France, a magnificent country? Only a few countries on our planet conjure up the emotions that France does. One of the most popular traveling destinations on the planet, France has many different things for several different people. It all depends on what one wants, but do not worry, you will find it here. For those on the lookout for sun, the beaches of the Mediterranean provide sun-worshipping opportunities in spades. Adventure and snow await one on the glossy slopes of the Alps, while the rural villages and bustling cities cover up the rest. What actually is France? Well, without stating the apparent, France is France.

Here are some of the best places to visit in France. These are the places that will leave a breath-taking experience for you forever. So, if you are planning to visit France, make sure you visit them.

Gorges du Verdon

Hight of some 700 meters into the air, the gravity-defying limestone flanks of the Verdon Gorge are astonishing enough. And then you get sight of the water, which is a sparkling turquoise-green hue unlike anything else on the planet. This colossal river canyon – supposed to be the world’s second-tallest – draws the attention of hikers, swimmers, and kayakers fed up with the commotion of the nearby French Riviera. Rather: a tranquil potion of the tropics in, er, rural Provence.

Gorges du Tarn

Enfolded between the Causses plateaux and the Cévennes mountains, the Tarn canyon is a charming adventure and camping holiday hotspot divided across the Lozère and Aveyron departments in the south. The astonishing gorges lend themselves to kayaking, diving, and rock climbing, while the nearby plateaux are quite popular with amateur cavers. Bed down for the night in the pretty 7th-century village of Saint-Énimie, founded by a saint cured of leprosy in nearby waters. And be aware of that sly griffon vultures are known to scavenge in these areas – so watch that picnic.

Calanques marseillaises

Want an escape to the country post a fun but hectic Marseillais city break? Make just as a local and pop along to one of the surrounding coastline’s several gorgeous Calanques (creeks) having charming names like Cassis, Sormiou, and Sugiton. Indeed, it may be a trek to get out there. Still, for an unusual, really multisensory hit of unadulterated holiday bliss, the Calanques’ beautifully blue (and usually warm) waters, the sweet smell of pine trees, and the non-stop buzz of cicadas will almost definitely do the job.

Jardins de Marqueyssac

The Dordogne Valley is filled with idyllic woodland and picture-postcard villages. To take it completely in, you must head to the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac, on the grounds of the 17th-century château of the same name. Their 1, 50,000 boxwood trees, carved into dreamlike globular shapes, resemble flocks of sheep on the hillside at Vésac, whereas, a 5km-long walking route through the gardens provides fabulous panoramas from the castle’s clifftop vantage point.

Désert des Agriates

Central Corsica might be swayed by hike-friendly mountains, but the beaches in the north are quite worth a look. One of the prettiest is the Plage du Lotu, which one can access by pleasure boat from the commune of Saint-Florent. Also, if you prefer a physical challenge, you may ramble through the steep, arid, barren wilderness of the Désert des Agriates – Europe’s sole certified desert – which is bordered by a 40km-long coastal path.