France

In the ever-popular south, you can park yourself in a Provençal hill town à la Peter Mayle. Jet into Marseille then head to nearby villages of the Vaucluse region which are best viewed by bike or on foot. Check out the hilltop villages and markets of Gordes, Apt, Lacoste and Bonnieux. Don’t miss a Van Gogh walking tour in vibrant St. Remy. Luxe lodgings include Villa Lacoste and the 18th-century residence Bastide de Marie, which is surrounded by 57 acres of vines. Sip pastis while playing a casual game of boules with the locals. Hike to the top of the citadel of Les Baux. Conquer Mont Ventoux on two-wheels – stage of the Tour de France.

From Provence, jet to Corsica, France’s Mediterranean island that shines with ancient coastal towns, dense forests, and craggy peaks. Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa serves as a stylish beachside retreat and the perfect base for our favorite active adventures. Hike and bike through the L’Ospedale forest, discovering waterfalls, granite peaks, and hillside vineyards. Sail via private yacht to the majestic 9th-century citadel town of Bonifacio, perched dramatically atop white limestone cliffs. Explore the winding streets of the Old Town, once home to Napoleon Bonaparte, before kayaking azure waters and hidden grottos below. Discover traditional Corsican cuisine at Le Refuge Cartalavonu, blending French and Italian influences, yet distinctive in its own right.

Back on mainland, the options are myriad and include the châteaux-filled Loire Valley, the seaside villages of Brittany and Normandy’s rich World War II history.The lesser-known Languedoc-Rousillon area impresses with the tranquil, barge-filled Canal de Midi and majestic walled hilltop city of Carcasonne, Gray & Co. producers love the bucolic Dordogne river region which feature the fortified towns of Domme and Rocamadour; castles from the Hundred Years War, such as Castlenaud; Josephine Baker’s Renaissance-era Les Milandes; and the old town of Sarlat that dates from both Medieval and Renaissance times. In this land of the cave paintings of Lascaux, you’ll find evidence of prehistoric civilization at nearly every pedal stroke or canoe paddle. To stay, Château de la Treyne is elegantly perched over the river.

Burgundy, known as the Côte d’Or, is best experienced on two wheels. Some of the best wines in the world are produced here—buttery chardonnays and heady pinot noirs crafted by more than 150 producers. Close to the legendary appellations of Meursault, Volnay and Romanée-Conti, the wine capital of Beaune features the perfectly positioned Hostellerie de Levernois. In addition to its luxurious rooms, woodwork and stunning marble everywhere, it’s home to one of the city’s best bistros, where local delicacies such as escargots, boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin await. Vive la France!