Get a feel for the nature of France

A lot of the towns in the region of Auvergne are pretty as a picture but the city of Clermont-Ferrand is one of the finest, with the glorious Chaîne des Puys mountain range as its beautiful backdrop. You can even get a feel for them right in the heart of the city – the imposing Gothic cathedral is constructed from black lava stone from the (inactive!) volcanic mountains. Plus you'll get a great view of the town: climb La Bayette tower and drink it in. Other tips include lounging in the sun at Montjuzet Park (Clermont-Ferrand enjoys a proper continental climate), losing yourself in the antique dealers and booksellers district and listening to cutting-edge music at the Coopérative de Mai.

Photo: CRDTA – Joel Damase

Many visitors to Poitiers spend their time idling away in the natural bounty this historic city is rich in, with Le Parc Naturel Urbain and its 350 hectares of beautiful parkland just one example. Rent a bike or take some time for a stroll and you'll be pretty much guaranteed a great time. But to be honest, Poitiers has so many great walking, hiking and biking routes, it's easy to soak up the gorgeous landscape around here. And if you want to drink in some of the city's history? Well, there are 80 protected buildings and a past stretching back two millennia, which means there's plenty to explore. If you want some choice cuts, the Notre Dame la Grande church (whose façade is a sublime example of Romanesque art) and the Museum-Sainte-Croix (with works from Rodin and Camille Claudel) are two easy ways to be moved. But Poitier's not just about the past. Get stuck into local food and drinks at the cafés, restaurants and 'guinguette' drinking spots (make sure to try the creamy Chabichou du Poitou goat's cheese, an AOC speciality made only in the region), catch a show at the TAP theatre and go back to the future with a trip to the awesome Futuroscope theme park just outside the city.

Photo: ©Office de Tourisme de Poitiers –S. Laval

There's certainly a lot to do in this historic city deep in the beautiful rolling countryside of the Loire Valley – and that's before you've lapped up the intoxicating natural splendour of this breathtaking part of France. First up, take a look at the Château d’Angers (the region’s largest fortress) and its spectacular Apocalypse tapestry. Then take your pick from a trip to the Musée des Beaux Arts, coffee at one of the seductive café terraces lining Place du Ralliement or a Michelin-starred meal at Noirieux Château-hotel, or learn how to make a cocktail at the Carré Cointreau. Or maybe botany is your thing and you want to get lost in the sights and smells of the Terra Botanica theme park. Seriously, this is a really easy place in which to unwind and have a great time.

Photo: ©Jean-Sébastien Evrard

There are few cities more evocative than Amiens, on the banks of the Somme in northern France - and it's not just about the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame. But you know, it is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and it is pretty damn amazing. With lovely market gardens, an impressive artistic and literary history (Jules Verne’s house is a fascinating visit), beautiful canalside restaurants at Saint-Leu, festivals all year round and flea markets with over 2,000 stalls, it adds up to a sweet spot for a French city break. And if you like relaxing by the water, check out the hortillonnages – 300 hectares of 'floating gardens' interlaced with 65km of small canals – and feast your eyes on the sublime views of the landscape across the bay of the Somme.

Photo: ©AS Flament

At the foot of the Alps, there are few more stunningly located cities than Grenoble, with the snow-capped peaks of the mountain range looming in the background. It's an amazing landscape whatever the time of the year, and one you can take in from most spots in the city, whether that's a terrace overlooking Mont Blanc as you tuck into gratin dauphinois, being wowed by the city lights from the majestic cliffs of Fort Saint-Eynard or having a drink on Place Saint-André at one of the oldest cafés in France. But for the best panoramic views of all the natural splendour, walk up to the Bastille fortress, on a hill above the city – or clamber up there on the rope-assisted Via Ferrata climbing route – then head back to the city centre on the famous cable car. Lap it up, it's lovely.

Photo: ©Pierre Jayet 

As the biggest city of the Champagne region, Reims is in a region of France bathed in beautiful vineyards producing the world’s most famous wine. So feasting your eyes on the lovely landscape is a pretty good place to start. And of course treating yourself to a glass or two, too. The city's famous cathedral, where generations of French kings were crowned, is a must-see, especially if you catch the Rêve de Couleurs, a spectacle of sound and light with the cathedral as the canvas. And if you still want more, the bars and restaurants of Place Drouet d'Erlon are brilliant, as is shopping on the Rue de Vesle and just kicking back in one of the many lovely parks dotted around town.

Photo: ©OTAR – Clément Richez

There's more to Dijon than mustard. If you're into wine then a good place to start is to follow the Route des Grands Crus, a tour that takes you through some of the most prestigious of Burgundy's vineyards and gets you properly stuck into the lush green countryside here. You can also get a feel for the landscape by climbing the city's Tower of Philippe the Good and gazing out at it from 46m up, the gentle Burgundian breeze in your hair. And if that kind of thing whets your appetite then sampling Dijon's local produce is a must (the mustard, obviously, spiced breads, kir, crème de cassis and gingerbread), all probably best enjoyed before taking a break with a cofee on the terrace in Place de la Libération, gazing at the sumptuous palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. All very lovely indeed.

Photo: Office de Tourisme de Dijon