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Located predominantly in the green foothills of the western Pyrenees, the Basque region in southwestern France is so engrossing that it takes several days to explore (it actually encompasses three Basque provinces in France and four in Spain). The Basques have their own language and customs, part of a culture that dates back at least 2,500 years.

Biarritz, a fishing port and the major Basque city, is a top-flight beach resort that attracts the rich, famous and retired. Golf courses, casinos, nightlife and the Sofitel Thalassa Miramar seawater spa are also major attractions. Biarritz boasts a huge aquarium and museum, Le Musee de la Mer, open every day in July and August until midnight. Also try the Musee du Chocolat, which not only offers chocolate sculptures but explains in detail the adventure and history of cocoa. Biarritz is near the border between France and Spain, 118 mi/190 km southwest of Bordeaux.

In Bayonne, a lively but small port city about 6 mi/9 km east of Biarritz, you can visit the Musee Basque, which has displays of the region's typical pastimes, cultural heritage and designs. The town's Bonnat Museum houses a painting collection. In early August, the Fetes de Bayonne brings Basque musicians, dancers and other performance artists into the city. If you decide to go at this time, be sure to take a white outfit with a red scarf and red belt—the official clothes and colors of the festival.

A historic town in the Basque area near the Spanish border, St. Jean de Luz was the wedding site of King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa. They were married at the Church of St. Jean Baptiste—be sure to see it. By all means sample the city's seafood. St. Jean de Luz used to be a whaling port and yachting center, and it still retains its maritime flavor. The birthplace of composer Maurice Ravel is nearby in the town of Ciboure, on the left bank of the river near the St. Vincent church. St. Jean de Luz is 11 mi/18 km southwest of Biarritz.

Farther inland and deeper in the Pyrenees is the town of St. Jean Pied de Port. A stopping place on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, this town 33 mi/54 km southeast of Bayonne has kept its medieval fortifications. The Nive River flows through the village and is lined on both sides by balconied houses. In summer, the town center is often the scene of Basque singing and dancing; in midsummer, the pelota (a Basque sport similar to jai alai) championship is held there.

Biarritz is a vibrant cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches, golf courses and numerous sporting facilities, not forgetting the surf.

Surrounding Bordeaux are world-renowned vineyards and châteaux. Visitors from all over the globe come here to learn about the winemaking process - from growing grapes to harvesting, fermenting and bottling these top-quality wines. Here in the wine region the title of château can mean anything from a palatial residence to a basic winery. There are thousands of châteaux that rank from very modest family establishments to large famous properties where grapes are raised, fermented and then matured to produce the area’s famous wines. Visit Rue Ste. Cathérine - a half-mile-long pedestrian street leading through the Old Town’s major shopping area and marking the beginning of the elegant 18th-century city. - and Musée des Beaux Arts -- a museum with a large collection of 17th-century paintings by Flemish, Dutch and Italian masters as well as works by Delacroix.

Excursions

Known simply as Sarlat, this lovely Renaissance town in Périgord grew up around a Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century. Sarlat retains a medieval flavor with its ochre-coloured sandstone buildings and enticing streets. Among Sarlat's architectural treasures is the Cathédrale Saint Sacerdos, originally part of the Benedictine abbey. Behind the cathedral is the town's first cemetery, containing the Lantern of the Dead, a 12th-century tower built to commemorate St Bernard. The town's other main focus is the Saturday market. Sarlat also makes an excellent base for trips to nearby Vézère Valley, which is peppered with nearly 200 prehistoric sites.

Lyon, the natural crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region. 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city landscape. Lyon's rich heritage, passed down through the ages, tells the story of a great city. Lyon's rich historical heritage and its creative initiatives of all kinds find their expression in a multitude of establishments and prestigious events. The arts are represented in Lyon; from fine arts to performing arts, everyone will find their hearts' content. Every year finds sport increasing in popularity in Lyon. Lyon offers impressive facilities: some fifty sports fields and forty gymnasiums provide 550 clubs and associations with optimal training amenities. The City also knows how to make sport spectacular; every year it hosts events -like the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix and the Lyon Marathon - that draw top athletes. Though the mention of the word "Lyon" may conjure up images of fine dining, this is only the tip of the iceberg in a city proud of its diversity and quality image.

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.