Brittany

First time France: where to go and what to do

France is the world’s top tourist destination and for good reason. There's a lot packed into just one country – artistic and architectural masterpieces, remarkable museums and natural landscapes, and a history harking back far beyond the Romans. Top it off with fine wine, food and a culinary culture that permeates through every city and small town, and the only hard part is deciding where to go first.

France’s chic, sexy capital has to be experienced at least once. Mix picture-postcard icons with simple Parisian moments and you'll truly fall in love with the city. Scale the Eiffel Tower then walk or cycle along the Seine, or cruise down it on a bateau-mouche (bateaux-mouches.fr). Venerate Notre Dame then grab a post-cathedral café at Café Saint-Régis, ice-cream at Berthillon or super juice at literary café of mythical bookshop Shakespeare & Company. Hit the Louvre then collapse on a bench with a Pierre Hermé macaron in the Tuileries or Palais Royal gardens. Delve into hilltop Montmartre with a local Paris Greeter (greeters.paris). Escape to posh leafy Versailles and come back blown away by France’s most famous chateau.

Nicola Williams

Lonely Planet Writer

Museums of Brittany & Normandy

These recommendations are taken from our Brittany & Normandy guidebook, which is full of inspirational ideas & detailed coverage for foodies, walkers & culture lovers.

1. Mémorial de Caen — This cutting-edge WWII museum is overwhelming in every sense, providing a comprehensive treatment of the battle of Normandy, but its intention is not merely to commemorate the liberation of Europe but to promote peace.

Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Writer

The ultimate guide to Brittany

With its fretted coastline and incredibly varied landscapes, Brittany is one of France's greatest charmers. The region is bursting with sporting activities and boasts some truly superb islands. Find your own slice of paradise with this primer on the very best of Brittany.

Presqu’Île de Crozon