London blends history and modernity. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Parliament and Big Ben, then the London Eye over the Thames. UNESCO sites include Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Greenwich. Art lovers should visit the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern. For local flavor, explore Camden and Notting Hill markets, Shoreditch cafés and galleries, or Mayfair boutiques.

Honfleur, at the Seine estuary and English Channel, has long been a port of trade and defense. Its Vieux Bassin has narrow buildings and cobblestone streets that draw summer visitors. See the 15th-century wooden spire of Église Saint-Étienne, now a maritime museum, and the all-wood Église Sainte-Catherine built by shipbuilders. The town inspired Impressionist artists like Eugène Boudin, honored in a museum. It's also a gateway to Normandy's D-Day beaches and museum.

St. Peter's Port, Guernsey's charming capital, combines harbourfront beauty with a distinctive island character. Steep lanes rise from the busy marina to elegant Georgian terraces, while shops, cafés and galleries create an easygoing atmosphere ashore. From here, explore coastal walks, historic Castle Cornet, and sweeping views across the Channel, or simply enjoy the mix of maritime heritage, local seafood and relaxed island life.

On Normandy's northern edge, Cherbourg is a heritage port with a vast harbor that once sheltered Napoleon's navy. Its story comes alive at Cité de la Mer, with submarines, aquariums, and maritime galleries. Spend the morning there, then explore cobbled lanes and markets scented with cheese and cider before oysters at a Belle Époque brasserie. For remembrance, the D-Day beaches, including Utah and Omaha, are just over an hour away.

La Rochelle bursts with energy as fishing boats unload their catch and cafés serve the area's famed oysters and mussels. Enjoy a plate with a glass of pineau. Above rise the 14th-century Saint-Nicolas and Chain Towers, reminders of the 1627 siege. Climb the 15th-century Lantern Tower's 147 steps for sweeping views over limestone roofs and the Atlantic.

Bordeaux, in southwestern France, is an elegant 18th-century city of stately buildings, broad avenues and historic squares. Highlights include Porte de Bourgogne, Bordeaux Cathedral's stained glass, the 12th-century Romanesque basilica, and Hôtel de Ville. But a visit isn't complete without wine: this region is known worldwide for appellations like Pauillac, St. Emilion, Margaux and Sauternes. Tour a wine chateau to see grapes grown, aged in oak barrels and processed.

Bordeaux, in southwestern France, is an elegant 18th-century city of stately buildings, broad avenues and historic squares. Highlights include Porte de Bourgogne, Bordeaux Cathedral's stained glass, the 12th-century Romanesque basilica, and Hôtel de Ville. But a visit isn't complete without wine: this region is known worldwide for appellations like Pauillac, St. Emilion, Margaux and Sauternes. Tour a wine chateau to see grapes grown, aged in oak barrels and processed.