There's a reason why France makes its way onto just about everyone's life "to do" list. With its intimate hilltop villages, enchanting coastal beaches, majestic castles, and, of course, its most famous capital city, France is simply one of those few world destinations that can't be overlooked.

If Paris is your main focus, consider a stay in the heart of the city. The Champs-Elysees is full of romance, tree-shaded cafes, and an unprecedented lineup of luxury goods. Visit the Louis Vuitton flagship, Cartier, Hermes, Bally, and more.

Make your way to the Ile de la Cite to see arguably the world's most famous cathedral, Notre Dame. Of course, what would a trip to Paris be without an expedition to the beautiful (and quite large) Louvre art gallery and museum.

But if you're worried the wonders of Paris will lead to sore feet, consider a cruise along the Seine, where the rich history will unfold before your eyes - and you won't even need to take a step.

Of course France offers so much more than the City of Light. Many France vacations begin and end elsewhere. Choose, for example, to escape to the French Riviera and the charming village of Biot, which is just a short drive from the flower markets and sun-drenched beaches of Nice and the glitz and glamour of Cannes.

Eat...

Calypso (Villefranche-sur-Mer). This waterside restaurant opens up a rooftop bar on pleasant summer evenings and features a mouthwatering selection of seafood dishes.

Taillevent (Paris). The ever-evolving menu may include crabmeat in dill remoulade and rish risotto with frog's legs. In Paris, a three-course lunch is often the way to go, followed by a lighter dinner.

Au Pied De Cochon (Paris). If late-night suppers are more suitable to your schedule, consider this Paris institution, opened in 1946. Among the selections: pig trotter with béarnaise sauce and pommes frites.

Play...

Carnival (Nice). While most may associate this pre-Lenten festival of excess with Rio de Janeiro, Venice, or even New Orleans (Mardi Gras), Nice is the place to celebrate in France, transforming each February from a placid seaside city into a raucous party town.

Disneyland Paris. Disney is Disney, no matter where you visit, but this park does take on a Parisian flair. And right now, Disneyland Paris is celebrating its 15th anniversary, so you can take advantage of special deals and attractions.

Explore...

Louvre (Paris). The Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world, and the most visited. Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre houses some of the most prestigious collections of art anywhere, including da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Antioch's Venus de Milo.

Notre Dame (Paris). The seat of the Archbishop of Paris, this French Gothic masterpiece is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral. Come see the rose windows, the Virgin of Paris, and more. Notre Dame is open daily, but hours vary depending on the season.

Eiffel Tower (Paris). The most recognized structure in Paris is also its tallest at 1,063 feet high. A trip to France just wouldn't seem complete without a stop at the most visited monument in the world.

Shop...

Champs-Elysees (Paris). Here you'll discover more luxury stores than you can shake a silk scarf at, including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier, and Bally.

Town Centre (Nice). Many wonderful shops can be found in this "downtown" area, including Gigi, a stylish women's boutique stocked with the hottest names in fashion.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.