Hike the rugged coast of wind-swept Brittany to see prehistoric menhirs (standing stones), walk the sands of history on the D-Day beaches of Normandy or examine some of the world’s oldest prehistoric drawings in the caves of Les Eyzies. Cycle quiet lanes past graceful chateaux in the Loire Valley and alongside world-class vineyards in Burgundy and Bordeax. Skipper a barge along the Canal du Midi from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean or paddle a canoe down the Ardeche River beneath 300m-high cliffs. Ski (or hike) the French Alps, surf the waves of Biarritz, fish for trout in the streams of the Pyrenees, dive beneath the wild cliffs of Calanques, gallop along the sandy beaches of the Camargue or sunbathe on the Côte d’Azure. Along the way, wash down regional culinary treats with some of the world’s finest wines.

Highlights of Eastern France

Experience a region as famous for its prehistoric cave art as it is for its natural wonders, magnificent cathedrals, world renowned vineyards, gourmet cuisine and the birthplace of the world’s most festive wine – Champagne.

Burgundy

Discover one of the world’s finest wine producing regions, home to quaint villages (familiar to wine lovers) such as Beaune, Macon, Puligny-Montrachet, Vougeot and Nuits-St-Georges. Discover Norman abbeys and Renaissance châteaux as well as historical sights that range from Gallic remains to Romanesque towers. Check out Châlon-sur-Sâone, the birthplace of photography, as well as the historical capital of Nevers and medieval Dijon. The region is equally famous for its distinctive cuisine: try boeuf and escargots à la bourguignonne. Highlights include:

Fontenay Abbey- Explore one of the world's most complete monastic complexes, complete with cloisters, chapel, dormitory, hospital, prison and abbot's house. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the monastery nestles at the head of a quiet stream-filled valley enclosed by woods of pine, fir, sycamore and beech, making it a perfect location for quiet contemplation. The abbey is located east of Montbard.

Abbey of St Mary Magdalene (Vézelay Abbey)- Be inspired by the soaring decorative vaults, superlative sculptures, arches edged with fretted mouldings and columns crowned with morality tales from the Bible. The abbey was historically a starting point for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostella and contained relics of Mary Magdalene. From here St Bernard preached the Second Crusade at Vézelay Abbey in 1146, and, in 1190, Richard the Lionheart and Phillippe Auguste, King of France, embarked on the Third Crusade. The abbey fell into disrepair after rumours indicated that Mary Magdalene's bones were false relics. Today, pilgrims flock to the restored abbey to view different relics of Mary Magdalene, given to Vézelay in the 1870s.

After exploring the abbey, wander the narrow, picturesque winding streets crowded by ancient houses and view the original village ramparts that still surround the charming hilltop village of Vezelay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 12th century, the village sits on the edge of the Morvan Regional Park – a popular destination for walking, with views over the Monts de Marvan.

Ancy-le-Franc Chateau- Explore one of the first Renaissance 16th century chateaux to be built in France. Discover an elegant exterior that conceals a grand Italian-style courtyard and interior with several grand and impressive rooms featuring frescoes and paintings. The chateau is located south-east of Tonnerre, on the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy canal).

Tanlay Chateau- This Renaissance chateau was built in white limestone in the 16th century on the site of an earlier chateau and features sumptuous interior rooms including impressive frescoes in the Grand Gallery and in the Tour de la Ligue. The chateau is surrounded by pretty parkland and located between Tonnerre and Chatillon-sur-Seine.

Nevers- Wander past medieval houses (dating from the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries) that crowd the narrow streets of the old town. Pop into the 15th century Ducal Palace, characterised by turrets, statues and views over the Loire Valley. Explore the cathedral of Saint Cyr-Sainte-Julitte, the pilgrim church of St Etienne and the Roman triumphal arch. Located at the confluence of the Loire and Nièvre rivers.

Le Puy en Velay - Hike steps to reach the unique Romanesque Church of St Michel d'Aiguilhe, perched dramatically atop a needle-shaped rock. Then explore the Le Puy Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in 12th century. Le Puy is located in the heart of the Massif Central in the Auvergne region south of Burgundy and is famous as the starting point of one of France’s main pilgrimage paths to Santiago de Compostella – a 1600km walk.

Champagne-Ardenne -Try the 126km Route du Champagne from Reims to Vertus, one of a trio of routes that wind 217km through quaint villages and a wine-growing region that produces 80 per cent of the world's bubbly. Enjoy a wine tour and sample the wares at Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin, Bollinger, Moet & Chandon and Taittinger. Don’t miss the quaint medieval town of Troyes, or Reims – the place where every French monarch since 496 AD has been crowned.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims- The site on which this cathedral was built (1211 – 1311 AD) has witnessed the coronation of 25 French kings between 815 and 1825, as well as the baptism of Clovis, France's first king, in 496 AD. Discover three portals surrounded by sculptured arches, superb 13th century stained glass windows, several paintings by Tintoretto, fine tapestries, matching towers and classical-style sculpture. Badly damaged during World War I, the cathedral has since been restored.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens- At Amiens in the Ardennes, discover the largest Gothic building in France (and the longest, at 141m) – a umptuous example of ‘pure’ Gothic architecture. Built in the 13th century to house the head of St John the Baptist (brought back from the Crusades), the cathedral boasts a soaring nave supported by 126 slender pillars. Stroll through the calm interior, admiring the 16th century choir stalls and sculpted panels depicting the life of St Firmin, Amiens' first bishop. Then climb the cathedral's front towers for views over the city. Experience the memorable sound and light on summer evenings or attend a Sunday morning mass.

Rhone-Alps-The soaring mountain peaks and lush valleys of the Rhône-Alpes region of France offer great skiing conditions between November and April and at other times, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking and hiking. To the south-west lies the stunning Ardeche region, home to the dramatic Gorges de l'Ardeche. Highlights include:

Chamonix Mont-Blanc- Chamonix, the oldest ski resort in France, is famous for long ski runs, off-piste terrain, chutes, glaciers and high bowls spread across seven ski areas and three mountainsides – equally perfect in summer when conditions are perfect for hiking and cycling.

Tignes Val Claret - One of Europe's premier ski resorts shares the Espace Killy with Val d'Isere and offers more than 300km of ski trails across 10,000ha. The resort caters to all levels of skiers, with slalom and mogul runs including the 1992 Olympics downhill course, snow parks, dog sledding, ski-joring (being pulled along by horses), snowshoeing and heli-skiing.

Peisey-Vallandry- Ride a horse-drawn sleigh, go dog sledding or Nordic skiing and enjoy a traditional alpine village atmosphere. With more 200km of ski slopes spread across 3700ha, Peisey-Vallandry caters to skiers of all levels with on- or off-piste slopes, a speed-ski track, snow parks and downhill forest skiing.

Villars-Gryon Skiers can choose from more than 120km of varied ski trails that criss-cross the entire Villars-Gryon region. With free access for children under nine years of age, two ski schools and a snowpark on the Chaux-Ronde trail, this region is perfect for families.

The Ardeche- Paddle the Ardeche River beneath 300m-high limestone cliffs and through the river’s most famous feature – a natural 60m-high stone arch spanning the river known as Pont d'Arc (Arch Bridge). Peer into the 30km-long Gorges de l'Ardèche from viewpoints set along the canyon’s rim or go caving in the Aven Orgnac to see one of France's most spectacular and colourful stalactite formations. While it’s not possible to enter the Chauvet-Pont d'Arc Cave located at Vallon, you can see an exhibition and watch a video of the world’s oldest-known cave paintings, created some 32,000 years ago and depicting woolly rhinos, bison, lions and bears.

Highlights of Western France

Western France offers a rich tapestry of compelling sights to explore, from D-Day beaches in Normandy and prehistoric menhirs in Brittany to the world’s most romantic city of Paris and the bucolic Loire Valley – famous for its gourmet cuisine, fine wine and graceful chateaux. Hike to Cathar castles and romantic medieval hilltop villages, stroll through Roman ruins or squeeze through narrow passageways into caves displaying prehistoric cave art.

Normandy

Linked forever to the World War II landings on D-Day, Normandy is also home to William the Conqueror, who in 1066 famously defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings – an event commemorated in the stunning Bayeux Tapestry in Rouen, the place where the rebellious Joan of Arc was later burned at the stake. Highlights of Normandy include:

War memorials- Pay your respects to fallen heroes on the Circuit de Souvenir, a tour of 400 British and Commonwealth cemeteries, churches and memorials that dot the countryside of northern France, dedicated to the allied soldiers of World Wars I and II. Discover preserved trenches at Beaument-Hamel and see the Ulster Memorial, near the village of Thiepval, commemorating the 5000 Ulstermen who died in the Battle of the Somme. Close by is the huge Memorial to the Missing, dedicated to troops whose bodies were never recovered. For an insight into the horrors of World War I, see newsreel and film footage, newspapers, posters and other memorabilia on display at the Historial de la Grande Guerre at Peronne on the River Somme or at the Musée Somme 1916 at Albert. Visit the beautifully maintained World War II cemeteries at Bayeax, where the remains of nearly 5000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lie, and Colleville-sur-Mer (on a cliff above Omaha beach), the final resting place of more than 9000 US soldiers. For a detailed insight into the Normandy landings, visit the Musee du Debarquement (Normandy Landings Museum), located on the promenade of Arromanche.

Château Gaillard- Built in 1197 for Richard I of England, the feudal Duke of Normandy, popularly known as Richard the Lionheart, this castle is now one of France's major historic landmarks. Wander the ancient ramparts of Richard the Lionheart's fortress, perched high above Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine.

Bayeux Tapestry- Admire one of the world's most remarkable historical documents – a 70m-long tapestry of embroidered linen that recounts the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Discover a medieval fable of kings, mythical beasts and everyday scenes of life created more than nine centuries ago and woven in coloured wools that have barely faded. Named in honour of medieval Queen Mathilda, the tapestry is housed in the Musée de la Tapisserie at Bayeux.

Brittany

Explore the sandy beaches, cliffs and offshore islands of the second-most popular coastal destination in France (after the Cote d’Azur). Celtic to its roots, Brittany is famous for ancient Celtic dolmens and burial mounds, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey – one of France's best-known attractions, and the fashionable seaside resort of La Baule, close to some of Brittany's best beaches. Highlights of Brittany include:

Ancient menhirs- Hike across wind-swept heather at Carnac to see 2753 menhirs (standing stones) that pre-date Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. These ancient megalithic monuments, some standing up to 5m in height, lie scattered across three major alignments. They are located along the Route des Alignements just north of Carnac-Ville.

Mont St-Michel- Stroll across the 2km-long causeway to explore one of France's best-loved landmarks, a fortified-island village perched atop a granite island 152m above sea level. The picturesque abbey dates back to the 8th century, with various Romanesque- and Gothic-style buildings added in the 11th century.

Ile de France

Discover the huge region of greater Paris. Highlights include:

Paris- One the world’s most distinctive cities, Paris is home to impressive buildings, atmospheric streets and parks and world famous museums and art galleries. It is also world renowned for haute couture fashion, delicious regional cuisine and an exciting nightlife. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views over the city, window shop along the impeccably manicured streets of avenue Montaigne (arguably Paris's most glamorous shopping street) and take a cruise along the Seine. Explore the winding alleyways of the Quartier Latin or Montmartre, come face to face with frightening gargoyles in Notre Dame Cathedral and view some of the world’s greatest art collections in the Louvre.

Chateau de Versailles- Discover the most spectacular palace in the world; once the centre of political power when it was the lavish home of French royalty, including Louis XIV and Louis XVI, from 1682 to 1789. Stroll ornate corridors through spectacular rooms and don’t miss the restored 72m-long Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) – the site of the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres - Built on a reputedly holy site used by Druids and the ancient Romans, Chartres is a showcase of High Gothic art and architecture and was the first cathedral to feature flying buttresses. Stroll the superbly proportioned nave, admire the decorative sculptures and be inspired by the mystical kaleidoscopic of light that floods the interior from more than 2500m of colourful stained-glass windows. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Loire Valley

The fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley is famous for its gourmet cuisine, fine wine, graceful chateaux and medieval history. For an insight into how French royalty once lived, take time to explore the many sumptuous châteaux that grace the valley's rich vineyards and forests. Admire the decorative remnants of medieval fortifications at the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau; the amazing Château de Chenonceau, built on arched stone vaults above the Cher River; and the vast medieval fortress of Château d’Angers, which houses the 100m Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Highlights include:

Tapestry of the Apocalypse- Admire one of the greatest works of medieval art, a 100m-long tapestry displayed in the semi-ruined Château d'Angers. Woven between 1373 and 1382 AD for Louis I of Anjou, the colourful tapestry evokes the text of St John's vision of the Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation.

Château de Chenonceau - Discover one of the most graceful and photographed of all the Renaissance château, featuring a section that stretches across arched stone piers above the slow-moving River Cher. Built between 1513 and 1521, the château is nicknamed the ‘Chateau of the Ladies’ because its history (until recent times) has been dominated by a succession of women of the royal court, including Henri II ‘s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, and his widow Catherine de Medici. Tour the chateau’s palatial rooms, which feature tapestries, paintings attributed to Veronese, Tintoretto, Murillo and Rubens as well as numerous portraits of the château's female owners. Then get lost in the maze and gardens that are perfumed with the scent of roses.

Château de Chambord- Explore more than 440 rooms of King Francois I’s Renaissance ‘hunting lodge’, the largest of the Loire châteaux and one of the most extravagant commissions of its day – built to outshine the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Climb the Great Staircase, a double spiral staircase that ascends to the roof, wander the mix of old and refurbished rooms as well as the Museum of Hunting to see magnificent 17th century tapestries. Later, rent a bike, row a boat or explore on foot the Parc de Chambord, an immense walled game reserve – the largest in Europe – that surrounds the château. Look out for wild boars and red deer.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau- This graceful, turreted château seems to rise out of the River Indre, although it’s actually built on a small island. Admire the decorative remnants of medieval fortifications, climb the central staircase, peer through the mullioned windows overlooking the moat and parkland and tour the portrait gallery with its portraits of 16th century Loire royalty including Francois I and Catherine de' Medici. In summer, relive the medieval era during the evening son et lumiere (light and sound show). Don’t miss the nearby village to examine the Carolingian-era statues embedded in the façade of the church of St Symphorien.

The Dordogne

Explore charming villages, romantic castles and fortified towns dating from the 12th century, scattered amid lush green landscape and bisected with deep river gorges and overhanging cliffs that are riddled with fissures and caves. Within these caves – especially around Les Eyzies in the Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are some of the most stunning examples of prehistoric art to be found anywhere in the world. Discover France's oldest cave art (about 20,000 years old) in caves such as Font de Gaume and Grotte du Pech-Merle. Elsewhere, discover memorials to wartime Resistance fighters – including the ruined village of Oradour-sur-Glane, destroyed by a Waffen-SS Panzer Division in 1944.

Grotte de Pech-Merle - Explore one of France’s most beautiful caves, home to spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and vast chambers filled with pre-historic drawings. Examine amazing drawings of charging bison, tusked mammoths and galloping horses. Walk past the 20,000-year-old skeleton of a cave hyena and see the footprints of an adolescent child that have been preserved in a muddy pool. Check out the museum for entertaining charts, objects, skulls and a film depicting the cave’s history. Note: It’s best to book ahead as only 700 people are allowed access to the cave each day. Located on the hillside above the village of Cabrerets near Cahors in the Lot Valley.

Grotte de Font-de-Gaume- Squeeze through a narrow twisting passage into a tunnel-like cave displaying more than 200 examples of prehistoric polychrome cave art, including the spectacular sharp frieze of five bison as well as overlays of reindeer and mammoths.

Evidence that includes stocks of artists’ materials, shows that the cave was probably first settled by Stone Age people during the last Ice Age – about 25,000 BC – when the Dordogne region was home to roaming bison, reindeer and mammoths. Note: Only 200 people are allowed to visit the cave each day. Book ahead (at least a month in summer) or arrive early to secure one of the 50 tickets given out daily. Located near Sarlat.

Grotte des Combarelles- See engravings from the Magdalenian period (about 12,000 years ago), many of which are superimposed one upon another and include horses, reindeer, lions, mammoths and stylised human figures. Note: As with Font-de-Gaume, prebooking is essential, especially in peak season. Located near Sarlat.

Grotte de Lascaux and Lascaux II- Examine some of France’s most impressive prehistoric cave art at Lascaux in the Dordogne. First discovered by four boys in 1940, the Lascaux cave contains some of the finest examples of prehistoric art in existence, executed by Stone Age artists some 17,000 years ago. While closed to the public since 1963 to prevent deterioration, the drawings of bison, bulls, boars and horses have been realistically re-created, using similar pigments available to Cro-Magnon man, on limestone walls at Lascaux II. Note: Get there early to secure tickets for the guided tour. Located near Montignac, 30km north of Sarlat.

Chateau de Castelnaud- Built in the 12th century, this castle was an important stronghold during the Hundred Years War, the 16th century Wars of Religion and the Albigensian Crusade, when it was the setting of many grim battles before falling into disuse and ruin. Today you can wander through the restored château and in the museum of medieval warfare examine reconstructions of siege engines, mangonneaux and trebuchets. Listed as a Monument Historique by the French Ministry of Culture, the castle, with beautiful views overlooking the village below and across the picturesque Dordogne valley, is the most visited castle in the south-west of France.

Pont Valentré - Stroll across this remarkable bridge, built in the 14th century as a defensive bridge. Admire its three towers, each containing large arched gateways from the banks of the River Lot. Located in the town of Cahors, formerly a Roman town.

Oradour-sur-Glane - Pay your respects to the 642 inhabitants of this village who were murdered by a German Waffen-SS company on 10 June 1944. The site of the massacre now stands as a memorial to the dead and includes items recovered from the burned-out buildings.

Things to do

Discover the best of France on foot, by bicycle, on water or by car.

Hiking- Choose from a network of around 60,000km of well-marked trails – known as GRs (Sentiers de Grande Randonnée) for long distance trails and PRs (Sentiers de Promenade et de Randonnée) for shorter routes. Explore France from the coast of Normandy through the Loire Valley to the towering Pyrenees in the south. Try the Chemin de St-Jacques (GR65) that follows the ancient pilgrim route from Le Puy in the Auvergne across the border to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Or hike the GR3, tracing the Loire River from source to sea. GR and PR routes are available from bookshops and most tourist offices throughout France. Hiking highlights include:

The Auvergne- Located in the heart of France, the Auvergne region of the Massif Central offers wild and rugged terrain. Hike up through wooden valleys through upland grasslands to the jagged Puy de Sancy, at 1885m the highest peak of the Auvergne region and the source of the Dordogne River.

The Alps- Hike among glaciers, high Alpine meadows rich in flora and fauna, and soaring peaks – many topping 3000m, including the highest, Mont Blanc, at 4807m. Try the Chamonix valley for impressive views of Mont Blanc, the Parc National de la Vanoise to see wild ibex goats or choose from around 2850km of sign-posted trails for easy walks in the Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors. Trails lead through beech and pine forests to rugged limestone cliffs and deep gorges.

The Pyrenees- Discover some of France’s finest walking trails amid peaks that top 3000m. Try all or a portion of the classic 800km-long GR10 route, which crosses the complete mountain range from west to east. Or try one of the shorter walks through the Ariège region, which features steep, lush-green valleys and plentiful wildlife, including vultures and marmots.

Provence- Hike through the dramatic and vast Gorges du Verdon, Europe's largest gorge, or across lavender fields and gentle hills of the Luberon or the unspoiled Alpine wilderness of the Parc National du Mercantour. Look out for chamois and golden eagles.

Cycling- From the nation that hosts the legendary Tour de France, it’s not surprising to find around 50,000km of marked cycle paths (pistes cyclables) as well as mountain bike trails. Explore the Loire Valley on La Loire à Vélo, a 320km network of cycle trails; the rich vineyards of Burgundy; the Landes Forest in Aquitaine; or the scenic Parc Natural regional du Luberon. Take your own bike or hire or buy one in France.

Kayaking - Several river gorges in south-west France, including the Dordogne, Ardèche, Vézère and Tarn, offer exciting kayak and rafting adventures through dramatic scenery.

Canal boating - Choose from more than 8500km of canals and rivers to explore some of the prettiest countryside in France. Glide through Brittany along a network of canals and waterways, along the Canal du Midi, a 500km route linking Bordeaux on the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean. Cruise the River Marne to the Rhine through the Champagne region or try the Canal de Bourgogne through Burgundy. Houseboats and river barges are easily rented.

Horse riding - Saddle up at an equestrian centre (centre équestre), found in most French towns, and explore the French countryside. Join the French ‘cowboys’ in the windswept Camargue at the Rhône Delta or trek alpine trails in the Pyrenees and Rhone-Alps.

Fishing - Both the Mediterranean or the waters off the Atlantic coast offer the opportunity to hook grey mullet, bass, mackerel and bream. Inland, Brittany is renowned for carp, salmon and trout; Normandy for salmon and trout; the western Pyrenees for salmon; and the rivers Lot, Tarn and Garonne, in the south-west, for bass. Permits for river fishing can be obtained from local authorities.

Wine tours - Tailormade tours to France’s 10 principal wine regions are widely available. Highlights on the wine calendar include the annual Beaujolais Nouveau (released on the third Thursday of November), the Vendanges (grape harvest) festivals in Burgundy during autumn and champagne tasting in Champagne.

Skiing - The French Alps are famous worldwide for skiing, with more than 480km of ski pistes and some of the world’s best-known resorts. The season generally runs from early December to the end of April, with peak season during February and March. For modern resorts with the latest high-tech ski lifts, try Tignes, Les Deux-Alpes or Val Thorens. But if you prefer old-world charm, then visit resorts such as Megève and Courchevel.

Driving - Discover some of the best of France on a driving adventure along byways that lead to hidden valleys and mountain villages. Highlights include:

La Route des Crêtes (Alsace-Lorraine) - Drive through rich forests into the Vosges, one of the oldest mountain ranges in France. Try delicious cheese at Munster and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Jura and the Black Forest from the Col de la Schlucht. Along the way, take a break and hike along well-marked paths.

La Côte d'Or (Burgundy) - Discover some of the best vineyards in Burgundy along this 60km drive from Santenay to Dijon, passing through the towns of Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, Beaune, Nuits-St-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin and Marsannay-la-Côte.

Gorge of the Ardèche (The Rhône Valley) – Take the scenic route (D290) through the dramatic canyons of the Ardèche, with well-marked path to several panoramic lookouts overlooking the 285m-deep canyon.

La Route des Grandes Alpes (The French Alps) - Explore the best of the French Alps on a panoramic drive from the lakefront town of Evian to coastal Nice. This 740km drive takes you through the resort towns of Morzine, Chamonix and Megève and across many of France's most dramatic mountain passes, many of which are only passable in the middle of summer.