Western Europe
The world's most visited country, and still holding things back.
France perfected the art of being visited — and of keeping the best bits for people who try slightly harder. Paris is the magnet, but France's real trick is variety within two train hours: champagne cellars, Norman beaches, Alpine peaks, and a south coast that invented the entire idea of holiday. The food reputation is deserved and not confined to the famous rooms; the twelve-euro lunch menu in an unphotographed bistro is the true national treasure.
What things cost: France is one of western Europe's pricier countries, and Paris prices above the rest of it. The saving graces: the fixed-price lunch menu, bakeries that make breakfast a €3 luxury, and wine cheaper than water in the supermarket. When a zone below says 'low', that means low for France — which still isn't cheap.
Bordeaux
Cannes
Lyon
Marseille
Nice
Paris
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
Biennially in even years, late June
A huge four-day riverside festival along the Garonne — tasting pavilions from every Bordeaux appellation, tall ships moored at the quays, food and concerts. The city's biggest party (held in even years).
Bordeaux · Quais de Bordeaux
July and August, every summer
The riverbanks and canal basin become beaches — sand, deckchairs, swimming in the La Villette basin — Paris's answer to not having a coast.
Paris · Seine banks & Bassin de la Villette
A centuries-old Provençal Christmas tradition — a market on the Vieux-Port selling handmade 'santons', the little painted clay nativity figures unique to Provence, alongside a festive market and the city dressed for Christmas. A charming, traditional time to visit, in the mild southern winter.
Marseille · The Vieux-Port
At the stroke of midnight the year's young Beaujolais is released, and Lyon — the gateway to the vineyards — celebrates with tastings, bar crawls and free-flowing gamay. A jolly night for wine lovers.
Lyon · Bars across the city
Wooden chalets line the Allées de Tourny for mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and regional gifts, with lights strung through the golden-stone streets. A cosy, festive turn for a winter visit.
Bordeaux · Allées de Tourny
For four December nights the whole city becomes a canvas for light artists — spectacular projections on the monuments, and candles in every window in an old tradition of thanks to the Virgin. Lyon's magical signature festival.
Lyon · Across the city