A couple of weeks ago, I shared the  top international destinations with six countries tying for the number one spot. Since I am home for now, I chose to share traveling tips about one of those top places to visit: France.

If you are planning a trip to France, a country known for cuisine, culture, and art, one must start in Paris. From the iconic Eiffel Tower illuminating the Parisian skyline to strolling along the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, an authentic village in the heart of Paris. Travelers claim this city is best to visit in the spring and easily traveled on bike routes to enjoy the museums, cafés and beautiful scenery.

Venturing beyond the capital, the picturesque villages of the Loire Valley offer a glimpse into rural life, complete with vineyards and charming châteaux. The south of France, offers sun-kissed beaches along the French Riviera while the rugged beauty of the French Alps provides a playground for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

One cannot go to France and miss Normandy. Normandy was the setting of one of the most significant battles in modern history, which led to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation in 1944.

One must visit the Normandy beaches that were key to the allied invasion during WWII, called Operation Overlord. Over 425,000 Allied and German troops were killed, wounded or went missing in the invasion. Many memorial buildings and cemeteries can be visited in the region.

Corsica is an island located about 18 hours from Paris with some of the best beaches in Europe with over 200 miles of sandy shoreline. Along with the beaches, Corsica has many hiking trails and historic sites to explore.

France’s oldest and second-largest city, Marseille, has a number of sights to see, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Château d’If, the prison made famous by Alexandre Dumas,’ The Count of Monte Cristo.

Visiting France is an enchanting experience that captivates the senses and transports you to a world of rich culture and history.

Next week, I will share another top international destination.

Knox the Fox loves to share your trips so share yours with knoxthefox24@gmail.com.