DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness France

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t The historic town of Dinan in Brittany

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t Relaxing canalside in colourful Colmar.

Fairy-tale chteaux and inspiring landscapes. Superb cuisine and outstanding wines. World-renowned art museums and stunning prehistoric monuments. France provides it all, with a dash of that characteristic je ne sais quoi. Whatever your dream trip to France includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

Few countries capture the imagination like France. Synonymous with romance, fine dining and inimitable style, this huge country also boasts spectacular landscapes: the wave-lashed cliffs of Brittany, the deep gorges of the Massif Central, the lavender fields of Provence, sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches and lofty Alpine peaks. These glorious landscapes have been immortalized in iconic artworks found in the countrys world-famous museums and galleries.

The cities and villages, too, are not to be missed. Lyon is one of the worlds hottest foodie scenes. Paris has some of the best art galleries the country has to offer. To the east, the colourful village of Riquewihr was immortalized in Disneys Beauty and the Beast. In the west, lush vineyards attract visitors to vibrant Bordeaux, while Nice dazzles in the south. Frances long and thrilling history is evident across the country in prehistoric monuments, Roman ruins, magnificent chteaux, and awe-inspiring abbeys, cathedrals and churches. Yet, not content to rest on its historic laurels, France continues to innovate. An explosion of contemporary architecture includes cutting-edge public buildings in Paris, Marseille, Metz and Nmes.

With so many different experiences and regions on offer, France can seem overwhelming. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. However long you plan to stay, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best that la belle France has to offer. Bienvenue! Enjoy the book, and enjoy France.

Rustic al fresco dining in Auvergne.

Wandering the streets of Paris.

The glorious Chteau de Sully-sur-Loire.

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Its cuisine is delightful. Its steeped in culture. Its history pops up round every corner. Ask anyone from France and youll hear a different reason why they love their country. Here, we pick a few of our favourites.

t Oh, that indefinable, indescribable, irresistible What do you call it? France is filled with intangible pleasures and sybaritic moments that are impossible to pin down.

Discover Reasons to Love France

t At 4,800 m (15,770 ft), Mont Blanc is Frances highest, most dangerous mountain, and a magnet for mountaineers, skiers and anyone who enjoys winter sports.

Discover Reasons to Love France

t The French countryside is littered with the debris of its extraordinary past, from battlefields and cathedrals to prehistoric cave paintings and ancient amphitheatres.

Discover Reasons to Love France