The gorgeously various nation, which has impressed by centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, contains enormous mountain ranges, acres of unspoilt countryside, and lengthy stretches of glowing shoreline. From my many France journeys, (and Paris apart), Iโd like to share these gorgeous spotsโฆ
1. Cรดte dโAzur

The glamorous area has transfixed many well-known guests over the many years (together with royalty, writers, and artists resembling Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse)! The gorgeous coastal area often known as the French Riviera additionally transfixed me with its unimaginable magnificence โ I noticed countless glowing azure waters, a wide range of seashores from secluded coves to lengthy stretches of sandy shores, stylish coastal cities and crowd pleasing structure, from fairly Belle รpoque villas to trendy luxurious resorts.
The vibe right here was actually extraordinary; it’d sound clichรฉ, however Iโve genuinely by no means encountered something fairly prefer it anyplace else on the earth. To me, the environment struck the proper stability โ it was relaxed but glamorous, upscale but elegant and tasteful in each approach!ย
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (to take pleasure in nice climate with out the summer season crowds).
Actions on supply: Seaside rest, coastal mountaineering, visiting artwork galleries, and exploring glamorous cities like Cannes and Good.
Lodging: Resort Le Negresco (Good), Domaine du Mas de Pierre (Saint Paul de Vence), and Grand-Hรดtel du Cap-Ferrat.
Map Location and Instructions
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2. Provence
This well-known area actually captured my coronary heart! I believed the entire place was actually idyllic with its extraordinary โ virtually magical โ landscapes. I discovered myself gasping at its countless lavender fields which radiated with dazzling purple hues, historical olive groves and vineyards stretching throughout inexperienced rolling hills, picturesque stone villages stuffed with shutter-board homes and perched on cliff sides, glowing azure waters and a luminous, sun-soaked local weather.ย
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Late Spring (for lavender fields in bloom and best climate for exploring)โ.
Actions on supply: Visiting lavender fields, exploring hilltop villages, wine tasting, and mountaineering within the Luberon area.
Lodging: Benvengudo (Les Baux-de-Provence), Chรขteau de Valmer (La Croix-Valmer), and Le Mas de la Rose (Orgon)โ.
Map Location and Instructions
3. Loire Valley


An space of excellent pure magnificence in Europe, the Loire Valley can also be affectionately often known as the Backyard of France. The valley spans over 280km and is situated in central Franceโs lovely center stretch of the Loire River.
It’s stuffed with a lot culturally and traditionally necessary structure that it has earned itself the standing of a World Heritage website.
Probably the most visited areas within the nation, itโs identified for its giant assortment of fairytale-esque chateaus and mansions, breathtaking landscapes, and probably the most hanging rivers in Europe. This can be a tranquil bourgeois paradise that you just gainedโt wish to go away, I promise!
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for gentle temperatures and exploring castles with out the summer season warmth)โ.
Actions on supply: Visiting historic chรขteaux, wine tasting, river cruises, and exploring gardensโ.
Lodging: Chรขteau de la Bourdaisiรจre, Domaine des Hauts de Loire, and Chรขteau dโArtigny.
Map Location and Instructions
4. Colmar


Colmar is a picturesque city within the Grand Est area of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. It’s outstanding for its picturesque structure and wealthy tradition.
Colmar has many beautiful gems, however I feel one of many prettiest in Little Venice is the place the scenic Lauch River flows via the city.
Gorgeous half-timbered homes line each side of the river, and Iโd suggest taking a ship trip via this part of the city for a ravishing deal with.
The cityโs structure is historic and postcard-pretty, and highlights of visiting Colmar embrace the Previous City, the Pfister Home, Route des Vins, Koighus, the Dominican Church, and Saint Martin Church.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring (for blooming flowers and fewer vacationers)โ.
Actions on supply: Strolling excursions via the medieval outdated city, visiting museums, and wine tasting in Alsace.
Lodging: Hรดtel Le Marรฉchal, La Maison des Tรชtes, and Hรดtel Saint-Martin.
Map Location and Instructions
5. Champagne-Ardenne

The birthplace of champagne is a stylish spot with wine path vacationers, and itโs a stunning, laid-back, and tranquil vacation spot.
Champagne-Ardenne, situated 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 areaโs 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.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for the grape harvest and wine tasting)โ.
Actions on supply: Champagne winery excursions, wine tasting, and exploring historic citiesโ.
Lodging: Domaine Les Crayรจres (Reims), Chรขteau de Fรจre, and Royal Champagne Resort & Spa.
Map Location and Instructions
A video on our journey to France (with drone footage)โฆ
6. Giverny


Giverny is a riverside rural idyll situated on the borders of Normandy in northern France (solely an hourโs drive from Paris). It’s most well-known for being the birthplace of impressionism.
The small village was as soon as Claude Monetโs cherished nation retreat, and now his postcard-pretty pink shutter-board home and delightful nation gardens are open to the general public.
Planted by Monet himself, the walled water backyard (which impressed so a lot of his well-known work) options white and purple wisterias, water lilies, weeping willows, bamboo, and the enduring inexperienced Japanese bridge!
Location: Northern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring (to see Monetโs backyard in full bloom).
Actions on supply: Touring Monetโs home and gardens, strolling excursions, and visiting close by villages.
Lodging: Le Jardin des Plumes, Resort Normandy, and La Dime de Giverny.
Map Location and Instructions
7. The Dordogne


The Dordogne (which lies to the southwest of the nation) is an exceptionally picturesque place that in my view will please even essentially the most discerning of travellers!ย
The areaโs lengthy roads and rivers wind via unspoiled pastures, spectacular gorges, charming medieval cities and villages of wealthy historic heritage. Itโs additionally very well-known for its prehistoric cave work within the Vรฉzรจre Valley, like these in Lascaux Cave.
Go to the sacred pilgrimโs monuments en path to Santiago de Compostela, pattern the native wines nonetheless produced by most of the chateaus, and discover the traditional fortified cities, such because the visually hanging Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for lovely landscapes and gentle climate for out of doors actions)โ.
Actions on supply: Canoeing on the Dordogne River, exploring prehistoric caves, and visiting medieval castles.
Lodging: Chรขteau des Vigiers, Les Glycines, and Le Moulin du Roc.
Map Location and Instructions
8. Burgundy


Burgundy is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in east-central France. It’s famend for producing a number of the worldโs greatest wines. The area can also be tranquil, with a pristine pure setting and dozens of picturesque villages to discover.
Burgundy is a historic space residence to a lot of Europeโs most spectacular Romanesque constructions, together with the Fontenay Abbey and Basilica of Vezelay. There are additionally many beautiful castles to discover, together with my favourites, the magnificent Chateau dโAncy le Franc and Chateau de Cormatin.
One of many areaโs most spectacular pure property is Morvan Nationwide Park, situated within the coronary heart of Burgundy. It has greater than 1,000 sq. miles of pristine wilderness and is a wonderful location for tenting or mountaineering.
Location: Central-eastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for wine harvest season and winery excursions)โ.
Actions on supply: Wine tasting, biking via vineyards, visiting historic monasteries, and exploring small villages.
Lodging: Hรดtel Le Cep (Beaune), Chรขteau de Gilly, and La Cรดte Saint Jacques & Spa.
Map Location and Instructions
9. Strasbourg


Strasbourg is situated 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 nationsโ charming traits and cultural flavours.
Itโs 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 superb base for these wishing to go to the close by Black Forest or the River Rhine.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for its well-known Christmas markets).
Actions on supply: Visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral, exploring Petite France, and river cruises alongside the Rhine.
Lodging: Hรดtel Rรฉgent Petite France, Hรดtel Les Haras, and Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile.
Map Location and Instructions
10. Corsica


Corsica is a shocking island within the Mediterranean simply off the coast of southern France. It’s a common vacationer vacation spot identified for its many pristine seashores, unimaginable surroundings, and harbour city resorts.
Greater than 1,000 km of shoreline surrounding Corsica supplies guests loads ofย boating and swimming alternatives. The Mediterranean local weather is a significant drawcard, with the climate heat sufficient to benefit from the water all 12 months spherical.
Probably the most lovely spots to go to in Corsica embrace the seashores of Dรฉsert 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, situated between Corsica and Sardinia, are additionally value visiting.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for having fun with the seashores and mountaineering the coastal trails)โ.
Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, seaside rest, visiting historic cities, and water sports activities like crusing and diving.
Lodging: Hรดtel La Villa (Calvi), Casadelmar (Porto-Vecchio), and Resort & Spa des Pecheurs (Cavallo Island).
Map Location and Instructions
11. Palace of Versailles


A rich suburb of Paris, Versailles is a crucial administrative centre and a proud vacationer attraction.
Itโs most well-known for its chateau, the massively grand and ornate Palace of Versailles, which as soon as housed Franceโs 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.
Finest time to go to: Spring (for exploring the gardens and palace with out giant crowds)โ.
Actions on supply: Touring the palace and gardens, attending musical fountain exhibits, and visiting the Corridor of Mirrorsโ.
Lodging: Waldorf Astoria Versailles โ Trianon Palace, Hรดtel Le Louis Versailles Chรขteau, and Hรดtel dโAngleterre.
Map Location and Instructions
12. Annecy


The French Alps are most likely greatest identified for his or her up-market ski resorts, however the area can also be residence to some very enticing cities that make for pretty locations to go to in each summer season and winter.
One which stands out is Annecy, often known as the โVenice of Savoie. โ This beautiful and romantic metropolis is interspersed with small canals and has a postcard-pretty 14th-century Chateau.
With its distinctive central focus, the backdrop of gorgeous mountains, and a shocking Previous City residence to cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured homes, Annecy is among the most photogenic Iโve ever been to!
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for lake actions and exploring the Alpine surroundings).
Actions on supply: Boating on Lake Annecy, biking, exploring the outdated city, and mountaineering within the surrounding mountainsโ.
Lodging: Les Trรฉsoms Lake and Spa Resort, Hรดtel Le Clos Marcel, and Impรฉrial Palace.
Map Location and Instructions
13. Mont Saint-Michel and the remainder of the Normandy area


Second solely to the Eiffel Tower as Franceโs best-loved landmark, Mont St-Michel is a rocky, peaked island linked by a causeway to northwest France.
Itโs 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 beneath the grand monastery is a medieval village with winding streets dotted with small homes and memento retailers. You also needs to spend a number of days exploring the remainder of Normandy, because itโs such a reasonably area.
It has historical past and plush inexperienced landscapes, apart from dry-stone farmhouses, chalk-white cliffs, half-timbered buildings, and picturesque chateaus. The traditionally necessary website of the Normandy Touchdown seashores and the well-known Bayeux tapestry are additionally situated right here.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures).
Actions on supply: Visiting Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, strolling the tidal flats, exploring WWII websites, and having fun with coastal walks.
Lodging: La Mรจre Poulard, Le Relais Saint-Michel, and Hรดtel Vert.
Map Location and Instructions
14. Brittany


Brittany is a coastal area stuffed 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 world to benefit from the genuine tradition, unimaginable surroundings, scrumptious meals, and a soothing, laid-back environment.
Alongside Brittanyโs shoreline are dozens of gorgeous locations to go to, together with the cliffs of Pointe du Raz, Cap Frรฉhel, and the Crozon peninsula.
The seashores are additionally a significant drawcard, with Ploumanacโh, Morgat, and Quiberon being the preferred. If you happen to head inland, you’ll be able to go to Brocรฉliande forest, parish closes, or the improbable megalithic standing stones at Carnac.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for the perfect seaside climate and exploring the shoreline)โ.
Actions on supply: Coastal hikes, visiting medieval cities, having fun with native seafood, and exploring historic lighthouses.
Lodging: Castel Beau Website, Hรดtel Le Brittany & Spa, and Hรดtel Oceania Saint-Malo.
Map Location and Instructions
15. Lyon


Lyon is the nationโs second-most necessary metropolis after Paris. It’s a historic metropolis with a wealthy tradition and delightful structure. The UNESCO World Heritage metropolis is residence to a number of the worldโs most valuable historical ruins, Roman constructions, and medieval buildings.
Lyon is situated on the confluence of the Rhรดne and the Saรดne Rivers, which is scenic and one purpose it’s a romantic vacation spot.
Lyonโs many slim, winding streets and historical 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 also be a must-see. It’s a picturesque sq. with many retailers and conventional eating places โ the proper location for a romantic dinner.
Different beautiful spots in Lyon embrace Colline de la Croix-Rousse (a historic neighbourhood constructed on sloping streets), Presquโile District (gorgeous structure and city squares), and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for the Fรชte des Lumiรจres and gentle climate for metropolis exploration)โ.
Actions on supply: Exploring the outdated city (Vieux Lyon), visiting museums, having fun with gastronomy excursions, and strolling alongside the Rhรดne and Saรดne riversโ.
Lodging: Cour des Loges, Villa Maรฏa, and InterContinental Lyon โ Resort Dieu.
Map Location and Instructions
16. Rhรดne-Alpes
Rhรดne-Alpes is a ravishing area situated within the southeast of the nation. Its various panorama contains 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-Dรดme.
It isnโt simple to explain the unimaginable and tranquil fantastic thing about this nationโs pure setting, 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 lโArdeche โ a sequence of winding gorges in Ardรจche. Lake Geneva is one other must-see location in case you are visiting the area.
It’s a huge pure lake shared between Switzerland and France. Itโs the proper location for boating, swimming and water snowboarding within the hotter months.
One other one in every of my favorite areas is Les Pertes de le Valserine โ a tranquil river stroll in Bellegarde sur Valserine. It showcases the areaโs pure magnificence, together with its diversified natural world. Rhรดne-Alpes can also be residence to many charming cities and cities. They embrace Lyon (Rhรดne), Grenoble (Isรจre), Saint-รtienne (Loire), Valence (Drรดme), and Chambรฉry (Savoie).
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and winter sports activities within the Alps)โ.
Actions on supply: Snowboarding within the French Alps, mountaineering, mountain biking, and exploring alpine villages.
Lodging: Les Fermes de Marie (Megรจve), Hรดtel Fitz Roy (Val Thorens), and Resort Koh-I Nor (Val Thorens).
Map Location and Instructions
17. Auvergne
Auvergne is a novel area situated within the nationโs centre. Now a part of Auvergne-Rhรดne-Alpes, the panorama in Auvergne has been formed by historical volcanoes right into a sequence of mountain ridges, craters and valleys known as the Chaรฎne des Puys. The panorama is dramatic, spectacular, and really tranquil.
Itโs a slow-paced a part of France, residence to many ski resorts, farms, and nation cities. As a result of this space is usually rural, there are a number of areas of pristine pure magnificence to take pleasure in.
Auvergneโs volcanic previous is clear, with substantial craggy rock outcrops and plentiful pure sizzling springs. The areaโs largest metropolis, Clermont-Ferrand, additionally showcases the areaโs volcanic historical past nicely.
The most suitable choice for viewing the areaโs spectacular mountains is the Panoramique des Dรดmes, the youngest volcano within the Chaรฎne des Puys. Its excessive viewing platform gives guests unimaginable views.
I personally stayed on the great Volca Lodges, which gives eco-friendly glamping model lodging with sizzling tubs on the balconies overlooking the spectacular countryside (pictured above).
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for mountaineering and exploring the volcanic landscapes).
Actions on supply: Mountain climbing volcanic landscapes, visiting thermal spas, and exploring historic villages.
Lodging: Les Cรฉlestins Vichy, Chรขteau de Codignat, and Hรดtel Radio.
Map Location and Instructions
18. Midi-Pyrรฉnรฉes


The south of France has a well-deserved status for being a shocking spot! The area encompasses the French Pyrenees, together with the gorgeous Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Cirque de Gavarnie, and Nรฉouvielle Massif.
The mountains are beautiful, with many valleys and foothills to discover. Beautiful our bodies of water embrace Lake Gaube, Lac de Genos, and Bethmale Lake.
The lakes in Midi-Pyrรฉnรฉes are improbable for tenting and mountaineering. 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.
Finest time to go to: Spring (for gentle climate and exploring the countryside).
Actions on supply: Exploring medieval villages, mountaineering within the Pyrenees, and visiting native markets.
Lodging: Hรดtel de la Citรฉ Carcassonne, Chรขteau de Mercuรจs, and Hรดtel Le Relais Montmartre.
Map Location and Instructions
19. Languedoc


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 setting.
It is among 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 Nรฎmes. Venturing inland, you’ll discover the wild nation of the Grands Causses and Cรฉvennes. 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 dโAgde seaside resort, Citรฉ de Carcassonne (a medieval citadel), Gorges du Tarn, and Chรขteau de Quรฉribus (a ruined fort within the commune of Cucugnan).
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for seaside actions and coastal walks).
Actions on supply: Wine tasting, visiting Roman ruins, seaside actions, and exploring Cathar castles.
Lodging: Chรขteau Les Carrasses, Domaine de Verchant, and Hรดtel du Chรขteau (Carcassonne).
Map Location and Instructions
20. Gorge du Verdon
Typically known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, it’s a 25-kilometer lengthy and 700-metre-deep pure canyon situated in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France.
Gorges du Verdon is called after the great inexperienced water of the Verdon River (โvertโ is French for inexperienced).
This unimaginable pure gorge has been attracting vacationers to the area for the reason that mid-Nineteenth century and remains to be extraordinarily common. Right here, you’ll be able to kayak, go canoeing, go for a canyon stroll, hike and even go for a โwater stroll.โ
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for water sports activities and mountaineering).
Actions on supply: Kayaking, mountaineering, mountain climbing, and swimming within the turquoise watersโ.
Lodging: La Bastide de Moustiers, Hรดtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon, and Auberge des Salles.
Map Location and Instructions
21. Good


Positioned within the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea, Good la Belle, because the locals understand it, receives 4 million vacationers yearly. Itโs a stunning and stylish metropolis the place the gorgeous and the well-heeled hand around in droves.
Aside from its charming, quaint streets of Previous City, the (pebbly) seaside, effective motels, beautiful boutique and panoramic views, it’s well-known for the favored Carnival de Good, which I might extremely suggest making an attempt to time your go to round should you 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’ll be able to keep native and profit from the seaside and the city. Promenade des Anglais is a superb possibility if you wish to have a stroll or a jog!
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for nice climate and to keep away from the summer season crowds)โ.
Actions on supply: Strolling alongside the Promenade des Anglais, visiting museums, seaside rest, and exploring the outdated city.
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Good Palais de la Mรฉditerranรฉe, Hรดtel Le Negresco, and Hรดtel La Pรฉrouseโ.
Map Location and Instructions





