Around the world in France

Annecy 's charm is undeniable, with its surrounding mountains and its large, clear lake with its green and blue reflections. Added to these already exceptional natural jewels are the canals that criss-cross the old town, its maze of streets, romantic arches, flower-filled bridges and quays and numerous fountains, making it all the more attractive. Often compared to Venice, it almost seems superfluous to go to Italy to enjoy the wonderful Venetian atmosphere.

Continue the Franco-Italian twinning at Miamici delle Alpi, a family-run, locally-inspired trattoria. Bruschetta, pasta, carpaccio and tiramisù are the order of the day at this restaurant just a few hundred metres from the lake.

Address: Entrée Ouest Nouvelle Galerie, Bd du Lycée, 74000 Annecy

The Colorado Provençal and the Ochres de Rustrel site in the Luberon is an absolutely incredible place.

This former ochre quarry offers an astonishing display of dazzling colours. The idea is to wander between its vertiginous cliffs, worthy of the Wild West. From blood red to bright yellow, through all shades of orange, this succession of flamboyant stones will have you experiencing the magic of the American dream. A breathtaking landscape, a geological treasure trove that takes you on a journey to faraway lands.

Nicknamed the "Little French Manhattan", the La Défense district in Paris is immediately reminiscent of New York City. The modern aesthetic, the slender buildings with their glass façades, the many and varied skyscrapers and the towers with their business district architecture make this a very special place. And let's not forget the hustle and bustle that constantly reigns in the streets and alleys of this city within a city. Every day, thousands of workers and tourists flock to this place of singular charm. All you have to do is imagine the yellow taxis wending their way between the hurried passers-by.

As you climb up the Litwin building, step into the shoes of an American and sit down to eat at Mama's Diner at the Mama Shelter. Retro ambience, vintage decor and dishes inspired from across the Atlantic take you on a trip to New York... in France.

Address: 10 Rue Jean Jaurès, 92800 Puteaux

Opening times: 06:30 - 22:30 Monday to Friday, 07:00 - 22:30 Saturday to Sunday

With its volcanoes as far as the eye can see, its dense vegetation and lush green mountains, the Auvergne is immediately reminiscent of certain parts of the Highlands.

The Chaîne des Puys in particular is the place to go to admire such an imposing landscape. The ideal way is to opt for a long hike through miles of lush meadows and hills, while venturing among impressive but dormant volcanoes. All that remains is to imagine, in the distance, the famous Loch Ness... and why not its monster?

Corsica certainly has no shortage of idyllic landscapes that bear a striking resemblance to the exotic destinations we love so much. Its long white sandy beaches, its clear turquoise waters teeming with colourful fish and its unspoilt, sun-drenched landscape. It's hard to imagine being in France when you're surrounded by this kind of Caribbean paradise. And with good reason: some resorts even play the game by installing a small straw pagoda and a wooden pontoon facing the bay, jutting out into the crystal-clear sea.

The beach at Santa Giulia is a Caribbean-style paradise, with its stunning colours and disconcerting serenity. In the Paradisula bar-restaurant, you can immerse yourself in a relaxing and pure atmosphere, for a few moments when your mind wanders away from France.

Address: Paradisula plage de, 20137 Porto-Vecchio

Opening hours : 09h00 - 00h00 (opening hours vary according to the season)

There's no need to travel thousands of miles to visit Japan. In Toulouse, the Japanese Garden in the Parc Compans-Cafarelli has been awarded the "remarkable garden" label, offering a Zen walk in a place dominated by beautiful oriental influences.

A faithful representation of the Japanese gardens of Kyoto, this little corner of paradise offers an incredible setting thanks to carefully selected plants and decorative objects: the red bridge, the tea pavilion and the lanterns are an invitation to stroll, relax and get away from it all.

Australia is first and foremost characterised by its wild, arid regions, commonly known as "bush" and "outback", where you can enjoy the benefits of miles of red earth.

In the highlands of theHérault, the Salagou valley reveals the same unique landscape. The red colour of the soil, 250 million years old, comes from a rock called "Ruffe", which is very common in the basin. This almost lunar-like site has become a favourite destination for nature lovers and swimmers, but without the kangaroos.

Just 12 kilometres from Colmar in Alsace, the authentic village of Kaysersberg, with its almost unpronounceable name, plunges into the heart ofGermany. Nestling in the valley of the same name and situated on the wine route, it is a delight for food lovers and history buffs alike, thanks to its medieval appearance and rich heritage.

The charming historic centre with its cobbled streets, typical half-timbered houses and imperial castle make this little town a delightful change of scenery. There's no need to cross the border to experience the charm of Germany: this village, voted "France's favourite village" in 2017, is a little gem for tourists.

Near the charming town of Cassis, you'll find little corners of paradise that are typical of the Mediterranean landscape. In a succession of coves, the sea changes from turquoise to sapphire blue, the rocks are white, the cliffs are steep and the pine trees are fragrant. Magnificent walking and holiday destinations, accessible only on foot or by boat, that promise pleasant moments of escape. The frontiers of Greece begin at the gates of Cassis and Marseille!

Famous Mediterranean caterer, Maison Mavrommatis, has set up shop in Marseille, to bring the moussaka to the world! After enjoying similar landscapes, you'll be able to enjoy a taste of Greece on your sunny plates.

Address: 41 Bd Michelet, 13008 Marseille

Opening times: 10am - 8pm Monday to Saturday

In the Gorges du Verdon, Lac de Sainte-Croix is a site as magical as it is wild. Every year, this extraordinary landscape attracts nature lovers who come to contemplate the lake'sturquoise waters, unspoilt beaches and imposing cliffs.

Renowned for its water-based activities, this is an unmissable stop-off point in France. All the more so as it allows you to soak up the charm of certain Mexican landscapes, such as the Sumidero Canyon, through which the Grijalva River flows. As in the Gorges du Verdon, this canyon can be explored from a boat, at the foot of cliffs rising to 1000 metres.

Situated 60 kilometres from Bordeaux in the Arcachon basin, the Dune du Pilat is the largest sand dune in Europe. At 3 kilometres long, 616 metres wide and over 100 metres high, it is a vast expanse of warm, fine, golden sand. Despite its proximity to the sea and the forest, this landscape gives the impression of travelling to the other side of the world, to the famous Sahara desert. A change of scenery is guaranteed in the heart of this strange wall of sand!

x 4 car parks are located near the access to the Dune (from €6 to €10 for cars, depending on the length of parking)

x Staircases are installed from April to October to make it easier to get up the hill.

In the heart of Turkey, the Cappadocia region is a sumptuous landscape of fairy chimneys and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This valley, characterised by natural sculptures of white and yellow stone, cones formed by volcanic eruptions, seems to have its double in France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

At Ille-sur-Têt, you'll find the same desert-like setting, with its huge, colourful rocky outcrops. Between the cliffs and the vegetation, proudly stand the "demoiselles coiffées", a must-see in the region.

With its imposing chalk cliffs, Etretat and the surrounding area offer a spectacle as unique as it is breathtaking. Covered in green grass and lush vegetation, these cliffs form a majestic whole overlooking a grey or blue sea, which can sometimes be tumultuous. This rugged yet austere beauty is reminiscent ofIreland's impressive landscapes, with rugged mountains towering above the coastline.

To complete this French escapade... across the Channel, toast the occasion with a pint of beer, like any good Irishman, at the Yard Pub. The varied choice of beers and cocktails can be enjoyed in a cosy, well-kept setting, for a guaranteed moment of relaxation!

Address : 37 Rue Alphonse Karr, 76790 Étretat

Opening times: 8pm - 2am Tuesday to Saturday

Known for its superb scenery, Thailand not only boasts heavenly beaches and lush mountains, but also hides some magnificent waterfalls. In the heart of the Jura, it's pretty much the same thing, minus the sea!

In a valley shaped by turbulent waters, the Cascades du Hérisson, 7 in number, offer a breathtaking spectacle. The ideal way to discover these magnificent waterfalls is to visit the caves hidden in the wooded landscape along the way.