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Cannes is a truly amazing city situated on French Riviera. It is quite popular for the Cannes Film Festival which takes place every year in May. Cannes is also one of the most popular tourist destinations on Europe. Cannes has a lot of things to offer to its visitors as there are so many places that a tourist can visit. The amazing tourist attractions, great weather, museums and the lovely Mediterranean beaches are worth visiting.

The most popular activities in which people can participate in include swimming, sailing, arts events and shopping. There are many art events which usually take place in the Festival and Congress Centre. The lovely parks and castle makes Cannes really amazing. People who wish to stay at the beachside have the option of booking hotels which are closer to the beach.

The most popular places of interest in Cannes include La Croisette which features beaches, world class resorts, cafes, resorts and designer boutiques. This is a very popular place for celebrities who come for the International Film Festival every year in May.

La Suquet is another popular place. It is the Old Town and is built on what used to be a Roman military camp before. The Old Town is the highest point of the city where tourists can still find remains of Chapel of St Anne from the twelfth century. The Musee de la Castre is a Museum which has a good collection of paintings made by local artists portraying exclusive images of the city of Cannes. Other places which are worth visiting include St marguerite Island, St Honorat Island, Villas of Cannes and Notre dame de Bon Voyage.

Two of the most traveled to destinations in the world are France and Italy. Often time people find themselves eager to take a vacation and just get away from it all but they are caught up in the decision of whether they should head to France or Italy. Of course Italy has the delicious food and a lot of tourist attractions, but there are some great reasons as to why France is a better travel destination than Italy.

Romance
One of the first things that come to mind when you think about France is romance. Think Sleepless in Seattle, and it is not surprising why people picture true romance when they head to France for a nice getaway. Especially if you are planning for your honeymoon or just for a nice getaway with that special someone, France is the place to go.

There are so many wonderful things that you can do as a couple here, and the atmosphere and environment is just perfect for this type of experience.

Monuments
Another of the reasons that France is a better travel destination than Italy is because there are so many world famous monuments that you can check out in person. These are attractions that draw in millions of travelers each and every year. Sure you can see them in pictures and hear about them from others who have visited, but there is nothing that compares to seeing them up close in person.

Rolling Hills and Lush Landscapes
Besides the gorgeous monuments that are located in France, there are also some breathtaking sights of scenery. The rolling hills and lush landscapes are another of the main features that draw people to the country, and the eastern part of France in particular is full of these gorgeous and picturesque views. Alsace, Lorraine, Franche Comte and Burgundy regions are all lovely places that one can visit when they travel to France.

Paris
Of course we can not forget about Paris. This is the most visited city in all of France and for good reason. It is actually one of the most visited cities in the world, because it has so much to offer and is so popular. It is the site of some of the most memorable television shows and movies and truly the most romantic place in the world. Paris is so fascinating and has so much to showcase to travelers that come by this way. It is known as the City of Light and is home to the infamous Eiffel Tower.

There are various different tourism and information offices that are located around Paris because of the large majority of tourists who travel this way, and so you know that you will never have to worry about getting lost. They will always be there to offer you any information and advice that you may need on how to get around the area and what different things you can do. If you ever need help making it to a restroom or nearby restaurant, they will guide you.

France is the most visited country in the world and it is definitely easy to see why. There is so much to see and so many great things to do here that there is no way that you would ever get bored or not enjoy yourself. From the beautiful beaches to the entertaining nightlife, the romantic scenery to more monuments than in any other country, this is a very pleasant place to stay and so France is one country that should be right at the top of your list when you are trying to decide on a place to travel to on your next getaway.

Why would you want to spend your whole day on a plane, most of the time you are above the clouds and can’t see the land beneath, that’s when it is land of course and not some great big expanse of water.

You can drive from the channel ports to the South of France, it will only take you around 9 hours and you can very easily turn that part of the journey into a sightseeing adventure and an enjoyable part of your holiday, especially if you maybe do a stopover for one or two nights.

There are plenty of motels or Logis de France hotels on route that would be more than happy to put you up for a night or two at very affordable prices some starting as low as EUR32 for a twin room, or you could elect to do a bit of camping on route, even nicer if you know when you get to your destination that you have organised somewhere really comfortable to stay.

Once in the South of France you will find many options for very affordable accommodation, there are Chambre d’hote’s, self catering gites, an abundance of hotels or camping as an option and all this for the most part in a Mediterranean climate. Certainly that is true for Languedoc Roussillon, Provence and the Cote d’Azure even if it is not strictly true of the Limousin which is a little further north, but its still a very pleasant climate in this region as well at the right time of year.

Driving to the South of France is a wonderful way to see the country and experience some of the fantastic scenery on offer and of course you can elect to stay in or near to some of the beautiful cities both on route or at your destination.

Also you can of course decide how far down you want to drive, if 9 hours of driving (remembering you can split this up) is not to your liking then you don’t need to go so far South you could perhaps stay north of Paris, or a little south of Paris especially if you are not a dedicated sun worshiper and you are not necessarily seeking the heat of a Mediterranean sun. The benefit of staying close to Paris is that you can usually get readily available train links into the French capital and go visit without running the gauntlet of the Arc de Triomphe, OK I admit it not everywhere is good for self drive and a 6 lane roundabout is not for the faint hearted.

Some lovely locations to visit traveling North to South:

Senlis
Paris
Orleons
Limoges
Cahors
Toulouse
Monticoux
Bruniquel
Castelnau-de-Montmiral

Once you are this far south then there are loads of further options, Carcassonne is pretty special as are Montpellier, Nimes, Narbonne, Beziers, Perpignan and many more. All fabulous in their own right.

So don’t waste your day on an airplane, turn the time into an adventure and make your traveling time an enjoyable experience.

The French Independence Day, more popularly known as Bastille Day, is celebrated every July 14. It is a national holiday in France, and it honors the storming of the Bastille by the French people during 1789, which instigated the French Revolution. Ideally, celebrating Bastille Day should be done in Paris, and many people of French descent make an annual pilgrimage to the city to join the festivities. However, if this is not possible for you, there are still other ways for you to celebrate La Fete Nationale within the comforts of your own home or even your own town.

o If you can actually go to Paris and celebrate Bastille Day there, you can attend the Fete de la Federation Feast and take part in its numerous activities. There will also be various military parades and grand parties in the city, so it is best to go there ahead of time. Don’t forget to book your hotel in advance as thousands of travelers flock Paris during this time.

o Throw a Bastille Day celebration in your own home and invite friends and family to join in on the fun. Put up a French flag, prepare French delicacies, and play French music. There are recipes online for cooking French fare such as pates, escargot, and foie gras. Make a toast to France by using French champagne and wine. You can even ask your guests to dress as their favorite French icon.

o If cooking is not your thing and you want to avoid the work involved in throwing a party, you can still have the French experience by dining in a local French restaurant. Make reservations on Bastille Day and celebrate July 14 with other guests. Most French restaurants will have a special gathering on that day, and you can honor your heritage by sampling various French cuisines and participating in wine tastings. This is also a good way of meeting locals that like you are of French descent, as well.

o Go to a local music festival or a Fete de la Musique where symphony orchestras will be performing music from French composers such as Debussy, Berlioz, and Ravel. Famous artists such as Edith Piaf and Jacques Brell may have their own tributes in smaller venues.

o Instead of having a big party, you can also pay tribute to France by holding a film festival in your home. Show movies by auteurs such as Francois Truffaut, Jean Luc-Godard, and Jean Renoir.

France is a very popular destination for a self catering cottage and villa break. Getting to France from the UK is a simple, quick, and relatively cheap journey. There are a whole host of areas in France for you to pick; each with its own culture and holiday experience.

Northern France is easy to get to by ferry from the UK port of Dover – or via the channel tunnel. Normandy, Picardy, Flanders and Artois are the areas which make up Northern France; these areas are well known for the fighting which took place here in the first and second world wars – and make Northern France an excellent destination to take in some modern history.

Britanny, in North West France is one of the most popular areas of France for tourists from the UK. It is easily accessible from England by ferry, and is a great region to explore the traditions of France – while enjoying some of that French food and wine.

Dordogne in the centre of France has fabulous scenery – from deep gorges through to open countryside. If you want to experience some of the true French culture, Dordogne is the place to visit.

Loire is also in the heart of France, and is known as the “garden of France” – which will mean you get to experience some truly delightful culinary experiences.

Languedoc, in the south of France, is the place to come for wine lovers as there are plenty of Vineyards to explore. Take in medieval villages, marvellous local produce – including cheese and wine – or walk near the ancient Canal du Midi.

Provence is positioned to the South East of France, and is well known for the warm weather you get in this part of the world. Provence is a mixture of unspoilt villages, and high glamour of the coastal resorts.

All the areas in France are well served by self catering holiday accommodation. Whatever type of break you want – France is sure to have something to offer.

Brittany (or Breton Breiz, or Bretagne) region is located in NW France. It is a peninsula between the English Channel (on the North side) and the Bay of Biscay (South side) and comprises four departments (like counties in the UK): Finistere, Morbihan, Cotes-d’Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine. Historically the duchy and province of Brittany also included the Loire-Atlantique dept.

Brittany is the most popular summer holiday destination in France, next to the Côte d’Azur, for both French and foreign visitors. The coast, particularly at the western tip, is craggy and rocky, with natural harbours and numerous small islands. With over 2800km of stunning rugged coastlines along the English Channel sea in the north and the Atlantic ocean on the west, Brittany is an enchanting region rich with Celtic historical traditions that will lead you to beautiful countryside of apple orchards and ancient forests with medieval towns and multitude of fishing harbours dotting its coastline. Important rivers include the Odet and Vilaine.

Brittany and the Breton people have retained many old customs and traditions. Breton, their Celtic language (akin to Welsh), is spoken in traditionalist Lower Brittany outside the cities. A region of legends, traditions and religious beliefs that remain strong still to this day. Brittany is one of the six Celtic nations. It was at one time called “Lesser Britain”. If you want to see the real Breizh (Brittany) then you must go to the west of the region, around Kemper (Quimper), Karaez-Plouger (Carhaix-Plouguer). This is where you will find the real Breton people, who will tell you about their myths & legends, share their culture, show you their historical relics. This is a place of beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, standing stones and amazing food.

So, typical food fare in Brittany: artichoke, a real French bread stick, Normandy butter and a local Camembert, followed by big juicy peaches! The langoustines and fish soup take some beating too.

If you want to visit: Brittany is a part of France that is easy to reach.

Flying:
Travellers from the British Isles who don’t want to drive can fly to a choice of destinations in or near Brittany. With airports at Lorient, Brest, Dinard/St Malo and Rennes.

Ferry:
If you want to travel to Brittany by car, there are ferry crossings that will take you straight to Brittany, to minimise driving once you disembark.

Road:
The alternative solution is to take a short Channel crossing from Dover, then follow France’s northern coastal motorway via Boulogne and Le Havre. Brittany is very well served by motorways and dual carriageways.

Train:
The most convenient means of travelling by train from London to Brittany is to take the Eurostar and change at Lille; this avoids having to change stations in Paris.

While many French regions will claim their cuisine is the finest in France, there’s something about Provence and the Cote d’Azur that gives it an edge. Almost certainly the climate plays a part, for who can resist sitting outside a Provencal restaurant and eating a selection of the region’s famed dishes. Shopping in the local markets is an experience too. One of the most famous, the Cours Saleya market in NIce, for example, is an experience that will delight any lover of fine food.

A short city break in Nice offers so many culinary delights that it’s worth a trip at any time of the year, although August does find the city so packed that the best restaurants may be difficult to get into. August is famously the time the French enjoy a month of relaxation, although the traffic, noise and bustle makes Nice somewhat less relaxing than normal.

Cheap flights to Nice make it a very easy to get to while the superb French railway network, with half a dozen fast trains a day from Paris, mean you can enjoy Nice without having to fly. There’s probably a wider choice of hotels and apartments than any French city, with the sole exception of Paris. And while Paris may have now installed its artificial beach on the banks of the Seine, it cannot compare with the delights of Nice’s beach and the Promenade des Anglais.

Eating on the beach can be a delight too. Many of the ‘private’ beaches not only offer the comfort of an umbrella and pair of sunbeds, their restaurant would put many city centre establishments elsewhere to shame. They are not cheap, but for sheer pleasure, sitting on the beach, sipping a chilled Provencal rosé wine and feasting on top quality food takes some beating. And afterwards you can be back on to your sunbed, relaxing, and then slipping into the water for a cooling swim.

Enjoying ‘Nicoise’ specialties can start at breakfast each day. Socca is an institution, and for football fans from the States, this particular ‘Socca’ has nothing to do with the ‘beautiful game’! It’s a flat pancake made of chickpea flour and has been the local artisans way to start the day for generations.

While aoili, Salade Nicoise, bouiilabaisse and stuffed peppers are important in the local cuisine, there’s much else to explore. Tripe is a local delicacy while an alternative to a fish soup is Soupe au Pistou. It’s very much like a minestrone with an added sauce featuring basil, oil, cheese and garlic, a little like the more famous ‘pesto’ from along the coast in Liguria, Italy.

Indeed, Italian favourites are everywhere in Nice. Not only is the city a short train journey away from the border, but Nice was for a long time part of Italy – albeit Piedmont as the Italian state was only a twinkle in Garibaldi’s eye when the locals voted to be part of France in 1860.

Pizza and pasta is everywhere. You’ll find some lovely small shops making and selling pasta in hundreds of varieties in the Old Town and elsewhere in the city. If you are self-catering, it’s an ideal way to produce a fine meal, perhaps followed by a fresh fish from the many stalls surrounding the Cours Saleya.

Eating out offers a bewildering choice to suit all pockets in Nice. The restaurants around the market and in the Old Town have great character, and some wonderful food. You can find restaurants offering a range of Nicoise specialties while others cater for cuisines from elsewhere in France. Inevitably, food from around the world, including Vietnam, China, Thailand, Mexico and Japan, is now available too.

So, if you want to enjoy a perfect break with excellent food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, put Nice on your list of favourite cities. The combination of sun, beach, local cuisine and culture really do take some beating.

France is the largest state of Europe. There are many sightseeing towns nearby France that are tourists’ attractions all year round. France being one of the most powerful countries, largely depends on its tourism industry. Below is a description from Hotels Fairy, about hotels in Troyes, Eguisheim and Provins which will help you in guiding your journey to the medieval towns in France.

Troyes Hotels:

Troyes hotels are known for their peaceful atmosphere that they have to offer. We give you a brief description about two of the Troyes Hotels;

Best Western De La Poste Hotel Troyes

This hotel is located in the heart of the historical town of Troyes and holds a three star rating. The overall environment of the hotel is equipped with comfort and peace. There are various facilities including 32 well furnished rooms, a mini bar, Wi-Fi access, pet care and delicious cuisine. Per night fare starts from £58.

Hotel Mercure Troyes Centre

The hotel holds a four star rating and is beautifully done with a traditional interior welcoming all of its guests. The location of this hotel is ideal for the tourists as it is located in the town’s centre and nearly all the tourists’ attractions like cinemas, theatres and shopping areas are within reach. General facilities include air conditioned rooms, car parking facility, and pet care.

Eguisheim Hotels:

A brief follow up of two of the Enguiseim hotels is as follows:

Hotel Saint Hubert Eguisheim

This hotel is located in Enguisheim, one of the most visited towns of France. The rooms are all well equipped with general facilities like ironing boards, air conditioners and Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers around town facilities like bike rentals and tours. Other facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and non-smoking rooms.

Residence Pierre & Vacances Le Clos D’eguisheim

Central location of this hotel makes it equally favourable for both tourists and people belonging to the corporate sector. The hotel holds a three star rating and is well equipped with all the modern day facilities like pet care, swimming pools and vigilant room service.

Provins Hotels:

Most of the Provins hotels are luxury hotels. The town as beautiful as Provins demand a relaxed accommodation and Provins hotels provide that up to the mark. Two of the hotels are mentioned below;

Hostellerie Aux Vieux Remparts Hotel Provins

The site of UNESCO world heritage makes all the Provins hotels famous and thus gathers tourists from every corner of the world. The hotel is located in the town centre and therefore, major tourists’ attractions like Roman House and the Cesar tower are fairly accessible from it. General facilities include car parking, pet care, international and continental gourmet. Per night fare starts from £119.

Ibis Provins

This hotel is not so luxurious but maintains the standards of providing comfort to the guests at its best. Great locations like Ville Haute are just a walking distance away. Among the facilities are pet keeping, car parking, internet access, dine in and a bar.

A holiday in France takes you to one of the most popular places on earth. The population is around 70 million but every year French tourism doubles that number! That being the case you might think the place was pretty busy but although like any destination there are many hot spots, there are also places you can go to get a bit of peace and quiet.

As with anywhere, the coast is very popular. From the rugged north with it’s volatile Atlantic coastline to the calm and hot Mediterranean, there are fabulous and evocative places to visit but in peak season you would have to say they do get crowded. In places like Nice and Cannes you would be lucky to find somewhere to park your car if you wait all day!

So if you want some peace and quiet, a more refined vacation while at the same time getting the flavor of “real” France, head for the Loire valley. The Loire in France is actually the largest river. People tend to think it’s the Seine because it passes through Paris but it’s the Loire which is the bigger, 629 miles long in total. The Loire (not to be confused with the much smaller Loir) rises in the south east and travels all the way to the Atlantic coast in the west.

One of the great attractions for Loire valley tourism are the many chateaux. So many in fact that it has been called “the valley of the kings”. From the huge ruin at Angers to the remarkable “hunting lodge” at Chambord there is a fascinating historical trail. Some of them may be past their best but even so they are places of amazing character. Loches and Chinon in particular are “must sees”. Others are beautifully restored and you can see examples of art and furniture from a bygone era. Chenonceau is actually built half way across the river like some magnificent bridge, and in one leg of the bridge are the kitchens!

Of course a holiday in France would have to take in a wine region or two and once again you will find a huge variety. In the west the Loire valley wines offer whites and reds but it is perhaps the Rose D’Anjou which is best known. Those with a sweet tooth should also investigate the Coteau Du Layon. As you move east you go through the Touraine region and on to the tiny but impressive Reuilly and the even smaller Quincy (one of France’s oldest wine regions where they are only allowed to make white wine). Moving north east you have Menetou Salon and Sancerre, south you descend towards the Rhone.

This is not a region of funfairs and theme parks, it’s largely farmland with gently rolling hills, vineyards, the occasional chateau and of course a fair sprinkling of very nice restaurants. If you are looking for the crowds, go to the coast, if you are looking for a holiday in France that’s full of atmosphere, history, great food and a slice of what France is really like, try the Loire valley.