What unique cultural experiences can I discover in France and where's the best place to find them?

You'll find amazing authentic experiences all through France's different regions. The Loire Valley's got these incredible wine tastings at historic estates - Château Coutet's especially wonderful, it's this St Emilion Grand Cru vineyard that's been run by the same family since 1604 and autumn harvest time is just magical there. If you're into something really special try truffle hunting with trained dogs in Sarlat you can do winter truffles December through March or summer ones May to August. Over in Arcachon the morning markets are fantastic for seeing traditional oyster farming where you can taste fresh catches right from the fishermen and learn about techniques that've been passed down through generations.

What are France's best natural areas outside the cities and how do I get to them?

France has these amazing protected landscapes you can visit all year round. The Camargue wetlands are incredible in spring or fall with pink flamingos and wild white horses roaming around - you can grab guided tours from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. If you're after something dramatic the Gorges de l'Ardèche is perfect for scenic drives and kayaking especially in early summer when the Gardon River's just right for water activities. Near Chamonix there's the Tour du Mont Blanc trail it's world-class hiking from mid-June to mid-September and there's this really convenient cable car from Chamonix that makes high-altitude sections doable for different fitness levels.

What are some hidden routes for exploring France that travelers love?

The Canal du Midi's this amazing UNESCO-protected cycling route through Languedoc with historic locks and these incredible 17th century engineering features. You'll pass through medieval villages and family vineyards like Château l'Amiral where seven generations have been making Minervois wines. Then there's the Rhône Valley cycling routes under the alpine foothills they take you past Châteauneuf du Pape's prestigious vineyards and through Gordes this stunning 8th-century village that's just been named France's most beautiful. These routes really let you experience local life and seasonal harvests without all the tourist crowds.

Which places in France are culturally significant but still quiet and uncrowded?

You've got to check out Noyers-sur-Serein it's this beautiful medieval town with amazing 15th-century architecture and weekly markets selling local specialties. Fontenay Abbey's incredible too - perfect example of Cistercian architecture and it's so peaceful early in the morning. Vézelay's basilica is really special it's UNESCO-listed and starts the Way of St. James pilgrimage the evening vespers there are just magical. And don't miss Carcassonne especially at sunset after the crowds leave the views of those lit-up medieval walls are just incredible.

What local dishes should I try in France and where can I find the real deal?

France's regional cuisine is just amazing you've got to try it all. In Bordeaux look for Cannelé with its perfect caramelized crust the traditional patisseries in the old town make the best ones. Down in Sarlat the family restaurants serve incredible duck confit and foie gras especially during truffle season November through March. Toulouse is all about traditional Cassoulet every restaurant's got their own special recipe passed down through the family. And in Brittany's medieval Dinan you'll find these amazing authentic buckwheat crêpes in historic crêperies using recipes that haven't changed for centuries.

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Bicycle Active Sightseeing Wine tasting +2
Cycle Provence
4.8 (21 traveler reviews)
"Excellent itinerary; and good trip organization. Very much like being based in only 2 locations for the week."
Mary, traveled in September
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Marseille, Carpentras, Gordes, Cavaillon,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence+1 more
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Best of France Tour
4.6 (65 traveler reviews)
"Outstanding experience! Admired the countryside, especially Loire Valley, St. Michel. Everything went smoothly."
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Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy Beach, Caen, Saint-Malo,Mont Saint-Michel,Angers,Chenonceaux,Chambord+4 more
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Southern France Tour - Nice to Paris
4.6 (24 traveler reviews)
"We had a wonderful trip!! We loved the hotel in city center Paris. I'd say also you must be ready to walk a lot during day."
Walter, traveled in July
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Nice, Saint-Tropez, Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Lyon, Tournus,Beaune,Savigny-les-Beaune,Dijon,Vezelay,Paris,Versailles+6 more
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Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
4.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"The magnificent canal du midi cycle was an unexpected joy on top of the trip."
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Toulouse, Montpellier, Beziers, Narbonne, Carcassonne
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Hilltop Villages of Provence Cycling
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Mountains & Villages of Corsica
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Ajaccio, Bocognano, Tavera, Corte, Vizzavona
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Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Classic)
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"Unbelievable scenery. Everything great."
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Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Normandy Beach,Omaha Beach,Arromanches-les-Bains,Bayeux,Mont Saint-Michel,Saint-Malo,Cancale,Villandry,Angers,Saumur,Azay-le-Rideau,Chartres+11 more
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Dreaming of France and Alsace
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