Introduction

Your first visit to France won’t be your last – prepare yourself for a long love affair. Whether the romance of Paris sweeps you off your feet or you fall gently for the relaxed life of Provence, France is a place for lovers, and will leave you spellbound.

Paris is undoubtedly one of the world’s great cities, with enough monuments, museums, restaurants, theatres and shows to last a lifetime. But, even if Paris makes the first claim on your affections, you should try to drag yourself away – France has much more to offer.

The northern provinces of Normandy and Brittany are steeped in history both ancient and modern while the Loire Valley is world famous for its châteaux and the French Riviera’s Nice is the epitome of chic. Meanwhile winter and mountain sports enthusiasts flock to the country’s resorts in its five mountain ranges, namely the Alps, the Pyrenees, Jura, Vosges and Massif Central.

Then there is the food and wine – France’s gastronomic centre is Lyon where the world’s finest chefs create unique culinary masterpieces. Champagne is the most famous wine producing region in the world, and even if you forego the fizz the allure of Bordeaux’s rich reds are bound to tempt.

And wherever you go, you’ll find the French dedication to enjoying the best of everything, whether wine, fashion or culture, is everywhere. Let the love affair begin…