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Lonely Planet France: Perfect for exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled (Travel Guide)

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Normandy: the northwest region of France rolls off an English-speaking tongue as easily as a French one. Standing on the summit of Europe’s tallest sand dune, the 102m-high (335ft) Dune du Pilat, you get a sense of what an unusual place the Bassin d’Arcachon is. At market stalls, don’t touch the produce (ask the vendor instead) and don’t haggle (bargaining is only OK at flea markets). And always ask permission to take photos (the same goes for shops).

February heralds the arrival of Valentine’s Day and, unsurprisingly, it's taken seriously in France – book ahead if you’re planning a romantic weekend. It also marks the start of carnival season, some in anticipation of Lent, others just for the sheer fun of it. Shake off the winter gloom at Nice Carnival or the Menton Lemon Festival. For the most ethereal example of Matisse’s work, head 32km (20 miles) east to Vence, where seeing sunshine filter through the stained-glass windows of the chapel he designed, the Chapelle du Rosaire, is a profoundly spiritual experience. 13. Paddle beneath the mighty Roman aqueduct Pont du GardGrèves (strikes) are relatively common in France, and disrupted or canceled transport services can really put a crimp in your plans. Stay up with the news and have a plan B ready if you need it. 5. Plan your itinerary around market days

Traveling south of Lake Geneva, the higher, mightier French Alps reach their apex at Mont Blanc. Exhilarating Chamonix , along with Val d'Isère and the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées , are magnets for snowy winter sports and high-altitude summer hiking, fortified by melted cheese dishes like bubbling fondue. Sample epicurean treats and outdoor pursuits in the Rhône Valley It’s worth noting that smaller airports (notably Paris Beauvais, which is used by many budget airlines) are often located some distance from the city center. While there is normally some form of bus or rail link to get you into town, it adds extra time and cost. If you’re just hopping between cities and large towns: France’s excellent rail network, including TGV fast trains, can be the cheapest, easiest way to go ( seat61 is a handy primer).Arriving at Mont St-Michel is something of a pilgrimage itself, as you cross the causeway by maringote (horse-drawn carriage), motorized shuttle or on foot (steep steps on the island are unavoidable). For the original pilgrim experience – and an up-close appreciation of the bay’s natural environment, including 130 different bird species – walk barefoot across the bay with an accredited guide at low tide. 10. Visit the birthplace of cinema in Lyon

Everything is happening at once in July – the incredible Tour de France, Bastille Day celebrations all around the country on July 14, major festivals in Avignon and Aix-en-Provence and Provence’s lavender fields in full bloom. Booking ahead is imperative and this isn't the time for a budget break. A road trip gives you freedom for spontaneous stops, detours and impromptu picnics in the gorgeous countryside, but definitely save yourself the hassle of driving in Paris’ heavy traffic and scarce parking; the superb public transport system covers the whole city. Local tip: Buy a baguette from the boulangerie (bakery) and fill it with Camembert, pâté or charcuterie (cold meats). Finish sweet with macarons, buttery kouign amann (Breton butter cake) or cherries in summer. 6. Mont-St-Michel is a top destination for medieval history buffs It’s known for its bucolic countryside and impossibly long stretches of beach where the famous D-Day landings took place during WWII. Beyond the shores lies much to discover: a rich literary history, four protected designation of origin cheeses, and of course, the iconic Mont St-Michel, a surreal Gothic abbey dating from the 13th century set on top of an island that appears to float like a mystical dream on water during high tide. This 1.2km-long (three-quarters of a mile), beautifully landscaped park spans from Place Masséna to the Théâtre National de Nice, with green spaces, wooden benches, water features and children’s play areas aplenty. Go bar-hopping in Vieux NiceThe Cévenol forms part of a longer, cross-country route linking Marseille to Paris, but most riders jump aboard at Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of volcano country. You’ll start off admiring volcanic plugs dotting the landscape before heading through the pièce de résistance: the Gorges de l’Allier. High above the Allier River, magnificent views open up, stretching far across the gorge. Along the way, you’ll cross three historic viaducts, wind through several impressive valleys and traverse 106 tunnels. The highest point is La Bastide Puylaurent at 1018m (3340ft), while the Chamborigaud viaduct promises a heart-in-mouth experience as you teeter high above the landscape for 409 endless meters (1341ft). With 11km (6.8mi) of hiking trails, picnic areas and spectacular views, the Parc du Mont Boron offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Nice. The hilltop forest is spread across 57 hectares (141 acres) of Aleppo pines, olive trees and holm oaks. On southwestern France’s Atlantic coast, Biarritz’ belle époque villas, striped beach tents and ritzy cafes, restaurants and spa hotels retain a cachet from Napoleon III’s holidays here. But you’re also as likely to see surfers’ vans trawling the coast on the lookout for legendary waves in what is now the surf capital of Europe.

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