There’s so much more of France to discover beyond Paris

When you say you’re going to France, people automatically assume Paris.

It has the attractions, the restaurants and the crowds to match too. For your next trip explore some of the other delights France has to offer; there’s glorious beaches, majestic mountains and bustling medieval towns to explore.

Discover the Alps in Chamonix

Chamonix is dominated by the white majestic dome of Mont Blanc, at 4,810m the highest mountain in western Europe.

Perfect for nature lovers with truly breathtaking views of the Alps. Hike to your heart’s content, go rock climbing, or just explore the charms of the town itself. We’d recommend grabbing dinner from Poco Loco, a local favourite burger joint. This Alpine region really shines with the almost unlimited nature on offer.

If you only do one thing, get the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, a 3,842-metre mountain on the Mont Blanc massif. For unparalleled views of the Alps from the top, be sure to take your sunglasses with you, as the glare from the snow and ice can be extremely strong at this altitude.

If you’re after a more extreme thrill, book a Paragliding Tandem Flight for amazing views and an adrenaline rush to match.

Experience the Culture of Normandy

Located on the northern shores of France, there’s something to offer every type of holidaymaker. Stay at the Hôtel Les Villas d’Arromanches, the perfect base for exploring the attractions of the surrounding area. There’s almost too much to mention in this jam-packed region.

For history lovers, there are the D-Day landing beaches and Bayeux, with its tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England.

There are towns to explore like the impressive Mont Saint-Michel and the area’s capital, Rouen, where Monet was inspired to paint the Rouen Cathedral series. While there, be sure to tick off the four Cs of Normandy: Camembert; cider; crème and Calvados, a type of brandy. Although that could be quite a feast if you attempt them all at the same time!

Go on a Taste Journey in Bordeaux

Large view on Saint Emilion. Saint-Emilion is one of the principal red wine areas of Bordeaux, the wines of Saint-Emilion are respected all over the planet.

The hub of the famous winemaking region, Bordeaux has so much to offer. Head here for some of the best wine in France, and arguably the world, right on your doorstep. To make the most of this, book onto a Vintage Wine Tasting in Bordeaux session to have a local expert guide you through some of the best bottles the region has to offer and discover what makes Bordeaux wines so desirable.

It’s not just all about wine here though, with the city itself boasting beautiful Gothic architecture, like the Cathédrale Saint-André; fantastic art museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux and wonderful walks in gardens along the river. For the best photo in Bordeaux, head to the Place de la Bourse and capture the amazing building with its reflection in the Miroir d’Eau set in front. For added atmosphere head there at night.

Explore Strasbourg’s Old Charm

This city in the Alsace region of France has a fascinating blend of old French charm and German influence from across the border. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grande Île is the perfect place to spend a day walking down cobbled streets, dipping in and out of local shops and cafes, as you admire the beautiful architecture the city is renowned for.

The magic doesn’t stop in Strasbourg, however, as the whole Alsace region is full of towns and villages worth exploring, like Colmar, with its fairytale coloured houses that line its many canals.

There’s so much more to this exciting country than its capital, making it the perfect destination for this year’s holiday.