Chamonix – Wikimedia Creative Commons
For a relatively small country, France has an amazing diversity of travel destinations. From ski holidays in Chamonix, to a beach vacation along the Cote d’Azur on the Mediterranean, to the vast array of historical destinations, France has something for everyone. Here are five ideas for a great vacation in France.
A mountain stream in the French Pyrenees – Wikimedia Commons
The French Alps
The highest mountain in France is Mount Blanc and at the base of this majestic peak is the town of Chamonix. Home of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, the town is home to the oldest ski resort in France. Besides skiing and snowboarding, the town is famous for a cable car that goes up to the Aiguille du Midi at over 12,000 feet.
Fishing in the Pyrenees
Anyone who has ever read any Hemingway has a romantic desire for fly fishing in the Pyrenees. France’s second highest mountain range along the Spanish border is the perfect place to get your Sun Also Rises on. The Ariège region is one area notorious for great fishing with a variety of small mountain streams, larger rivers, and even mountain lakes.
Mediterranean Beach getaway
The famous Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera is famous for beach resorts in the southeast corner of France near the Italian border, but also includes the sovereign state of Monaco. The name comes from the turquoise color of the water.  The largest city in the region is Nice, but other prominent areas include San Tropez and Cannes.
A bunker with a beach view from Normandy, France
Normandy World War II beaches
Omaha, Utah, Sword, Juno, and Gold are five infamous names of the beaches the Allies landed on June 6, 1944 in a campaign to free Europe of the Nazi menace. Normandy is rich in history with bunkers, museums, cemeteries, and other remnants of this interesting campaign. Caen is a great starting point for any exploration of the area with a fantastic museum and only 15 minutes away from the beaches.
Camargue flamingos – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Explore the Camargue
When one thinks of wetlands, France or Europe in general is not high on the list.  The Camargue is the area south of Arles, France comprising the Rhône River Delta as it empties into the Mediterranean. It is Western Europe’s largest river delta and was designated as a Wetlands of International importance in 1986. The Camargue is famous for being home to flamingos and white wild horses.
The Camargue is best explored by bike but can also be hiked or seen through a jeep safari or even by horseback. There are over 400 species of birds, so the area is a favorite for bird watchers.
TT
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Great read, Ted! I’m looking forward to going back to Europe in 2014 so will be devouring as many blogs as possible for the maximum amount of input. Enjoying your travel blogging – thanks! Hope you’ll be over the check mine out as well.
Great that you are heading back to France and Europe in 2014. I hope to get back there soon myself.