopes within easy driving distance, but for many tourists Grenoble is simply a stopover before heading further into the Alps. Before you go, however, take a scenic ride on the distinctive egg-shaped suspended cable cars known as 'Les Bulles'.

Bayeaux

This ancient Viking settlement is situated a few miles inland, between La Havre and Cherbourg, and was the first French town to be liberated in 1944 during World War II. Fortunately Bayeux was spared from too much war damage, and remains full of old-world character with wooden houses, some elegant stone buildings and cobblestone roads. Many visitors flock here to explore the sites associated with the war's 'Longest Day' including an interesting D-Day museum and the famous landing beaches (less than 10 miles/16km away). A museum celebrating an older, but equally historic battle is located in the vicinity. This, the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, contains the famous tapestry that tells the story of the Battle of Hastings. The 231ft (69m) strip of embroidered linen depicts scenes of Harold's coronation as the Saxon king of England, him being told of the apparition of a comet (a portent of misfortune), William dressing for war, and Harold's death. (Admission EUR7.80 (adult), free for children under nine; open 9am to 6.30pm, closing at 7pm from May to August and 6pm from November to March). Also worth seeing is the Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a fine Norman Romanesque cathedral, rich in sculpture.

Honfleur

By accident or design is not certain, but somehow the quaint fishing village of Honfleur, just across the estuary from busy, bustling La Havre, has managed to make time stand still and presents its many visitors with scenes and experiences largely unchanged for 100 years or more. The town fortunately escaped serious damage during the World War II Normandy landings, and since then development has been minimal. It still functions as a fishing port and follows traditions dating back to medieval times, although it has lost its beach, due to the silting up of the river. There are a few interesting museums, including those dedicated to composer Eric Satie and Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin, and some lovely gardens. Honfleur is certainly worth a visit from La Havre.

Lyon National Opera House

This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the Rhone River. The first five levels of the opera house are underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera House Orchestra. The acoustics are so good that it currently makes more recordings than any other French opera house and has released award-winning opera CDs including 12 world premieres, ballets and symphony performances.

Historical Museum of Lyon & International Puppet Museum

To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon. It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in 1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction to the mansion's contents. The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets, stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts was established in 1801 and is one of the largest galleries outside of the capital city of Paris. Featuring the works of artists from 15th to the 20th centuries, visitors can view the works of Perugino, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and Delacroix. The museum is best known for its outstanding collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Musée des Moulins

Something different that appeals particularly to the mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills. Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved, working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of windmill technology.

Natural History Museum

An attraction in Lille particularly enjoyed by children, the Natural History Museum has been drawing the crowds since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology collections, the museum is both educational and fun.

Open Air Museum

Travel back in time with a visit to Lille's living museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore. The Lille Open Air Museum site covers 10 hectares, an attraction where visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans demonstrate old skills.

Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral

A modern architectural attraction, Lille's cathedral (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is an imposing homogenous structure, begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints, but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after the perfection of the unique main façade, designed by local architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice, who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a pink translucent veil.

Hospice Comtesse

In the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an art museum. Works are displayed in the old hospital ward, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, and other halls where the community of Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and porcelain from the region.

Arc de Triomphe

The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is set at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 meters) tall and the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every evening at 6pm. On July 14, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, a military parade starts at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées.

Les Invalides

Les Invalides were built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a military hospital to take care of wounded soldiers. This attraction comprises the largest single collection of monuments and museums in Paris all relating to the military history of France. It is a burial site for some of France's war heroes, including the ashes of the greatest French military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, rest under the dome of Les Invalides and attract many visitors to Paris. Its 13 hectares of building and large church with a golden dome make Les Invalides a classical French architecture masterpiece.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical garden. Covering 28 hectares (280,000 m²) the garden was originally planted by Louis XIII's doctor in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden. In 1640, it became Paris's first public garden. In 1739, after a long period of decline, the gardens were expanded greatly and a maze called the Labyrinth was added. It still exists today. The Jardin des Plantes maintains a botanical school which constructs demonstration gardens and trains botanists.

Disneyland Paris

Comprising two theme parks, Disneyland Paris is a must for all children visiting the city. With all their favorite characters, exciting rides and much more, children of all ages will love Disneyland Paris. There are also seven Disney-owned hotels for visitors and vacationers to choose from to help make their Disneyland Paris experience one to remember.

Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle

Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) greets visitors with two gigantic whale skeletons at the entrance. With wonderful exhibitions and fascinating displays on botany, archaeology and palaeontology to name a few, the museum will captivate kids' imaginations and educate them as well. The dinosaur exhibits is hugely popular with the younger visitors, but this museum is a must for children of all ages.

Le Jardin d' Acclimatation

This children's amusement park sees thousands of tourists every year. Featuring a menagerie and the Exploradome Museum, with fantastic optical illusions and amazing structures, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a great place for kids to run around and let off some steam.

Parc Asterix

Based on the comics by Uderzo and Goscinny, the Parc Asterix, is a theme park located just outside of Paris. It's well known for its large variety of roller-coasters and has begun incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the Romans and the ancient Greeks. The Menhir express is a log flume ride, while other rides include the Goudurix, the Grand Splatch and the Oxygénarium.

France Miniature

Located in Flancourt, France Miniature features over 130 models of famous French attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Lourdes and Versailles, for visitors to enjoy. Everything has been created a 1/30 scale and some for the models are even animated. Children will love spending a day out at this miniature country.

Basilique St-Michel

Constructed in stages between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Basilique St-Michel is a typical Gothic-style church and the main place of Catholic worship in Bordeaux. The main distinguishing feature, the Basilique's tower and spire, which rises to a height of 374 feet (114m) is considered the highest in the south of France. At the base of the tower lies an ossuary where an exhibition of the mummies excavated during the 19th century can be viewed.

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

Designed by renowned architect Victor Louis, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux was built between 1773 and 1780 and is one of the oldest 18th century theaters remaining in the world. Inaugurated in 1780, it served as the National Assembly for the French Parliament briefly in 1781 and was the scene of the premiere of the ballet La Fille Mal Gardéein 1789. This theater is the oldest in Europe to have never burnt down or needed rebuilding since its erection nearly 250 years ago and is now home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux. Guided tours are available.

Grasse Perfumeries

France has long been associated with fine perfume, and Grasse is where those heady scents are born. The small town in the French Riviera isn't on the coast, so tourists who are tired of the beaches come for the famous perfumeries like Molinard, Fragonard, and Galinard. Each factory offers tours and a gift shop, and several allow you to try your hand at creating your own scent; for a more comprehensive experience you can also visit the International Perfume Museum.

Biot

The village of Bio is over 2,500 years old, and retains much of its medieval charm in the 15th-century architecture and narrow, winding streets. The town has been a hub of craftsmen for centuries, and is known for its pottery and blown glass, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists in the French Riviera. There are several glass-blowing factories that offer tours, allowing you to watch the age-old process in action. Biot is also the site of an ancient volcano, and geology buffs will enjoy hiking the scenic rock formations. Located only 2.5 miles (4km) from the coast, Biot makes an excellent day trip when you're tired of the beach.

Èze

Perched on a mountain 1,400 feet (427m) above sea level, the medieval town of Èze is a popular stop on the route between the French Riviera and Monaco. The winding cobblestone streets lead you to the ruins of a 12th-century castle, the terraced Exotic Gardens and their spectacular views, and also to the many shops, which is the most popular reason for visiting Èze. The streets are dotted with tiny boutiques and shops selling a variety of French souvenirs.

Aquaboulevard

The largest water park in Europe and located in the heart of the city, Aquaboulevard is a great treat for kids on rainy days in Paris, as its facilities are indoors, with outdoor pools and a beach for when the weather is fine. The park itself includes waterslides and wave machines, with Jacuzzis for parents, but the complex also offers cinemas, tennis courts, a fitness center, play areas, and other attractions.

Fontevraud Abbey

Built in the 12th century, Fontevraud Abbey is thought to be the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son King Richard I, however it is not known exactly where their bodies are interred. The effigies are still there, and are a popular sight for tourists. The abbey has housed a monastery, nunnery, prison, and church over the centuries, and various sections have been rebuilt in Gothic, Classical and Romanesque styles.

Saumur

Saumur is located at the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers in Loire Valley. The region is known for producing world-renowned wines, and also produces mushrooms in an interesting undergrounds process viewable to the public. Saumur is home to the Château de Saumur, which was built in the 10th century and passed through the hands of Henry II of England, Philip II of France, King Henri IV (of France and Navarre), and Napoleon Bonaparte. Another interesting attraction is the Museé des Blindes, with over 850 tanks on display. Saumur is located in easy distance of Paris, Nantes, Angers, Tours, and several other cities, making it an ideal day trip.

Château d'Ussé

The Château d'Ussé overlooks the Indre River, built by Charles VII in the mid-15th century. The fairytale castle passed through the hands of many nobles, and was said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write the story of Sleeping Beauty. It subsequently inspired Walt Disney in the design of his iconic castles in the Disney logo and at several theme parks. Only parts of the house are open to the public.

Ancient Theater of Fourvière

The ancient theater in Lyon is the oldest in France, dating back to the year 17 BC. Built by the Emperor Augustus, it was originally used for theater, pageants, musical shows, and poetry competitions. While much of its rich decorations are gone, decorated floors of inlaid marble and porphyry are still visible. Now it is primarily a tourist site, but the Nuits de Fourvière festival is held there every year. Nearby you can also see the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele.

Musée de la Civilization Gallo-Romaine

The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization is located on the site of the ruins of the Roman city of Lugdunum, which dates back to 43 BC. The museum houses rich collections of artifacts, including glassware, mosaics, ceramics, and other items relating to the military, domestic and spiritual lives of the Romans. Highlights include a chariot from 700 BC and a 3rd-century sarcophagus. There is a gift shop and workshop area for children.

Corte

For a change of pace on your island holiday, pack some hiking boots along with your swimsuit and head for the dramatic Corsican hinterland. Corte lies marooned in the center of Corsica, surrounded by dramatic granite mountains. This independent and proud town has long epitomised Corsican nationalism - for a short time in the 18th century it was the capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state. Now a university town, it remains dominated by the Haute Ville (upper town) and its forbidding citadel, site of the Musée de la Corse, the island's premier museum. While on vacation in Corte, it's easy to spend a morning wandering around the narrow cobbled streets or soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many bars and cafés that line the main street. Corte is an excellent base for exploring the island's wonderful mountain scenery. A few miles to the southwest, near Bergeries de Grotelle, walkers will find a number of glacial lakes and around Valée de la Restonica are a series of stunning natural gorges and basins with refreshing swimming spots. Buses and trains connect Corte with Ajaccio, Bastia and other vacation towns on the island.

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a popular and fashionable family vacation resort and spa town located on the eastern side of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural freshwater lake in France. Although the lake is icy cold, you can sail, fish, play golf and tennis, or picnic on the parkland at the water's edge. The main town of Aix is two miles (3km) inland from the lake and has been built around its thermal springs. Many small hotels line the streets, and streams of vacation visitors take to the baths each day; in the evening, for a change of pace, they play the slot machines at the Aix-les-Bains casino or attend tea dances.

Amboise

On the banks of the Loire, 20 miles (32km) east of Tours, is the Renaissance town of Amboise, a popular vacation destination. Both historic and beautiful, Amboise attracts tourists by the busload, but this doesn't detract from its charm. It has been the favorite residence of Leonardo de Vinci, Charles VIII and Mick Jagger, who owns a nearby château.

Charles VIII's château dominates the town and is an impressive fusion of Renaissance and Gothic styles that is built on a rocky spur separating the valleys of the Loire and the Amasse. The original 15th-century entrance opens onto a terrace with a panoramic view of the river. The castle fell into decline after the revolution and less than half of the original structure still stands. However many grandly furnished rooms remain, including the Kings' apartments, which are open to vacation visitors.

Leonardo da Vinci was invited to Amboise by François I to encourage the French Renaissance. He made his home at the Clos-Lucé, which is now a museum to his work with 40 models based on his drawings on display - including flying machines and a wooden tank. To the east of Amboise are some children's museums, including the Mini-Châteaux, a two-hectare (five-acre) park with models of the great Loire château. An excellent aquarium is also situated nearby.

Angers

The vacation destination of Angers straddles the Maine River, towards the west of the Loire Valley, and is a popular base from which to explore the local sites and the surrounding châteaux country. Angers is a busy regional center and university city with an air of sophistication. Like Tours, Angers was badly damaged during World War II. Much of it, however, has been lovingly restored and it remains a pleasant, amiable town with a lively atmosphere. Top Angers vacation attractions include the intriguing museum, Musée Jean Lurçat, which is known for its famous tapestry Le Chant du Monde,and the Cathedral with its beautiful 12th-century nave and famous stained-glass windows, also dating from the 12th century. However Angers' most prominent attraction is the Château d'Angers.

Annecy

Situated 80 miles (129km) east of Lyon, the vacation destination of Annecy has a magical setting on the shore of Lake Annecy at the foot of the Alps. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of the web of canals that cut through the Annecy old town. Annecy is probably the best base for a holiday in the Haute-Savoie region. Just six miles (10km) to its west is Gorges du Fier, a dramatic river gorge. A gangway takes visitors through a narrow gully that has been cut by a torrent of water over the eons; you can hear the roar of the river below. Emerging from this labyrinth, you'll be greeted by a huge expanse of boulders. The site is closed to the public between mid-October and mid-March. Visitors can also take a cruise on the ice-blue lake for which the town is famous.

Bastia

Situated in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia is the island's major commercial center. Despite this the old town has retained its charms as a vacation destination; and opulent Baroque churches and crumbling pastel houses line the maze of tightly packed streets and alleyways.

The Vieux Port is the most photogenic part of town, where old houses tower above the harbor and the reflections from colorful fishing vessels ripple on the water. The citadel perched high on the headland of Bastia dominates the other side.

The Bastia harbor comes alive in the evening when tourists on vacation here fill the waterside bars and restaurants. The pebble beaches below Bastia town tend to be very crowded in summer and sun seekers are advised to head further south where a sandy shore extends for miles down the east coast of the island.

Bayonne

The popular vacation destination of Bayonne is the capital of Basque country, and a beautifully preserved cathedral city. Its narrow streets - lined with half-timbered houses - are atmospheric and perfect exploring on foot. Bayonne is divided by the Nive and Adour rivers and is set between the mountains and the sea a few miles up the coast. Together with adjoining Anglet and Biarritz it forms the continuous urban area known as BAB.

The city's most striking landmark is the magnificent gothic Cathédrale Ste-Marie, dating from the 13th century. Bayonne also has two museums well worth visiting: Le Musée Basque, which showcases the traditions, architecture, and decorative arts of the Basque region and Le Musée Bonnat, which displays thousands of drawings and paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by Rubens, Greco and Ingres.

The Bayonne Festival takes place every year for five days from the first Wednesday in August and is an explosion of activity with cow races, bull fights in the Roman arena, candle-lit processions and marching bands. Bayonne is well-known for its chocolates, marzipan and prime-smoked ham, all of which is available at the wonderful Covered Market. And according to tradition, if not historically verified fact, the bayonet was invented here in the 1600s.

Blois

Much of the historic ambience of medieval Blois remains preserved in its white-washed houses and narrow cobbled alleys, but modernity has impacted quite severely on this, the noble former seat of the dukes of Orléans. Tourists still flock to Blois on vacation to visit the magnificent chateau, now encircled by a traffic-laden highway but none the less spectacular for this infringement. This beautiful castle witnessed the murder of the duc De Guise by Henri III, and is renowned for its awesome 13th century hall. Those into chateaux can make excursions from Blois to some other gems in the nearby countryside, including the well-known Chateau de Chambord.

Bonifacio

The ancient town of Bonifacio, at the very southern tip of Corsica, dates from 833AD but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialization of this buzzing haven that attracts huge holiday crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come on vacation here for the magnificent setting; Bonifacio sits on a narrow limestone peninsula, the bright white cliffs plunging into the Bouches de Bonifacio strait, between Corsica and Sardinia.

The most scenic way to approach Bonifacio is by boat through the channel, almost a mile long, that protects the town's beautiful natural harbor. No wonder that the buzzing marina attracts yachts from all over the world, as well as ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists arriving on vacation from Sardinia and elsewhere. Alternatively you can fly in to Bonifacio from Marseille or bus from the other Corsican towns.

The Italian-flavored town boasts quaint medieval architecture, offset with the requisite cafés, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. Bonifacio's old town and citadel, built in the 12th century by the Genoese conquerors, is an interesting vacation attraction and reached up a long, steep flight of steps. The citadel has been put to use in modern times as headquarters for the French Foreign Legion, which was based here between 1963 and 1983.

There are diversions aplenty to enjoy on vacation in Bonifacio and surrounds, ranging from watersports of all sorts at the nearby Plage de Piantarella to some splendid golf courses, as well as boat trips to the offshore Archipel des Lavezzi island group.

Carnac

Carnac, on the south coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biscay, is one of Brittany's most trendy vacation resorts. The family-friendly vacation resort of Carnac Plage is bright and breezy, sporting a sand-duned peninsula, a lovely stretch of beach, plenty of entertainment and various fun in the sun facilities. Ironically, Carnac is located alongside one of Europe's most important, ancient and mysterious archaeological sites; just north of the seaside town, hundreds of massive standing stones, even older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt, are aligned in rows in a field, their original purpose unknown. The nearby Musée de Préhistoire complements these fascinating relics with displays of collections dating as far back as 450,000 BC.

Dinard

Opposite St Malo, sitting atop a rocky headland above the Rance, Dinard was a popular vacation spot with the British in Edwardian times; they still visit today for the bracing sea air and a stroll along the promenade. The seafront is lined with Victorian buildings, which ensure the town still retains its elegant and sedate old world character. The main Dinard beach is La Grande Plage, a strip of sand between the two peninsulas that define the edges of the old town. It is popular with families on vacation here and is crowded on hot days. Smaller and more isolated is Plage de St-Enogat, a 20-minute walk east through the village of St-Enogat, or Plage du Prieuré, just a 10-minute walk from Dinard. There is a great difference between high and low tides, and swimming pools along the Grand Plage and the Plage du Prieuré beaches catch seawater during high tides for those who opt not to make the trek along the salt flats during low tides to bathe in the sea.

Evian-les-Bains

Evian-les-Bains, on the southern end of Lake Geneva, is famous for its famous mineral waters, which have been bottled since the early 18th century. Many of the French have second homes in Évian, but visitors come to this chic vacation resort principally to enjoy the creature comforts and spa facilities of the deluxe Evian-les-Bains hotels.

La Baule

Just west of Nantes, La Baule is Brittany's most fashionable and expensive vacation resort. Like most Breton seaside towns, it was the Victorians that first flocked here to play and promenade in the balmy air. Today La Baule is favored by the French rather than foreigners, a popular vacation destination for the Parisian upper-middle-class when they need to unwind. La Baule's inviting five mile (8km) stretch of white sandy beach provides the perfect place to acquire a summer tan and show off designer beachwear while frolicking in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. The town itself provides the other holiday necessities: a casino, plenty of shops and boutiques, and some excellent bars and restaurants.

Lourdes

Not strictly Basque country, but part of the nearby Bigorre region, the town of Lourdes is situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées and has been one of the great Roman Catholic pilgrimages since the Virgin Mary allegedly revealed herself to a shepherd girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858. Over five million pilgrims visit the town each year, particularly in August, from the Catholic nobility to the poverty-stricken sick and ailing.

Pilgrims are sometimes offended by the commercialization of the shrine (there is a very good trade in candles and Lourdes water) but miracle cures have been documented by the church so it can be assumed this exploitation does not affect the healing properties of the spring in which the afflicted bathe in a grotto. The Virgin is said to have appeared 18 times at the Grotto of Massabielle and mass takes place here every day.

Lourdes itself is ancient and includes several sights of interest for vacation visitors. The Fortified Castle was successively a military fortress, a state prison and, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the residence of the counts of Bigorre. There are wonderful panoramic views of Lourdes town and the sanctuary from high on the fortifications. Since 1921 the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen, which exhibits the art, traditions and history of the Pyrénées.

There are some interesting churches to see while on vacation in this religious town. The Upper Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1854; the inside is as impressive as the magnificent exterior. The oval Basilica of Pius X is one of the world's largest churches, its underground chamber can hold as many as 20,000 people. Mass is held in six languages, including English, every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.30pm from April to October. The Musée Ste-Bernadette is nearby, as is the house where Bernadette was born which, along with the home of her parents, has become a shrine.

Nantes

Attractively situated on islands in the estuary of France's mighty Loire River, the solid city of Nantes exudes an air of importance and historical significance, an interesting vacation destination. Although not officially part of Brittany any longer, Nantes has always been regarded as the Breton commercial and maritime center, once a springboard for exciting colonial expeditions, shipbuilding and trading. Today Nantes remains a wealthy industrial port, its architectural heritage reflecting its past achievements, from the medieval remnants in the narrow streets of pedestrianized Bouffay, near the castle of the Ducs de Bretagne, to the magnificent stained-glass windows of its impressive cathedral. The city also has some good museums including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a fine collection of sculpture and paintings from the 12th to 19th centuries, and Musée de Jules Verne contains memorabilia of the famous futuristic novelist, who was born in Nantes.

Orléans

At one time the second most important city in France after Paris, Orléans is today a modest and attractive city well worth a day visit to explore its cobbled streets. Chief attractions are the magnificent neo-Gothic Orléans Cathedral, the House of Joan of Arc, and the ornately decorated Hotel de Ville. Orléans' long history stretches to a time before the Romans but its most famous event was Joan of Arc's deliverance of the city from the English in 1429. The occasion is commemorated most fervently with Joan of Arc Day celebrated each year on the 8th of May, when Orléans makes merry with lively street parades in medieval style.

Pau

The popular vacation destination of Pau is situated 50 miles (80km) inland, high above the Gave de Pau River, and is a good base from which to explore the Pyrénées and the picturesque little villages of the Bearn region. This year-round vacation resort was frequented by the English in the early 19th century (at one time 20 percent of the population was from England) and many customs were imported from across the Channel to become entrenched, including fox hunting and afternoon tea. Pau is home to 85,000 people and is the most cosmopolitan city in the western Pyrénées. While on vacation, panoramic views can best be enjoyed when strolling along the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Worthy Pau sightseeing excursions include the 12th century Chateau de Pau, containing some interesting contemporary artifacts including a crib fashioned from a single tortoise shell. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is worth a peek with a collection of European paintings by the likes of El Greco, Degas, Zurbaran and Boudin. The people of the Pau and Bearn region are very proud of their language (a variation of Occitan) and heritage and have indulged in friendly rivalry with the Basques of Bayonne for centuries.

Porto

The small seaside vacation resort of Porto is watched over by the 16th-century Genoese Tower standing guard over the fishing harbor, and although crowded in summer, retains a certain charm. While on vacation, Porto is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and spectacular coastline. The Gorges de Spelunca, a spectacular ravine, is popular for its rocky pools, Genoese bridges and hiking opportunities, while the Forêt d'Aïtone is one of the island's most beautiful forests, with waterfalls and numerous walking trails.

Quimper

Quimper, Brittany's oldest city, beckons those who need nothing more from a holiday than cobbled streets to wander through, a lazy river to cruise gently down or a wide selection of cafés and bars to sample. The idyllic vacation town of Quimper, spread around the junction of the Steir and Odet Rivers on the western edge of Brittany, serves the purpose well. Fortunately Quimper was spared the bombs of WWII and has escaped too much modern development, so the medieval character remains intact with old buildings overhanging narrow lanes and footbridges. If you can bestir yourself to investigate the local interests take a tour of one of the pottery studios that has been turning out internationally renowned Quimperware for centuries.

Rouen

The capital of Normandy and a popular vacation destination, Rouen is also a center of industry and commerce; it is the fifth largest port in France and the closest one to Paris, split into a right and left bank area by the River Seine.

Rouen is also one of France's most historic cities; William the Conqueror died here in 1087 and in 1431 it was the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake in the Place du Vieux-Marché (the Old Marketplace); the position is still marked by a huge bronze cross and worth visiting while on vacation.

Allied bombing largely destroyed the cityof Rouen; all of its bridges and many of its great churches were ruined. However, substantial investment has been focused on restoring parts of the city to its former medieval glory. The great Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalized by Monet, remained fairly unscathed and is well worth a visit for its wonderful stonework.

An especially interesting Rouen vacation attraction is the Chapelle de la Vierge, where the heart of Richard the Lion-Heart is entombed as a token of his affection for the people of Rouen. The chapel also contains the Renaissance tombs of the cardinals d'Amboise.

Dozens of churches and some fine museums can be explored including the Musée des Beaux-Art, which is one of France's best provincial museums and includes the works of great French artists such as Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Fragonard and Monet (including several versions of his Rouen Cathedral).

Tours

Located at the junction of the Loire and the Cher Rivers, the vacation destination of Tours is a great base for exploring the valley. The town was badly bombed during the last war and many buildings were replaced with ugly apartment blocks. Tours is, however, surrounded by magnificent châteaux and is a fun place to spend the evenings; the streets and bars are filled with locals and tourists and the huge student population adds to the vibrancy. Within the city the Cathedral is worth a visit while on vacation. Its flamboyant Gothic façade is flanked by towers dating from the 12th century, inside are some glorious 13th-century stained-glass windows and the handsome 16th-century tomb of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's two children. There is also a fine provincial museum in Tours, in the Palais des Archevêques, with a number of Old Masters works' including those by Degas, Delacroix, Rembrandt, and Boucher.

Briançon

Perched among the French Alps, Briançon is the highest town in Europe. The town is divided into the lower town, where the Durance and Guisane rivers meet and much of the modern amenities lie; and the walled and fortified upper town, which was built in the 17th century to defend the town from Austria and so contains the most interesting sights. Briançon is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Part of the massive Serre-Chevalier ski area, which also includes Saint-Chaffrey, La Salle le Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains, it enjoys up to 300 days of sunshine per year. But the town is a popular tourist area in summer as well, drawing visitors to see its citadelle, forts, and sundials, as well as to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. Briançon is also the site of one of the most thrilling stages of the Tour de France. Situated only six miles (10km) from the Italian border, Briançon has a distinctly Italian feel compared to other towns in Provence. There are a number of good pizzerias but few French restaurants, and some lively bars.

Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou is an historical themepark in western France, attracting over 1.5 million visitors a year, making it the second most popular paid attraction in the country. The experience is akin to being on a giant interactive movie set as different historical scenes are played out with considerable exuberance by a large a cast of actors against very realistic and impressive sets. There are five thrilling attractions, or perhaps more accurately, performances, including The Vikings and Richelieu's Musketeers, each lasting around 40 minutes.

In the evening during peak season, the Cinescene historical extravaganza is held on reputedly the largest stage in the world, with over 1,000 actors, hundreds of horses and great volleys of fireworks. The children especially will be spellbound. The park is set in gorgeous woodlands, and has 25 restaurants, 3 hotels and plenty of other amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Performances are in French so English-language translation headsets should be reserved in advance if required.

Cite De L'espace

This theme park in Toulouse has its head firmly in the clouds, dedicating its 8.6 acres (3.5 hectares) to celebrating flight and outer space. Children will love exploring full-scale models of rockets and space stations, and teens will enjoy the feeling of anti-gravity in the Gyro simulator. There's a moon-walk simulator; and the enormous planetarium, IMAX theater, and Terradome show educational films about space flight and the history of the universe. The park is located on the outskirts of the city, and is a great activity for children in Toulouse.

St Sernin Basilica

Of the many beautiful buildings in Toulouse, the St Sernin Basilica is one that should not be missed. The church, built from the area's distinctive rose-colored bricks, is the largest Romanesque church in Europe and contains many beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The Basilica was built around 1100, and contains many relics, as well as the graves of Saint Saturnin and Saint Honoratus. There are free guided tours on weekends, conducted in French only.