France : Paris & Normandy

With the River Seine gently meandering through it, the enchanting romantic city of Paris has been described in just about every possible way and is a dream destination for plenty of people the world over, even those who have already visited before. With nearly as many famous landmarks as faces it shows in the different light and seasons, Paris enchants one in its magic. The city features monument-lined boulevards, fascinating museums, classical bistros, bohemian art nouveau cafes, creative wine bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries. Must-see attractions include: the impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe standing guard over the glamourous Champs Elysees Avenue. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample infamous French cuisine at an array of enticing boulangeries, patisseries, and fromageries.

Situated a kilometre off France’s northwestern coast, Mont Saint Michel is a tiny hilltop village erected on an 80-metre high granite boulder emerging from the ocean. It is a stunning and otherworldly spectacle of old stone buildings and winding roads leading to the magnificent medieval cathedral that crowns the village. Take a guided tour of the Abbey, where you might be lucky enough to hear the beautiful sound of the monks’ choir; then take a stroll around the ancient lanes, past the quirky shops and quaint cafes.

Spread over the Aure River in Normandy, France, Bayeux is perhaps best known for the eponymous tapestry displayed in a popular museum in the town centre. This ambitious work of art measures just over 70 metres in length and depicts how William the Conqueror invaded and defeated England in 1066. Also of interest is the original home of the tapestry, the remarkable Bayeux Cathedral, which towers over the entire town and is crowned by a magnificent copper-clad tower, full of exquisite details. Spectacular historic, half-timbered houses line the charming cobbled streets, many of which have been converted into fine restaurants and boutiques. Some lovely beaches, a lively fishing port and an array of grand châteaux and abbeys are located nearby in the surrounding countryside.