There’s so much more to French cuisine than the offerings traditionally associated with the country such as snails, croissants, cheese and frogs’ legs. The French take food very seriously and you’ll discover mouth-watering delicacies across the various regions. Sensational dishes such as Bœuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Bouillabaisse, Escargots de Bourgogne and Lamb Shank Navarin are evidence of why this country has such a fine reputation for world-class cuisine.

Recipes are renowned for their simplicity, yet great flavour, with the five mother sauces of hollandaise, béchamel, veloute espagnole and tomato figuring in many dishes. From the charming cafes in Paris to the fine dining restaurants in Cannes, France is more than capable of delivering gastronomic delights that will satisfy the most discerning palate. Other popular dishes include quiche Lorraine, chicken confit or cordon bleu, Salmon en papillote and Blanquette de Veau, with French onion soup being a superb starter.

Hazelnut dacquoise is a scrumptious French dessert consisting of layers of nutty meringue, while Paris-Brest is a delightful custard-filled choux pastry. France is renowned for its great wines but other excellent tipples include Armagnac grape brandy and Chartreuse, the oldest and most popular French liqueur.

France has several climates including oceanic on the western and northern coasts, transitional in Paris and Mediterranean in the southern coastal area. The country generally enjoys mild summers and cool winters, other than along the French Riviera area near the Mediterranean which experiences mild winters and hot summers. Average summer temperatures in the south of France are often above 30°C. The most popular time for a river cruise in central and northern France is during the summer months of June to August but this period is very hot on the French Riviera, making sightseeing and getting around there on foot a tiring experience.
Most river cruises in the country run from early spring (late March) to late autumn (November). A great time to visit the capital Paris is between May and June when the temperatures are pleasant, the city is in full bloom and you can avoid the huge crowds who visit in the peak season during July and August.

From the glitzy resorts of the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) in the south of France to the magnificent boulevards of Paris in the north of the country, there's so much to see and do in this spellbinding land. The capital Paris is an awe-inspiring place to visit during a river cruise on the Seine, with attractions galore including The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. The city oozes magic and wonder with its amazing architecture, high-end shops, gourmet restaurants and vibrant nightlife. A myriad of incredible spectacles awaits in other northern towns and cities including the old settlement of La Roche-Guyon, the cathedral in Rouens and the legendary 1,000-year-old tapestry in Bayeux.
There’s never a dull moment when cruising in the French Riviera, with glorious beaches and thrilling water sports among the attractions. Mingle with the in-crowd in St Tropez, check out the celebrity film festival in Cannes or visit the opulent principality of Monaco with its legendary Monte Carlo Casino. There are plenty of healthy outdoor activities to enjoy during your visit to France, with popular options including mountain biking, rock climbing, water skiing, bowls (pétanque), tennis, hiking, horseriding, canyoning and canoeing.