8 best regions to visit in France

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Cote d’Azur open image in gallery A view over the coast at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Widely known in English as the French Riviera, the Cote d’Azur is France’s prime destination for picturesque seaside relaxation. France’s second city has maintained some of its gritty image while adding cultural offerings and transforming districts like Le Panier, as well as retaining its two main beaches, Plage des Catalans and Plage du Prophete. The Rhone and Rhone Valley open image in gallery Lyon is the main city in the Rhone Valley One of France’s main rivers, the Rhone ends in the Mediterranean, near the city of Arles after flowing through Lake Geneva and the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps. Alsace-Lorraine open image in gallery Strasbourg is the main city in the Alsace region The northern region of Alsace is a blend of French and German cultural influences, from cuisine to distinct local dialects.