Discovery Villas
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Holidays in France
Places to Visit - France
From wine tasting in Provence, to skiing in the French Alps, France has something for everyone.
In this section we look at three of the most popular holiday destinations - Paris, Normandy and the region of Provence.
Provence & The Cote d'Azur
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- Grand Canyon du Verdon
- St Tropez
- Casino de Monte Carlo (Monaco)
- Nice
- IIes d'Hyeres
Whether you're visiting Provence for its beautiful scenery or it's wealth of great outdoor pursuits, your first stop has got to be the "Grand Canyon du Verdon".
Cutting deep into the limestone rock, the river Verdon has created a stunning series of gorges that measure up to 25km long and 2,300 ft deep. At the bottom of the gorge the colour of the river changes from a vivid blue, to turquoise, with area's of foaming white water.
For the adventurous the canyon provide a great base for white water rafting, climbing, catamaran sailing, wind surfing and kayaking. For those looking for a more laid back experience the area provides some stunning views and is a great spot for hill walking or for just driving around the 140km lake road.
St Tropez is one of the rare exceptions amongst popular holiday destinations - whilst famous for being a holiday playground for the rich and famous, it has also managed to retain its original charm.
Today St Tropez still feels like a traditional French fishing village with its red tiled roofed buildings, pretty harbour and relaxed atmosphere.
Situated just a few miles to the east of Nice, Monaco is another popular playground with the rich and famous. Many head to Monaco for its impressive casino (Casino de Monte Carlo) and the F1 Monaco Grand Prix.
If you've always wanted to experience the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix then renting a holiday villa can be one of the most cost effective solutions but be warned - accommodation in F1 week is limited so you will need to book well in advance.
If you are not an F1 fan it's best to stay clear of Monaco for the couple of weeks leading up to, and shortly after the Grand Prix.
Nice seems to have a bit of an identity crisis which can initially feel a bit odd - in fact you could be forgiven for thinking that you've actually boarded the wrong flight and ended up in Italy. But there's good reason as Nice has always had strong links with Italy and only became French in 1860.
Another unusual feature with Nice is that it doesn't really have any major tourist attractions. Instead people visit Nice for it's people and its atmosphere, both of which are often lively, interesting and exciting.
Just a short ferry crossing from Hyeres (near Toulon) this small group of islands provide some of the best landscapes anywhere on the French Riviera. Crystal clear waters, quiet sandy beaches, pine scented forests and vineyards all add to the charm and the car-free environment makes for a very relaxing and peaceful retreat.
Being an Island may of the attractions revolve on, around, or under the water and range from scuba diving to sailing. For those wanting to keep their feet dry there are some great cycle routes which wind their way through the forests and creeks.
Paris
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- Eiffel Tower
- The Louvre
- Disneyland Paris
First conceived as part of preparations for the World's Fair of 1889, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the worlds most famous landmarks and tourist attractions attracting over 6 million visitors each year.
Gustave Eiffel and his team of engineers and constructors began work on the tower in January 1887 and by March 31 1889 the tower was complete. From the outset the tower was a great crown pleaser attracting over 2 million visitors in it's first year.
Whilst the tower itself is stunning just to look at, most visitors head straight to the 2nd floor to take in the amazing views of Paris.
If you've a head for heights and want to get to the very top of the 324m tower you will need to take the elevator as the 1,665 stairs only go as far as the 2nd floor.
Website: www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/
Open Hours: 9:30 am - 11:00 pm (Seasonal variations may apply)
Price Guide:
Prices depend on floor level -
The cheapest option is to take the stairs which cost €3,50
Elevator to top - Adults: €10,40
Elevator to top - Children (over 3 - 12): €5,70
Built by Philippe Auguste in 1204, the Louvre was originally the Royal Château.
However, in 1793 the French Republic converted the Louvre into one of Europe's earliest museums, alongside the Ashmolean Museum (1683), the Dresden Museum (1744) and the Vatican Museum (1784).
Its collection, which ranges from Egyptian art of 5000 BC to nineteenth-century work, is divided into seven departments: Oriental and Islamic Antiquities; Egyptian Antiques; Greek, Roman and Etruscan Antiques; Painting; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; as well as Graphic Arts.
Website: www.louvre.fr
Open Hours: Every day except Tuesdays & most Bank Holidays, from 9am to 6.45pm (9.45pm on Mondays and Wednesdays)
Price Guide: €8,50
Top Tip:
Check the Louvre website for details of Free admission
Disneyland Paris theme park opened its doors in 1992, since then the park has gone from strength to strength attracting visitors from all over Europe. With easy access from both Eurostar and Paris airport, which provide a shuttle service, Disneyland Paris makes for a truly magical family experience.
Although the Park is mainly aimed at children, there is something for everyone. With fast adrenaline packed rides like "Space Mountain", to the more sedate "It's a small world".
Every whim is catered for. For example - should you would rather not take your own pushchair or wheelchair, one can be hired for the duration of your stay. Look out for "cast members" displaying an "I" (For information) on their costumes, they will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Part of the Disney experience you shouldn't miss is one of the many daily parades and shows that go on throughout the year. Check when you book your tickets which parades and shows you can expect to see. These events are a good opportunity for children to see their favourite characters "live". Most parades and shows are on at different times during the day, check in advance and tailor your visit to suit your families requirements.
Check the Disneyland Paris website for tickets, opening times and travel information.
Website: www.disneylandparis.com
Opening times: 9am - 8pm daily. (Seasonal variations may apply)
Prices: Adults €40 Children (3-11 years) €30
Top Tip:
Visit the most popular rides when parades are on as queues tend to be much shorter.
Normandy
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- Mont St Michael
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Cathedrale Notre-Dame
- D-Day Beaches & Museums
This truly spectacular site of an imposing Abbey built on top of a monumental rock has been a popular attraction since pilgrims first flocked there one thousand years ago. The surrounding landscape is no less impressive either, a vast expanse of sea or sand depending on the dramatic tides.
There are many places to visit within the ramparts of one of Normandy's most popular attractions. Wind your way uphill through the cobbled street of Grande Rue, the original 12th century pilgrims way to the Abbey building at the top. On your way you will encounter many shops and restaurants catering for all tastes.
Opening times are May-Aug 9am-7pm, Sept-Apr 9.30am-6pm.
Top Tip:
Try to avoid visiting Mont St Michael in July and August as it can get very crowded.
This fascinating historical document is truly a work of art, at 230ft or 70m long and stitched in only eight colour's of wool onto a single piece of linen. The tapestry is made up of fifty eight scenes embroidered eleven years after the Norman Conquest of Britain in 1066.
The tapestry is housed within the Centre Guillaume-le-Conquerant in Bayeux. There are many attractions within the town of Bayeux, most signed in both English and French. For a self walking tour follow the Circuit de Vieux Bayeux stopping at sign posted points of interest along the route.
Opening times: May-Aug 9am-7pm, mid Mar-May, Sept-Nov 9am-6.30pm, Nov-mid-Mar 9.30am-12.30pm, 2-6pm closed.
Admission: €7.40 concessions €3.00 children under 10 free.
Situated in the Historical heart of Rouen the Cathedrale Notre-Dame which took almost 400 years to build, is a wonderful record of the Gothic style as it has been added to over time.
Inside the Cathedral is just as impressive as its facade, the Nave and jewel like window of St Julian the Hospitaller are well worth seeing. Monet loved the West facade and painted it over thirty times.
Opening times: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm Sun 8am-6pm. Closed public holidays.
Admission: Free
Top tip:
You know what they say.... a little of what you fancy does you good... right?Well, who are we to argue!
Why not spoil yourself with a visit Dame Cakes 70 rue St-Romain for authentic French tarts and gateaux.
The landing of the Allies in June 1944 and the Battle of Normandy are commemorated in Museums and Memorials throughout the area. Two of these being Utah Beach where 13,000 US paratroopers were dropped, and Pegasus Bridge where the first Allies landed in France - men of the British 6th Airbourne Division after who's insignia the bridge was re-named.
The main sights can be toured by car following the Dove information totems, there are two routes "Overlord-L'Assaut" and "D-Day Le Choc". There are also bus and taxi tours operating in the area, and the tourist office (Office du Torisme, pont St-Jean, Bayeux) can provide information on these services along with an accompanying booklet.
French holiday accommodation
If you haven't already arranged your French holiday accommodation then we have a wide selection of rental holiday homes, villas with pools, and holiday cottages, ideally situated for exploring all parts of France - from the Cote d'Azur & Provence to Brittany and the Dordogne.