20+ Breathtakingly Beautiful Places to Visit in France

Last Updated on 7th August 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

If you’re looking for a dream destination then France may well be the place for you. From stunning stretches of coastline to snow-capped peaks. And somewhere between, sea, land, and city, there’s a French adventure for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re looking for the glittering lights of a big city or a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busy modern life, here are 20+ breathtakingly beautiful places to visit in France!

#1 French Capital City of Paris

Of course, no trip to l’Hexagone would be complete without a visit to the French capital, Paris. Best-known as the place where you’ll find incredible macarons and as being home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, you could spend days, weeks, or even months and years uncovering Paris’ many layers.

After all, it’s here you can discover Haussmannian architecture, uncover the story of France in the city’s many museums, and discover the secrets of Montmartre, Le Marais, and Canal Saint-Martin. Other districts in Paris worth visiting include Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter.

Top tip: the best time to visit Paris is undoubtedly during the European shoulder seasons (i.e. in the spring or in the autumn). This is when visitors will get to see the cherry blossoms or

#2 Ancient Roman Port City of Narbonne

Once inhabited by the Romans, this off the beaten track French city used to be situated by the sea. However, over the past two millennia, sea and sand have built up to such an extent that Narbonne now lies some 15 km away from the nearest coastline.

Today, instead of sandy beaches, head here and you can expect to find plenty of cobbled lanes, architecture dating back to the middle ages, and one of the best traditional food markets in France. Thanks to its status as a Roman port many centuries ago, Narbonne also boasts a wealth of Roman ruins!

#3 Abbey of Mont Saint Michel

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful places in France, then you simply must head to the conically shaped island that is Mont Saint Michel. Inhabited since time immemorial and cut off from the rest of France twice a day by the rising tides, today the isle is home to a Gothic abbey and is worthy of a trip on any voyage through Normandy.

Characterised by its striking architecture, highlights of this island include its thousand-year-old abbey and countless meandering lanes. Once you’ve crossed the causeway on the fairly modern bridge to reach the island, some of the best things to do include wandering around the ancient abbey (complete with cloisters), sampling some of the local cuisine, and getting lost in the maze of streets which pepper the tidal island.

Top tip: The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is in the early morning when the tour buses haven’t yet arrived. This is when the historical French monument is at its most quiet and so is likely when you’ll be able to capture the best photos.

Jurga from Full Suitcase says:

One of our favourite places to visit in France is the Normandy region. Normandy has such a good mix, the very best of France in one place. You will find the most beautiful coastlines, pristine nature, quaint little towns, and so much history here. And don’t forget the famous apple cider and the Normandy crêpes!

Some of my top suggestions to visit in Normandy include the D-Day Beaches, the cliffs of Etretat, the picturesque town of Honfleur, and probably the most famous landmark – Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

Mont Saint-Michel is a magical island with a medieval abbey on the very top of the rocky mountain in the otherwise flat landscape. Its’ incredible location makes the Mont Saint-Michel a fairytale-like destination that will impress even the most seasoned travelers. Mont St. Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s considered one of France’s most stunning landmarks.

However, the island suffers from its own popularity and it can be difficult to appreciate the beauty and the uniqueness of the place if you have to fight your way through the crowds. We suggest to visit the island in the evening when most day tourists have left, and you can have the whole place to yourself.

#4 Fairytale Castle of Chantilly

Best seen at sunrise or sunset when the town’s picturesque château is reflected along the water’s edge, Chantilly lies just half an hour by train from Paris’ Gare du Nord station. Easily one of the best day trips from Paris, the town is home to a population of around 20,000 residents.

Elsewhere in the French commune, there’s the hamlet which inspired Marie Antoinette’s ‘Hameau de la Reine‘ at Versailles, as well as the largest art collection in France after the Louvre in the form of Musée Condé. For those who love landscaped gardens, there’s even a Le Nôtre created masterpiece.

#5 The glittering French Riviera

A glittering expanse of coastline which is also known as the ‘Cote d’Azur,’ the French Riviera is synonymous with all the glitz and glam of the Mediterranean. Comprising of a long stretch of French coastline including Cassis (or Toulon depending on who you ask) all the way to Saint-Tropez, head here if you want to experience the best beaches France has to offer.

Elsewhere in the region, there are plenty of restaurants serving sea-inspired menus, as well as oodles of Roman history to discover. For those who are in search of the chance to get off the beaten path, the pastel hues of Menton are a real draw, while the Medieval town of Eze is a must. Nearby, the quaint village of Saint Paul de Vence is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in France.

Liza from Tripsget says:

One of my favourite destinations in France is a little charming medieval town called Saint-Paul-de-Vence. We discovered it by pure chance: on our last day in French Riviera we were in Monaco and it started raining a lot, so our plans to visit Bologna were ruined.

We thought, however, what kind of town could look great even during heavy rain? Determined to find some lovely towns in the mountains not so far away from Nice, we checked a couple of blogs and found an article about Saint-Paul-de-Vence and without hesitating headed there. St. Paul-de-Vence is absolutely amazing: a small French town full of artisan shops with art, medieval buildings, and classy restaurants. 

Why should you visit St. Paul-de-Vence? If you want something different than coastal towns in Cote D’Azur, it’s a perfect place for a 3-hour getaway. It’s not so far from Nice or Cannes (if you are based there) and you easily reach it by car.

There are enough parking lots, but not enough places in the restaurants, so better plan your visit a bit ahead and call a restaurant for a reservation. In St. Paul-de-Vence, you can also buy art and some cute French souvenirs and of course, take some great photos. It always looks great, even when it rains, so don’t hesitate to visit this town on a rainy day.

Naomi from Probe Around the Globe says:

As a kid, my family would always go to the area below Bordeaux in France, so this year was the first time I went to the Côte d’Azur! I booked a weekend trip to Nice and I was amazed how beautiful and diverse the region is.

Of course, I knew about the attractive sights of the Côte d’Azur, like beautiful weather, jet set lifestyle and secluded villages where the rich and famous may or may not have a villa.

But what people never told me was the amazing history that lies beneath it. Being part of Italy and the house of Savoy for centuries, this part of France is the youngest region of the country! I indulged in the great food of the region with a food tour of Nice and stuffed my face with gelato.

To explore more, I took several day trips by train and discovered ancient villages, secluded monasteries, and medieval castles. I loved it so much; I went back with my mom a month later! 

Besides the sunshine and luxurious lifestyle of the rich and famous, Nice, the Côte d’Azur and the hinterland have so much more to offer for people who look food culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.

You can lay on the beach, hike in the mountains, go to the casino and wine and dine in style and all this in 1 day! I think I might go back again soon!

#6 Châteaux of the Loire Valley

If you’re looking for the best castles in France, particularly of the Renaissance variety, then you simply must head to the Loire Valley, an area south of Paris which is populated by countless châteaux.

Some highlights of the area include a Da Vinci designed Château (Château de Chambord), as well as the Mansion which inspired Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin novels (Château de Cheverney).

#7 Walled city of Saint-Malo

The walled city of Saint-Malo is synonymous with pirates and independence. Indeed, the city’s motto during the 16th-century was “not French, not Breton, but Malouin.” Founded as early as the 1st-century AD by the Gauls, today the walled city is filled with fascinating architecture, several beaches, and plenty of museums.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you simply must read ‘All the Light We Cannot See‘ by Antony Doerr. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2015, this beautifully written book is set between Paris and Saint-Malo during the height of WWII.

#8 City of Water, Evian-Les-Bains

Home to the iconic Evian water, Evian-Les-Bains is a beautiful resort town on the fringes of Lake Geneva. Situated just across the water from the Swiss city of Lausanne (an easy day trip can be taken between the two European towns via ferry), Evian is the kind of place which is a little off the beaten track and not frequented as much by an international tourist.

Lying in the Alps, highlights of this French city include visiting the thermal baths and sampling Evian water directly from the source. After all, it’s said that there are minerals in the water which disappear shortly after the water has left the ground, meaning that they won’t be present in the bottled water you can purchase from any supermarket.

#9 Cassis & Calanques de Cassis

Now a designated National Park, the Calanques de Cassis is a stunning stretch of limestone inlets and beaches which are unique to this part of the world. Perfect for those who enjoy hiking and exploring secluded beaches, should you wish to go walking here, you’ll need to visit in the spring or summer- the Calanques are often closed in the summer due to the risk of forest fire.

The nearby picturesque city of Cassis was once a Roman port city and has since become a go-to destination for those who love sea-inspired cuisine. For a narrative about Provence, you won’t want to put down, check out ‘A Year in Provence‘ by Peter Mayle. Just be warned- you’ll want to book a flight to the region ASAP after reading this!

#10 Wine Routes of Bordeaux

While the city of Bordeaux is a beautiful French settlement that’s full of stunning architecture, it’s the rich red wines which really draw the crowds to this iconic region. The wine routes of Bordeaux form one of the best wine regions in all of Europe and must-sample vin varieties from the area include St. Estephe, Pauillac, St. Julien, and St. Emilion.

#11 Châteaux of Occitanie

On the border with Spain, highlights of the Occitanie region include lots of oyster farms, the ‘Secret French Riviera’ (plenty of beaches, coastal walks and stunning seascapes), as well as plenty of Roman history and medieval remnants.

It’s worth noting that while the Languedoc region is touristic among the French, it is ‘less full’ and simply less touristic than nearby neighbour region of Provence. And, of course, the region was once home to the Cathars, a people persecuted during the 13th-century due to their rejection of Catholicism.

Today, plenty of impressive and fortified châteaux remain from this era remain, all set against the backdrop of the foothills of the Pyrenees. While in the region, of all the most beautiful places to visit in France on this list, Carcassonne may well top them all!

#12 Artists’ Haunt of Aix-en-Provence

Often described as ‘the city of a hundred fountains’ Aix-en-Provence lies in the shadow of the mighty Montagne Sainte Victoire and easy day trips from the city can be taken to the nearby places of La Ciotat, Marseille, mountainside vineyards, and the Mediterranean coastline.

While in Aix itself, you’ll want to explore the many cobbled lanes within the city, sample some local produce (rosé is a Provençal speciality), enjoy the city’s upbeat nightlife, seek out hidden gems of Aix, and follow in the footsteps of impressionist painter Cézanne (who was born in the city).

#13 Cliffs of Étretat

While England has the Seven Sisters and the White Cliffs of Dover, Normandy has its own answer in the form of the breathtaking chalky cliffs of Etretat. Best visited in the early summer or early autumn when you can make the most of the weather sans the crowds, this is where the French come on holiday to truly relax!

A favourite haunt of impressionist painters (Claude Monet painted the cliffs on countless occasions and aided in transforming Northern Normandy into a tourist hot-spot), nearby there are plenty of stunning coastal walks, as well as picturesque French Châteaux, including the reputedly haunted Château du Tilleul.

#14 Timber-Framed city of Colmar

The fairytale city of Colmar is cute, quaint, and is characterised by its timber-framed houses and countless waterways slicing their way through the city. Located in the Grand-Est region of Northern France and not far from the borders with Germany and Switzerland, the architecture here is typically a blend of Germanic and French styles.

The city also lies along the Alsatian wine route and is the self-proclaimed ‘capital of Alsatian wine’. During other times of the year, Colmar holds an annual Christmas market which is among one of the best in France, if not all of Europe. A visit to Colmar can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby politically-centred city of Strasbourg.

(Read more: A Guide to the Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas Markets).

#15 The Paris of the South, Montpellier

The Southern French city of Montpellier is the historic capital of the Languedoc region and is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the South’ thanks to its abundance of landscaped gardens, many museums, and Haussmannian architecture.

Best visited over the course of a day or two, so as to make the most of all the attractions on offer, highlights of Montpellier include its very own Arc de Triomphe (the Porte de Peyrou), and an extensive old town. On the fringes of the city, one of the most beautiful castles in France, Château de Flaugergues can be visited for a small fee.

#16 Snow-capped French Alps

France is the kind of holiday destination where you can really have it all. In the summer months, the beaches of the South are some of the most beautiful in the European continent, while the shoulder seasons offer some of the best opportunities to visit France’s most vibrant and exciting cities (Nice, Paris, and Lyon to name but a few).

However, if you’re a fan of all things adventure related, then you simply must visit France in the wintertime, specifically the French Alps. Whether you want to go snowshoeing, or skiing, there’s plenty of resorts and mountainside hotels to stay in.

#17 Medieval city of  Dinan

Magical and medieval, of all the beautiful places to visit in France, Dinan truly is a must-see destination. Located in mythical Brittany, an area of France that’s often likened to the UK’s Cornwall, a visit to Dinan can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby walled city of Saint-Malo.

Complete with fortifications dating back to the middle ages and an incredibly steep high street which hasn’t changed in centuries, while in Dinan make sure to sample a local specialty- the Kouignn-Amann (a butter/ sugar/ pastry concoction that tastes pretty much like biting into heaven).

#18 Port City of Marseille

As the second largest city in France, the settlement of Marseille is a busy working port city which was first founded by the Romans some two millennia ago. Today, Marseille is a must-visit city on any trip to Provence and highlights of the destination include Notre Dame de la Garde (a hill-top basilica with incredible panoramic views) and the old port of Marseille (which still functions as a fishing harbour to this day).

#19 The Lavender Fields of Provence

The unmistakable sweet scent of lavender can be found in abundance should you opt to visit the lavender fields of Provence in the early summer months. Best seen at sunrise or sunset so as to make the most of the purple hues against a golden sky, some of the best places to see lavender in Provence include l’Abbaye Senanque, as well as various destinations in Sault.

#20 Underrated City of Metz

Of all the beautiful places to visit in France contained within this article, the Grand-Est city of Metz is probably the least expected. However, should you opt to visit this vastly underrated French city, you can expect to find plenty of culture to discover.

As well as Germanic architecture, Metz boasts one of the tallest cathedrals in France (not to mention that Metz cathedral has the largest amount of stained glass windows of any ecclesiastical building in France). A visit to Metz can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby (seriously, it’s only half an hour away!) Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

#21 Timber-Framed Houses of Rouen

Rumoured to be the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake (or was she?), today the medieval city of Rouen is the capital of the Normandy region of France and is as close to stepping back in time to the Middle Ages as it’s possible to get when it comes to France!

After all, the clock tower in the town centre is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe, while there are also countless museums detailing the history of the city. Perfect for exploring over the course of a weekend, Rouen also happens to make the city escape from Paris due to the two French cities’ proximity to one another.

Complete with an old town that’s filled with cobbled lanes and timber-framed houses, Rouen is also home to one of the most beautiful gothic buildings in Europe, Rouen Cathedral. Once inside the impressive cathedral, you can expect to find the final resting place of Richard the Lionheart as well as countless other historical figures.

#22 Champagne city of Reims

Situated just over an hour and a half away from Paris via high speed train, the North East city of Reims is widely regarded to be the gateway to Champagne, a world-famous region best-known for its sparkling white wines.

Head to Reims and you’ll soon discover one of the most important cathedrals in France as well as plenty of hidden gems, as well as the chance to visit many of the biggest Champagne houses by way of guided tour.

#23 The walled city of Avignon

Situated in the South of France, Avignon is an ancient walled city which was once home to the Romans. At this time, Avignon was known as Avenio. So-called thanks to a strong wind that originates in the Provençal mountains, Avignon is home to a Southern French vibe combined with over two millennia worth of history.

And thanks to fantastic transport links to the rest of France and beyond, Avignon makes for the perfect base from which to explore the wider Provence region… Avignon is perhaps best known for its washed away medieval bridge which forms the basis for the french nursery rhyme ‘sur le pont d’Avignon’, though there are also plenty of hidden gems worth discovering in the city.

#24 The Christmas Markets of Strasbourg

If you’re looking to enjoy the best of Christmas in Europe and you’ve only got a limited amount of time, then be sure to include Strasbourg in your itinerary. Self-proclaimed to be the ‘capital of Christmas,’ the largest city in the Alsace, a region in Eastern France that has alternated as being a part of Germany and as a part of France during its rich history, is well worth a visit.

After all, there are just under a dozen markets held across the historic city centre, many of which are themed or known for speciality goods. As well as plenty of mulled wine (vin chaud in French) and plenty of to-go foodie opportunities, there’s also a whole array of artisanal and handmade goods for sale. Otherwise, you should know that the city is decked out with festive decorations, including an oversized tree in Place Kleber.

#25 Walled city of Saint-Malo

Of all the walled cities in France, one of the most beautiful is that of Saint Malo. Situated on the fringes of the sea at the end of a peninsula, the city is best-associated with pirates (known as corsairs or privateers) and its historic architecture.

#26 The Alsace Wine route

Rohan from Travels of a Bookpacker says:

The Alsace Wine Route is a stunning area of France located along the border with Germany. It’s a great area to explore over a few weeks or even just a long weekend.

The route can be walked, cycled or driven and there are plenty of places to stay along the way, from campgrounds to fancy hotels.  Each small town offers a variety of delicious wines, cobbled streets to walk through and plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

You can take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards or a more adventurous hike between towns or to castles and monasteries along the route. We loved the hike from Eguisheim to the three castles (about 4 hours round trip) which provided amazing views. 

Strasbourg is a gorgeous town to start the route and also makes a good base. If you’re starting from the South, Mulhouse is the main transport hub but is not as picturesque.

Other towns that are definitely worth stopping in are Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauville and Obernai. The roads between are often narrow and winding but the views are worth every minute. Forested hills, row upon row of vines and the terracotta roofs of the small towns.  A perfect place to explore and enjoy some of the world’s finest wine. 

#27 Lorraine

Tamara from Girls Wanderlust says:

My favourite French region is the Alsace / Lorraine. It may not surprise you that’s the reason why I’ve lived here for five months to do an internship for my study Tourism Management four years ago. Lorraine and the Alsace are located in the north of France, at the border of Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

I did my internship at Center Parcs, located close to the little town Hattigny and in the middle of a forest. It’s a real paradise for the nature lovers. The location is very beautiful and serene. The closest city from my house during those five months was Sarrebourg: a typical French little city with cozy streets, friendly people and nice places to eat or drink something.

If you would like to go to some bigger cities, you should definitely pay a visit to Nancy and Strasbourg. Especially Strasbourg is a city I’ve fell in love with. It’s very versatile and I’ve visited it twice during my time in France. One of those two times there was a Christmas market.

If you love this time of the year, it’s really worth the visit. It’s very extensive and it brings you immediately into the Christmas ambiance. Strasbourg also has a really pretty and cozy neighbourhood called La Petit France. Going here is an absolute must! Get in love with the typical French houses, the canals, and the cosy places.

#28 Languedoc

Danielle from World-Smith says:

In the south of France, Provence gets all the love. Get off the beaten path to go to Languedoc-Roussillon and you’ll be richly rewarded. I first learned about the Languedoc – a huge region on the Mediterranean close to the Pyrenees mountains – when I was in college, looking for cheap flights between the UK and France.

RyanAir had a route to Beziers and off I flew. Beziers is a charming Mediterranean town where practically no one speaks English. In fact, the city is so close to the Spanish border, locals are more likely to understand Spanish than English. There are loads of wineries in the area, and the beautifully preserved medieval fortress Carcassonne is within an hour train ride.

I revisited the area on my RTW trip with a two-day Couchsurfing stay in Montpellier, ostensibly the regional capital. The iconic Les Trois Graces sculpture looks over the Place de la Comedie and its classic 18th-century architecture.

There’s a strong modern design culture in Montpellier as well. World-renowned architects like Jean Nouvel have taken to designing new buildings in the city, such as the Hotel de Ville town hall and Le Nuage fitness center. Even the colourful trams are in on the fun! So, wine, history, architecture. Still gonna turn your nose up at the Languedoc?

#29 Dordogne

Tracy from Tracys Travels in Time says:

My favourite French region is the Dordogne. The Dordogne is a department in southwestern France with lots to offer visitors. The medieval town of Sarlat-le-Caneda with its pedestrianized streets, markets, and beautiful sandstone coloured buildings is a must-visit in the region.

Wander the narrow cobbled lanes of Sarlat and feast on local produce in the town’s many restaurants. Once you have appreciated all that Sarlat has to offer a short car journey will lead you to the picturesque villages of Domme, Beynac, Castlenaud-la-Chappelle and Laroque Gageac.

Sit by the Dordogne River with a picnic of fresh bread, local cheeses and perhaps a cheeky glass of French wine. Other attractions in the area include world famous caves and prehistoric cave paintings in and around Les Ezyies and the Vezere valley.

If you are feeling a little more active rent a canoe and spend hours lazily drifting down the Dordogne. Appreciate the beautiful chateau and gorgeous scenery as you wind your way along the river.

So an area full of beautiful old towns and villages. Local produce including walnuts, nougat, and truffles. And a wonderful river to spend lazy summer days besides. See why I love the Dordogne!

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