One of the most beautiful and exciting countries in the world
France is one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries in the world and offers the gourmet traveler a heady mix of gorgeous landscapes, medieval hamlets, Renaissance towns, extraordinary wine country, and unforgettable dining experiences (in both Michelin starred high end locales to charming, rustic countryside restaurants). On our list of city guides to France we highlight some of our favorite French villages and cities. You will find a background and overview of the town, food and wine background and the main attractions.
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Ainhoa
Ainhoa is a gorgeous little hamlet in the French Basque Country, known for its quaint art shops, gourmet restaurants and pelota athletes.
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Aix-en-Provence
One of our favorite towns in Southern France, Aix-en-Provence is a darling place with great bistros, gourmet restaurants, high end shops and neat wine bars.
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Antibes
Antibes is a very special part of the Cote d'Azur (Azure Coast). Writers, artists, and tourists have been seduced by the glistening seas, spectacular views, lush hills and vibrant cultural life for centuries.
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Arcachon
A long-time oyster-harvesting area on the southern side of the picturesque Arcachon Bay in Aquitaine, this gorgeous seaside town is understandably full of sun-seekers in the summer.
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Auxerre
The Yonne departement, roughly midway between Dijon and Paris, has long been Burgundy's northern gateway. For visitors, attractions include the verdant countryside, the magical hilltop village of Vezelay, the white wine powerhouse of Chablis and the alluring riverside town of Auxerre
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Avignon
Avignon is the pearl of Provence, a gorgeous historic town located close to the wine regions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas.
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Bayeux
Ever since the armies of William the Conqueror set sail from its shores in 1066, the beautiful region of Normandy has played a pivotal role in European affairs
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Bayonne
Bayonne is both a fascinating destination in its own right and the ideal base from which to explore the lush green valleys of the Cote Basque
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Beaune
Beautiful Beaune is one of the principal winemaking centers in the world famous Burgundy region, and a great base to explore this delightful area.
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Bergerac
Residents of Bergerac are understandably very proud of their gastronomic heritage. Boastful even.
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Biarritz
Biarritz is a glamorous and yet relaxed seaside town on France's golden Basque Coast, famed for its mythical Hotel du Palais and surfing.
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Bordeaux
While the wines of Bordeaux are what made the name famous, the beautiful city is like a mini Paris and a terrific base for exploring wine country.
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Carcassonne
Carcassonne is the quintessential fairy-tale medieval city, a unique and captivating destination that attracts millions of visitors in the summer months.
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Chateauneuf du Pape
Chateauneuf du Pape has a place in every oenophiles affections. One of France’s most fascinating and beautiful wine villages, in the southern Rhone.
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Chinon
Chinon is a beautiful winememaking hamlet in the Loire Valley in Northern France, and a beautiful historic hub to explore the surrounding vineyards.
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Cognac
Situated on the banks of the river Charente amid vine-covered countryside, Cognac is surely one of France's most idyllic towns.
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Colmar
It is hard to imagine a more picturesque, and ideally situated city than Colmar. The capital of the Haut Rhin departement, harmonious – and impossibly beautiful
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Dijon
Dijon has to be one of France´s most beautiful and elegant cities and a mecca for foodies with a number of top Burgundian vineyards in easy reach.
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Epernay
Epernay boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times, although little evidence remains of the city's origins and its early years are shrouded in mystery.
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Gigondas
Gigondas is a hamlet, yet commands great affection from both locals and visiting oenophiles, as one of the southern Rhone’s most important wine villages.
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Lyon
Lyon is a mecca for food and wine lovers around the world, known for its charming bouchons, historic streets and sublime restaurants.
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Marseille
Marseillais can now hold their own in conversations about Provence's greatest city
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Montpellier
Montpellier where students make up a third of the population, is innovative, fast-growing, self-confident and one of southern France’s most exciting cities.
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Nice
The Cote d'Azur (Azure Coast), with its legendary scenery, glistening seas, idyllic beaches and superlative gastronomy, is surely a gift from the heavens.
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Orange
Orange and it's region epitomizes the Provencal cliché: rolling lavender fields, blue skies, wonderful food and superb wine can all be found.
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Paris
Paris is one of the most exciting and beautiful cities on the planet, not to mention it's famed food, wine and art.
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Perigueux
Perigueux is understandably one of the most sought-after destinations along this tranquil and captivating stretch of river.
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Reims
Reims is the largest town in the Champagne wine region and a must see for gourmets as the town houses famous wine hosues like Taittinger and Pommery.
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Saint Emilion
Saint Émilion is a darling medieval hamlet located in the heart of the Right Bank Bordeaux wine country, right in the center of wine country.
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Saint-Rémy de Provence
Spectacularly situated among rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and orchards, St Remy de Provence offers the quintessential Provencal experience.
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Saintes
Within a short drive of Cognac is one of France's most fascinating and beautiful towns, Saintes, the former Gallo-Roman capital of Aquitaine
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Sarlat
Sarlat is a perfectly preserved medieval village in France and apart from its great beauty it is a hub for gourmets, with terrific artisan foie gras.
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St Jean de Luz
One of the most beautiful villages in France, St Jean de Luz is a treat for foodies & as a base in its own right or a fun excursion from San Sebastian.
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Strasbourg
Northern France boasts many fine attractions, not least the stunning scenery of Normandy, awesome megaliths of Carnac and the 18th-century grandeur of Nancy's historic center. But nothing can compare with Strasbourg, an architectural masterpiece located halfway between Paris and Prague.