France can be divided into seven cultural areas. The Ile de France surrounds the capital, Paris, north of which lay the beaches and battlefields of Normandy. The seafaring region of Brittany is located in the northeast, while the northwest is home to Champagne, Alsace and Lorraine. Central France features the wine culture and history of the Loire and Burgundy. More wine comes from the Bordeaux region to the southwest. Languedoc-Rousillon is another wine region in the warm Mediterranean-lapped southeastern region with Provence and the Rhône.
Driving around France allows travelers the greatest freedom to explore the beauty and variety of French cities and countryside. The French drive on the right side of the road, and the country is crisscrossed by a comprehensive network of roads emanating radially from Paris. Autoroutes (A roads) are tolled highways, péage in French. Route nationales (N roads) are regional roads, often dual carriageway, while routes departmentales (D roads) are lovely, snaking local roads. France is a great country for hitchhikers but, as you would anywhere, use common sense to stay safe.
The SNCF runs well-maintained trains and buses across France. Trains are an easy and more environmentally-friendly way to tour France. Eurostar runs direct trains to EuroDisney and the ski resorts, as well as standard services through Paris and Lille (the easiest junction for onward travel around France). Super-fast TGV trains link major cities and regional TER lines extend further into the countryside.
Cycling is an picturesque means of transport when you have enough time for its languorous pace. Local roads carry little heavy transport and the beauty of the land deserves the slow tour. Bikes can be transported on most trains, but space on the train must be booked in advance.
Blaze a trail across France on her thousands of kilometers of hiking trails. National trails are marked GR, regional ones follow GRP blazes and local paths are labeled PR. Guest houses and hostels line most routes and should be booked well in advance.
Hotels in France follow the standard international star rating while B&Bs are called chambres d'hôtes. But, besure to check that the price includes breakfast before you pay. The self-catering holiday cottage, the gîte, makes a better long term and independent choice for families and groups. Camping in France is wildly popular.
To incorporate your mode of transport with your accommodation, hire a barge, cruiser or houseboat to float France's 8,500 km of canals and rivers from the Loire to the Dourdogne. And whichever way you choose to travel, France's charms will beguile.
