Vive la France! The French are fiercely protective of their language and culture, and for good reason. It is one of Europe’s most enchanting countries. The French, especially Paris, have a reputation for being rude towards tourists that don’t speak French, but we have found almost everyone extremely friendly and inviting. It helps if you can speak a few words of French.

There are few cities in the world as hyped as Paris. The City of Love is portrayed as romantic, beautiful, and magical in movies around the world. Paris is magical, however it is also a large city just like any other, so do keep that in mind. That being said, world-class icons such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre-Dame, Moulin Rouge are really as impressive as you would imagine and worth a visit.

The French Riviera has a classic, old-school charm that can’t be beat as you bask in the sun among the rich and famous. Get lost in the cities of Marseille, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez. The French Alps are equally stunning, with many famous ski resorts, and of course, Mont Blanc. Let’s not forget the rest of the French countryside, from the lavender fields of Provence, to the wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, to the coastal towns of Brittany and Normandy.

France can be intimidating to the non-French speaker, but is absolutely worth multiple visits. Paris is a must-see for everyone, but experiencing the true France requires a few road trips through the French countryside.