The gorgeously diverse country, which has inspired centuries of influential writers, artists, and poets, includes huge mountain ranges, miles of unspoilt countryside, and long stretches of glittering coastline. From my many trips to France (sixteen now!) —and putting Paris aside—these are some of the jaw-dropping places I completely fell in love with…
1. The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
I could see why the glitzy French Riviera had enchanted royalty and artists like Picasso and Matisse – I thought it was one of the most beautiful coastlines I’d ever seen, with glittering azure seas, Belle Époque villas, and palm-lined promenades that glowed in the Mediterranean light. I was impressed how it struck the perfect balance between relaxed and glamorous!
I flew into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, wandered the iconic Promenade des Anglais, drove the dazzling coastal road to Monaco, lazed on Saint-Tropez’s sandy beaches, and dined by the sea in Cannes as the sky turned rose-gold at dusk.
Location: Southeastern France | Size: around 180 miles of coastline | Vibe: glamorous, sun-drenched, and effortlessly chic
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the fairytale 4-star boutique Le Clair de la Plume – Teritoria – I was really taken with the pretty historic building and village setting, the lavender-scented garden and their house-made pastries (the crumbly Fig and Lavender Tartlet was especially divine)!
2. Champagne-Ardenne
Champagne’s birthplace completely bubbled over with magic — its history, sophistication, and charm captivated me! I adored the endless slopes of golden vineyards, the graceful little towns, and the storybook half-timbered houses glowing in the sunlight. The atmosphere felt serene and subtly romantic, the kind of place where time seemed to slow down.
I drove 3.5 hours from Calais and spent a heavenly week exploring at an unhurried pace. I sipped on world-famous bubbly in the cellars of Moët & Chandon in picturesque Épernay and sampled glasses of prestigious Taittinger in historic Reims, admired the glowing stained glass of gothic Reims Cathedral, and wandered the medieval lanes of romantic Troyes!
Location: Northeastern France (bordering Belgium and Luxembourg)| Size: ~25,600 sq km | Vibe: refined, pastoral, and quietly elegant
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the unique La Jonquette – I enjoyed having my own boutique apartment-style space complete with a candlelit hot tub and watching Midnight in Paris on the retro projector that turned the ceiling into a star-filled cinema!
Check out our cinematic trip to France, featuring stunning drone footage (which went viral!)…
3. Provence
Provence completely stole my heart! I thought it was cinematic — endless violet lavender fields, silvery olive groves, and vineyard-draped hillsides dotted with cliffside stone villages glowing in the Mediterranean light. The whole atmosphere felt dreamy, laid-back, and artistic — I could see why Van Gogh and Cézanne were so inspired here!
I took the TGV from Paris to elegant Aix-en-Provence and based myself at the charming 4-star Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches. From browsing the markets of Aix-en-Provence and walking the storied medieval walls of Avignon, to exploring hilltop Gordes, and the artistic charm of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and inhaling the heady lavender-scented air of idyllic Valensole (at its peak from late June to mid-July), every moment felt unmistakably Provençal!
Location: Southeastern France bordered by Italy | Size: ~31,400 sq km | Vibe: sun-soaked, rustic-romantic, and effortlessly beautiful
My personal highlights…
- Tasting the fruity Rosé d’Une Nuit at the organic Château La Coste vineyard, I loved how the scent of lavender drifted through the vines as Louise Bourgeois’s towering Crouching Spider loomed nearby.
4. Loire Valley
It was easy to see why the Loire Valley had earned its UNESCO status — it was extraordinary! Known as the Garden of France, I thought it was beautifully romantic, with fairy-tale châteaux (over 300!), sprawling vineyards, Renaissance architecture, and elegant towns lining the meandering Loire River. It felt serene yet quietly regal — I could instantly see why French royalty once chose this place as their retreat!
Just two hours from Paris, I found my dream escape at the 4-star Abbaye De Villeneuve — my days filled with exploring grand châteaux such as grandiose Chambord, graceful Chenonceau, and ornamental Villandry, toasting with Saumur’s sparkling wines, sampling Vouvray’s crisp whites, and gliding down the dreamy Loire through landscapes that looked like they came straight out of a painting!
Location: Central France | Size: ~800 km stretch of river valley | Vibe: elegant, pastoral, and storybook-pretty
My personal highlights…
- Dining at the trendy Au Local in Chinon, I was impressed with the creative farm-to-table menu, the soft glow of its Scandi-chic decor, and my beautifully plated dish of locally grown leek, turnip, and quinoa!
5. Rhône-Alpes
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this lesser-known corner of eastern France, but I was quietly in awe of the Rhône-Alpes. I found a tapestry of postcard-perfect villages, sunlit vineyards, and graceful towns mirrored in glistening lakes, all set against the grandeur of the Alps. It captured that rare balance of wild beauty and effortless French elegance.
A quick two-hour TGV ride from Paris brought me to this peaceful haven, where I spent a unique week at the 4-star Château de Candie. I explored the canal-laced streets of lakeside Annecy, wandered the tranquil vineyards of rustic Beaujolais, swam in the turquoise waters of mirror-like Lac d’Aiguebelette, and fell for the hilltop village of Pérouges. I just found that the weather was unpredictable at times.
Location: Southeastern France | Size: ~43,700 sq km | Vibe: dramatic, outdoorsy, and richly diverse
My personal highlights…
- Sipping on a latte sweetened with chestnut syrup while people-watching and practicing my French with the friendly server at the quaint Le Café de Jules in Perouges.
6. Burgundy
I completely fell under the spell of beautiful Burgundy — a region of golden hillsides, rolling vineyards, and quaint villages that felt almost otherworldly in their beauty. I adored its almost otherworldly tranquility and charm, from half-timbered houses and Romanesque churches to elegant châteaux glowing in the afternoon light.
A two-hour drive from Paris led me to two wonderful weeks here — from following the famed Route des Grands Crus and admiring the gothic Hospices de Beaune to exploring elegant Dijon and the opulent Château de Cormatin. Between tranquil canal cruises, sipping on Kir wine aperitifs, and tastings of rich Pinot Noir and crisp Chardonnay in timeworn cellars, it was all wine-country bliss!
Location: East-Central France | Size: ~31,600 sq km | Vibe: refined, quietly luxurious, and deeply rooted in tradition
My favorite highlights…
- I stayed in the incredible Treehouse Suite at the chic 4-star Le Domaine des Prés Verts Suites & Chambres — perched 7 m high with a jacuzzi on the balcony and the earthy scent of moss and morning dew all around. The retro pastel blue Solex mopeds rentals were a charming extra!
7. The Dordogne
This ultra-scenic region completely stole my heart — it felt like stepping into a living fairytale of misty valleys, golden-stoned villages, grand châteaux, and prehistoric cave art. I thought it was utterly peaceful, with a rustic elegance and stuck-in-time charm!
I flew into wine-rich Bergerac, drove 90 minutes, and stayed at the quirky 4-star La Rebière d’Or, B&B et Gîte. My week was filled with wandering medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda’s honey-colored streets, climbing to fairytale castles such as the majestic Beynac and imposing Castelnaud, kayaking along the tranquil Dordogne River, marveling at ancient Lascaux’s (a network of caves) prehistoric art, and checking out the lively market at panoramic Domme.
Location: Southwestern France | Size: ~9,100 sq km | Vibe: pastoral, storybook, and gently timeless
My personal highlights…
- Stopping by the Sarlat’s rustic Saturday market, the air was filled with the scent of sugar and roasted nuts as I tried a slice of freshly baked walnut cake glazed in glossy caramel — utterly divine!
8. Auvergne
This dramatic, one-of-a-kind region was a true hidden gem! I thought the landscapes were breathtaking — rolling green hills, dormant volcanoes, and wide open plateaus dotted with Romanesque churches, medieval villages, and ancient thermal springs. It felt raw, timeless, and wonderfully authentic — a peaceful corner of France far from the crowds.
Location: Central France| Size:~26,000 sq km | Vibe: wild, volcanic, and refreshingly uncrowded
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the eco-friendly Volca Lodges – I adored my ‘glamping’ accommodation and sipping on an aromatic Saint-Pourçain Blanc while gazing at the untouched countryside from my private balcony hot tub (my photo is above)!
9. Annecy
It didn’t take long for me to fall for Annecy, the dreamy alpine town, often called the Venice of the Alps. I thought it was one of the most photogenic places I’d ever seen — a fairytale scene of turquoise lakes framed by fir-covered mountains, cobbled streets lined with pastel houses, flower-draped canals, and elegant historic landmarks.
I admired how the atmosphere felt so naturally romantic — alpine elegance met tranquil lakeside living. After a five-hour drive from Paris, I found myself in a real-life fairytale, wandering the pastel-hued Vieille Ville, gazing at the fascinating island prison Palais de l’Isle, touring the medieval Château d’Annecy, paddle-boarding over clear, turquoise waters, and biking the lake’s view-worthy loop trail. I just found it was busy with tourists in the summer.
Location: Southeastern France (near Switzerland border) | Size: small city ~130,000+ residents | Vibe: impossibly pretty and alpine-fresh
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the wow-inducing 4-star Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort — I enjoyed sipping on a soothing Rooibos with orange peel and vanilla in the herbal tea lounge, relaxing in the the softly illuminated balneotherapy pool and the ornate Moorish hammam!
10. Lyon
I thought Lyon was an elegant, cultured city with a creative edge. Its golden Renaissance buildings, cobbled lanes, and riverside promenades glowed beautifully at sunset, giving it a warm, artistic charm – no wonder UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage city!
Just two hours from Paris by TGV, I spent three days exploring from my base at the 4-star Fourvière Hôtel. I wandered the cobblestoned Vieux Lyon and its secret traboules, admired views from the hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, took leisurely walks along the mighty Rhône and the graceful Saône explored La Sucrière’s fascinatin contemporary art, and tucked into Soupe à l’Oignon in a cozy bouchon — it was a fine mix of history, beauty, and creativity!
Location: East-Central France | Size: major city ~520,000 residents | Vibe: cultured, culinary, and confidently elegant
My personal highlights…
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Sampling traditional Lyonnaise cuisine in the wonderfully atmospheric Café Comptoir Abel – my favorite was the gourmet quenelles de légumes, served with spinach and mushrooms in a velvety béchamel sauce!
11. Languedoc
This historic region was a true hidden gem! I thought it was very easy-on-the-eye — a sun-soaked mix of Mediterranean landscapes, rolling vineyards, medieval cities, and hilltop villages steeped in history. The vibe was wonderfully eclectic, blending coastal calm, rustic wine country, and a touch of old-world mystery.
After flying into cosmopolitan Montpellier, I spent a wonderful week soaking up southern France’s magic — discovering fortified Carcassonne’s medieval ramparts, admiring the mighty Pont du Gard, and tasting crisp Minervois Rosé surrounded by sunlit vineyards. I also cruised Sète’s picture-perfect canals, unwound on Gruissan’s golden beaches, and explored artistic Collioure, which was a jewel of a town nestled between the Pyrenees and the sea.
Location: Southern France | Size: ~27,000 sq km | Vibe: sun-baked, rustic, and quietly soulful
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the breathtaking 4-star Château de Pondres – I enjoyed the Crêpes smothered with fragrant lavender honey and the upscale boutique vibe. The staff even told me that even Gallo-Roman and Celtic remains had been found in the cellars!
12. Strasbourg
I really liked how Strasbourg mixed French charm with German flair. I thought it was very easy-on-the-eye — pastel half-timbered houses draped in flowers, the soaring Strasbourg Cathedral, and cobbled squares framed by Renaissance façades. It felt romantic and elegant yet full of life.
Just two hours by TGV from Paris, I arrived at the elegant 4-star Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’Or and spent a gorgeous weekend wandering the half-timbered lanes of quaint La Petite France, admiring the cathedral’s famed – and ingenious – astronomical clock, cruising the gentle Ill River, and exploring landmarks such as the opulent Palais Rohan, the bold modern architecture of the European Parliament, and the folkloric Musée Alsacien.
Location: Northeastern France (bordering Germany) | Size: mid-sized city ~290,000 residents | Vibe: storybook-pretty and distinctly Franco-German
My personal highlights…
- Dining on traditional Alsatian regional dishes in the vaulted Restaurant Gurtlerhoft – the earthy forest foraged mushrooms in flaky puff pastry and the rustic onion tart were especially divine!
13. Corsica
I completely fell in love with Corsica — a wild yet elegant island of turquoise waters, white-sand and pebble beaches, jagged granite cliffs, and pastel coastal towns perched on limestone bluffs. I thought it was breathtakingly unspoilt, with a rustic-chic vibe and a slower Mediterranean rhythm that felt worlds away from the mainland.
Flying from London to Ajaccio, I embarked on ten dreamlike days in Corsica — swimming in the turquoise waters of beautiful Palombaggia beach and secluded Saleccia, exploring atmospheric Bonifacio’s fortress-like cliffs, and losing myself in harbor-fronted Bastia’s colorful alleys. I also dipped into the emerald pools of the pristine Restonica Valley — the mountain roads were often steep and winding, but the views absolutely made it worth it!
Location: Mediterranean Sea, southeast of mainland France | Size: ~8,680 sq km | Vibe: wild, rugged, and fiercely beautiful
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel Restaurant & Spa E Caselle – I especially loved the eucalyptus-scented hammam, the sensory plunge pool and my guest room where I woke up to the babbling Vecchio river each morning!
14. Colmar
I thought Colmar was pure fairytale — like stepping into a storybook of brightly painted half-timbered houses, canal-side flowers, and cobbled lanes overflowing with blooms. It had such a dreamy, romantic vibe with a hint of whimsy that I couldn’t stop smiling.
A high-speed TGV from Paris got me there in just over two hours, and I spent three enchanting days wandering the medieval Old Town, admiring the ornate Maison Pfister, the historic Koïfhus, and the Gothic Église St-Martin. I cruised the winding canals of romantic Little Venice and marveled at the emotive Isenheim Altarpiece in the renowned Unterlinden Museum — I thought it was impossibly picturesque at every turn!
Location: Northeastern France | Size: small city ~67,000+ residents | Vibe: fairy-tale-pretty and postcard-perfect
My highlights…
- Staying at the Insta-worthy L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar, I was impressed by the sleek hammam and incredible contemporary design — especially the hammered-copper sculpture glinting in the bar where I sipped a fragrant Alsace Bloom cocktail infused with pear and elderflower!
15. Palace of Versailles
I thought the Palace of Versailles was absolutely breathtaking — a masterpiece of fine Baroque architecture with gold-gilded halls, ornate furniture, and perfectly manicured gardens adorned with ornate fountains and sculptures. It felt majestic and extravagant, with an elegance so otherworldly it gave me goosebumps.
I took the RER C from my base at 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord in central Paris, and after a short walk from Versailles Château Rive Gauche, I stepped through the iconic golden gates for a very photogenic afternoon. I wandered through the opulent Hall of Mirrors, explored the lavish royal apartments, strolled the immaculate palace gardens, and visited Marie Antoinette’s enchanting pastoral hamlet — a whimsical countryside escape.
Location: Île-de-France (Versailles, ~20 km southwest of Paris) | Size: set in ~800 hectares of gardens and parkland | Vibe: opulent, theatrical, and magnificently grand
My favorite highlights…
- Finding the hidden doors concealed within the ornate wood paneling of the King’s Chamber — the air carried a sweet, musky scent of aged wood and candle wax as the guide explained how the king used to slip away unnoticed through them!
16. Brittany
I really fell for Brittany’s raw, untamed beauty — I found a pristine stretch of windswept coastline, golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and medieval walled towns brimming with old-world charm. I thought it was one of the most soulful regions I’d visited, steeped in Celtic folklore with a touch of mystical intrigue.
Just a fast TGV ride from Paris (with my final destinations around the 4.5-hour mark by car), I found a corner of France that felt very unspoilt and spent a week tucking into farmhouse-made cider-crêpes and exploring Saint-Malo’s weathered ramparts, Dinan’s medieval lanes, the mysterious Carnac megaliths, and the ethereal pink granite coast, where photogenic pastel rocks met the wild Atlantic.
Location: Northwestern France | Size: ~27,200 sq km | Vibe: windswept, soulful, and deeply maritime
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the jaw-dropping 4-star Domaine de Locguénolé & Spa – Relais & Chateaux – the whole place was a dream! I especially loved how the quaint greenhouse grew fragrant lavender, mint, and other herbs that were used in both the spa and the Michelin-starred restaurant.
17. Giverny
I’d known this pretty village as Claude Monet’s home, but seeing Giverny in person was soul-stirring. I thought it was one of the most peaceful and idyllic places I’d ever visited — a real hidden gem and a living painting of flower-filled gardens, a pink-shuttered house, a wisteria-draped bridge, and a tranquil lily pond glowing in the sunlight!
Just 90 minutes from Paris, it was worth every mile. I wandered the perfumed Fondation Claude Monet gardens, explored his whimsical pastel-hued house, visited the inspiring Museum of Impressionism, and ended at the Romanesque Church of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet rests — it was a unique visit that actually felt like I’d stepped inside his paintings!
Location: Northern France | Size: tiny village ~500 residents | Vibe: poetic, tranquil, and nostalgic
My favourite highlights…
- See the flowers up close — the air was perfumed with wisteria and water lilies, and I could hear the rustle of willow leaves and the gentle hum of bees. The guides told me Monet had planted the garden himself!
Author’s Note on the Region Names..
Please note that some regions mentioned in this article (e.g., Champagne-Ardenne, Rhône-Alpes, Burgundy) are now part of new administrative regions following a 2016 reorganization but I have used these historic names as they are still widely recognized by travelers.
Awesome and lovely post! Lots of stunning shots of very beautiful places. Love this blog so much!
I’m from Vietnam. can you please suggest a 5 day itinerary of places in France and what are the places. And give me suggest the cost for 5 days. Thanks
All these places are amazing & beautiful. Nice picture collection as well.
Wow, amazing pictures. Something more to see than Paris in France!
Thanks 🙂
Mechelen!
Hi me and my boyfriend are travelling to France in September arriving at Calais first .We will be driving and hopefully wanting to see as much of France in 5 days as we can .Any suggestions as to where to go to see some beautiful seenary
This is an awesome article i love it, thnx Becky Padmore for this beautiful article. France is one of the most beautiful country in the world and it is also include in top ten beautiful countries in the world.
France is considered as one of the most beautiful country in the world and tourists appreciate this country for its heavenly beauty!
I think instead of visiting Strasbourg try to visit the small villages down south on the way to Colmar, it’s one of the best road trip I’ve done in France. The name of the road is ‘la route des vins’ (wine’s road). Some villages are definitely much more beautiful than Strasbourg.
France has it all, wine,food and women
really very nice….
My girlfriend and I will be traveling to France in December. We will be flying into Milan, Italy first and then driving into France. My question is, what part (North or South) of France would you recommend seeing during the winter? We both are looking for the small village, but we will be visiting Paris sometime during our visit.
Hi, nice article …. can you please suggest a 8 days itinerary of places in france and what are the places we can cover from the list above in 8-9 days
France is beautiful
it is of course
Agreed!! Loire Valley is the best. With the numerous Chateaux and vineyards, one just falls in love with the region. So much to see and do!!!
I have only been to Paris years ago and would like to explore more of France. Thinking of going there for a week with husband (no car) where would you suggest we could squeeze in for a week with a few day trips thrown in. Hard to choose from the blog which is the nicest area to go.
We’d suggest basing yourselves in the Luberon area of Provence and then including day trips to Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy and the walled city of Avignon. It’s a truly beautiful area which will give you a taste of a perfectly preserved traditional France.
Thanks Graham for this helpful info regarding where to visit in France. Do you have your own website?
Maria
NS, Canada
Dahh..I see this is it 🙂 Cheers, Maria
I am on a 7 day trip to Europe taking a delivery of Mercedes at Stuttgart. I will be driving from Stuttgart to Paris for 4 days in April 2014 and would like to spend 3 days in Paris. Any suggestions on places which we can visit along the way. Please let me know. I have no clue on what to plan and places to visit.
Hi Ram Ram we would suggest stopping at Strasbourg, Metz and the Champagne region (including Reims). Enjoy your trip!
Nice post. Awesome images.
This will surely help in exploring france.
France is also a great place for a honeymoon, it’s very romantic and has some really gorgeous countryside.
I loved the french riveria… Its just beautiful and awesome. I went to NICE and Cannes. Attended festivals. It was out of this world
Great post! My wife and I are heading to France for four nights and five days this summer as part of a mini-European tour through Belgium and Holland as well.
I think it’s going to be difficult for us to hit all of these spots this time, however, especially as we’ll probably lose two days to Paris. Any recommendations as to which of these places should not be missed on a first visit to France?
Hi Ed, If you’re going to Paris then you could include a trip to Versailles without too much difficulty. Then I would personally try to fit in as much as the Côte d’Azur and then some places in the Provence countryside including Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy and Avignon. Hope this helps!
Hi, what about Lyon? Would you recommend going there?
Hi Gwen, Lyon is a lovely city but head further to Burgundy and you’ll find some of the finest French countryside.
I really liked Lyon, particularly the older area and cathedral. Didn’t get to see a lot of countryside, ply that from the train on way to paris. But I could easily see living in Lyon.
i love going to france . i goes once in every year
i love visiting france .once in a year i always o there
France is so beautiful, thanks for sharing these amazing places.
Some truly inspiring photos here – I don’t know which one is the best !
Thank you.
Only last week I was looking for places to visit in France, near to Paris.
More info about Loire valley will be welcome.
I just wanted to say I have been a long time follower and I appreciate all of your writing. A lot of work must go into putting out quality content like this. Thanks again.
WHen i see all those places i really like to visit France.
soooooooooo helpful
hi becky
i like your informatoin about france
thank you
🙂
A good choice but no mention of the Pays Basque ! La plus belle pays !
I love when i’m france it’s the best country the best in the world
i have been to France before and loved it! So pretty!
loved looking at the potoes
Hi
i loved looking at this photos it made me fell like i was there i have fished my home work now thanks to you.
yup i have now gotten some of my homework done bow i just need to write a booklet on a tour f france!!!! helpful? definetly. France would be on the top ten list of places i would go to.
Thankyou for this helped me lots.
thanks i have a school project on france and this really helped 🙂
Becky, these photos are unbelievable! WOW!
I’ve been to about half on this list, with the Loire Valley being my favourite. Now you’ve got me wanting to go back to see the rest! Thanks for sharing!
Kathryn
Thanks, it was very helpful 😉
I have been to lots of different countries but not France,maybe its time I
did , looks interesting.
I LOVE France! thanks for sharing! Been to most of the places on this list…but there’s still so much more to see… I would like to add La Rochelle to this list as it’s my fav city in France. Really lovely!
Hey thanks Yvonne, yes it was very hard to choose just ten! Thanks for the comment we’ve just added a link to an article about La Rochelle as one of our writers went there and loved it too!