The gorgeously various nation, which has impressed by centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, consists of large mountain ranges, acres of unspoilt countryside, and lengthy stretches of glowing shoreline. From my many journeys, (and Paris apart), I’d like to share these gorgeous spots…
1. Côte d’Azur
The sun-soaked Mediterranean shoreline of southeast France, also referred to as the French Riviera, is a spot I’m captivated by!
The glamorous area has transfixed many well-known guests over the a long time (together with royalty, writers, and artists resembling Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse). Its miles of attractive shoreline and azure waters make it among the finest locations to vacation on the earth.
As soon as right here, I like to recommend visiting the fashionable coastal cities of Good, Cannes, and St-Tropez—they continue to be unique vacation resorts the place lovely folks reside even at this time!
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (to take pleasure in nice climate with out the summer season crowds).
Actions on provide: Seaside rest, coastal mountain climbing, visiting artwork galleries, and exploring glamorous cities like Cannes and Good.
Lodging: Lodge Le Negresco (Good), Domaine du Mas de Pierre (Saint Paul de Vence), and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.
We will e-book your journey hopping round France’s lovely locations by our free, top-rated journey planning service!
2. Provence
A area in southeastern France bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, the spectacular Provence countryside deserves a point out.
Head for the Luberon space (positioned within the coronary heart of the Provence area). Right here, you’ll discover probably the most stereotypical rural Provence surroundings – attractive landscapes crammed with seemingly countless lavender fields, lush olive groves, undulating vineyards, and fairly historic hilltop villages dotted with shutter-board homes.
Make sure you additionally embrace journeys to the picturesque villages of Gordes, Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy, and the dazzling walled metropolis of Avignon. Lengthy lazy days and alfresco lunches washed down with loads of wine await you on this rural stylish paradise!
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Late Spring (for lavender fields in bloom and ultimate climate for exploring).
Actions on provide: Visiting lavender fields, exploring hilltop villages, wine tasting, and mountain climbing within the Luberon area.
Lodging: Benvengudo (Les Baux-de-Provence), Château de Valmer (La Croix-Valmer), and Le Mas de la Rose (Orgon).
An space of excellent pure magnificence in Europe, the Loire Valley can be affectionately referred to as the Backyard of France. The valley spans over 280km and is positioned in central France’s lovely center stretch of the Loire River.
It’s crammed with a lot culturally and traditionally essential structure that it has earned itself the standing of a World Heritage website.
One of the crucial visited areas within the nation, it’s recognized for its giant assortment of fairytale-esque chateaus and mansions, breathtaking landscapes, and probably the most putting rivers in Europe. This can be a tranquil bourgeois paradise that you simply gained’t wish to go away, I promise!
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for gentle temperatures and exploring castles with out the summer season warmth).
Actions on provide: Visiting historic châteaux, wine tasting, river cruises, and exploring gardens.
Lodging: Château de la Bourdaisière, Domaine des Hauts de Loire, and Château d’Artigny.
Colmar is a picturesque city within the Grand Est area of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. It’s exceptional for its picturesque structure and wealthy tradition.
Colmar has many attractive gems, however I feel one of many prettiest in Little Venice is the place the scenic Lauch River flows by the city.
Beautiful half-timbered homes line either side of the river, and I’d suggest taking a ship trip by this part of the city for a gorgeous deal with.
The city’s structure is historic and postcard-pretty, and highlights of visiting Colmar embrace the Outdated City, the Pfister Home, Route des Vins, Koighus, the Dominican Church, and Saint Martin Church.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring (for blooming flowers and fewer vacationers).
Actions on provide: Strolling excursions by the medieval previous city, visiting museums, and wine tasting in Alsace.
Lodging: Hôtel Le Maréchal, La Maison des Têtes, and Hôtel Saint-Martin.
The birthplace of champagne is a stylish spot with wine path vacationers, and it’s a beautiful, laid-back, and tranquil vacation spot.
Champagne-Ardenne, positioned northeast of the nation, has miles of Champagne path routes, pristine and scenic countryside, medieval chateaus, and vineyards stretching so far as the attention can see.
Go to the area’s capital, Troyes, for its spectacular artwork and structure and Reims, for its well-known cathedral and huge community of underground wine cellars.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Fall (for the grape harvest and wine tasting).
Actions on provide: Champagne winery excursions, wine tasting, and exploring historic cities.
Lodging: Domaine Les Crayères (Reims), Château de Fère, and Royal Champagne Lodge & Spa.
A video on our journey to France (with drone footage)…
6. Giverny
Giverny is a riverside rural idyll positioned on the borders of Normandy in northern France (solely an hour’s drive from Paris). It’s most well-known for being the birthplace of impressionism.
The small village was as soon as Claude Monet’s cherished nation retreat, and now his postcard-pretty pink shutter-board home and exquisite nation gardens are open to the general public.
Planted by Monet himself, the walled water backyard (which impressed so lots of his well-known work) options white and purple wisterias, water lilies, weeping willows, bamboo, and the long-lasting inexperienced Japanese bridge!
Location: Northern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring (to see Monet’s backyard in full bloom).
Actions on provide: Touring Monet’s home and gardens, strolling excursions, and visiting close by villages.
Lodging: Le Jardin des Plumes, Lodge Normandy, and La Dime de Giverny.
The Dordogne (which lies to the southwest of the nation) is an exceptionally picturesque place that in my view will please even probably the most discerning of travellers!
The area’s lengthy roads and rivers wind by unspoiled pastures, spectacular gorges, charming medieval cities and villages of wealthy historic heritage. It’s additionally very well-known for its prehistoric cave work within the Vézère Valley, like these in Lascaux Cave.
Go to the sacred pilgrim’s monuments en path to Santiago de Compostela, pattern the native wines nonetheless produced by lots of the chateaus, and discover the traditional fortified cities, such because the visually putting Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Fall (for lovely landscapes and gentle climate for out of doors actions).
Actions on provide: Canoeing on the Dordogne River, exploring prehistoric caves, and visiting medieval castles.
Lodging: Château des Vigiers, Les Glycines, and Le Moulin du Roc.
Burgundy is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in east-central France. It’s famend for producing a few of the world’s greatest wines. The area can be tranquil, with a pristine pure atmosphere and dozens of picturesque villages to discover.
Burgundy is a historic space residence to lots of Europe’s most spectacular Romanesque buildings, together with the Fontenay Abbey and Basilica of Vezelay. There are additionally many attractive castles to discover, together with my favourites, the magnificent Chateau d’Ancy le Franc and Chateau de Cormatin.
One of many area’s most spectacular pure property is Morvan Nationwide Park, positioned within the coronary heart of Burgundy. It has greater than 1,000 sq. miles of pristine wilderness and is a superb location for tenting or mountain climbing.
Location: Central-eastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Fall (for wine harvest season and winery excursions).
Actions on provide: Wine tasting, biking by vineyards, visiting historic monasteries, and exploring small villages.
Lodging: Hôtel Le Cep (Beaune), Château de Gilly, and La Côte Saint Jacques & Spa.
Strasbourg is positioned proper on the border between Germany and France, and it’s a common stop-off for exploring Luxembourg and Belgium.
I really like that the well-known and scenic heritage metropolis has each international locations’ charming traits and cultural flavours.
It’s a picturesque and romantic place with an brisk buzz, well-known for its riverfront half-timbered homes, gothic cathedral, and evident fondness for flowers!
It additionally makes a wonderful base for these wishing to go to the close by Black Forest or the River Rhine.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for its well-known Christmas markets).
Actions on provide: Visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral, exploring Petite France, and river cruises alongside the Rhine.
Lodging: Hôtel Régent Petite France, Hôtel Les Haras, and Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile.
Corsica is a shocking island within the Mediterranean simply off the coast of southern France. It’s a common vacationer vacation spot recognized for its many pristine seashores, unimaginable surroundings, and harbour city resorts.
Greater than 1,000 km of shoreline surrounding Corsica gives guests loads of boating and swimming alternatives. The Mediterranean local weather is a significant drawcard, with the climate heat sufficient to benefit from the water all yr spherical.
Probably the most lovely spots to go to in Corsica embrace the seashores of Désert des Agriates (white sand and crystal clear blue water), the Perched villages of l. a. Balagne, Scandola Nature Reserve, the Gorges of Restonica & Tavignano, and the Fortress city of Bonifacio.
The Lavezzi Islands, positioned between Corsica and Sardinia, are additionally price visiting.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for having fun with the seashores and mountain climbing the coastal trails).
Actions on provide: Mountain climbing, seashore rest, visiting historic cities, and water sports activities like crusing and diving.
Lodging: Hôtel La Villa (Calvi), Casadelmar (Porto-Vecchio), and Lodge & Spa des Pecheurs (Cavallo Island).
A rich suburb of Paris, Versailles is a vital administrative centre and a proud vacationer attraction.
It’s most well-known for its chateau, the vastly grand and ornate Palace of Versailles, which as soon as housed France’s kings (together with the ill-fated Louis XVI and his spouse Marie Antoinette).
Each the stainless palace and manicured gardens are extraordinary. The palace gives a fantastically preserved perception into the lives of 18th-century French royalty earlier than the beginning of the legendary French Revolution.
Location: Northern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring (for exploring the gardens and palace with out giant crowds).
Actions on provide: Touring the palace and gardens, attending musical fountain exhibits, and visiting the Corridor of Mirrors.
Lodging: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château, and Hôtel d’Angleterre.
The French Alps are in all probability greatest recognized for his or her up-market ski resorts, however the area can be residence to some very engaging cities that make for beautiful locations to go to in each summer season and winter.
One which stands out is Annecy, also referred to as the ‘Venice of Savoie. ‘ This attractive and romantic metropolis is interspersed with small canals and has a postcard-pretty 14th-century Chateau.
With its distinctive central point of interest, the backdrop of gorgeous mountains, and a shocking Outdated City residence to cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured homes, Annecy is likely one of the most photogenic I’ve ever been to!
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for lake actions and exploring the Alpine surroundings).
Actions on provide: Boating on Lake Annecy, biking, exploring the previous city, and mountain climbing within the surrounding mountains.
Lodging: Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort, Hôtel Le Clos Marcel, and Impérial Palace.
13. Mont Saint-Michel and the remainder of the Normandy area
Second solely to the Eiffel Tower as France’s best-loved landmark, Mont St-Michel is a rocky, peaked island related by a causeway to northwest France.
It’s an imposing sight amid sprawling sandbanks and highly effective tides, however the heritage website is mainly celebrated for its distinctive Gothic-style Benedictine abbey.
Instantly under the grand monastery is a medieval village with winding streets dotted with small homes and memento outlets. You must also spend a couple of days exploring the remainder of Normandy, because it’s such a reasonably area.
It has historical past and luxurious inexperienced landscapes, aside from dry-stone farmhouses, chalk-white cliffs, half-timbered buildings, and picturesque chateaus. The traditionally essential website of the Normandy Touchdown seashores and the well-known Bayeux tapestry are additionally positioned right here.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures).
Actions on provide: Visiting Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, strolling the tidal flats, exploring WWII websites, and having fun with coastal walks.
Lodging: La Mère Poulard, Le Relais Saint-Michel, and Hôtel Vert.
Brittany is a coastal area crammed with jagged coastal cliffs, sandy seashores, quaint coastal fishing villages, majestic chateaux, and dozens of medieval cities simply ready to be explored.
I like to recommend visiting the realm to benefit from the genuine tradition, unimaginable surroundings, scrumptious meals, and a soothing, laid-back environment.
Alongside Brittany’s shoreline are dozens of gorgeous locations to go to, together with the cliffs of Pointe du Raz, Cap Fréhel, and the Crozon peninsula.
The seashores are additionally a significant drawcard, with Ploumanac’h, Morgat, and Quiberon being the most well-liked. If you happen to head inland, you may go to Brocéliande forest, parish closes, or the implausible megalithic standing stones at Carnac.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for the perfect seashore climate and exploring the shoreline).
Actions on provide: Coastal hikes, visiting medieval cities, having fun with native seafood, and exploring historic lighthouses.
Lodging: Castel Beau Website, Hôtel Le Brittany & Spa, and Hôtel Oceania Saint-Malo.
Lyon is the nation’s second-most essential metropolis after Paris. It’s a historic metropolis with a wealthy tradition and exquisite structure. The UNESCO World Heritage metropolis is residence to a few of the world’s most treasured historic ruins, Roman buildings, and medieval buildings.
Lyon is positioned on the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, which is scenic and one cause it’s a romantic vacation spot.
Lyon’s many slim, winding streets and historic buildings improve its romance. There are dozens of gorgeous locations inside Lyon, however we liked the atmospheric Quartier Saint-Jean due to its medieval buildings and cobblestone lanes.
The Place Neuve Saint-Jean can be a must-see. It’s a picturesque sq. with many outlets and conventional eating places — the right location for a romantic dinner.
Different attractive spots in Lyon embrace Colline de la Croix-Rousse (a historic neighbourhood constructed on sloping streets), Presqu’ile District (gorgeous structure and city squares), and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Fall (for the Fête des Lumières and gentle climate for metropolis exploration).
Actions on provide: Exploring the previous city (Vieux Lyon), visiting museums, having fun with gastronomy excursions, and strolling alongside the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Lodging: Cour des Loges, Villa Maïa, and InterContinental Lyon – Lodge Dieu.
Rhône-Alpes is a gorgeous area positioned within the southeast of the nation. Its various panorama consists of mountain ranges (together with the well-known Mont Blanc), winding canyons, mild valleys dotted with a whole lot of farms and vineyards, and its dormant volcano, the Puy-de-Dôme.
It isn’t straightforward to explain the unimaginable and tranquil fantastic thing about this nation’s pure atmosphere, so I might say it needs to be skilled first-hand to be appreciated!
There are dozens of spectacular areas to go to, together with Gorges de l’Ardeche — a collection of winding gorges in Ardèche. Lake Geneva is one other must-see location if you’re visiting the area.
It’s a huge pure lake shared between Switzerland and France. It’s the right location for boating, swimming and water snowboarding within the hotter months.
One other one among my favorite areas is Les Pertes de le Valserine — a tranquil river stroll in Bellegarde sur Valserine. It showcases the area’s pure magnificence, together with its various wildlife. Rhône-Alpes can be residence to many charming cities and cities. They embrace Lyon (Rhône), Grenoble (Isère), Saint-Étienne (Loire), Valence (Drôme), and Chambéry (Savoie).
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and winter sports activities within the Alps).
Actions on provide: Snowboarding within the French Alps, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and exploring alpine villages.
Lodging: Les Fermes de Marie (Megève), Hôtel Fitz Roy (Val Thorens), and Lodge Koh-I Nor (Val Thorens).
Auvergne is a novel area positioned within the nation’s centre. Now a part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the panorama in Auvergne has been formed by historic volcanoes right into a collection of mountain ridges, craters and valleys known as the Chaîne des Puys. The panorama is dramatic, spectacular, and really tranquil.
It’s a slow-paced a part of France, residence to many ski resorts, farms, and nation cities. As a result of this space is generally rural, there are a number of areas of pristine pure magnificence to take pleasure in.
Auvergne’s volcanic previous is clear, with substantial craggy rock outcrops and plentiful pure scorching springs. The area’s largest metropolis, Clermont-Ferrand, additionally showcases the area’s volcanic historical past properly.
The best choice for viewing the area’s spectacular mountains is the Panoramique des Dômes, the youngest volcano within the Chaîne des Puys. Its excessive viewing platform gives guests unimaginable views.
I personally stayed on the great Volca Lodges, which gives eco-friendly glamping fashion lodging with scorching tubs on the balconies overlooking the spectacular countryside (pictured above).
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing and exploring the volcanic landscapes).
Actions on provide: Mountain climbing volcanic landscapes, visiting thermal spas, and exploring historic villages.
Lodging: Les Célestins Vichy, Château de Codignat, and Hôtel Radio.
The south of France has a well-deserved popularity for being a shocking spot! The area encompasses the French Pyrenees, together with the gorgeous Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Cirque de Gavarnie, and Néouvielle Massif.
The mountains are attractive, with many valleys and foothills to discover. Attractive our bodies of water embrace Lake Gaube, Lac de Genos, and Bethmale Lake.
The lakes in Midi-Pyrénées are implausible for tenting and mountain climbing. There are numerous charming villages to discover, together with Conques, Rocamadour, and St-Bertrand-de-comminges. Toulon is the biggest metropolis within the area, filled with artwork, tradition, and unimaginable structure.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring (for gentle climate and exploring the countryside).
Actions on provide: Exploring medieval villages, mountain climbing within the Pyrenees, and visiting native markets.
Lodging: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne, Château de Mercuès, and Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre.
Languedoc is a historic coastal area in southern France. It stretches from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain. This a part of France advantages from a heat Mediterranean local weather and has a pristine pure atmosphere.
It is likely one of the most geographically various areas within the nation, with wetlands, mountains, sandy seashores, and arid stretches of land close to the southern border.
The shoreline has many unimaginable seashores and bustling cities resembling Montpellier and Nîmes. Venturing inland, you can find the wild nation of the Grands Causses and Cévennes. Heading south, the panorama turns into drier, and the Spanish affect turns into extra obvious.
I might extremely suggest 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 fort within the commune of Cucugnan).
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for seashore actions and coastal walks).
Actions on provide: Wine tasting, visiting Roman ruins, seashore actions, and exploring Cathar castles.
Lodging: Château Les Carrasses, Domaine de Verchant, and Hôtel du Château (Carcassonne).
Typically known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, it’s a 25-kilometer lengthy and 700-metre-deep pure canyon positioned in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France.
Gorges du Verdon is known as after the great inexperienced water of the Verdon River (“vert” is French for inexperienced).
This unimaginable pure gorge has been attracting vacationers to the area because the mid-Nineteenth century and continues to be extraordinarily common. Right here, you may kayak, go canoeing, go for a canyon stroll, hike and even go for a ‘water stroll.’
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for water sports activities and mountain climbing).
Actions on provide: Kayaking, mountain climbing, mountaineering, and swimming within the turquoise waters.
Lodging: La Bastide de Moustiers, Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon, and Auberge des Salles.
Positioned within the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea, Good la Belle, because the locals realize it, receives 4 million vacationers yearly. It’s a beautiful and stylish metropolis the place the gorgeous and the well-heeled hand around in droves.
Aside from its charming, quaint streets of Outdated City, the (pebbly) seashore, high quality motels, attractive boutique and panoramic views, it’s well-known for the favored Carnival de Good, which I might extremely suggest attempting to time your go to round if you happen to can (it takes place February to March).
When right here, I might additionally extremely suggest taking a day journey to Saint Tropez and glitzy Monaco. Alternatively, you may keep native and take advantage of the seashore and the city. Promenade des Anglais is a superb choice if you wish to have a stroll or a jog!
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for nice climate and to keep away from the summer season crowds).
Actions on provide: Strolling alongside the Promenade des Anglais, visiting museums, seashore rest, and exploring the previous city.
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Good Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Le Negresco, and Hôtel La Pérouse.
