Last Updated on 25th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
If you’re planning your wedding, then another event which is most likely on your mind is your honeymoon. What better place to travel to than the epitome of romance, France! From enchanting cities and coastal gems, to sweeping landscapes, and home to the iconic city of love, where romance flows through the air.
Here’s your guide to the ultimate guide to planning a honeymoon in France, including ideas for destinations to visit, what to do in each place, and how long to go for.
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Is France a good destination for a honeymoon?
The short answer is a resounding yes! Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway, a short city break, an adventure-packed time hiking in the mountains, enchanting strolls through medieval villages, or a long and lazy road trip along the coastline, France has it all. From the rough cliffs of the seaside to the châteaux of the Loire Valley, there’s no shortage of beautiful honeymoon options in France.
Suggested France Honeymoon Destinations
French Basque Country
How long do you need? At least a long weekend. If you’re looking to see a number of the towns and villages alongside the French Basque coastline and you don’t want to rush through your trip, then you should plan to spend a minimum of 3 days in the area.
Honeymoon idea: Spending a long weekend exploring the little towns and cities of the french Basque Country. You don’t even necessarily need a car as the larger towns and cities in this region are well connected by reliable buses and trains.
This is also an affordable way to get around, meaning that you have more money left over to splurge on other activities! Some of the must-see stops on your trip include Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend 3 days in the French Basque Country.
Stay: Base yourself in Biarritz and opt for the luxury hotel! The true crème de la crème when it comes to staying in Biarritz is Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz. This grand palace is now listed as a historic monument and was constructed by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie.
Indeed, the shape of the palace is in an ‘E’. Since 1893, the complex has been used as a luxury hotel and is now owned by Hyatt. Now classed as a 5-star hotel, amenities include a pool, spa, and some rooms have a beach view. Check prices and availability here.
Biarritz also makes for a great base to begin each day as there are a number of great breakfast options on offer. Some of the top coffee shops where you can enjoy a croissant and coffee in Biarritz include: MAMAKA COFFEE SHOP and Lobita Café.
French Riviera
How long do you need? I would suggest at least 3 days on the French Riviera, though up to a week may be preferable depending on your budget and time restraints. If you only have one or two days, focus just on visiting the main towns such as Nice and Menton.
Honeymoon idea: Spend your days strolling through pastel-hued towns, drinking of Aperol Spritz cocktails as large as your face, and relaxing on sandy beaches that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of the pages of a magazine.
The glitz and glamour of the French Riviera is world-famous, and for good reason. As well as visiting the larger cities of Nice and Cannes and going out for wonderful meals, take the time to relax on the beach, wander up and down medieval towns like Eze and Saint Paul de Vence, the list is endless!
Check out our list of the best villages, towns and cities to visit in the French Riviera for more inspirtation!
Stay: Opt to stay in Nice for the full luxury experience. Nice also has great transportation links to all nearby towns and villages, meaning that you’ll easily be able to explore the rest of the French Riviera region.
For the ultimate luxe experience, check yourself into Luxury- Hotel Negresco and allow yourself to have an unforgettable! This luxurious five-star accommodation which has become something of an institution in the city, famed for its magnificent architecture and home to an important collection of artwork. Check prices and availability here.
Brittany
How long do you need? Brittany is a beautiful region that you could spend a simple weekend in or an entire week. Known as ‘Bretagne’ in French, the region of Brittany is where land meets the sea and myths come to life. If you’re short on time, the consider following one of our suggested itineraries so that you can focus on making the most out of your trip, suggested 3 day itineraries for the perfect long weekend.
Honeymoon idea: Road trip through the beauty of Brittany! Visit the enchanting medieval villages with oodles of history, or indulge in the fabulous regional cuisine scene where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in all of France.
And one thing that you have to make a point of doing during your weekend in Brittany, is to watch the sunset over the glistening sea. There’s nothing quite as magical as watching the sun melt into the horizon, while you enjoy a picnic and glass of wine with your loved one. For more inspiration, read our guide on the best things to in Brittany.
Stay: Opt to stay in the magical fortified city of Dinan. Filled with a maze of cobbled lanes that exude history, the town is abundant with eateries serving delicious traditional food and it has the perfect amount of tourist attractions to keep you busy, while also enjoying a quieter retreat than that of the capital city, Rennes. It’s also a great base to make day trips from.
La Villa Côté Cour & Côté Spa offers a luxury stay, a charming villa with wellness at the height of its priority, this is definitely the place to truly indulge in a relaxing stay and soak up the romance as you pop into the sauna or get a massage. Check prices and availability here.
Normandy
How long do you need? You’ll need at least three or four days in order to soak up the beauty of at least some of Normandy’s major attractions. However, if you truly want to visit but only have limited time, then check out our long weekend in Normandy travel itinerary that you’ll want to steal!
Honeymoon idea: Road trip through the beauty of Normandy. Tucked away in one of the most Northernmost points of France, the beautiful region of Normandy has long held a certain mystery and allure in its rugged coastline battered by the sea and abundance of beautiful historic towns.
If there’s one thing you have to do while in Normandy it has to be visiting Mont Saint Michel, a romantic stroll to this gorgeous château will leave you both in awe. There’s the spectacular landscape of the white chalky cliffs of Étretat and the ghostly ruins of the walls at Jumièges, in fact, the list of best things to do in Normandy is endless!
Stay: You can find various options for places to stay within our long weekend guide in Normandy. However, for ultimate luxury you should opt to stay in Château La Chenevière, an elegant 18th century hideaway that has it all!
This 5-star chateau exudes charm, nestled in the Normandy countryside, close by to the coast and home to an attractive gardens as well as a restaurant that delivers a refined gastronomic experience…what more is there to want from a romantic getaway?! Check prices and availability here.
Paris
How long do you need? At least 3-4 days will give you ample time to enjoy the main Parisian attractions on offer. That being said, there’s so many hidden gems in Paris that you could easily spend longer.
Honeymoon idea: As one of the most romantic cities in the world, known as the ‘City of Love’, Paris is top of the radar for many recently engaged couples planning their first getaway post-marriage. And with the right planning, your honeymoon can become one of the most memorable trips of your life!
We have so much on our website about things to do in Paris, so these are just a few suggestions that come in mind for your honeymoon. Do a walking tour of Paris and sample the best French desserts, or wander around the city and go to the best viewpoints of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Consider dining at Le Train Bleu for the ultimate romantic experience, set within Paris’s Gare de Lyon.
Stay: There are a number of options when it comes to staying in Paris, so these are just our top two picks:
Shangri-La – If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower. Also home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities, you can enjoy a romantic evening dining close to home and then marvel at the views of the Eiffel tower as it sparkles after dusk. Check availability and rates here!
Grand Hôtel Du Palais Royal – Another ultimate luxury experience when staying in Paris, the Grand Palais Royal is set within a beautiful 18th century building and is lies in the heart of Paris. Situated just 200 metres from the Louvre museum and Tuileries Gardens, you have a world of history and art on your doorstep! The hotel also serves an American-style buffet breakfast daily. Check prices and availability here.
The Alsace
How long do you need? You could easily spend up to a week exploring the beautiful villages and towns of Alsace. But, if you only have a few days to spare then be sure to prioritise which destinations you choose to visit so you can get a full experience of the region.
Honeymoon idea: Imagine a road trip through timber-framed villages, quintessentially French vineyards, and some of the most magical cities you could ever hope to dream of. Well, all this and more is possible should you opt to visit Alsace.
This stunning region in Eastern France is best-known for its rich history and thanks to its proximity to Germany, there’s a mix of cultures and cuisine to explore. And, if you happen to be honeymooning during the festive season, you can visit the abundance of Christmas markets!
A highlight in the Alsace region has to be that of Strasbourg, known for its romantic canals, medieval architecture and towering cathedral. It makes for the perfect place to stroll around and take yourself on a self guided walking tour to explore the hidden gems of the city.
Stay: For the ultimate relaxation destination, stay at The Originals Relais, 48° Nord and use it as a base to explore the wider region. This 4-star Scandinavian styled hotel is nestled in the heart of the landscape and offers both a spa experience, as well as refined and natural gastronomic cuisine. Check prices and availability here.
Reims and Champagne
How long do you need? In Reims itself, you probably only need a day to explore its main sights, but it’s definitely the idyllic spot to stay while visiting the Champagne region. You can happily keep yourself busy with things to do in this gorgeous area of eastern France, but for planning purposes we suggest spending three prefect days in Champagne.
Honeymoon idea: This historic French region, as its name suggests, is famed for its bubbly tipple (which you may well have had enough of on your wedding day!) but while in the area you have to go to Bouzy and taste some bubbles. Or visit the magnificent and imposing Château de Boursault, a majestic and romantic setting…where you can sample even more champagne!
Stay: Reims is the gateway to Champagne, and it’s also an ideal base to walk from while also having a lot of amenities close by, especially considering you may be drinking while visiting. We recommend staying at La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, with rooms facing the beautiful Reims Cathedral and boasts of amenities such as a spa and a restaurant onsite. Check prices and availability here.
Loire valley
How long do you need? Three days is enough time to explore the historic towns and magnificent châteaus of the Loire Valley. With sweeping landscapes filled with Regional Nature Parks and vineyards producing fine French wine, no matter how long you choose to stay you can be certain there’s plenty to do and see.
Honeymoon idea: Just a one hour train ride from Paris, as if straight out of a fairytale this gorgeous region of France will leave you and your other half swooning over the picturesque scenery. Known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, relaxing spas and beautiful outdoor trails, you could do all three in one day and still have plenty more to explore the next!
Rendezvous with history in the Château de Chenonceau, spanning the river Cher, this is a gorgeous spot to soak up the Loire Valley countryside and immerse yourself in a magnificent estate. One of the most romantic things to do is take a hot air balloon flight above the Castle of Chenonceau, book a tour like this one.
Stay: Indulge in luxury and live out your wildest Louis XIV dreams at Le Prieuré, an elegant 10th-century château that boasts of exceptional panoramic views overlooking the Loire River. Truly a magical setting, with food just as good, the 4-star hotel is located just 10 minutes from the town Saumur. Check prices and availability here.
Corsica
How long do you need? Being the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean, there’s a lot to see in Corsica. You could easily spend anywhere from 10-14 days exploring if you want to see all of the island. That being said, it’s possible to enjoy and experience the beauty of Corsica in a week if that’s all you have time for.
Honeymoon idea: Who doesn’t want to go to an island on their honeymoon? Corsica offers a unique combination of both Italy and France, its soft rolling hills, lavender mountains and rugged coastlines of crystal clear waters make it one of the most romantic places for newly-weds.
Aside from relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying a cocktail or two by the waterside, there’s plenty to see and do on the island. Go wild swimming in the Restonica Gorges, spend time exploring the villages and towns that have a history littered with pirates, or hike up a mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the sunset melting into the horizon.
Stay: For proximity to plush beaches and stunning views of mountain scenery, opt to stay at Bergeries de Palombaggia, a luxury and intimate 5-star hotel which is just a 15 minute walk away from the Palombaggia beach. Check prices and availability here.
Provence – one week in the hinterland
How long do you need? You could spend anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks in the region of Provence, it’s truly an enchanting destination and easy to fall in love with (especially while love is in the air). To make things easier, we have planned a 7 days in Provence itinerary so you can make the most of your travels.
Honeymoon idea: The unique and varied Provençal landscape has inspired creatives for centuries, and the mountainside vineyards of the region produce some of the best wine in the world. The fragrant scent of lavender wafts through the air, an absolute must while exploring Provence is to visit the famous lavender fields.
From old medieval settlements nestles in the hillside like Lacoste, Roussillon and many other beautiful villages and towns of the region, there is an abundance of magical places to see. For more inspiration on what to do when visiting, read our insider’s guide to the best things to do in Provence.
Stay: We’ve listed a number of hotels within the itinerary so that you can hop between places and experience different destinations. But, if you prefer to stay in one spot on your honeymoon, why not check yourself in to Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, a luxury hotel that overlooks the Luberon landscape.
Situated in Gordes, this hotel has an outdoor pool and breathtaking views, providing you with a romantic and unforgettable experience! This village is also a great base for exploring the wider region. Check prices and availability here.
Burgundy
How long do you need? It’s possible to enjoy a long weekend in Burgundy, but as there’s so much to do and see in the region, we’ve put together a guide on how to spend a week in Burgundy. Of course, you can easily adapt this for the amount of time you choose to visit.
Honeymoon idea: This region is a haven for wine and history lovers, with endless vineyards, timber-framed façades, and a wine culture dating back millennia, it’s no surprise that Burgundy makes for a popular destination. The beautiful towns and villages of the region are sure to steal your heart!
Exploring Dijon, the capital of historical Burgundy and tasting mustard, to visiting the delightful city of Beaune and marvelling at its medieval architecture. You’ll never be at a loss of what to do while in this wonderful part of France. Also on the plus side, you don’t necessarily need a car as most places are easily accessible via public transport.
Stay: There are several hotels mentioned in our guide for the week, if you choose to hop around from place to place. But for the ultimate luxury stay, we recommend staying at Hôtel Le Cep in the heart of Baune.
Set within a timber-framed historic building, the decor is sumptuous and typical of the region. This five-star hotel is just minutes walk away from major attractions and restaurants, making it the idyllic place to stay. Check prices and availability here.
Moorea, French Polynesia
How long do you need? Ideally if you can, up to at least 4 days in Moorea will allow you enough time to soak up its magic and enjoy this part of the world. If you have a chance to stay longer than this, you’ll be able to explore beyond the beaches and go further inland on adventurous hikes.
Honeymoon idea: Moorea is the pride and joy of French Polynesia, and yes… this is quite a little bit further afield than mainland France, but if you are splurging the cash on your honeymoon, then this is the dream destination!
Famed for its jagged volcanic mountains, plush golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, this is easily the most relaxing and dreamy destination you could choose to take after the overwhelming efforts of planning a wedding. From relaxing on the beach with a cocktail, to venturing up the mountains, you could book a half-day safari tour like this one.
Stay: Opt to stay in Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa for a prime location along the waterfront. Offering small huts that overlook the stunning crystal waters, some guests have apparently seen dolphins swim by their balcony views. Truly a romantic place to honeymoon! Check prices and availability here.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!