France

France has everything and that’s not an exaggeration. World class cities, beaches, mountains, wine regions, food that’ll change your life. You could spend months here and still miss stuff. The cliches exist for a reason but go beyond Paris if you have time.

Paris is obviously the big one. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame. All touristy but all worth it. But the best parts are just wandering neighborhoods. Le Marais is beautiful with narrow streets and cafes. Montmartre has the Sacre Coeur and artist vibes. The Latin Quarter is lively. Eat croissants for breakfast, drink wine at lunch, have dinner at nine PM like the French do.

South of France is completely different. Nice and the Cote d’Azur are gorgeous but expensive and crowded in summer. Provence has lavender fields, hilltop villages, and amazing markets. Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are beautiful. The food and wine here are incredible. Slower pace than Paris.

Lyon is underrated and has some of the best food in France. Bouchons are traditional restaurants and you need to try them. The old town is lovely. Bordeaux is all about wine obviously. The city itself is beautiful too. Strasbourg near Germany has a different vibe with half-timbered houses and Christmas markets.

The Alps are amazing for skiing in winter or hiking in summer. Chamonix and Annecy are the big spots. Brittany and Normandy up north have dramatic coastlines and D-Day beaches. Mont Saint-Michel is touristy but stunning.

Getting around is easy. Trains connect everything and the TGV high speed rail is fast and comfortable. Rent a car for countryside and wine regions. Paris metro is efficient but crowded.

Money adds up in Paris and tourist spots but France is reasonable compared to Switzerland or Scandinavia. Markets and bakeries keep costs down.