France travel

You might come here just for the pleasures of the palate, from Saint-Émilion to Sauternes in the Bordeaux region, Arcachon Bay oysters, Landes foie gras, and Bayonne ham – vegans will be tempted by Itsatsu’s small cherry jams, Espelette peppers, or the black and white allure of truffles. Or you may come for the sea: the rugged coastline of the Biarritz region, the endless beach of the Côte d'Argent, with waves for surfing, and the tranquil waters of Arcachon Bay. Come for the mountains, for hiking in summer, skiing in winter, the red and white villages of the Basque Country, come for the Landes forest and its scent of resin. You will form lasting memories of the people, perhaps rugby, perhaps the ferias, and certainly the cheerful accents that sing under the sun. Discover all of our travel inspiration for Aquitaine and the south-west of France.

Travel to Corsica, for it has always been the Isle of Beauty. The Greeks already called it Kallisté, “the most beautiful”, because that is what they believed, and perhaps to try and win its favour. It is a lost cause, Corsica cannot be tamed. It hits you like a slap and then reveals its gentleness, sometimes like a gift. She delights in mixing things up, offering us rocks with Seychellois hints, turquoise lakes nestled in arid mountains, coves for losing yourself in solitude, bars for meeting, smiling and talking, and wild boar charcuterie, pungent cheese, and vibrant wine.

Travelling in the Alps The star is Mont Blanc, which towers over the region at 4,810 metres (15,780 feet). And yes, since we left school, its summit has grown, and it is moving east, quite quickly for a mountain: it has shifted 34 metres (111 feet) in 15 years. Only true athletes will be able to climb it all the way to the top. But all around, what a wonder! Nature revels here, from Vanoise National Park to the luminous Lake Annecy, from the Route des Grandes Alpes to the Aiguille du Midi. A journey to the Alps to breathe deeply, ski, snowboard or wander off the beaten track, and then recharge in one of the wellness spas in Uriage or Aix-les-Bains. Make up for lost calories by enjoying a raclette or French pillow pastry tourtons with a Savoie wine. And fall asleep under the stars. Discover all of our travel inspiration for the Alps.

A stay on the Côte d’Azur... Heading for the sun. Here, the light, the softness of the stone, and the blue of the sea and sky all invite you to enjoy the dolce vita. Italy is very close, in geography as well as history. Tasting a socca in the old streets of Nice. Head to the Cocteau Chapel in Villefranche-sur-Mer after browsing the charming flea market on the square by the water. Let yourself be intoxicated by fragrances in Grasse. Walking in the hinterland. Admire the current exhibition at the Maeght Foundation, where modern art blends into the gardens. Listening to jazz outdoors, in a setting reminiscent of a Roman theatre. Spend a night at the Martinez. Recharge your batteries on the Côte d’Azur. Discover all of our travel inspiration for the Côte d’Azur.

Brave the waves at Île aux Vaches to surf in Finistère, and feel as if you are in the Seychelles as you gaze at the turquoise waters of Paimpol Bay. Hunt for witches in the mossy undergrowth of the Brocéliande Forest, then return to the Archangel’s domain by climbing Mont Saint-Michel. Discover the lands of Christian Dior in Granville, walk in the footsteps of Marguerite Duras in Trouville, and take to the sea in Saint-Malo, following in the wake of Robert Surcouf. Waking up early in the morning and witnessing a living Monet painting before the cliffs of Étretat. Looking out towards the New World from the tip of France, at the Nividic lighthouse on the western side of Ushant. Get a taste for some of the many facets of Normandy and Brittany. Discover all of our travel inspiration for Normandy and Brittany.

Get an energy boost in Marseille, have a drink overlooking the Old Port, climb up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, and see the exhibition at the Mucem. Turn your back on the Big City, take a trip to its rival sister, the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence, and understand the light of Cézanne. Join Van Gogh in Arles. Spend a few days in the tranquillity of the “Hôtel Particulier”, or in the vibrant, arty atmosphere of the “Cloître”, both of which are part of the heritage of patron Maja Hoffmann. Head up to the City of the Popes, electric during the festival, beautiful and peaceful at other times. Travel down the Verdon Gorges, take a dip in the crystal-clear blue waters of the Cassis Calanques. Bask in the sun. Returning home with your serotonin levels replenished. Discover all of our travel inspiration for Provence Méditerranée.