When it comes to one of the prettiest countries in Europe, it’s hard to decide which destinations to add to your itinerary, but this list of the seven most beautiful places to visit in France is here to make your life a tiny bit easier.
From its rich history to its culinary delights to its picturesque towns, shiny cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes, France has something for everyone and promises an exciting travel experience. No matter what you expect from your trip to France, one thing’s for sure. At every turn, beauty awaits everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs.
In this article, we’re introducing you to some of the most beautiful places to visit in France. Of course, they’re not the only remarkable destinations this European country of wonders has to offer. But we think they’re enough to ignite your wanderlust and have you dreaming of a trip to France before too long.
7 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in France
1. Paris
Any list of the most beautiful places to visit in France should be topped with the fairest of all European capital cities, Paris. Known as the City of Light, Paris is a sparkling metropolis with astonishing architecture, world-renowned landmarks, and entire neighborhoods that feel like romantic movie sets.
While in Paris, you can climb up the iconic Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of the French capital, get familiar with ancient civilizations from afar lands at the Louvre Museum, or take a day trip to marvel at the royal splendor of the Versailles Palace and its lush gardens.
Yet, nothing is more quintessentially Parisian than strolling through the beautiful city’s streets, munching on scrumptious freshly baked croissants, a baguette popping out of your bag waiting for its turn to satisfy your tastebuds, perhaps paired with some top-quality French cheese and washed down with a glass or two of superb local wine.
2. Provence
And, then, there’s Provence, a French region that you could easily believe can only be found in a fairy tale. But it’s real, waiting to take you on a journey through its unfathomable magic. The historic region of Provence occupies a sunny corner of Southeastern France. Caressed by the Mediterranean Sea breeze and influenced by the lively vibes of neighboring Italy, Provence is the ideal getaway that combines glistening clear waters, epic natural landscapes, and picture-perfect towns and villages.
From Marseille, an old port city full of character, to Aix-en-Provence, the region’s historic capital, to Avignon, a picturesque small town with a vast Papal history, Provence has no shortage of spectacular places to use as a base or to visit on easy day trips.
The region’s biggest draw, though, is that it captures all your senses. The famous lavender fields of Provence fill your eyes with beauty while the scented pine trees that line its rocky shores provide the aroma you’ll remember your trip by. As for Provence’s taste, it could be no other than that of the region’s famous rosés, those summer wines that sparkle under the bright sun.
3. Loire Valley
If you’re searching for the most beautiful places to visit in France, the Loire Valley should definitely be on your list. Stretching for over 170 miles, the Loire Valley is known for its rare natural beauty, but also its distinct architecture, as it’s dotted with elegant castles that inspired the creation of some of the most popular fairy tales.
The perfect location from which to explore the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, Amboise is a sight for sore eyes with its imposing Royal Castle, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life.
Apart from its beautiful scenery and remarkable architecture, though, the Loire Valley also takes great pride in being one of the world’s most distinguished wine-making regions, famous for the fresh, crispy wines it produces.
4. Mont-Saint-Michel
Halfway on our list of the most beautiful places to visit in France, and it’s already clear that the country has no shortage of fairytale-like destinations to discover. Among them, Mont-Saint-Michel in Northern France stands out. In fact, it’s almost hard to believe that this perfect place actually exists.
A rocky tidal island off the shore of the Normandy region, topped by an impressive medieval abbey that used to be an important pilgrimage site, Mont-Saint-Michel looks as though it’s magically floating over the horizon, especially on a misty day. Wandering around the narrow streets of its almost unreal medieval town is a unique experience, even more striking when it gets dark.
Yet, if you don’t want to overnight in Mont-Saint-Michel, you can use Saint-Malo as your base and visit Mont-Saint-Michel on a day trip instead. Less than an hour’s drive from Mont Saint-Michel, the walled city and long sandy beaches of Saint-Malo await to grace your memories and travel photos with breathtaking landscapes and offer you countless opportunities for scenic strolls along quiet cobblestone streets.
5. Cote d’Azur
The famed Cote d’Azur – or French Riviera – is yet another of the most beautiful places to visit in France. Renowned for its long sunny days, cosmopolitan vibes, spectacular landscapes, historic villages, and epic views of the French Alps, the French Riviera is the ideal destination for a relaxing vacation in Southern France.
The French Riviera’s centerpiece, Nice features an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, old-world charm, and cultural heritage. Enjoying a stroll along the grand Promenade des Anglais takes you back to the 1800s when Nice was the favorite summer resort of the rich and famous.
All its other charms aside, the Cote d’Azur in the South of France is also a remarkable culinary destination. With influences from Provence, Italy, and the whole of the Mediterranean, local cuisine is mouthwatering, a gastronomic journey in its own right, boasting the most fresh vegetables and seafood.
6. Bordeaux
No matter if you’re a wine connoisseur or not, a trip to Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital, can never be a bad idea. Surrounded by exquisite castles and scenic vineyards, Bordeaux is one of the prettiest cities in France with a mission to initiate you into the secrets of wine.
The city of Bordeaux even has a museum dedicated to wine. La Cite du Vin is an interactive space that immerses you in the flavorful world of wine through several displays, but also wine tastings. Relaxed after your wine sessions, get ready to admire the world’s largest reflecting pool, the jaw-dropping Miroir d’Eau.
But in Bordeaux, the wine itself takes center stage. This beautiful French city is the best place to sample some of the finest French wines, always paired with delicious dishes that reflect the country’s culinary heritage.
7. Lyon
Speaking of food, we wrap up this list of the most beautiful places to visit in France with the country’s gastronomic capital, Lyon. The third-largest city in France, Lyon enjoys a prime location at the confluence of two rivers and boasts gorgeous architecture that narrates the city’s rich cultural heritage and vast historical importance.
From Roman ruins to secret medieval alleyways to strikingly beautiful murals, Lyon has no shortage of amazing attractions to keep you busy and happy. Add to those several quirky museums and a dreamy Old Town that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, and you have one of the best city-break destinations in France.
Yet, what draws most people to Lyon are its culinary delights. A former silk capital, Lyon is now the food capital of France – and that says a lot for a country that boasts one of the best cuisines in Europe and, arguably, the land that gave birth to fine dining.
Get To Know France With JayWay
France is undeniably beautiful, and if you don’t know where to start, fear not. At JayWay Travel, we know France quite well, and we’ll be more than happy to craft the perfect France itinerary for you, complete with all the activities and experiences that guarantee a trip to cherish for life. So, don’t keep France waiting. Get in touch with our expert travel advisors and let us add the most beautiful places to visit in France to your custom-made itinerary across France.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s passionate about travel and storytelling, a combination that makes her ideal for her role as our content manager.
I love France. But don’t walk real well. But like some free time. Not real structured.
Then a tour with us is perfect for you! As a completely customized tour we can work around any mobility issues you have, with driving tours and tours with minimal walking, and you can schedule as much free time as you like, beyond the minimum 1-tour-per-overnight-destination requirement we have.
Please continue to sent me information. It may be awhile before I respond. thanks, Barb