20 Best Places to Visit in France

Discover the 20 best places to visit in France, from iconic Paris landmarks to charming villages, stunning coastlines, and hidden gems—perfect inspiration for your next unforgettable trip.

France has a way of stealing hearts. I know the magic isn’t just in the famous sights but also in the simple pleasures – lingering over a morning croissant at a café, breathing in lavender on a country drive or watching fishing boats bob in a tiny harbour. With almost every region offering a different landscape, tradition and flavour, choosing where to go can be the hardest part of planning a French getaway. Every return trip reveals something new.

I created this guide after road‑testing several destinations across France and poring over the latest travel rankings. Classic places like Paris and Provence still deserve their pedestal, but I also sought out lesser‑known gems and experiences that showcase the country’s diversity. From wine‑soaked cities to remote mountain villages, each entry below offers its own slice of the French art de vivre.

Because it’s impossible to reduce France to a single list, the following twenty places are grouped into cities and regions that capture different moods – cosmopolitan, coastal, rural and alpine. Use this guide as inspiration to build your own itinerary and hop between them based on your interests and the season.

Why travel to France?

Beyond the headlines, France’s appeal lies in its staggering variety. You can spend the morning on the Côte d’Azur, lunch in the snow‑capped Alps and sip wine among Burgundy vineyards all in one day. This diversity extends to culture and history with UNESCO sites across the country, and festivals like Bastille Day, the Cannes Film Festival and Nice’s carnival ensure there is always something new.

France is also defined by its lifestyle. An official Atout France article notes that long lunches, fixed mealtimes and unhurried service are ingrained in French culture, rewarding those willing to linger. Nature is ever present – forests, vineyards and coastal paths invite travellers to slow their internal pace. Food and wine form a national religion, and travellers come for the Eiffel Tower but return for the markets, pastries and conversations with locals.

1 – Paris: The Timeless Capital

Paris remains the ultimate French experience. From the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to Montmartre’s cobbled lanes, the city is a living museum where art and history are woven into everyday life. Wander through the Latin Quarter’s bookshops, stroll along the Seine and linger at cafés to watch the world go by.

Highlights & tips

• Iconic sights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre‑Dame (reopened after renovation in late 2024), Sacré‑Cœur and Montmartre.
• Culture: Explore the city’s markets and countless cafés; make time to linger and people‑watch like a local.
• Season: Spring (March–April) offers iridescent, sun‑dappled days when cherry blossoms bloom. Autumn is also pleasant, while summer can be crowded.

Tours

• Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower: Enjoy a one‑hour cruise along the Seine with an audio guide, departing from the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
• Louvre Museum Skip‑the‑Line Tour: Explore the highlights of the Louvre in a small group with a licensed guide and avoid long queues.

2 – Marseille: A Port City Reborn

France’s oldest city has reinvented itself as a colourful, multicultural port. Art galleries and rooftop bars sit beside historic forts, and a short hop away the limestone coves of Les Calanques lure hikers and swimmers. North African street food and cosmopolitan nightlife add to Marseille’s appeal.

Highlights & tips

• Le Panier & Vieux‑Port: Wander through Marseille’s oldest quarter and the bustling Old Port with its fish market.
• Calanques National Park: Hike or boat to the calanques of Port‑Miou, Port‑Pin and En‑Vau; the Mediterranean sun can be fierce so pack sunscreen.
• Culture: The MuCEM museum blends old and new architecture and hosts engaging exhibitions.
• Season: Visit in spring or early autumn to avoid peak‑summer heat.

Tours

• Calanques National Park Boat Tour: Cruise from Marseille to Cassis and swim in hidden coves while enjoying commentary on the region.
• Calanques Hike with Picnic: Join a guided hike through the Calanques with a picnic stop and learn about local flora and fauna.

More:

• How to visit Calanques D’en Vau from Marseille
• 3-day Itinerary in Marseille

3 – Corsica: Mountain Meets Sea

Corsica feels like a continent in miniature. A jagged mountain range rises from the Mediterranean and remains snow‑capped well into spring, while the rugged interior gives way to wild beaches, granite gorges and cliff‑top villages. Many locals identify as Corsican first, and hearty dishes of chestnut and wild‑boar stew reflect the island’s distinct culture.

Highlights & tips

• Hike the GR20: The 200 km GR20 trail runs along mountain ridges and is considered one of Europe’s toughest hikes; day hikes on shorter sections provide a taste of the alpine scenery.
• Scenic drives: Take the D84 road from Francardo to Porto, which winds through granite gorges and alpine meadows; you may share the road with wild pigs and cows.
• Clifftop villages: Bonifacio clings to 100‑metre limestone cliffs in the south, while Nonza perches above a black‑sand beach on the Cap Corse.
• Culture and towns: Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, hosts museums and monuments; Bastia’s Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova reveal ornate churches and lively squares.
• Calanques & coves: Drive or hike through the red‑pink Calanques de Piana or ride the island’s narrow‑gauge train between Ajaccio, Calvi and Bastia for views of villages, gorges and mountain peaks.

Tours

• Scandola and Girolata Boat Tour : Sail from Calvi to the UNESCO‑listed Scandola Reserve and the remote village of Girolata, with time for swimming.
• Ajaccio Sightseeing Open‑Top Bus Tour: Explore Ajaccio’s highlights and coastal scenery with commentary aboard a hop‑on hop‑off bus.

4 – Champagne (Reims & Épernay)

The Champagne region is the birthplace of the world‑famous sparkling wine. Between the Saint‑Thierry Massif and the Marne Valley you’ll find pastoral landscapes dotted with vineyards and elegant villages. Grand champagne houses in Épernay and Reims showcase cellars carved into chalk while small growers welcome visitors for tastings.

Highlights & tips

• Reims: Tour Notre‑Dame de Reims cathedral and the UNESCO‑listed Palais du Tau.
• Épernay: Walk the Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand champagne houses offering tastings and tours.
• Wine tastings: Book cellar tours at houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger and make reservations ahead of time.
• Season: Late spring to autumn (April–October) is ideal for vineyard visits.

Tours

• Champagne Day Trip from Paris with 8 Tastings & Lunch: Visit Champagne, tour major champagne house such as Moët & Chandon, explore cellars and taste multiple champagnes on a small‑group excursion.

5 – Lyon: Gastronomic Capital

Lyonnais are fiercely proud of their city, which blends an ancient Roman heritage with a thriving culinary scene. Michelin‑starred restaurants coexist with under‑the‑radar bouchons serving hearty traditional dishes. The UNESCO‑protected old town, riverside quays and Fourvière Hill offer cultural delights beyond the table.

Highlights & tips

• Old Town & Traboules: Explore Vieux Lyon’s Renaissance streets and hidden passageways known as traboules.
• Food: Dine at a bouchon (such as Café des Fédérations) to try dishes like quenelles and coq au vin, and visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for gourmet treats.
• Culture: Climb Fourvière Hill for panoramic views and visit the Basilica of Notre‑Dame de Fourvière.
• Season: Lyon is a year‑round destination with mild winters and warm summers.

Tours

• Old Town Food Tour: Sample Lyonnaise specialities on a guided walk through Vieux Lyon and learn about the city’s culinary heritage.
• Sunset Food Tour (GetYourGuide): Enjoy an evening walking tour with tastings at local bouchons and wine bars as the city lights up.

6 – French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)

The glittering French Riviera (Côte d’Azur in French) stretches from the Italian border to Saint‑Tropez, and its beating heart is Nice. The palm‑lined Promenade des Anglais hugs the Baie des Anges and defines the city’s cosmopolitan identity; behind it, the maze of Vieux Nice invites you into narrow alleys filled with restaurants, galleries and markets. Art museums, perfumeries and star‑studded beaches spill along the coast, and hilltop villages offer sweeping Mediterranean views.

Highlights & tips

• Promenade & beaches: Walk or cycle the 8 km Promenade des Anglais and dip into Nice’s public beaches; the tree‑lined avenue hosts annual events like the Nice Carnival.
• Old Town & markets: Explore Vieux Nice’s narrow streets and shop for spices, soaps and art. Visit the morning Cours Saleya market, which transforms into a lively dining scene where you can try Socca, a chickpea‑flour pancake.
• Art & culture: Spend time at the Matisse Museum for an intimate glimpse into Henri Matisse’s world and at the Musée Marc Chagall to see the Biblical Message series and colourful works.
• Glamour & hill towns: Tour perfume factories in Grasse, sip cocktails on Cannes’ La Croisette, relax in Saint‑Tropez and climb to hilltop villages like Èze and Gourdon for panoramas.
• Transport & day trips: Ride the scenic coastal train from Nice to Antibes, Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, Èze, Monaco and Menton for sea views; alternatively, take the Train des Pignes into the Provençal hinterland.
• Season: Visit in May–June or September–October for warm weather without the midsummer crowds.

Tours

• Monte Carlo, Èze and Monaco Sightseeing Tour (GetYourGuide): Discover the highlights of Nice, the hilltop village of Èze and glamorous Monaco in one day with an expert guide.
• French Riviera Boat Cruise (GetYourGuide): Sail from Nice along the coast to Saint‑Tropez with stops for swimming and sunbathing.

7 – Bordeaux: Wine City of Dreams

Bordeaux is more than a winemaking hub. Medieval architecture, a lively dining scene and sprawling parks make the city a delight to explore on foot or by bike. The Garonne riverfront has been transformed into a stylish promenade, and nearby Atlantic beaches offer a salty escape.

Highlights & tips

• Place de la Bourse & Water Mirror: Admire the stunning 18th‑century square and its reflecting pool.
• La Cité du Vin: Explore this interactive wine museum and learn about global winemaking.
• Wine tours: Day trips to Médoc, St‑Émilion or Graves for tastings; reserve visits ahead of time to secure cellar slots.
• Season: Spring and early autumn are pleasant; summers can be hot.

Tours

• Médoc Wine Region Day Trip (GetYourGuide): Visit prestigious châteaux and sample wines from the Médoc appellation with a knowledgeable guide.
• Saint‑Émilion and Medoc Day Tour (GetYourGuide): Explore the medieval town of Saint‑Émilion and taste wines from Medoc on a full‑day excursion.

8 – Arcachon Basin & Dune du Pilat

This corner of southwest France pairs a tranquil bay with Europe’s tallest sand dune. Oyster beds and pine forests border the Arcachon Basin, while the Dune du Pilat towers 100 metres over the coastline. Across the bay, Cap Ferret’s lighthouse, beaches and oyster shacks beckon day‑trippers.

Highlights & tips

• Dune du Pilat: Climb the 100‑metre‑high dune for panoramic views; sunset is magical.
• Cap Ferret: Take a boat from Arcachon to Cap Ferret for seafood shacks and pine forests.
• Île aux Oiseaux: Kayak or sail to this bird island dotted with cabanes tchanquées (houses on stilts).
• Season: June–September for beach weather; winter offers quiet walks.

Tours

• Dune du Pilat and Arcachon Tour (GetYourGuide): Set off from Bordeaux to discover the Arcachon basin and the Pilat Dune. Enjoy breathtaking views, extraordinary nature, and the authentic charm of the Atlantic coast on this guided tour!

9 – Normandy: Art, History & Coastlines

Normandy’s chalk cliffs and pastoral villages inspired the Impressionists and still charm travellers today. The coastline stretches from Honfleur to Étretat, interspersed with sandy beaches and bustling ports; inland, apple orchards and half‑timbered farmhouses dot the countryside. Cultural pilgrims come to Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny and to Mont‑Saint‑Michel, a tidal island crowned by an abbey.

Highlights & tips

• Historic sites: D‑Day landing beaches and the Omaha Beach Museum; Bayeux’s Tapestry and medieval cathedral.
• Étretat: a stunning coastal village in Normandy, famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches overlooking the English Channel.
• Monet’s Garden: Book timed tickets for Claude Monet’s house and lily‑pond gardens in Giverny.
• Mont‑Saint‑Michel: Explore the abbey and surrounding tidal flats; time your visit with the tides.
• Gastronomy: Sample Camembert cheese in the village that bears its name and cider in Pays d’Auge.
• Season: Spring and early summer bring green landscapes; autumn offers fewer crowds.

Tours

• D‑Day Beaches and American Cemetery Tour (GetYourGuide): Visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery with a historian guide.
• Mont‑Saint‑Michel Day Trip (GetYourGuide): Join a guided excursion to the abbey and tidal village with transportation from nearby cities.

10 – Mont Blanc & Chamonix

The highest peak in Western Europe commands awe. Mont Blanc rises to 4 808 metres above Chamonix, where visitors can stroll along alpine streets and ride the Brévent cable car for breathtaking views. Glacier hikes, high‑altitude trains and alpine trails reveal the region’s natural wonders.

Highlights & tips

• Aiguille du Midi: Ride Europe’s highest vertical ascent cable car to 3 842 metres for spectacular views.
• Hiking: Trails to Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud offer alpine flora and panoramas of Mont Blanc.
• Mer de Glace: Take the Montenvers Railway to France’s largest glacier.
• Season: Winter for skiing; June–September for hiking.

Tours

• Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace Day Tour (GetYourGuide): Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car and Montenvers Railway with a guide.
• Mont Blanc and Chamonix Day Trip from Geneva (GetYourGuide): Explore Chamonix, ride the Brévent cable car and enjoy alpine views on a full‑day trip.

11 – Nîmes, Arles & Orange: Roman Heritage

For history buffs, the lower Rhône cities of Nîmes, Arles and Orange are treasure troves of Roman heritage. Remarkably preserved amphitheatres, arches, temples and baths line their streets, and the Pont du Gard – a 2 100‑year‑old aqueduct – still spans the Gardon River. Impressionist art and Provençal markets add layers of charm.

Highlights & tips

• Nîmes: Visit the Arena of Nîmes (still in use today) and the Maison Carrée temple.
• Arles: Explore the Roman theatre and walk the Van Gogh trail, including the café depicted in his paintings.
• Orange: Marvel at the Théâtre Antique d’Orange and the Triumphal Arch.
• Pont du Gard: Swim beneath the aqueduct or rent a kayak to glide under its arches.
• Season: Spring and autumn avoid summer crowds and heat.

Tours

• Roman Provence Day Tour (GetYourGuide): Visit Nîmes, the Pont du Gard and Orange with a knowledgeable guide.

12 – Provence: Lavender Fields & Gorges

Provence conjures images of purple fields, rustic villages and sun‑washed stone houses. Inland, the Valensole plateau bursts into lavender bloom from late June to mid‑July, while ochre villages like Gordes and Roussillon cling to hillsides. South of Arles, the Camargue’s marshes are home to wild horses and pink flamingos, and the Gorges du Verdon cuts a turquoise canyon through limestone cliffs.

Highlights & tips

• Lavender: Visit the Valensole plateau for peak bloom in early summer.
• Villages: Gordes and Roussillon offer hilltop views and ochre cliffs; L’Isle‑sur‑la‑Sorgue is a paradise for antique lovers.
• Gorges du Verdon: Hike, kayak or swim in Europe’s largest canyon.
• Camargue: Venture south of Arles to see wild horses and pink flamingos in Europe’s largest river delta.
• Season: Spring and early summer for flowers; September for wine harvests.

Tours

• Lavender Fields Tour from Aix‑en‑Provence (GetYourGuide): Half‑day tour to the Valensole plateau to see blooming lavender.
• Gorges du Verdon and Lavender Fields from Nice (GetYourGuide): Full‑day trip exploring the canyon and Valensole plateau to see blooming lavender.

More info: How to visit Valensole Lavender Fields from Marseille/Aix

13 – Canal du Midi

Built in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi connects the Garonne River at Toulouse with the Mediterranean. Its plane‑tree‑shaded towpaths are ideal for cycling, and boats glide through locks and vineyards at a languid pace. Engineering marvels like the nine locks at Fonseranes stand as reminders of the canal’s genius.

Highlights & tips

• Cycling: Follow towpaths between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne; bike rentals and baggage transfers make the journey easy.
• Boating: Rent a self‑drive péniche (barge) for slow travel through locks and vineyards and moor in small villages.
• Heritage: Admire structures such as the Neuf Écluses (nine locks) at Fonseranes.
• Season: April–October; May and June offer pleasant weather without mid‑summer heat.

14 – Dordogne

Dordogne (Périgord) in southwest France feels almost unreal. Vines, rolling hills and pretty hamlets create a dreamlike landscape, and castles like Castelnaud and Beynac perch above the river. Prehistoric sites such as the Lascaux caves remind visitors of humanity’s deep history, while the region’s markets overflow with truffles, walnuts and foie gras.

Highlights & tips

• Châteaux: Visit Castelnaud, Beynac and Marqueyssac for history and manicured gardens.
• Prehistory: Tour the Lascaux IV centre to see replicas of Paleolithic cave art.
• Cuisine: Sample confit de canard, black truffles and walnut cakes at local markets.
• Season: May–September for outdoor activities; autumn for truffle fairs.

15 – French Basque Country

This southwestern corner blends French and Basque cultures with surf beaches, lively markets and a distinct identity. Biarritz became Europe’s surfing capital in the 1950s and still boasts impressive waves, while neighbouring Bayonne is famed for its cured ham and colourful festivals. The region’s towns are compact and easy to explore on foot or bike.

Highlights & tips

• Beaches: Surf at Biarritz’s Grande Plage or relax on Hendaye’s long sandy beach.
• Food: Taste jambon de Bayonne and Basque pastries like gâteau Basque.
• Culture: Stroll through the old towns of Bayonne and St Jean‑de‑Luz and learn about Basque pelota and traditional music.
• Season: Summer for surfing; early autumn for festivals and milder weather.

Tours

• Surf Lesson in Biarritz (GetYourGuide): Learn to ride the waves with a professional instructor at the Basque coast’s surf mecca.

16 – Alsace (Strasbourg & Colmar)

Set between France and Germany, Alsace has a unique identity. Strasbourg blends French and German influences with half‑timbered houses, canals and a majestic Gothic cathedral, while Colmar looks like the set of a fairy tale with pastel façades and flower‑lined canals. The region is also famed for its white wines and festive Christmas markets.

Highlights & tips

• Strasbourg: Visit the Gothic cathedral with its astronomical clock and cruise the canals of Petite France.
• Colmar: Wander cobbled streets lined with timber houses and stop at the Unterlinden Museum.
• Wine route: Drive or bike the Alsace Wine Route through Riesling and Gewürztraminer vineyards, stopping in villages like Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr.
• Season: December for Christmas markets; spring and summer for flowers.

Tours

• Strasbourg: Full-Day Small Group Tour to Colmar & Riquewihr: Experience the magic of Alsace on a day trip from Strasbourg, a shared tour exploring the enchanting Alsace Wine Route. Visit the majestic Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Colmar & Riquewihr.
  

17 – Lake Annecy

Nicknamed “Europe’s cleanest lake,” Lake Annecy is a turquoise jewel in the Alps. Its ten square miles attract bathers, sailors and divers, while the surrounding hills are ideal for hiking and paragliding. The town of Annecy enchants with canals, pastel houses and markets selling local cheeses and charcuterie.

Highlights & tips

• Outdoor fun: Swim or paddleboard in the crystal‑clear water and cycle around the lake via a dedicated path.
• Old Town: Explore canals and pastel houses; visit the Palais de l’Isle (a 12th‑century prison) and the Château d’Annecy.
• Paragliding: Annecy is one of Europe’s premier paragliding sites; tandem flights give spectacular aerial views.
• Season: June–September for swimming; September–October for autumn colours.

18 – Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a walled medieval city straight out of a fairy tale. Its double walls, turrets and drawbridges enclose a maze of cobbled lanes, while nearby Cavayère Lake offers a green escape with swimming and treetop adventure courses. Arrive early to wander the battlements before day‑trippers arrive.

Highlights & tips

• La Cité de Carcassonne: Walk the double walls and explore the Château Comtal; climb the ramparts for panoramic views.
• Basilica of Saint‑Nazaire: Admire the stained‑glass windows and Gothic architecture.
• Cavayère Lake: Take the €1 bus to the lake for swimming, paddle boating and treetop adventure courses.
• Season: May–June and September for pleasant weather; July–August can be busy and hot.

Tours

• Carcassonne and Cathar Castles Day Trip (GetYourGuide): Visit Carcassonne and nearby Cathar castles on a full‑day excursion from Toulouse.

19 – Loire Valley

Two things make the Loire Valley essential: castles and wine. Along France’s longest river between Orléans and Angers there are more than 300 châteaux and thousands of acres of vineyards. Royal towns like Blois, Amboise and Saumur punctuate the countryside, and cycling routes such as Loire à Vélo connect them.

Highlights & tips

• Major châteaux: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry and Château de Blois – each offers distinct architecture and gardens.
• Wine & food: Taste Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Chenin Blanc from Vouvray; try goat cheese and fouées (small bread pockets).
• Cycling: Follow Loire à Vélo routes between castles; many bike rental shops offer one‑way drop‑offs.
• Season: Late spring to early autumn for outdoor visits; July–August can be crowded.

Tours

• Loire Valley Châteaux Day Trip from Paris (GetYourGuide): Visit Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise with a guide on a full‑day excursion from the capital.

20 – Brittany

France’s rugged northwest, nicknamed “Little Britain,” blends Celtic heritage with dramatic coastlines. Sweeping cliffs and pink‑hued granite give way to fishing villages and scenic peninsula walks. The region’s cuisine features crêpes, galettes and seafood, and towns like Saint‑Malo and Pont‑Aven captivate with maritime history and artistic heritage.

Highlights & tips

• Coastlines: Hike the GR34 “customs path” along cliffs and sandy beaches; visit the Pink Granite Coast near Perros‑Guirec.
• Towns: Explore the walled port of Saint‑Malo, the artistic town of Pont‑Aven and the half‑timbered centre of Rennes.
• Megaliths: Visit Carnac’s alignments of prehistoric standing stones.
• Gastronomy: Enjoy cider, kouign‑amann pastries and fresh oysters in Cancale.
• Season: Summer offers beach weather and festivals like the Fête des Remparts in Dinan; September brings crisp air and fewer tourists.

Planning Tips

• Choose the right season: Winter (December–April) is ideal for skiing in the Alps and visiting atmospheric Christmas markets in Alsace. May and June bring southern sunshine with fewer crowds and festivals like Nuits Sonores, Fête de la Musique and the Cannes Film Festival; lavender in Provence blooms from late June. July and August are high summer – good for alpine hikes like the GR20 but coastal France is busy. September to November is grape‑harvest season in regions such as Bordeaux, the Loire Valley and Champagne and offers cooler weather.
• Book ahead: TGV and Intercités trains are all‑reserved and fares rise as departure approaches. Booking opens about four months ahead and early “Prems” fares can be as low as €25 for long‑distance routes like Paris–Nice. Popular wine tastings, museum entries and guided tours should also be reserved in advance to secure a spot.
• Entry requirements: The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) takes biometric data from travellers from visa‑exempt countries when they enter; France introduced it in 2025. The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will not be mandatory until at least April 2027 and will undergo a soft launch in late 2026; avoid websites offering fake early registration and always check official sources for the latest requirements.
• Mind your manners: Greeting people with a friendly “bonjour” is considered essential in France. Saying “bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” shows respect and can make interactions smoother. Following local customs – including punctual dining times and quiet voices in public – leads to a warmer welcome.

France’s landscapes and cultures are as varied as they are enchanting. This guide synthesises my own journeys and research to showcase destinations that span medieval citadels, glittering coasts, mountain trails and vineyard valleys. Wherever you go – from the grand boulevards of Paris to a sun‑bleached hamlet in Corsica – embrace the slow pleasures and you’ll understand why France remains an enduring dream.

Do you like this post? Brighten my day by clicking the “save” button to have this article saved right on your Pinterest board, and don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on the latest travel inspirations!

This post may contain affiliate links, for which we may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Refer to the full disclosure here . Thank you for your support!