Top 10 things to do in France

France has it all - enviable beauty, refined architecture, cultural sophistication, and infectious romance. Every little corner of the country is worth visiting regardless of the season, and deciding on a compact itinerary given all those unmatchable attractions can really give you a hard time.

Here is a list of top 10 things to see or do on your vacation to France.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower
Ascend the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of Paris. At over 1,000 feet, the massive structure has two restaurants, a souvenir shop, viewing area, and more. Return at night with a bottle of Bordeaux and lie in the grass at the Champs de Mars, gazing up at the spectacular light display.

2. Experience art at the Louvre
The Louvre, Paris' world famous museum is home to the world's most exquisite artistic legacy, from Egyptian mummies and Code of Hammurabi to Venus de Milo and Leonardo's Mona Lisa. The museum showcases over 35,000 pieces of art, making it a symbol of French sensitivity and finesse.

3. Visit the Palace at Versailles
Located 13 miles southwest of Paris, Versailles was the political capital of France for over a century. Louis XIV built the Chateau de Versailles in the 17th century, sparing no luxury or extravagance. Now, a popular tourist destination, visitors come to see the lavish palace, with its carvings, woodwork, marble and abundant gardens.

4. Climb the bell tower at the Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, built between 1163 and 1330, has a striking gothic exterior, two broad towers, and many sweeping arches. Inside are a 7800-pipe organ, a magnificent rose window, as well as carvings, statues, and saints. Climb the towers for spectacular view of Paris. The south tower holds the great bell of Notre Dame, as tolled by Victor Hugo's fictional hunchback, Quasimodo!

5. Enjoy an evening at the Moulin Rouge
Located in the vicinity of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge has enthralled millions over the years. Lively and seductive, the cancan dance is a spectacle of whirling costumes, slender legs, sexy lingerie, and outstanding technique. France with its unbridled romance at its best!

6. Ski, Hike and Bike in Chamonix valley, French Alps
Backdropped by the monumental wall of Mt Blanc in the French Alps, the Chamonix valley is a year-round paradise not only for enthusiasts of outdoor sports, but for anyone who appreciates the magnificent vistas in the heart of the massif, where endless trails unveil indescribable panoramas. There are fantastic opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and for hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Unforgettable fun guaranteed.

7. Tour Wine Country in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is famed throughout the world for its wine and countryside vineyards. Rent a car and drive north to the vineyards and follow the wine trails in the Medoc or Sauternes appellations to discover prestigious wine chateaux. For an education in wine, the Ecole du Vin offers wine lessons in English. Certainly an intoxicating experience!

8. Pray at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes had appeared to Bernadette Soubirous several times in the tranquil town of Lourdes, nested in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Today, millions flock to the Sanctuary and to its sacred Cave of Apparitions. Devout or not, you will be moved on seeing people engrossed in reverence or immersing themselves in the waters of the grotto's 17 pools. A touching experience!

9.  Amble through the medieval city of Carcassonne
Amble though the medieval walled city of Carcassonne with its wealth of monuments. A visit to the fortified settlement of La Cité is a true step back in time. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its narrow cobblestoned streets, medieval buildings, towers and little squares filled with atmospheric restaurants make for a unique experience.

10. Attend an A-list Party on the French Rivera
The French Rivera, known in France as the Cote d'Azur, is a great destination for a holiday. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez, known for wild all night parties.

For more information on France, log on to www.rendezvousenfrance.com