Travel guides to France’s regions

France, beyond Paris.

Practical guides to the Camargue, the Gorges du Verdon, Annecy, Corsica, Alsace and more — where to base yourself, how to get there, and what’s actually worth booking.

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Turquoise river winding through the Gorges du Verdon

This season

Christmas markets in Alsace

Strasbourg, Colmar and the wine villages from late November. Hotels near the markets book out early.

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Each guide covers where to stay, how to get there, what to do and the best time to go.

Pink flamingos and a white horse in the Camargue

Provence

Camargue

Flamingos, white horses and salt marshes in the Rhône delta.

Turquoise water of Lac de Sainte-Croix at the mouth of the Gorges du Verdon

Provence

Gorges du Verdon

Europe’s grand canyon, with a turquoise river to paddle.

Lake Annecy and the Alps at sunrise

French Alps

Annecy

A canal-laced old town on a crystal-clear Alpine lake.

Hidden cove with turquoise water on the Corsican coast

Mediterranean

Corsica

Mountain villages, hidden coves and some of the Med’s clearest water.

Half-timbered houses along a canal in Colmar, Alsace

Grand Est

Alsace

Half-timbered wine villages and France’s best Christmas markets.

Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley

Centre-Val de Loire

Loire Valley

Château country, an easy train ride from Paris.

Mont Saint-Michel at sunset

Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel

The tidal island abbey, at its best at dawn and low tide.

Fort de Brescou off the coast of Cap d'Agde

Occitanie

Cap d’Agde

Black volcanic beaches, a big marina and Sète next door.

Plan and book your trip

Compare hotels, guided tours, car hire and flights in one place.

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Where to stay

The best bases in each region, from village guesthouses to hotels by the water.

Getting there

Trains, flights and when a hire car is worth it — most of these places need one.

Tours and experiences

Kayaking, boat trips, guided walks and day tours worth booking.

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About this site

Hi, I’m Anthony. I live in France, and this blog is about the parts of it most visitors never reach: the flamingo marshes of the Camargue, the turquoise Gorges du Verdon, Annecy’s Alpine lake, Corsica’s coves and the storybook villages of Alsace.

Every guide is written to help you plan a real trip: where to base yourself, how to get there, and what is actually worth booking. Some links are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure.