Diverse countryside makes France a great destination for all sorts of activity holidays - from Alpine mountain heights to famous wine-making regions to unspoilt rural idylls, as yet undiscovered by many UK travellers.

The heart of France
A city break exploring on foot is an ideal way to discover Paris, France's beating heart, we offer two different itineraries for first-time visitors or returning travellers who want to see the hidden gems.

Vineyards and Chateaux
For many, the essence of France is captured in the large meadering river plains of the French regions of the Loire and the Dordogne. Here, grand mansions such as Chateau Villandry in the Loire with its elaborate formal gardens and Chateau Beynac perched on a vantage point high above the River Dordorgne are the central, but elegant, features of the landscape.

HF Holidays' tours make the most of the rich culture and gently undulating countryside using a base at Sarlat for Guided Classic Walking and Sightseeing holidays. Alternatively you may prefer a Self-Guided Trail to Rocamadour and the Dordogne Valley which includes a visit to this famous medieval pilgrimage centre which clings to the side of a narrow gorge. If exploring by bike is more your thing then our Historic Dordogne tour is a most enjoyable circuit through this most picturesque of regions.

The Bordeaux area is, of course, well-known for its high quality wines. For a relaxing self-guided walking holiday, our Vineyards of Bordeaux holiday is a great way to see this attractive corner of France, with plenty of opportunities to sample the local produce.

In the famous Loire Valley choose from a Guided Classic Walking and Sightseeing holiday based at Azay-le-Rideau and bike and boat holiday along the River Loire. Highlights here are the famous chateau, ranging from the medieval fortress at Langeais to the Renaissance gem at Chenonceaux.

Burgundy Cycling
The Burgundy Biking and Barging holiday takes along the Canal of Burgundy and the Saone River, through a rolling landscape of vineyards, imposing castles, ancient monasteries and attractive towns.

Massive mountains and Alpine flora
To the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border with Spain and offer stunning mountain scenery as well as unusual mountain flora, uncommon in other European areas. To the east, the majestic Alpine range dominates with classic lakes and mountain landscapes and Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. Choose bases for Guided Classic Walking at Luz St Sauveur or Les Contamines in the French Alps.

In winter France poes ski-crazy and Morzine in the French Alps becomes a vibrant location for a Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding holiday. Equally suited to complete beginners or experienced skiers, this is the chance to enjoy this sociable activity with likeminded others.

Verdant, sun-soaked landscapes
In the south of France, where the air is filled with the scent of lavender and the hum of insects browsing amidst olive groves, the gentle pace of life means relaxation comes naturally. The landscape is full of trailing vineyards and poppy fields and is perfect for exploration on foot. Here, choose our base for Guided Classic Walking at Malaucene in Provence.

We also have two fascinating self-guided trails with plenty of historical interest. The Way of St James forms part of the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and passes through delightful French countryside. In the Cevennes you can follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stephenson on a trail with a difference. Recreate his journey with your own donkey to carry your bags from one guesthouse to the next, a great way to experience rural France and its slow and relaxing pace of life.

Meandering rivers and mediaeval towns and village markets
Parts of western France are still relatively undiscovered by international visitors and a perfect haven for a relaxed break in unspoilt countryside. Cycle in the Gironde through the shady pine forests and lakes in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Park and on to the magnificent Bay of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast.