The gorgeously various nation, which has impressed by centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, consists of big mountain ranges, acres of unspoilt countryside, and lengthy stretches of glowing shoreline. From my many France journeys, (and Paris apart), I’d like to share these gorgeous spots…
1. Côte d’Azur
The glamorous area has transfixed many well-known guests over the many years (together with royalty, writers, and artists akin to Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse)! The gorgeous coastal area often known as the French Riviera additionally transfixed me with its unimaginable magnificence – I noticed limitless glowing azure waters, a wide variety of seashores from secluded coves to lengthy stretches of sandy shores, stylish coastal cities and crowd pleasing structure, from fairly Belle Époque villas to fashionable luxurious resorts.
The vibe right here was really extraordinary; it’d sound cliché, however I’ve genuinely by no means encountered something fairly prefer it wherever else on the planet. To me, the ambiance struck the right stability – it was relaxed but glamorous, upscale but elegant and tasteful in each approach!
I found it alongside the Mediterranean coast, extending 115 kilometers (round 71 miles) from Menton close to the Italian border all the best way to Saint-Tropez on the southeastern coast of the nation. It’s residence to round 5,170,000 and is understood for its position within the improvement of recent artwork and movie, and the world-famous Cannes Movie Competition.
I flew straight into Good Côte d’Azur Airport and stayed for a dreamy week. I spent my time exploring the glitzy metropolis of Good the place I noticed the well-known Promenade des Anglais, took a coastal drive to Monaco and noticed the ultra-glam Monte Carlo On line casino, found the arty charming medieval village Saint-Paul-de-Vence, relaxed on the beautiful sandy seashores of Saint-Tropez, sampled the glittery nightlife and seafront eating places in Cannes and found the quaint, picturesque village of Èze, Gourdon, Menton and Vence.
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 provide: Seashore rest, coastal mountaineering, 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.
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2. Provence
This well-known area actually captured my coronary heart! I assumed the entire place was really idyllic with its extraordinary – virtually magical – landscapes. I discovered myself gasping at its limitless lavender fields which radiated with dazzling purple hues, historic olive groves and vineyards stretching throughout inexperienced rolling hills, picturesque stone villages crammed with shutter-board homes and perched on cliff sides, glowing azure waters and a luminous, sun-soaked local weather.
I assumed the entire ambiance was distinctive and enchanting – it felt laid-back and inventive, brimming with a country allure that blended the old-world attract of its historic villages with a breezy however dashing vitality. I might simply see the way it impressed iconic artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne to create a few of their most celebrated work.
I found situated within the southeastern a part of the nation, bordered by the Rhône River, Italy and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the area of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It dates backs to being based by the Greeks in 600 BC, however then later grew to become a prized a part of the Roman Empire.
I took a high-speed TGV prepare from Paris to Aix-en-Provence which took three hours and spent a dreamy week right here and I explored the bustling markets and fascinating retailers in Aix-en-Provence and explored the historic walled metropolis Avignon which was crammed with medieval structure.
I additionally went on day journeys to the picturesque villages of Gordes, Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy, relaxed on the gorgeous seashores of the French Riviera, hiked the rugged trails of Calanques Nationwide Park, marveled on the Roman ruins in Arles, went wine tasting in vineyards of the Rhône Valley, and gazed at aromatic lavender fields in Valensole Plateau.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Late Spring (for lavender fields in bloom and splendid climate for exploring).
Actions on provide: Visiting lavender fields, exploring hilltop villages, wine tasting, and mountaineering 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 also be affectionately often known as the Backyard of France. The valley spans over 280km and is situated in central France’s stunning 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 web site.
Some of the visited areas within the nation, it’s identified for its giant assortment of fairytale-esque chateaus and mansions, breathtaking landscapes, and one of the putting rivers in Europe. It is a tranquil bourgeois paradise that you just received’t need to depart, I promise!
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for delicate 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 beautiful gems, however I believe one of many prettiest in Little Venice is the place the scenic Lauch River flows by means of the city.
Beautiful half-timbered homes line each side of the river, and I’d suggest taking a ship experience by means of this part of the city for an exquisite deal with.
The city’s structure is historic and postcard-pretty, and highlights of visiting Colmar embody the Outdated 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).
Actions on provide: Strolling excursions by means of the medieval outdated 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, 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 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.
Finest 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 situated 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 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 long-lasting inexperienced Japanese bridge!
Location: Northern a part of the nation.
Finest 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 essentially the most discerning of travellers!
The area’s lengthy roads and rivers wind by means of 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 most of the chateaus, and discover the traditional fortified cities, such because the visually putting Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for stunning landscapes and delicate climate for outside 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 number of the world’s greatest wines. The area can also be tranquil, with a pristine pure surroundings and dozens of picturesque villages to discover.
Burgundy is a historic space residence to a lot of Europe’s most spectacular Romanesque buildings, together with the Fontenay Abbey and Basilica of Vezelay. There are additionally many beautiful 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, situated 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 mountaineering.
Location: Central-eastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for wine harvest season and winery excursions).
Actions on provide: Wine tasting, biking by means of vineyards, visiting historic monasteries, and exploring small villages.
Lodging: Hôtel Le Cep (Beaune), Château de Gilly, and La Côte Saint Jacques & Spa.
Strasbourg is situated proper on the border between Germany and France, and it’s a well-liked stop-off for exploring Luxembourg and Belgium.
I 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 lively 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 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 surprising island within the Mediterranean simply off the coast of southern France. It’s a well-liked 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 of boating and swimming alternatives. The Mediterranean local weather is a serious drawcard, with the climate heat sufficient to benefit from the water all yr spherical.
Essentially the most stunning spots to go to in Corsica embody 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, situated between Corsica and Sardinia, are additionally price 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).
Actions on provide: Mountain climbing, seaside 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 presents 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).
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 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 beautiful locations to go to in each summer season and winter.
One which stands out is Annecy, often known as the ‘Venice of Savoie. ‘ This beautiful 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 lovely mountains, and a surprising Outdated City residence to cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured homes, Annecy is among the most photogenic I’ve 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 provide: Boating on Lake Annecy, biking, exploring the outdated city, and mountaineering 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 web site is mainly celebrated for its distinctive Gothic-style Benedictine abbey.
Immediately 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 it’s such a reasonably area.
It has historical past and luxurious inexperienced landscapes, apart from dry-stone farmhouses, chalk-white cliffs, half-timbered buildings, and picturesque chateaus. The traditionally essential web site 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 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 calming, laid-back ambiance.
Alongside Brittany’s shoreline are dozens of lovely locations to go to, together with the cliffs of Pointe du Raz, Cap Fréhel, and the Crozon peninsula.
The seashores are additionally a serious drawcard, with Ploumanac’h, Morgat, and Quiberon being the preferred. For those who head inland, you may go to Brocéliande 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 very best seaside 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 delightful structure. The UNESCO World Heritage metropolis is residence to a number of the world’s most valuable historic ruins, Roman buildings, and medieval buildings.
Lyon is situated on the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, which is scenic and one motive it’s a romantic vacation spot.
Lyon’s many slender, winding streets and historic buildings improve its romance. There are dozens of lovely locations inside Lyon, however we cherished 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 — the right location for a romantic dinner.
Different beautiful spots in Lyon embody 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.
Finest time to go to: Fall (for the Fête des Lumières and delicate climate for metropolis exploration).
Actions on provide: Exploring the outdated 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 an exquisite area situated within the southeast of the nation. Its various panorama consists of mountain ranges (together with the well-known Mont Blanc), winding canyons, light valleys dotted with tons of of farms and vineyards, and its dormant volcano, the Puy-de-Dôme.
It isn’t simple to explain the unimaginable and tranquil fantastic thing about this nation’s pure surroundings, so I’d 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 sequence of winding gorges in Ardèche. 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. It’s the right location for boating, swimming and water snowboarding within the hotter months.
One other certainly one of 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 different natural world. Rhône-Alpes can also be residence to many charming cities and cities. They embody Lyon (Rhône), Grenoble (Isère), Saint-Étienne (Loire), Valence (Drôme), and Chambéry (Savoie).
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and winter sports activities within the Alps).
Actions on provide: Snowboarding within the French Alps, mountaineering, 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 singular area situated 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 sequence 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 obvious, with substantial craggy rock outcrops and ample pure scorching springs. The area’s largest metropolis, Clermont-Ferrand, additionally showcases the area’s volcanic historical past nicely.
The most suitable 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 presents guests unimaginable views.
I personally stayed on the fantastic Volca Lodges, which presents eco-friendly glamping fashion lodging with scorching 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 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 status for being a surprising 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 beautiful, with many valleys and foothills to discover. Beautiful our bodies of water embody Lake Gaube, Lac de Genos, and Bethmale Lake.
The lakes in Midi-Pyrénées 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, full of artwork, tradition, and unimaginable structure.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring (for delicate climate and exploring the countryside).
Actions on provide: Exploring medieval villages, mountaineering 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 surroundings.
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 akin to Montpellier and Nîmes. Venturing inland, you’ll discover 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’d 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.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for seaside actions and coastal walks).
Actions on provide: Wine tasting, visiting Roman ruins, seaside actions, and exploring Cathar castles.
Lodging: Château Les Carrasses, Domaine de Verchant, and Hôtel du Château (Carcassonne).
Generally 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 fantastic 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 remains to be extraordinarily well-liked. 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.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for water sports activities and mountaineering).
Actions on provide: Kayaking, mountaineering, mountain climbing, and swimming within the turquoise waters.
Lodging: La Bastide de Moustiers, Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon, and Auberge des Salles.
Situated within the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea, Good la Belle, because the locals comprehend it, receives 4 million vacationers yearly. It’s a beautiful and stylish metropolis the place the attractive and the well-heeled hand around in droves.
Other than its charming, quaint streets of Outdated City, the (pebbly) seaside, high-quality lodges, beautiful boutique and panoramic views, it’s well-known for the favored Carnival de Good, which I’d extremely suggest making an attempt to time your go to round in the event you can (it takes place February to March).
When right here, I’d additionally extremely suggest taking a day journey to Saint Tropez and glitzy Monaco. Alternatively, you may keep native and benefit from the seaside and the city. Promenade des Anglais is a good 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).
Actions on provide: Strolling alongside the Promenade des Anglais, visiting museums, seaside rest, and exploring the outdated city.
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Good Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Le Negresco, and Hôtel La Pérouse.
