France is a country of rich diversity and outstanding natural beauty. It presents a kaleidoscope of landscapes, sightseeing and culture - fortified hill towns, spellbinding historic cities, soaring cathedrals, medieval hamlets, famed museums and enthralling can-can shows. From romantic Paris to the rolling vineyards of Champagne; from the glamorous French Riviera and the beaches of Cannes and Nice to the Alpine slopes of Chamonix; the beautiful landscape of Alsace to the retail therapy of Lyon; France promises to allure and tantalize you.
Most visitors begin or end their holiday in France with a stay at Paris. The best way to explore Paris is to do so at your own pace with the one-day Hop On Hop Off pass. You could get off at the stop near Montparnasse Tower for an amazing view of the city from the tower. Dine at the stylish cafés along the Champs-Élysées. An evening boat cruise along the River Seine is your opportunity to take in Paris by night, where all the monuments are illuminated and the scene is nothing short of being magical.
Another must-do, when in Paris, is a trip to the village of Montmartre to visit the fascinating Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Spend an evening in Montmartre, enjoying a leisurely dinner while enjoying a fabulous view of the city of Paris below. Of course, being the fashion capital of the world you cannot but help spend time at the great shopping malls like the Printemps or the Galleries Lafayette or the many other haute couture shopping places in the city.
Dijon is a city with great ambience and character. The high-speed TGV train is best way to travel from Paris to Dijon. A splendid city to walk around and soak in the salubrious climes, Dijon is also famous for its mustard that you can buy at some of the shops stocking and selling them. If you are a museum buff, you can spend endless hours at the Musee des Beaux housed in the eastern wing of the Palais des Ducs.
Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is conveniently located close to Dijon. The Lyon Card gives you free access to all bus, metro, tramway and funicular lines of Lyon and discounted admissions to many museums, shows, and some shopping discounts too. Visit the Tête d’Or Park, its zoo and many attractions, City Aventure and Fourvière Aventures acrobatic parks, Grand Lyon Aquarium, the large safari parks and zoos, and the Domaine de Lacroix Laval park are all highly appreciated play and discovery areas particularly if you have children with you. Shopping in Lyon is an easy pleasure, part of the city’s art of living. The city, illuminated with a thousand lights by night, is truly spectacular! The day does not end for those who are caught in the whirl of Lyon’s famed nightlife.
No visit to France is complete without a stay at Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. Stroll around the Promenade des Anglais and its narrow bylanes and cobble-stone pathways. Cannes, Monaco and Monte Carlo are at easy distance. Enjoy the good life at Cannes as you rub shoulders with the socialites. Spend time at Monaco, home to the Rainer family and the Grand Prix Formula One race circuit. Visit Monte Carlo famed for its exquisite casino and the beautiful gardens.
The French taste for the douceur de vivre, or 'sweetness of life', marks the sumptuous French cuisine. Breakfast on steaming coffee and freshly baked croissants and crepes at a buzzing Paris boulevard. Sip a classic Burgundy at a traditional village square. Feast on extravagant truffle-laced dishes in cosy Bordeaux. Feast on an array of cheeses, soufflés and delicious patisserie on offer across the country.
There are so many ways to experience France. You could enjoy a self-drive vacation, or use the excellent train connections, or choose a coach tour of the country. The best way to see France is to experience it like a local…visit its wonderful cities, stroll across the beautiful countryside, visit its medieval villages and linger for a while where it pleases you.
Mercury Travels customizes your holiday so that you don’t just see a country like a tourist, but experience it like a local. France is truly charming, fabulous and fascinating. Experience her on a holiday that is specially crafted by Mercury Travels just for you!
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