Unforgettable journeys: Six of the most beautiful places in France

Photo opp: Few people have been able to resist the charms of Lyon, in France's east; the Romans arrived here more than 2000 years ago, and the visitors have been flocking ever since. They're drawn not just by the culture of Lyon, but the beauty of this compact city, and there are few better spots to appreciate that loveliness than floating on the Rhône River, the place where many people catch their first glimpse of the city as they arrive by riverboat.

Eat & drink: Even the most parochial French person would be forced to admit that the country's gastronomic soul beats in Lyon, the city nestled between wine regions such as Burgundy, Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone, renowned for the quality of its fresh produce and the skill of its cooks. APT guests will enjoy a 'Signature Experience' where they will savour fine French cuisine during dinner at L'Abbaye de Collonges, owned by acclaimed chef Paul Bocuse.

Don't leave without: Visiting a "bouchon", one of the no-frills dining establishments Lyon is so famous for.

Grignan

Photo opp: The small village of Grignan is a feast of photo opportunities, though the town is at its finest viewed from afar, where its famed Renaissance castle is visible rising above the fields of lavender that blanket the surrounding area. Situated in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of south-eastern France, Grignan is a hotspot for both history buffs and gourmands, having been founded back in the 1500s, and now being surrounded by some of France's finest food producers.

Eat & drink: That fresh produce is often sold at farmers markets in Grignan, where you'll be able to pick up fruit and vegetables, as well as local cheese and charcuterie. APT guests also get to sample this produce during a cocktail reception at the Château de Grignan.

Don't leave without: A tour of that magnificent château is a must for visitors to the area – it's the only way to experience the full grandeur of the early 20th century reconstruction.

Avignon

Photo opp: All of those ideas you have about Provence, all of those dreams of medieval towns and old châteaux, or rustic meals eaten in the sun, of good wine and conviviality – all of them are embodied by the city of Avignon. There is no shortage of postcard-worthy vistas in this lovely Provencal locale, from the world heritage listed Palais des Papes, to the Pont d'Avignon stretching across the Rhône River, to the hundreds of leafy squares and historic streets that pepper the old city.

Eat & drink: Provencal food and wine need little introduction, and there are plenty of places in Avignon in which to enjoy them. However, one of the truly memorable gastronomic experiences is doing a tour and a tasting at a winery in nearby Chteauneuf-du-Pape, roughly 20 minutes drive from Avignon.

Don't leave without: It's possible to take a tour of the Palais des Papes – or Palace of the Popes – which is a great way to appreciate the grandeur of the largest Gothic palace ever built.

Rouen

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Photo opp: Though there's plenty to love about historic Rouen, the one sight that has camera shutters clicking more than any other is the city's cathedral, the Notre Dame, a huge Gothic structure that dates back to the 12th century, and which famously inspired Claude Monet to paint its likeness on numerous occasions. Budding photographers will of course be inspired to attempt to capture some of the magic that inspired him.

Eat & drink: Rouen is in Normandy, an area famous for many different foods, but the apple cider and the cheese are both particular drawcards. Normandy cheeses will already be familiar to most travellers: we're talking the likes of buttery Camembert, creamy Neufchatel, and gooey Brillat-Savarin. There are few experiences more enjoyable in Rouen than calling into a fromagerie and choosing your favourites.

Don't leave without: Just outside Rouen, the Château de Vascoeuil is a must-see 12th-century castle set amid beautiful gardens. APT guests will enjoy an exclusive tour of the castle and gardens before a delightful evening cocktail reception.

Bordeaux

Photo opp: When it comes to visual beauty, Bordeaux boasts the perfect blend of old and new, with everything from the neoclassical architecture that lines the city's UNESCO heritage-listed old-town streets, to more modern additions such as the Jean-Jacques Bosc bridge and the Cite du Vin, a wine museum housed in a building shaped like a decanter. As with many European cities, the best views are from the river, which in Bordeaux's case is the Garonne.

Eat & drink: Though there's plenty to eat in Bordeaux, few people come here craving food: this city is all about wine, some of the world's finest. The surrounding area is filled with vineyards and wineries, and Bordeaux's bars and restaurants are always pouring something good.

Don't leave without: APT guests can partake in an exclusive private tour of Château de Cazeneuve, famed for its royal apartments, medieval underground caves and beautiful grounds, before sitting down to dinner in the impeccable Grand Salon.

UNFORGETTABLE PERSON

Louis Sabran, Count of Château de Cazeneuve.

Once owned by King Henri IV and Queen Margot, today Château de Cazeneuve is the residence of Louis de Sabran-Pontevès and his family. Louis pursued a career in business working at LCL bank, however when his father suddenly died in 2014 he immediately decided to take over the family property. The property is entirely furnished with period furniture and hosts gala dinners within its large, vaulted rooms. "One day a client of APT arrived and was overjoyed with the opportunity to sit opposite me. He said it had been a dream to talk to a direct descendant of the King of France Henri IV, whose family is one of the oldest in France since Saint Louis," he says.

This article was produced in association with APT. Discover the picturesque regions of France – from the breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, everything is taken care of on an unforgettable journey with APT. See aptouring.com.au/discover/europe-2018