See Also
• Where to Reside in Paris
• Premium Accommodations in Paris
• Family Accommodations in Paris
France Itinerary
Best cities in France
1. Paris
2. Nice
3. Aix-en-Provence
4. Lyon
5. Toulouse
6. Strasbourg
7. Lille
Best beaches in France
1. La Grande Plage (St. Jean de Luz)
2. Les Plages (Seignosse)
3. La Courtade (Hyères)
4. Plage Notre Dame (Capbreton)
5. Pampelonne (Saint Tropez)
6. Plage de Fossan (Menton)
Best vacation spots in France
1. Paris
2. Annecy
3. Biarritz
4. Hyères
5. Corsica
Best wine regions in France
1. Loire Valley (Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc)
2. Burgundy (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
3. Sparkling wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier)
4. Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)
Notable food regions or cities in France
1. Paris (Haute cuisine, Modern French)
2. Southwest France/Basque region (Piperade, Piment d’Espelette)
3. Nice (Ratatouille, Pissaladière, Socca)
4. Lyon (Quenelles, Andouillette)
5. Brittany (Pancakes, Kouign Amman, Seafood and Oysters)
Best castles in France
1. Mont Saint Michel
2. Chateau de Chenonceau
3. Carcassone
4. Chateau de Chambord
Best small towns in France
1. Amboise
2. Uzès
3. Ars en Re
4. Avignon
5. Colmar
Best coastal towns in France
1. Saint Malo
2. La Rochelle
3. Barfleur
4. Nice
Best waterways for boat tour in France
1. Gironde River
2. Canal du Midi
3. Rhone
Best ski resorts in France
1. Chamonix
2. Val d’Isere
3. Tignes
4. Serre Chevalier
5. Megève
The Best Places to Visit in France
1. Paris – The French capital has everything: world-renowned museums, stunning monuments, Michelin starred restaurants, and an atmosphere that keeps visitors returning. First-timers should explore the left bank, renowned for its classical architecture and the cafés made famous by Hemmingway. A younger vibe dominates the right bank where trendy fashionistas fill the streets of the Marais or further north you can explore the various ethnic enclaves that give Paris an international flair.
2. Lyon – With a standing as one of France`s culinary capitals and almost 10% of the city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon offers visitors much despite its small size. Explore its four historic districts dating as far back as 43BC or dine at one of its over 1,000 restaurants, 20 holding Michelin stars.
3. Strasbourg – This storybook town located on the border of Germany blends the best aspects of both cultures. With its half-timbered houses and magnificent cathedral, it has one of the largest medieval quarters in Europe. In summer visitors can explore the Parc de l’Orangerie however December is better for experiencing its renowned Christmas market, one of France’s oldest and biggest. Be sure to sample some local specialties like flammkuchen – a pizza-like dish with crème fraiche, cured pork bits and onions.
4. Marseille – Marseille is a city with contradictions: it has the longest history of any city in France but modern innovations like Zaha Hadid`s CMA CGM Tower and the MuCEM have lent it a youthful spirit. Most recognise it for its lively, urban atmosphere dominated by its immense Old Port, yet Marseille also shelters national parks such as the Calanques, an awe-inspiring stretch of limestone cliffs as well as the Prado beaches. Impressive 19th century structures like the Palais Longchamp showcase Marseille`s grander side, however heading east from the Old Port, neighborhoods like La PLaine and Noailles will give you a sense of daily life.
5. Bordeaux – Wine, nature, and a charming city are what make Bordeaux great to explore the southwest. The Cité du Vin is a good starting point for newcomers while experts can tour some of the top vineyards in the world. Lovers of nature and beaches will enjoy the Bassin d’Arcachon, biking through its extensive pine forests or walking along the immense Dune du Plat.
6. Nice – More than just another scenic coastal town, Nice is a thriving cultural center featuring numerous museums and its world-renowned Niçoise cuisine. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Musées Matisse, Chagall and d’Art Moderne while day-trippers can visit Saint Jean Cap Ferrat known for its historic monuments. Nice is also known for its pebble beaches, so if sandy beaches are preferred head west towards Antibes or even Villefranche which has soft shale.
7. Cannes – Renowned for hosting its global film festival, this coastal resort in southern France blends scenic strolls, high-end boutiques, and lively evenings. Wander the Promenade de la Croisette for breathtaking views of the bay, explore the old quarter which originated as a Roman settlement, or visit the Allée des Étoiles, Cannes’ analogue of Hollywood`s walk of fame.
8. Corsica – Harsh mountains meets calm shorelines in this island gem. Corsica has an exceptional French-Italian feel and there is something for everybody: families will appreciate the extraordinary strolling and striking coastline, upscale travelers have a decision of lavish lodgings and private shorelines in Calvi, while further south in Ajaccio you’ll discover bars, eateries, and nightlife.
9. Ile de Re – Approximately a 3 hour trip from Paris lies this island paradise renowned for its beaches, culinary delights, and cycling trails. With around 110km of bike paths crisscrossing it, exploring the island leads past charming villages, vineyards, salt marshes, and oyster farms. Each town has its own atmosphere, with the popular Saint-Martin-de-Ré providing the most hotel and dining selections.
10. Toulouse – Also known as the “pink city” due to its beautiful terra-cotta brick architecture, Toulouse boasts a lively yet relaxed vibe stemming from numerous universities situated there along with a solid food and shopping scene as the headquarters of Airbus are located in the city. Meander along the Garonne River, explore charming narrow lanes, enjoy an aperitif in one of the plazas or sample the famous regional dish – cassoulet.
11. Saint Malo – This seaside fortress is a well-liked location for its beaches, crepes, and historic old city. Visitors can spend hours exploring the walled area or use Saint Malo as a base to check out nearby Mont Saint Michel. Neighboring towns like Dinard and Cancale are also worthwhile sights, as is a ferry to the Channel Islands.
12. Uzes – Uzes feels each historic and modern simultaneously with its wonderful Renaissance structure, winding slim alleys and growing number of cosmopolitan boutique hotels. Even though many consider it a hidden gem in Southern France, its recognition has increased over the years thanks to a Michelin deserving restaurant scene and growing number of creatives moving in. Weekend guests will enjoy marketplace day at the Place aux Herbes or taking in architectural highlights such as the tower of Pisa like Tour Fenestrelle, part of the Uzes Cathedral.
13. Hyères – Situated at the southern end of Provence, this peninsula and gathering of islands contains a little of everything: an archaeological site from the 4th century BC, scuba diving, hiking, biking and magnificent Mediterranean beaches. Food aficionados will enjoy the vineyards and farmers markets, such as a lively night market at the port. Day-trippers can board shuttle boats to the tranquil and car-less Porquerolles or Port-Cros islands.
14. Loire Valley – Though the Loire is known for lavish castles, it’s worth exploring the vineyards and quaint villages too. Travel off the beaten path and you’ll discover a host of natural winemakers, goat’s cheese producers, and several of “les plus beaux villages de France” – an official designation of 150 or so of the prettiest towns in the country. A few gems on the list include Montrésor, Candes-Saint-Martin, and Apremont-sur-Allier; wine enthusiasts should head to Sancerre, Vouvray or Saumur Champigny.
15. Collioure – The Rousillon shoreline differs vastly from the glamor of the French Riviera, yet across the Mediterranean lies an antiquated fishing village blending the pastel-hued buildings of Provence, mountain vistas and a medieval fortressed situated upon the waters, along with Catalan impacts from neighboring Spain. For those searching for a more laid-back alternative to the Cote d’Azur, Collioure is the solution).
