France
Top Tips
Horse-riding
Across the flood-plains and endless beaches of the Camargue, and
through the glorious countryside of the Perche
Cycling
One of the most popular options in the world for biking holidays,
from gentle rides around the laid-back Ile de Ré or through
lavender fieldsof Provence to the grueling Tour de France ascent of
Mont Ventoux
Hiking
Some great hiking options include the Lubéron (to Buoux
fort) or Alpilles (to Les Baux citadel). The Pyrannean foothills
are also stunning; base yourself at this luxurious
retreat
Beaches
The sandy stretches of Cannes, Antibes, St Tropez and Camargue
(quieter) are all fabulous. If you'd prefer hearty coastal walks,
head to Brittany or Normandy
Art galleries
Nice (Matisse, Chagall), Vence (modern art), St Rémy
(Van-Gogh-land); and Paris (Louvre, Pompidou, Orsay etc) all house
fantastic art galleries
Music festivals
Arles (summer classical), Avignon (jazz), Paris (opera, ballet,
modern...) provide plenty of options for festival lovers
Medieval towns
Uzès is perhaps the loveliest in France; high-walled
Aigues-Mortes is Louis IX' crusader port; the old city of Le Mans
was once home of the Plantagenet kings
Wine-tasting
Bordeaux, Côtes du Rhône, Chateauneuf du Pape, the
Loire wines of Jasnieres, Bourgueil, Chinon...
Historical sites
Unmissable Roman landmarks include Nîmes' perfect temple and
arena, Arles' amphitheatre and the aqueduct at Pont du Gard. Tour
Normandy's D-Day invasion sites and honour the men who died here;
admire glorious cave paintings in the Dordogne
Scenic drives
Explore the romantic Loire Valley, with its famous Renaissance
castles and vineyards. The Perche countryside remains uncrowded,
even in August
Watersports
Everything from surfing in Biarritz to kayaking in the Cèze
valley or through the ‘Venice of Provence’
(Goudargues). Try the Verdon river gorge for rafting or pedalo, or
the Gardon river for walking or swimming
Rock-climbing
The limestone cliffs of the Lubéron and Verdon Gorge are
prime spots
Cookery courses
Try the 2-Michelin* Jardin des Sens
Local markets
Great for food, clothes, art; for flowers (Nice) or antiques
(Montpellier)
Glitz and glamour
Celeb spot and shop in Cannes (film festival), Monaco and St
Tropez; hit the beaches and bars of Nice