The Chausey Islands are located in the English Channel, south of Jersey, but are not generally included in the geographical definition of the Channel Islands, though geologically they join with them to form a larger archipelago. The islands are popular with French visitors and almost ignored by the English – there is no ferry Chausey and other islands. Photo by: asalha

This archipelago is little more than a cluster of grey granite lumps just above the sea surface. Subject to one of the highest tidal variation in the world, it is said that there are 365 islands at low tide and 52 in high tide. Awesome! Fierce sea currents create a multitude of rocky inlets, linked by vast sandy stretches. Photo by: vatch2006

Only the island, Grand Ile support any population. Cars and bicycles are banned, so the pace of life is pedestrian in the best sense of the word. Even in summer time the facilities on the island are limited, so the best way to enjoy the ever changing landscape is with a good pair of boots and a packed lunch. A coastal path encircled the island and formed good beach access. Photo by: monsieurson

When to go: June to September. Population: Winter 10, Summer, 100. Getting there: By ferry (summer only) from Saint – Malo or Granville. You should know: The local seafood is fantastic and fresh, try the lobster, mussels and oysters. Sailing through the archipelago many islets. Photo by: Naonerd

Photo by: ninifantasy

The Museum of Quai Branly is a hybrid museum mixing post-colonial and postmodern. The museum is an attempt to merge art and ethnography. It is neither the Louvre nor the Musée de l’Homme. Quai Branly plays a role in transmission not only of knowledge, but also of testimony and emotion, offering visitors a choice of possibilities for taking part in a dialogue of cultures.

The museum boasts with an unusual profile from Jean Nouvel’s sienna-toned cubes piercing the postured exterior to the anti-gravitational plant wall by Patrick Blanc,. Entering through a Jurassic garden, the visitor commences on a winding tour through Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Shows, music salons, master classes… the museum of Quai Branly is ready to transport you to all four corners of the world, from Morocco to Brazil, from India to Mexico, to discover other cultures and unique artists. As well as a school for documentary filmmaking in the tradition of the direct cinema of Jean Rouch, Richard Leacock and Fred Wiseman, Varan proposes an evening of screenings every three months at the museum.

The gallery installation (one critic dubbed the spotlit cases “monster lighting”) can be disorienting, swiftly shifting between tribes and continents with hidden text panels and interactive stations. That said, the 3,500 objects (out of a total 30,000) on permanent display are incredible. With a little perseverance, you might actually learn about them.

Getting there: The location of the museum Rue 37 Quai Branl 75007 Paris and there is easy access to the museum, by car/metro/bus. Entry to the museum is via rue de l’Université or via Quai Branly.

The Hotel de Charme les Airelles is situated in the heart of the Jardin Alpin offers access to the biggest skiing area in the world – Les Trois Vallees. With its 600 km of slopes, the five-star ski resort in one of the world’s most fabulous winter destinations.

The hotel offers its guests five floors finely appointed furnishings in a traditional style with a modern amenities including a private Valmont Spa, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness room, and film screening room. With its sauna, hammam, whirlpools, and snow cave, the spa complex is ideal for some après-ski therapy. The 37 guestrooms and 14 suites are equipped with flat screen TV’s and built-in DVD players, sound dock, jukebox and wireless high-speed Internet access.

The Hotel de Charme les Airelles is only open from mid December to mid April of each year. The winter property offers a ski valet, ski room, and ski technician, and guests can ski in and out of the hotel. The terrace features an ice rink open from mid-December to mid-January.

One  mountain landscape, which spans the contemporary national borders of France and Spain, centered around the peak of Mount Perdu, a calcareous massif that rises to 3 352 metres. Mont Perdu(meaning lost mountain) is the third highest mountain in the Pyrenees. The mountain is approached by two of Europe’s deepest canyons on the Spanish side. The landscape is a stunning mix of bleak mountains, pastoral countryside, lakes and forests. Mont Perdu site is registered on the Worldwide Heritage list since 1997.

The site is also a pastoral landscape reflecting an agricultural way of life that was once widespread in the upland regions of Europe.But the site is also a pastoral landscape, reflecting an agricultural way of life that was once widespread in the upland regions of Europe. The heritage value of the natural domain of Mont-Perdu cirques and canyons stems from a favorable conjunction of exceptional elements that fall within the province of geology, climatology and biology.

There are more than 1500 species of flowers, 171 birds, 32 different mammals and 8 types of reptile in the Ordesa.

In summertime, it’s impossible to get bored: you can canoe and kayak, parasail, raft, ride bikes, and go for trail rides.

A mixture of colorful gateway into Paris’ ancient and arty Marais, the Pompidou stands out among the crowd; Renzo Piano and Richer Rogers’ winning design exposes, literally, the guts of the museum cultural center for all to see. Lovingly referred to as “Beaubourg” by many Parisians and the “gerbil cage” or “cruise liner” by foreign visitors, the Pompidou testifies to France’s surprising sense of architectural adventure, and bien sûr the lasting personal marks of its presidents.

The museum’s collection contains over 50,000 works from across the 20th century—only a fraction of those are exhibited at the huge gallery. Start your journey with contemporary art on the fourth floor and work your way up—and back in time—through Ono, Klein, Calder, Dufy, and Picasso. Canonize your visit with a new classic: une coupe de champagne on the sixth floor terrace café, aptly dubbed, Georges.

This  is an eye-catching, sustainably designed building created for festive celebrations, entertainment and leisure. The Sport & Leisure Center’s facade is a burst of pixilated color. I reckon this use of color more as a physical manifestation of color-block video games such as Tetris… which works nicely if you consider the space as intended to draw kids away from electronic devices, allowing them to play inside one instead.

In a most spectacular fashion, the color scheme runs from floor to ceiling creating an interior rainbow spectrum of candy-colored bands or ethereal blocks. The color scheme here on the outside of the building correlates to the interior spaces as a means for developing spatial awareness for young children.

There was one color that proved important in conceptualizing this project — green. Throughout the building there are various exciting ecological concepts that make it sustainable in construction and maintenance, featuring roof openings that illuminate the building with natural light (reducing the need for filament or fluorescent bulbs), prefab concrete slabs that reduce waste, pigment infused concrete to reduce paint use, and the installation of a solar heated hot water system. The centre is located in n Saint-Cloud, France.

These Lagoons are of exceptional natural beauty. The New Caledonia Barrier Reef is located in New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It’s the third largest coral reef structure in the world.

The Lagoons of New Caledonia are a group of six lagoons that contain coral reef ecosystems. Its flora and fauna are one-of-a-kind in the world, with more than 1,000 species of fish and 6,500 species of marine invertebrates.

The reef encloses a lagoon of 24,000 square kilometers (9,300 sq mi), which has an average depth of 25 meters (82 ft).

The lagoons features an exceptional diversity of coral and fish species and a continuum of habitats from mangroves to sea grasses. About 5,000 pairs of Roseate Tern ( Sterna dougalli ) have been found.

The reef complex is globally unique in that it is “free-standing” in the ocean and encircles the island of New Caledonia.

The Lagoons of New Caledonia were recorded on the prestigious list of sites that are declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, which is a first for an overseas territory of France.

Ile de Noirmoutier is located off the west coast of France and has long been a summer playground. Stretching 20 km out into the Bay of Biscay, the island caters well for visitors, although tourism does not dominate. Salt marshes continue to be worked and there are still thriving farming and fishing communities. Photo by: Irish251

The island can be accessed by bridge but it’s more romantic to reach it via the Passage de Gois, a causeway passable only at low tides. The island town of Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile, located to the north east, is an unassuming place. It houses a 12th century castle, a church and an excellent market. Photo by: Alain Bachellier

In high summer the west coast is a magnet for sunbathers, with its long sandy beaches resembling those of the mainland. Inland, were it not for the presence of a system of Dutch polders and saltwater dykes. In the south of the island the winding roads take you through traditional villages of whitewashed cottages. Photo by: Irish251

Nowadays the island is a recreation, far removed from its monastic origins. The islands restaurants are plentiful and of high quality. There are eight sailing clubs and a well laid out cycling route. For younger tourists there is Sealand, a well-arranged aquarium and Oceanile, a swimming pool complex complete with water-slides and the lake. Photo by: nfegan

When to go: Spring to autumn – although a thriving mosquito population in the summer makes wearing insect repellent essential. Population: 10,000. Getting there: Across the bridge from Fromentine or via the Passage de Gois. Photo by: damzed

De Brehat Archipelago is a small archipelago, composed of two main islands, Ile de Brehat surrounded by a wash of reefs and islets stretched across Paimpol Bay off the coast of Brittany. This car-free island with its mild micro-climate is a heaven for flora and fauna. During the summer, the smell of eucalyptus, honeysuckle and mimosa fills the air, while the local ornithological survey has noted over 300 species of marine birds. Photo by: eric_arbras

All boats to the island arrive at the tiny harbour of Port-Clos. Form there it is a ten-minute walk to the pretty village of Le Bourg, full of character with a plane tree-shaded square. Be warned though that at low tide the ferries dock some distance from the harbour, requiring a five-minute hike up the beach. No new buildings are allowed on the island and existing buildings are subject to very strict planning regulations. Photo by: roarpett

The Pont ar Prat bridge takes you to the wider north of the island which has the feel of the open sea, with its tiny, whitewashed lighthouse overlooking craggy pink rocks and tidal races at the tip of the island. Photo by: alkainel

In the past, Brehat’s vivid colours and tranquil pace drew artists such as Henri Matisee and JD Fergusson – today, the idyllic island is a small resort, drawing in young, trendy Parisians. Photo by: Steve Walesch

When to go: May, June and late September to avoid the busy season. Population: 420. Getting there: By ferry from Pointe de l’Arcoust (all year round) or from Erquy (summer only). Photo by: alkainel

This former 17th-century mansion, now a stunning 4-star hotel. The hotel is situated on the outskirts of Tours, in the center of a property of 140 hectares with lake view Briffaut. Located 143 miles from Paris, 6 miles west of Tours and 2 miles from Luynes.

It used to be called the chateau de Beauvais, from the Latin “bellum visum” which means “beautiful view.” Hotel is surrounded by ornamental gardens and 350 acres of wooded parkland.

Rooms: 36 Total Rooms Superior room with queen or twin bed, king size bed possible on request. Briffaut pond view. Television, mini bar, direct dial telephone.

All rooms are for non-smokers!

Amenities: Business Center, High-speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming pool.

The restaurant serves sophisticated French cuisine, and there’s a lovely terrace for al fresco dining in the summertime.

Fitness, tennis, ballooning, wine tasting in private trogloditic cellar, Golf, horse riding, fishing.

At first look, there is nothing so attractive about flat and wooded Oleron, in spite of the fact that it is, at 175 sq km, France’s second largest island. It sits in the Bay of Biscay, die west of Rochefort and is linked to the mainland by what was France’s longest road bridge, when it was built in 1966. But if you are lucky to visit the island you will understand why so many holidaymakers flock there during the summer months. Photo by: K r y s

The island’s beaches are long, sandy and clean and not overcrowded even in high summer. Its sumptuous temperate forests of pine and evergreen oak keep the island green all year long. The coastal villages are somewhat blighted by a proliferation of holiday homes, but many retain their traditional charm. Photo by: fredpanassac

Like other islands in the region, Oleron has changed hands many times over the centuries. Above all, this is an island of settled communities. The islanders extend a warm welcome to tourists, but also continue  with their traditional occupations of fishing, oyster farming and boat building. Photo by: Thibault Dangréaux

When to go: All year round, but it is advisable to book in advance in summer. Population: 19,000. Getting there: By road bridge from near Marennes. Photo by: LucKyL PhoToS

As the name speaks this is a truly beautiful island. A combination of a rugged coastline, attractive fishing villages and white sandy beaches, has made it a magnet for summer tourists. In July and August the population can increase ten-fold, all crammed into 84 sq km. However, even in peak times, it is possible to lose oneself on the island of contrasts. The south-west coast is a true wild land, while the sheltered eastern side can feel positively Mediterranean in spite of its Atlantic location. Photo by: HCLM

The island is famous for more traditional pleasures of any vacation on the Brittany coast; swimming, boating, fishing, cycling and hiking. It also houses a collection of attractive lighthouses, most notably Le Grand Phare on the west coast, La Citadelle Vauban and many more. Photo by: Patrick.Raymond

The island also attract the attentions of the world’s best artists. Inspired by its natural splendour, Monet, Van Gogh and Henri Matisse amongst others produced some of their finest work here. The island is said to have inspired the Op Art movement of the 1950s when the Hungarian-born artist Victor Vasarely visited and was inspired by the atmosphere there. Photo by: HCLM

Belle Ile boasts one of the best hiking routes in Europe. The spectacular 95 km coastal path takes about a week to complete and there are walkers’ hostels and campsites en route. Photo by: Olivier Cochard-Labbé

When to go: Spring and autumn are less busy. Population: 5,250. How to get there: By ferry from Quiberon (year-round) or from Vannes ( summer only).

The Ile d’Ouessant is an untamed, craggy, hauntingly beautiful island in the English Channel. The most westerly point of European France and roughly 7 km long and 4 km wide, it has long been a beacon for ships entering the Channel and is home to the world’s brightest lighthouse. Photo by: Alex Korting

The island is called in English, Ushant and is a flat-topped island with spectacular cliffs all round. Its central plateau offers easy walking and cycling. For walkers there are few paths and you will have to navigate your own way through beds of heather and mossy grassland. The climate is warm, the winter is soft and the summer is cool, because of its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds. Photo by: gwenael.leclercq2004

The island is stopping point for migrating birds. The wild weather also throws many birds off course and over 300 species have been identified by the local ornithological centre. Photo by: Alex Korting

When to go: All year round but beware of windy weather. Population: 1,000. How to get there: By ferry from either Port de Commerce or LE Conquet. You should know: The local ferries allow very few cars on board. Photo by: Alex Korting

The Chateau de Langeais is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture and one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley in France.

The Château de Langeais was originally built as a fortress in the 10th century by Foulques Nerra of Anjou.
 

After nearly being totally destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, the chateau was rebuilt about 1465 during the reign of King Louis XI . During the next centuries had the Château de Langeais numerous owners.

 A tour of the interior not only gives idea of day-to-day life in the Middle Ages, but also provides reminders of a key event in French history : the marriage of Charles VIII and Duchess Anne of Brittany..
 

It has remained unchanged down the centuries; the medieval rooms with their original decoration  as a wall walk, drawbridge and imposing towers and boasts a remarkable collection of medieval furniture. It has an interior noted for its superb collection of medieval and Renaissance furnishings-fireplaces, tapestries, chests, and beds.

Famous Renaissance castle built on an island in the Loire tributary Indre. The river is usually still and mirror-like at this point, adding a great deal to the beauty of the location. In 1119, the lord Ridel of Azay gives to the city his name of Azay le Rideau.

Gilles Berthelot, state treasurer of Francois- I began building on this already-fortified site, that was partly his wife’s inheritance. Over the centuries, it changed hands several times until the early part of the twentieth century, when it was purchased by the French government and restored.

Today the house is all the refinements of Renaissance architecture, with’s high roofs, tall watch-turrets, long rows of windows and dormer-windows. The building has a central staircase, Azay’s greatest innovation.

Like the other chateaux, this residence is open to the public and filled with period furnishings. Every room is beautifully decorated! The library- With its fireplace, the library offers a wall covering made of wooden boards and painted canvas.

It also offers its visitors the chance to discover an extensive collection of tables, tapestries and antique furniture and has been a favourite among Loire Valley. Symbolically reminiscent of late 15th century.