Over the centuries, the French have gained a reputation for being snooty and arrogant. The stereotype is probably unfair and unjustified, but he French nonetheless have a lot of reason to hold their heads high. The Eiffel Tower alone does the nation proud, a lasting work of art that serves as an inspiration to many. French couture, which everyone aspires to own. Excellent wine that speaks of this nation’s discriminating standards. The world’s most renowned writers and artists, not to mention the scenery that inspired them. Grand palaces and fine chateaux that tell of this nation’s dramatic history… The list just goes on. Perhaps one trip will not suffice to discover them all. At least, you will have an excuse to keep going back.

Ajaccio, Corsica

Renowned as Napoleon's birthplace, Ajaccio's many squares and plazas pay homage to the conqueror who never returned home. Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio is a short drive away from hospitable beaches, soaring mountains and unforgettable gorges. Visitors to the town can walk along the quaint streets, stroll along its waterfront promenade or venture out of town to enjoy the island's natural beauty. If you can, head for some of Corsica’s extensive mountain terrain, to enjoy panoramic vistas of the Prunelli Gorges and a taste of locally made wines.

Attractions

• Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte’s home, which features period furniture and family portraits.
• The Musée Fesch, the city's finest art museum, which happens to be the former residence of Napoleon's uncle, Joseph Fesch. It has one France’s largest collections of art - many of which were presented to Joseph by Napoleon himself.
• Cathédrale de Ste-Marie , Venetian-style church where Napoleon was baptised. In the north aisle is Delacroix's painting of the Vierge au Sacré Coeur.
• Musée du Capitellu, a delightful little museum that provides a fascinating glimpse into the town's history through the eclectic paintings, porcelain, silverware and objets d'art collected by one prominent Ajaccio family.

Bastia, Corsica

Founded in 1378, Bastia is one of the most beautiful and easiest cities to explore in Corsica. With its jumble of colourful buildings, wrought iron balconies, shade-lined streets and local cafes all beckoning to be photographed - is famed for its organic laidback feel and lively spirit.

Begin your journey in Saint Nicolas Square and wander leisurely to Bastia’s historic sights like the Citadelle and the impressive 14th century Palais des Gouverneurs.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is one of the premier wine regions of France and boasts some of the finest cabernet sauvignon and merlot in the world. Beyond wine, the city has impressive architecture, museums, nightlife and beaches.

Attractions

• Museum of Wine Arts and Techniques, the museum dedicated to the age-old tradition of winemaking, began by the ancient Romans and handed down from generation to generation.
• Basilique St-Michel, the magnificent church and bell tower that took more than 200 years to complete. Its steeple is the second tallest in France and a source of Bordeaux pride.

Cannes

Even before the glitterati popularized it, the French Riviera and its sun-kissed cities attracted many artists, including masters such as Picasso and Monet who were inspired by the fresh air and quality of light -- not to mention the gorgeous scenery. The city of Cannes is no exception.

Attractions

• La Croisette, Cannes' palm-lined main boulevard, for a stroll and people watching. It stretches for two miles with sandy beach and public gardens on one side and luxury hotels, cafes, shops and villas on the other.
• Palais des Festivals, home to the glitzy international Cannes Film Festival, where movie stars mingle with models and moguls while the paparazzi have a field day.
• Monte Carlo, the tiny sovereign state that is home to the Grand Casino, Monaco's Royal Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral, where Princess Grace married Prince Ranier III, and where she rests today.

Cherbourg

Cherbourg offers everything you could want from a seaside town in France - beautiful gardens, cute little shops, appetizing restaurants. As a port, however, Cherbourg is a maritime institution, playing major roles in early transatlantic travel, submarine building and nautical pastimes. One look at its massive man-made sea wall or its bustling piers, and any seafaring adventurer will feel right at home here.

Attractions

• La Cité de la Mer, a museum, aquarium and oceanographic centre all in one. Learn about man's underwater adventures in the Ocean Exhibition, which includes aquatic galleries and an impressive collection of sea life. Then explore the decommissioned nuclear submarine La Redoutable, which served the French military for more than 20 years.
• Several 19th-century gardens featuring hundreds of plant varieties, spring-fed ponds, native animals, rare birds and more.
• The amazing Cherbourg Theatre, a recognised historical monument that still offers many lively shows and programmes.
• The Ravalet Chateau in nearby Tourlaville, a stunning example of Renaissance style.

Le Havre (Paris)

All but obliterated by WWII bombing raids, the city of Le Havre was totally rebuilt after the war, and what emerged is one of the great examples of post-war planning, a strange and oddly fascinating city – listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The port of Le Havre is one of the gateways to Paris, about two hours away by train.

Attractions

• Musée des Beaux-Arts André-Malraux, hypermodern jumble of glass and steel near the harbour entrance, which houses a fabulous collection of impressionist works by Monet, Sisley, Renoir and Le Havre native Eugène Boudin. Another section is devoted to Fauvist Raoul Dufy, also born in Le Havre.

Marseille

Located on the southeastern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the oldest city in the country and among its largest. Thanks to its long and unique past - Greek sailors originally settled the city back in 600 B.C. - this bustling port is filled with history and amazing architecture. It's also one of the most picturesque ports in the country, with fantastic views and scenic backdrops.

Attractions

• Notre Dame de la Garde, for the best view of the city. Entirely covered in gold leaf, Our Lady towers over Marseille at an impressive 500 feet tall (154 meters.) Through the years, it has served as a lookout post, a military zone and a place of worship.
• Old Port, or Vieux Port as the locals call it, which was once known as the gateway to the Mediterranean. Here you'll find the popular theatre, Théâtre National de la Criée, as well as many cafés and restaurants lining the streets.
• Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, for 26 centuries’ worth of the city’s history of the city.
• Cours Julien, a pedestrian square with a beautiful water garden and fountain, as well as trendy shops, cafés and theatres.
• Parc Borély, a magnificent city park with numerous ponds, a botanical garden and a greenhouse. It’s located in Le Prado south of Marseille.

Nice

One visit to Nice and you'll understand the inspiration behind Matisse's vivid use of colour. From its crystal blue waters to its multi-coloured flowers, palaces and piazzas, Nice's scenery is like nothing else you've ever seen. And with its temperate climate, you can't help but relax. The capital of the French Riviera, this cosmopolitan city was the favourite winter destination of European royalty because of its mild climate. To this day, it remains one of France’s most visited cities after Paris.

Paris

The romantic city of Paris, also called the City of Lights, is home to some of the most famous sights in the world. From the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and all the way to the iconic Eiffel Tower, not to mention famous boulevards, cafes and restaurants - there’s plenty to see and do. And with some of the best food and drinks available in the world, it’s difficult not to fall in love with France’s capital.

Attractions

• Eiffel Tower. No trip to Paris is complete without it. It’s visible from almost everywhere in Paris, but don’t miss the chance to go to top – it delivers unmatched panoramic views across all of Paris.
• Louvre, the fabulous, maze-like museum that houses one of the world’s greatest art collections, including the Mona Lisa.
• Notre Dame Cathedral, the famous cathedral that is also a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
• Champs Élysées, the chic boulevard with some of the world’s finest shops.
• Arc de Triomphe, the monument built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon's victories.

Rouen

With its elegant spires, beautifully restored medieval quarter and soaring Gothic cathedral, Rouen is undoubtedly one of the most stunning in cities in northern France – despite its turbulent history. Devastated several times by fire and plague in the Middle Ages and later occupied by the English, then witnessing the execution of St. Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc) and being destroyed in WWII - the city has nonetheless withstood adversity and has been lavishly restored. Rouen is an ideal base for exploring northern Normandy and Monet’s home in Giverny. Rouen is also only an hour away from Paris by train.

Attractions

• Cathédrale Notre Dame, perhaps best known as the subject of a series of canvases by Claude Monet.
• Place du Vieux Marché, where 19-year-old Joan of Arc was executed for heresy in 1431. The futuristic Église Jeanne d'Arc, with its fish-scale exterior and stark cast-iron cross, marks the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The church is also notable for its marvelous 16th-century stained-glass windows.

Toulon/Provence

Ships, ships and more ships. Toulon is France's exciting naval epicentre. Bobbing sailboats dot its busy harbor. On land, you'll find tons of maritime museums, ancient fortresses and a fair share of sailors. And in true French fashion, you'll also find plenty of stylish spots for shopping and lunching. But what really makes this seaport so special is its proximity to glitzy Saint-Tropez and the Côte d'Azur. Toulon is also your gateway to Provence in the south of France.

Attractions

• The peak of Mont Faron, by cable car, for a sweeping view of this seaport.
• Mémorial du Débarquement en Provence, a museum with an interesting collection of World War II memorabilia.
• Pop into the Musée de Toulon and ogle its vast collection of Provençal, Italian and religious masterpieces from the 16th century to the present.

Villefranche (Nice)

Villefranche is your gateway to the one-of-a-kind French Riviera, home to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice. Shaded by jagged mountains touching deep blue shores, Villefranche offers sunny beaches, sophisticated resort cities, quaint red-roofed villages and spectacular views.

Attractions

• Villefranche’s more famous neighbours: Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. These jet setters' retreats are as remarkable for their beautiful beaches as the mansions and boutiques that surround them.
• The Rock of Monaco, accessible by walking through the Old Quarter.
• Monaco's Prince's Palace and the Palace Square with its vaulted passageways and beautiful façade.
• The 19th-century Monaco Cathedral, final resting place of the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.
• The Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, its world-famous landmark.