France

As Western Europe’s largest country, France is diverse and multi-faceted, with lush vineyards and cozy villages giving way to dazzling Mediterranean beaches and world-class cities. And with a history dating back to the middle ages, it’s impossible to miss the numberless icons. Whether you care to drink champagne in an ancient cellar in Reims or visit a chateau, the legendary romance and storied history of France never feels trite. It rolls rather effortlessly into everyday life. Village bakers here really do craft their baguettes by hand every morning, shoes are made by artisans, and dinners are leisurely, pleasurable affairs. It’s this thoughtfulness and sense of tradition, when pushed against modern France that makes a visit so spellbinding.

Of course, France is incomplete without the star power of its effortlessly cool and romantic capital, Paris. This chic hub is filled with quaint outdoor cafes, striking gothic cathedrals, and a little token from the 1889 World’s Fair; you may have heard of it—The Eiffel Tower. As the cultural heart of France, Paris really is meant for lovers, whether you take a river boat along the famed Seine River, sample chocolates at a local patisserie or shop the upscale boutiques along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.