HISTORIC CITIES. TIMELESS STORIES.
France
Discover Roman remains, medieval cities, royal palaces and revolutionary landmarks. From Paris and Versailles to historic Lyon, Bordeaux and Normandy, France offers a journey through centuries of European history, art, architecture and regional culture.
A COUNTRY SHAPED BY KINGDOMS AND CULTURE
Discover France Through the Ages
From Roman Gaul and medieval dynasties to Renaissance châteaux, royal courts and the French Revolution, France preserves extraordinary traces of its past. Explore historic cities, monumental architecture and the landscapes that shaped French culture.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover France’s Destinations
Paris
Explore France’s capital through Notre-Dame, the Louvre, medieval streets, revolutionary landmarks and the grand boulevards of modern Paris.
Versailles
Discover the spectacular Palace of Versailles, its formal gardens and the legacy of Louis XIV and the French royal court.
Lyon
Walk through Roman Lugdunum, the Renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon and the city’s historic silk-weaving quarters.
Bordeaux
Explore Bordeaux’s elegant eighteenth-century riverside architecture, historic port and centuries of Atlantic and wine-trade heritage.
Mont Saint-Michel
Visit Normandy’s extraordinary tidal island, crowned by a medieval abbey and linked to centuries of pilgrimage, defence and faith.
FRANCE THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of France
From Roman Gaul and the Frankish kings to the French Revolution and modern republic, France’s long history can be traced through its cities, monuments and museums.
52 BC
Roman Gaul
Julius Caesar’s conquest brings most of Gaul under Roman rule.
c. 481–511
Clovis & the Franks
Clovis consolidates Frankish rule and embraces Christianity.
987
Capetian Dynasty
Hugh Capet becomes king, beginning the Capetian royal line.
1789
French Revolution
The Revolution challenges absolute monarchy and transforms French politics.
1804
Napoleonic Empire
Napoleon is crowned emperor, reshaping France and much of Europe.
1958
Fifth Republic
France establishes the Fifth Republic under a new constitution.
Royal France
From medieval Capetian kings to the Bourbons, royal dynasties shaped France’s institutions and historic landscapes.
Palaces & Châteaux
Versailles and the Loire Valley châteaux preserve the splendour and political history of France’s royal courts.
Revolutionary Legacy
Revolutionary landmarks, memorials and museums reveal the transformations beginning in 1789.
PLAN YOUR FRANCE TRIP
Everything You Need for France
Everything you need to plan a journey through France, from historic hotels and guided tours to rail connections, flights and car hire.
Hotels
Discover places to stay, from Parisian boutique hotels and château properties to guesthouses in historic towns and rural regions.
Tours & Activities
Explore French museums, castles, archaeological sites and heritage walks with guided tours and local experiences.
Car Hire
Explore France at your own pace, from Loire Valley châteaux and Normandy villages to vineyards and Alpine roads.
Flights
Compare flights to Paris and regional French airports to find a convenient route.
Trains & Buses
Plan rail and bus journeys between France’s major cities, historic towns and regional destinations.