From Paris to Menton, the best spots on the holiday route

A symbolic starting line

Once summer arrived, Parisians' metro-work-sleep routine traditionally came to an end as they passed through the Porte d'Italie, heading south. For travellers from other horizons, the holidays begin in the City of Light, to discover the Iron Lady, the Marais district, the Sacré-Coeur, the Champs-Elysées and the Boulevard Haussmann.

Snippets of French traditions and emblems in the City of Light

A symbol of elegance with undeniable charm, an incomparable heritage and a harmoniously diverse culture, the French capital is the stuff of dreams the world over. Eat at a traditional bouillon, stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries and climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower to start this road-trip as a Frenchman in the 1950s.

Fontainebleau, a royal holiday destination

It takes just over an hour to drive to one of the favourite residences of the Kings of France, the Château de Fontainebleau. The majestic horseshoe staircase, the countless rooms, the gardens as far as the eye can see and the personal imprint of each of the sovereigns make this building the jewel of the Seine-et-Marne département. If you're feeling adventurous, take a trip to the Forêt de Fontainebleau, where trees over a hundred years old and rocks in many shapes and forms live side by side.

The 1001 bridges of Montargis

Stop off in Montargis, also known as the Venice of the Gâtinais, to cross some of the bridges and footbridges of this small town with its rich heritage dating back to its royal history. After this interlude in the heart of the verdant Centre-Val de Loire region, you're off for several hundred kilometres on the legendary Nationale 7, heading for the Monts du Beaujolais.

Behind the scenes of Beaujolais cuvées

Brouilly, Morgon or Chiroubles? Beaujolais wines are just some of the finest appellations that give France its title of wine country. Extensive plots of land, peaks with panoramic views and family-run cellars are all part of the charm of this beverage, which is served on the finest tables around the world. There's just one rule: don't set off again to discover the outskirts of your holiday destination after a wine tasting session!

The belly of France

After wine country, it's time to stop off in the capital of gastronomy, with its old town, culinary institutions and colourful architecture. Stop for lunch at Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, climb up to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica or discover the working-class past of the Croix-Rousse district.

Strolling in the fresh air and customary gourmet delights

Opt for a relaxing afternoon in the green oasis of the Parc de la Tête d'Or before starting your evening between Place Bellecour, Place des Jacobins or Place des Terreaux, close to Lyon's traditional bouchons where eating is an art of living.

Quenelle de brochet, Saint-Marcellin, salade lyonnaise and cervelle de canut are the regional dishes to be sampled in an authentic Lyonnais bouchon, at Le Mercière. It's the perfect opportunity to accompany these specialities with a glass of Beaujolais, before finishing off with a touch of sweetness, with the city's many addresses offering their own version of the pink praline tart.

x Address: 56 Rue Mercière, 69002 Lyon

x Opening times: 12pm - 2.30pm / 6.45pm - 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm - 2.30pm / 6.45pm - 11pm Friday, 11.45am - 3.30pm / 6.45pm - 11pm Saturday, 11.45am - 3.30pm / 6.45pm - 10.30pm Sunday.

Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval: the story of an individual achievement

The work of a certain postman, Joseph Ferdinand Cheval, over some thirty years, the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval is a unique building in France. Caves, staircases, galleries, statues and dozens of other special features make up this 23-metre-long, 12-metre-high work of art. Many visitors even doubt that they are still in France!

A relaxing stopover in Valence

Let's get back on the road towards Valence, to enjoy its pretty little squares, tree-lined parks and narrow streets at the end of the day. Make sure you pass the Kiosque Peynet and the Maison des têtes before looking up at Saint-Apollinaire cathedral from the Pendentif de Valence.

Mirmande: one of France's unspoilt jewels

Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the medieval town of Mirmande is perched on a hill halfway between Valence and Montélimar. A haven of peace with steep streets, it's a delight to stroll between the stone buildings and the botanical displays that dot every corner.

On the road to nougat country

Set course for Montélimar for another trip back in time, with all its gourmet delights. The nougat museum reveals the secrets of the know-how and history of this authentic sweet. The visit to the town's oldest nougat factory, accompanied by a tasting session, will have you feeling like a Proust's madeleine!

A morning Provencal bath in the Montilian markets

In the south of the Drôme, the capital of nougat is spreading the first Provençal smells and flavours to tourists travelling along the N7. Lavender, black olives and picodon make a sunny place for themselves between the stalls displaying the local sweet star at the pretty weekly market in Place Saint-James.

Sporty walk to the fortress of Mornas

Perched at the top of a cliff, the fortress of Mornas overlooks the Rhône and the A7 motorway, and is well worth a visit. Climb to the top of the village for an exceptional panoramic view of Mont Ventoux!

We dance, we dance...

The song in honour of the famous Pont Saint Bénezet (Saint Benezet Bridge ) rings out in everyone's head when they hear a simple reference to the city ofAvignon, setting the mood for the arrival in the land of cicadas. Surrounded by ramparts, the old town is home to Avignon's finest wonders, including the unmissable Palais des Papes.

A stroll through the narrow streets leads to the Place de l'Horloge, the Musée du Petit Palais and the pretty Rue des Teinturiers. To keep a few souvenirs of your visit to the city of the Popes, enter Les Halles and enjoy demonstrations by local chefs on Saturday mornings.

A life set to the rhythm of the sundial

Mediterranean air, alilting accent and a sense of fulfilment await you in Aix-en-Provence! The city of a thousand fountains is an essential stop-off on your holiday route, where letting go and the gentle Provencal way of life are 100% part of your way of life. The Cours Mirabeau, the Musée Granet, the Cathedral of Saint Sauveur and the sun-drenched streets of the city centre all add up to a day full of surprises and discoveries.

The Calisson, an institution...

A royal creation, gourmet flavours and ancestral know-how: these are the ingredients of a successful recipe for Calissons d'Aix! The land of gastronomy is truly overflowing with specialities in every one of its regions...

Before savouring this sweet almond and candied melon treat, take a lunch break at Les Vieilles Canailles. French cuisine, local produce and Aix-en-Provence friendliness make this charming address a must for epicureans.

x Address : 7 Rue Isolette, 13100 Aix-en-Provence

x Opening times: 12pm - 2pm on Wednesdays, 12pm - 2pm / 7.30pm - 9.45pm from Thursday to Saturday and on Tuesdays.

Sunbathing and diving in Mediterranean waters

Mountains, forests, plains, seas... France's varied landscapes offer something for everyone all year round. During the summer months, thousands of tourists head for the beaches of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, to enjoy a refreshing swim in the azure blue of the Mediterranean. Then opt for a stroll around the harbours to marvel at the world 's biggest yachts, a seaside trip to discover the hidden corners of the seaside or a drive to the top of the most beautiful panoramic spots in the area.

When authenticity meets superficiality

Thestar city of the Côte d'Azur, Cannes is the stuff of dreams, with its glitter, warmth and luxurious institutions. Before plunging into glamour, let's head for theauthenticity of the old town, in the Suquet district. From the halls of the Forville market, where local produce takes pride of place, to the steep medieval streetsand their picturesque atmosphere, the day begins in a holiday frame of mind, in all simplicity.

In the footsteps of Hollywood stars

Before nightfall and thehustle and bustle of the Cannes parties, switch on the glitz and glamour and head for the Croisette. This is the city's flagship promenade, where it's not uncommon to bump intoHollywood's biggest stars during the Cannes Film Festival! Don't forget to add a photo to your album as you climb the steps at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. If you're lucky enough to spend the night there, or if you're just curious, marvel at the city's most luxurious and famous hotels: the Majestic Barrière, the Martinez and the Marriott. Immerse yourself in the lives of the biggest stars!

A wealth of discoveries in the capital of the Côte d'Azur

The Promenade des Anglais, the Negresco, the Cours Saleya market... so many symbols of Nice's seafront that you'll need to make a stop in the city known as Nissa la bella! Take a stroll through the streets of Vieux-Nice to discover the array of colours on offer in this district, where locals and travellers meet up all year round.

After nougat, calissons and wine, try some of Nice's many specialities to extend this multi-sensory journey! During the carnival period in February, the ganses take over the streets, which are transformed into a huge open-air party.

Get some height and perspective on the coast

Between the sea and the mountains, the city of Nice boasts a hinterland offering bucolic walks, just a few kilometres from the hustle and bustle of the city. Saint-Paul de Vence, La Gaude, Contes and La Roquette-sur-Var are just a few of the small villages to explore on a walking tour.

Prestige the Monegasque way

As the end of the historic Route National 7 approaches, it's time for a change of scenery... in the direction of Monaco! Luxury is the watchword in this 202-hectare micro-State. The Casino, the Prince's Palace and the Cathedral are the Rock's emblematic monuments, in front of which the most beautiful cars in the world drive past every day.

In the footsteps of the Grand Prix circuit

Following in the footsteps of the Formula 1 cars, take a trip around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. If you hope to be able to afford one of the city's rare flats, come and play on a table or in the machine room of the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo.

The city's restaurants are a reflection of the city itself: chic and refined. Although you'll need to pull out your wallet in most cases, some are more affordable, even though they enjoy a heavenly setting. Treat yourself to lunch at Castelroc, an institution opposite the princely residence, where lunchtime is synonymous with savoir-faire. With local suggestions and attentive service, you'll have a memorable time, one to remember on your return!

x Address: Pl. du Palais, 98000 Monaco

x Times: 12:00 - 15:00 for lunch

Strolling the streets of the Pearl of France

An explosion of colour in the streets of Menton's old town. This little jewel at the south-eastern tip of the metropolis has an air of Italy about it, from the Mediterranean temperatures to the washing hung on the windowsills. Built into the hillside, these steep streets rise and fall with the rhythm of a hazardous stroll.

A tangy end to your itinerary...

With the Nice Carnival, festivities are in full swing on the Côte d'Azur in February; at the same time, the annual Menton Lemon Festival livens up the streets. Hundreds of tonnes of citrus fruit and a host of events bring thousands of visitors together on the Italian border. It's a great way to round off your itinerary if you decide to leave at this time of year!