Historic fortified city of Carcassonne

The picture-perfect city of Carcassonne is a must-see on private tours of France. The country’s second-most visited tourist spot after the Tour Eiffel, the medieval La Cité citadel attracts nearly four million visitors a year. 

La Cité Citadel

Surrounded by impressive concentric double walls and a moat, the citadel is a marvel of drawbridges, towers, basilica and a small town, which inspired Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty. Visit the stunning 12^th-century Château Comtal with 31 towers and stroll along the cobbled streets. If you are not fainthearted, check out the fascinating Torture museum inside the La Cite to see graphic reconstructions of torture instruments from the Middle Ages through to the French revolution. Linger on the grassy river banks below outside the citadel to admire the views over Carcassonne and the snow-capped Pyrénées on the horizon.

Pont Vieux

Most tourist stay inside the walls and never cross the river to see lower part of the city known as the the Ville Basse. Dating back to the Middle Ages it is full of charm, shops, cafés and restaurants and is certainly worth a visit. Walk across the pretty 14^th-century Pont-Vieux, one of the few surviving medieval bridges in France that connects Carcassonne’s lower and upper towns. Check out the colourful busy food market that sprawls across Place Carnot in the centre of the town every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday where you can stock up on the best cheeses, charcuterie and other delicacies from the area. Stroll along Rue du Verdun wondering into tiny dusty shops and admiring the medieval buildings lining the street. Pop in to the Chapelle des Dominicaines to see the time line of the city’s history on its walls and look at the 17th-century paintings in the Church of Saint-Vincent. 

Canal du Midi

Hop on one of the boats on the Canal du Midi that will take you on a trip through the countryside along its tree-lined banks. 

Before you leave Carcassonne make sure you sample some of the delectable local dishes such as cassoulet, a meat stew with white haricot beans or duck breast.

Photos via Flickr by: Rob Glover, Thierry Llansades, Jeremy Eades.

Exploring Cahors

The time-burnished city of Cahors in south-western France is renowned for its stunning architecture and robust red wine. With 120 building listed as historical monuments, Cahors is a delight to explore. Its long rich history can be traced back to the Gallo-Roman times from which some ruins remain preserved. In the Middle Ages, its strategic position on an important route to Santiago de Compostela and Jerusalem brought many pilgrims and prosperity to the town.

Cahors

Start you walk through the old town from the Pont Valentré across the River Lot. The local legend says that during its construction in the 1300s, the architect in exchange for his soul asked the devil to help him to finish the bridge. Today, the striking Pont Valentré is one of the most photographed landmarks in France. 

The 12^th-century Cathedral of Saint Etienne dominates the town’s beautiful old centre and resembles a sturdy fortified castle with lovely stained glass windows. A local market sprawls across the square in front of the cathedral every Saturday and Wednesday. Stroll along the stalls laden with colourful fruit, glossy vegetables, fragrant herbs and delicious cheeses from the area. 

Pont Valentré

Follow a marked trail through the old town to see the medieval gardens of Augustinian friars, Moorish gardens and a lovely cloistered garden of Henri IV. During high season, hop on a Petit Train to see the city or hire a horse-drawn carriage. From May to September you can also board a cruise boat to see the splendour of Cahors from a different angle. 

Cathedral of Saint Etienne

Stroll along the tree-lined Boulevard de Gambetta dotted with elegant fountains, excellent restaurants and great shops. Chill out in one of the charming cafes here sampling delicious cakes or sip a glass of Cahors’ famous dark red wine that has been produced here since medieval times. The town has a museum dedicated to local wines or you can also visit a vineyard for a degustation.

Photos via Flickr by: Tom De Mulder, Marcel Musil, Jean-Jacques Boujot.

Exploring the city of Strasbourg

Strasbourg a stunning destination to visit on private tours of France. It has a wealth of architectural gems, museums and archaeological sites that serve as reminders of the city’s long history. 

Once the richest city in the Holy Roman Empire, Strasbourg prospered throughout its history and remains an important cultural hub and home to the European Parliament. History awaits at every corner in Strasburg as you walk its narrow cobblestone streets lined with  charming burghers' houses and elegant palaces. 

Strasbourg

The impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame dominates the city. One of the most important monuments of Western architecture, the Cathedral took several centuries to complete. With the 142-meter spire, the Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the highest churches in the Christian world. Inside you can admire stunning medieval stained-glass windows, an old organ and an old astronomical clock that strikes at 12.30 every day while mechanical figures of Christ and the Apostles parade in front of spectators. 

Climb up the 330 steps to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the city the Black Forest, and the Vosges Mountains.

View from the Strasbourg Cathedral Tower

There are many well-preserved historic corners in the old city with the Quartier des Tanneurs, also known as "La Petite France” being one of the most charming. Take a walk back in time admiring 16-17th centuries half-timbered houses where the city's leather tanners and fishermen used to live. 

Another characteristic neighbourhood with a lively village atmosphere is the Quartier Krutenau where you will find picturesque canals, art galleries and quaint restaurants.

The opulent 18th-century Palais des Rohan houses three museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Decorative Arts and Archaeological Museum. Here you can see priceless works by such European masters as Botticelli, Delacroix, Van Dyck, Giotto, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Véronèse, the opulent bishop’s apartment, excellent collections of decorative arts and antiquities.

La Petite France

At the quay by the Palais des Rohan you can hop on one of the boats that sail around the Grande Ile and take you up past many important sites including the beautiful modern European Parliament’s building.

Don’t leave Strasbourg without trying its delicious hearty cuisine. The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and a plethora of excellent eateries serving typical Alsatian dishes accompanied by excellent world-famous local wines.

Photos via Flickr by: Carlos Andrés Reyes, Michael Camilleri, Gerry Balding.

Natural wonders in France

France is not all about museums, art galleries and castles. There are also the great outdoors with many spectacular natural wonders to visit on private tours of France. Stunning mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, caves, cliffs and dunes, - the list of things au naturel is endless. Here are just a few to whet your appetite.

Cliffs of Étretat

Cliffs of Étretat

Arching above the water, the dramatic white cliffs of Étretat in Normandy inspired painters Monet, Boudin and Courbet. One of the picturesque arches resemble an elephant with its trunk in the sea. There are three arches, the Manneporte, Porte d'Aval and Porte d'Amont, and a pointed needle rising from the water. You can go to the beach to see the cliffs close up in their full splendour or admire them from a distance from the lovely town of Étretat.

Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat

Europe’s highest, the Dune du Pilat in it is almost three kilometres long and 500 metres wide. The sand dune attracts one million visitors per year. Here you can try paragliding, walking through the deep sand or simply sunbathing and enjoying the sea breeze.

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon

Carved by the turquoise waters of the Verdon River over centuries, the canyon is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It runs for 25 kilometres and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Adrenaline junkies come here to climb the gorge’s steep limestone walls, kayak down the river or hike along the rocky outcrops. Less adventurous visitors admire spectacular drives near the canyon and have relaxing picnics while enjoying the views.

Camargue salt flats

The Camargue 

The Camargue delta of the Rhone River in Languedoc covers an area of over 900 square kilometres filled with surreal looking red salt lagoons, marshlands and rice paddies. Flocks of pink flamingos and herds of white Camargue horses make the landscape irresistibly beautiful. 

Photos via Flickr by: Michel Marie, Francois Pouzet, Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho, Jeroen Komen.

Arles, the city of van Gogh, Picasso and Roman ruins

The beautiful city of Arles in south-eastern France is steeped in history and rich with architectural gems. Its origins can be traced back to the 7th century BC when it was a Greek settlement. During Roman times, Arles was an important centre and many well-preserved ruins remind of those glorious days. The city’s ancient amphitheatre, Roman theater, remains of the Roman circus, the Baths of Constantine and the necropolis attract many visitors today.

Roman Amphitheatre in Arles

Arles also has many buildings dating back to medieval times. On Place de la Republique you can see the Church of Saint Trophime famous for its ornate carved doorway depicting the Final Judgement and the 13^th century cloisters. From the roof gallery you can admire views over the city.

Art lovers enjoy the Arles’ connection with Vincent Van Gogh. The famous artist was attracted to the city because of its exceptional light and, although, he only spent 15 months in Arles, he painted more than 300 masterpieces. Many visitors enjoy following the Van Gogh Trail to see the scenes of the artist's famous paintings that he created during his stay in the city. 

Place du Forum

Another artist who spent some time in Arles was Pablo Picasso, who came here because of the city’s Van Gogh connection and the famous bullfights in the Camargue area. In 1971, Picasso donated 57 of his paintings to the the Musée Réattu housed in a beautiful Renaissance building where they can be admired today along with a fine collection of contemporary art as well as works by Provençal artists from the 18th-19th centuries.

Fête du Costume

The relaxed Provençal atmosphere of Arles with its leafy squares and outdoor cafés is a big draw in itself. There are many great restaurants in the city serving delicious local dishes. During spring and summer Arles hosts many interesting festivals. From Easter to September “Feria Corridas” takes place with bullfighting and bloodless “course camarguaise” bull spectacles organised in the Roman arena. In July, during the festival “Fête du Costume” hundreds of locals dress up in historic costumes and children parade through the old centre with torchlights. 

Photos via Flickr by: Ming-yen Hsu, Jacqueline Poggi, Max Guitare.

The best festivals to visit in France

French festivals are known for their vibrancy and great atmosphere. No matter what time of year you decide to visit France, there is always a festival going on somewhere in the country celebrating local food, wine, historic event or cultural traditions. Here is our pick of the best festivals to get a taste of French culture.

Nice Carnival

Nice Carnival

One of the largest carnivals in the world, Nice Carnival is celebrated for 15 days and nights with parades, dances, music and fireworks. A theme is chosen every year for the main parade of colourful gigantic floats and figurines. One of the highlights is the Flower Parade during which 100,000 flowers are thrown into the crowd. The event attracts almost one million visitors to Nice every February.

The Festival of Lights, Lyon

On December 8, the residents of Lyon celebrate the Virgin Mary, whose statue overlooks the city from the Fourvière hill. Since the 19th century, they have been putting candles and lamps on their windows and balconies creating a mesmerising display of lights. In the last few decades, La Fête des Lumières has also become a celebration of light show design with international artists putting on spectacular performances that last for four days.

Pentecost Feria in Nimes

Pentecost Feria, Nîmes

Held on the fifth weekend after Easter, Feria de Pentecôte starts with a huge costumed parade and runs for five days. Apart from bull fights in the ancient Roman amphitheatre and bull runs along the city streets, expect to see stunning fireworks displays, open-air concerts and street parties. It is one of the biggest events in South France attracting almost a million visitors annually.

Chorégies d'Orange

Chorégies d’Orange

One of the oldest music festivals in France, Chorégies d’Orange takes place every July in the historic town of Orange. Live opera and classic music performances are staged in the atmospheric Roman theatre that sits 9,000 spectators and has magnificent natural acoustics. Some of the biggest international names in opera perform here, so tickets sell out very fast.

Photos by: Alessandro Baffa/Flickr, Office de Tourisme de Nîmes/Facebook, Chorégies d’Orange/Facebook.

Marseille: cafes, ancient churches and souks

The cosmopolitan city of Marseille is France's oldest and the second largest after Paris, however, it is often ignored by foreign tourists. Travellers looking for a more authentic corner of France find Marseille’s rich history and cultural diversity stunning coastal setting exciting.

Marseille

The Old Port (Vieux Port) is the heart of Marseille. Founded as a Greek port in 600 BC, the vibrant harbour is a great place to spend a few hours wondering around and sample the excellent bouillabaisse fish stew, a local specialty in one of the port’s restaurants. Check out the old fish market on the east side of the harbour that is open every morning. From the port you can take a ferry to the majestic Château d'If and the dramatic Calanques cliffs.

Marseille has several splendid churches that are worth a visit. The 19th century Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde with a gilded Madonna on the top of the belfry is famous for its opulent décor with marble arches, colourful mosaic magnificent views over the city. The Basilique Saint-Victor’s foundation dates back to early Christianity and is one of the oldest buildings in Marseille.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Often called the Champs-Élysées of Marseille, the city’s main avenue La Canebière reminds of Marseille’s great colonial trading past when local merchants built spacious Haussmannian town houses showing off their wealth. Here you will find many shops and inexpensive restaurants that are always full with locals.

Vieux Port

Le Panier city district is believed to be the oldest urban quartier in France. Explore charming narrow streets, tiny artisan shops and picturesque little squares with atmospheric cafes. Here you can pop in to the splendid arcaded 17th-century La Vieille Charité that once was the city’s poorhouse. Today it houses an excellent museum of African, Oceanic and Amerindian Arts.

To soak up the city’s multi-cultural heritage head to the Capucin district where you will find North African style souks and open-fronted shops selling ethnic food, clothes and other colourful paraphernalia. 

Photos via Flickr by: Thibault Houspic, Selden Vestrit, Jopa Elleul.