It's full of history, stunning landscapes, and unique cuisine.
Who wouldn't dream of taking a romantic trip to the city of lights or wandering in purple fields at sunset?
Best Places to Visit in France
Out of so many things to do and see in France, we've gathered the best.
So get ready for la belle vie (the good life) - Here's our list of the best places to visit in France!
12. Loire Valley
This region homes an incredibly rich cultural heritage and is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in France.
The magnificent castles of these regions were built between the 15th and 16th centuries as luxurious country retreats. Many of them are available for overnight booking!
One of the most famous geniuses of all times and painter of the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last years in Chateau d’Amboise in the Loire Valley.
Set in marvelous countryside and surrounded by vineyards, the Loire Valley is the most romantic destination you can visit while in France.
11. Calanques of Marseille
Nature lovers will absolutely love the National Parc of Calanques, the only national park in Europe which is at the same time made of water, land, and is adjacent to a city.
The "Calanques" is the French word used to describe an inlet surrounded by carbonate cliffs and found on the Mediterranean coast.
These incredibly beautiful natural creeks
surrounded by rocks on the Mediterranean offer endless hiking paths and breathtaking vistas over the bays and their turquoise waters.
One of the best Calanques is undoubtedly Port Pin and Vau, about 39
minutes from Marseille by car and a hidden gem of incredibly clear
water surrounded by high cliffs.
10. Dordogne & Rocamadour
Want to feel like you're in a Medieval movie?
Made up of incredible cave-art, cultural heritage, lively markets, and natural
wonders, the Dordogne region is one of those places that you'll always remember.
One of the best spots in the
region is Rocamadour, a lovely village perched on the side of a
limestone cliff that has also been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage
site.
Rocamadour has long been a pilgrimage site due to the Notre-Dame
chapel, the Saint-Sauveur basilica, and the Saint-Michel chapel.
In
Rocamadour, hikers and visitors can also admire beautiful mineral formations, as well as 20,000-year-old cave drawings during the visit
of the Cave of Marvels.
When visiting Dordogne, make sure you stop by one of the many lively markets which have been held at the same place on the same day for hundreds of years.
For the most authentic French experience, head to the Sarlat market, held every Wednesday… thank us later!
9. Lavender fields
Fan of the delicate, classy fragrance of lavender?
In the southern region of Provence, endless lavender fields roll over French hills and have become one of the more preferred tourist attractions. And for a good reason: it's absolutely stunning.
The best time to visit is early in the summer - around mid-June - when the lavender fields will be blooming, and you’ll enjoy this purple-tinted blanket at your feet.
Some of the most spectacular spots are undoubtedly The Valensole Plateau and Notre Dame de Senanque: a 12th-century abbey wrapped in rows and rows of vibrant lavender.
8. Pyrenees Region
They say that the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie is mother nature's version of a cathedral.
The region hosts not only incredible skiing resorts and plenty of other mountainous activities, but also many sacred pilgrimage sites, and rejuvenating spa towns.
7. Champagne and wine trails
They say there's only one thing better than wine — a bottle.
It
is no secret that French people know a lot about good wines and
champagne.
The Marne is the leading Champagne-producing département in
France, while the Alsace region is well
renowned all over the world for the fine quality of its bottles.
Take a road trip and explore the spectacular scenery of these regions.
We highly recommend a taxi on the way home, though!
6. French Alps & Annecy
Adventure is calling!
The French Alps region is a must-see for all nature lovers and mountain enthusiasts from all over the world.
This is the place to be for all kinds of outdoor activities, from skiing and trekking, to swimming in a high altitude lake or sleeping in a mountain refuge at 2500 metres (8202 feet). Everything here speaks the language of adventure.
Megève and Chamonix may satisfy your luxurious side with five-star hotels and luxury resorts.
Be sure to plan a visit to Annecy, also known as the “Venice of the Alps.” It's a lovely town nestled between mountains and sitting at the tip of an aquamarine lake.
The Thiou River flows out of the glacial lake into a picturesque old town crisscrossed by bridges and its canals, all lined with bright flowers, gifting the city with this special nickname.
5. Dune of Pilat
This place is simply mind-blowing!
Dune of Pilat is a sand formation in Arcachon Bay and is between 100 and 115 metres (325-380 feet) tall depending on the year, 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) long, and 500 metres (1640 feet) wide.
The Dune of Pilat is an incredible natural monument that leaves no one indifferent.
The Pilat is the largest dune in Europe, and although it is particularly known for its height, it also offers grandiose views of the bay from the very top of the sand peak.
Once you climb the top, you’ll be rewarded with the panoramic view of the pine forests and emerald green waters of the bay and Atlantic Ocean below.
4. Cote d’Azur
The
scenic and stylish strip of coastline called Cote d’Azur – literally
meaning “Coast of Blue” keeps being the favorite place of actors and
celebrities from all over the world. And for a good reason: it’s simply
incredible.
The deep blue color of the Mediterranean sea, excellent bars and restaurants, and lively nights out are only a few of
the reasons why thousands of tourists decide to spend summer days here each year.
Head to Nice, the quintessential French Riviera
town, and have a stroll through the picturesque city center, or along the
Promenade des Anglais, where you will soak in the French way of life :
“sans soucis,” meaning “stress-free!”
For a more high-class experience,
travel to Saint Tropez, the favorite destination of the 50’s jet set.
This small town was originally a simple fisherman village, but its
Mediterranean character and lush scenery make it just enchanting.
What we love
about this city is that despite the multi-million yachts parked in the
harbor and the many high-class shops, there’s still an authentic
Provençal atmosphere.
3. Mont Saint Michel
Mont
Saint-Michel is a gothic Benedictine Abbey built on a granite island in
Normandie. It's one of the world's most photographed spots.
For
centuries, this spectacular bay has been one of Europe’s major
pilgrimage destinations, and the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One reason why so many people love Mont Saint Michel is that
the island is surrounded completely by sand and salt marshes, creating a
mesmerizing image by rising tide.
For the best experience, try to visit Mont Saint Michel after 7 pm.
The abbey remains open until midnight, and you will enjoy reduced parking rates, fewer crowds, and the most spectacular sunset you will ever experience.
2. Bordeaux
During
your stay in France, you must take the opportunity to visit one of
the most enchanting cities in Europe.
Capital of the New Aquitaine
region and the sixth-largest city in Europe, Bordeaux is also home to
many World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO.
Places like the Port of the Moon, the Basilica of Saint Michel, and the city theatre are among
the most beautiful architectural masterpieces you can see in France.
Bordeaux is also very well-known among wine connoisseurs for its excellent
bubbly bottles.
Stroll through 117,514 hectares (453 square miles) of vineyards and get lost in picturesque countryside.
1. Paris
Paris, the capital city of France, is one of the largest and most
well-known cities in Europe.
Paris is the heart of European fashion,
cuisine, and culture.
They say that there’s so much to do and see in
Paris that one life-time is not enough.
However there are some stand-out landmarks to see when
visiting the city, such as the Eiffel Tour, the gothic
Cathedral of Notre Dame which rises to the sky, the Louvre Museum, the Sacré
Coeur, and the Palace of Versailles!
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This is just 12 of the very best places to visit during your trip to France.
