Sunshine, culture, gourmet food and scenery would seem to be the perfect recipe for a great vacation. Holidays in France deliver all this and more. Whether you prefer cities, countryside or the coast, there is something for everyone. Families can have fun and young couples can enjoy a romantic break.

The capital, Paris, has long been a tourist destination and the city has some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Sightseeing should include the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. Visitors also enjoy strolling by the River Seine and browsing the markets. Some of the world's finest museums and galleries are here, including the Louvre. A holiday in France can offer history in splendid surroundings, especially at the Palace of Versailles, on the outskirts of the capital.

Many people head straight for the French Riviera, playground of the rich and famous. Everyday tourists come here too for the climate and the glamour. St.Tropez and Cannes are particularly busy in July and August. Nice is another Riviera destination and has its own distinctive charm. For a great view of the city, go to the Colline du Chateau, which overlooks the harbor. The beaches are pebble and the Old Town is a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets. There are a number of interesting museums. Holidays in France should be relaxing and leisurely and Nice restaurants are ideal for watching the world go by. The area has its own cuisine and the local produce is recommended.

Wine lovers will enjoy a visit to the Loire Valley, where certain wineries offer tours of the vineyards. Visitors can sample the wine and choose which bottles to buy. This area is also admired for its many châteaux and towns steeped in history, such as Tours, Orleans and Amboise. Brittany is another favorite destination, especially for tourists from the UK. The monastery town perched on the rocky outcrop, Mont Saint-Michel, is its most famous site. Carnac is also well known for its prehistoric standing stones. A holiday in France can sometimes mean a pilgrimage for relatives of war veterans. Tours for visiting war cemeteries are popular and some people like to see the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. The town of Bayeux is also found in Normandy, where the famous Bayeux Tapestry is on display.

France receives many visitors in the winter and it has several resorts for skiing and snowboarding. Non-skiing visitors can admire the terrific scenery and enjoy the nightlife. The mountains and lakes offer a wonderful backdrop. Resort towns for this kind of holiday in France include Grenoble, Chamonix, St.Gervais and Annecy.