France is an incredibly diverse and beautiful country that has inspired generations of writers, artists, and poets. Beyond Paris, you’ll find dramatic mountain ranges, rolling unspoiled countryside, and miles of sparkling coastline waiting to be explored. After visiting France sixteen times and discovering far more than just the capital, these are some of the most jaw-dropping places I’ve completely fallen in love with, and that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
It’s easy to see why the glamorous French Riviera has long captivated royalty and legendary artists like Picasso and Matisse it completely won me over, too. With its shimmering turquoise waters, elegant Belle Époque villas, and palm-lined promenades glowing in the Mediterranean sun, this stretch of coastline is truly breathtaking. What I loved most was how effortlessly it blends laid-back coastal living with timeless sophistication, striking the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
I flew into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and spent my days soaking up the Riviera lifestyle, strolling along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, driving the spectacular coastal road to Monaco, unwinding on the golden beaches of Saint-Tropez, and enjoying seaside dinners in Cannes as the sky turned soft shades of pink and gold at sunset.
Location: Southeastern France
My personal highlights: Staying at the enchanting four-star boutique hotel Le Clair de la Plume Teritoria. I loved the beautifully preserved historic building and village setting, the lavender-scented garden, and their delicious house-made pastry, especially the crumbly fig and lavender tartlet, which was unforgettable.
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2. Champagne-Ardenne
Champagne, the birthplace of the world’s most famous sparkling wine, completely charmed me with its rich history, understated elegance, and timeless beauty. Rolling hills of golden vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with graceful towns and storybook half-timbered houses glowing softly in the sun. The atmosphere feels peaceful and gently romantic—a place where life naturally slows down and every moment is meant to be savored.
I drove around 3.5 hours from Calais and spent a blissful week exploring the Champagne region at a relaxed pace. Highlights included sipping world-renowned champagne in the historic cellars of Moët & Chandon in Épernay, tasting elegant vintages from Taittinger in Reims, admiring the luminous stained-glass windows of the Gothic Reims Cathedral, and wandering the medieval streets of Troyes, where pastel façades and cobbled lanes radiate a quiet, honey-toned charm.
Location: Northeastern France, near the Belgian border
My personal highlights: Staying at the beautifully unique La Jonquette, where I had my own boutique apartment-style retreat complete with a candlelit hot tub. One evening, I watched Midnight in Paris on a retro projector that transformed the ceiling into a dreamy, star-filled cinema, an unforgettable way to end the day.
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3. Provence
Provence completely stole my heart. Cinematic and sun-drenched, this beautiful region is defined by endless fields of violet lavender, silvery olive groves, and rolling vineyards punctuated by cliff-top stone villages glowing in the Mediterranean light. The atmosphere feels dreamy, creative, and wonderfully unhurried. It’s easy to see why artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne found endless inspiration here.
I took the TGV from Paris to elegant Aix-en-Provence and based myself at the charming four-star Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches. My days were spent wandering Aix’s lavender-scented markets, walking the historic ramparts of medieval Avignon, exploring the hilltop village of Gordes, the dramatic ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence, and the artistic streets of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. I also ventured into the spectacular Calanques National Park and breathed in the fragrant air of Valensole, where the iconic lavender fields bloom from late June to mid-July.
Location: Southeastern France, bordered by the Rhône River, Italy, and the Mediterranean Sea
My personal highlights: Tasting the beautifully fruity Rosé d’Une Nuit at the organic Château La Coste vineyard. I loved how the soft scent of lavender drifted through the vines while Louise Bourgeois’s towering Crouching Spider sculpture stood nearby, a perfect blend of art, nature, and Provençal charm.
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4. Loire Valley
It’s easy to see why the enchanting Loire Valley has earned UNESCO World Heritage status; it’s truly exceptional. Often called the Garden of France, the region feels effortlessly romantic, with more than 300 fairy-tale châteaux, rolling vineyards, refined Renaissance architecture, and elegant towns lining the gently winding Loire River. The atmosphere is peaceful yet regal, making it easy to imagine why French royalty once chose this beautiful valley as their home.
Just two hours from Paris, I found my perfect countryside escape at the four-star Abbaye de Villeneuve. My days were spent exploring iconic châteaux like the grand Château de Chambord, the graceful Château de Chenonceau, and the meticulously manicured gardens of Villandry. I also enjoyed tasting Saumur’s sparkling wines, sampling crisp whites from Vouvray, and drifting along the Loire River past storybook landscapes that looked straight out of a painting.
Location: Central France
My personal highlights: Dining at the stylish Au Local in Chinon. I loved the creative farm-to-table menu, the warm glow of its Scandi-chic interior, and my beautifully presented dish of locally grown leek, turnip, and quinoa, simple, seasonal, and delicious.
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5. Rhône-Alpes
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this lesser-known corner of eastern France, but the Rhône-Alpes region quietly took my breath away. Here, postcard-perfect villages, sun-drenched vineyards, and elegant towns are reflected in crystal-clear lakes, all framed by the dramatic peaks of the Alps. It’s a region that strikes a rare balance between untamed natural beauty and effortless French elegance.
Just a two-hour TGV ride from Paris brought me to this peaceful escape, where I spent a memorable week at the four-star Château de Candie. Highlights included exploring the canal-lined streets of lakeside Annecy, wandering the tranquil vineyards of Beaujolais, swimming in the striking turquoise waters of mirror-like Lac d’Aiguebelette, and falling in love with the storybook hilltop village of Pérouges. One thing to note the weather can be changeable, even in summer, so packing layers is a smart idea for cooler evenings.
Location: Southeastern France
My personal highlights: Sipping a latte sweetened with chestnut syrup at the charming Le Café de Jules in Pérouges, people-watching from a sun-warmed terrace, and practicing my French with the friendly server, a small, simple moment that perfectly captured the region’s relaxed charm.
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6. Burgundy
I completely fell under the spell of Burgundy, a region of golden hillsides, rolling vineyards, and charming villages that feel almost magical. Its serene beauty and timeless charm from half-timbered houses and Romanesque churches to elegant châteaux glowing in the afternoon light make it one of France’s most captivating wine regions.
Just a two-hour drive from Paris, I spent two unforgettable weeks exploring Burgundy. I followed the famous Route des Grands Crus, admired the gothic grandeur of the Hospices de Beaune, and wandered through elegant Dijon, the historic Abbey of Fontenay, and the opulent Château de Cormatin. Between tranquil canal cruises, sipping Kir aperitifs, hiking through the misty forests of Morvan, and tasting rich Pinot Noir and crisp Chardonnay in centuries-old cellars, every moment felt like true wine-country bliss.
Location: Central-eastern France
My favorite highlights: Staying in the incredible Treehouse Suite at the chic four-star Le Domaine des Prés Verts Suites & Chambres, perched 7 meters above the ground with a jacuzzi on the balcony and the earthy scent of moss and morning dew all around. The retro pastel-blue Solex mopeds for rent were an adorable touch, perfect for exploring the vineyards in style.
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7. The Dordogne
I flew into the wine-rich town of Bergerac, drove just 90 minutes, and checked into the charmingly quirky four-star La Rebière d’Or, B&B et Gîte. My week in the Dordogne region was a dream: wandering the honey-colored streets of medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda, exploring fairytale castles like the majestic Beynac and imposing Castelnaud, kayaking along the serene Dordogne River, marveling at prehistoric art in the Lascaux caves, and strolling through the lively markets of panoramic Domme and regal Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Southwestern France
My personal highlights: Visiting Sarlat’s rustic Saturday market, where the air was filled with the sweet aroma of sugar and roasted nuts. I couldn’t resist a slice of freshly baked walnut cake glazed with glossy caramel, utterly divine, and a perfect taste of the region’s culinary charm.
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8. Auvergne
This dramatic and unique corner of France is a true hidden gem! The Auvergne region captivated me with its breathtaking landscapes, rolling green hills, dormant volcanoes, and wide-open plateaus dotted with Romanesque churches, medieval villages, and ancient thermal springs. It feels raw, timeless, and wonderfully authentic, a peaceful escape far from the crowds.
Just 2.5 hours from the Rhône-Alpes, I immersed myself in the region’s natural beauty and history. I hiked the spectacular volcanic slopes of Puy de Dôme, relaxed in the healing thermal waters of elegant Vichy, explored the imposing Château de Murol perched high above the valleys, strolled the storybook streets of stone-built Salers, and admired the serene Romanesque beauty of Notre-Dame du Port in Clermont-Ferrand. This is a place that feels wild, suspended in time, and quietly profound.
Tip: Public transport in Auvergne is limited, so renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience the region’s dramatic landscapes.
Location: Central France
My personal highlights: Staying at the eco-friendly Volca Lodges, where my glamping-style accommodation felt perfectly tucked into nature. Sipping an aromatic Saint-Pourçain Blanc from my private balcony hot tub while gazing over the untouched countryside was an unforgettable experience.
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9. Annecy
I fell in love with Annecy, where alpine elegance meets serene lakeside charm. After a five-hour drive from Paris, I stepped into a real-life fairytale: wandering the pastel-hued streets of the Vieille Ville, admiring the fascinating island prison Palais de l’Isle, touring the medieval Château d’Annecy, paddleboarding on the clear turquoise waters, and cycling along the scenic lake loop trail.
I quickly learned that Annecy is a favorite weekend getaway for locals, so early mornings were the perfect time to enjoy the canals and streets before the crowds arrived.
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Location: Haute-Savoie, Southeastern France
My personal highlights: Staying at the stunning four-star Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort. I loved sipping a soothing rooibos tea with orange peel and vanilla in the herbal lounge, unwinding in the softly illuminated balneotherapy pool, and enjoying the ornate Moorish hammam, a blissful way to end the day.
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10. Lyon
Lyon immediately struck me as an elegant and cultured city with a creative flair. Its golden Renaissance buildings, cobblestone streets, and riverside promenades glow beautifully at sunset, giving the city a warm, artistic charm. No wonder UNESCO has recognized it as a World Heritage Site.
Just two hours from Paris by TGV, I spent three days exploring Lyon from my base at the four-star Fourvière Hôtel. I wandered the historic cobbled lanes of Vieux Lyon, discovered its hidden traboules, admired panoramic views from the hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, strolled along the mighty Rhône and graceful Saône rivers, explored contemporary art at La Sucrière, and savored traditional French comfort food like Soupe à l’Oignon in a cozy bouchon. It was the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern creativity.
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Location: Southeastern France
My personal highlights: Sampling traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at the atmospheric Café Comptoir Abel. My favorite was the gourmet quenelles de légumes, served with spinach and mushrooms in a rich, velvety béchamel sauce, an unforgettable taste of Lyon’s culinary heritage.
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11. Languedoc
After flying into cosmopolitan Montpellier, I spent a week soaking up the magic of southern France. From exploring the medieval ramparts of fortified Carcassonne and marveling at the impressive Pont du Gard to sipping crisp Minervois Rosé amid sun-drenched vineyards, every day was unforgettable. I also cruised the charming canals of Sète, relaxed on the golden beaches of Gruissan, and wandered the artistic streets of Collioure, a picturesque town tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Location: Southern France
My personal highlights: Staying at the stunning four-star Château de Pondres. I adored the boutique luxury vibe and indulged in crêpes drizzled with fragrant lavender honey. As a fascinating bonus, the staff shared that the château’s cellars once revealed Gallo-Roman and Celtic remains, history and luxury rolled into one incredible stay.
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12. Giverny, Normandy
Just 90 minutes from Paris, a visit to Giverny in Normandy was worth every mile. I wandered the fragrant gardens of the Fondation Claude Monet, explored Monet’s whimsical pastel-colored house, and discovered the inspiring works at the Museum of Impressionism. My visit ended at the Romanesque Church of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet is laid to rest, an experience that truly felt like stepping into one of his iconic paintings.
Location: Normandy, Northern France
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My favourite highlights: Seeing the flowers up close, the air perfumed with wisteria and water lilies, the gentle rustle of willow leaves, and the hum of bees. Guides shared that Monet personally planted the gardens, making the experience all the more magical and authentic.
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13. Strasbourg, Grand Est region
I loved how Strasbourg effortlessly blends French charm with German flair. Pastel half-timbered houses draped in flowers, the soaring Strasbourg Cathedral, and cobbled squares framed by Renaissance façades make it a city that’s both romantic and elegant, yet full of life.
Just two hours from Paris by TGV, I stayed at the sophisticated four-star Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’Or and spent a delightful weekend exploring. I wandered the storybook lanes of La Petite France, admired the cathedral’s ingenious astronomical clock, cruised along the gentle Ill River, and visited iconic landmarks such as the opulent Palais Rohan, the modern architecture of the European Parliament, and the folkloric Musée Alsacien.
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Location: Alsace, Northeastern France
My personal highlights: Dining on traditional Alsatian cuisine at the vaulted Restaurant Gurtlerhoft. The earthy, forest-foraged mushrooms baked in flaky puff pastry and the rustic onion tart were absolutely divine, a true taste of Alsace’s culinary heritage.
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