The Parisian skyline is instantly recognisable, pierced by the soaring Eiffel Tower and the gothic spire of Notre Dame, with the graceful white domes of the Sacré-Cœur on the horizon. Back on ground level, the River Seine winds its way through the city, straddled by a selection of bridges and lined with cafes and bistros.

The city of Paris is synonymous with style, and is famous for its world-leading fashion, art and food scenes. From the elegant Champs-Élysées to the Marais and Montmartre, there are fashion houses, independent boutiques, pretty patisseries and a selection of celebrated Michelin-star restaurants to discover.

The balmy spring and summer months are among the most popular times to visit, when the parks and gardens are full of flowers and world-renowned festivals and events take place en plein air. In the winter, Paris hosts atmospheric Christmas markets and festive ballet and operatic performances.

However, year-round visitors come for the landmark museums, of which Paris has many. From the Louvre to the Musée d'Orsay and the colourful Pompidou Centre, there’s plenty to see in the City of Lights.

Beyond the boundaries of the city, you’ll discover the real charm of rural France. A short drive from Paris, Château de Fontainebleau is the grand palace and former residence of Louis VII and Napoleon III, now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another historic destination, the fashionable city of Versailles is less than an hour’s drive from Paris. Home to the historic Palace of Versailles, the decadent salons and gardens here offer fascinating insight into royal life in 17th century France.

Art lovers will be captivated by the sleepy town of Giverny, where Monet’s family home can be found. Half a million people venture to this village each year to see the place where he painted his famous water lilies, and to visit Fondation Claude Monet, its tranquil gardens and the Musée des Impressionnismes.

Oenophiles, meanwhile, might feel more at home exploring the manicured vineyards of Champagne or Burgundy. From the stylish city of Reims to small, independent vineyards and world-renowned wine estates, there are plenty of places to visit on a wine tour.

To get the most out of everything this region has to offer, hire a car in Paris and hit the road.

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
• In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only