Summary
Ah, France: a nation of tranquil rural villages and aromatic cheeses, enchanting landscapes and fine wines, the affluent Riviera and the majestic snowfields of the Alps.
It is difficult not to develop an appreciation for this undeniably captivating nation, where Paris pulsates with artistic energy and Nice attracts fashion enthusiasts. Here, we explore the top destinations in France that every traveler ought to consider for their travel itinerary.
Let us delve into the premier destinations to explore in France:
1. Paris
The famed City of Love and City of Light, home to the Louvre, towering Montmartre, the Latin Quarter where literary greats like Hemingway mingled, the meandering Seine, Notre Dame, and the unmistakable outline of the Eiffel Tower, Paris undeniably requires no further introduction.
For first-time visitors to France, this sprawling and mythic capital will likely feature prominently on their itinerary. It rarely disappoints, with its plethora of aromatic wine bars, the elegance of Versailles, the majestic Arc de Triomphe, the opulent Champs-Elysées, the evocative resting places at Père Lachaise (home to Jim Morrison and others), the iconic buildings on Île de la Cité, and the inviting cafes along St-Martin – the list is extensive.
2. Porquerolles
Glistening like a pearl amidst the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the bowl-shaped island of Porquerolles remains one of the lesser-known treasures of the Côte d’Azur. With no vehicles allowed from the mainland and no paved roads, transport between the various secluded coves, rocky inlets, stretches of pristine sand, and charming harbor towns is exclusively conducted via bicycles.
Travelers can traverse rocky pathways and picturesque sunflower fields throughout the island’s center, allowing them to experience the forests of Spanish firs, lush coastal pines, and the fragrant aromas of eucalyptus and myrtle, while enjoying utmost solitude as they transition between numerous breathtaking beaches.
3. Marseille
The storied city of Marseille resonates with confidence, a rich historical tapestry, and vibrant flair. Regarded as one of the oldest cities in Europe, it has been influential in shaping cultures through the Greeks, the Romans, the Anjou Dukes, Provençal aristocracy, and French imperialists alike. It serves as the backdrop to Dumas’ renowned “Count of Monte Cristo” and now stands as France’s second-largest metropolis.
Marseille dramatically emerges from the Mediterranean Sea, flanked by rugged calanque cliffs and boasting arguably the continent’s most famous port area: Vieux Port. This bustling hub is overseen by the Byzantine architecture of Notre Dame de la Garde on the hill, hosting numerous maritime museums and adjacent to the charming Le Panier neighborhood, the oldest part of the city.
4. Lyon
Few cities in Europe are as rich in history as Lyon. Recognized by UNESCO, this vibrant city is brimming with treasures ranging from Roman amphitheaters to Renaissance palazzos, making it a must-visit destination in France. Travelers should initiate their journey in Vieux Lyon, which graces the Saône River with a stunning array of 15th and 16th-century structures, including the striking Traboules and the ornate St. Jean Cathedral.
High above, Fourvière Hill showcases grand Christian edifices reflecting Gothic and Byzantine artistry, while the Presqu’île district flourishes with coffee shops, high-end boutiques, and opera houses situated between the two riverbanks. Additionally, Roman relics are abundant in Croix-Rousse, where tributes to the city’s cherished Lumieres embellish the street corners.
5. Strasbourg
The affluent city of Strasbourg might initially appear more German than French, with its traditional half-timbered houses and Rhineland architecture from previous centuries. Nonetheless, this culturally rich city at the edge of Alsace presents a unique blend of influences, famous for its Gewürztraminer and Riesling wines, Kronenbourg beers, choucroute cabbage dishes, and picturesque Alsatian streets.
Visitors are often drawn to the extraordinarily beautiful Petite France neighborhood, where winding cobbled pathways intersect with quaint timber-framed homes, adorned with vibrant rhododendron blooms cascading alongside the canals. Meanwhile, the modern side of the city features the European Parliament and courthouses, showcasing Strasbourg’s contemporary political significance.
6. Gassin
Located just inland from the sparkling shores of the Côte d’Azur, the picturesque village of Gassin is nestled in the gentle hills between Saint Tropez and Saint Maxime, the two luxurious enclaves of the French Riviera. Often lauded as the most beautiful village in France, its intricate network of narrow streets bursts with vibrant bougainvillea, concealing hidden staircases and charming archways.
The homes are adorned with ivy and feature Mediterranean-blue window shutters, while the inviting outdoor bistros and cafes lining the main thoroughfare provide stunning vistas of La Croix Valmer, the shoreline, and the historic town ramparts – a remnant of the Moorish influence in southern France.
7. The Loire Valley
The esteemed Garden of France stretches through the heartland of the country, spanning over 280 kilometers. This region, characterized by rolling vineyards and meticulously maintained wineries, is known for its exquisite Sancerre reds and Muscadet whites, flourishing along the banks of the winding Loire River. While the picturesque hills and fields of sunflowers are undeniably appealing to explore (best accomplished by bicycle), it is the Loire’s historical significance that has secured its status with UNESCO.
This heritage is reflected in the stunning châteaux and hilltop castles, such as the Gothic marvel at Amboise, which once served as the residence of French monarchs, and the elaborately designed Château de Chambord, among many other remarkable sites.
8. Arras
Located off the beaten path, Arras is positioned between the port town of Calais and the vibrant metropolis of Paris. Rich in history, Arras attracts numerous visitors throughout the year with its layered historical narratives, shaped by centuries of ancient and medieval conflicts that saw it shift from Roman dominion to the control of the Dukes of Flanders, Burgundy, the Spanish Habsburgs, and the French monarchy.
The city’s crowning glory is the UNESCO-recognized Gothic belfry at the city’s center, which rises majestically above cobbled squares and the Flemish-style facades of its townhouses. Additionally, the iconic Boves beneath the city represent one of the most extensive subterranean urban systems in Europe.
9. The Beaches of Normandy
The beaches of Normandy have become emblematic of the tumultuous events of 1944. Today, visitors exploring this northern region’s beautiful coastline, featuring striking chalk cliffs and sandy dunes, can opt to tour the significant battlefields of D-Day, moving between impactful memorial sites on Omaha Beach and the remnants of the artillery installations and concrete bunkers of the infamous Atlantic Wall.
However, Normandy’s appeal extends beyond its somber history. Majestic medieval cathedrals rise dramatically from the English Channel at Mont Saint-Michel, charming Cistercian abbeys punctuate the landscape, and the serpentine Seine provides a paradise for walkers in the south.
10. Chamonix
Nestled deep in the French Alps, where the majestic peaks and snow-capped summits of Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Europe outside the Caucasus) soar to an impressive 4,800 meters above sea level, Chamonix serves as a mecca for Alpinists, skiers, snowboarders, and adventure seekers globally. As the host of the inaugural Winter Olympics, this resort town now features a remarkable 760 acres of skiable terrain, in addition to some of the premier off-piste skiing opportunities worldwide (guides are highly recommended!).
Shrouded by the towering mountains, visitors can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Alps or enjoy the lively atmosphere below, where a range of luxury spa hotels and cafes coexist with stylish boutiques.
11. Corsica
Emerging from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Corsica features rugged cliffs that rise defiantly against the Mediterranean waves. This unspoiled island, characterized by dramatic mountains and cliffs, transitions from powdery white pebble beaches to precipitous hills. Once a Greek colony and later part of the Roman Empire, Corsica’s unique character sets it apart from the rest of France, having been shaped by various influences over centuries.
Olive groves adorn the countryside, while Latin-inspired folk music resonates from local taverns; Tuscan citadels rise prominently in Bonifacio. Nonetheless, this island is renowned as the birthplace of Napoleon, who was born in Ajaccio in 1769.
12. Lille
Situated near the boundary of the Low Countries and the Flemish region of Belgium, Lille seamlessly merges various cultural influences from northern Europe, creating an engaging and vibrant metropolis. Since the Industrial Revolution, the city has developed a reputation as a working-class hub, although this has shifted towards a statement of confident modernity, enlivening the Flemish streets of the city center.
Alongside a distinguished Beaux-Arts museum, a vibrant student community (resulting in a lively nightlife scene), and an array of Belgian-inspired chocolatiers and waffle outlets, Lille certainly merits a visit!
13. Nimes
As a jewel of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Nimes is nestled between the rugged gorges of the Cevennes mountains and the glistening Mediterranean beaches. Its centerpiece is the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, the best of its kind in France. Below its grand arches, the colonnades of the Maison Carrée continue to celebrate the Roman heritage, while the nearby Pont du Gard offers a scene that is a photographer’s paradise!
Today, this vibrant city teems with bustling marketplaces and outdoor cafes, skillfully balancing its historical essence with a hint of vitality derived from its proximity to the French Riviera to the south.
14. Carcassonne
Looking as if it has stepped out of a fantasy novel, the awe-inspiring medieval fortress of Carcassonne remains one of Europe’s most magnificent historical sites. Constructed during the Middle Ages at this enchanting draw between France and the Kingdom of Aragon, it has earned a well-deserved UNESCO designation, concealing a labyrinthine old town within its fortifications.
Known as La Cité, this area is replete with medieval craft shops and charming stone alleyways. The idyllic surroundings also host some of France’s finest Vins de Pays wineries.
15. Nice
Nestled along the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera, Nice offers much more than the opulence suggested by its rows of luxury cars and millionaire yachts. Its rich history dates back to pre-Roman Gaul, when the Greeks of Massilia established it as a key trade hub on the French Mediterranean coast.
Subsequent Savoy influences imparted an Italian allure, while English aristocrats in the 1800s contributed to the legendary Promenade des Anglais, which stretches sunlit and palm-lined along its seaside casinos and bars. The charming Vieux Nice captivates with its medieval architecture, while Cimiez features ancient ruins and Roman treasures.
