{"id":66269,"date":"2023-11-27T10:38:43","date_gmt":"2023-11-26T23:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=66269"},"modified":"2025-03-12T01:47:45","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T14:47:45","slug":"france-or-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/france-or-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"France or Italy? Which European country should you travel to?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Or in other words, to say bonjour or ciao? That\u2019s the real question.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s hard to compare two of <a href=\"\/europe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe\u2019s<\/a> most popular countries and when I say hard, I mean it\u2019s pretty much impossible. <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">France <\/a>and <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Italy<\/a> are some of the most visited countries in the world, especially when summer rolls around and all anyone can think about is warm nights spent in front of the Eiffel Tower and drinking Aperol Spritzes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you can only travel to one country, which one should it be? This is a tough question and I\u2019m not entirely sure I can answer it but by comparing the two countries&#8217; cities, cuisine, famous landmarks and coastlines, I should get pretty close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If I don\u2019t, you can always eenie-meenie-miny-mo it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_bordeaux_st-emilion.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_bordeaux_st-emilion.jpg\" alt=\"The tiled rooftops of Bordeaux surrounded by lush greenery on a cloudy day.\" class=\"wp-image-66280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_bordeaux_st-emilion.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_bordeaux_st-emilion-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_bordeaux_st-emilion-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_bordeaux_st-emilion-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>France is simply beautiful \u2013 there\u2019s no ifs, buts or maybes about it. And its romantic cities play a huge part in that beauty. From the iconic monuments and fascinating museums in <a href=\"\/adventures\/locals-guide-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paris<\/a> to the turquoise waters and famous promenades of Nice, there\u2019s no shortage of cities in France that sparkle just as bright as the Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wander the grand palaces and ancient mansions of Bordeaux before sipping on some of the best red wines in the world at a local caf\u00e9. Learn about Lyon\u2019s rich heritage and devour plate after plate of pate en croute, coq au vin and gratin dauphinois. Watch the fishermen return to the port as the sun goes down in Marseille and get lost in the magic of meandering by the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You could put every city in France in a beret and not be disappointed by the one you pick out, they\u2019re all that good. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"AMXC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/AMXC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/amxc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Cycle Provence<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/amxc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMRE\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMRE.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmre\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Barcelona to Paris<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmre\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"BMSP\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/BMSP.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/bmsp\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Paris to Madrid by Rail<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/bmsp\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy_Venice_Grand-Canal.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy_Venice_Grand-Canal.jpg\" alt=\"The bustling waters of a canal in Venice flanked with colourful buildings on either side.\" class=\"wp-image-66271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy_Venice_Grand-Canal.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy_Venice_Grand-Canal-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy_Venice_Grand-Canal-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy_Venice_Grand-Canal-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no beating around the bush, Italy is full of enchanting cities. And each one is guaranteed to be more captivating than the last. Whether you\u2019re searching for museums to get lost in, cobblestoned streets to wander down or Renaissance culture to learn about, there\u2019s an Italian city for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rome is a one-stop-shop for all things ancient Roman architecture and the interesting history you probably learnt about in high school. Venice boasts fairytale-like canals and subsequent gondola rides. Then there\u2019s Pompeii (not to be confused with the popular 2013 song by British band, Bastille) with its active volcano and archaeological sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention Naples with its colourful markets and \u2018birthplace of pizza\u2019 title, Pisa with its iconic landmark and plethora of medieval palaces and Bari with its charming old town and Basilica di San Nicola (the resting place of St Nicholas aka Santa Claus). Should I keep going?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMSS\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMSS.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmss\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Rome to Amalfi<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmss\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMSV\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMSV.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmsv\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Best of Italy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">14 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmsv\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZLSW\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZLSW.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zlsw\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Highlights of Northern Italy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zlsw\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_provence_food-cheese-market.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_provence_food-cheese-market.jpg\" alt=\"A huge selection of traditional French cheese set up for a market in France. \" class=\"wp-image-66282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_provence_food-cheese-market.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_provence_food-cheese-market-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_provence_food-cheese-market-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_provence_food-cheese-market-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s pretty impossible not to love French food. There\u2019s the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) with its flaky pastry and chocolate-y centre, the quiche Lorraine with its crispy shortcrust dough base and creamy mixture of egg and bacon and the classic steak frites; a rib-eye cut of prime beef garnished with bearnaise sauce and served with a healthy helping of French fries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, French cuisine is so beloved everywhere that it was added to UNESCO\u2019s list of intangible cultural heritages in 2010 and has influenced the cuisines of other countries and regions. Like, while beignets may have made their home in Caf\u00e9 Du Monde in New Orleans, these deep-fried powdered squares originated in France. And let\u2019s not forget the wedges of camembert, brie and Roquefort that grace cheese boards the world over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I rest my case.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZFXB\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZFXB.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zfxb\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zfxb\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZFXM\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZFXM.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zfxm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Mont Blanc Highlights\t\t<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zfxm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"AMXL\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/AMXL.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/amxl\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Cycle the Loire Valley<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">7 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/amxl\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-8U8A3644.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-8U8A3644.jpg\" alt=\"A heaped plate of spaghetti with plenty of tomatoes, accompanied by a glass of wine. \" class=\"wp-image-66273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-8U8A3644.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-8U8A3644-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-8U8A3644-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-8U8A3644-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s hard to compare <a href=\"\/adventures\/best-food-in-italy-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Italian food<\/a> with French food because they\u2019re so different and just as delicious as each other. But I\u2019ll give it my best shot\u2026of grappa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arguably one of the world\u2019s most popular cuisines, Italian food is made with fresh, local ingredients usually straight from a recipe that\u2019s been passed down through the generations. It\u2019s also characterised by its generous portions and family-style feel, so don\u2019t be surprised if you can feel the love oozing out of your lasagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re excited to snack on some antipasto, wolf down a bowl of spaghetti bolognese, tuck into a Margherita pizza or treat your tastebuds to a pistachio gelato, you\u2019ll never go to bed hungry when you\u2019re travelling around Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMRR\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMRR.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmrr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Highlights of Italy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmrr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMKF\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMKF.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmkf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Italy Experience<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">10 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmkf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMZB\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMZB.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmzb\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Italy Real Food Adventure<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmzb\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Famous landmarks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france-paris-eiffle-tower-538536839-getty-pa-5.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france-paris-eiffle-tower-538536839-getty-pa-5.jpg\" alt=\"The beautiful framework of the Eiffel Tower in Paris at sunset. \" class=\"wp-image-66276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france-paris-eiffle-tower-538536839-getty-pa-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france-paris-eiffle-tower-538536839-getty-pa-5-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france-paris-eiffle-tower-538536839-getty-pa-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france-paris-eiffle-tower-538536839-getty-pa-5-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be thinking \u201cdoes France have any other famous landmarks than those in Paris?\u201d And that\u2019d be a valid question. But while Paris boasts a lot of France\u2019s iconic monuments (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles just to name a few), there are a few other French cities throwing their own landmark into the \u2018famous\u2019 ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take Normandy and its Mont-Saint-Michel for example. Perched on a rock and sometimes surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean (depending on tidal conditions), this magnificent abbey was first built in the 11th century before being partially rebuilt in the 13th century after several violent disputes. It now sits proudly overlooking the city and welcomes thousands of tourists each year who admire its detailed gothic architecture and ancient ramparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also the Pont du Gard bridge in Nimes (a region in Provence), the Basilique de Notre-Dame de la Gard in Marseille and the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg in \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 Strasbourg, in case you thought we\u2019d forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMRFC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMRFC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmrfc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Europe Explorer<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">36 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmrfc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"AMKJ\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/AMKJ.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/amkj\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Paris and Normandy Short Break<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">5 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/amkj\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZFXM\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZFXM.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zfxm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Mont Blanc Highlights\t\t<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zfxm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-Rome-Northern-Italy-Family-Holiday-54.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-Rome-Northern-Italy-Family-Holiday-54.jpg\" alt=\"The intricate details of the Trevi Fountain in Rome with crowds of people surrounding it. \" class=\"wp-image-66274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-Rome-Northern-Italy-Family-Holiday-54.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-Rome-Northern-Italy-Family-Holiday-54-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-Rome-Northern-Italy-Family-Holiday-54-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-Rome-Northern-Italy-Family-Holiday-54-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While France only has super recognisable landmarks in its capital city, Italy has them all over the place. There\u2019s the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. And St Peter\u2019s Basilica. And the Pantheon. And the Roman Forum. And the Vittoriano. And that\u2019s just in Rome. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Milan also comes in hot with the Duomo di Milan (Milan cathedral). Pisa\u2019s up next with its leaning tower. Venice isn\u2019t to be outdone with the Doges Palace. And then there\u2019s the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence where jewellers and artisan crafters set up shop hoping to convince a tourist or two that they\u2019re in desperate need of souvenirs (most of them are).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The point is, wherever you go you\u2019ll be greeted with stunning architecture, fascinating history and some serious photo ops perfect for uploading to the \u2018gram. <strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMYR\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMYR.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmyr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Essential Italy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">10 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmyr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMXT\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMXT.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmxt\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Cycle Tuscany<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmxt\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMXI\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMXI.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmxi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Hiking in the Dolomites<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmxi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Coastlines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_nice_beach.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_nice_beach.jpg\" alt=\"The sparkling turquoise waters of Nice with boats floating out to sea. \" class=\"wp-image-66283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_nice_beach.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_nice_beach-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_nice_beach-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-france_nice_beach-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We all know this category is the only one any of us really cares about when those first few rainy June days in Australia start to feel like booking a one-way ticket to a European summer. And luckily for us, France has one of the best coastlines to forget those winter blues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the crisp white sand of Argeles Plage near the Spanish border all the way to the glitzy, sun-soaked city of Nice, the French Riviera boasts around 4,800 km of spectacular beach for you to lounge on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of our favourite must-stop-ats include St Tropez with its rich holiday-makers and glittering waters, Biarritz with its postcard-pretty scenery and surf waves and Marseille with its historic neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QUKA\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QUKA.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/quka\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Beautiful Cuba<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/quka\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"SESMC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/SESMC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/sesmc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Best of the Canadian Maritimes<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">12 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/sesmc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"GGKY\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGKY.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggky\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Inca Encounter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">10 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggky\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-minori-8U8A4941-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-minori-8U8A4941-1.jpg\" alt=\"The turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast with people swimming and lounging under blue and white umbrellas on the pebbly beach.\" class=\"wp-image-66275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-minori-8U8A4941-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-minori-8U8A4941-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-minori-8U8A4941-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Italy-rome-to-amalfi-minori-8U8A4941-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Italy sees millions of sun-hungry travellers flock to its 7,900 km pebbly coastline each year in search of a great tan, traditional food, photos you can turn into a Tiktok highlight reel and a summer romance (or is that just me?). And it\u2019s no surprise when the country promises wanderlusty destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the island of Sicily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But those hot spots can get extremely busy (and pretty expensive) so opting for a slightly less well-known beach city is often the way to go if you\u2019re trying to keep the budget down. Like La Spezia for example. Known as the gateway to Cinque Terre, this not-as-visited but still just as beautiful port town is home to a lively culture, fascinating museums and some pretty incredible water you simply have to dive into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, while Italy\u2019s beaches are beautiful, I think France wins this category \u2013 I\u2019d take sand over pebbles any day of the week (and so would you).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZMPL\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZMPL.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmpl\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Premium Sicily <\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">10 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zmpl\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZGXA\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZGXA.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zgxa\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Amalfi Coast: Hike & Kayak<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zgxa\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"ZGXT\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/ZGXT.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zgxt\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/zgxt\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve arrived at my most dreaded part of the blog. Now I have to decide between France and Italy\u2026or do I? If we break it down, I think Italy wins the city category. You simply can\u2019t go past a country that has Rome, Venice, Naples and Milan. But when it comes to coastlines, I think France has got the category in its baguette-toting bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the others? I\u2019m not even going to try to compare a chocolate souffle with tiramisu. Or the Eiffel Tower with the Trevi Fountain. So, this one\u2019s too tough to call \u2013 it\u2019s a draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, if you\u2019re indecisive like me, why not combine the two countries for the ultimate trip of a lifetime on our <a href=\"\/italy\/barcelona-rome-160177\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Barcelona to Rome adventure<\/a> that stops in Provence and Nice along the way? Sounds like a win\/win\/win to me. Either that, or you could just plan another European jaunt for the year after.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Will these decisions ever get easier? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16234,"featured_media":66277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1313],"tags":[46,62,19],"class_list":["post-66269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-europe","tag-france","tag-italy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>France or Italy? 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