France - the many cliches are so familiar: the romance of Paris, the peaceful rural beauty of Provence, the bounty of the table, the glamour of its coastline. But that doesn't even touch on the art, or architecture, or châteaux, or history, or the country's landscape. Which are all reasons to visit in their own right.
France is also known for a rather arbitrary hotel rating system, so our Gurus are here to help you find the best places to stay in France, whatever the reasons behind your visit.
Top Spots
Just like the song says, Paris is beautiful whatever the weather. The architecture is graceful, the art impressive, whilst the grand boulevards and cafe culture are atmospheric and romantic. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysee are exciting to see but the real charm and memorable delights of a stay in Paris are usually in the detail. The people of Paris are every bit as diverting as the grand architecture, whether they are in charming, shruggy, flirtatious, dismissive or in garrulous mode.
Many visitors to France are looking for châteaux and grape vines and the Loire Valley, just an hour from Paris, is one of the best places to find both. It can feel like each château you visit demonstrates an increase in extravagance and opulence - the gardens are ordered and majestic and the rows of vines create a neatness to the landscape which you can imagine The Sun King approving. The Loire is also famed for is its produce. Wines, game, cheese and other delicacies fit for a king will grace your palate when you visit this region.
Champagne is an obvious one for wine buffs, whilst the lush Dordogne with its dramatic river valleys and impressive ancient cave art is also a great region for wine, food and impressive chateaux. Then there's Burgundy, another mouth-watering option for foodies and wine-buffs. Rich food and a very rich history; for centuries Burgundy remained independent from the rest of France, ruled by powerful Dukes. This rich heritage can be seen all over the area from the ruins of Cluny monastery to the numerous châteaux dotting the countryside. Then there is the wild wilderness of the Morvan National Park.
If you are looking for the pleasures of rural France, Provence entices with mesmerising straight, fat rows of lavender and picturesque medieval hilltop villages promising long, drowsy lunches with plenty of wine. And, of course, plenty of sunshine. Edged by the spectacular and glamorous blue of the Côte d'Azur, Provence's own shades of green and terracotta have played muse for many artists who have been beguiled by the light, which Matisse described as 'soft and tender, despite its brilliance'. The artists legacy remains, distributed through the region's excellent museums.
Brittany and Normandy are also good options for a seaside break with a bit of flair and have plenty on offer for foodies.
France also offers great ski slopes in Les Trois Vallées, Chamonix and Val Thorens.
Given its immense popularity, be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a room in one of the best places to stay in France.
Some of our France Collections:
