The largest country in western Europe, France is visited by millions of people every year for thousands of reasons. It is a major world class business centre in cities like Paris, Toulouse and Strasbourg – the European Court of Human Rights is located in this picturesque city in the south east of the country, close to both Germany and Switzerland.
It is also a popular tourist destination for a very diverse range of people, in the north, are the cooler climates of Brittany and Normandy, this area is popular with families for it's quiet beaches and small seaside towns and also with many war veterans who make trips to the Normandy Beaches and graves of those comrades who lost their lives. Here and also along the Atlantic coast to the west, you will fine the most fantastic fresh seafood, straight from the boats.
Further south are the wine regions, Champagne – the only place in the world where “real” champagne may be produced, and the Loire with it's wonderful white wines and romantic chateaux to visit. If you prefer red wine, then head further south to the Rhone valley, or to Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. Whichever area you visit, maybe with your car hire France, you will not be disappointed, each area also has it's own local cuisine, with wonderful markets held in most towns at least once a week and exciting restaurants to suit all budgets, many of them having a “Plat de Jour” or menu of the day, offering superb food at excellent value for money.
France is also a wonderful place for a cultural experience. In the north you can visit the Bayeaux Tapestry in Normandy giving an insight into the Battle of Hastings, in the far south there are the museums of Nice and the old port of Marseilles to visit along with everything in between. In Toulouse, in the south west of the country, there is the old city to explore and also the nearby shrine of Our Lady in Lourdes, a pilgrimage site for many Roman Catholics. The country has so much to offer in the way of ancient churches and artefacts gathered throughout the ages, every town or city has something different.
In the far south there is the world famous Cote d'Azur with it's packed beaches in summer and the Cannes Film Festival attracting film stars from all over the world. The marina's are filled with yachts of the rich and famous and the streets around the harbours with exclusive boutiques and restaurants, definitely something for everyone.