France's regions are subdivided according to cultural identities developed over the centuries. The modern regional division is based on the provinces of the French crown.
Central Regions of France
Loire Valley.
The center of France, the Loire Valley is a living history book. It is here that the country's major historical events took place, and all of the region's major castles, such as Chambord and Lange, preserve the stories of their inhabitants. The major cities of the Loire Valley, Orleans, Nantes and others, are also famous for their role in the battlefield of history. And the Loire Valley itself is a UNESCO heritage site.
Burgundy.
The lands of Burgundy are traditionally considered to be the wine region of France. Everything here is built around wine and winemaking, which is why tourists come here. Burgundy is also home to many ancient castles. Although they are privately owned, but most of them are open to tourists. The capital of the region is Dijon, where the food industry, especially mustard production, is well developed.
Southern regions of France
Aquitaine.
Aquitaine is a land that truly has it all. The long sandy coastline once called the Silver Coast, the man-made but no less beautiful Forest of the Landes and the many historical monuments preserved from turbulent past eras. Bordeaux with its wines and coastal towns with sea food, ancient castles and many museums, souvenir shops and farms where you can buy famous cheeses. The border with Spain has brought some of the culture of the Basque Country, giving Aquitaine a very special flavor.
Corsica.
A hot and colorful island, independent and distinctive, that gave the world one of its greatest dictators. Three-quarters of the island is wild, untouched by man. Here you will find forests, waterfalls, poppy fields and water bodies of all colors of the rainbow. And also - about 300 kilometers of beaches. The city of Bastia is the sea gate of Corsica, and in Calvi, according to legend, Christopher Columbus himself was born. Now the town, which once defied Admiral Nelson, is a famous resort.
Côte d'Azur.
The French Mediterranean coast is the famous Riviera, with its magnificent seaside resorts beloved by celebrities from all over the world. Festival Cannes, which annually hosts movie stars. Nice is a world-famous resort that attracts many tourists to its beaches. Romance and sophistication, the flair of the sea coast - all this is the Côte d'Azur. It's also home to the town of Grasse and its perfume factories, where Coco Chanel once created her perfume.
Languedoc-Roussillon.
Languedoc has retained its peculiar way of life since its days of opposition to the French crown. And now the region has an excellent wine industry, cheaper but of no less quality than in Burgundy and Bordeaux. The beaches here are no less good than on the Côte d'Azur, but much cheaper. They are popular with hitchhikers and tent campers. For example, the resorts of Argelay-Plage or Saint-Seprien-Plage, surrounded by camping. Besides beaches, Languedoc is famous for its mountain slopes, where tourists love to walk.
Overgne and Limousin.
These regions are famous for their natural park of volcanoes. Here, solidified lava was mined for lining churches. And the region is also home to thermal springs, such as those that power the world-famous balneal resort Vishi.
In the Auvergne, art fans are attracted by the world's largest short film festival in Clermont-Ferrand and a unique street theater festival in Orillac.
Limousin is dominated by local productions. Porcelain and enamel from Limoges, tapestries from Aubusson, lace from Briud and cutlery from Thiers are known throughout Europe.
Provence.
Provence is one of the most beautiful parts of France. There are cliffs, an incredibly turquoise-colored sea, famous lavender fields, and pastoral tiny villages. Here it is good to just walk around, looking at the scenery for a long time and discovering new and new places. And the city of Marseille, with its harbors, is on the lips of anyone who has read or seen "The Count of Monte Cristo".
Poitou - Charente.
This region on the Atlantic coast is famous for its ancient fortresses and monuments to French military history. Here is the fortress of La Rochelle, the siege of which is described in "The Three Musketeers." Nearby the fortress is the open-air Maritime Museum. And there are other military monuments and lighthouses on the islands of Aix and Re. Nearby is the famous Fort Baillard.
The coastal cuisine is renowned for its sophistication. In Poitou-Charentes you can try snails, mussels roasted on pine needles and a variety of goat cheeses. And the name of the city of Cognac speaks for itself. The capital of the region, Poitiers, is famous for its parks and monuments.
Rhone to Alps.
The region is primarily known for its alpine resorts. The fashionable Courchevel and Megeve neighbor the more popular Chamonix and Meribel. In summer, skiing and snowboarding are replaced by mountain biking, paragliding and hiking.
The region's famous thermal spas include Aix-les-Bains, Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains. The region is famous for its rivers and lakes.
South - Pyrenees.
The region is famous for its mountains and caves, which create a unique relief and an amazing beauty of the region. There are also thermal springs that have been active since Roman times. For example, in Luchon. And the capital of the region is the famous Toulouse.
Northern regions of France
Bretagne.
The most picturesque seaside region, steeped in legend, is worthy of a trip of its own. There are seaside resorts almost all along the Atlantic coast. And the many ancient ports are a reminder of the historical events that took place in Brittany. The historical center of the region is the city of Brest.
Ile-de-France.
The name hides the region adjacent to Paris. All the museums and galleries in and around the capital are open to its visitors.
Nor Pas de Calais.
The northernmost region of France, overlooking the English Channel. It is home to the famous port of Dunkirk and many amazingly beautiful monuments. Nor-pas-de-Calais is also famous for its raucous festivals.
Normandy.
Normandy is famous for its architecture. Many churches of amazing beauty have been built here, preserved over the centuries. The region is simply designed for a meditative quiet vacation. After all, this is where the famous Alabaster Coast is located.
Picardia.
Picardy has many Gothic cathedrals, such as the one in the town of Lanet. The region is famous for its chalk plateaus and its considerable number of original open-air museums.
Champagne to Ardennes.
This is France's most sparsely populated region. And it's also the birthplace of champagne, the finest varieties of which you can sample right on your trip. Highlights include the Sedan Fortress, the Charles de Gaulle Memorial and the Ardennes and Orient Forest nature parks. It is also home to the coronation city of Reims.
Elsace and Lorraine.
These territories have long been Europe's stumbling block. Lorraine borders three European states - Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. There are many architectural monuments, and the cathedral in Metz has stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall himself.
