The Mediterranean beaches of Côte d'Azur, fragrant Provence and Camargue with its flamingos and white horses are attractive for both hikers and cyclists. The Loire Valley with its magnificent castles is also a popular destination for cyclists. And the Alps have always been an El Dorado for mountaineers.
But Pyrenees, the green volcanic region of Auvergne and the lovely Alsace of France are no less enchanting. Ardèche, a Mecca for canoe and kayak adventures and climbers, stands for pure action and nature. Another outdoor paradise lies in the Mediterranean Sea: Corsica. The harsh, idiosyncratic beauty is very popular with hikers, canoeists, kayakers, climbers, divers and nature lovers.
auvergne-tourisme-martin-sebastien.jpg "Hiker with panorama view")
Culture and Cuisine
The cave paintings of Lascaux in the Dordogne, which are part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage, offer a glimpse into prehistoric times. The ancient Romans left behind an immense cultural treasure in the south of France. Also, the wine culture goes back partly to the Romans. The wines and wine regions of Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Champagne, Côtes du Rhône and Provence enjoy worldwide fame.
Just like French cuisine. However, it does not always have to be sophisticated cuisine. A piece of cheese with a baguette or a croque monsieur also taste delicious and can be accompanied by a drop of good wine.
fran-ccedil-ois-ribard.jpg "Hiking with view o the landscape and animals at the Mont Blanc")
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Savoir vivre
Cities such as Lyon and Lille, European Capital of Culture 2004, have become true tourist magnets. Not to mention the vibrant capital Paris, the city of love with its stunning charm, which has much more to offer than the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland. But all this wouldn't be half as attractive if it weren't for the French: very stylish, masters of savoir vivre, a little filou and utterly charming.
