With the River Seine gently meandering through this incredible city in northern central France, the captivating, romantic city of Paris has been described in just about every possible way and is a dream destination for people the world over, boasting many famous landmarks, a rich history and idyllic Parisian scenes at every turn. The city features monument-lined boulevards, fascinating museums, classical bistros, bohemian art nouveau cafes, creative wine bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries. Must-see attractions include: the impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe standing guard over the glamourous Champs Elysees Avenue. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample infamous French cuisine at an array of enticing ‘boulangeries’, ‘patisseries’, and ‘fromageries’.
The capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, Nice enjoys an idyllic location, sitting on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges with spectacular Alps-to-Mediterranean surroundings. It is well known for its breathtaking views along the Promenade des Anglais, its famous waterfront, lined with deck chairs for lazing in the sun alongside the azure water. Art lovers can marvel at the impressive collections housed in the city's numerous world-class museums, including the Matisse Museum, Musée Chagall, the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, and the Musée et Site Archeologiques de Cimiez, which includes the ruins of the Gallo-Roman settlement in Cimiez. Architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to peak their interest in the ocher-tinted streets of the city's charming Old Town. These narrow, traffic-free alleyways are lined with romantic cafes, picturesque houses and boutiques, as well as the famous flower and fruit market of Cours Saleya. With its perfect balance of modern sophistication and old-world charm, as well as attractions suited to all ages, it's no wonder Nice is such a renowned vacation destination.
With the towering snow-capped peaks of the impressive Mont Blanc providing an exceptionally scenic backdrop, Chamonix is both the oldest and largest of French Alpine ski resort towns. The town was initially put on the map as the site of the very first winter Olympics in 1924. Today this remarkable resort consists of numerous charming chalets, luxury villas, Belle Époque hotels, Art Deco facades, traditional farms as well as some spectacular modern architecture. Chamonix offers a winter wonderland for snow bunnies who flock here year after year to enjoy some of Europe's top alpine thrills including the unforgettable 20-km (12-mile) run through the Vallée Blanche and the exhilarating off-trail area of Les Grands Montets. There is also plenty for non-skiers to enjoy including a lively après-ski scene and a host of lovely restaurants and upmarket boutiques. In summer, the area’s highland hiking trails are easily accessible by ski lift and provide some of the Alps' most thrilling panoramas. With all of this and more on offer, Chamonix is truly a wintertime playground of epic proportions.
