France is one destination that travellers can’t help but love. Sometimes, it’s said, even the locals have the uncanny feeling that they are on holiday.
This Western European jewel effortlessly combines medieval buildings with high-fashion cities, and bustling Mediterranean beaches with peaceful villages. Put a big tick on your bucket list by indulging in France’s famous food and wine while overlooking one of the world’s most iconic monuments, the Eiffel Tower.
Paris - the ‘City of Lights’ is the capital and one of the world’s most visited cities. Stop by to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and fabulous cafes.
Nice - the beachside setting blends with 19thcentury architecture, and the relaxed vibe makes it a popular locale for artists and musicians.
Bordeaux - world famous for its wine, this portside city also has many fine restaurants, museums and public gardens.
Toulouse - the so-called ‘Pink City’ is famous for its red-bricked old buildings and alternative culture driven by the large population of university students.
Lyon - there’s gourmet food and high culture combined, with a huge selection of Michelin-starred restaurants to visit in between the ballet and the opera.
France is renowned for its cuisine — every region has its own flavour of delicious pastries, rich stews and hearty soups. Apart from the well-known favourites, here are some other dishes to try:
Tarte Flambée - a flat bread covered with crème fraiche, cheese, onions and bacon.
Frogs’ legs - although there’s not much meat, they’re considered a delicacy that tastes similar to chicken.
Escargots - the French word for ‘snails’, they are cooked in butter, garlic and parsley and served in their shells.
Bouillabaisse - it’s an understatement to call this a fish stew, and any ‘real’ version of this dish is quite expensive due to the large amounts of seafood and saffron.
