You can find Arcachon Bay on France’s west coast, just an hour away from the dazzling city of Bordeaux. Maison de Jules Verne is a museum in the quirky house where the author lived and wrote some of his novels.Samara Parc, a living prehistoric museum, is just a few minutes’ drive from the city and makes a fascinating family day out.Hotel Le Prieuré et La Résidence is a characterful hotel in an excellent location in one of the oldest streets in the city.I first became interested in Cherbourg because of its connection to the Titanic, the second last port visited before sailing off into history and legend.For those interested in the Titanic, head to the Cite de la Mer maritime museum, here you will find displays on the Titanic, an aquarium and an oceanography museum. Only the massive yachts and ridiculous wealth have been replaced with a laidback atmosphere, making it a mecca for surfers and seaside sports fans.As with most seaside cities tourism in Biarritz centres around the coastline promenades, and Le Grande Plage (the big beach) which is the main beach of the city.However there are many attractions away from the sand including elegant seafront architecture – the Hôtel du Palais, and the two large casinos at Barrière and the Bellevue and some ridiculously picturesque coves and bays along the shoreline – Rocher de la Vierge.Accommodation-wise the forest camping experience is extremely popular on the nearby coastlines, although I personally go with the rather stunning seafront hotels along the central promenade of the city like the Hotel Windsor Grande Plage.Biarritz is best reached from either Bordeaux or Toulouse, the main French cities nearby, although the actual closest city is in fact Bilbao in nearby Spain.Accommodation at the Hotel Le Nouveau Monde with a balcony view over the beach could not be more ideal. Toulouse is one of France’s university cities, popular for its alternative vibe, lively music scene and quaint old town. It’s the perfect place to pick up cheese, a baguette and fruit for a picnic lunch in the palace grounds. Narrow cobbled streets intertwined canals dotted with swans and foot bridges, admittedly so quaint we found it far more charming than Venice and far less crowded!Our room for the weekend was in Atipik Hotel Alexendra, offering a modern yet homely vibe within walking distance of the mouth watering patisseries.You cannot leave Annecy without trying the traditional fondue overlooking the canal. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful with its mismatched spires (one dates back to the 12th century and the other to the 16th century) and stained glass windows and it demonstrates all of the gothic features. A city of markets, Honfleur has one for everyone. It now receives around three million visitors every year, who come to explore and admire the The walled city of Carcassonne dates back to the middle ages (Pixabay CC0) You can also get a glimpse into the life of a submariner by exploring the submarine Le Redoutable.Cherbourg is still a thriving seaport for international ferries and cruise ships. Paris. Once you hit the center of town, stop by the visitor’s center to book a visit to a champagne house.If you only have time to visit one, choose Taitinger for its endless underground cellars and stylish tasting room (and excellent champagne).Before getting tipsy, though, visit the cathedral to appreciate its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Imi Knoebbel and discuss whether these modern treasure do or don’t fit their ancient home.It’s easy to find a good lunch in the city center, to window shop and to enjoy a last glass of bubbly before catching your return train to Paris at the end of the day.Grenoble is one of our favourite cities in France, sitting amongst the mountains in South eastern France it is surrounded by beauty.The city is over looked by La Bastille, an 18th century fortress, that you can visit via unusual bubble shaped cable cars.There is also some foodie history with the city hosting France’s second oldest coffee shop, Cafe de la Table Ronde.