Chenonceau Castle
Most people start in Paris, as well they should. It is home to so many leading world historic sites that it is a challenge to see them all, and it is also a city that is just plain made for walking around and soaking up the atmosphere. Among the most famous landmarks in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the Picasso Museum, and more. Each of these locations can easily occupy several hours to a day or more, so be sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy them without feeling rushed to get on to the next location.
After you have seen the traditional tourist locations of Paris, plan to spend some time getting to know this charming city in greater depth. Walk along the Seine, visit the many beautiful city squares, stroll through the lush, green parks, or visit the many open markets where you can find everything from fresh foods to flowers to artwork to clothing and more. Of course you must stop at least once in one of the many outdoor cafés that abound in Paris, to enjoy a fresh pastry, a cup of delicious French coffee, and taking in the fresh feel of the outdoors as you sit and sip and relax.
Brantome
The restaurants in Paris are astounding, with some of the very best in the world located in the city. If fine dining is your preference there are three, four, and five star establishments to choose from, but if something more intimate and affordable is more to your liking then look for a small bistro located in a central part of nearly every neighbourhood. It has been said that you can eat your way through Paris, and it really is true!
When you are ready to get out of Paris and see more of the country of France, you have numerous excellent choices to consider. The French Riviera is famous for its luxurious beaches and active social scene in places such as Cannes. Nice is another terrific stop to consider, with its charming markets, historic buildings, and excellent art museums.
Provence is another enjoyable part of France, where you can spend time in Aix, Arles, St. Remy, and Orange. The weather is generally quite sunny and beautiful, making Provence an excellent choice for spending at least part of your vacation. If you really want to get a feel for the French countryside, however, head for some of the less heavily travelled areas such as Perigord, where you will find ancient cave paintings; the Loire Valley, where you can enjoy many famed French chateaus; the vineyards and wines of Bordeaux or Burgundy; or the Aquitaine, where you will find some of Europe's most fascinating churches from medieval times as well as reminders of the times when Romans ruled the French lands.
Valentré bridge
For many people, a single vacation in France is simply not enough. There is so much culture and history and beauty to absorb that it is impossible to fully experience this wonderful country in the short time frame of just one vacation. It is sometimes said that visitors quickly form a love affair with France, bringing them back for more time and time again. There are very good reasons for this kind of attraction to vacationing in France, so don't try to discount the tremendous value and enjoyment that is possible from visiting France multiple times. Each time you will discover something new and amazing, making it an exceptional choice for your vacation or holiday.
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