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From marvellous food to world renowned wine, rich history to rolling hills and chateaux's. Regional France has it all to offer.
Come and experience the best France has to offer – the chance to travel to other parts of France you may not have thought to visit.
Choose from visiting one of the worlds well known religious centres, or travel south to Avignon and enjoy the beautiful Rhône River and the 14th century Pope’s Palace. If wine and food is more you style then head to Bordeaux and taste what France is known for, or on a more serious note head north to Caen and the infamous landing beaches of Normandy.
Aix-en-Provence
Mediterranean cuisine and culture begins in Provence, a region of sun blue skies and small villages. Aix-en-Provence enjoys an exceptional setting, at the crossroads of numerous routes, it is in the midst of a beautiful touristic environment. Distinctly cultural and artistic, this town, known for its numerous fountains, has succeeded in harmoniously blending tradition with modern technology. Discover ancient parts of the city rich with antique monuments which attract thousands of visitors each year.
Avignon
An ancient Greek and Roman city, Avignon became in 1229 the City of the Popes, a major historical event, this was to be the starting point of a remarkable transformation. Avignon attracted many artists who would showcase their talents in various delightful ways such as paintings, architecture & sculptures. Surrounded by walls the inner city of Avignon is nowadays a popular tourist jaunt, walking the narrow streets you can discover magnificent churches, cathedrals, museums as well as luxury boutiques.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux lies along the Garonne River, just east of the wine growing district of Medoc. Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is a major cultural centre and contains 3 Unesco World Heritage Sites: The Saint-Andre Cathedral, The Saint-Seurin Basilica and the Saint-Michel Basilica which are all French pilgrim routes. Bordeaux has long been associated with the exceptional quality of its wine, which have left an indelible mark on the city with many sites devoted to the history, production and consumption of this wonderful local product.
Caen
Already an important place in the middle ages, the town of Caen was seized by William the Conqueror during the XIth century. In spite of severe destruction during the WWII bombings a number of ancient houses and buildings have remained, some of them dating back to the XIth century. Caen is also famous for its Museum of Peace (built in 1988), as well as the Museum of Normandy and Fine Arts. Caen is also the perfect base to discover the D-Day landing beaches and the infamous Military Cemetery at Colleville which houses almost 10,000 graves.
Cannes
Located at the foot of the Alps, the Riviera runs along the Mediterranean coast. Cannes is the “star” of the French Riviera, famous for the International Film Festival and the glitzy hotels, cars, beaches and famous visitors. It would be a shame to visit the south or France, without experiencing this unique city. The Old Town is clustered around the Le Suquet district, located on the slopes of Mont Chevalier. You must experience the 16-17th century Notre Dame de l’Esperance, built in the Provencal Gothic style and the famed Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with luxury hotels and private beaches.
Dijon
Burgundy considers itself the heart of France and the land of great art & good living ! A prosperous region with world renowned wine, excellent cuisine and architectural splendour. Dijon is the ancient and modern capital of Burgundy and is a splendid city rich in culture. Packed with great palaces such as the Duke’s Palace of the old Burgundian nobility as well as numerous collections of great paintings and sculptures in the many fine arts museums. Don’t miss the Museum of Burgundy wine. Dijon is also famous for its mustard the world over.
Lourdes
A natural frontier running from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the Pyrénées have outstanding, wild landscapes. The fortified town of Lourdes lies on both side of the Gave de Pau River. It was little more than a village until, in 1858, 14 yr old Bernadette Soubirous experienced visions. Bernadette’s visions were authenticated by Pope Pius IX, and Lourdes became a major religious shrine and pilgrimage centre. Today Lourdes experiences approximately 5 million visitors searching for a miracle cure each year.
Lyon
Lyon is positioned in the heart of the Rhône-Alps region, built on the banks of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers. A major city of culture and trading during the Renaissance, Lyon has developed into a European metropolis and is now included on the Unesco World Heritage list. Like its name “Capital of Gaul”, Lyon is the renowned capital of gastronomy, silk, printing, murals and lights. Two millennia have left their mark on Lyon: Fourviére with its Gallo-Roman ruins and the Renaissance district of Old Lyon.
Marseille
Located on the Golfe de Lyon, the port city of Marseille is the most populated city in France after Paris. Founded as a Greek settlement in the 7th century BC and later seized by the Romans, Marseille is a mix of cultures with close links to the Middle East and North Africa. While Marseille is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, the Vieux Port (old harbour) is a colourful place to people watch. Marseille is also the seafood capital, the most famous seafood dish of Marseille is Bouillabaisse known the world over.
Monte Carlo
Two words which evoke a magical dream world. Monte Carlo has an exceptional location, between the mountains and sea. Its gardens, glamour and cultural events make it an ideal destination for a romantic and unforgettable experience. The principality of Monaco began as a Greek settlement and was later taken by the Romans and purchased by the Grimaldi family in 1297 who are still in power today. Famous for it’s air of sophistication as well as its casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and the Palais du Prince.
Nice
Located at the Baie des Anges, 32 km from the Italian border is the resort town of Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. Sheltered by hills, Nice enjoys a pleasant climate which in addition to its museums and beaches, has attracted visitors for years. Nestled along the Côte d’Azur, Nice has a relaxing, luxurious and comfortable Mediterranean feel. Vieux Nice, the old town, is distinctly Italian in feel and lined with galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
Tours
The city of art and history, Tours enjoys an exceptional place at the centre of the famous Loire Valley, in the heart of the garden of France and is a natural starting ground for visiting the Royal Castles. Its attractions include the Place Plumereau which is Tours “atmospheric quarter”, set in the heart of the medieval city and is full of cafés, boutiques and galleries. The Cathedral St-Gatien which was constructed over a 300 yr period, is still truly impressive as are the stained glass windows. Tours is also where the purest French is spoken.
Traveller's Secrets
Where to Eat - Riviera Style
Gustave 5
3 Promenade des Anglais, Nice
Traditionally Mediterranean, in the cuisine and the décor with bright colours and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfectly positioned right on the Promenade des Anglais overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A must for all visitors to Nice.
Don Camillo
5 Rue des Ponchettes, Nice
One of Nice’s best restaurants, the Don Camillo offers a mix of gourmet French and Italian flavours. Chef Stéphane Viano priding himself on his fresh produce which is bought daily from the morning markets. Situated right near the Saleya Course and sea front this restaurant will not disappoint.
Saleya Course
Nice
A pedestrian area located in the Old Town just behind the Promenade des Anglais, the Saleya Course has a variety of restaurants for all tastes and flavours. Definitely worth a stroll along to find that special place for a romantic dinner or a lazy lunch.
Café Lenotre
63 Rue d’Antibes, Cannes
Contemporary and dedicated to gastronomy, you will not be disappointed with this dining choice. Warm colours and modern décor, along with an attractive and innovative menu are the main basis for this café.
Where to Shop - Riviera Style
Nice:
If you can drag yourself away from the Promenade des Anglais overlooking the Mediterranean long enough to venture into the back streets, you will find some great shopping. From fresh food and flower markets to very reasonably priced clothes and shoes, Nice is a place where you can very easily go a little crazy. Nice is also known for its beautiful tablecloths and materials which are very bright and vibrant in colour.
Cannes:
Overflowing with shopping options, if you cannot find it in Cannes, then it doesn’t exist. Walk along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette which oozes with designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Gucci, Prada and Armani just to name a few.
Behind the Boulevard de la Croisette is the boutique shopping area of Rue d’Antibes, with urban elegance, specialty food stores and shops, you can spend hours meandering along this street. Eventually you will come to the Rue Meynadier, a pedestrian shopping area with much more affordable prices, this is where you will find the locals and may even be able to pick up a bargain or two.
The Cannes shopping festival is a shopping event not to be missed, held every year in early January.
Monaco:
In the vicinity of the Prince’s Palace, the cathedral and Museum’s, over 50 diverse shops line the pedestrianised streets of this picturesque old town and are well worth a look.
Boulevard des Moulin and Boulevard d’Italie are an ideal area for shopping or just strolling around, with the variety of boutiques that line these famous boulevards you will be entertained for hours.
Le Métropole is one of the shopping centres of Monte Carlo, facing the Casino gardens it houses up to 80 boutiques. There is also Fontvielle shopping centre which is known for hi fi, music, furniture, sports goods as well as fashion.
The more upmarket boutiques of the “Golden Circle” and the “Galerie du Park Palace”, with top names in luxury can be found close to the Monte Carlo casino.
There are also many luxury boutiques that can be found on Avenue Princesse-Grace.
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