Head to France, the world's most popular vacation destination, with Campanile Hotels! The various regions and cities will offer everything worthy of a vie en rose!

France is located in Western Europe, bordering Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. It has a Mediterranean coastline along the French Riviera in the south and a long Atlantic coastline in the west. The English Channel separates France from Great Britain.

As one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe, France has been the world’s most popular tourist destination for more than 20 years. Renowned for its gastronomy, its long and rich history, its culture and fashion, there is something for everyone in France. Whether you prefer the major historical attractions of Paris, a relaxing time on the beach, visiting castles in the Loire Valley, or skiing in the French Alps, France is sure to give you the holiday of your dreams.

A two-day break
In just two days, discover the sights and sounds of the City of Lights. Start your tour on Ile Saint-Louis in the centre of Paris where you can wander through the antique town houses, charming courtyards and narrow streets lined with cafés. Visit the splendid Musee d’Orsay to see an impressive collection of impressionist paintings from the likes of Van Gogh, Monet and Manet. Take a boat tour down the Seine, soaking in all the major sights as you pass by. Be sure to check out the Montmartre disctrict with its Sacré-Coeur basilica and Moulin Rouge district. No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you can climb the stairs or take the lift for a view from the top. 

A week-long stay
With one week in Paris, plan your time wisely so you can see your top picks in Paris and head out for some short trips outside the city to surrounding areas. Stay at one of our many Paris locations, like the Campanile Hotel Paris – Bastille. Head for the enormous and luxurious palace and gardens of Versailles, then take off for the D-Day beaches of Normandy, the cathedrals of Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned alive, and don’t miss the incredible monastery which becomes an island when the tide comes in - Mont-St-Michel. 

A family holiday
For a family getaway, why not try the French Atlantic coast? You’ll find amazing beaches, islands and sailing havens with lots of areas to explore as a family. Near Poitiers, you can visit the Futuroscope theme park, full of futuristic architecture and 3D cinemas. Mont-St-Michel is a must-see with nearby seaside towns like Saint Malo offering the freshest seafood straight out of the Atlantic. You’ll find something for everyone!

Transport
France is extremely well connected via rail with high-speed TGV train networks connecting to regional and local trains. Driving will likely take you longer than the train, but offers more flexibility and allows you to reach small villages with no train station nearby. There is no national bus system in France, however companies such as Eurolines offer international bus routes.

Gastronomy
French cuisine is renowned for being one of the finest in the world. Each region has traditional specialities: Cassoulet in the south-west, Choucroute in Alsace, Quiche in the Lorraine region, Beef bourguignon in the Bourgogne, provençal Tapenade, etc. France's most renowned products are wines, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and Beaujolais as well as more than 400 different cheeses, such as Camembert, Roquefort and Brie. 

Events
France has plenty of events and festivals throughout the year. The most important is Bastille Day on July 14 to commemorate the French Revolution. Other important events include the Cannes Film Festival, the French Open at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris and the Tour de France. There are also a large number of music festivals for all tastes and music styles. For food, there are markets, fairs, wine tastings and the International Food Festival in Dijon.

Interesting Fact
The number of times the French kiss each other on the cheek as a greeting depends on the region. In Paris, two kisses will suffice. But in Corsica, it can be as many as 5!

Useful links
http://www.francetourisme.fr/ (official tourist site)