From the sun-kissed beaches of Cannes and Nice to the lights of Paris or the rolling hills of the wine countries, France offers no shortage of interesting regions for travelers to explore. Even if Paris is your main stop, consider at least a small side trip to another of France's interesting regions.



Choosing an itinerary can be tough, but great ideas for trips can range from touring Chateaux Country or perhaps a trip to Normandy. Other options might include a vacation in Provence or maybe you prefer the French Alps. In addition to picking an itinerary, you'll want to choose memorable lodgings.

Travel writer Karen Brown has several interesting trips outlined in her popular guidebooks and on her website. Karen Brown's readers have also chosen the following hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts as France's best:

If romance is what you seek, you need not look any further than the Chateau de Garrevaques. The 15th-century chateau is located in Southern France in the village of Garrevaques, a part of the Midi-Pyrenees region. This glorious French bed and breakfast is owned by descendents of its original family, and they run not only the bed and breakfast but, also hotel in the converted stables next door that boasts a restaurant and spa. The rooms are filled with fine antiques and family pieces. There is even a swimming pool and tennis courts for guests to enjoy. The chateau was chosen as the Most Romantic bed and breakfast by Karen Brown readers.

Located in the Midi-Pyrenees region of southern France, Moulin de Fresquet in Gramat is a 17-century inn that once served as a mill. In fact, the millstream still flows underneath the home. Innkeepers Claude and Gerard Ramelot run their bed and breakfast with warmth, enthusiasm and plenty of great food. The guest rooms are decorated with Gerard's family antiques, and Claude prepares the not-to-be missed dinners. Readers of Karen Brown guidebooks rated Moulin de Fresquet as the bed and breakfast lodging with the Warmest Welcome in France.

If a few days at a quaint French country farmhouse seem like fun, you are sure to enjoy La Ferme Villars. Located in the wine region of Burgundy, the historic farmhouse has been honored with the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for France's Greatest Value for bed and breakfast accommodation. The accommodations are simple and cozy, with comfortable beds topped with down comforters. The innkeepers prepare the evening meal using produce from the farm.

Located in the village of Saint Emilion, part of the Aquitaine region, the Chateau Franc Mayne has the honor of being named as France's best Splendid Splurge for a bed and breakfast by Karen Brown readers. Saint Emilion is one of Bordeaux's important wine-making areas, and the chateau is part of a wine estate and surrounded by vineyards. A tour of the winery is even included in the rates. The guest quarters are spacious and beautifully decorated. The chateau's salon is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or play a game of billiards. Table d'hote dinners can be arranged for groups of eight or more.