There are some spectacular places to visit when driving in France. Most people will choose to travel to this western European country during the summer months, as understandably this is when the weather is at its best. Some of the top destinations to visit include Paris, Burgundy and the beautiful beaches of the Languedoc area. Obviously there are many other destinations that you will be able to visit on your holidays but this will give you a sampling of what’s on offer.

France is an extremely accessible country flanked by Spain to the South West and Germany and Italy to the East. People living in the UK can also take the French version of the Eurostar called Le Shuttle which can transport you and your car across the English channel in a mere 30 minutes.

Paris being the epicentre of attractions and culture in the country there is a lot to see in the nation’s capital. Some of the most famous sights in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral all of which can be see in a day or two.

For those that love their win there are some wonderful wine trails to be found in the Burgundy area. Again you will get the most out of this experience if you visit during the summer months as this is when the birds and the bees will be around making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There are wine tasting opportunities galore in this region of France and you will want to bring a camera along to get a shot of those beautiful grape vines that cover the hillsides in this area of France.

As mentioned above the Languedoc area is well known for its spectacular beaches including the destinations of La Grande Motte, St Cyprien and Montpellier. For those that enjoy the lap of luxury you will the Cote d’Azur where the most popular destinations include St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes.

Obviously when on a driving holiday whether you are car leasing or bringing your own vehicle there are some essentials that are going to make life easier on yourself and whoever you are travelling with. A good sat nav system is a must and can be loaded up with some local maps meaning you won’t have to struggle trying to understand a French map. Finally a vehicle tracking system will allow you to travel around safe in the knowledge that your one and only mode of transport is going anywhere without you knowing.

For a break away from your beach resort in Malaga, there are many other areas within Andalusia to delve into and discover. In each of Andalusia’s eight provinces there are great places to gain rich experiences regarding Spanish culture; from the capital of Seville to flamenco dancing and charming sights.  These are just a few reasons why car hire in Malaga is popular option for tourists to discover the wider region of Andalusia.  Read more to find out what you can discover by car.

Lanjaron

An hour and a half along the A7 will bring you to the spa town of Lanjaron which is closely situated to the Sierra Nevada National Park. This town offers tourists a view over the mountainous scenery and lush green landscape. An attraction which many tourists enjoy is the discovery of the pure spring water which runs through the town. Alongside the area’s sublime nature, the Parque el Salado offers tourists a place to relax alongside the town’s brook and under the shade of its many eucalyptus trees.

This is also a place to visit if you desire to find some unspoilt Spanish culture. Whilst locals are pleasant to tourists, they are adamant about keeping and maintaining their cultural identity and Alpujarran tradition. This is something which tourists can enjoy, from the typical Spanish cuisine to the whitewash Alpujarran houses.

Jerez

Another unspoilt area around Malaga is Jerez which offers the few tourists which visit the village an intensely Andalusian experience. A great way to spend your time is strolling around the sherry houses and there rolling greens surroundings.  Other traditional activities to enjoy are the daily occurrences of flamenco dancing (which was founded in Jerez and Seville) alongside the dancing white horses from the Andalusian Equestrian Arts School.

Although the area is not a destination which many tourists visit, this is only due to the past lack of hotels and limited travel to the area. However due the 2002 Equestrian Games, the Jerez has been growing, yet still maintains its traditional Spanish roots.

The Capital City: Seville

The bustling capital offers tourists a copious amount of activities and attractions for cultural visits. The popular tourist area of Santa Cruz can be best explored on foot; this enables you to discover the traditional cobbled alleyways and backstreets as well as soak up the Spanish architecture and way-of-living.

Another recognisable landmark is the Torre del Oro which dominates the skyline and whose gold exterior is illuminated by lights at night. On Tuesday, the tower opens its doors to tourists and also is host to a small museum.

At the heart of Seville, is the love and tradition of Flamenco dancing. You can learn to dance at Taller Flamenco or just enjoy watching the dancing in the area of La Macarena. Barrio Santa Cruz, in the old Jewish quarter, also hosts many flamenco shows for tourists to enjoy.

Granada

Another popular place for tourists to visit is Granada; one of its greatest tourist spots is the Alhambra. This exceptionally sized castle has been added to over the centuries creating a breathtaking exterior alongside its exotic gardens and opulent interiors within the palaces. Alongside this pleasurable experience, tourists an also enjoy views of the mountainous range which surround the palace.

There is more historical intensity within Granada in the old Arabic quarter, here tourists can explore the cobbled alleyways and white washed buildings. The squares which are dotted throughout offer tourists places to eat as well as stroll along the traditional shopping areas which sell Granadino pottery.

If you desire to escape Malaga for a few days there are a range of cultural experiences for you to enjoy; there are popular tourist areas rich in monuments and architecture alongside quieter retreats which retain their Spanish cultures and traditions in visually stunning backdrops. Whichever trip you desire, the areas surrounding Malaga can satisfy your cultural needs.