France

If you want to make a list of all the beautiful places in France, it will take a while. Because where do you start? With the magnificent mountains of the Alps, Pyrenees and the Massif Central? Or at the snow-white beaches with clear blue water? The 96 departments (provinces) in France are all so different from each other that every holidaymaker will find his dream place somewhere. If you like culture, you can visit the cities during a city trip. For a dive into history, the many castles in the country should not be missing on your list. Anyone who likes nature, walking and / or cycling can actually go anywhere.

City trip in France

The large cities in France are perfect for a city trip. We no longer have to tell you that Paris is a must. The other cities in France are also worth a visit. Enjoy a Mediterranean city trip in cities such as Nice, Marseille and Montpellier. You can combine the cities on the Côte d'Azur in a road trip. The cities of Lyon, Bordeaux, Grenoble and Nantes are also perfect for a few days of culture. For a weekend getaway to France closer to home, visit Lille (Lille). Here you will find the Palais des Beaux Arts, after the Louvre the largest museum in France. Strasbourg and colorful Colmar are also relatively to the north.

Tip: most of the above cities are easily and quickly accessible by the high-speed line, TGV or Thalys.

Hikers can indulge themselves in French nature. Criss-crossing the landscape are (mountain) hiking trails and farm roads. Together they form a walking network that is so extensive that it would take you more than a lifetime to walk every meter. Hike through the densely forested rolling hills of the French Ardennes or enjoy ocean views on the Atlantic coast. Look for it higher in the Alps, Vosges, Pyrenees and Jura or enjoy the Mediterranean landscape on the French south coast. For a greater adventure, follow one of the country's long-distance hiking trails - the GR trails.

Cycling in France

France is very suitable for a cycling holiday. Whether you go out for a day or several days, weeks or months, there are great cycling routes available for every level. Those who don't feel like calf biters can cycle in the relatively flat Loire Valley or along the Atlantic coast. Hillier cycling routes can be found in rolling Normandy and Brittany. For a big challenge you cycle in the Alps, Pyrenees or the Massif Central. Cyclists can follow stages of the Tour de France, such as the Alpe-d'Huez or Mont Ventoux. French signposted cycling routes are called véloroutes and lead you on relatively safe paths along highlights in the area. You can also put together your own cycling route on voies vertes, the quiet (cycling) paths of France.