This is known locally as the Art and History City and its packed full of fine buildings, a beautiful 17th century cathedral and the Chateau d’Aubenas with its collection of fine art.

This is a truly majestic town, complete with massive ramparts, cobbled streets, a 14th Palais des Papes and of course a bridge. It’s a great place for painting and sketching if you fancy following in the footsteps of Picasso and other masters.

Situated where the Rivers Dourdou and Ouche meet, this was a popular resting place for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostelo.

Espalion’s charming balconied houses look out over the River Lot. Once the centre of the leather tanning industry, the town is now much more fragrant! Explore the 14th century chateau with its views across the highlands, local museum and quaint shops and restaurants.

Cross the arched Gothic bridge into one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. There’s a gorgeous 16th century chateau and a church said to house the remains of the village’s patron saint St Fleuret, whose life is celebrated in July.

This is one of France’s greatest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site so you’ll find plenty to admire as you spend your day exploring. It is also has a well-deserved reputation for world class gastronomy - so prepare yourself for a treat.

This beautiful market town has an impressive chateau - and lots of lots of delicious almond nougat. Just make sure you don’t eat it all before you get home.

Steeped in ancient history, Orange has a magnificent Roman triumphal arch and a well reserved Roman theatre that’s still in use today.

Find out more about one of the world’s favourite cheese as you follow the production journey from goats’ milk through caves and cellars to the finished blue veined masterpiece – don’t forget to bring some crackers.

Transformed from a grim, industrial town into a vibrant centre for the arts, Saint-Étienne has an excellent Museum of Modern Art and a lively downtown for a great night out.

A quaint market town with narrow, quirky streets, a gothic cathedral and a postal museum and cheese making museum!

With streets too narrow for coaches and buses, this is the ideal place to explore on foot. There are plenty of squares with pavement cafes to rest your legs along the way. The Saturday market, in the Place aux Herbes, is indeed a great place for herbs!