Paris

With its glittering skyline rising up from the banks of the Seine River and roll-call of instantly recognisable monuments—the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral, to name just a few—Paris is France’s headline act. The “City of Lights” has something for all tastes, whether you want to visit world-class museums like The Louvre, explore storied neighbourhoods from Montmartre to the Latin Quarter, or hit the shops in this global fashion capital.

France’s flagship sporting venue, the Stade de France, is just 10 minutes from central Paris in Saint-Denis, while day-trippers can escape the capital for the Loire Valley, Champagne, or the D-Day Beaches of Normandy. Closer to the city, the Palace of Versailles was the lavish stage for the French Revolution, art fans flock to the lily ponds of Monet’s House, and Disneyland Paris provides adrenaline-fuelled fun for all ages.

Stroll down the grand Champs-Élysées, take a peek at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, and stop by Notre Dame Cathedral before crossing to the Left Bank to explore the Latin Quarter. Set sail along the Seine River at sunset to admire the illuminated city from the water, then head up to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the best view over the City of Lights.