When most people think of France, they think of fine wine and cuisine, exceptional scenery, and a laid-back lifestyle that is the envy of the rest of the world.
The gorgeously diverse landscape—inspired by centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets—includes huge mountain ranges, acres of green countryside, and long stretches of sparkling coastline.
I’m hugely in love with France and have been many times. So, from my many trips to this incredible country (and Paris aside), I’ve compiled this list…
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 at the heart of the Provence region). You’ll find the most stereotypical scenery of rural Provence – beautiful 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 a World Heritage site status.
One of the most visited regions in the country, it’s known for its large collection of fairytale-esque chateaus and mansions, exceptionally beautiful 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!
4. Colmar
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 wonderful 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)…
6. Giverny
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 of Germany and France, and it is a popular stop-off before exploring Luxembourg and Belgium.
I love that the popular and scenic heritage city has both countries’ charming characteristics and cultural flavours.
It’s a picturesque and romantic place with an energic buzz and 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 fishing, boating, or 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, wonderful scenery, delicious food, and a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere.
Along Brittany’s coastline, there 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 amazing megalithic standing stones at Carnac.
16. Lyon
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.
Its many narrow, winding streets and ancient buildings enhance the city’s 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 is difficult 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 obvious, with huge 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. It has a high viewing platform that 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. Wonderful 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 obvious.
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.’
22. Nice
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!
