France isn’t just one destination, it’s a collection of experiences waiting to match your travel personality. Whether you’re the type who gets lost in museum corridors or prefers carving down snowy slopes, this country truly has something for everyone. The trick isn’t trying to see everything (trust me, you’ll burn out), but finding the places that speak to what makes you tick as a traveller.
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For the culture seeker: lose yourself in Lyon’s rich history
Lyon is a little more subdued than Paris, but that’s exactly what makes it perfect for anyone who loves diving deep into culture without the crowds. This city has been quietly collecting stories for over 2,000 years, and you’ll find them tucked into every cobblestone street and hidden courtyard.
The old town, Vieux Lyon, feels like stepping back in time. Those Renaissance buildings aren’t just pretty facades; they’re home to traboules, secret passageways that once helped silk workers move their goods undetected. Walking through these hidden corridors, you’ll get that rare feeling of discovering something most tourists miss entirely.
But Lyon’s real cultural treasure is its food scene. This isn’t just about fancy restaurants (though there are plenty). The traditional bouchons, small, family-run bistros, serve up dishes that have been passed down through generations. You’ll find many cosy spots with checkered tablecloths, where you can share a bottle of Côtes du Rhône and taste coq au vin that’s been perfected over decades.
The city’s museums deserve a mention too. The Musée des Beaux-Arts houses everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to works by Monet and Picasso. Meanwhile, the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine lets you explore Lyon’s Roman roots through incredibly well-preserved mosaics and sculptures.
For the winter enthusiast: ski in style in Méribel
Méribel sits right in the heart of the Three Valleys, which means you’re looking at over 600 kilometres of connected ski runs. The slopes here cater to everyone. Beginners will love the gentle, wide runs on the Altiport area, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the steep couloirs of Mont Vallon.
Off the slopes, Méribel has perfected the art of après-ski. The village maintains its traditional Savoyard charm with wooden chalets and narrow streets, but you’ll also find cosy bars where you can warm up with a vin chaud.
The resort also knows how to take care of non-skiers. The village offers snowshoeing trails, a sports centre with swimming pools, and enough shops and cafés to keep anyone happily occupied while their friends tackle the mountains.
If you’re searching for a catered chalet in Meribel, there are some incredible options to choose from. Cosy up in your wooden-furnished cabin, complete with mountain views, a roaring fire and plush bedrooms for a luxurious experience.
For the nature lover: explore wild beauty in Corsica
Corsica feels like France’s wild child, an island where dramatic mountains meet pristine beaches, and hiking trails lead to swimming holes that look too perfect to be real. This isn’t manicured countryside; it’s raw, untamed nature that rewards those willing to explore.
The GR20 hiking trail is legendary among serious trekkers, but you don’t need to tackle all 180 kilometres to experience Corsica’s natural beauty. Day hikes through the Restonica Valley lead to glacial lakes surrounded by granite peaks that rival anything in the Alps. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom even in the deepest sections.
Corsica’s beaches deserve their own category entirely. Plage de Saleccia stretches for miles with white sand and turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean. The best part? Getting there requires either a boat ride or a bumpy 4×4 journey, which keeps the crowds manageable even in peak season.
The island’s interior is dotted with traditional mountain villages. Places like Bonifacio, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs, offer stunning views and a glimpse into Corsican culture that’s distinctly different from mainland France.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to love. The waters around Corsica are home to dolphins and pilot whales, while the mountains shelter wild boar, golden eagles, and the rare Corsican nuthatch found nowhere else in the world.
There are some incredible Corsica villa holidays available for families or groups. Stay in a luxurious property overlooking the crystal clear waters, dive into the pool in your own private garden and enjoy walks to nearby villages only steps from your home.
For the romantic: stroll through the vineyards of Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO medieval village surrounded by rolling vineyards and built from honey-colored limestone, is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in France, and one of the most beautiful and romantic ones.
The cobblestone streets wind past ancient churches and hidden gardens, leading to panoramic viewpoints where you can see vineyards stretching to the horizon. The best way to explore is simply to wander without an agenda, letting the village reveal its secrets at its own pace.
Wine tastings here feel intimate and personal. Many châteaux are family-run operations where you’ll taste wines while learning about traditions passed down through generations. The underground cellars, carved directly into the limestone, create a mystical atmosphere that adds to the overall experience.
The village’s restaurants pair local wines with regional specialities. Picture sharing a bottle of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru with someone special while tasting perfectly prepared duck confit, all while watching the sunset paint the vineyards in golden light.
For the beachgoer: soak up the sun in Biarritz
Biarritz has been perfecting the art of beach life since the 1850s, when European royalty first discovered its dramatic coastline and perfect waves. Today, it combines that elegant heritage with a laid-back surf culture, creating something uniquely appealing.
The beaches here aren’t just about lounging (though the wide stretches of sand are perfect for that). Grande Plage, the main beach, offers consistent surf breaks that work for beginners and experienced surfers alike. The sight of surfers catching waves with the elegant Belle Époque architecture as a backdrop creates a uniquely French beach experience.
Biarritz’s location on the Basque coast means the culture is delightfully different from the rest of France. You’ll find pintxos bars serving small plates perfect for sharing, pelota courts where locals play the traditional Basque sport, and a culinary scene that blends French techniques with Basque flavours.
The town’s beaches each have their own personality. Plage du Port-Vieux, nestled between rocky outcrops, feels more intimate and protected, while Côte des Basques offers consistent waves and a more energetic vibe. You can easily spend a week exploring different beaches and discovering your favourite spot.
Beyond the beaches, Biarritz offers plenty of activities. The aquarium provides a fascinating look at marine life from the Bay of Biscay, while the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline. The town’s markets overflow with fresh seafood and local produce, perfect for creating impromptu beach picnics.
Which destination is calling your name?
France‘s beauty lies in its ability to offer completely different experiences depending on what you’re seeking. Culture seekers will find themselves enchanted by Lyon’s hidden passages and incredible food scene. Winter enthusiasts can carve fresh powder in Méribel’s vast ski area. Nature lovers will discover untamed wilderness in Corsica’s mountains and pristine beaches. Romantics can lose themselves in Saint-Émilion’s vineyard-covered hills. Beachgoers will find their perfect balance of relaxation and adventure in Biarritz.
The key is being honest about what type of traveller you are and what kind of experience will leave you feeling fulfilled. But don’t worry, wherever you choose, you’ll see some incredible sights and enjoy unique experiences, so there really is no wrong choice!