Fabulous  France holidays

Is there anywhere quite like Paris? The ‘City of Light’ as it’s fondly known, is a global hub for art, fashion and food, where history hides behind every corner and sitting in a pavement café feels like stepping inside a film. Not forgetting, of course, this cultural hotspot’s iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower and Art de Triomphe are only the beginning of what you can see on our France tours. The art itself is just as iconic, especially the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, alongside a collection boasting Old Masters and ancient Egyptian mummies. Or you could plan your France holidays entirely around food. The country is world-renowned for its cuisine, and nowhere more so than Paris – from crispy baguettes and pastries straight from the boulangerie oven to aromatic cheeses with fine wine, Michelin-starred meals and more.

France’s third city has made a name for itself as a gourmet destination, but there’s plenty to tempt visitors to Lyon. Situated where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an eye-catching array of architectural styles, where Gothic, Italian and French Renaissance buildings rub shoulders with narrow passageways and Roman ruins to create Lyon’s uniquely colourful mix. After marvelling at the glinting white towers of the Fourviere Basilica, travel further back in time to explore the 2,000-year-old Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, which once held 10,000 spectators and still hosts one of the city’s annual festivals. Then refuel over some of Lyon’s culinary specialities, grazing at market stalls or indulging at Michelin-starred restaurants.

If Lyon is famous for its food, Bordeaux can claim the accolade of world capital of wine. Another World Heritage site, you’ll find boutiques and bars in the city’s Golden Triangle district, while the rejuvenated waterfront area is packed with gardens and hip hangouts, where you can enjoy a glass (or two) of local wine by the banks of the river Garonne. The Cite du Vin is the unmissable highlight of any France touring holidays in this region, transporting you virtually to local vineyards, taking you on a journey through the history of wine, plus plenty of tastings and a shop with 800 different bottles to buy. It’s easy to include a visit to some of the nearby winemakers too, or discover the city’s artistic side, including the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art.

Close to the border with Germany, a visit to Strasbourg shows off another side to the country if you’re looking for France holidays with a difference. Set on the Rhine, it’s easy to explore as part of a river cruise, on one of our France escorted tours. Don’t miss the imposing Gothic cathedral, with its astrological clock, and the medieval charm of the ‘Petite France’ quarter, once the district of tanneries and mills, now a picturesque jumble of half-timbered houses lining the canal. One of the best times to visit Strasbourg is during winter, when France’s oldest Christmas market take place, showcasing local products on its traditional stalls.