You can spend a lifetime travelling to France and never tire of her. You want beaches? Gravitate to the Côte d'Azur. You want rivers and gorges? Drive to the Massif Central and lose yourself in the Cevennes. For winter sports, there’s the Alps, for culture past and present there’s Paris – a city to fall in love in. And anywhere you choose you’re sure to find excellent food and wine.
The corner of France which makes my own heart beat harder is Biarritz. Maybe long-time residents King Edward and Mrs Simpson have endowed it with a royal aura. Maybe it’s the laid-back surfer culture, bouncy nightlife or those tasty Atlantic oysters. But whenever I visit, I find myself on the Esplanade du Port Vieux looking right at the Grande Plage and left at the magnificent Côte des Basques and wonder why on earth I haven’t moved there yet.
Europe’s greatest concentration of classic modern art in the idyllic Mediterranean setting where it was created.
Old and new collections, with outstanding work by Renoir, Bonnard, Braque, Léger, Miró, Giacometti, Cocteau, Chagall, Matisse, Picasso.
Visits to the coastal towns and villages which inspired the artists, staying in Nice throughout.
A self-guided hike in one of the most remote parts of France. Walk from La Brigue, near the France/Italy border, down the Roya Valley to beautiful Menton on the Riviera, taking in ancient Saorge, Breil, Sospel and Ste Agnes. This is a great walk for those who are seeking to move up a walking grade, and the route is well signed.
Complete Europe's toughest long distance trekking trail, the GR20 in Corsica - from north to south
In the Cévennes, the ‘transhumance’, the seasonal migration of sheep up to the cool mountain pastures, is still practiced on foot. Following ancient drovers’ paths, we will discover how closely the traditions of pastoralism are interwoven with the history of the landscape. We will discover the wealth of wildflowers descend the Tarn Gorge by boat.
The Splendour of Corsica from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in France. Available from 8 Sep 2026 to 8 Sep 2026 this 14 day trip costs from £3,450.
Discover France’s Champagne region in upgraded rail comfort on this solo group travel escape. Stay in Reims, explore Épernay’s famed Champagne houses, cruise the canals of Châlons-en-Champagne, and visit historic Hautvillers—where Dom Pérignon perfected sparkling wine.
A Tour for Monet Lovers from Airedale - Open Tours 2026 is an exhilarating holiday in France. Available from 15 Jun 2026 to 19 Jun 2026 this 5 day trip costs from £1,975, which includes flights and has a maximum group size of 21 persons.
Explore wild mountains, alpine meadows and glacial lakes on this week-long walking holiday based in a tranquil French valley.
The River Dordogne, beloved of travellers for decades, passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in France. Each section has its own character, but the stretch we have chosen reflects that variety, giving the walker a taste of the Middle Dordogne landscape in all its forms.
Baie de Somme Steam Festival from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in France. Available from 24 Apr 2026 to 24 Apr 2026 this 5 day trip costs from £1,150.
