Surf and the Paris sleeper, Bay of Biscay
Sun, sea, surf, sand and a sleeper train to Paris: Hendaye has it all. Nestled in this less-discovered corner of the Bay of Biscay, bordering Spain, Hendaye has a quaint old centre with cobbles and cute little cafes. Head to Le Palmier for great pizza. Over the road a lovely little artisan market sells local crafts and tasty treats. If you’re more adventurous, Hendaye’s sheltered bay offers the perfect playground for beginner surfers. Sleeper trains between Paris and Hendaye mean sustainable travel is possible. Lie back, watch the world pass by and wake up in Paris for breakfast.
Hannah
Dragons and volcanoes, central France
The Chaîne des Puys is a unique mountain range and a Unesco world heritage site to boot. It’s a string of 80 young, dormant volcanoes (not extinct!) along the Limagne fault. For a full volcanic immersion, take a train up the iconic Puy de Dôme, picnic deep down inside the crater of Puy des Goules and swim in the beautiful crater lake, Gour de Tazenat. To some, the chain looks like a sleeping dragon and it’s no wonder this land of volcanoes is the place of dragon myths, told in mesmerising 3D cinematics at Vulcania theme park.
Vince Sandwell
Guardian Travel readers' tips
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Biking to Batz, Loire-Atlantique
Cycling slowly down the winding Loire, soaking up the landscape, butterflies and birdlife between vineyards and wine caves, then evenings punctuated by the city delights of Saumur, Angers and Nantes, each a pedaller’s paradise. A wonderful surprise greets me when I reach the sea at Batz-sur-Mer: beaches and rocky coves on one side and vast, hand-worked salt marshes on the other. This understated village has more than enough, with a handful of small hotels, restaurants, cafes, a sheltered harbour beach and a wider peninsula ringed by a wonderful 25-mile coastal cycle route. Simply sublime.
John Martin
Art and architecture, Alsace
Alsace is maybe one of the most beautiful French regions. All of the villages are gorgeous – Turckheim, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Sélestat, Obernai... and there are plenty of castles, like the Haut Koenigsbourg. The s Unterlinden museum in Colmar houses a medieval altarpiece called the Retable d’Issenheim, a masterpiece. The humanist library of Sélestat is really cool too, and Strasbourg is a great destination, with a very warm, ambient feel to it. The cathedral is incredible. The museum of the Oeuvre Notre-Dame and the Palais Rohan are definitely worth a visit too.
Benjamin Lee
A walk to Die for …
The Route Napoléon inspired a week-long meander from Nice to Grenoble. The breathtaking Gorges du Verdon was a definite highlight, but it was the town of Die that stole our hearts. At the foot of the Vercors hills, it has a really special atmosphere – both laid-back and lively, with a creative heart. Take some time to visit independent artisans like L’Armellier (woodturning) and Yanka (illustration). And for food, you really can’t beat Les Petits Fourneaux, a vegetarian restaurant tucked away near the cathedral where you can eat under a canopy of vines.
Lynne Robertson
Abbey and gardens, Somme
In Argoules in northern France is the Hôtel Abbaye de Valloires, part of a 12th-century abbey with formal gardens. Although the rooms themselves are almost monastic in their simplicity, it is wonderful to stay in surroundings of such grandeur for very reasonable prices (rooms start at just €88). However, if you wish to tour the inhabited part of the abbey you will need to do the tour in French (although English handouts are provided). The ticket price of €15.90 includes the hour-long tour and a day’s access to the gardens, which are beautiful.
Chiara Pinto
Historic Fréjus, Côte d’Azur
Typically, Provençal holidays may be associated with the glamorous coastal towns of Saint-Tropez and the like, but head a little north and a little inland and you’ll find the magical old town of Fréjus. It is a town of beautiful narrow streets and centuries of history, including particularly interesting religious buildings, not least the cathedral, which is resplendent with late-medieval tombs and art. Kerbside cafes and delicious boulangeries abound – Maison de La Tarte is a particular favourite – and contribute to a sense of calm contentedness when you visit.
Jenni
Crêpes in Dieppe, Normandy
A pleasant cruise from Newhaven to Dieppe. A short walk round the pretty port. A stop-off for Crêpes Normande with Calvados and a pichet de cidre. Finally arrival at La Tour aux Crabes, a chic modernist hotel overlooking the harbour. Champagne on the terrace and a reservation for dinner at Le Turbot (Rick Stein recommendation) signals the start of le weekend français!
Carol Jones
Canoes and great food, Dordogne
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is one of the most beautiful villages in France and a gastronomic delight. Hire canoes on the river and watch the daredevil kids jump from the steep sides into the Vézère River. In the summer months there is an amazing food market at night, but on other days every restaurant has fabulous food. From the little riverside cafe to Le Petit Léon – a garden restaurant with local but high-end cuisine. Certainly not cheap, but such a great setting and just beautiful food.
Marianne Marshall
Winning tip: Hill walks, eastern Pyrenees
Laroque-des-Albères sits above the Côte Vermeille in the foothills of the eastern Pyrenees. It’s a delight, with winding streets leading to a tower with spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast. But the real secret lies in the Albères hills. The village is the starting point for many walks – the least ambitious but loveliest of which is a 20-minute stroll (clamber for the final stretch) taking you to natural river pools, or bassins. An idyllic setting for a shady and often solitary swim away from the heat of the coast. Refresh with a beer or glass of banyuls wine at Café des Artistes.
Dawn Taylor
