With its certain je ne sais quoi, France's cultured air combines with its legends of kings and queens, castles and fairies to lure the sophisticated and the romantic. Its cities are characterized by stylish sidewalk cafes and medieval architecture, and its palpable history is detailed by narrow, cobblestone streets leading to countless monuments, memorials and museums.

France's revolutionary capital city of Paris' Gothic Cathédral de Notre Dame saw knights kneel at its altar before leaving to fight the Crusades, and the landmark Eiffel Tower is lit spectacularly at night. Louis XIV built his extravagant chateau in nearby Versailles, and resorts, casinos and luxury shops line the French Riviera, where the festival cities of Cannes and Nice draw international celebrities yearly. The dramatic French Alps' slopes are precious to skiers, outdoor enthusiasts and the wildlife they support. Normandy's now-quiet beaches belie their violent past, and Lyon's notable restaurants epitomize French cuisine. Bordeaux and Burgundy's wines speak for themselves, and Champagne's famous beverage is toasted every day around the world.