From the rolling hills filled with lavender in Provence to the vineyards of Champagne and the beaches of Antibes, France has a diverse and beautiful landscape. Depending on the time of year you choose to visit, you can enjoy the snowy mountains in the Alps, springtime in the Loire Valley, summer along the French Riviera, or the autumn in bustling French towns with local vineyards pressing their grapes after harvest.

France offers many different qualities from delicious French food and wine to local towns filled with markets and restaurants. There are spectacular chic sandy beaches and ports surrounded by yachts all year round, these areas make for an excellent summer holiday. 

Below I have placed a few of my favourite places in France to visit for a variety of different reasons, if you are thinking about visiting France it is well worth adding these destinations to your bucket list!

Firstly the island of Corsica, a mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea with coastal towns, spectacular cliffs, idyllic villages full of history, with sandy beaches and the warm sea. Corsica has a mild climate and it can be an excellent island to visit during autumn when the weather and sea is warmer than the early summer months. You can fly directly to Corsica from the UK during the summer months from May to October and it is a fantastic island for couples to explore. There is plenty to do outdoors on the island from hiking to visiting beaches. 

The Archipel des Sanguinaires is a remote islet with a beautiful walking trail and lighthouse, perfect for a day trip. You can head to the beautiful beaches of Palombaggia or Santa Guilia if you are looking for turquoise waters, good food and to relax. For those looking for some culture, the Fesch Museum is worth visiting, a museum of fine art that is located in the gated Palais Fesch in the town of Ajaccio in the Borgu quarter. Alternatively visit the Prehistoric Station Filitosa to see some archaeological finds. 

The island itself is beautiful and one where there is constantly something to explore and enjoy. There are a number of excellent hotels and boutique hotels on the island, however if you are looking for more space or to visit with friends or family why not try the Villa di Calvi Sunday, a private and spacious villa, close to the beach perfect for a small group.

Secondly I would recommend the French Alps, specifically visiting the heart of the Three Valleys ski area and the beautiful chocolate box resort of Méribel. Méribel is a fantastic ski resort that suits all types of skiers and groups. In the Three Valleys ski area there are over 600 kilometres of piste, 328 ski runs and 166 ski lifts, even the best skiers may not cover the whole area in a week. With gentle green and blue runs this resort is well suited to beginners and children and has reliable snow coverage throughout the winter season.

Whilst France offers so many options during the summer months it is also one of the best places to visit during the winter. The Alps are beautiful, you feel refreshed with the clean mountain air, beautiful mountain landscapes and there are a number of brilliant hotels and catered chalets to stay in with family, as a couple or with friends. 

One of my favourite properties is the Chalet Le Koissou in the quaint and picturesque satellite village of Méribel Village. With a professional chef serving delicious meals, a spacious lounge, luxurious accommodation and outdoor hot-tub it is perfect for groups and on occasion bookable by the room. If you are not a keen skier or snowboarder there is still plenty to do, with resorts such as Méribel offering a range of gourmet restaurants, chic bars, lively après ski bars, weekly local markets and beautiful cafés to frequent. You can also try snowshoeing or husky sledding, go for long walks, visit the local churches, villages and shops. The mountains are a calming and beautiful place to visit and they make for an interesting and different holiday to your annual beach retreat.

They can also be an excellent place to visit for a weekend with French towns such as Chamonix offering beautiful surroundings, fantastic accommodation and just an hour transfer away from Geneva. Whether you are skiing or not it can be a fantastic weekend break. 

Heading south now and to the summer months of the year, to the Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera. The coastline is stunning and there are so many towns and beaches, not to mention restaurants and sites, to try and see whilst there. The Côte d’Azur is a popular place to visit, in the south-east of France it runs along the Mediterranean coastline. Known for its clear warm waters, plenty of fresh produce and more famously the glamorous towns and beaches of Cannes and St. Tropez.

Antibes is another beachside haven that is spectacular, offering incredible views, and it is one of the prettier places to visit, here you can stay at the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel. This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area set in a prime location this hotel offers privacy, indulgence and the service is of a superb standard. It is a place to visit for a few days whilst in the South of France that will not disappoint.

Antibes is not just mega-yachts and home to the rich and famous, there is a beautiful and historic town full of history to explore. There are cobbled streets, charming side roads, old Antibes Provencal food market, the Picasso Museum and a former Chateau Grimaldi which was Piccaso’s home 1946. 

Not far from the Côte d’Azur are the iconic villages of Grasse and Èze. Grasse is famous for its lavender fields which bloom around July and August. Here you can visit perfumeries such as Fragonard. The medieval village of Èze is a stunning hilltop village with mesmerising views. Both are fantastic to explore throughout the summer and offer something more than a beach town lined with restaurants and bars.

If this has tempted you to visit France or one of our destinations do get in touch with one of our specialists who will be happy to chat through the areas, villas and hotels that we offer. You can get in touch on sales@flagstonetravel.com or on 020 8050 2681.