The history of the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, goes all the way back to the 12th century, so they’ve had a lot of time to perfect things to this degree…and it shows.

READ: Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide

Exquisite architecture, fresh seafood, a vibrant city with an historic core, and some of the best wine in the world—in a nutshell, this is Bordeaux, France.

READ: Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France: A First Timer’s Guide

Driving in France: What to Know Stay Safe and Reduce Stress

READ: Driving in France: What to Know and Tips for Americans

An hour from Paris, but world’s apart, Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France are the most tangible location to experience French Impressionism in real life. Monet’s Home and Gardens still exist today, largely as they did when he passed away in 1926. Giverny is just as beautiful as the paintings would make it seem.

READ: Seeing Monet’s Gardens at Giverny, France: An Impressionists Dream

The 48 best landmarks in France to visit

READ: The Best Landmarks in France to Visit

Aix-en-Provence is packed with art, culture, and all the beauty you would hope for in one of the most popular destinations in the South of France.

READ: 15 Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

Provence has something for just about everyone.

READ: 21 Best Things to Do in Provence, France

Brightly-colored vegetables spill forth from the stands. The aroma of roasted chicken drifts through the air while locals arrive for their daily baguettes. The ambiance at weekly markets – particularly at a Provence market – is addicting.

READ: 8 Best Markets in Provence

Endless vineyards, hillside towns, pastel villages, and cities packed with history--these are the places and sites that make the South of France an unmissable destination.

READ: 20 Best Places to Visit in the South of France

Christmas in Colmar is a dream. When you take a city that already looks like a gingerbread town and then deck it with wreaths, ornaments, and snow-covered trees, it’s hard to think of anything that feels more appropriate for the holiday season.

READ: Colmar Christmas Market Guide

On the western edge of Provence is the brilliant city of Avignon. Here, cobblestone lanes lined with plane trees swirl within the city's medieval walls. Outdoor cafes sprawl into the squares. Avignon is a very modern city with all the beauty, spirit, and French-ness that Provence has to offer.

READ: 14 Top Things to do in Avignon, France

Dazzling colors, canals, the wonder of half-timbered buildings that look like a perfect illustration—these are the things of Colmar, France.

READ: A Complete Guide to Colmar–France’s Enchanting Medieval City

Some places just seem to be made for photographers, and Colmar, France, is one of those cities.

READ: 21 Dreamy Photos of Colmar, France

Beginning in 1309, seven popes ruled the Catholic Church from Avignon, France, rather than Rome. To accommodate the needs of the Church and demonstrate its power, the Palace of the Popes was built on the banks of the Rhone.

READ: A Visit to France’s Fascinating Palace of the Popes

From Colmar to Strasbourg and a handful of impossibly charming villages in between, I followed the Alsace wine route through this unique part of France, eating, wine tasting, and ogling gorgeous buildings along the way.

READ: Six Magical Villages to Love in Alsace, France

France's hospitable Cotes du Rhone region is famous for its wine, but the appeal goes beyond that. It offers charming villages, ancient ruins, and views that will make you want to stay awhile.

READ: A Day on the Cotes du Rhone Wine Road

Provence is the stuff that dreams are made of. We fell in love with all the sights, flavors, and history of this divine place, and these photos will show you why.

READ: Postcards from Provence

It’s not apparent at first what’s taking place in the lush, green orchard. As far as you can see, glass bottles hang from the trees. But once you see the sign for Manguin Distillery, it all makes a bit more sense.

READ: Waters of Life Flow at Manguin Distillery

Provence takes its food seriously. It’s rustic and flavorful, featuring olives, garlic, and dozens of other delicious ingredients. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Here are a few of the things that I learned in my attempt to cook in Provence.

READ: Adventures in Provencal Cooking

Behind the Hotel de l'Image, it is green as far as you can see, or at least until the limestone peaks of the Alpilles mountains rise from the Rhone valley. Here, there are sprawling gardens, fountains, the pool, and plenty of room to relax.

READ: Picture Perfect Provence at the Hotel de l’Image

Visiting France's Chartres Cathedral to see the veil of the Virgin Mary

READ: A Visit to France’s Chartres Cathedral

The island of Mont Saint-Michel has attracted pilgrims for over a thousand years. As we planned our trip to France, there would be no doubt that we’d also make our pilgrimage to Mont Saint-Michael. What we found completely surprised and delighted us.

READ: The Two Mont Saint-Michel Islands

The D-Day landing on the beaches of Normandy was a concerted effort to save what was left of Europe. Now, nearly 70 years later, the beaches have an eerie quiet as travelers come to pay their respects.

READ: Visiting The D-Day Beaches of Normandy

I’m a sucker for gardens. I find there is just something magical about Europe’s grand palace gardens. From the Schonbrunn in Vienna to Powerscourt in Ireland, Europeans know how to set a spectacle. But there are perhaps none grander the Versailles gardens in France.

READ: Exploring the Versailles Gardens

The beauty of Colmar, France, lies in its half-timber buildings and charming canal.

READ: Sunday Day Trip to Colmar, France