France   Map Covering both the north and the south of the European continent, France is a country of villages with significant regional differences: contrast the grey, stone fisherman cottages of Brittany with the red tiled roofs of the lush hillside villages of Provence. Its landscape features jagged mountains, lush farmland, miles of beaches, charming villages and the chic boulevards of Paris. Differences in climate, geography and culture result in an extremely varied and rich agriculture that produces France's unparalled wines and fabled cuisine. The Gothic style was created in the mid 12th century, and paintings and sculpture grace museums around the country. French fashion is legendary, and one of the pleasures of a trip to France is to enjoy fine wines paired with an exquisitely prepared meal. NORTHERN FRANCE In the cool north, butter, cream and cheese form the basis of a rich cuisine, and in general, the northern vineyards produce France's stunning white wines. Normandy, where impressionism flourished, is the site of the D-Day landing beaches, and home to the famous Bayeux tapestry and the abbey of Mont St. Michel. The Loire Valley was the playground of medieval kings and nobles, and today these sumptuous palaces and castles are among France's chief attractions. And then there is Paris, the City of Light, with its fantastic museums, designer shopping, exciting nightlife and endless supply of restaurants! > ILE DE FRANCE   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Paris, the Louvre, Chartres, Versailles, Giverney) > LOIRE VALLEY   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Chambord, Tours, Chenonceau, Fontevraud, Amboise) > NORMANDY   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: D-Day beaches, Mont St. Michel, Giverney, Caen, Rouen)   SOUTHERN FRANCE The southern half of France is a mixture of many cuisines, from the foie gras and truffles of Périgord, the abundant fish and seafood of the Aquitane coast, the sophisticated cuisine and wines of Bordeaux, the cassoulet typical of Toulouse, to the Mediterranean dishes of the south that are based on olive oil, garlic and tomatoes. Spectacular natural scenery includes the mountains of the Pyrénées and the Alps; the resort of Biarritz on the Atlantic Coast; the green hills of the Basque country; and the beautiful towns along the coastline of the Cote D' Azur. Bordeaux is the hub of the largest region of vineyards producing some of the finest wines in the world. > AQUITAINE   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Bordeaux, Périgord, La Rochelle, Limoges, Aubusson) > COTE D'AZUR   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Nice, Monaco, the Corniches, Antibes, St. Tropez) > PROVENCE   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Orange, Arles, the Camargue)