The most beautiful places to visit in France

The beautiful beaches and rugged landscapes of Corsica are sometimes overlooked by travelers seeking the glamor of Sardinia or the allure of the French Riviera, but you will be well rewarded here with a unique vacation enjoying the best of the land and sea.

The interior of the island is ideal for hiking and excursions, and you won’t find yourself fighting for space on the pristine beaches. The local cuisine is unique, with French and Italian influences, and the island also produces some truly delicious wines. Corsica is proud of its heritage and has a very different culture from mainland France, but as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte it has played a dramatic role in the history and culture of France.

Good Housekeeping readers can visit Corsica as part of an eight-day Mediterranean cruise.

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The Rhône winds its way from Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea, and this region has it all: stunning scenery, majestic architecture, sensational cuisine and, of course, some of the world’s best-loved wines.

Admire sprawling vineyards, medieval towns and stunning countryside. Enjoy a wine tasting in Beaune or Tournon-sur-Rhône and admire the view over the vineyards. For foodies, the streets of Lyon hide countless gastronomic delights – be sure to stop by the famous Les Halles de Lyon food market – and for history buffs, the Palais des Papes in Avignon and the Roman ruins in arles are fascinating places to explore.

Good Housekeeping readers can take an eight-day cruise on the Rhône and Saône in March. You will travel through Burgundy and Provence with gastronomic experts Marcus Wareing and Oz Clarke on the luxurious ship SS Catherine.

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Foodie travelers need look no further than Bordeaux, the perfect destination for a scenic break where you can sample exquisite dishes prepared from the fabulous produce of the rural region and sip some of Europe’s finest wines.

Its famous Médoc region is the jewel in the Bordeaux crown and is renowned for its sumptuous castles, such as Château de Malle and Château La Louvière. You’ll also be spoiled for choice for pretty little towns and villages to tick off your list, exploring world-class appellations such as Cadillac and Saint-Émilion, to name but two. Soak up the atmosphere of these picturesque locations and when it’s time to quench your thirst, only the finest Bordeaux will do.

Good Housekeeping readers can enjoy an eight-day river cruise through the Médoc with cricketer and wine expert Ian Botham and chef Matt Tebbut, aboard Uniworld’s elegant vessel Bon Voyage.

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Monet’s gardens at Giverny provided him with endless inspiration for his paintings, and you’ll also feel inspired visiting the lovingly restored grounds of his home and studio.

Explore the beautiful flower gardens, whose tulips, irises, poppies and peonies feature in many of Monet’s paintings, and the water gardens, probably the most famous part, where you can admire the iconic Japanese bridge and water lilies.

To experience all of these magical landscapes, join former Country Living editor Suzy Smith for a tour of the gardens, complete with private talk and Q&A, on a four-day tour in July. You can also admire the works of Monet at the Orangerie des Tuileries museum, stroll through the pretty town of Senlis and visit the picturesque Château de Chantilly.

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Spend time on the beautiful French Riviera and enjoy the glitz and glamor of this well-known playground of the rich and famous. The charming streets of Nice are the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Lose yourself in the old town before enjoying a sunset at a rooftop bar or attending a show at a jazz club.

The beach clubs of Saint-Tropez have a glitzy appeal and don’t miss Monte Carlo, the pinnacle of old-fashioned glamour. Retreat to the beautiful medieval town of St Paul de Vence when you’ve had enough of being seen and enjoy breathtaking views of the glistening Mediterranean.

Join an exclusive flight-free trip to the glamorous south of France with Good Housekeeping, for eight days with the picturesque town of St Raphaël as your base.

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Feel restored and refreshed by the fresh mountain air with a trip to the beautiful Pyrenees. Majestic landscapes of rocky peaks and lush meadows await, as soaring bridges and viaducts give way to stunning valleys.

Step back in time as you board historic trains and take in the spectacular views of the impressive terrain. You’ll venture to charming hill towns like Villefranche-de-Conflent and Axat, and along scenic trails, enjoying guided walks while admiring the sights and sounds of the mountains.

This summer, join an exclusive eight-day flight-free tour of the Pyrenees with accommodation in Roses on the Costa Brava.

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The City of Love has a timeless appeal and will always top the list of the best places to visit in France for a chic city break. Wander the romantic streets, dine in an authentic bistro and spend the afternoon in one of the city’s many galleries.

A visit to Sacré-Coeur offers stunning views of the city, and while you’re there you can linger in the quirky boutiques and cosmopolitan cafes of Montmartre.

One of the best parts of any trip is picking out a luxurious hotel to return to after a long day of sightseeing, and we’ve rounded up 10 of the most stylish spots in Paris for a glamorous getaway.

THE BEST HOTELS IN PARIS

This classic rural region of South West France is well worth a visit for lovers of the French countryside. Unspoiled and romantic views, sweetness of life make the Lot valley the ideal place for a relaxing holiday where you can recharge your batteries and get away from the stress of everyday life.

Explore hilltop medieval towns like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and marvel at the limestone cliffs that make the scenery here so spectacular. Satisfy your craving for delicious gastronomy in the nearby town of Cahors – truffles are a local specialty – and visit the medieval abbey of Moissac further south.

Discover the Lot Valley on an exclusive seven-day tour with Chocolate author Joanne Harris.

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