1. Bordeaux & The Atlantic Coast

2. Burgundy

3. Champagne

4. French Riviera

5. Loire Valley

6. Normandy

7. Paris & Île de France

8. Provence & Southern Rhône

Best time to visit: June-September

Go for this: Mont Saint Michel, with its spectacular island monastery built on a rock in the bay; the D-Day Landing beaches, vital for the liberation of Europe from years of Nazi occupation; Monet’s Giverny, the picturesque place where the iconic artist painted his famed waterlilies; and the Bayeux Tapestry, the world’s most celebrated embroidery, depicting the 1066 Norman conquest of England. Not to mention, the best apple cider in France!

But try this: Saint-Malo, a walled port city and a glittering seaside gem in Brittany, just a short drive from Mont Saint Michel. Since the 16th century, Saint-Malo has been the starting point for many seafarers who explored the New World — the most famous being Jacques Cartier, one of the discoverers of Canada. In Saint-Malo, you can walk on the ramparts built between the 12th and 14th century and marvel at the beautiful views over the sea; explore the city’s narrow cobblestone streets filled with bars, restaurants, shops and crêperies; or simply relax on the golden-sand beaches that fringe the walls of the old town.

Favorite guest experience: Monet’s Giverny. Discover the colorful flower gardens of Giverny and visit Claude Monet’s former home, where he lived and painted for 43 years. Breathe in the magical atmosphere as you stand on the Japanese bridge which inspired Monet to create his famed Water Lilies series. Then, explore Giverny’s Impressionism Museum, before going on a leisurely walk in the village for a peek at quaint flower-covered cafes, boutiques, and galleries.

Favorite hotel: Château La Chenevière, an elegant hideaway set in the Normandy countryside. A majestic 18th-century manor house surrounded by attractive gardens, located between the landing beaches and Bayeux, in the heart of historic Normandy. At La Chenevière, you’ll truly live the “vie de château.”

Favorite restaurant: Le Coquillage, near the ancient town of Saint-Malo. This restaurant pays tribute to the pristine fish and shellfish of Normandy and creates surprising blends of flavors by using more than 120 spices from the East and West Indies.

Foods:
- Andouillette Sausage
- Pork or Fish Rillettes
- Orléans Poultry
- Green Lentils
- Goat Cheese
- Truffles
- Fouée or Fouace Tourangelle (a small sweet bun)

Wine - Varietals:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
- Cabernet Franc

Wine - Appellations:
- Chinon
- Sancerre
- Vouvray
- Cheverney
- Bourgueil
- Pouilly-Fumé
- Saumur