France

As our closest European neighbour, France is still one of the number one destinations for UK travellers. Whilst most holiday makers would simply flock to Paris in search of well known landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, France has so much more to offer than just the clichés!

Almost all regions of France have something different and interesting to discover – quaint villages, stunning scenery and ancient dwellings lost in the countryside. So get away from the crowds and embark on an adventure to uncover the real François!

Brittany

Brittany, in the North West of France, with its beautiful coastline, beaches, fishing villages and prehistoric towns is one of the most popular regions for visitors. Some of its towns such as Morlaix and Quimper provide a true insight into French life and culture. This part of the country is great for those looking for a chilled out break by the sea or casual walks amongst the winding French streets.

The Massif Central Region

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, head down to Auvergne in south central region of the Massif Central. This rugged, isolated part of France with its dramatic countryside and rocky gorges seems as though it has been lifted straight out of a film. It is perhaps best known for its forested volcanic landscape – the National Regional Park of the ‘Volcanoes of the Auvergne’.

This area is ideal for river and mountain activities where you could literally spend weeks trekking from one mountainous range to another. The ‘Great Outdoors’ can also be enjoyed in the Franche-Comte region of France on the border of Switzerland where the countryside transforms from the rolling hills of the French valleys, into a striking mountainous landscape heading towards the Alps. Most of this countryside is completely unspoiled and one of France’s biggest assets. A mix of forests and open country, broken up only by lakes and rivers, this region is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

Visit Paris

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should give Paris a miss altogether – instead make an effort to discover the true Parisian way of life rather than settling for the expensive ‘tourist traps’ that so many people fall into. The real Paris is rich and thriving with art, culture and culinary delights, with exciting markets and friendly locals always happy to point you in the right direction.

Food and Wine

No visit to France is complete without discovering whether the French claim to having the finest food in the world is really true! Again, head out of the main cities and find those authentic village restaurants and cafes to sample some of the local cuisine. You certainly won’t be stuck for what to order as the French are not known for their modesty and will soon pick out some of their ‘best bites’ for you to try.

Why not combine your French adventure with a culinary tour around its regions or better still a wine tour, visiting renowned vineyards which produce some of the best bottles in the world. You will of course have heard of Burgundy and Champagne, but pretty much every region in the country has its own claim to wine fame, with many vineyards and bottle factories offering private tours of their land.

More great pictures from France…

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For more information on Paris day tours, visit our friends over at Urban Adventures…