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20 Beautiful Places to Visit in France — From Normandy to the French Riviera

Prepare to be dazzled by the country's gorgeous landscapes, idyllic hilltop villages, and fairy-tale châteaux.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Many things entice travelers to visit France — food, wine, fashion, architecture, and natural beauty among them. In fact, there are so many beautiful destinations that the choices become almost dizzying. But we’re more than happy to help point you in the most photogenic directions. Paris is unequivocally one of the world’s most beautiful cities, for one. The glamorous beaches and picturesque villages along the Côte d'Azur are legendary, while vines and grand chateaux create a stunning tableau in the Loire Valley.

• Best tourist destination: Mont Saint-Michel
• Underrated hidden gem: Camargue
• Best for families: Porquerolles
• Best for couples: Paris
• Best for solo travelers: Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Scroll on to discover all of our picks for the 20 most beautiful places to visit in France.

Mont Saint-Michel

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Here, a walled cluster of medieval buildings rises from a desolate sandbank, culminating in the Gothic spires of a Benedictine abbey. Mont Saint-Michel is one of the top tourist attractions in France, yet retains its mysterious beauty thanks in part to the high tides that make it inaccessible for an hour at a time. To avoid the throngs, walk across the bay at sunrise during low tide — and book with a certified guide since the quicksand can be treacherous. Make the trek up to the abbey’s West Terrace for views of the surrounding bay, farmland, and the English Channel, or brave the even higher exterior Lace Staircase, which dates from the 16th century.

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Camargue doesn’t look or feel like anywhere else in southern France. This wild region between the Mediterranean Sea and the two branches of the Rhône River delta brims with the untamed natural beauty of salt marshes, reed beds, free-roaming white horses, and hundreds of bird species — most notably, pink flamingos.

Porquerolles

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While it’s impossible to pick a favorite spot along the French Riviera, there’s a lot to love about Porquerolles. The largest of the Îles d'Hyères offers peaceful beaches, calm waters, rolling vineyards, cycling trails through the countryside, old forts, and an off-the-beaten-path vibe.

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From Hausmannian boulevards and gorgeous gardens to exquisite landmarks, Paris is full of beautiful vistas that inspire joie de vivre. The charming hilltop district of Montmartre in the city’s 18th arrondissement stands out for its cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and — its crown jewel — the iconic white-domed Sacré-Cœur.

Châteaux of the Loire Valley

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Part of the historical and architectural fabric of the country, the châteaux of the Loire Valley are an enduring reminder of Renaissance resplendence. Impressive from both a design and landscaping perspective, these regal landmarks range from palaces with sprawling gardens (like Château de Chambord) to smaller castles.

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Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Gordes draws heaps of tourists who descend upon this idyllic Luberon village in the hopes of capturing the perfect shot of its cobbled lanes, time-worn churches, and Sénanque Abbey, which was founded in the 12th century and is framed by lavender fields.

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Whether you’re a film buff, history lover, or you simply want to tick one of France’s most famous landmarks off your sightseeing list, the grandeur of Versailles never fails to impress. The Palace of Versailles is home to the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and many other opulent rooms. Outside are the magnificent gardens, fountains, and sprawling park. While the palace tends to overshadow the town itself, Versailles also has 18th-century mansions, a Baroque cathedral, and a picturesque market square to explore.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

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About a 15-minute boat ride from tourist-laden Cannes, Île Sainte-Marguerite reflects a more low-key side of the French Riviera with lovely scenery at every turn. The largest of the Lérins Islands has beautiful rocky beaches, turquoise waters, and a pine-and-eucalyptus forest, plus an underwater sculpture museum.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

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Tucked on the eastern side of a forested peninsula, the exclusive commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has long captivated artists such as Henri Matisse, writers, and well-heeled holiday-goers with its spellbinding beauty. Expect exquisite villas hidden by lush vegetation, breathtaking beaches with clear waters for snorkeling, hiking trails, and a yacht-filled harbor.

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Situated just south of Colmar in the Alsace region of France, Eguisheim looks like a medieval village you’d see on the cover of a storybook, with a concentric plan of narrow streets, half-timbered houses, bubbling fountains, centuries-old castles, and wine caves.

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Encircled by the Ill River, the Grande Île is the historic heart of Strasbourg, blending traditional Alsatian half-timbered architecture and Parisian-style neoclassical palaces. Cobblestone pedestrian lanes lined with chic shops and cafes give way to expansive squares like Place Kléber, which hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe . Strasbourg Cathedral is celebrated for its soaring Gothic spire and pink facade featuring countless intricately carved sculptures, plus dazzling Romanesque stained glass.

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Straddling the French-Italian border and extending into Switzerland, Mont Blanc (which translates to “White Mountain”) rises 15,771 feet, making it the highest mountain in the Alps and the second tallest peak in Europe. People come from near and far to go skiing, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and even attempt to climb to the summit.

Valensole Plateau Lavender Fields

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Lavender fields have come to define Provence. This purple-hued visual is splashed across the front of virtually every postcard in the region. Many of those photos were taken on the Valensole Plateau, which erupts in a fragrant and vibrant bloom each summer.

Why You Need to Visit France’s Famous Lavender Fields

Saint-tropez.

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Few places shine quite like Saint-Tropez. Celebrities, artists, and jet setters have been flocking to this cinematic holiday hotspot on the French Riviera since the late 19th century. The glamorous beach clubs, mega yachts, and charming old fishing quarter keep the crowds thick every summer. 

Belle-Île-en-Mer

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The largest of the islands off the coast of Brittany in northwest France, the aptly named Belle-Île-en-Mer is a beautiful destination with uncrowded beaches, enchanting villages, and rugged cliffs. The jagged rock formation known as Les Aiguilles de Port Coton even inspired Monet to pick up his paintbrush.

D-Day Landing Beaches

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Normandy’s D-Day Landing beaches have a windswept beauty and harrowing World War II history that invite quiet reflection. On June 6, 1944, Allied troops made landfall at five beaches, code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword, an operation that ultimately led to the liberation of France (and eventually Western Europe) from Nazi occupation. Today, travelers can visit the many museums and memorials along the shore.

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Immerse yourself in the lush, flower-filled setting that inspired Claude Monet. Wandering the grounds of the artist’s former home in Giverny is like stepping into one of his canvases — most notably the many depictions of the water lily pond with its iconic footbridge. Along with nearby Vernon, the Seine-side village — an easy day trip from Paris — features picturesque half-timbered buildings and a restored medieval church, where Monet is buried.

Plage des Marinières

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Overlooking beautiful Villefranche Bay, this fine pebble beach follows the curving shoreline, giving way to clear, calm waters. At its western end, Villefranche’s old town hugs the hillside with quaint buildings in various shades of peach, pink, and orange. To avoid the crowds, reserve a lounger and umbrella at Marinières Plage , a private stretch that serves food and cocktails.

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It’s not hard to see why Pablo Picasso decided to spend his last dozen years in this hilltop village less than five miles from Cannes. With its steep coil of narrow streets, covered passageways, and gorgeous honey-colored stone buildings, some picturesquely adorned with ivy, the vieille ville is an aesthete’s delight. After you’ve browsed some of the dozens of art galleries, take in the sweeping Cote d’Azur views from atop the bell tower of the centuries-old Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur church (tower access is seasonal and booked via Mougins Tourist Office ).

Cirque de Gavarnie

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There are three cirques in France’s Pyrenees National Park, but Cirque de Gavarnie is the most dazzling of these glacier-hollowed, amphitheater-shaped marvels. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to experience the majesty of the immense terraced limestone walls rising to a height of more than 5,000 feet. From Gavarnie Village, it’s a little over an hour’s walk to the Hôtel du Cirque et de la Cascade , which sits at the entrance. Take in the site’s towering waterfall over lunch on the patio, or book one of the elegantly renovated rooms to gaze at it from your bed.

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Admire the striking coastal scenery near Normandy's Étretat © Raphael Rivest / Shutterstock

Nicola is one of the writers on Lonely Planet's latest France guidebook . Here she shares ten incredible places to plan a French holiday.

So belle is France , that where on earth do you start when it comes to planning a trip to Europe’s unapologetically gourmet, cultural and artistic titan?

From vertiginous peaks and cut-throat valleys in the colossal French Alps and  Pyrenees  to sun-spangled blue vistas and chiseled cliffs along the country’s 4853km (3015 miles) of coastline, L’Hexagone (as the French call their hexagon-shaped land in western Europe) is bestowed with remarkable natural treasures. Pair this with a Herculean cache of human creations – ancient Roman towns, art-rich cities, a capital that is the last word in romance, and rural, jack-in-the-box hilltop villages – and you'd need years to really see it all.

To ensure a sweet taste of French art de vivre , move slowly between map pins – by train, bicycle or car in rural regions. Spend days, not hours, in each place and factor in ample time for mooching open-air markets, dégustation (tasting) with growers and endless lunch lazing.

Here are the 10 best places to do just that between sights and activities.

Best for a city break in spring

Elegant Paris , with its Haussmann boulevards and world-class art museums, is a heartthrob at any time of year: the city panorama from basilica-crowned Montmartre on a snowy winter day; cycling or playing the flaneur along the Seine or Canal St-Martin in fall;  Cimetière du Père Lachaise after the rain; Sainte-Chapelle ’s soul-piercing stained glass on a glorious summer afternoon…

But it is March and April’s iridescent, sun-dappled days that truly embody Paris’ unique energy and romance. Fresh goat cheese, creamy Saint-Marcellin and the tail-end of winter’s Mont d’Or appear in fromageries like Quatrehomme and Paroles de Fromagers (with cheese school and upcoming new cheese museum). Cherry blossoms paint Jardin des Tuileries , Jardin des Plantes and local secret Parc de Sceaux pink. Cafe terraces bloom, rooftop bars and restaurants (like vegetarian Créatures atop central department store Galeries Lafayette) emerge from hibernation. Paris’ festival calendar explodes.

Planning tip: Ditch the metro for blue-sky exploration along hundreds of miles of dedicated, two-way cycling lanes. Rent a public-sharing Vélib bike or a free-floating e-bike operated by Dott, Lime and Tier; download the appropriate app to locate, pay and unlock.

Read more:  11 things only the locals know in France (and now you do too)

2. Arcachon

Best for old-school seaside charm

Artists fell for the shimmering blues, grays and greens of northern France’s Côte d’Opale in the 19th century, and the Côte d’Azur ’s golden light in the 20th. Neither has lost its razzle-dazzle. But for retro chic, Arcachon on the Atlantic Coast is the masterpiece. A deep, golden-sand beach laces the seafront of this unpretentious seaside town, with four quarters named after the seasons and a shoal of tasty seafood restaurants serving locally farmed oysters. Reserve a table at Chez Pierre .

Lingering for several days? Pair bucket-and-spade beach days with a coastal two-wheel spin to Europe’s mightiest sand dune,  Dune du Pilat , and a boat trip across the bay to Cap Ferret, with a story-book lighthouse to clamber up, pine-scented beaches to surf and a traditional oyster-farming village to explore. If sea-kayaking rocks your boat, paddle with Arcachon Kayak Aventure to Île aux Oiseaux, a chameleon of a bird island that almost disappears at high tide.

3. Parc National de la Vanoise

Best for hiking and wildlife encounters

Fizzing with adrenaline and natural beauty, France’s oldest national park embraces 529 sq km (204 sq miles) of mountain peaks, glaciers and pastoral valleys in the French Alps . World-class ski resorts Val d’Isère and Tignes (both open late November to April) are household names, particularly among powder addicts and springtime skiers. But it’s the hundreds of miles of summertime hiking trails (including the mythical GR5 from Lake Geneva in Haute-Savoie to Nice on the Med) and wildlife-watching ops that pull the real punch.

Well-marked trails spaghetti beneath 107 mighty peaks above 3000m (9842ft), home to France’s largest colony of wild ibex. Don’t miss the dramatic day hike to Lac des Vaches (“Lake of Cows”), a lake at an altitude of 2318m (7605ft) that doubles as pasture for grazing cows in August when the lake completely dries. Other months, “walk on water” across a 210m-long (689ft) boardwalk of stone slabs traversing its moraine-fringed length.

Planning tip: Pick up park information and trail maps at the Maison du Parc in the small alpine village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise, a 1½-hour drive from Chambéry in Savoie.

4. The Loire Valley

Best for romantic château-hopping

Nowhere does châteaux like France. For first-timers, the château-strewn Loire Valley – an hour's hop by train from Paris to Tours – assures instant immersion. Roman oenophiles first planted vines on the banks of the River Loire (look for Sancerre, Chinon, St-Nicolas de Bourgeuil and Montlouis-sur-Loire on wine lists). Then French royalty had a ball in megalomaniacal pleasure palaces and weekend hunting retreats during the Renaissance: 440-room Château de Chambord , garden-graced Château de Villandry and  Chaumont-sur-Loire , and hopelessly romantic Château de Chenonceau must be seen to be believed.

Forget traipsing through endless fusty rooms filled with dated trappings. Château-hopping in this emblematic valley is about observing deer at dawn on Chambord’s colossal forested estate, watching foxhounds wolf down 100kg (220lbs) of meat in 10 seconds flat at Château de Cheverny , and feasting on five centuries of history at Gothic-to-Renaissance Château de Blois during a son-et-lumière (sound-and-light show). To bond with grassroots river life, navigate the Loire in a traditional  flat-bottomed toue and overnight in a bivouac camp on its riverbanks.

Planning tip: Château-hop by bike. Research cycling routes, bike rental, cyclist-friendly accommodations et al with Loire à Vélo . Join the dots between castles around Blois with Les Châteaux à Vélo cycling trails.

5. Bordeaux

Best wine region for tasting

Dégustation (tasting) is an essential part of daily life in France’s celebrated wine regions:  Burgundy , Bordeaux, Champagne , Alsace , the Loire and Rhône Valleys, Provence and Languedoc . But it’s the handsome wine city of Bordeaux – where English merchants rolled barrels of claret (red wine) from quayside to ship in the 15th century and winegrowers stunned the world with mind-blowing Médoc and St-Émilion reds three centuries on – that pairs top-drawer vintages with easily-accessible visits around ancestral estates.

Memorable stops on a tasting grand tour around Bordeaux include the “Guggenheim of wine”  La Cité du Vin ; a wine flight at the superlative  Bar à Vin inside Maison du Vin de Bordeaux; backstage cellar tours in town at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion  and out of town at Château Lynches-Bages (with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities designed by the architect son of Pei, creator of the Louvre glass pyramid).

Planning tip: Reserve cellar tours and lunch tables well in advance. In St-Émilion, dine among sun-soaked vines at Château Troplong-Mondot’s Les Belles Perdrix vineyard restaurant. In the Médoc,  Nomade is the wine lover’s gourmet secret.

6. Normandy

Best northern region for art fiends and foodies

From prehistoric cave art at Lascaux to the Louvre’s Mona Lisa , France’s illustrious art portfolio spans all eras and genres. In northern France, Normandy’s extraordinary light spawned impressionism. French painter Claude Monet painted and repainted Rouen’s masterpiece cathedral obsessively in the late 19th century; ditto for sunrise in UNESCO port town Le Havre and backyard water lilies on his flowery country estate in Giverny .

Admire impressionism’s many Norman subjects from all angles on an art lover’s pilgrimage. Set up your easel to capture Étretat ’s iconic white chalk cliffs on canvas. Wade across sand at low tide to visit Gothic abbey Mont St-Michel . Hop between art galleries in fashionable Honfleur and among oyster beds in the picture-postcard fishing village of St-Vaast-la-Hougue. Don’t miss Camembert: a visit to the village’s Ferme du Champ Secret – where rounds of buttery AOP Camembert cheese are still made with unpasteurized milk fresh from the farm’s herd of Normande cows – is unforgettable.

7. Côte d’Azur

Best for train travel (and winter sunshine)

When the urge hits to rattle past a cinematic mirage of vineyards, fruit orchards and indigo blue water, ride the rails aboard a slow train along the Côte d’Azur (“Azure Coast”). Beach-blessed stops on the coastal route along the Med between unsung Hyères and Italianate Menton (lemons galore!) include red-carpet Cannes , Picasso’s Antibes , ochre-hued fishing village Villefranche-sur-Mer , the seaside wedge of hilltop village Èze , and Monaco , the world's second-smallest country. Embrace lazy beach days, lively bar nights, sensational modern-art museums, historic gardens and open-air markets in spades.

The ultimate train journey south? A couchette in a sleeper aboard the revived Train Bleu (“Blue Train”) from Paris to Nice , beloved by 19th-century hivernants  (winter vacationers). From 1896 onwards they began arriving in the Riviera capital by train in search of warmth, sunshine and nourishing sea air.

Planning tip: Pair coastal train trips with an inland rail adventure: to the perfume-making town of Grasse , off-grid into Côte d’Azur backcountry on the Train des Merveilles (“Train of Marvels”), or back in time from Nice to Digne-les-Bains aboard the narrow-gauge Train des Pignes .

Read more:  The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France

8. Rocamadour

Best for a hilltop-village family adventure

The Luberon in Provence is renowned for its flush of hilltop villages (foodie Bonnieux, chateau-capped Lacoste, and the scenic hike from lavender-stitched Abbaye de Sénanque to eagle-nest Gordes are undeniably gorgeous). Yet moving west, it is the less fabled Lot where the tourist horde suddenly dissipates, and the natural grandeur and majesty of medieval villages take rightful center stage, strategically perched atop vertical crags and outcrops. 

Cliff-hanger Rocamadour, an ancient stop on the epic pilgrimage route from Rome to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, has the epicurean bonus of producing its own eponymous cheese. It's crafted on goat farms such as La Borie d’Imbert , which opens its doors to fromage curios and goat-loving kids. Pair with tree trampolining (yes, really) at Saute-Mouton and wild swimming from pebble beaches along the frisky Lot and Dordogne rivers for an assured, no-holds-barred family adventure.

Best for open-road escapes

Journeys are measured in hours, not miles, on Corsica – nicknamed Île de Beauté (“Island of Beauty”) for good reason. Golden beaches, turquoise coves and fire-red rocks color road trips here, punctuated with unhurried stops at time-forgotten hilltop villages and ancient churches, prehistoric relics, wineries and an overdose of foodie temptations.

With the exception of nose-to-tail August (when French holidaymakers also hit Corsica for their traditional summer break in the sun), there is no lovelier place to take your foot off the pedal and cruise through natural landscapes so beautiful you could weep. Narrow, serpentine coastal roads and torturously steep mountain roads infuse journeys with a heart-pounding dash of trepidation; and there’s bags of outdoor action (hiking, biking, sea kayaking) to let off steam. Bookworms take note, Corsican beaches (looking at you Bonifacio , uninhabited Lavezzi islands and Porto Vecchio) are sublime.

Planning tip: Add Corsican polyphony to your playlist to enjoy on the road: I Muvrini, Cantu U Populu Corsu and Voce di Corsica are classic artists.

10. Lorraine

Best for history geeks (and something different)

Few linger in Lorraine, the industrial underdog in northeastern France with ample contemporary allure. History buffs naturally gravitate to Verdun’s WWI battlefields and the well-marked Remembrance Circuit, a 25km (15-mile) driving and cycling route along the Somme River, where one of WWI’s bloodiest battles was fought in 1916. But there’s so much more to enthrall and thrill. See the striking Centre Pompidou in Metz , and  Nancy ’s wondrous art nouveau architecture and neoclassical central square, best soaked up over alfresco coffee or an early evening apéro (predinner drink). Take an after-dark guided tour of the straight-out-a-sci-fi-movie  Parc du Haut Fourneau U4 ironworks in Uckange and experience bucolic green escapes in the gloriously people-empty Hautes-Vosges mountains. Embrace the quiet and difference.

Keep planning your trip to France:

Choose the best time to go to France for your perfect vacation Check out these budget-friendly tips before you book Save our kid-friendly guide to France

This article was first published Jun 12, 2012 and updated May 14, 2024.

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20 Beautiful Medieval Towns and Villages in France

France is filled with unique areas and is especially known for its stunning medieval towns and villages. These spaces will take you back in time with their ancient architecture and historic traditions. If you’re planning to visit France and want to check out some of the best medieval towns and villages in them, you’ll want to keep reading. Below you’ll find the top places to visit during your trip.

Table of Contents

20 Medieval Towns and Villages in France you should visit

Situated in France’s Provence region and near the Rhône, Avignon is known for its intriguing history, especially since it was once where many Catholic popes resided from 1309-1377. Medieval buildings from this time period can still be seen today, such as the Palais des Papes, which features stunning Gothic architecture and numerous frescos. In addition to this, some other highlights in Avignon include the Pont d’Avignon (a medieval bridge), the Musée Du Petit Palais (known for its collection of works by Botticelli), and the Frigolet Abbey (an ancient monastery).

Besides its historic buildings, Avignon is also known for its culinary specialties, especially those which feature a local favorite – asparagus.

2. Saint-Malo

Situated in Brittany, Saint-Malo features towering ancient walls that protect its borders. These walls were constructed as a way to help defend the city from common invaders during the Medieval Ages, such as pirates. There is plenty to do and see while in Saint-Malo, such as touring its main gem, the Saint-Malo Cathedral. The cathedral is a national monument in France and features an interesting mixture of Roman and Gothic architecture. During World War II, it was bombed during a battle, but still survived the war. Today, visitors can tour the restored cathedral and view its altar, stained glass windows, and impressive organ.

Saint-Malo is also home to many islands and beaches, such as Grand Bé. Situated next to the Rance, the island features an old fortress and plenty of amazing panoramic views.

While small, the town of Yvoire is packed with history. Known for its restored medieval homes and buildings, the town overlooks Lake Geneva. Besides its many shops, which sell various types of local goods, Yvoire is also popular for its love of horticulture. Guests to the town can stop by the remarkable Garden of the Five Senses which is designed to please all five of your senses.

It’s filled with colorful and fragrant plants and visitors can sometimes pluck flowers to feel or taste them. While touring the town, you could also stop by Yvoire Castle, which was built during the 14th-century, or head down to Lake Geneva to go for a swim.

Conques is a commune located in the Aveyron department which is situated in the southern part of France. This area was once sought after by pilgrims who were looking for a place to freely live and express themselves. Many of their buildings and traditions still live on today, such as the Abbey-Church, which contains the relics of Sainte Foy, and the Bridge Over the Dourdou. The bridge will take you through the local forest and is the site of an interesting legend that says if you ring a bell here you will hear the local monks immediately answer you.

Besides exploring its many shops, churches, and museums, Conques is also a foodie’s dream. You’ll find a handful of unique places to dine at which serve local dishes that usually feature tasty wild herbs collected throughout the village. 

5. Carcassonne

This hilltop city in the southern section of France is a popular destination for visitors thanks to its many medieval structures. Carcassonne was an important trading section in the country and was once settled by Romans. Eventually, it became known for its wool textiles before this item’s popularity dwindled.

There are plenty of places to visit while in this medieval city. One to consider is the Cité de Carcassonne. Situated high on a hill overlooking the Aude, the castle features over 52 towers. Guided tours can be taken of its interior where you’ll be able to view more of its breathtaking architecture.

If you prefer to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors, Carcassonne contains parts of the Canal du Midi. This long canal flows through the city and is a great place to go boating or cycling next to.

Located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, Vitré is a quiet commune known for its unique historical artifacts. Featuring many buildings from the 15th to 16th centuries, the town is particularly known for being home to the Château de Vitré. This castle was one of the first to be built in the town and is constructed out of various types of stone. It also features beautiful circular towers and a small museum.

In addition to the castle, Vitré is home to many historic churches, such as the Saint-Nicolas Chapel and the Convent of Augustins.

Troyes is located in the Grand Est region of France and features beautiful cobblestone streets and colorful timbered houses. Troyes is also home to numerous Gothic cathedrals, such as the Troyes Cathedral. This 400-year-old cathedral is known for its special stained glass windows and is where the Treaty of Troyes was signed.

Visitors to the city could also venture down the Ruelle des Chats. This picturesque street is lined by homes, cafes, and shops and is a magical place to walk during the evening thanks to the hundreds of candles and lanterns that illuminate it.

Colmar lies next to the German border and is packed with a mixture of Medieval and Renaissance-era buildings. Colmar is also part of the Alsace Wine Route and is filled with flourishing vineyards. One place to visit while here is La Petite Venise, a small Italian area that features specialty shops and restaurants.

You could also check out the Unterlinden Museum, which is situated inside a 13th-century building that once served as a convent and public bathhouse. There’s also the Musée du Jouet which serves as a toy museum and contains toys constructed from the 1800s to today.

As the capital of the Aisne department, Laon was once an important strategic center in France and was where the Battle of Laon was fought. It’s home to quite a few interesting attractions, including the Laon Cathedral. The cathedral was built in 1235 and towers over the city. It’s also believed to be one of the first Gothic buildings to ever be built in France.

You could also trek through the Porte d’Ardon which serves as the entrance to the city and leads up to a winding road. For those looking for something unique to do, you could explore the Laon Souterrains. These underground tunnels are over 2,000 years old and curve around under the city. Tours can be taken of the tunnels with a guide.

This charming town in Brittany features cobblestone streets lined by colorful timbered houses. Dinan is home to a beautiful clock tower which guests to the town can climb up to get stunning panoramic views of the area. Another place of interest in Dinan is the Château de Dinan.

This 14th-century castle is well-preserved and features ancient gates and medieval ramparts. Dinan is also home to the Rail Museum which tells of the history of the railroad and showcases train-related artifacts.

11. Lacoste

Located in southeastern France, Lacoste is a sought-after summertime destination thanks to its picturesque views. This mountain village overlooks the nearby Bonnieux and Grand Luberon Mountains and is known for its vernacular architecture. Lacoste was also a popular spot for many famous artists, including Henri Cartier-Bresson.

One place of note to visit while here is the Forêt des Cèdres which is filled with ancient cedar trees and features local wildlife roaming around. Lacoste is also home to many artisan shops which sell everything from cheese to handcrafted jewelry.

12. Eguisheim

Eguisheim lies in the Alsace wine region and is known for its small streets that are lined with houses and shops which are often covered in flowers and wooden balconies. This medieval town is home to various historical structures, including the three Eguisheim castles which are nothing more than ruins now.

If you’d like to see them, you can hike up a hill to get a close-up look at them as well as an impressive overview of the town. Eguisheim is also the site of the Stork Festival. The festival celebrates this bird which is an important symbol of the Alsace region.

13. Les Baux-de-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence resides next to the Alpilles and is a place all art lovers should venture to. It’s home to the Mas de la Dame, a vineyard that has been depicted in various works of art, including those by Vincent van Gogh.

You can also visit the Carrières de Lumières which was once a quarry and has since been converted into a multimedia art exhibit which features interactive works of art. Besides these, you could also stop by one of the many castles and windmills in the town.

14. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Located in southern France, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence was named after Saint Remigius and is known for its Mediterranean climate, including the Mistral, which is a violent wind that blows here during the winter and spring.

There are many places of note to visit here, such as the Site Archéologique de Glanum which features Roman and Gaulish ruins. There’s also the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole which is known for its pyramidal roof and being where Van Gogh once stayed for psychiatric treatment.

Èze is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department which rests next to the Ligurian Sea. Besides its many beaches, there are plenty of other places to see while in this medieval seaside town. For instance, the Nietzsche Path is a trail that winds through the local cliffs and gives panoramic views of the sea.

There’s also the Jardin Botanique d’Èze which is a botanical garden filled with exotic plants. You could also see the ruins of the Trophy of Augustus which was built by the Romans as a way to celebrate Augustus’ victory in the area in 6 B.C.

16. Beynac-et-Cazenac

This medieval village is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of France. Featuring views of the Dordogne River you’ll find plenty of unique things to do and see while visiting. One highlight is the Château de Beynac. This castle was built in the 11th-century and is one of the best-preserved castles in the country.

The village is also known for its hot air balloon rides which will take you on a flight over the village giving you stunning bird’s-eye views.

For a great stay in the nearby area, I recommend the hotel Cours de Thomazeau. 

17. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie overlooks the Lot River and is part of the “Beautiful Villages of France” association. It is situated high on a hill and features a winding road through the Lot Valley you can drive down. The village is best known for preserving over 13 monuments, which includes cafes and homes.

It was also a popular spot for many artists, including those who created the Surrealist Movement. One place to visit while here is the Musée Rignault which is named after famous painter Emile Joseph-Rignault and holds some of his works.

Gordes is located in southeastern France and is situated near Avignon. The village is best known for its houses which feature white stone. The village is also connected together with small cobblestone streets which are lined with shops.

You’ll discover plenty of things to do while here, such as exploring the cellars of the Saint Firmin Palace which will let you explore the cave-like hallways and stairways underneath the palace which are illuminated with lanterns. You could also visit the Pol Mara Museum which celebrates the life and works of the artist Pol Mara.

19. Mont Saint-Michel

This medieval town rests on an island near Normandy and is known worldwide for its stunning ancient structures. Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a magnificent abbey and monastery that was built in the early 1500s.

20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns situated next to the French Riviera. Besides its many historic churches and castles, the town is also popular for its art scene. In fact, you’ll find many modern art museums to explore here. Visitors will also find plenty of hip restaurants and shops located in old buildings.

France is home to many charming medieval towns and villages, all of which range in their attractions and traditions. If you’re looking for a unique trip to take while in France, definitely consider exploring some of these medieval areas. They are a step back in time that will make your trip to them memorable.

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22 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France

The gorgeously diverse country, which has inspired by centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, includes huge mountain ranges, acres of unspoilt countryside, and long stretches of sparkling coastline. From my many trips , (and Paris aside), I’d love to share these stunning spots…

1. Côte d’Azur

The sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline of southeast France, also known as the French Riviera, is a place I’m captivated by! 

The glamorous region has transfixed many famous visitors over the decades (including royalty, writers, and artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse). Its miles of gorgeous coastline and azure waters make it one of the best places to holiday in the world.

Once here, I recommend visiting the stylish coastal cities of Nice, Cannes, and St-Tropez—they remain exclusive holiday resorts where beautiful people reside even today!

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2. Provence

A region in southeastern France bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, the spectacular Provence countryside deserves a mention.

Head for the Luberon area (located in the heart of the Provence region). Here, you’ll find the most stereotypical rural Provence scenery – gorgeous landscapes filled with seemingly endless lavender fields, lush olive groves, undulating vineyards, and pretty ancient hilltop villages dotted with shutter-board houses.

Ensure you also include trips to the picturesque villages of Gordes, Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy, and the dazzling walled city of Avignon. Long lazy days and alfresco lunches washed down with plenty of wine await you in this rural chic paradise! 

3. Loire Valley

An area of outstanding natural beauty in Europe, the Loire Valley is also affectionately known as the Garden of France. The valley spans over 280km and is located in central France’s beautiful middle stretch of the Loire River.

It is filled with so much culturally and historically important architecture that it has earned itself the status of a World Heritage site.

One of the most visited regions in the country, it’s known for its large collection of fairytale-esque chateaus and mansions, breathtaking landscapes, and one of the most striking rivers in Europe. This is a tranquil bourgeois paradise that you won’t want to leave, I promise! 

Colmar is a picturesque town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, close to the border with Germany . It is remarkable for its picturesque architecture and rich culture.

Colmar has many gorgeous gems, but I think one of the prettiest in Little Venice is where the scenic Lauch River flows through the town.

Stunning half-timbered houses line both sides of the river, and I’d recommend taking a boat ride through this section of the town for a beautiful treat.

The town’s architecture is historic and postcard-pretty, and highlights of visiting Colmar include the Old Town, the Pfister House, Route des Vins, Koighus, the Dominican Church, and Saint Martin Church.

5. Champagne-Ardenne

The birthplace of champagne is a trendy spot with wine trail tourists, and it’s a gorgeous, laid-back, and tranquil destination.

Champagne-Ardenne, located northeast of the country, has miles of Champagne trail routes, pristine and scenic countryside, medieval chateaus, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.

Visit the region’s capital, Troyes, for its impressive art and architecture and Reims, for its famous cathedral and vast network of underground wine cellars. 

A video on our trip to France (with drone footage)…

Giverny is a riverside rural idyll located on the borders of Normandy in northern France (only an hour’s drive from Paris). It is most famous for being the birthplace of impressionism.

The small village was once Claude Monet’s cherished country retreat , and now his postcard-pretty pink shutter-board house and beautiful country gardens are open to the public.

Planted by Monet himself, the walled water garden (which inspired so many of his famous paintings) features white and purple wisterias, water lilies, weeping willows, bamboo, and the iconic green Japanese bridge!

7. The Dordogne

The Dordogne (which lies to the southwest of the country) is an exceptionally picturesque place that in my opinion will please even the most discerning of travellers! 

The region’s long roads and rivers wind through unspoiled pastures, spectacular gorges, charming medieval towns and villages of rich historical heritage. It’s also very famous for its prehistoric cave paintings in the Vézère Valley, like those in Lascaux Cave.

Visit the sacred pilgrim’s monuments en route to Santiago de Compostela, sample the local wines still produced by many of the chateaus, and explore the ancient fortified towns, such as the visually striking Beynac-et-Cazenac.

8. Burgundy

Burgundy is a popular tourist destination in east-central France. It is renowned for producing some of the world’s best wines. The region is also tranquil, with a pristine natural environment and dozens of picturesque villages to explore.

Burgundy is a historical area home to many of Europe’s most impressive Romanesque structures, including the Fontenay Abbey and Basilica of Vezelay. There are also many gorgeous castles to explore, including my favourites, the magnificent Chateau d’Ancy le Franc and Chateau de Cormatin.

One of the region’s most impressive natural assets is Morvan National Park , located in the heart of Burgundy. It has more than 1,000 square miles of pristine wilderness and is an excellent location for camping or hiking. 

9. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located right on the border between Germany and France, and it is a popular stop-off for exploring Luxembourg and Belgium .

I love that the famous and scenic heritage city has both countries’ charming characteristics and cultural flavours.

It’s a picturesque and romantic place with an energetic buzz, famous for its riverfront half-timbered houses, gothic cathedral, and evident fondness for flowers!

It also makes an excellent base for those wishing to visit the nearby Black Forest or the River Rhine.

10. Corsica

Corsica is a stunning island in the Mediterranean just off the coast of southern France. It is a popular tourist destination known for its many pristine beaches, incredible scenery, and harbour town resorts.

More than 1,000 km of coastline surrounding Corsica provides visitors plenty of  boating and swimming opportunities. The Mediterranean climate is a major drawcard, with the weather warm enough to enjoy the water all year round.

The most beautiful spots to visit in Corsica include the beaches of Désert des Agriates (white sand and crystal clear blue water), the Perched villages of la Balagne, Scandola Nature Reserve, the Gorges of Restonica & Tavignano, and the Fortress town of Bonifacio.

The Lavezzi Islands, located between Corsica and Sardinia, are also worth visiting.

11. Palace of Versailles

A wealthy suburb of Paris, Versailles is an important administrative centre and a proud tourist attraction.

It’s most famous for its chateau, the hugely grand and ornate Palace of Versailles, which once housed France’s kings (including the ill-fated Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette).

Both the immaculate palace and manicured gardens are extraordinary. The palace offers a beautifully preserved insight into the lives of 18th-century French royalty before the start of the legendary French Revolution.

12. Annecy 

The French Alps are probably best known for their up-market ski resorts, but the region is also home to some very attractive towns that make for lovely places to visit in both summer and winter.

One that stands out is Annecy, also known as the ‘Venice of Savoie. ‘ This gorgeous and romantic city is interspersed with small canals and has a postcard-pretty 14th-century Chateau.

With its unique central focal point, the backdrop of beautiful mountains, and a stunning Old Town home to cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured houses, Annecy is one of the most photogenic I’ve ever been to!

13. Mont Saint-Michel and the rest of the Normandy region

Second only to the Eiffel Tower as France’s best-loved landmark, Mont St-Michel is a rocky, peaked island connected by a causeway to northwest France.

It’s an imposing sight amid sprawling sandbanks and powerful tides, but the heritage site is chiefly celebrated for its unique Gothic-style Benedictine abbey.

Directly below the grand monastery is a medieval village with winding streets dotted with small houses and souvenir shops. You should also spend a few days exploring the rest of Normandy, as it’s such a pretty region.

It has history and lush green landscapes, except for dry-stone farmhouses, chalk-white cliffs, half-timbered buildings, and picturesque chateaus. The historically important site of the Normandy Landing beaches and the famous Bayeux tapestry are also located here.

14. Brittany

Brittany is a coastal region filled with jagged coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, quaint coastal fishing villages, majestic chateaux, and dozens of medieval towns just waiting to be explored.

I recommend visiting the area to enjoy the authentic culture, incredible scenery, delicious food, and a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere.

Along Brittany’s coastline are dozens of beautiful places to visit, including the cliffs of Pointe du Raz, Cap Fréhel, and the Crozon peninsula.

The beaches are also a major drawcard, with Ploumanac’h, Morgat, and Quiberon being the most popular. If you head inland, you can visit Brocéliande forest, parish closes, or the fantastic megalithic standing stones at Carnac.

Lyon is the country’s second-most important city after Paris. It is a historic city with a rich culture and beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage city is home to some of the world’s most precious ancient ruins, Roman structures, and medieval buildings.

Lyon is located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, which is scenic and one reason it is a romantic destination.

Lyon’s many narrow, winding streets and ancient buildings enhance its romance. There are dozens of beautiful places within Lyon, but we loved the atmospheric Quartier Saint-Jean because of its medieval buildings and cobblestone lanes.

The Place Neuve Saint-Jean is also a must-see. It is a picturesque square with many shops and traditional restaurants — the perfect location for a romantic dinner.

Other gorgeous spots in Lyon include Colline de la Croix-Rousse (a historic neighbourhood built on sloping streets), Presqu’ile District (stunning architecture and town squares), and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere.

17. Rhône-Alpes

Rhône-Alpes is a beautiful region located in the southeast of the country. Its diverse landscape includes mountain ranges (including the famous Mont Blanc), winding canyons, gentle valleys dotted with hundreds of farms and vineyards, and its dormant volcano, the Puy-de-Dôme.

It isn’t easy to describe the incredible and tranquil beauty of this country’s natural environment, so I would say it has to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated!

There are dozens of spectacular locations to visit, including Gorges de l’Ardeche — a series of winding gorges in Ardèche. Lake Geneva is another must-see location if you are visiting the region.

It is a vast natural lake shared between Switzerland and France. It’s the perfect location for boating, swimming and water skiing in the warmer months.

Another one of my favourite locations is Les Pertes de le Valserine — a tranquil river walk in Bellegarde sur Valserine. It showcases the region’s natural beauty, including its varied flora and fauna. Rhône-Alpes is also home to many charming towns and cities. They include Lyon (Rhône), Grenoble (Isère), Saint-Étienne (Loire), Valence (Drôme), and Chambéry (Savoie).

The best time to visit Rhone-Alpes is during the summer months (July to August) and ski season (December to March). 

18. Auvergne

Auvergne is a unique region located in the country’s centre. Now part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the landscape in Auvergne has been shaped by ancient volcanoes into a series of mountain ridges, craters and valleys called the Chaîne des Puys. The landscape is dramatic, impressive, and very tranquil.

It’s a slow-paced part of France, home to many ski resorts, farms, and country towns. Because this area is mostly rural, there are multiple areas of pristine natural beauty to enjoy.

Auvergne’s volcanic past is evident, with substantial craggy rock outcrops and abundant natural hot springs. The region’s largest city, Clermont-Ferrand, also showcases the region’s volcanic history well.

The best option for viewing the region’s spectacular mountains is the Panoramique des Dômes, the youngest volcano in the Chaîne des Puys. Its high viewing platform offers visitors incredible views.

I personally stayed at the wonderful Volca Lodges , which offers eco-friendly glamping style accommodation with hot tubs on the balconies overlooking the spectacular countryside (pictured above).

19. Midi-Pyrénées 

The south of France has a well-deserved reputation for being a stunning spot! The region encompasses the French Pyrenees, including the stunning Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Cirque de Gavarnie, and Néouvielle Massif.

The mountains are gorgeous, with many valleys and foothills to explore. Gorgeous bodies of water include Lake Gaube, Lac de Genos, and Bethmale Lake.

The lakes in Midi-Pyrénées are fantastic for camping and hiking. There are countless charming villages to explore, including Conques, Rocamadour, and St-Bertrand-de-comminges. Toulon is the largest city in the region, packed with art, culture, and incredible architecture.

20. Languedoc

Languedoc is a historical coastal region in southern France. It stretches from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain. This part of France benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate and has a pristine natural environment.

It is one of the most geographically diverse regions in the country, with wetlands, mountains, sandy beaches, and arid stretches of land near the southern border.

The coastline has many incredible beaches and bustling cities such as Montpellier and Nîmes. Venturing inland, you will find the wild country of the Grands Causses and Cévennes. Heading south, the landscape becomes drier, and the Spanish influence becomes more apparent.

I would highly recommend exploring Pont du Gard (a Roman aqueduct), the Cap d’Agde seaside resort, Cité de Carcassonne (a medieval citadel), Gorges du Tarn, and Château de Quéribus (a ruined castle in the commune of Cucugnan).

21. Gorge du Verdon

Sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, it is a 25-kilometer long and 700-metre-deep natural canyon located in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France.

Gorges du Verdon is named after the wonderful green water of the Verdon River (“vert” is French for green).

This incredible natural gorge has been attracting tourists to the region since the mid-19th century and is still extremely popular. Here, you can kayak, go canoeing, go for a canyon walk, hike or even go for a ‘water walk.’

Located in the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea, Nice la Belle, as the locals know it, receives 4 million tourists every year. It’s a gorgeous and elegant city where the beautiful and the well-heeled hang out in droves.

Apart from its charming, quaint streets of Old Town, the (pebbly) beach, fine hotels, gorgeous boutique and panoramic views, it is famous for the popular Carnival de Nice, which I would highly recommend trying to time your visit around if you can (it takes place February to March).

When here, I would also highly recommend taking a day trip to Saint Tropez and glitzy Monaco. Alternatively, you can stay local and make the most of the beach and the town. Promenade des Anglais is a great option if you want to have a stroll or a jog! 

73 thoughts on “22 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France”

Awesome and lovely post! Lots of stunning shots of very beautiful places. Love this blog so much!

I’m from Vietnam. can you please suggest a 5 day itinerary of places in France and what are the places. And give me suggest the cost for 5 days. Thanks

All these places are amazing & beautiful. Nice picture collection as well.

Wow, amazing pictures. Something more to see than Paris in France! Thanks 🙂

Hi me and my boyfriend are travelling to France in September arriving at Calais first .We will be driving and hopefully wanting to see as much of France in 5 days as we can .Any suggestions as to where to go to see some beautiful seenary

This is an awesome article i love it, thnx Becky Padmore for this beautiful article. France is one of the most beautiful country in the world and it is also include in top ten beautiful countries in the world.

France is considered as one of the most beautiful country in the world and tourists appreciate this country for its heavenly beauty!

I think instead of visiting Strasbourg try to visit the small villages down south on the way to Colmar, it’s one of the best road trip I’ve done in France. The name of the road is ‘la route des vins’ (wine’s road). Some villages are definitely much more beautiful than Strasbourg.

France has it all, wine,food and women

really very nice….

My girlfriend and I will be traveling to France in December. We will be flying into Milan, Italy first and then driving into France. My question is, what part (North or South) of France would you recommend seeing during the winter? We both are looking for the small village, but we will be visiting Paris sometime during our visit.

Hi, nice article …. can you please suggest a 8 days itinerary of places in france and what are the places we can cover from the list above in 8-9 days

France is beautiful

it is of course

Agreed!! Loire Valley is the best. With the numerous Chateaux and vineyards, one just falls in love with the region. So much to see and do!!!

I have only been to Paris years ago and would like to explore more of France. Thinking of going there for a week with husband (no car) where would you suggest we could squeeze in for a week with a few day trips thrown in. Hard to choose from the blog which is the nicest area to go.

We’d suggest basing yourselves in the Luberon area of Provence and then including day trips to Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy and the walled city of Avignon. It’s a truly beautiful area which will give you a taste of a perfectly preserved traditional France.

Thanks Graham for this helpful info regarding where to visit in France. Do you have your own website? Maria NS, Canada

Dahh..I see this is it 🙂 Cheers, Maria

I am on a 7 day trip to Europe taking a delivery of Mercedes at Stuttgart. I will be driving from Stuttgart to Paris for 4 days in April 2014 and would like to spend 3 days in Paris. Any suggestions on places which we can visit along the way. Please let me know. I have no clue on what to plan and places to visit.

Hi Ram Ram we would suggest stopping at Strasbourg, Metz and the Champagne region (including Reims). Enjoy your trip!

Nice post. Awesome images.

This will surely help in exploring france.

France is also a great place for a honeymoon, it’s very romantic and has some really gorgeous countryside.

I loved the french riveria… Its just beautiful and awesome. I went to NICE and Cannes. Attended festivals. It was out of this world

Great post! My wife and I are heading to France for four nights and five days this summer as part of a mini-European tour through Belgium and Holland as well.

I think it’s going to be difficult for us to hit all of these spots this time, however, especially as we’ll probably lose two days to Paris. Any recommendations as to which of these places should not be missed on a first visit to France?

Hi Ed, If you’re going to Paris then you could include a trip to Versailles without too much difficulty. Then I would personally try to fit in as much as the Côte d’Azur and then some places in the Provence countryside including Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy and Avignon. Hope this helps!

Hi, what about Lyon? Would you recommend going there?

Hi Gwen, Lyon is a lovely city but head further to Burgundy and you’ll find some of the finest French countryside.

I really liked Lyon, particularly the older area and cathedral. Didn’t get to see a lot of countryside, ply that from the train on way to paris. But I could easily see living in Lyon.

i love going to france . i goes once in every year

i love visiting france .once in a year i always o there

France is so beautiful, thanks for sharing these amazing places.

Some truly inspiring photos here – I don’t know which one is the best !

Thank you. Only last week I was looking for places to visit in France, near to Paris. More info about Loire valley will be welcome.

I just wanted to say I have been a long time follower and I appreciate all of your writing. A lot of work must go into putting out quality content like this. Thanks again.

WHen i see all those places i really like to visit France.

soooooooooo helpful

hi becky i like your informatoin about france thank you

A good choice but no mention of the Pays Basque ! La plus belle pays !

I love when i’m france it’s the best country the best in the world

i have been to France before and loved it! So pretty!

loved looking at the potoes

Hi i loved looking at this photos it made me fell like i was there i have fished my home work now thanks to you.

yup i have now gotten some of my homework done bow i just need to write a booklet on a tour f france!!!! helpful? definetly. France would be on the top ten list of places i would go to.

Thankyou for this helped me lots.

thanks i have a school project on france and this really helped 🙂

Becky, these photos are unbelievable! WOW!

I’ve been to about half on this list, with the Loire Valley being my favourite. Now you’ve got me wanting to go back to see the rest! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, it was very helpful 😉

I have been to lots of different countries but not France,maybe its time I did , looks interesting.

I LOVE France! thanks for sharing! Been to most of the places on this list…but there’s still so much more to see… I would like to add La Rochelle to this list as it’s my fav city in France. Really lovely!

Hey thanks Yvonne, yes it was very hard to choose just ten! Thanks for the comment we’ve just added a link to an article about La Rochelle as one of our writers went there and loved it too!

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26 Best Places to Visit in France

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Jan 19, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander studied and lived in Paris, and has traveled extensively around the country.

The French affectionately call their homeland "l'Hexagone" because of its distinct six-sided shape. Each corner of France has its own unique character: the rugged and outdoorsy French Alps ; sun-drenched and slow-paced Provence ; the glamorous and gorgeous Côte d'Azur ; and idyllic Alsace , a pastoral region where storybook hamlets are tucked away in the vine-covered rolling hills.

Paris and Versailles are must-see destinations for a first trip to France. Other classic travel itineraries include stops at fashionable seaside resorts, fairy-tale castles, and glorious Gothic cathedrals.

More off-the-beaten-path experiences are found in the countryside, such as at farmhouses in Burgundy , fishing villages in Brittany , and thermal spas in the Pyrenees Mountains .

From cultured cities to pristine nature sites, France offers endless tourist attractions . Discover this fascinating and diverse country with our list of the best places to visit in France.

2. The Charming Countryside of Provence

3. côte d'azur, 4. versailles, 5. mont saint-michel in normandy, 6. the châteaux of the loire valley, 7. strasbourg's unesco-listed historic center, 8. seaside towns & resorts in brittany, 9. biarritz & saint-jean-de-luz, 10. chartres cathedral: a gem of medieval architecture, 11. joan of arc monuments in chinon, rouen & orléans, 12. quaint villages of the alsace region, 13. walled medieval city of carcassonne, 14. mont-blanc & annecy in the french alps, 15. unesco world heritage sites in reims, 16. prehistoric caves in the dordogne & the pyrenees, 17. rocamadour: a medieval pilgrimage destination, 18. bordeaux & saint-émilion, 19. the burgundy region: quintessential france, 20. cirque de gavarnie in the pyrenees mountains, 21. lourdes: france's biggest catholic pilgrimage site, 22. gourmet restaurants & cultural attractions in lyon, 23. belle époque spa towns, 24. gascony region & toulouse in the south of france, 25. the camargue, 26. island of corsica, map of best places to visit in france.

Appreciated for its elegance and joie de vivre, Paris is a grand European capital filled with architectural masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral .

Reflecting the city's rich heritage, the Louvre (one of the top museums in Paris ) contains an exceptional fine arts collection, while the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie display treasures of French Impressionist art.

Other charms of Paris are its atmospheric medieval quarters and graceful boulevards. Quintessential tourist experiences include shopping at bookshops in the Latin Quarter , strolling the Champs-Elysées , and people-watching from a sidewalk café terrace on the Boulevard Saint-Germain-de-Prés .

In contrast to the grey skies of Paris and northern France, the charming region of Provence basks in bright Mediterranean sunshine most of the year. This rural area feels untouched by the modern world and has a rugged, earthy appeal.

The rolling hills are covered with a patchwork of small farms, olive groves, sunflowers, and lavender fields. Fragrant rosemary, sage, and thyme and other wild herbs grow here in abundance and enliven the local cuisine.

In this dreamy landscape, Impressionist painters found inspiration to create vibrant works of art.

Visitors are enchanted by the villages perchés , which crown Provence's hilltops. Two favorite destinations are Saint-Paul-de-Vence , a picture-perfect walled medieval town (near many Côte d'Azur tourist spots , such as Eze) and Gordes , which is among the top places to see in the Luberon .

In the heart of Provence, traditional ambience is found on the tree-shaded streets and outdoor cafés of Aix-en-Provence , at the festivals of Arles , and by the old seaport of Marseilles .

Also not-to-be missed are the Palais de Papes in Avignon ; the legendary beach resort of Saint-Tropez ; and the Roman theater in Orange , one of the amazing sites of the Haut-Vaucluse .

Also known as the French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur is a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline named for its deep azure-blue waters. The skies are often a mesmerizing cerulean hue as well, thanks to the sunny weather most of the year in this area of southern France.

Stretching roughly from Saint-Tropez (overlapping with the Provence region) to Menton , less than 30 kilometers from the border with Italy, the Côte d'Azur has been a fashionable seaside resort destination since the early 19th century.

Spring and autumn bring milder weather and a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.

The Côte d'Azur has something for everyone . Nice is the place to enjoy the good life, visit art museums, and stroll along cobblestone streets and palm-fringed boulevards. Within a short drive from Nice are places to visit as day trips , such as splendid waterfront villas and top-notch art museums.

Among the most famous French Riviera tourist attractions are Cannes , which has a dazzling beachfront promenade and an alluring Old Town; and Monaco , a tiny royal principality that is synonymous with luxury and decadence. Both Cannes and Monaco feature five-star hotels, acclaimed restaurants, and yacht-filled marinas.

Sun worshippers flock to Saint-Tropez , a happening summer vacation spot with exclusive private beaches, as well as public beaches that appeal to regular tourists. Vacationers appreciate Antibes for its expansive sandy beaches, atmospheric medieval quarter, and fabulous Picasso Museum housed in a castle overlooking the sea.

A short train ride from Paris is the UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles . Built for Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), this opulent 17th-century palace is a testament to the glory and absolute power of the French monarch.

The château's splendid Baroque façade, dazzling Hall of Mirrors , and fountain-adorned formal gardens allow visitors to imagine a scene of France's bygone royal court.

Versailles immerses visitors into the extravagance of France's Ancien Régime , the glittering world where Marie-Antoinette hosted lavish balls and garden parties.

Tourists may wander around Le Hameau de la Reine , the make-believe country village created by the last Queen as a way to escape the formality of court life. The hamlet includes a lake, orchard, dovecote, and originally had a working dairy.

Mont Saint-Michel is a highlight of the Normandy region, a pastoral landscape of apple orchards, woodlands, and cow pastures. This unmissable tourist attraction ranks number one on the long list of Normandy travel destinations , which includes stellar sights such as historic castles and picture-perfect towns.

Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in France. The UNESCO-listed abbey is perched on the hilltop of an islet in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel and is considered a marvel of Gothic architecture.

The abbey church was an important medieval pilgrimage site on the "Way of Saint James" route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Modern-day pilgrims still make the journey here, crossing the Bay of Saint-Michel by foot at low tide.

Visiting Mont Saint-Michel is a spirit-lifting experience. Tourists may attend religious services, concerts, and cultural events at this sublime historic abbey.

Like the scene of a fairy tale, magnificent castles are scattered throughout the densely forested landscape of the Loire Valley. Stretching for 280 kilometers, from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire in Anjou, the Loire Valley is the largest UNESCO-listed site in France .

The region boasts an incredibly rich cultural heritage. During the 15th and 16th centuries, France's kings built sumptuous country retreats here purely for entertainment and enjoyment.

Extravagant châteaux, such as the grandiose Château de Chambord and the emblematic Château de Chenonceau , offer insight into the opulence of the Renaissance-era French court.

French nobles and elites also built stately manor houses, such as the majestic Château of Cheverny and the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in an idyllic setting with a water-filled moat.

For families with kids, the M ini-Châteaux Park in Amboise is a marvelous destination. Set in two hectares of woodlands, the amusement park features 41 replicas of Loire châteaux built on a 1/25 scale. Children love exploring the kid-sized castles designed with authentic details.

Quaint and cultured, Strasbourg enchants visitors with its old-world charm . The entire historic center of Strasbourg, the Grande-Île , is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

When stepping foot into this mostly pedestrian area, one enters the world of centuries past. Medieval cobblestone lanes and narrow alleyways invite travelers to discover a delightful maze of pastel-painted half-timbered houses, ancient churches, and public squares filled with outdoor café tables.

At the heart of Strasbourg, the cathedral amazes all who admire its breathtakingly ornate façade.

The cathedral is within easy walking distance of many top tourist attractions, like the Maison des Tanneurs , a fine-dining restaurant in a classified Historic Monument; the 15th-century Maison Kammerzell , considered a gem of Alsatian Renaissance architecture; and the Eglise de Saint-Thomas , a 12th-century church that played an important role during the Protestant Reformation.

To soak up the quaint ambience of Strasbourg, be sure to wander around one of the most picturesque quarters of the Grande-Île, the Quartier des Tanneurs ("La Petite France"), with its meandering canals, tree-shaded walking paths, and traditional flower-bedecked Alsatian houses. The Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes is especially charming.

Also within the Grande-Île, the Quartier Krutenau is another wonderful neighborhood for a stroll. With the feel of a small village, this lively quarter brims with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

A picturesque coastal region, Brittany has a rich maritime heritage seen in its historic port towns: Saint-Malo , surrounded by old ramparts; the medieval capital of Nantes; and the fortified 14th-century Concarneau .

The seaside also boasts stylish beach resorts like fashionable Dinard on the Côte d'Emeraude, the summertime vacation destination of La Baule on the estuary of the Loire River, and Tréboul near the lovely riverside town of Quimper.

The scenery is dramatic and unspoiled, with secluded sandy beaches and a rocky coastline where wild Atlantic waves crash against the shore. Centuries-old fishing villages are sheltered in quiet bays and on tiny windswept offshore islands.

Breton culture can be traced back to the Celts (the local dialect is related to Gaelic). Similar to Ireland, it is a land of mythology and legends. Today, Brittany is strongly Catholic. Locals celebrate ancient religious customs called "pardons," special festivals when townspeople wear old-fashioned regional costumes.

The local cuisine features delicious specialties such as fresh seafood and savory buckwheat crepes. Brittany also has a famous regional pastry, the " kouign-amann ," a buttery pastry made with croissant dough that is layered with sprinkles of sugar, has a moist cake-like center, and a crispy caramelized exterior.

A blend of Parisian-style elegance and the untamed natural beauty of the Atlantic coast, Biarritz is an upscale seaside resort with fabulous beaches. Biarritz was favored by Empress Eugénie, who loved this area of the Basque region. She chose a sandy hillside overlooking the Bay of Biscay as the location for her Imperial residence, the Villa Eugénie.

This Second Empire palace has been converted into luxury accommodations, the five-star Hôtel du Palais , which offers exquisitely decorated guest rooms and an oceanfront gastronomic restaurant. Next to the hotel property is the Grande Plage , a sandy beach that has attracted sunbathers since the Belle Époque.

Another of the top beaches in Biarritz is the Plage du Miramar . A picturesque scene of colorful, striped cabanas and parasols during summertime, this sheltered beach has the delightful ambience of an old-fashioned seaside resort.

Just a half-hour drive (15 kilometers) from Biarritz is the historic fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz , a popular summertime destination with family-friendly beaches.

Traveling inland 25 kilometers from Biarritz is the traditional Basque village of Espelette. This small village boasts typical half-timbered, red-shuttered Basque houses decorated with rows of dried red peppers called Piment d'Espelette (prized for use in Basque cuisine).

In Spain's Basque country, 50 kilometers by bus, car, or train from Biarritz, the lively seaside city of San Sebastian delights visitors with its elegant architecture, sandy beaches, and gourmet tapas.

If you only have time to visit one cathedral in France, then head to Chartres. Crowning the historic town, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This magnificent Gothic monument dates to the 12th and 13th centuries and is remarkably well preserved.

Visitors are awed by the soaring spires, elaborately decorated façade, and marvelous array of stained-glass windows that give the sanctuary an ethereal quality. Most of the windows were created between 1210 and 1260, which is extremely rare.

During summertime, the cathedral hosts the Chartres International Organ Festival with performances of sacred music on Sunday afternoons.

France's national heroine, Joan of Arc led the country to victory during the Hundred Years' War when she was only seventeen years old. Her divinely ordained mission, instructed by heavenly voices, is still an inspiration to the faithful.

Joan of Arc's remarkable story began in Chinon , where on March 9, 1429, she went to meet the future Charles VII (the "Dauphin") at the Forteresse Royale (a medieval fortified castle). On this momentous occasion, the "Maid of Orléans" informed the Dauphin of his right to the crown and asked for help in forming an army, which was needed to break the Siege of Orléans (a pivotal event during the Hundred Years' War between France and England).

Because of its rich heritage, Chinon is listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History). At the tree-lined Place Jeanne d'Arc stands a monumental bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc depicted as a heroic military leader.

Among the top attractions of the Loire Valley , Orléans is another essential stop on the Joan of Arc trail. The city was saved by the "Maid of Orléans," during the Siege of 1429. After leading the French to defeat the English army, Joan of Arc came to the town's Cathédrale Sainte-Croix to pray. The cathedral's 19th-century stained-glass windows recount the history of Joan of Arc.

In a 15th-century half-timbered house, the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc in Orléans presents exhibits about Joan of Arc, who is now recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. A bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc graces the Place du Martroi in Orléans.

Tourists can learn more about Joan of Arc's life story at several of the top sights in Rouen . At the 13th-century Tour Jeanne d'Arc (dungeon), a relic of the town's old château, Joan of Arc was imprisoned, threatened with torture, put on trial, and accused of heresy.

Since this infamous trial in 1431 and martyrdom, Joan of Arc has been elevated to a saint. Built on the site in Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, the Eglise Jeanne d'Arc pays tribute to the saint's legacy. This modern church features an upwards-swooping roof designed to resemble flames.

Rouen also has a museum devoted to Joan of Arc, the Historial Jeanne d'Arc , in the former Archbishop's Palace (a classified Historic Monument) on the Rue Saint-Romain. This museum delves into Joan of Arc's epic story and explains how she changed the course of French history. Evocative multimedia exhibits and videos bring the events to life in a thrilling way.

Bucolic scenery and old-world charm set Alsace apart from the rest of France. The architecture and ambience of the region has been influenced over the centuries by neighboring Germany, as seen in the brightly painted, half-timbered buildings and ornate Gothic churches.

Colmar is the quintessential Alsatian town, full of interesting historic monuments and traditional houses with flower-bedecked balconies. An unspoiled landscape of vine-covered foothills surrounds Colmar, and nestled in the nearby valleys and along the Rhine River are tiny storybook hamlets and picturesque villages.

The Alsace Villages route is a delightful way to explore the region. Many villages are listed as the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), and some are designated as Villages Fleuris (Flowering Villages) because of the vibrant potted flowers that adorn the homes and streets.

Carcassonne has the look of a Disneyland castle, with massive fortifications that enclose the medieval citadel ( La Cité ). The concentric circles of defensive walls feature 52 turreted towers, many of which were renovated in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc (who also restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris).

The integrity of the ramparts gives Carcassonne a picture-perfect appearance and makes it one of the world's best-preserved medieval towns. Because of its cultural value, La Cité de Carcassonne is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Drawbridges once provided access into Carcassonne. Today, tourists can walk freely into this medieval citadel at any time. Stepping foot into La Cité provides visitors with a glimpse of life during the Middle Ages.

Wandering the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets leads to discoveries of historic monuments (such as the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse and the 12th-century Château Comtal ), small squares, and plenty of touristy restaurants and boutiques.

The French Alps boast some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery in the world.

The majestic Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe, an iconic snowcapped peak that soars to 4,810 meters. At this altitude, the air is fresh and the landscape is sublime, with crystal-clear lakes, dramatic rushing waterfalls, peaceful valleys, and refreshing pine forests.

During summertime, visitors flock to the Alps to go hiking, cycling, and mountain climbing. In the winter, the French Alps draw many tourists for Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. The area has many of France's best ski resorts . Other things to do during the snowy season include ice-skating, dog sledding rides, and old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Besides the spectacular mountain terrain, the region also has a rich cultural heritage linked to the ancestral territory of the Italian royal House of Savoy, as well as the historic Dauphiné region.

The lovely mountain village of Chamonix (about a 15-minute drive from the base of Mont Blanc) offers traditional Alpine ambience, while Annecy (just over a one-hour drive from Chamonix) has an ancient château, lakeside parks, and fairy-tale ambience.

Reims is justifiably placed among France's list of " Villes d'Art et d'Histoire " ("Cities of Art and History").

Of the town's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites , the most renowned is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims , where French kings were crowned. The most celebrated event was when Joan of Arc escorted Charles VII to the cathedral in July of 1429 for his coronation as king.

Built in the 13th century, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims is a gem of High Gothic architecture. The dazzling exterior features a profusion of flying buttresses and sculpted angels, while the spacious interior has a solemn ambience of spirituality.

Among the city's top attractions , other UNESCO-listed landmarks include the Palais du Tau , a 17th-century Archbishops' Palace, and the 11th-century Basilique Saint-Rémi .

The Dordogne region is one of the best places to visit in France for viewing prehistoric cave paintings. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lascaux Cave in the Dordogne's Vallée de la Vézère contains masterpieces of Paleolithic art created by Cro-Magnon man.

Although the Lascaux Cave has been closed to the public to prevent damage, visitors may view copies of the cave's artwork at the nearby Lascaux II site (in Montignac).

Also in Montignac is the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal (International Center of Cave Art), which presents exhibits about prehistoric animal paintings and reveals the work of archaeologists. The center includes Lascaux IV , which is a complete replica of the prehistoric Lascaux Cave.

Also in the Vézère Valley, the Grotte de Rouffignac is adorned with paintings of horses, cows, bison, deer, goats, and mammoths.

One of the top attractions of the Pyrenees region is the Grotte du Mas d'Azil , an immense cave decorated with drawings from the Magdalenian and Azilian periods. This tourist attraction deep in the Pyrenees Mountains offers guided tours and admission to the nearby Musée de la Préhistoire .

About an hour drive from the Mas d'Azil Cave, the Grotte de Niaux also has remarkable Palaeolithic art dating from 14,000 to 10,000 BCE. The Grotte de Niaux is open to the public for guided tours (reservations required).

Near the town of Tarascon-sur-Ariège , the Grotte de Lombrives reveals fascinating ancient history, and the Grotte de Bédeilhac dazzles with its rare Magdalenian-era prehistoric art.

Clinging to a sheer cliff, Rocamadour seems to aspire towards heaven. This amazing site was the third most important Christian pilgrimage destination in the 11th century and a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrims' route.

The village has seven medieval-era sanctuaries, accessible by steep pedestrian staircases. The most famous is the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which contains the precious 12th-century Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour) associated with miracles.

Rocamadour's largest church, the Basilique Saint-Sauveur is a UNESCO-listed historic monument. This 13th-century pilgrimage church displays the architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic.

Outside the village is the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park . Within this unspoiled landscape on the Quercy plateaus, grazing goats produce milk that is used to make AOC-labeled Cabécou de Rocamadour cheese. In late May or early June, the Rocamadour village hosts the Fête des Fromages (Cheese Festival) devoted to farmhouse cheeses of the region.

Other top attractions within an hour-and-a-half drive of Rocamadour include: Limoges (145 kilometers away), classified as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire and one of the top travel destinations in the Limousin region ; and Périgueux (115 kilometers away), a quaint town in the Dordogne region dating to the Roman era, which was also on the Camino de Santiago.

The Bordeaux region is a beautiful bucolic corner of France, where grandiose castles preside over rolling, vine-covered hills. Scenic tree-shaded paths traverse the countryside and follow alongside the Garonne River, as well as its placid canals. Many travelers enjoy exploring this area on a leisurely cycling itinerary.

The region has two exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites : the elegant city of Bordeaux , with more than 350 buildings classified as historical monuments, and the little country village of Saint-Émilion, 51 kilometers from Bordeaux, which is packed with notable churches and monasteries.

The Burgundy region is an idyllic landscape of lush woodlands and rolling hills dotted with impressive monuments. Romanesque chapels, ancient towns, and inspiring old abbeys attest to a rich cultural heritage.

Among the top sights of the Burgundy region are the historic city of Dijon , with its aristocratic palaces, ornate Gothic churches, and excellent museums; the charming medieval town of Beaune ; and the monumental Abbaye de Cluny , a Benedictine abbey founded in the 10th century. The abbey belonged to the most influential monastic order of the medieval era.

Besides its incredible history, Burgundy is renowned for gastronomy. The traditional cuisine includes a repertoire of famous specialities such as escargot, Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy), and Coq au Vin .

The mountainous Pyrenees region is a soul-inspiring place that offers both natural splendor and spiritual wonders. The region has many sacred pilgrimage sites, as well as rejuvenating spa towns.

The UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie is nature's version of a cathedral. Forming a semicircle, these awesome 1,700-meter-high limestone rock walls are draped with dramatic waterfalls that tumble down into rushing rivers and peaceful streams.

The entire Hautes-Pyrénées region is part of a national park, the Parc National des Pyrénées , which borders Spain. Within the park are hiking trails through lush forests and verdant valleys.

During wintertime, the French Pyrenees is a popular destination for downhill skiing. Top resorts include Cauterets, Font-Romeu, and the Grand Tourmalet ski area.

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, Lourdes is France's most important Catholic pilgrimage site.

Millions of visitors come to Lourdes every year for spiritual inspiration. Some arrive to bathe in the waters in hopes of miracle cures. To the faithful, Lourdes is known for the 70 validated miracles that have occurred here.

The main pilgrimage sites, the Grotto (where Saint Bernadette received her divine visions), and the Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire are surrounded by a serene woodland alongside a tranquil babbling brook.

Marian Processions take place every evening at 9pm from April through October. The procession of hundreds of pilgrims holding candles is a breathtaking sight to behold.

An enticing destination for gourmands to visit, Lyon is at the heart of French gastronomy. Lyonnais cuisine is renowned for its delicious regional specialties such as quenelles (fish dumplings served in a creamy sauce), steak, Bresse chicken with morels, sausages, and salads.

Tourists can choose from an incredible selection of restaurants. For casual everyday dining, the "Bouchons Lyonnais" (traditional bistros) allow visitors to sample the authentic local cuisine while enjoying an inviting, cozy ambience.

A top destination for fine dining, the Auberge du Pont de Collonges was helmed by famous chef Paul Bocuse for decades. Today this legendary gastronomic establishment with two Michelin stars has changed its name to Restaurant Paul Bocuse . The restaurant carries on the legacy of Paul Bocuse by continuing to serve his signature dishes.

Besides its gourmet delights, Lyon is rich in cultural heritage . The city's four historic districts (representing 500 hectares) are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Among the many historic attractions are ancient Roman ruins, atmospheric medieval quarters, and elegant Renaissance houses.

Lyon's Musée des Beaux-Arts is second only to Paris' Louvre Museum in its wealth of artistic treasures. The museum contains an outstanding assortment of European paintings from the 14th to 20th centuries, including masterpieces by Véronèse, Rubens, Delacroix, Renoir, Monet, and Picasso.

For those seeking a rejuvenating getaway, the Belle Époque spa towns in the French Alps region, such as the lakeside resorts of Aix-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains , deliver the ultimate relaxing vacation experience at pampering thermal spas and upscale hotels.

The Pyrenees region is prized for its pristine fresh-water streams and rejuvenating spa towns. During the 19th century, the area's thermal spa resorts such as Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur attracted a silk-stocking clientele, who came to soak in the healing mineral waters.

Set in a verdant valley, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is home to the top spa resort of the Hautes-Pyrénées region. The town's thermal spa was inaugurated in 1823 by Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte , the daughter of Marie-Antoinette.

In an elegant marble-faced 19th-century building, Les Grands Thermes offers thermal baths filled with certified mineral waters that are said to cure various health conditions. Five-day retreats with lodging are available.

The rural area of Gascony and the city of Toulouse exude the sultry charm of southern France.

Sunny and slow-paced, Gascony (Le Gers) has a traditional rural character that seems untouched by modernity. The rolling hills are blanketed with a patchwork of small farms and dotted with quiet country villages and ancient castles.

Steeped in history dating back to the 13th century, Toulouse is known as " The Pink City " because of its distinctive red-brick architecture. These buildings reflect the sunlight in a rosy-toned hue.

While ambling the pleasant town squares and basking on outdoor café terraces in Toulouse, visitors soak up the laid-back vibe of this beautiful and balmy city.

The UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi runs through Toulouse and flows all the way to the Mediterranean port of Sète near Marseille. The tree-shaded path along the canal is popular for leisurely strolls and cycling.

The Parc Régional de Camargue , just 16 kilometers from Arles in Provence , is a place where visitors can take a breath of fresh air and enjoy unspoiled natural scenery. Marshlands, meadows, salt flats, and pastures blanket the landscape.

In this pristine UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve (around 100,000 hectares of protected wetlands), wild white horses roam free, and pink flamingoes thrive.

The nature reserve is home to over 300 bird species, which makes it a paradise for bird-watching. Other famous fauna include the native Camargue Bulls, which are raised for use in bullfighting.

The island of Corsica has a rugged and raw beauty, seen in its dramatic coastal landscapes, pristine forests, and snowcapped mountains. The island is fringed with beautiful beaches, quiet bays, attractive fishing ports, and lively seaside cities, while the inland hillsides are crowned with ancient villages where time seems to stand still.

Sun-worshipping beach lovers and outdoorsy and sporty types (including hard-core hikers) are drawn to the island's incomparable nature sites. The 1,000-kilometer shoreline offers crystal-clear waters that make it a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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The 17 best places to visit in France

From buzzing cities to gorgeous countryside escapes, these are the essential places in France to visit at least once in your life

There’s a reason France has been the most visited country in the world for a number of years now. It quite simply has it all. And you’re not confined to just one kind of vibe: wherever you go in France, you’ll get something totally different. That’s the magic of it. 

Looking for the ultimate city break? Paris has got you covered. A port stay in a seriously up-and-coming travel destination? Marseille is waiting. Beaches, bougie bars and Michelin-starred dining? It’s time to head to Nice. Whether you’re looking for picturesque rural villages or remote towns away from civilisation, you’ll find it here. Here’s our top picks for where to visit in France. 

RECOMMENDED: 🌆 The best   French cities to visit 🏖 The best   beaches in France ☀️ Where to stay on the French Riviera 📍 The best city breaks in Europe

Clodagh Kinsella is a travel writer based in Paris, France. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best places to visit in France

You sort of have to see it to believe it when it comes to Paris. You can’t quite get why this city is so magical until you’re there. And sure, cram your schedule full of Eiffel Tower climbing and trips to the Louvre, but make sure you factor in some time to just sit, order a coffee or a rosé, and just watch the day go by. That’s the best way to do Paris: slowly.

Discover Paris:

📍 The best things to do in Paris 🧑 ‍🍳 The best restaurants in Paris 🎨 The best museums in Paris 🥐 The best cafés in Paris

The port city of Marseille has been one great big melting pot of cultures ever since it was founded by the Greeks a whopping 2,600 years ago. Having thrown off its rep as a town of sailors and gangsters, these days Marseille is a dazzlingly multicultural city with galleries and rooftop bars galore – and all within easy reach of marvellous spectacles of nature in the form of calanques and coves. 

Discover Marseille:

📍 The best things to do in Marseille 😋 The best restaurants in Marseille 🥾 The essential guide to Marseille’s calanques 🚤 The best boat trips from Marseille

Nice by name, nice by... alright, that’s a bit too cheesy. But it’s true. With its lavish beachside promenade, throngs of established museums and hearty wine bars, Nice is a rather exceptionally lovely coastal city. It’s the former residence of Henri Matisse, with an entire museum dedicated to the legendary artist – and with skies this vibrant, it’s not hard to see where he found the inspiration for his bold blues.

Discover Nice:

📍 The best things to do in Nice 🏖 The best beaches in Nice 😋 The best restaurants in Nice 🛍 The best shops in Nice

Lyonnais are known for being particularly proud of their city – and they’ve every right to be. This place is a gastronomic wonderland and (disputedly, we admit) France’s food capital, with each of its Michelin-starred abodes matched by dozens of under-the-radar culinary masters. And with its Unesco-protected city centre, Rhône and Saône river views and its history as a silk centre, Lyon has loads of non-foodie stuff to do, too.

Discover Lyon:

🍴 The best restaurants in Lyon

French Riviera

Stretching for more than 100 miles along France’s southeastern coast, the Riviera is best appreciated as a whole: as a series of delightful places rather than any one in particular. From perfume capital Grasse and rocky Èze to legendarily-glitzy Saint-Tropez and film-tastic Cannes, the Côte d'Azur is everything it claims to be and more.

Discover the French Riviera:

😎 The best places to stay on the French Riviera

Not just the greatest winemaking hub in the world, Bordeaux is also a full-blown dream of a city: packed with characterful medieval architecture, a top-tier dining scene and sprawling green open spaces, and within touching distance of some of the mightiest (and warmest) beaches on France’s Atlantic coast. Even teetotallers will find a shedload to do here.

Nîmes, Arles and Orange

For history buffs, there are few regions of France more worth a week’s visit than the lower reaches of the River Rhône. Impressively preserved Roman amphitheatres, arches, temples and baths draw as many visitors to the cities of Nîmes, Arles and Orange as the laidback lifestyle, local wines and year-round sunshine. But the highlight is the spectacular Pont du Gard: the 2,100-year-old three-tiered aqueduct that straddles the Gardon river. It’s one of the most impressive Roman monuments surviving anywhere – Rome included.

Inland from the bustle of the Riviera, the vast and ancient rural region of Provence is the place for a slower pace of life. If you don’t like the smell of lavender, best avoid the Valensole plateau, with its fields of purple stretching into the distance – 300 square miles’ worth of the fragrant stuff. We recommend renting a mountain bike and cycling the yellow dirt paths, with a charming stopover in a village such as Riez or Esparron-de-Verdon. Not far away, the gravity-defying limestone flanks and dazzling turquoise-green waters of the Gorges du Verdon draw hikers, swimmers and kayakers from far and wide.

Canal du Midi

Connecting the Garonne river at Toulouse with the Étang de Thau basin on the Mediterranean, the 150-mile-long Midi makes for the dreamiest of waterside cycle adventures in summer. Built under the patronage of Louis XIV’s first minister Colbert in the seventeenth century, it is now connected to the Canal de Garonne, and together the two canals allow for barges to travel from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. For the full canal experience, you should rent one. A barge, that is, not a canal.

Named after the river that runs through it, the Dordogne region is almost surreally picturesque. Vines as far as the eye can see, endless rolling hills, impossibly pretty hamlets… from the seventeenth-century Chateau de Marqueyssac and its hypnotic gardens to the oak forests of the Périgord noir, it’s so beautiful it can feel like the stuff of dreams.

French Basque Country

Although most of the historic Basque Country lies over the border in modern-day Spain, the French part is well worth a visit – especially if you’re partial to a gnarly surf trip. A classy bathing retreat since the nineteenth century, Biarritz became the home of European surfing in the ’50s, with the Atlantic regularly chucking ten-metre waves up its  Grande Plage.  Once you’ve dried off, refuel with a plate of the signature cured ham from Bayonne, just up the road. And further down the coast, the beach towns of St Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye have miles of golden sand and eye-popping summer sunsets over the ocean.

On the Upper Rhine plain between France and Germany, Alsace has changed hands several times. Start in regional capital Strasbourg for a taste of Alsace’s culture, architecture and food – a distinctive blend of French and German – then  head to half-timbered Colmar for shades of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (plus  one of Europe’s best Christmas markets ). And whatever you do, stop off at  the twelfth-century Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: an epic complex with views all the way to the Black Forest.

Lake Annecy

Bordered by snow-capped mountains in the Haute-Savoie region, Annecy is known as ‘Europe’s cleanest lake’ thanks to strict local environmental regulations. It’s also very beautiful. The third-largest lake within France’s borders, its ten square miles draw bathers, sailors, divers and sunbathers alike to its grassy ‘beaches’ in summer. Rich with flora and fauna, the area’s hills are ideal for hiking, and the town of Annecy itself brims with brilliant restaurants, delis and canals.

If you want somewhere that isn’t (completely) overrun with tourists, check out Carcassonne, a delightful little town in Aude. There’s the famous castle, sure, which is actually a properly good tourist attraction, completely beautiful and not too busy if you go in the morning. But there’s also the beautiful Cavayére Lake just a short one-euro bus ride out of the town, which is really quiet even in peak season, and has tons of kids activities and a more kid-free area too. 

Loire Valley

Two things make a trip here essential: castles and wine. The Loire is France’s longest river, and the stretch between Orléans and Angers is home to more than 300 grand châteaux dating back to the age when France had kings, as well as 185,000 acres of vineyards. Follow the river past woods and fields and through the medieval towns of Blois, Amboise and Saumur – each crowned by an unmissable royal castle. And don’t miss a chance to sample the local specialities: white wine, rillettes, goat’s cheese and Chambord – the latter named after one of the province’s most spectacular châteaux.

With its sweeping cliffs and capes and proud Celtic heritage, France’s rugged northwest region— aka ‘Little Britain’ — is rightly likened to Cornwall. The coastline gets top billing, from the romantic Pink Granite Coast via quaint fishing villages to walkers’ magnet the Crozon peninsula. History fans should make for Carnac, Brittany’s Stonehenge, while gourmands will love plundering the local larder: crêpes, savoury galettes, and seafood, with France’s oyster capital, Cancale, just east of the picture-perfect walled town of Saint-Malo.

Normandy’s stirring white-chalk cliffs – from picturesque port Honfleur to chic weekend getaway Étretat – gave birth to no less than the entire art movement of Impressionism. New bike route  La Seine à Vélo  reunites many of the area’s joys, especially at Monet’s home and lilypad-lined gardens at Giverny, before taking in Rouen (tied to Joan of Arc lore) and seaside Deauville. Keep on coasting for three more musts: the D-Day landing sites, Bayeux’s famously ornate tapestry, and ‘Wonder of the West’ the Mont-Saint-Michel, an island topped by a gravity-defying abbey.

Discover more in Europe

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I conic cities, gorgeous towns and villages, incredible islands and all the rest

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From Athens to the islands, there’s so much to fall in love with here

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It’s one of the most visited places on the planet, but France always lives up to the hype

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12 charming medieval towns in France to visit

While many may visit France for its iconic cities like Paris , Nice and Bordeaux, there is so much to see outside of these urban hubs. I love exploring all the quaint medieval towns of France – they are bursting with charm, history and that storybook aesthetic. 

The best medieval towns in France comprise cobblestone streets and ancient buildings against the backdrop of gorgeous rolling countryside. In these towns, it’s all about a slower pace of life, taking time to appreciate the small moments.

In this guide, I share my favourite French medieval towns for your next visit to the country. I’ve included all the most charming spots, along with my suggestions of the best things to do and where to stay. 

From the verdant vineyards of Burgundy to the lavender-scented hills of Provence, let me inspire your next adventure with my pick of the best medieval towns in France.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

This post contains affiliate links.

Map of medieval towns in France

I’ve compiled all of my favourite French medieval towns into a clear map, so you can visualise where each is located:

Best for: Breathtaking views

Nearest airport: Nice

Where to stay: Château Eza

Top tour: From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip

If you follow me on Instagram then you’ll know that I’m a big fan of the Côte D’Azur, or French Riviera.

One of the unmissable places to visit on the French Riviera is the medieval village of Èze, perched on a cliff high above the Mediterranean.

Narrow lanes are bordered by stone houses, and the village’s height means truly spectacular views. 

The ruins of a 12th-century castle sit at the peak, and the castle’s grounds have been transformed into a beautiful exotic garden known as the Jardin Exotique d’Èze.

Here you’ll find an impressive collection of cacti and succulents against the blue backdrop of the sky and sea.

I’d recommend browsing the village’s artisan shops and cosy cafès for a charming way to while away a few hours. 

Best for: Art lovers

Nearest airport: Marseille

Where to stay: Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

Top tour: From Avignon: Best of Luberon in an Afternoon

Stood proudly on the edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse, Gordes is another village that offers exceptional views due to its hilltop position.

As you’d expect from one of the best medieval towns in France, Gordes comprises winding streets and stone buildings that reflect the bright Provençal sun.

A particular favourite amongst art lovers, this is a place that’s brimming with art galleries, boutique shops and delightful cafès. 

The incredible views have understandably attracted and inspired many artists over the years, and the village’s artsy reputation is a strong appeal for visitors.

Art aside, there is plenty of history to absorb too. Don’t miss the imposing Renaissance castle at the centre of Gordes, as well as the ancient Cistercian Abbaye de Sénanque.

3. Saint Paul de Vence

Best for: Timeless charm

Where to stay: Toile Blanche

Top tour: Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour

My first memory of visiting Saint Paul de Vence is one of feeling incredibly car sick after an extremely fast and windy taxi journey to the village!

Was the car sickness worth it? Absolutely! Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a well-preserved medieval town in the South of France.

Enclosed by its original ramparts, the town offers gorgeous views of the French Riviera landscape. 

Saint-Paul-de-Vence has been a magnet for artists since the early 20th century, and this is evident in the town’s numerous galleries, art studios and the famed Fondation Maeght art museum.

The cobblestone pathways lined with historic buildings lead to the quaint central square, where locals and visitors gather in the cafés and restaurants. 

Saint Paul de Vence is one of my favourite day trips from Nice . If you’re not planning to stay in the village, I’d recommend at least having lunch or dinner at the amazing Toile Blanche .

4. Rocamadour

Best for: Religious significance 

Nearest airport: Brive–Souillac 

Where to stay: Hotel Beau Site

Clinging dramatically to the side of a limestone cliff, the medieval village of Rocamadour is a sight to behold. 

This sacred site draws visitors not only for its breathtaking views but for its deep spiritual significance. 

The town is a renowned pilgrimage destination, which has attracted pilgrims since the 12th century.

Rocamadour is home to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Black Madonna, housed within the Chapelle Notre-Dame.

Beyond its spiritual allure, there is plenty of impressive medieval architecture to explore.

Highlights include the castle that crowns the cliff, the labyrinth of narrow streets, and the Grand Escalier, a stairway of 216 steps leading up to the sanctuaries.

Best for: Medieval festivals

Nearest airport: Paris

Where to stay: La Demeure des Vieux Bains

Provins was once a flourishing trade centre in the heart of medieval Europe. Nowadays, the town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

I’d recommend paying a visit to the Caesar Tower, a 12th-century keep, as well as the intriguing underground tunnels. 

Provins is also famous for its medieval festivals – think reenactments, jousting tournaments and traditional crafts. 

Don’t miss a chance to talk along the town’s ramparts, which offer a glimpse into the past of this historical gem. 

Located only around 1.5 hours from the French capital, it makes for a dreamy day trip from Paris.

6. Carcassonne

Best for: Medieval architecture

Nearest airport: Toulouse

Where to stay: Hotel de la Cité & Spa MGallery

Top tour: Cité de Carcassonne Private Guided Tour

One of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe – and one of the best in the world – Carcassonne has well and truly earned its place in my guide to the medieval towns in France.

The hilltop town stands as a monumental testament to medieval architecture, with its imposing walls and towers. 

This fortified city looks as if it has been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook, thanks to its double ring of ramparts and 52 fairytale towers. 

A wander through Carcassonne really feels like stepping back in time. Look out for the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Château Comtal. 

Unsurprisingly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located about 80 km from Toulouse, I’d definitely recommend a visit if you’re in the area.

Best for: Pretty scenery

Nearest airport: Dole-Jura

Where to stay: Chateau Du Mont Joly

Situated along the serene banks of the Doubs River, Dole offers a captivating snapshot of medieval and Renaissance France.

This former capital of Franche-Comté enchants with its intricate network of canals, earning it the nickname “Little Venice.”

The centrepiece of Dole’s historic core is the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture whose bell tower dominates the skyline.

I’d recommend simply taking a slow stroll through the streets of Dole, admiring the blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.

I particularly love the leafy pathways along the river and the lush Jardin de l’Arquebuse.

The area in which Dole can be found is famed for its cheese and also its natural beauty. So take the time to soak up the surroundings and indulge in a bit of cheese tasting.

8. Riquewihr

Best for: Wine lovers

Nearest airport: Strasbourg

Where to stay: Hotel KLE, BW Signature Collection

Top tour: From Strasbourg: Best Of Alsace Historical Day Trip

Located in the Alsace wine region, Riquewihr is an utterly charming town that effortlessly embodies a fairytale aesthetic.

I adore the colourful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and flower-clad balconies. 

Surrounded by vineyards, Riquewihr is a must-visit for wine lovers, offering some of the finest Alsace wines. 

Wine aside, another highlight of this French medieval town is the Dolder Tower, part of the town’s original fortifications.

Best for: Fairytale feel

Nearest airport: Rennes

Where to stay: Hôtel Mercure Dinan Port Le Jerzual

Perched above the Rance River, Dinan beautifully captures Brittany’s rich history and culture. 

The town’s ramparts are among the most extensive and well-preserved in France, plus they offer spectacular views of the surrounding valley and river. 

I’d recommend a stroll around Dinan’s wonky cobbled streets, including Rue du Jerzual that features quaint half-timbered houses. 

Don’t miss the imposing Château de Dinan and the striking Basilica of Saint-Sauveur which blends a range of architectural styles from Gothic to Romanesque.

Artisans’ workshops, boutiques, and creperies populate the old town, and the result is impossibly charming.

Best for: Flower lovers

Nearest airport: Geneva

Where to stay: Villa Cecile

For a gorgeous lakeside village with heaps of history, I know you’ll love Yvoire.

Located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, this fortified town dates back to the 14th century. 

Colourful flowers adorn every nook and cranny of the town, from lush garden beds to vibrant hanging baskets. Trust me when I say that it is incredibly picturesque.

For a truly stunning floral arrangement, don’t miss the “Garden of the Five Senses”. While for a touch of history, make sure you stop by the town’s castle. 

As you’d expect, the town’s location on the lake lends it a wonderfully tranquil feel against a scenic backdrop.

11. Les Baux-de-Provence

Best for: Dramatic views

Where to stay: Baumanière

Top activity: Carrières des Lumières Entrance Ticket

Les Baux-de-Provence is a village with a view as dramatic as its history.

Perched atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The ruins of its castle, overlooking the rolling Provençal countryside, hint at a history of battles and defence.

Today, Les Baux-de-Provence is famed for its artistic spirit. It’s home to art installations and exhibitions that blend seamlessly with the ancient stone.

Don’t miss the Carrières de Lumières. It’s a series of limestone quarries turned into an immersive art venue, showcasing digital projections of famous artworks.

12. Saint-Émilion

Best for: Wine tasting 

Nearest airport: Bordeaux

Where to stay: Hôtel de Pavie

Top tour: Bordeaux Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting

You’ve probably heard of the wine and, as you’d expect, Saint-Émilion is set amidst the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux. 

This town’s historic roots are evident in its monolithic church carved from a single block of limestone, and the catacombs and underground passages that weave beneath the streets.

Saint-Émilion’s medieval architecture, from the remnants of its walls to the ancient wine cellars, serves as a backdrop to its world-renowned wine industry.

The town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its well-preserved history. 

Of course I’d recommend partaking in a wine tour and tasting to really experience Saint-Émilion and its renowned wine heritage.

Have you visited any of the best medieval towns in France? Let me know your favourites in the comments!

You may also like: 

• 20 beautiful French coastal towns
• 12 best beaches in the South of France
• 11 fun things to do in Antibes
• 12 top things to do in Villefrance-sur-Mer
• 15 amazing things to do in Nice
• Nice or Cannes: which French Riviera city to visit

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15 beautiful places to visit in the french countryside.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in favor of a trip to one of these countryside locales.

(Getty Images) |

These villages will delight with their fairy-tale castles, medieval architecture and captivating scenery.

Aigues-Mortes

Hautvillers

Kaysersberg

Saint-Cirq Lapopie

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Tournon-sur-Rhône

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The 26 Most Beautiful Places in France

From the lavender fields of Provence to the art nouveau buildings of Paris , the most beautiful places in France are as diverse as they are alluring. The country has its fair share of cosmopolitan cities and charming small towns , of course—some of which date as far back as the 9th century—but it also has white-sand beaches, mighty canyons, and snow-capped mountains galore.

Whether you’re drawn to the azure waters of the French Riviera , the dramatic cliffs of Normandy, or the enchanting châteaux of the Loire Valley, this list of the most beautiful places in France is sure to inspire your next storybook adventure.

This article was originally published in 2016. It has been updated with new information.

Lac D’Annecy

Fed by alpine streams and a deep water spring near the town of Annecy, Lac D’Annecy—roughly 30 miles from the Swiss city of Geneva —is among Europe’s most pristine secret lakes . The site is ideal for hiking and swimming, even though the water barely pushes the 75-degree mark at the height of summer. Just one more excuse to warm up with a traditional French Alpine meal come dinnertime.

Located about an hour west of Geneva, the third-largest city in France should move up a few notches on your list. Lyon is known for its innovative restaurants (try La Bijouterie for French dim sum) as well as its beautiful, UNESCO-listed neighborhoods and Old Town—filled with boutique hotels, riverside markets, and hilltop cathedrals.

Hôtel Le Coucou Méribel

This family-friendly hotel in the Alps puts a playful spin on the traditional ski chalet concept—think polka-dot carpets, furniture legs shaped like ski poles, and frescoed ceilings depicting owls in the treetops. Throw in an exceptionally good ski-in ski-out location in the Trois-Vallées estate, and you have yourself one of the coolest accommodations in France.

A renowned summer getaway for royals and celebrities alike (you might remember it from Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises ), the beaches of Biarritz , in Basque country along the Bay of Biscay, are not only gorgeous—they’re also hugely popular with surfers thanks to their mellow, safe-for-beginners waves.

The Camargue

The Camargue, a marshy delta between the Mediterranean and the two branches of the Rhône, feels like another continent. Visitors can take Jeep tours deep into the wilderness punctuated with briny ponds, red salt flats, and wind-whipped reeds and grasses. You’ll also see the Camargue’s trademark free-roaming white horses and some of its 400 bird species—if you’re lucky, you might even spot some flamingos.

Gardens of Marqueyssac

The famous Gardens of Marqueyssac make up one of the most stunning landscapes in France—and the world. The 150,000 bubbly boxwood trees and hedges wrap around a 17th-century chateau that overlooks the Dordogne Valley. The entire vista looks like an illustration from a Perrault fairytale.

Yep, the whole darn city. There’s a reason the word flâneur can’t be translated perfectly into English—the idea of a long, aimless stroll taken simply to soak up the scenery seems utterly French. And in Paris , there’s always something to stroll past. Walk the Promenade Plantee, considered the world’s first elevated park , stock up on cheese and wine for a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens, and end the day watching the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower .

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Some hotels are so shrouded in legend that they are worth planning an entire trip around. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of those places. This Belle Époque landmark really needs no introduction, but we never pass up an opportunity to swoon over its seaside location, Dior spa, and bedside vases overfilled with roses from the garden.

Burgundy is home to some of France’s loveliest landscapes, from rolling green vineyards to forested national parks. Take a road trip through the region to get nonstop views of the countryside—with plenty of winery pit stops along the way.

Gordes is easily one of the most charming towns in all of France. The elevated location makes it one of the best places in Provence to watch the sunset, and it also happens to be an excellent home base for seeking out lavender fields during the summer months.

Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi is a tree-lined, 150-mile-long waterway running from the city of Toulouse down to the Mediterranean. While you can certainly admire the canal’s beauty from the shores, we recommend taking in the views from the polished teak deck of a river barge . You can’t do much better than Les Bateaux Belmond , a series of cruises exploring France’s waterways—complete with heated pools and king-sized beds.

The roof of western Europe is the birthplace of alpinism and home to one of today’s most vibrant mountain sports communities, so it’s a given that Mont Blanc and its subsidiary peaks needn’t bow to any mountains, anywhere. Its needle-like, Gothically-drawn skyline is the kind that inspires poets and painters.

Les Calanques National Park, Marseilles

Les Calanques are long, rocky inlets that resemble Norwegian fjords and jut out into the ocean between Cassis and Marseille—and trust us when we say the water here is some of the bluest you’ll ever see. Take a motorboat tour to get some of the best views, but be sure you head back to the mainland in time for a perfect seafood lunch.

Château de Chenonceau

The entire Loire Valley is a treasure trove of beautiful castles , but Château de Chenonceau easily rises to the top of the pack—both in terms of beauty and popularity. The current château was built on top of an old mill starting in 1514, while the trademark bridge and gallery were added about 60 years later. Today, the river-spanning structure and surrounding gardens are one of the most-visited attractions in the entire country.

Champagne-Ardenne

As its name suggests, Champagne-Ardenne is the birthplace of bubbly and one of the most beautiful regions in France. The area is covered with idyllic valleys and vineyards, of course, but also ancient castles, chateaus, and abbeys. Make sure to visit the capital city of Troyes for splendid churches from the Middle Ages, and Reims for underground wine cellars and the masterpiece Cathédrale Notre-Dame .

Palace of Versailles

An enduring symbol of the pinnacle of luxury, Louis XIV’s 18th-century residence is one of the most impressive combined displays of art, architecture, interior design, and landscaping in the world. Don’t miss the queen’s bedchambers, a masterpiece of over-the-top-ness; the legendary Hall of Mirrors, still used by the French government today to receive heads of state; or the three square miles of perfectly manicured gardens.

Château de Fontainebleau

This sprawling château was reportedly the preferred residence of Napoleon, and honestly? We get it. With its whopping 1,900 rooms and sprawling gardens—not to mention its stately facade— Château de Fontainebleau is easily one of the most beautiful places in France. (Bonus: It’s less than an hour away from Paris by train.)

Cliffs of Étretat, Normandy

Located along France’s Alabaster Coast, the pebble beach of Étretat is popular among sailors and surfers. But most visitors come to this stretch of coast in Upper Normandy for one reason: the famous chalk cliffs and arched rock formations. At various points along Étretat’s 80-mile stretch, you’ll find natural sculptures that have inspired travelers and artists (most notably Claude Monet ) for ages.

Sénanque Abbey

The seemingly endless stretches of lavender make Provence one of the prettiest (and best-smelling) places in France. One of the most scenic spots to enjoy the flower fields is Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century church near the village of Gordes. The gentle heather-gray color of the abbey looks custom-made for its surroundings, particularly in June and July when the acres around it bloom into a sea of purple.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral is sometimes known as “The Pink Cathedral” for its trademark color, which comes from the reddish sandstone used to build it. Although the original plans called for a pair of spires on top of the church, only one was built, giving the building a unique, somewhat mysterious look.

Walt Disney would surely approve of Colmar , with its timber-framed houses, colorful facades, and flower-lined canal. The commune is a delight to take in, whether it’s strolling the cobblestoned streets or taking a canoe trip down the water. Along with Kayersberg and Strasbourg, this provincial town is a trademark of the beautiful and charming Alsace region, located in northeastern France near Germany and Switzerland.

Mont Saint-Michel

Rising up from vast sandbanks and powerful tides, the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel gives off an otherworldly appearance in its position off France’s northwestern coast in Normandy. A small medieval village, complete with winding streets and tiny houses, sits on the island, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The incredible structure was built in 708 A.D. and was the inspiration behind the castle in Disney's Tangled.

Gorges du Verdon

Gorge du Verdon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of France.” And although it might be smaller than its American counterpart, it certainly doesn’t fall short in terms of beauty. The 2,300-foot-deep valley was formed by the Alpine Verdon River, a dazzling turquoise stream that flows into the artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix. Hiking and horseback riding trails weave throughout the vertical limestone cliffs, connecting tiny villages and offering once-in-a-lifetime views.

The town of Menton has all the beauty of the Côte d’Azur ’s better-known coastal cities (see: Marseille, Nice ), but a fraction of the crowds. With over 316 days of sunshine a year, exceptional gardens, boutique-filled alleyways, and quality Italian cuisine due to its position on the Franco-Italian border, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip.

Giverny is a small village on the border of Normandy most famous for being the site of Claude Monet’s cherished riverside house and garden, both of which are open to the public today. The pastel pink house is pretty as a picture, with spring green shutters and ivy crawling up every surface. And the gardens are like an impressionist painting come to life, with water lilies, weeping willows, wisterias, and the famous green Japanese bridge.

Auvergne Volcanoes

One of Europe’s largest regional parks (it’s roughly the size of Rhode Island), the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park consists of a cluster of around 80 dormant volcanoes. Take the cable car up to Puy de Sancy, the highest mountain in the park, for an easy (but still breathtaking) 2.5-mile ridge hike.

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The 39 most beautiful places in France

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

From the lavender fields of Provence to the art nouveau buildings of Paris , the most beautiful places in France are as diverse as they are alluring. The country has its fair share of cosmopolitan cities and charming small towns, of course – some of which date as far back as the 9th century – but it also has white-sand beaches, mighty canyons, and snow-capped mountains galore.

Whether you’re drawn to the azure waters of the French Riviera , the dramatic cliffs of Normandy, or the enchanting châteaux of the Loire Valley, this list of the most beautiful places in France is sure to inspire your next storybook adventure.

Lake Annecy

Fed by Alpine streams and a deep water spring near the town of Annecy, Lac D’Annecy – roughly 30 miles from the Swiss city of Geneva – is among Europe’s most pristine secret lakes. The site is ideal for hiking and swimming, even though the water barely pushes the 75-degree mark at the height of summer. Just one more excuse to warm up with a traditional French Alpine meal come dinnertime.

Located about an hour west of Geneva, the third-largest city in France should move up a few notches on your list. Lyon is known for its innovative restaurants (try La Bijouterie for French dim sum) as well as its beautiful, UNESCO-listed neighbourhoods and Old Town – filled with boutique hotels, riverside markets, and hilltop cathedrals.

Hôtel Le Coucou Méribel

This family-friendly hotel in the Alps puts a playful spin on the traditional ski chalet concept – think polka-dot carpets, furniture legs shaped like ski poles, and frescoed ceilings depicting owls in the treetops. Throw in an exceptionally good ski-in ski-out location in the Trois-Vallées estate, and you have yourself one of the coolest accommodations in France.

A renowned summer getaway for royals and celebrities alike (you might remember it from Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises ), the beaches of Biarritz, in Basque country along the Bay of Biscay, are not only gorgeous – they’re also hugely popular with surfers thanks to their mellow, safe-for-beginners waves.

The Camargue

The Camargue, a marshy delta between the Mediterranean and the two branches of the Rhône, feels like another continent. Visitors can take Jeep tours deep into the wilderness, punctuated with briny ponds, red salt flats, and wind-whipped reeds and grasses. You’ll also see the Camargue’s trademark free-roaming white horses and some of its 400 bird species – if you’re lucky, you might even spot some flamingos.

Gardens of Marqueyssac

The famous Gardens of Marqueyssac make up one of the most stunning landscapes in France – and the world. The 150,000 bubbly boxwood trees and hedges wrap around a 17th-century chateau that overlooks the Dordogne Valley. The entire vista looks like an illustration from a Perrault fairytale.

Yep, the whole darn city. There’s a reason the word flâneur can’t be translated perfectly into English – the idea of a long, aimless stroll taken simply to soak up the scenery seems utterly French. And in Paris , there’s always something to stroll past. Walk the Promenade Plantee, considered the world’s first elevated park, stock up on cheese and wine for a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens, and end the day watching the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower.

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Some hotels are so shrouded in legend that they are worth planning an entire trip around. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of those places. This Belle Époque landmark really needs no introduction, but we never pass up an opportunity to swoon over its seaside location, Dior spa, and bedside vases overfilled with roses from the garden.

Burgundy is home to some of France’s loveliest landscapes, from rolling green vineyards to forested national parks. Take a road trip through the region to get nonstop views of the countryside – with plenty of winery pit stops along the way.

Gordes is easily one of the most charming towns in France. Its elevated location makes it one of the best places in Provence to watch the sunset, and it is also an excellent home base for seeking out lavender fields during the summer months.

Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi is a tree-lined, 150-mile-long waterway running from the city of Toulouse down to the Mediterranean. While you can certainly admire the canal’s beauty from the shores, we recommend taking in the views from the polished teak deck of a river barge. You can’t do much better than Les Bateaux Belmond , a series of cruises exploring France’s waterways – complete with heated pools and king-sized beds.

The roof of western Europe is the birthplace of alpinism and home to one of today’s most vibrant mountain sports communities, so it’s a given that Mont Blanc and its subsidiary peaks needn’t bow to any mountains, anywhere. Its needle-like, Gothically-drawn skyline is the kind that inspires poets and painters.

Les Calanques National Park, Marseilles

Les Calanques are long, rocky inlets that resemble Norwegian fjords and jut out into the ocean between Cassis and Marseille – and trust us when we say the water here is some of the bluest you’ll ever see. Take a motorboat tour to get some of the best views, but be sure you head back to the mainland in time for a perfect seafood lunch.

Château de Chenonceau

The entire Loire Valley is a treasure trove of beautiful castles , but Château de Chenonceau easily rises to the top of the pack – both in terms of beauty and popularity. The current château was built on top of an old mill starting in 1514, while the trademark bridge and gallery were added about 60 years later. Today, the river-spanning structure and surrounding gardens are one of the most-visited attractions in the entire country.

Champagne-Ardenne

As its name suggests, Champagne-Ardenne is the birthplace of bubbly and one of the most beautiful regions in France. The area is covered with idyllic valleys and vineyards, of course, but also ancient castles, chateaus, and abbeys. Make sure to visit the capital city of Troyes for splendid churches from the Middle Ages, and Reims for underground wine cellars and the masterpiece Cathédrale Notre-Dame.

Palace of Versailles

An enduring symbol of the pinnacle of luxury, Louis XIV’s 18th-century residence is one of the most impressive combined displays of art, architecture, interior design, and landscaping in the world. Don’t miss the queen’s bedchambers, a masterpiece of over-the-topness; the legendary Hall of Mirrors, still used by the French government today to receive heads of state; or the three square miles of perfectly manicured gardens.

Château de Fontainebleau

This sprawling château was reportedly the preferred residence of Napoleon, and honestly? We get it. With its whopping 1,900 rooms and sprawling gardens – not to mention its stately facade – Château de Fontainebleau is easily one of the most beautiful places in France. Best of all, it's within an hour's reach of Paris, making it perfect for a day trip .

Cliffs of Étretat, Normandy

Located along France’s Alabaster Coast, the pebble beach of Étretat is popular among sailors and surfers. But most visitors come to this stretch of coast in Upper Normandy for one reason: the famous chalk cliffs and arched rock formations. At various points along Étretat’s 80-mile stretch, you’ll find natural sculptures that have inspired travellers and artists (most notably Claude Monet) for ages.

Sénanque Abbey

The seemingly endless stretches of lavender make Provence one of the prettiest (and best-smelling) places in France. One of the most scenic spots to enjoy the flower fields is Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century church near the village of Gordes. The abbey's gentle heather-grey colour looks custom-made for its surroundings, particularly in June and July when the acres around it bloom into a sea of purple.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral is sometimes known as “The Pink Cathedral” for its trademark colour, which comes from the reddish sandstone used to build it. Although the original plans called for a pair of spires on top of the church, only one was built, giving the building a unique, somewhat mysterious look.

Walt Disney would surely approve of Colmar, with its timber-framed houses, colourful facades, and flower-lined canal. The commune is a delight to take in, whether it’s strolling the cobblestoned streets or taking a canoe trip down the water. Along with Kayersberg and Strasbourg, this provincial town is a trademark of the beautiful and charming Alsace region, located in northeastern France near Germany and Switzerland .

Mont Saint-Michel

Rising up from vast sandbanks and powerful tides, the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel gives off an otherworldly appearance in its position off France’s northwestern coast in Normandy. A small medieval village, complete with winding streets and tiny houses, sits on the island, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The incredible structure was built in 708AD and was the inspiration behind the castle in Disney's Tangled.

Gorges du Verdon

Gorge du Verdon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of France.” And although it might be smaller than its American counterpart, it certainly doesn’t fall short in terms of beauty. The 2,300-foot-deep valley was formed by the Alpine Verdon River, a dazzling turquoise stream that flows into the artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix. Hiking and horseback riding trails weave throughout the vertical limestone cliffs, connecting tiny villages and offering once-in-a-lifetime views.

The town of Menton has all the beauty of the Côte d’Azur’s better-known coastal cities (see: Marseille, Nice ), but a fraction of the crowds. With over 316 days of sunshine a year, exceptional gardens, boutique-filled alleyways, and quality Italian cuisine due to its position on the Franco-Italian border, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip.

Giverny is a small village on the border of Normandy most famous for being the site of Claude Monet’s cherished riverside house and garden, both of which are open to the public today. The pastel pink house is as pretty as a picture, with spring green shutters and ivy crawling up every surface. The gardens are like an impressionist painting come to life, with water lilies, weeping willows, wisterias, and the famous green Japanese bridge.

Auvergne Volcanoes

One of Europe’s largest regional parks (it’s roughly the size of Rhode Island), the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park consists of a cluster of around 80 dormant volcanoes. Take the cable car up to Puy de Sancy, the highest mountain in the park, for an easy (but still breathtaking) 2.5-mile ridge hike.

Plateau de Valensole, Provence

When it comes to lavender, timing is everything: to experience the full sniff-and-swoon effect of a glorious field of purple stalks, visit in June and July, when the flowers are abuzz with bees. Explore lesser-known spots such as Sault or Forcalquier and keep an eye out for roadside farmers’ stands, which are the real deal for honey and fragrant lavender by-products. Try a stress-busting lavender-oil-based massage at the L’Occitane spa at boutique hotel Le Couvent des Minimes , set in an elegantly restored 17th-century convent.

Grands Crus Wine Trail

This bucolic 170km stretch takes you past rolling vineyards and through more than 100 storybook villages with brightly coloured Alsatian half-timber houses and scores of ancient wine-tasting cellars where you can sniff and swirl aromatic Pinot Blanc and chat with the local vignerons . If you don’t fancy learning about Sylvaner, Riesling or Gewürztraminer grapes, the dreamy countryside will conquer the heart of even the most jaded teetotaller. Don’t miss a stop in Eguisheim, a hamlet near Colmar with cobblestone lanes and gingerbread houses, where storks nest on rooftops and flowers hang over every carved window frame. Best bet: the family-run Maison Emile Beyer excels in luscious rare grands crus.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Basque Country

There’s nothing trendy about this seawater spa town, where the simple pleasures range from detoxing with algae wrap to body surfing in the waves, just six miles from the Spanish border . Order a steaming bowl of homemade fish soup at the harbour lined with red and white half-timbered houses, then explore the pedestrianised backstreets and stock up on local espadrilles and pastel-striped linens. The town’s must-see showstopper: Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the stained-glass 14th-century church where Louis XIV married Marie-Thérèse of Austria in 1660. Stay at the splendid Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa , a pink and white Belle Epoque confection overlooking the Atlantic.

Cassis, Provence

It’s no mystery why Dufy, Derain and even Churchill felt compelled to paint Cassis’ miniature port – a curve of pink, yellow ochre and eggshell-blue houses and wooden fishing boats. But the allure of this unique gentrification-resistant village doesn’t stop there. Aside from the pure joy of slurping down fresh sea urchins with local wine at the harbourside restaurants, you can stroll along the dazzling coastal limestone cliffs –  les Calanques  – that lead to turquoise water or unfurl your towel on the pebbly Plage du Bestouan. Stay at on-the-water Les Roches Blanches , a gem facing the glinting gold Cap Canaille.

Ramatuelle, Le Var

Only a few kilometres from the sandy stretch of Pampelonne beaches and verdant vineyards, this discreet fortified hilltop village – a former Saracen stronghold of tiny flower-lined alleyways and pastel-shuttered façades – is the bling-free flip side of Saint-Tropez . In high season, expect a linen-clad second-home crowd strolling around the snail-shaped circular maze of boutiques or sipping espresso at the family-run Café de l’Ormeau in the leafy square. On Thursday and Sunday mornings, the Provençal market takes over with an array of goat’s cheeses, olives, fragrant soaps and local crafts. Hop down to beachside haunt Chez Camille for the real deal in bouillabaisse.

Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne

If you’re a hang-gliding enthusiast, floating over Auvergne’s Chaîne des Puys, Europe's largest chain of extinct volcanoes, is one way to visit this spectacular park. But you can also glimpse a partial view of these 80 symmetrical cones by driving or hiking through the neighbouring countryside. Here, in the heart of France’s rural zone of undulating valleys, verdant forests and grassy pastures dotted with grazing cows, there are few distractions, save the farmers’ markets – a cornucopia of home-cured sausages and regional cheeses. For hearty local comfort food, head to the Hôtel Bel Horizon in Vic-sur-Cère and order pounti , a prune and bacon terrine, and truffade , a potato pancake cooked in duck fat and topped with fresh Cantal.

Cap Corse, Corsica

Less than an hour’s drive away from the bustling seaport of Bastia, this wild peninsula of tiny fishing villages, Genoese towers and dunes of soft sand is a small miracle of seaside splendour that continues to avoid over-development. Head to the tip of the finger at Macinaggio and take the coastal footpath that winds around the cliffs. Sheep and cows graze in a grassy meadow just behind the inlets of emerald and aquamarine sea; the rolling maquis-covered hillsides are a fragrant fête of wildflowers, rosemary, myrtle and thyme. Stay at the recently opened Misincu in Porticciolo, Cap Corse’s first smart eco-friendly retreat.

With more than 350 UNESCO-listed monuments – a mix of medieval, Renaissance and 18th-century treasures – Bordeaux exults in its status as the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site , but there’s far more to the city than alluring classic architecture. Stroll through the recently revitalised Bassins à Flot district – a long stretch of docklands transformed into tree-shaded walkways lined with riverside restaurants, then visit the city’s contemporary Wine and Trade Museum, a stunning showcase for the region’s exceptional grapes. On the landmark Place de la Comédie, grab a bite at the Quatrième Mur , a buzzing old-world-style brasserie flush with the Opera House, helmed by celebrity chef Philippe Etchebest, serving tasty regional specialities from black truffles to duck and mashed potato pie.

Îles d'Or

Less than a dozen kilometres by boat from the Riviera mainland near Hyères, these two government-protected slabs of rock – a mini-paradise of craggy cliffs, clear shallows, powdery beaches and eucalyptus-shaded paths – will quickly strip you of your ordinary routine. Among the endless recreational pleasures of island life (everything from hike-or-bike paths through vineyards and underwater parks teeming with rare marine life), visit the recently opened  Carmignac Foundation , a contemporary art museum on a wine estate lost in the pines.

Arles, Provence

Whether you’re wandering on the banks of the Rhone or through the medieval historic centre past the colossal Roman arena, there’s a certain village-like douceur de vivre about Arles that makes it unique. Ancient history and lots of nods to Van Gogh’s time painting here intermingle with a recent upsurge of contemporary artistic effervescence, starting with the ambitious Luma arts complex, featuring the city’s future cultural hub – the Gehry-designed steel-panelled tower shimmering against a blue sky, slated to open in 2021. Just beyond are the wetlands and pink salt flats of the Camargue, a bird-filled sanctuary where wild white horses also roam.

Megève, The Alps

Once a sleepy agricultural tannery town, this exclusive sunlit resort, launched by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild to rival Saint Moritz a century ago, still draws an affluent crowd who come for a fix of old-fashioned charm. Surrounded by majestic peaks and views of Mont Blanc, Megève’s storybook atmosphere – snow-covered pines, jingling horse-drawn carriages, an illuminated cobblestone main square – is also a joy in summer when the hiking trails are dotted with wildflowers. Book a stay at Les Fermes de Marie , the town’s uber-stylish 70-room hamlet of Alpine farmhouses, and get slathered with edelweiss-derived beauty products at its Pure Altitude Spa.

Menton, Côte d'Azur

Sheltered by a circle of mountains, this tranquil town flush with the Italian border still conjures a Dolce Vita vintage postcard – the gentle curve of beach, sorbet-coloured stacked houses and the baroque bell-tower church set in the cobblestoned backstreets are just the beginning. On the palm-fringed café-lined seafront, black-vested waiters dodge traffic, balancing trays of Aperol Spritz; at the end of the promenade, the curvy Ricciotti-designed Jean Cocteau Museum glitters in the sun like a white diamond. After a wander through the city’s subtropical gardens and emblematic lemon groves, book lunch at three-Michelin-star Mirazur , where chef Mauro Colagreco dishes up pure poetry on a plate.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Wedged between Nice and Monaco , this secluded 2.48-square-kilometre finger of privileged land is much more than a luxurious enclave of security-gated mansions. In this quiet, wind-sheltered village where just about anything will grow, there’s a splendid rocky footpath along the shimmering sea to explore, plus a national museum in the extravagant turn-of-the-century gardens at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, ablaze with exotic blooms. No wonder the likes of Somerset Maugham, Matisse, Chagall and Cocteau set up house here; for a taste of that timeless splendour, book a sun lounger at the Olympic-sized pool of Le Club Dauphin at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat Four Seasons .

Some of the content in this article was first published on Condé Nast Traveler .

20 Incredible Places to Visit in France

As a self-confessed Francophile, I’ve had my fair share of adventures through the French countryside and my beloved Paris. But every year without fail, I cannot help but to escape to France again and again, each time discovering a new city or town to add to my list. Here we have 20 of the most incredible places to visit in France, each of which I’m sure you will find just as magical as I did!

Post updated May 2022.

Favourites always come first for me and suffice it to say that my visit to Annecy a couple of years ago quickly shot this city to the top of my list. Many dinner party conversations have subsequently centred around the city of Annecy and I’m always more than keen to share every detail from my goat’s cheese salad for lunch to the paddle boats on the lake!

Read more: Is this the cutest town in France? Why you need to visit Annecy!

I knew before I arrived in Colmar that this would be a town I would fall in love with. The unique blend of French and German architecture in Alsace is just too beautiful to be ignored, so I had Colmar on my travel list for years before I finally had the chance to visit. This town is best explored in the warmer months, as the shoulder season tends to be cold and wet and the winter seasons is dreary and grey. Summer however – you can’t go wrong!

Read more:  This is the Prettiest town in France

Southern France has no shortage of cute towns to discover and Viviers is no exception. One of the best ways to explore the region is by river cruise (as I did with Avalon Waterways ) or you can opt for the tried and tested rental car and exploring the region by land. Quaint towns in Provence are easy to come by, so be sure to allow a few extra days in your travel plans to stop and explore a handful. See more on instagram.

The French city that surprised me most was Lyon. Until I began cycling around the city and eating my way through the many charming cafes, I had not realised that Lyon is in fact considered to be the gastronomic capital of France… even above Paris! This is a great city to explore for a few days and has so much more to offer than originally meets the eye.

Read more: A Complete Guide to Lyon

5. Burgundy

After cruising through Provence I made my way further North (towards Paris) and stumbled upon a few gems in the Burgundy region. One such gem was Chateau de Cormatin, an historic chateau that had been renovated and restored by a local family who saw it as their dream to re-open the chateau to the public for a living history lesson. Très magnifique!

Read more: Visiting Chateau de Cormatin in Burgundy

No list of the best places to visit in France would ever be complete without mention of my one and only true love in this lifetime: Paris. The French capital is every Francophile’s dream – incredible French cuisine, music, art and history all at your fingertips.

Read more: 30 Beautiful Hidden Locations in Paris

It was a few years ago when I first visited Beaune and although I loved every inch of the city then, I fell even more in love with it the second time around. Perhaps because my second visit was timed with market day (Saturdays in France), when the city really comes to life with a sense of community, centring around the one thing that means the most to the French… fine food and great wine!

Read more: A Provence and Burgundy River Cruise

The South of France is not where I expected to find one of the most charming little French villages, but I would be lying if I said anywhere is as quaint and quintessentially French as Eze.

Read more: Exploring the French Riviera by Vespa

Known mostly for its film festival, Cannes is a great starting point for exploring the French Riviera or a base to do a few day trips in area. Great stops along the coastline include Nice, Eze, and onwards to Monte Carlo, Monaco!

10. Loire Valley

If you’re anything like me and you’ve visited Paris one too many times to always fill your schedule, then consider a day trip or a short weekender in the Loire Valley, not too far from Paris and with so much countryside appeal. Immerse yourself in history by visiting the many public chateaus or make your way to a vineyard and take in the picturesque views.

Read more: Checking in to a Manoir in the Loire Valley

11. Versailles

Another great day trip from Paris that can easily be done in a day is to venture to the Chateau of Versailles and take a walk through French royal history. The gardens are seasonal and absolutely worth a visit if you’re in France during the warmer months – but regardless, the chateau is open year-round and an absolute must do.

12. Chateau de Bagnols

If visiting a chateau is not enough for you and you’d rather picture life living inside one, then look no further than the medieval style Chateau de Bagnols, a short drive from Annecy. Waking up in the French countryside is about as magical as it gets, let alone inside a regal chamber inside your very own chateau!

13. Strasbourg

As the gateway to the Alsace region, Strasbourg really surprised me and quickly became one of my favourite cities in all of France. With German and French influence in almost every aspect of life (cuisine, language, architecture), it really is a unique city that brings together two of my favourite cultures, especially during the festive season with one of the most gorgeous Christmas markets you will find in Europe!

Read more: A Quick Guide to Strasbourg

14. Chateau de Bagatelle

One of Paris’ best kept secrets is often over looked by travellers and somehow (even in the age of the internet) so underrated! Chateau de Bagatelle is a small and quaint chateau with gorgeous gardens – a perfect summer escape from the busy streets of Paris.

Read more: Visiting Chateau de Bagatelle

15. Chateau de Sceaux

In just ten kilometres from the centre of Paris you can reach one of the most glorious chateaus I believe in all of France- Chateau de Sceaux. If you chance your visit during April, be sure to keep an eye on cherry blossom season as the gardens turn a shade of pastel pink!

Read more: The 7 Best Day Trips From Paris

16. Chateau de Chantilly

North of Paris you will find one of the best day trips from the capital – Chateau de Chantilly. This is also the chateau of the last king of France, which perhaps explains the oversized mote surrounding the castle!

Read more: Visiting Chateau de Chantilly

Located on the Rhône River in the Provence region is a small, unassuming little town with so much charm it is forgivable to pinch yourself! Arles is also a great insight into Roman influence in this region of France, with a huge amphitheatre almost in the centre of town that still remains very well in tact.

18. Tournon-sur-Rhône

If the Rhône River is on your bucket list, then look no further than the perfectly picturesque town of Tournon. Not only is this a great base to explore nearby vineyards and scenery, but also the hometown of Valrhona chocolate, considered by chefs to be the most premium chocolate in the world!

19. Mont Saint-Michel

This island commune in Normandy is as pretty as a postcard! Mont Saint-Michel has long been a favourite for photographers who flock to capture the unique and charming town.

20. Bordeaux

Last of all, the famous wine-loving city is hard to beat, especially if you love a good grape! Bordeaux is the top choice for foodies and wine lovers… its just a bonus that it (like all cities and towns on this list) is easy on the eye!

Over to you! Where is on your France bucket list!?

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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5 Fabulous French Weekend Breaks in Central France

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

French Weekends in Central France

Looking for Paris weekend breaks not far from the French capital? Explore Central France, located within a stone’s throw from Paris. The world-famous Loire River has transformed the heart of France into a rich area of great beauty, peppered with lush valleys and dense forests. Central France is also an area full of picturesque medieval towns, impressive Gothic cathedrals, and beautiful Renaissance châteaux, proposing visitors hundreds of ideas for short weekend getaways in France.

If you are wondering where to go in France for a weekend keep reading. To get you started, here are five of our favorite French weekend breaks in Central France. Five tried-and-tested French weekends with some good addresses and our best tips to get the most out of your time during your 2 – 3 days in the heart of France.

Best of Central France

This article on French weekend breaks in Central France only considers the French region of Centre – Val de Loire. Click here to read more about this region of Central France and all the French Regions.

People go to Chartres to visit its impressive cathedral but Chartres is also one of the most interesting Central France cities, with little streets flanked by old buildings, its charming stairs linking the Old and New Town and romantic walks along the Eure River. 

Chartres is since the Middle Ages an important pilgrimage center. All this religious tourism and the exploitation of the fertile plains of the Beauce river allows the emergence of an affluent class that participates in the financing of the new cathedral in 1194.

Chartres Cathedral is definitely one of the main Central France attractions. The Cathedral is almost unique in all France for its architectural homogeneity, the delicate sculptures of its facades and the symbolism and quality of its stained glass windows. On the cathedral’s floor, pilgrims still follow the 261.50 m of the labyrinth meanders praying, meditating or on their knees. This labyrinth is considered the symbolic path to God and eternity.

How to spend a weekend in Chartres?

• Try to arrive on Friday, when the cathedral’s staff removes all the chairs, to walk through the labyrinth .
• Get lost in the streets of the Upper Town , near the cathedral. This part of the city has beautiful half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the oh-so-pretty Rue des Écuyers .
• If there’s an attraction that truly belongs in Chartres it’s the International Stained Glass  Center . Learn about the stain glass technique and visit the workshop to see the craftsmen and women at their benches.
• Walk along the banks of the Eure River , in the Lower Town to get a feel for medieval Chartres.
• Visit the beautiful Château de Maintenon , located 20 km north-east of Chartres. During summer, guided visits are organized at night to explore the château’s impressive gardens, designed by the famous landscape designer Le Nôtre.
• Be captivated by Chartres’ Light Show in its historic center. From April to October, after dark, 20 of the city’s monuments, including bridges, the cathedral, and Episcopal Palace become the canvas for spellbinding projections accompanied by music.

PRACTICAL INFO & OUR FAVORITES | CHARTRES

How to travel to Chartres

By Train. There are many direct train connections from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres. The train journey lasts 1 hr to 1.5 hrs. 

>> Book your train tickets to Chartres with Trainline

Where to sleep in Chartres?

Hotel Jehan de Beauce . Built in the 1930s in the center of Chartres, right in front of the train station, this entirely renovated hotel proposes rooms decorated in Art Déco style or in Art Nouveau style. The hotel also has a sauna and an on-site bar.

>> Here’s a selection of other wonderful hotels in Chartres

The Berry (from Bourges to Sancerre)

Bourges has managed to conserve a rich architectural heritage, today classified, including the famous Jacques-Coeur Palace , its majestic Cathedral of Saint Étienne, pretty winding streets sheltering many medieval houses, as well as interesting museums.

Visit also the huge marsh at the gates of the city, a wonderful green lung of 135 Ha which is listed as Natural Heritage by Unesco and makes part of Bourges’ history and identity. From the marsh, there’s one of the most beautiful views of Bourges’ cathedral and surrounding medieval houses.

To offer a good balance with this cultural stop that is Bourges, head to Sancerre for a gustative stop . Set at 312 m on a rocky outcrop and with an architecture perfectly preserved, Sancerre is also well known for its vineyards. Sancerre vineyards are the oldest in France (I century AD), producing the AOC Sancerre wines which are mostly white but not only. A great place to know about these wines is the Maison des Sancerre , considered THE shop window of Sancerre wines.

How to spend a weekend at the Berry?

• Visit the Jacques-Coeur Palace , one of the most beautiful examples of civil Gothic architecture.
• Get lost in Bourges’ Old Town , with beautiful medieval houses and squares and the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, one of Monet’s sources of inspiration.
• Explore Bourges’ beautiful marsh by bike .
• Do some shopping at Aux Arômes du Vieux Bourges . A wonderful and very reputed shop classed historical monument that sells traditional chocolates, and sweet treats typical of Bourges.
• Visit Sancerre , with terrific views over the Loire Valley.
• Visit the Maison des Sancerre before heading to explore the village’s vineyards.

PRACTICAL INFO & OUR FAVORITES | THE BERRY

How to travel to Bourges in the Berry

By Train. Trains from Paris leave from Gare d’Austerlitz to Bourges, via Bercy (total duration 2 hrs 15 min). From Bourges, there are 2 daily buses to Sancerre (49 min), one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

>> Book your train tickets to Bourges with Trainline

By Car. This is definitely the best option for this French weekend in the Berry. The drive from Paris to Bourges takes 2 hr 45 min. If you don’t have your own car, we recommend renting one in Paris.

>>  Browse the Car Rental Companies operating in Paris

Where to sleep in Bourges?

Logis Villa C Hotel . This elegant property built in the 19th century is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the historical center and Bourges Cathedral and a 2-minute walk from the train station. Its 12 rooms are spacious and bright and the ones located on the first floor come with an individual terrace.

>> Here’s a selection of other wonderful hotels in Bourges

If you are looking for fabulous short breaks to France, Tours is always a good idea. Tours is a historic city, capital of a kingdom even if for a short time, and with a rich heritage. It is also a student city, with a lively city center populated by many restaurants and bars that pop up their terraces outside as soon as the beautiful days arrive. 

With such an interesting past and its perfect location in the heart of Loire Valley, Tours is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Paris by train.

Wander around its historic quarters with their half-timbered houses, Saint-Gatien Cathedra l and the bustling Place Plumereau , as well as the  Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre .

On sunny days, be sure to include in your Tours wanderings a rest break at the famous Tours-sur-Loire Guinguette, where the beach extends the city limits to the banks of the Loire River.

How to spend a weekend in Tours?

• Visit the Musée du Compagnonnage (mentoring network), born during the big medieval construction sites
• Wander aimlessly around the Marché des Halles , then head to Plum’ Square for a “petit noir” (little black coffee)
• Relax at the Guinguette at the banks of the Loire River
• Rent a bike and head to Château de Villandry , to see its magnificent gardens.

PRACTICAL INFO & OUR FAVORITES | TOURS

How to travel to Tours

By Train. There are many direct train connections from Paris Montparnasse to Tours. The train journey only lasts 1 hr.

>> Book your train tickets to Tours with Trainline

Where to sleep in Tours?

B&B La Maison Jules. This is a charming hôtel particulier of the 19th century, with its architecture so typical of Tours, located in the city center at only 6 minutes by walk from the Cathedral. The property offers a garden, terrace and a cozy living room with a fireplace. La Maison Jules proposes 5 personalized rooms, very cozy and decorated with a good taste. 

>> Here’s a selection of other wonderful hotels in Tours

North of the Loire River (Orléans to Sully-sur-Loire)

For those looking for more dynamic French weekends, we propose this little road trip to the North of the Loire from Orléans to Sully-sur-Loire. The area is dotted with beautiful châteaux and other interesting stone monuments, without forgetting some little museums which are worth a detour. 

Orléans is one of the most interesting places to visit in Central France. It is a very dynamic city that, over recent years, has engaged in major conservation projects aimed at revealing all its former splendor.  Orléans is the perfect base for you to set off and discover the north of Loire Valley and its famous châteaux: Chambord, Blois, Sully-sur-Loire (just to name a few!) are less than an hour from the city.

Orléans is also the city of Joan of Arc , the lady who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the liberation of the town, at the time occupied by the English. The famous seat of the city was decisive for the unity and independence of the country.

Take advantage of your stay in Orléans to visit two rather atypical museums and a castle, before taking up the edge of the wild river.

How to spend a weekend in Orléans?

• Visit the Cathedral of Sainte-Croix , following the steps of Jeanne d’Arc.
• Relax on the banks of the Loire River with your favorite drink.
• Visit the Musée Campanaire Bollée in Saint-Jean-de-Braye. Bollée was the last French craftsman to make bells with his own hands. Each bell is a unique musical instrument (the mold is destroyed after its manufacture) and the sound produced is obtained by a very precise composition of the tin and copper alloy used.
• Also surprising is the Museum of the Fairground Theater in Artenay. Medieval jokers, harlequins, puppeteers… a complex universe shared between the world of theater and that of travelers.
• Visit the Château de Sully . This is a château-fort , a true castle, built to control one of the few sites where the  Loire  can be forded.

PRACTICAL INFO & OUR FAVORITES | ORLÉANS TO SULLY-SUR-LOIRE

How to travel to Orléans

By Train. There are many direct train connections from Paris Austerlitz to Orléans. The train journey lasts 1 hr 10 minutes. Artenay and Saint-Jean-de-Braye are very easy to reach from Orléans by train and tram.

>> Book your train tickets to Orléans with Trainline

By Train + Car. This is definitely the best option if you want to visit all the stops proposed between Orléans and Sully-sur-Loire. To avoid the hassle of driving through Paris, we recommend taking the train from Paris to Orléans and then rent a car for a day in Orléans to visit the other places.

>>  Browse the Car Rental Companies operating in Orléans

Where to sleep in Orléans?

Hotel des Cedres . This hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Orléans historical center and the train station. It offers well-equipped, and spacious rooms and a flowered garden where you can relax with your favorite drink after your explorations.

>> Here’s a selection of other wonderful hotels in Orléans

If you are looking for picturesque France weekend breaks, Chinon is the place to go. Located west of Tours, the small town of Chinon is one of the most beautiful Central France towns and the perfect gourmet and cultural combination for a great weekend getaway in Central France.

Casually stretched out on the banks of the Vienne River , at the foot of a high cliff crowned by its imposing fortress, Chinon is a medieval masterpiece with its towers and keeps. The view of the royal fortress of Chinon from the bridge over the Vienne takes the breath away to its visitors.

Outside the recently restored fortress, the charm and the sublime always operate, and it is a wonder to wander aimlessly through the medieval streets of this charming town. Rue Voltaire , the main medieval street in Chinon, is superbly enhanced. This is a paved street, with houses dating from the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth, each more beautiful than the other.

Surrounded by the vineyards of the Loire Valley and well-known for its wine and local produce, Chinon is also a foodies paradise. Choose your favorite restaurant-terrace and enjoy a glass of Chinon wine paired with Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese; or perhaps you want to taste the fouaces  and  fouées that Rabelais (the famous writer and humanist born in Chinon) loved so much, the Richelais truffles or rillettes made from fish from the Loire.

How to spend a weekend in Chinon?

• Visit the royal fortress of Chinon
• Visit one of the surrounding châteaux. We recommend the fairy-tale Château du Rivau.
• Walk along the banks of the Vienne River and stop for a glass of Chinon and rillettes at one of the guinguettes facing the river.
• Wine tasting (and perhaps some wine shopping) in one of Chinon’s cellars.

PRACTICAL INFO & OUR FAVORITES | CHINON

How to travel to Chinon

By Train. Trains Paris – Chinon leave from Paris Montparnasse , with a change of trains in Tours. The total journey is 3 hrs. Buses to Château de Rivau (30 min) leave from the Statue of Rabelais in Chinon.

>> Book your train tickets to Chinon with Trainline

Where to sleep in Chinon?

Hotel Diderot . This beautiful 17th-century property proposes guests cozy rooms and a wonderful terrace-garden with a fantastic collection of English roses, perfect for breakfast or a relaxing moment after your explorations. Don’t miss Laurent’s home-made “confitures”.

>> Here’s a selection of other wonderful hotels in Chinon

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Beyond Paris, the Best Places to Visit in France This Year

France can capture your heart in a week but takes a lifetime to truly explore..

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Surf culture and Basque cuisine meet in Biarritz.

Photo by Michelle Heimerman

The French have long perfected the art of vacationing and take great pride in exploring their own country year after year. There’s little wonder why. France packs a lot within its borders. There are two gorgeous coastlines, one lapped by the gentle waters of the Mediterranean, the other pounded by Atlantic surf, plus more than 1,000 islands and islets. Inland, as soon as you get away from the big cities—having gotten your fill of restaurants, markets, and museums—you’ll find yourself in blissfully peaceful countryside, meandering between villages and vineyards, or even hiking the slopes of now-extinct ancient volcanoes.

The most important thing is to take your time. You can easily spend two weeks just in Provence or Corsica. So, as you’re researching places to visit in France, do as the French do—pick one destination and get to know it inside out. You can always visit somewhere new next year. Here’s a complete guide on where to go next in France.

Where should I go if it’s my first time in France?

Aix-en-Provence: the birthplace of Paul Cézanne and a quintessential Provençale getaway

Photo by Eric Masur/Unsplash

There’s nowhere more quintessentially French than Provence, where olive trees dot the arid countryside and lavender fields burst into barely believable color come June. This is the France that inspired Cezanne’s softly focused landscapes, the France where the sun shines some 300 days a year, and where market day still sets the rhythm of weekly life.

Aix-en-Provence should be your first base. This sun-soaked tangle of ancient stone buildings with creaky shutters is at once a sleepy college town and elegant former provincial capital. A few days is plenty to soak up its charms: guided tours of the olive-laden markets followed by a game of pétanque , the Bonnard exhibition (and checking out the beautiful courtyard garden) at the Hôtel de Caumont , and at least one afternoon spent sipping rosé in a shady square, church bells tolling in the background.

You’ll need a car to explore further, staying in a mas (farmhouse B&B) or two as you go. The hilltop village of Gordes, its tile-roofed houses stacked up a rocky outcrop, is so pretty it’s officially classed as one of the most beautiful in France —and attracts plenty of visitors, especially in July and August, when the French enjoy their month-long vacations. Take your time exploring the Luberon to discover Provence’s lesser-known highlights, among them discovering the medieval village of Oppède le Vieux, hiking through the Foret de Cedres near Bonnieux, and kayaking down the Sorgue River.

How about if I like big waves and taking it easy?

Biarritz, an erstwhile seaside getaway for royalty, is now renowned for its surf breaks and high-end alfresco dining.

Photos by Michelle Heimerman

You can really let your hair down in France’s surf capital, just 30 minutes’ drive from the Spanish border. It’s undoubtedly the only place in the country where you can watch a surfer tuck a longboard under their arm in the middle of a city street on your way to a Michelin-starred dinner. This is France, but not as you know it, fueled by wild Atlantic waves and the richness of Basque culture and cuisine.

That said, the secret is definitely out. Biarritz is now as chic and expensive in some parts as it is laid-back in others. But if you’re not a Parisan driving up local property prices, you’ll find the welcome warm, the surf powerful, and opportunities to try the local hot pepper, piment d’Espelette , plentiful.

Steer away from the fancy Grand Plage and hire boards or book lessons from Hastea on the Côte des Basques instead. It’s not uncommon to see surfers rescued by helicopter when the beach vanishes at high tide and waves crash into the promenade, so keep an eye on the shore as well as the break. If you’d prefer not to get your feet wet, watch the action with a beer from Etxola Bibi high on the clifftop.

I’m all about urban music and street art

France’s second most populated city divides opinion. To some, Marseille is a sleepy southern backwater. To others , it’s wild and downright dangerous. The truth is somewhere in between. While your first impression is likely to be one of charming pastel buildings and a yacht-stuffed harbor, the real beat of Marseille is harder to find.

Street art tours are a great way to get under the city’s skin. The best guides take you away from the waterfront to explore the area around Le Cours Julien . Once dominated by markets and warehouses, this neighborhood is now a colorful outdoor canvas, peppered with expressive street art, cool galleries, coffee shops, and bars. At night, it’s one of the best spots to join the locals for a spritz (or three).

Rap is just as intertwined with the city’s creative soul as its graffiti scene. An ever-evolving legacy started in Marseille’s 1980s heyday can be traced across spots name-checked by the likes of Jul and SCH. If French rap is new to you, the lyrics to their 2020 smash (with several other rappers) Bande Organisée perfectly paint the city’s seedy side, giving new meaning to the phrase “ C’est Marseille, bébé” (This is Marseille, baby).

For DJs and epic views, head to R2 Le Rooftop , where thousand-strong crowds dance the night away to everything from hip-hop to house.

I’m looking for art, culture, and photography. Surprise me.

Modern architecture and Roman amphitheaters share a home in Arles.

Photo by Baptiste Buisson/Unsplash

The opening of the Frank Gehry–designed arts center, Luma , really put Arles on the map three years ago. But this tiny, UNESCO-listed southern city has been on the French cultural radar for much longer.

It doesn’t take long to get your bearings. Arles is set around a magnificently preserved Roman amphitheater, where mock gladiator fights enrapture groups of kiddos. Beyond, narrow alleyways lace between ancient ruins and vine-draped houses, restaurant tables spilling into the streets and barely a car in sight. It’s a magical place, particularly during its many festivals and events. Watch flamenco performers dance beneath the moonlight in cobblestone courtyards during FlamencA , held this year from July 29 to August 15, and then go wandering in search of free live music during Les Rues en Musique , which runs around the same time from July 26 to August 10.

The best time to visit is between July and September when you can catch the internationally renowned Rencontres d’Arles , the annual photography festival, which spreads exhibitions across venues around the city. This year, the festival will explore the theme “beneath the surface”, exploring new perspectives and intertwining narratives.

Staying at L’Arlatan , a gorgeously colorful boutique hotel set in a private mansion, protected as a historic monument and renovated by artist Jorge Pardo, puts you in the center of the city.

I’ve eaten my way around Lyon. Where next?

Bordeaux has the most restaurants per capita outside Paris.

Photo by Guillaume Flandre/Unsplash

Bordeaux is fast becoming one of France’s most youthful, dynamic cities, with a growing tech scene and culinary offering that easily ranks among the best in Europe. The wine trade, of course, has underpinned the very fabric of Bordeaux since the Middle Ages. Barrels might no longer be rolled down to barges on the Garonne, but you can visit the engaging Cité du Vin , a museum dedicated to the history of wine and winemaking. The tourist office has the most comprehensive schedule of tours and tastings at nearby vineyards.

As for dining out, your options abound. Aside from Paris, Bordeaux claims to have the most restaurants per capita in the country; 12 of them have received one or two Michelin stars. Try the superb Ressources , with affordable and inventive three-, four-, or five-course menus. Expect delicate and precisely constructed dishes, such as scallops with garlic and cédrat (a large, knobbly cousin of the lemon otherwise known as citron) or beetroot or goose breast with porcini mushrooms and caviar.

Seafood, especially oysters raised in the tidal Arcachon basin, is particularly worth seeking out, as is an entrecôte bordelaise (steak with a rich, red-wine sauce) and at least one canelé (Bordeaux’s famous rum-soaked pastry). No matter the season, you’ll always find the very best of local produce on display at the city-center covered market, the Marché des Capucins.

Stay at the Bordeaux outpost of funky budget-boutique chain Mama Shelter to see the city at its most vibrant (and to soak up the views from the rooftop terrace).

Challenge my idea of France and French culture . . .

The island of Corsica is a dream destination for hiking, kayaking, and exploring medieval architecture in the town of Bonifacio.

Photo by Vadym Lavra/Shutterstock

What if you could lay on the beach in the morning and hike a snow-covered trail in the afternoon? It’s a combo more than possible on a trip to Corsica, the French island neighboring Sardinia in the northern Mediterranean, where vertiginous mountains appear to shoot straight from sea to sky.

Corsicans themselves will tell you one thing: They’re Corsican first and French second (if at all). Fiery politics aside, they’ve got plenty to be proud of. As well as some of the country’s most beautiful beaches (the white sands and translucent waters of Palombaggia and Rondinara in the southeast could be straight out of the Caribbean), you’ll find prehistoric ruins, ancient citadel cities, and scenic port towns such as Bonifacio and Saint-Florent, their marinas crowded with luxury yachts and speedboats.

You can’t see the whole island on one visit, but you can easily link the larger towns, such as Ajaccio, Porto Vecchio, and Bonifacio, driving your way across Corsica’s rugged interior in between. Hiking the entirety of the island’s infamous 124-mile-long trail, the GR20 , requires serious commitment and at least two weeks, but you can get a taste by joining one of the “stages” for a day.

Give me rolling countryside.

Trips to the Auvergne are all about scaling mountains—and rewarding yourself with plenty of local cheese.

Photo by Adrien Brun/Unsplash

The Auvergne

The French love to joke about the diagonale du vide, a vast diagonal swathe of rural France that sweeps from the country’s northeast to southwest. At its heart, you’ll find the Auvergne, the embodiment of bucolic sleepiness, where dense woodland seems to stretch endlessly over rolling hills—actually extinct volcanoes.

This wild region is fascinating to explore, especially with a pair of good hiking boots. Climbing the Puy de Dôme, the highest peak in the chain of 80 or so volcanoes that make up the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys outside the city of Clermont-Ferrand, is a great place to start. You can also follow the Auvergne cheese route , tasting your way through slices of pungent Bleu d’Auvergne, crumbly Cantal, and earthy Saint-Nectaire.

There’s luxury, too, if you know where to look, including at the Hôtel Restaurant Le Pré with its two-Michelin-star dining room. Unforgettable stays also await in the forest canopy itself at the Cabanes des Volcans tree houses (bookable in English via Airbnb ).

I want to visit the Riviera, but Cannes isn’t my vibe.

Kick-start a jaunt around southern France with a few days in Nice.

Photo by Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock

There’s so much more to the Riviera than the glitz of Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Nice, unlike the resort towns, remains an authentic city in its own right, especially when you wander beyond the Promenade des Anglais and the romantic (if touristy) old town into the genteel, residential neighborhoods that stack up the hillside.

Place du Pin, where cafés buzz from the first purr of the espresso machine to the last pour of beer, is the perfect local spot to get your bearings over coffee. From here, you’re steps from the modern art museum, MAMAC , or the start of the walk through the leafy Park de la Colline du Château , which offers wonderful views over the bay. The other essential Niçoise experience in this part of town is eating. Italian influences abound with the border just 30 minutes’ drive away, but the real local specialty is the crispy, chickpea-flour pancake, socca. Try it at Chez Pipo .

Down by the seafront, the Cours Saleya markets are always interesting to wander, overflowing with flowers and fresh produce each morning from Tuesday to Sunday. Nice’s narrow beach is best enjoyed from the comfort of a lounger, sequestered beneath one of the many beach clubs’ blue-and-white striped parasols, cocktail in hand. Or book a stay at Hôtel la Pérouse , up on the cliffs with far-reaching sea views over the sweeping Baie des Anges.

How about a totally untouched coastline?

Wild, rugged Brittany is a land of secret coves, charming ports, and excellent sailing opportunities.

Photo by Maureen Cosnard/Unsplash

If you’re looking for coastal isolation, Brittany’s calling your name. Especially out of high season, France’s northwestern tip is still a land of wild and windy coves, idyllic harbor villages, strings of protected islands, and salt-water swimming pools, fed by the tide. Avoid July and August, when Parisians flock to their second homes, and you’ll almost feel as if you have Brittany to yourself. The only downside is you can’t see the whole region on one trip.

If you’re dreaming of sunsets, long walks, and sea swims, base yourself on the northern pink granite coast . The village of Ploumanac’h, famous for the Men Ruz lighthouse, and Plougrescant, Brittany’s northernmost point, are among the best spots to see the glowing pink granite from which the area takes its name.

In the Gulf of Morbihan , to the south, it’s all about setting sail. Some 40 islands dot this protected bay. You can explore them from the deck of traditional fishing boats as well as small ferries that ply some of the major crossings.

True seclusion comes true with a short stay on wind-lashed Ouessant, part of the Molène archipelago, strung out in the Atlantic swell. The four-star Le Sport Ouessant & Spa has an outdoor pool, meditation spaces, and a restaurant serving local cuisine—but only 11 tranquil rooms.

Read more on why Brittany is best seen from the sea .

This article was originally published in June 2023 and was updated in June 2024 with new information.

Places to visit in France: discover beautiful regions and places in France

Almost every region in France has something interesting to discover - quiet villages, stunning scenery, historical buildings lost in the countryside, beaches...

...so before rushing to visit the most popular regions why not think about somewhere else for a change? You can avoid the crowds and still have a great time discovering the 'real' France!

Plan your visit

Explore places in france.

Enter a village or town, department or region name, then select from the dropdown list

France This Way has a simple goal - to introduce the most picturesque, the most scenic, and the most interesting places to visit in France. To help you better plan which part of the country you would like to visit there are several ways below to start exploring:

• choose one of the regions below
• enter any place name in the dropdown box
• see French towns and villages for highlights in every region and department
• visit our French travel ideas ...

Our France regional travel guides feature hundreds of the most scenic, interesting and picturesque places to visit in all parts of France to help you better plan your visit.

Each regional travel guide has its own detailed map to help you see locate and learn more about the places in France that interest you.

The most popular French regions with visitors include Brittany , the Dordogne and the Cote d'Azur (along with the rest of Provence ), and of course many tourists like to visit Paris .

Explore the regions of France

The information in the region travel guides below includes all the best towns in France, the favourite and famous places to visit, the most beautiful villages, the French heritage sites and historic monuments in France, the castles and gardens....and much more!

Alsace (now part of the Grand-Est region) is in eastern France, on the border with Germany to the east, and Switzerland to the south. It is the smallest region in France, and lies between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine.  Strasbourg is the capital of this heavily forested region, and the climate is almost 'continental' - hot summers and dry, cold winters.

The region is particularly visited for the very pretty villages, the Alsace vineyards and wine route, and the scenery.

see Alsace Travel Guide to visit the Alsace.

Aquitaine and the Dordogne

Aquitaine (now part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) is in the south-west corner of France. It reaches Spain at its southern frontier, and the Atlantic Ocean runs along the western edge of the region. For visitors the region falls into three distinct regions - the coasts and forest along the western edge; the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments further inland, and the western pyrenees to the south. Major cities in the region include Bordeaux, Biarritz and Perigueux.

The region is usually visited for the long sandy beaches and popular resorts along the Atlantic coast, and the castles and villages of the Dordogne.

see Aquitaine Travel Guide to visit Aquitaine and Dordogne Travel Guide for places to visit in the Dordogne department of France

The Auvergne (now part of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region) is part of the central (non-coastal) part of France, in the centre of the Massif Central. It is largely an isolated region of mountains, and dramatically rugged countryside and rocky gorges. Clermont-Ferrand is the capital of the region.

The region is typically visited for the impressive scenery and outdoor leisure activities.

see Auvergne Travel Guide to visit Auvergne

Brittany is a region of north-west of France, surrounded by the Atlantic ocean with the English channel to the north and the Bay of Biscay to the south. The capital of the region is Rennes.

The region is visited for its beaches, historic towns and quaint fishing villages as well as the chance to explore the islands off the coast.

see Brittany Travel Guide and Brittany seaside and coast to visit Brittany.

Burgundy (now part of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region) is found in the center of France, just north-east of the geographical center of the country and south east of Paris. Historically, and still now, it is one of the richer parts of France, and has been since hundreds of years ago when the Burgundians sided with the English during the Hundred Years War. Dijon is the capital of the region.

The region is often visited for the famous vineyards, the scenery and historic towns and villages.

see Burgundy travel guide to visit Burgundy.

The Centre-Val de Loire region is found in northern-central France and includes one of the most popular regions of France for visitors - the Loire Valley. It is here that many of the most famous chateaux of France are to be found. The capital of the region is Orléans.

The region is typically visited for the numerous imposing Renaissance castles, the impressive historial towns along the Loire river and the chance to enjoy the scenery along the rivers.

see Loire Valley Travel Guide

Champagne-Ardenne

Champagne-Ardenne (now part of the Grand-Est region) is found to the north-east of France, where it's frontier borders Belgium. The capital of the region is Chalons-en-Champagne.

The region is of course best known as being home to the famous champagne vineyards, which attract visitors from around the world.

see Champagne Travel Guide to visit Champagne.

Corsica is an island off the south-east of France, with a picturesque coastline and a mountainous interior. Corsica has 1,000km of coastline and more than 200 beaches, among them some of the best beaches to be found on the Mediterranean.

As well as the beaches it is the scenery, the mountains and the resorts that attract visitors to Corsica

see Corsica Travel Guide to visit Corsica.

Franche-Comte

Franche-Comte (now part of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region) is found to the east of France - the region borders onto Switzerland and extends from the Jura mountains to the Alps. Much of the countryside is an unspoiled mix of forests, hills and mountains, and open country interspersed with lakes and rivers.

Visitors come to Franche-Comté for the unspoiled and beautiful scenery as well as the pretty villages, lakes and numerous outdoor leisure opportunities.

see Franche-Comte travel guide

Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon (now part of the Occitanie region) is in southern France, on the Mediterranean coast and extends to Spain at its southern border. An interesting region with dramatic landscapes, impressive gorges, and plenty of medieval architecture.

The principal attractions for visitors include the extensive coast with its sandy beaches, the beautiful isolated countryside and villages in northern Languedoc, the historic towns with Roman monuments and the cathar castles

see Languedoc Travel Guide to visit Languedoc (the part of Languedoc to the north is covered by the Massif Central travel guide )

Limousin (now part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) is in the centre of France, around the town of Limoges. Much of the region is at an altitude of more than 350 metres, with a landscape of hills covered with woodland. The climate is not especially inviting - rain is frequent, and winters are very cold, so it is not always on the tourist circuit but a charming region to discover in the summer!

Visitors come to this region to enjoy the large areas of unspoiled countryside, beautiful scenery and traditional towns and villages

see Limousin Travel Guide to visit Limousin.

Lorraine (now part of the Grand Est region) is a 'frontier department' in north-east France that shares borders with three European countries - Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The department has the unenviable distinction of being the main invasion route for France, and many a hostile invasion has crossed the region in the last 1200 years...many of which have left their mark for visitors to discover and these form a large part of the tourist attraction

see Lorraine Travel Guide to visit Lorraine.

Normandy is on the coast of north-west France, where it faces the English Channel. Caen is the capital of the region.

Normandy is a very popular destination, visited for many reasons including the beaches, the belle-epoque seaside towns, the pretty countryside and some of the loveliest rural architecture and gardens to be found in France

see Normandy Travel Guide to visit Normandy

Midi-Pyrenees

The Pyrenees mountains are found along the border between France and Spain, and the Midi-Pyrenees region (now part of the Occitanie region) covers the middle section of the area. The Midi-Pyrenees region reaches from the Spanish border to the south and a long way north into areas that are quite remote from the Pyrenees mountains themselves eg Rocamadour in the Lot Department.

Visitors to the region will discover the spectacular mountain scenery while those further north will discover lovely villages and towns, and less mountainous but still very attractive countryside

see Midi-Pyrenees Travel Guide

Nord Pas de Calais

There is one principal attraction that the Calais region (now part of the Hauts-de-France region) is famous for - the battlefields and cemeteries of the WWI battles. Between Amiens and Lille, the battlefields are still a major destination, some of the trenches are kept intact to help the visitor better understand the battles and conditions that were faced, and the cemeteries are very poignant to visit

Although often visited for these commemorative destinations you will also discover other places of interest in the region around Calais

see Calais Travel Guide

Provence Alpes-Cote d'Azur

The Provence region covers the south-east corner of France. It is perhaps the most visited and most loved region of France, and includes beautiful Mediterranean coastline with famous resorts such as Cannes, Monaco and Nice, medieval villages clustered among the olive groves in sun-baked countryside, and to the north the mountainous regions of the Alps.

Visitors come here for the resorts and beaches, the mediterranean weather, the beautiful scenery, remarkable medieval villages and much more...

see Provence Travel Guide to visit Provence or Cote d'Azur travel guide for the coastal region

Paris Ile-de-France

Île-de-France is the most populated region of France, and includes Paris so it is often referred to as the Paris region. Many of the most famous places in France are found in Paris, and everyone who visits falls in love with the capital of France, as much for its shady boulevards, street side cafes and general atmosphere as for the famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Champs Elysées

see Paris Travel Guide

Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire region is situated between Brittany and Poitou Charentes, on the western side of France. Often you will be in this region, when you think you are in the Loire Valley or Brittany! Note that Nantes, formerly the capital of Brittany, is in this region.

The region is usually visited for the beaches in the Vendée department along the western coast which are especially popular with families

see Loire Travel Guide

Picardy (now part of the Hauts-de-France region) is a large flat area of open fields, with a fame arising from the WWI Battle of the Somme in the north of the region, and is also a region with a great deal of unspoiled countryside and some attractive towns and villages

see Picardy Travel Guide

Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes (now part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) is found half way up the western side of France, fronting the Atlantic Ocean / bay of Biscay. The capital of the region is Poitiers. The coastal region is said to be the second sunniest region of France (after Provence)

The principal attractions for visitors are the resorts along the coast, the beaches and villages on the Ile de Ré, and the historic town of La Rochelle.

see Poitou-Charentes Travel Guide to visit Poitou-Charentes.

The Rhône-Alpes region (now part of the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes region) is found in south-east France, where it borders Italy and Switzerland to the east, Provence to the south, and Burgundy to the north. It is a wild and very beautiful part of France.

Visitors are attracted here by the scenery and the chance to enjoy outdoor activities in the mountains and around the lakes

see Rhone-Alps Travel Guide

How to use this guide

There are thousands of pages of information about France and places in France in this site, and various ways to access them:

1) Select a region above to see various information about many of the places to visit in France. These include for each region the villages that have received the accolade 'most beautiful villages in France', the sites listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO, and many of the other places and highlights.

2) If you know what department you want to visit, but not which region it falls in (eg Dordogne is a department, not a region), see the departments of France which lists the departments and shows which region they fall in.

3) If you know the name of a place in France you want to visit, but not the department or region it falls in, use the search boxes to find it within the site.

4) for a complete searchable index of all 36,000 places in France see French communes

Please do spend some time exploring the different places in France in this section - there are more than 1500 towns, castles and villages listed, and much more, most with photos.

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10 beautiful towns to visit in france.

• Dan Forsythe
• May 7, 2024

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There are countless towns to visit in France that pack in more wow factor per square metre than most cities. We’re talking atmospheric time capsules, gastronomic hotbeds, and picturesque towns nestled in areas of natural beauty that showcase French culture without the big city noise. 

To fire wanderlusts and tease the imagination of French language learners, we’re embarking on a whistlestop tour of 10 irresistibly charming towns to visit in France. The kind of destinations locals check off their must-visit lists on spare weekends from all 6 corners of l’hexagon .

Looking to build your French skills to explore beyond Paris? Start your learning journey for free today with Language Atlas flashcards .

Honfleur – Calvados, Normandy

Honfleur is an estuary town famed for its patchwork of multi-story, multicoloured homes overlooking the old port. The picturesque scene is a favourite of artists, including Normandy native Claude Monet.

On the banks of the Seine, just a few kilometres from where the artery empties into the English Channel, Honfleur also caught the eye of English armies in the Hundred Years War before getting rich during the Maritime Age. Poetically, British troops liberated Honfleur after the Normandy landings in 1944.

Monet was not alone in capturing the timelessness of the quirky slate-covered houses in the Vieux Bassin (Old Basin). Landscape painter Eugène Boudin was born there, while several other noted artists spent time in the town. Today, you will see a few easels in the port, perhaps with the next Monet sitting at one.

Normandy – home to Mont Saint Michel, WWII landing beaches , and the Bayeux Tapestry (ooh, plus camembert and calvados) – can boast several of the prettiest towns to visit in France. But none that captured the imagination of artists quite like Honfleur .

Dinan – Côtes-d’Armor, Normandy

Brittany, the former Celtic nation on the nose of France, is home to several storybook towns to visit in France. Dinan is among the most atmospheric, with an old town unchanged since Brittany was ruled by Dukes    

The medieval time capsule rested safe and snug behind nearly 3 km of still-standing ramparts. Overlooking the Rance River and defended by a sturdy 14 th -century castle , the town got rich from the tolls from passing traders. This wealth is seen in the comparatively luxurious half-timbered houses lining the cobblestones of Rue du Jerzual, a street frozen in time.  

Large sections of the ramparts can be walked as Breton soldiers once did. Local rules ensure that listed buildings, many of which are lived in or serve as shops and restaurants, are perfectly restored.

There are numerous towns to visit in France that appear frozen in time; Dinan has been in deep freeze since the Middle Ages. When the streetlights dim after a night of crepes and cider, you could forget what century it is.

Antibes – Alpes-Maritimes (Côte d’Azur)

Antibes balances life on the glitzy French Riviera with being one of the more laidback towns to visit in France. Endlessly sunny, the port town on the Cap d’Antibes contrasts starkly with the rainy ports of northern France.

The sizeable town (population: 75,000) feels less flashy than nearby Cannes, yet is home to some of Europe’s swankiest hotels and its largest yachting harbour, offroad parking for the billionaires. 

Antibes started life as an ancient Greek colony, then gained infamy in 1815 when Napoleon landed on its beaches for one last doomed dice roll after escaping exile.

Traces of Antibes’ fascinating past are revealed in Roman aqueducts and landmarks like Fort Carré and Château Grimaldi (now a Picasso museum). But the town is better known for its Mediterranean climate and 48 gorgeous beaches.

The Côte d’Azur is home to some of the dreamiest and most exclusive towns to visit in France. Antibes is the unassuming gem, the place to go for French Riviera vibes without the pretensions of more glamourous resorts nearby.  

Annecy – Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Annecy, a town with an inimitable Alpine character on the Swiss border, illustrates the sheer diversity of good-looking towns to visit in France.   

Nestled on the tip of Lake Annecy close to Geneva, Annecy encompasses several communities and today has a population of 132,000. But the original Annecy town retains the character of a smaller town that hit the architectural jackpot, blessed with a gorgeous setting and a breathtakingly beautiful old town.

Canals wind through the ‘Venice of the Alps’ past monuments like the Palais de l’Isle, a 12 th -century island castle, and Château d’Annecy , once home to the Counts of Geneva.

Hit mountain trails, nip into Switzerland, or grow your waistline with regional delights that include several of France’s favourite dishes (raclette, tartiflette, and others with industrial quantities of cheese). It’s easy to see why Annecy is frequently named and voted one of France’s best places to live . Unless you’re recovering from a cheese addiction…

Beaune – Côte-d’Or, Burgundy

Nestled behind city walls that protected the historic wine cellars and surrounded by the rolling Côte d’Or vineyards, Beaune is known as the “Capital of Burgundy wines”. One of the most charming wine towns to visit in France, it is the ultimate base for exploring Burgundy, a dream region for oenophiles.

Major wine auctions occur at the town’s most recognisable landmark, the Hospices de Beaune , a 15 th -century almshouse distinguished by eye-catching geometric roof tiles.

The gastronomic map reveals plenty of intriguing towns to visit in France, including thousands of French wineries open to the public. The Grands Vins de Beaune will delight wine connoisseurs, while an old town oozing character will please anyone looking for the most attractive towns to visit in France.  

Troyes – Aube, Grand Est

The medieval jewels of Strasbourg and Colmar top tourist itineraries in the Grand Est. Less visited is Troyes, another medieval jewel of the region far from the German border.

The fading pastel hues of countless half-timbered houses and claustrophobic alleyways make Troyes another of those towns to visit in France where time stood still.

The poetically pointless Treaty of Troyes was signed here in 1420, and there are parts of the city the signatory kings of France and England would still recognise today.

Troyes is also the capital of champagne country and can be reached on a day trip from Paris. However, you might want to set aside more time to visit champagne houses, with several absorbing museums and gothic churches to fill the time between tastings.

Chantilly – Oise, Hauts-de-France

A recipe book would be a rich source of compelling towns to visit in France. Wikipedia lists 31 fromage/towns alone, although Chantilly will intrigue sweet tooth travellers.      

Chantilly is a small town just a 30-minute train journey outside Paris. The town gave its name to a lace and the vanilla-scented cream that may have first garnished a dessert at the Château de Chantilly .

Chantilly is also known as an aristocratic playground centred on the illustrious château and surrounding forest. The chateau, built for the influential House of Montmorency, is now home to the acclaimed Musée Condé. Within the grounds are France’s most prestigious stables and a leading racecourse that opened in 1834, home to one of France’s five classics, the Prix du Jockey Club.

There are plenty of towns to visit in France offering more to see and do. But not many with a royal pedigree like Chantilly, which offers a glimpse of an aristocratic France that survived the Revolution.  

Chartres – Eure-et-Loir, Centre-Val de Loire

Romanesque churches, top-heavy timbered houses, and medieval character are part of Chartre’s enduring romance. But the headline act is undoubtedly Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral , a UNESCO site and Gothic masterpiece completed in 1220.

Christian pilgrims have trekked to Chartres ever since, drawn to a relic from the Virgin Mary’s tunic. The majestic church crowned the first Bourbon King of France (Henry IV), and its intricate stained-glass windows survived fires, revolutionary mobs, and artillery bombardments.

The River Eure gently threads through dripping old-time character, elevating the Chartres to one of the most captivating towns to visit in France on a day trip from Paris (around 90-120 minutes by train).

Amboise – Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire

The Loire Valley is graced with some of the most romantic villages and towns to visit in France. Amboise , a laidback town with a jaw-dropping chateau, might be the most charming.

Amboise Castle dominates the skyline, but the architectural wonders spill into a town that hugs the castle and the riverbank. With lively cafes and classy bistros, it’s a microcosm of what makes the Loire Valley so magical.

The Château Clos Lucé , adjacent to the royal chateau, was where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. Parts of Amboise have remained unchanged since that day, making it a storybook base for exploring the fabled chateaux and vineyards of the region.   

Périgueux – Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Périgueux, the capital of Dordogne (formerly Perigord), is overshadowed by big and boisterous Bordeaux nearby. But just as charming with fewer crowds.  

The medium-sized town was founded by Gauls and settled by Romans. It is now the gateway to a region synonymous with gastronomy and natural beauty. You could happily lose time in Périgueux, too.

The town is renowned for its summer street parties that bring together food trucks from local farms and communal diners on traffic-free streets. Local landmarks include the cathedral (a waypoint on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route) and a Roman amphitheatre, while the cave paintings of Lascaux and numerous medieval castles are a short drive away.

Add it all up, and Périgueux is one of the more fascinating towns to visit in France. An absorbing place to set up camp to visit some of the most beautiful villages in France and explore the endless natural and gourmet pleasures of the Perigord.

There are dozens of other enchanting towns to visit in France. We’ve picked out 10 stacked with history and culture. If you’re looking for fresh travel ideas, our pick of destinations where the French love holidaying reveals a few more tourist gems off the beaten path.

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France's Best Kept Secrets: 10 Places You Must Visit

Thinking about the best places to visit in France? You're not alone! France is one of the world's most popular travel destinations

Camilla Amadi • Aug 26, 2024

Thinking about the best places to visit in France? You’re not alone! France is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, and for good reason. From the bustling streets of Paris to the sunny beaches of Nice, France has something for everyone. But with so many amazing places to see, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you stick to the famous spots everyone talks about, or try to find some hidden gems? Don’t worry – we’re here to help!

In this guide, we’ll take you through the 10 best places to visit in France. We’ve covered all the basics: when to go, how to get around, what to see and do, where to eat, and where to stay. Whether you’re dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower, tasting wine in Bordeaux, or hiking in the Alps, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve included famous cities like Paris and Lyon, but also some lesser-known spots that are just as amazing. Each place has its own special charm, history, and experiences to offer.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of French wine!), and let’s explore the best of France together. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to plan your own French adventure. Let’s get started!

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to mid-June) or Fall (September to November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Transportation Options: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and take the RER B train to the city center. Within Paris, use the extensive metro system or explore on foot.

Paris, the City of Light, is a timeless destination that captivates visitors with its blend of history, culture, and romance. The city’s iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods offer an unparalleled urban experience. The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair. Paris has more than 170 museums.

Things to Do: Visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the Louvre Museum, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, and take a Seine River cruise.

Where to Eat: Indulge in French cuisine at L’Ami Louis or experience modern gastronomy at Septime. Don’t miss the pastries at Angelina.

Where to Stay: Luxury hotels like The Ritz Paris or boutique accommodations such as Relais Christine in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Best Time to Visit: May to June or September to October for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Transportation Options: Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and take the Airport Express bus or tram to the city center. Nice is walkable, but trams and buses are available for longer distances.

Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, offers a perfect blend of Mediterranean charm, artistic heritage, and beautiful beaches. Its stunning Promenade des Anglais , vibrant old town, and azure waters make it a must-visit destination. Nice has the second largest hotel capacity in France after Paris. The city’s famous blue chairs on the Promenade des Anglais are considered a symbol of Nice.

Things to Do: Relax on the Promenade des Anglais, explore the colorful Old Town (Vieux Nice), visit the Matisse Museum.

Where to Eat: Try Niçoise specialties at La Merenda or enjoy seafood at Le Chantecler.

Where to Stay: Luxury options like Hotel Negresco or more budget-friendly choices such as Hotel Ozz by Happyculture.

Best Time to Visit: May to October for warm weather and wine harvest season.

Transportation Options: Fly into Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport and take the shuttle bus to the city center. Bordeaux has an efficient tram system for getting around.

Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Its beautifully preserved 18th-century architecture, world-class wineries, and vibrant food scene make it a paradise for epicureans. Bordeaux has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in France after Paris. The city is home to the largest reflecting pool in the world, the Miroir d’Eau.

Things to Do: Visit La Cité du Vin wine museum, explore Place de la Bourse, take a wine tour in the surrounding vineyards.

Where to Eat: Enjoy fine dining at Le Chapon Fin or try local specialties at La Tupina.

Where to Stay: Luxury accommodations like InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel or boutique options such as Yndo Hotel.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and outdoor activities.

Transportation Options: Fly into Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport and take the Rhônexpress tram to the city center. Lyon has an extensive public transport system including metro, trams, and buses.

Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, is a city where history, culture, and cuisine blend seamlessly. Its UNESCO-listed old town, Roman ruins, and renowned culinary scene offer a unique French experience. Lyon is the birthplace of cinema, thanks to the Lumière brothers. The city has over 4,000 restaurants, the highest concentration in France.

Things to Do: Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town), visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, enjoy the Musée des Confluences.

Where to Eat: Dine at traditional bouchons like Daniel et Denise or experience Michelin-starred cuisine at Paul Bocuse.

Where to Stay: Upscale hotels like Villa Maïa or charming boutique options such as Cour des Loges.

Best Time to Visit: Late November to December for the famous Christmas markets, or May to September for pleasant weather.

Transportation Options: Arrive at Strasbourg Airport and take the train to the city center. The compact city center is best explored on foot or by bicycle.

Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is a captivating blend of French and German influences. Its stunning Gothic cathedral, picturesque Petite France district, and unique Alsatian culture make it a charming destination. Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament. The city’s Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, is one of the oldest in Europe.

Things to Do: Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, explore Petite France, take a boat tour on the canals.

Where to Eat: Try Alsatian specialties at Au Crocodile or enjoy modern cuisine at 1741 .

Where to Stay: Luxury options like Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île or boutique hotels like Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery.

Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to November for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Best Means of Transportation: Fly into Marseille Provence Airport and take the shuttle bus to Saint-Charles station. Use the metro or tram system to get around the city.

Marseille, France’s oldest city and second-largest port, offers a vibrant mix of Mediterranean culture, historic sites, and a beautiful coastline. Its bustling Vieux-Port, multicultural neighborhoods, and nearby Calanques National Park provide diverse experiences. Marseille is home to France’s largest commercial port. The city was founded by Greek sailors around 600 BC, making it one of the oldest in Western Europe.

Things to Do: Explore the Vieux-Port, visit Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, hike in the Calanques.

What and Where to Eat: Try bouillabaisse at Chez Michel or enjoy modern cuisine at La Table de L’Olivier.

Where to Stay: Upscale options like InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu or boutique hotels like C2 Hôtel .

Best Time to Visit: June to September for warm weather and outdoor activities.

Transportation Options: Fly into Geneva Airport and take a shuttle bus to Annecy. The town is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” is a picturesque town known for its crystal-clear lake, charming old town, and stunning mountain backdrop. Its fairytale-like setting and outdoor activities make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and romantics. Annecy Lake is known as Europe’s cleanest lake. The town hosts one of the world’s largest animation film festivals.

Things to Do: Explore the Old Town, take a boat trip on Lake Annecy, cycle around the lake.

Where to Eat: Enjoy local cuisine at L’Étage or fine dining at La Ciboulette.

Where to Stay: Lakeside hotels like L’Impérial Palace or charming options in the old town like Hôtel du Palais de l’Isle.

Mont Saint-Michel

Best Time to Visit: May to October for the best weather, but visit during high tide for the most dramatic views.

Transportation Options: Take a train to Pontorson from Paris and then a shuttle bus to Mont Saint-Michel. The island is explored on foot.

Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. This medieval abbey perched on a rocky island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, architectural marvel, and spiritual history. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge that gets submerged during high tide. Mont Saint-Michel has been a strategic fortification since ancient times and a center of pilgrimage for centuries.

Things to Do: Explore the abbey, walk the ramparts, witness the changing tides.

Where to Eat: Try the famous omelets at La Mère Poulard or enjoy seafood at Le Relais du Roy.

Where to Stay: Stay on the island at places like Auberge Saint-Pierre or in nearby mainland hotels.

Best Time to Visit: June to August for lavender fields in bloom, or May and September for milder weather.

Transportation Options: Fly into Marseille Provence Airport and rent a car to explore the region. Public transportation is limited in rural areas.

Provence, with its rolling lavender fields, charming hilltop villages, and Roman ruins, offers a quintessential French countryside experience. Its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine make it a favorite among travelers. Provence inspired many famous artists, including Van Gogh and Cézanne. The region produces about 50% of France’s fruit and vegetables.

Things to Do: Visit the lavender fields, explore villages like Gordes and Roussillon, see Roman ruins in Arles.

What and Where to Eat: Enjoy Provençal cuisine at L’Oustalet in Gigondas or La Vieille Fontaine in Avignon.

Where to Stay: Luxury options like La Bastide de Gordes or charming B&Bs like Le Mas des Romarins.

French Alps, Chamonix

Best Time to Visit: December to March for winter sports, June to September for hiking and summer activities.

Transportation Options: Fly into Geneva Airport and take a shuttle to Chamonix. Use cable cars and mountain railways to explore the area.

Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its breathtaking Alpine scenery, world-class skiing, and hiking opportunities make it a year-round destination. Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. The Mont Blanc tunnel, connecting France and Italy, is one of the longest road tunnels in the world at 11.6 km.

Things to Do: Take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, ski or snowboard in winter, hike in summer.

Where to Eat: Enjoy Savoyard specialties at La Calèche or fine dining at Albert 1er.

Where to Stay: Luxury chalets like Hameau Albert 1er or more affordable options like Hôtel Le Morgane.

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