France things to see and do

A region with a deeply individual character, Brittany blends a proud Celtic heritage with a trove of vibrant travel attractions, from prehistoric megaliths and lively port cities to dense forests and dramatic coastlines. Its still-keen sense of independence only adds to the overall ambience. The Breton language, while not widely spoken, is still very much in evidence.

Almost too picture-perfect to be true, the fortified town of Carcassonne is home to a wealth of monuments from different eras. Rising above the plains of the lower valley like some far-fetched storybook citadel, it's a favourite of history buffs. And with its current spread of restaurants, Carcassonne is an ideal destination for gastronomes too.

The Palace of Versailles is a magnificent royal chateau that served as the centre of political power in pre-revolutionary France. Today, the super-sized and beautiful structure remains delicately preserved and represents a fascinating insight into the grand flavours and follies of its day. You'll find priceless artwork, regal luxury and flamboyant design at every turn.

The French Alps play host to some of the most famed ski resorts in Europe, among them Courchevel, Val-d'Isère, Méribel and L'Alpe d'Huez. The region as a whole covers a colossal area and offers superb choices for skiers of all levels. At most resorts, the season runs from mid-December to April.

Discovered by chance in 1940 by a group of teenagers, the cave paintings of Lascaux are considered to be among the world's best examples of prehistoric art. The 15,000-year-old images of bulls, horses and reindeer caused a visiting Pablo Picasso to proclaim, 'we have invented nothing'.

There's a great deal more to France's third-largest city than its fabled restaurant scene - although miss that at your peril, foodies. When you aren't savouring the cuisine, you'll discover the art museums, vibrant clubbing scene, riverside walks, and historic old town that make this city an alluring destination. Eurostar can whisk you there from London in five hours.

Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the astonishing Millau Viaduct is today the tallest bridge in the world. Its modernist structure is made all the more impressive by its rural setting, spanning the valley of the River Tarn in the south. You'll need to pay a toll to cross by vehicle.

Anywhere that boasts the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, and Notre Dame Cathedral is more than just another city. Equal parts chic, edgy and drop-dead beautiful, Paris is always cosmopolitan, ever-changing, and unmissable.