Exquisite cuisine, wine, cheeses and, of course, coffee and croissants in the morning - this is all France. What else must you definitely try and do to fall in love with it for good? Take note!".
Yes, it may be formulaic, and yes, everyone does it (well, okay, almost everyone). But it's not a real French morning without a cup of strong coffee and a delicate croissant fresh from the bakery. Crispy baguette, butter, cream, various jams and honey will complete the picture. Enjoy!
2. Taste the local cuisine
French cuisine, whether it's masterpieces from top chefs or dishes served in cozy restaurants, is surprisingly delicious and exquisite everywhere. In and of itself. So if you're going to France, consider taking a gastronomic tour and sampling the cuisine of different regions: fish and seafood in Brittany, the Garonne and the Dordogne, game and freshwater fish in the Loire, goat cheese, ham, fig jam and sweet chestnut in Corsica, and world-famous cheeses in Normandy.
Don't forget snails with fondue (Burgundy), ratatouille and lamb with herbs (Provence), ospeaux stew of several meats with potatoes (Picardy) and quiche lorraine, a quiche made of eggs with cheese, cream and bacon (Lorraine). If you're a fan of spicy and savory cuisine, you'll want to visit Languedoc and Gascony.
3. Listen to jazz
Besides food for the body, France has an equally diverse "assortment" for the soul: museums, concerts, exhibitions and attractions will satisfy the most demanding travelers. And what really shouldn't be missed is the jazz festival on Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris). Held annually in early May, this musical event often features musicians performing in the open air.
Another reason for music lovers to rejoice is the Festival of Music, which takes place in Paris on June 21. On this day, streets, squares and squares are transformed into impromptu music venues and stages. Everyone will be happy!
4. Watch the lavender fields of Provence bloom
Provence is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful regions of France, not least because of its famous lavender fields.
Come here between mid-June and August, when the lavender is in bloom, and enjoy spectacular views of the vast lilac expanse and the unique scent of the fields in bloom. You can take away a jar of lavender honey or a bunch of dried sprigs of this fragrant herb as a souvenir.
5. Head to the ocean - Normandy and Brittany
The two regions are famous not only for their rich history and delicious cuisine (both of which are also worth exploring), but also for their stunning scenery: ocean expanses, white chalk cliffs and sandy bays. Where exactly is worth visiting? Mont Saint-Michel Abbey to watch the road to it being swallowed up by the tide every now and then, and Rouen, Etretat and Saint-Malo.
6. Go back in time among the castles of the Loire
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The banks of the Loire, the longest river in France, are home to ancient castles and fortresses of different eras and architectural styles, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. So it's worth taking at least a couple of days (although it's disastrously short) to see the best of the best: Chateau de Villandry, Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise and Angers.
7. Tasting local wines
France is not just about gourmet cooking and world-famous cheeses. France is also about wine. The regions of Bordeaux, Champagne, Beaujolais, Armagnac, the Loire Valley and the Rhone Valley are traditionally considered "wine regions". And here you can taste young French wine, for example, every third Thursday of November - on this day, exactly at midnight, the wine Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale, and in local drinking establishments there is no shortage of customers. But be warned, the young wine is very strong, so be careful when tasting.
8. Go to the Festival of the Wind in Corsica
In Corsica, in the town of Calvi, there is a most unusual and fun festival that the average tourist does not usually know about. It's the Festival of the Wind, held annually from October 28 to November 1.
The festival brings together all kinds of artists, poets, musicians and actors in Calvi to celebrate the beauty and romance of this natural phenomenon. Art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and theatrical performances, as well as kite flying, hang gliding and ballooning. Don't miss it!
9. Conquer the Alps and Pyrenees
If the hustle and bustle of the city beckons you, climbing mountains is a great alternative to the traditional sightseeing tour. You can rent equipment and summit on foot like a seasoned mountaineer, or you can take a bus, train or cable car. But it's an opportunity you don't want to miss.
10. Visit a French province
French cities are undoubtedly worth a visit: the abundance of historical monuments and beautiful architecture, the rich cultural life, all attract crowds of tourists. But if you want to see the real France, we advise you to go to the countryside. It is here that you can fully feel the taste for life, for which all the French are famous. Here, time flows more slowly, as if inviting you to savor every moment.
