The endless variety of historical monuments, modern cities, cultural events, picturesque towns and scenic views dotted with architectural gems continues to attract masses of visitors from all over the world. Most of them choose Paris as the destination of their first journey. This cosmopolitan city has come to serve as a byword for romanticism and sophistication. A capital of world art, culture, fashion, nightlife and refined cuisine, it constitutes a perfect environment for any lifestyle. A visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower reveals the abundance of treasures that the French capital has to offer. The world-famous landmarks are all within your reach: the glass pyramid of the Louvre, the ultra-modern building of Centre Pompidou, the breath-taking Notre-Dame de Paris, the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, the grandiose Arc de Triomphe, and the Tuileries Gardens. However, Paris also boasts a number of precious places that lie hidden away from the centre. For example, bohemian Montmartre with its maze of narrowly winding streets and the luxurious residence in Versailles.

However, one glance at the list of attractions available in other destinations across France will be enough to make any visitor believe that their first visit to the country doesn't have to begin in its capital. French regions are famous for their distinct culture, traditions, cuisine, architecture and landscapes. Just south of Paris lies the picturesque Valley of the Loire, famous for its fine chateaux scattered around the charming historical towns of Orleans, Blois, Tours, Angers and Nantes. The north of the country, home to such cities as Le Havre, Brest, Rennes, Dunkerque, Calais, Arras and Lille, attracts with their austere beauty and rugged mountain peaks coated in pine woods and ever-lingering mist. To the east, the area along the border with Germany is known for its unique combination of the cultures of both countries, which can be experienced in places such as Colmar, Reims and Strasbourg, the latter of which is the site of many important European institutions.

The south of France is a land of contrasts. The eastern part of the region is home to the spectacular French Alps, at the foot of which sit the towns of Grenoble and Annecy. This area, along with the French Pyrenees, constitutes the country's major skiing destination. An important location for many renowned ski resorts is also the Massif Central, surrounded by the attractive tourist destinations of Clermont-Ferrand, Saint Etienne and Toulouse. Amidst the snow-coated mountain tops lies one of the world's favourite holiday areas, Cote d'Azur, a true paradise of azure sea and endless, sandy beaches. The best-known resorts include Nice, Cannes, Toulon, Saint Tropez, Marseille, Montpellier, Perpignan, and the off-shore island of Corsica.