Welcome to your bi-weekly travel blog from Surbiton high street's independent travel agent, 7 Seas Holidays.

This week, 7 Seas is providing travel tips for France.

Looking for a trip filled with culture, history, good food, and beautiful scenery? Well why not ravel to France, which is famed for its Eiffel Tower, Art museums, stunning beaches and snow-capped Alps including Europe's tallest peak?

Taking a sightseeing tour in France is like diving into ancient history. It is the world's most popular tourist destination. The country is one of the largest in Europe and has the highest mountain in the world, Mont Blanc.

France offers a variety of holiday types (Credit: 7 Seas Holidays)

France's cuisine is considered by many to be the finest in the world. Travellers to France will find everything they need for a romantic getaway, a skiing holiday in the Alps, a gastronomic getaway in Lyon or Toulouse, or a chic vacation on the Riviera.

You will find the most breathtaking places to visit in France, from rolling vineyards and plunging canyons to towering sand dunes and majestic villages.  

Known for its cuisine, boulangeries (bakeries), fromageries (cheese shops) and crowded street markets, France is an ideal place to pack a picnic for the city's beautiful parks and gardens.

Some of the famous French cuisines are Cassoulet, Blanquette de Veau, Pot-au-feu, Quiche Lorraine, Soufflé, Crêpes etc.

Discover the best places to visit in France, from the buzzy capital of Paris to the chic Cote d'Azur and the adorable villages of Provence.

French cuisine is considered to be some of the best in the world (Credit: 7 Seas Holidays)

Paris

There is lots to see and do in Paris (Credit: 7 Seas Holidays)

The monument-lined boulevards, museums, classical bistros, and chic boutiques of Paris are enhanced by a new wave of multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, design stores, and tech start-ups.

The capital city of France, where the cloud-piercing, iron Eiffel Tower stands. It has inspired many artists, writers, and painters throughout history.

Provence

Provence is the land of lavender. During summer, the lavender fields of Provence create one of France's loveliest and most fragrant locales. This heavenly-scented crop can be found almost anywhere in the region at this time.

Valensole Plateau, Sault Plateau, and the Luberon Valley are among the most picturesque spots to appreciate, although some areas are better than others.

Provence is the land of lavender (Credit: 7 Seas Holidays)

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon is the Grand Canyon of France. Even if you can't venture to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, you can still visit its French analogue.

The Gorges du Verdon in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France is a truly magnificent sight. The Verdon River carves a 700-meter-deep gorge there. It is the largest canyon in Europe, as well as a popular site for thrill-seeking and water-sports activities.

Grimaud

Grimaud is a beautiful flower village in the south of France. This idyllic mediaeval village is situated on a hill overlooking the sea in southern France, where every corner you turn seems to reveal a more stunning vista than the previous one. Everywhere you look, you'll see lots of flowers. Balustrades and large flower pots sit beneath windows, and plants cascade down from them.

The chateau de Grimaud is a monument and ruin in southern France. You may not notice the ruined castle of Grimaud from the village centre, but you may see the entire Bay of Saint-Tropez from this location.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is the real Rapunzel's Tower. France is home to many beautiful villages. In spite of this, few places are as enchanting and otherworldly as Mont Saint-Michel with its majestic abbey.

Located 600 metres off the coast of Normandy, on the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, the striking mediaeval monastery looks like something from a fairy tale. A narrow, winding street and pretty timbered-framed houses lead up to this magical place.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France. Founded centuries ago by the Greeks, it is still an important Mediterranean port today. It is also a beautiful multicultural city, full of attractions and good food.

Several attractions and interesting places can be found in and around Marseille's Old Port, making exploration of the city easy. The Abbey of Saint-Victor, Panier quarter, Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, and Palais Longchamp are the most popular attractions in Marseille.

Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, offers breathtaking 360-degree views that nature lovers will no doubt enjoy. Located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, the remarkable natural wonder is one of the most iconic French tourist attractions.

Corsica

Once you step onto Corsica's beautiful Mediterranean island, you might forget where you are. Located between France and Italy, it blends the best of both cultures.

The famous birthplace of Napoleon certainly lives up to its nickname – the 'Island of Beauty'. Besides exploring its turquoise coastline, it is a popular snorkelling and scuba diving location. There are many pristine beaches on the island where tourists can sunbathe.

French Riviera

The French Riviera is known for its beaches, coves, azure water, and for being one of the world's most luxurious playgrounds. During the summer, the French Riviera is home to a vibrant cultural scene and pretty towns and villages.

The most popular places on the French Riviera: beautiful towns, small mediaeval villages, and breathtaking attractions are Nice, Cannes, Menton, Montecarlo (Monaco), coastal towns and villages, beaches, and islands.

The list of attractions also includes famous festivals like the Cannes Film Festival, Menton's Lemon Festival, Nice's Carnival, or Monaco's Formula One Grand Prix.

Some of the most popular places on the French Riviera include:

Cannes

Cannes is a popular holiday destination along the French Riviera with its stunning beaches, warm climate, and convenient location near Nice.

This is where the stars go for a holiday in Southern France. Cannes is another great spot to enjoy a warmer winter in France.

You can find quieter streets in Le Suquet, Cannes' Old Town, when shopping for Christmas gifts.

Monaco

On the French-Italian border, this principality is home to glitzy casinos, a world-class marine museum, and its own opera house. A visit to Monaco would not be complete without seeing the Palace of the Prince, the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and Port Hercules.

Menton

In Menton, you can see the clouds soaring over Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, feel the snow on your hands in Casterino, or experience the sensation of barbajuan tasting through your senses.

A breathtaking landscape, picturesque villages, and an abundance of natural beauty await you! All along Menton's coastline, the mountains seem to plunge into the sea.

The history of the region can always be found in this "Pearl of the Riviera" and its hilltop villages. There is a gentle pace of life, beautiful untamed landscapes, a rich historical heritage, and a taste of Italy here.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, romantic, and underrated city in France. As well as its beauty, Nice offers so many hidden gems to discover, fantastic experiences to enjoy, and memorable memories to create.

There is no doubt that it should be on everyone's bucket list of places to visit in France. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea, in what is known as the French Riviera, or the Cote d'Azur.

France's Ski Resorts 

France has some of the best ski resorts (Credit: 7 Seas Holidays)

France boasts a wide variety of excellent ski resorts which can cater the demands of anybody. Whether your wishes are for a variety of blue slopes or for an outdoor swimming pool, France is unlikely to leave you disappointed.

Ski resorts in France are some of the best in the world and skiers and snowboarders will revel in the wide range of excellent pistes on offer. Ranging from traditional alpine villages to modern ski-in ski-out resorts, France almost certainly appeals to all.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens is a resort that combines the best of skiing with the best of atmospheres. You can relax, enjoy yourself, and have fun at your own pace, going from experience to experience in a convivial and fun atmosphere.

Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is a thriving resort all year round, just as busy in summer as in winter. Alpe d'Huez forms part of the fabulous Grand Domaine ski area which combines the resorts of Alpe d'Huez, Auris-en-Oisans, Huez-en-Oisans, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas into one giant, heavenly playground.

With great snowparks, the resort offers something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities.

Tignes

Tignes is one of the best ski areas to go to for a long, snow-sure season. As one of the more affordable French ski resorts, Tignes has always attracted families and large groups of university students. In other words, there is something for every budget and taste in the way of nightlife and dining options. During the winter, you'll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to warm you up from the cold.

The Alpes

The Les Deux Alpes ski resort in France boasts a number of records, including the largest skiable glacier in Europe and the world's longest fully on-piste vertical.

The slopes in the Alpes are largely north-facing, which means they hold snow well and provide excellent views. Snow-sure glaciers are also available.

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