Just the Facts

Best suited for:

Honeymoon couples who enjoy fine cuisine, history, art, and the opportunity to combine urban and rural experiences. Lovers of high culture and traditional provincial life. Those seeking coastal relaxation, spas, and the glitz of the Cote d'Azur. Castle and bicycle fans.

When to go:

May through September are the best months from a weather perspective - especially the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts - and this period brings a high tourist volume and top rates. However, even in summer Paris and other central towns can be overcast because of their geographic situation, and so there is great romance to the mists and peace and quiet of early spring and late fall. An ideal time to visit anywhere in France is October, when rates and crowds are at a lull, autumn colors are amazing, and temperatures are still very good. Don't overlook snowy winter in Alsace or the French Alps for skiing and postcard views, either!

Accommodations:

As with all European countries, a great variety exists. Some of the most expensive city hotels in the world are in Paris, Nice, and nearby Monaco, with service to wait on you hand and foot. In contrast, there is great value and charm in the villas, hotels, and chateaux of the countryside, many located in richly historic villages and estates. On the coasts, spa resorts range from modest vintage to exclusive cutting-edge chic. From tiny bed and breakfasts to huge resorts and city palaces, one common bond is a focus on excellent food and regional pride.

Dining:

In the world forum, French cuisine is mostly about technique instead of flavors, and it is honestly hard to find a pure French or French-inspired bistro in most countries without fusion elements from other cultures. Going to France helps you reclaim the simplicity and richness of the French produce while maintaining the excellent presentation - from a café afternoon of wine, exquisite cheeses, and the ever present baguette to an evening of pigeon, beefsteak, truffles, and farm-fresh vegetables, you won't be disappointed.

Special Activities:

Cruises on the Seine and Loire, or along the coasts at Nice and Cherbourg, guided tours of the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay, truffle hunting with your personal piglet or hound in season, hot-air ballooning, bicycling country roads, wonderful driving, art and cooking classes, wine tastings.