Destination spotlight: France is full of little pleasures

One minute you’re sipping wine on a vineyard-blanketed hillside, the next you’re lost in a village straight out of a fairy tale, or strutting down Parisian boulevards feeling très chic. And when you’re not exploring, you’re soaking up the Riviera sun, pretending this is just “another Tuesday.” Here, life’s little pleasures are treated like national treasures; a warm baguette tucked under your arm, a sliver (or three) of gooey brie, a spoonful of decadent pâté, and a glass of something so good it makes you speak better French. Whether you’re chasing culture in the cities, bliss by the coast, or pure countryside calm, France will always have you saying encore, s’il vous plaît.

Cruise the South of France

This is slow travel with a French accent: Lyon’s legendary tables, Rhône-side cellars, medieval quarters and that Provençal light that once lured Van Gogh. Most itineraries sail Lyon to Avignon or Arles, threading past vine-striped hillsides, Roman theatres and ochre-washed towns. Expect market mornings and bouchon lunches in Lyon, riverside tastings in Tain or Tournon, storybook stops like Viviers and Vienne, then golden evenings in Avignon’s shadow or Arles’ sun-baked squares.

Cruise the canals

In a country connected by canals, a great way to discover France is from the unique perspective of its serene waterways. You’ll slowly meander along the canals, navigating locks, stopping to explore quaint villages, castles and châteaux - you might even find a Michelin star restaurant a short stroll from the dock. Toulouse is often referred to as ‘Paris in miniature,’ a maze-like city and a great place to start your canal boating adventure. No prior boating experience necessary, just bring your sense of adventure!

Live like a local

For long‑stay bliss, there’s nothing like a French villa or farmhouse in Provence to truly absorb local life. Each morning, pop into the market for seasonal produce, grab your baguette from the friendly bakery, sip an aperitif at the corner café with the locals, wander through nearby hamlets and, at day’s end, curl up in your very own French home under starry skies. C’est magnifique!

Raise a glass

From crisp Alsace Rieslings to bold Bordeaux reds, France’s wine map is a tasting journey. Sip Côte de Beaune whites in Burgundy, pop Champagne in its namesake region, and savour Languedoc’s Picpoul or Faugeres. Loire Valley offers Sancerre and Vouvray, Provence pours perfect rosé, and the Rhone Valley tempts with Côtes du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Stay in a castle

Wake to birdsong and stone walls gleaming in the morning light, a château stay in the Loire is pure French fantasy. Base yourself near Amboise or Chenonceaux and spend days wandering storybook gardens, sipping local whites and picnicking by slow, silver rivers. Cycle flat, easy towpaths between castles, then return to crackling fireplaces and candlelit dinners. Must-sees include elegant Château de Chenonceau arcing over the Cher, the wild roofline of Chambord, and Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, Clos Lucé.

Join a cooking class

Discover the joy of French cooking in a warm, hands-on setting. Led by expert chefs, these small-group classes blend technique with fun — from creating vanilla crème brûlée and Eiffel Tower biscuits to shopping local markets for fresh ingredients. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or seasoned cook, you’ll leave with new skills, delicious recipes, and a deeper love for French cuisine.

Visit Mont Saint-Michel

This charming, small island town is the most visited site in France outside of Paris. It’s a scenic drive from Paris, through Normandy, to reach this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island village. Learn about the history of the famous abbey and enjoy free time to explore the backstreets of the village. Be sure to climb to the top of the historic abbey for the best views. Only about fifty people live on the island today, but there are plenty of hotels and shops for visitors.

See the Mona Lisa without the crowds

Book a timed Louvre ticket for the first entry of the day or go on Friday evening’s late opening, then head straight to the Denon Wing and Salle des États before looping back for icons like the Winged Victory and Venus de Milo. Enter via the underground Carrousel du Louvre to clear security faster, travel light, and save the gift shop for last.

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