Recently updated on October 20th, 2025 at 06:34 pm
Coco Chanel once said, ‘a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous’. Coco may have been talking about fashion, but she could equally have been referring to her home country, France.
Timeless, elegant and beautiful, France is a destination synonymous with good food, sophisticated locals, gorgeous stretches of coastline, and one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is a European bucket list must, which is probably why over 90 million tourists make the trip each and every year. If France is high up on your travel agenda, our France travel guide will help you decide where’s best to go as we explore the most beautiful places in France.
Paris
Whoever first uttered the words ‘a bad day in Paris is still better than a good day anywhere else’, wasn’t far wrong. The city of lights (and love) is as iconic as they come, and just wandering the streets here you instantly walk a little straighter, allowing the timeless elegance and style of the city to work its magic on you. Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre Dame Cathedral, whilst walks along the Seine or a visit to the resplendent Palace of Versailles, are both Parisian musts.
Icons ticked, you should then spend some time getting to know the culture of the city. A visit to Montmartre and its world famous Artist’s Square will have you walking in the footsteps of Lautrec and Picasso, whilst a night spent at the Moulin Rouge will get even the greatest of introverts up dancing, singing and high kicking with the best of them.
Lyon
Sitting on the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lyon boasts a history dating back over 2000 years. Medieval and Renaissance architecture give the city an impressively historic feel (easily allowing the area to be classed as one of the most beautiful places in France), with this being home to the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre. Yet whilst Lyon’s grand buildings and pretty pastel facades will impress you, what you’ll remember from your time here is the food. Claiming the title ‘gourmet capital of France’ is no mean feat in a country obsessed with food, but Lyon’s vast array of imaginative restaurants and regional specialities has helped the city seal the deal.
Want to taste the very best Lyon has to offer? Opt for our ‘Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner and Old Town Discovery‘ experience, which includes a scenic evening drive along the Saône River, and a mouth-watering three-course dinner (with local wines) cooked by a top Lyonnais chef.
French Riviera
No France travel guide looking at the most beautiful places in France would be complete without mention of the eternally beautiful French Riviera. Hugging the Mediterranean, this South Easterly corner of France offers some of the best weather of the entire country, not to mention fresh seafood and a more sedate pace of life. The likes of Monaco and Nice are some of the blockbuster attractions here, but dig a little deeper (or travel with a company that prides itself on taking you off the beaten track) and you’ll also discover how culturally rich this corner of the country is. The tiny and picturesque hilltop town of St Paul de Vence is especially worthy of a visit, known for being the laid-back escape bolt hole for creatives and actors, past and present.
EXPLORE THE FRENCH RIVIERA ON: Wonderful France Tour
Loire Valley
A destination instantly recognisable to wine connoisseurs, the Loire Valley is where to go for a delicious tipple, especially if you’re partial to a dry white. One of France’s leading wine producing regions, this lush and beautiful area is distinguished by vineyards, rolling farmland and vast chateaus. If you’re travelling with Trafalgar, you’ll be treated to an extra special Be my Guest experience at the regal Château de Villandry. Take your time roaming the exquisite Renaissance gardens that surround the estate, and try not to get lost in the maze!
Normandy
Synonymous with the D-Day landings, Normandy is a destination of huge importance not just for those with an interest in history, but for every one of us who had a family member touched by the destruction of the World Wars. It was here in 1944 that the largest seaborne invasion in history happened, and where many tragically sacrificed their lives for the freedom we get to enjoy today.
Omaha Beach is of particular importance, and it’s here you can still see the remains of German bunkers dotted along the beach. The D-Day landing zone is also fascinating, giving visitors the opportunity to learn all about how the operation was planned and executed.
SEE NORMANDY ON: Treasures of France Including Normandy Tour
Riquewihr
The ever so charming town of Riquewihr is one that has captured the heart of many, potentially those of Disney animators too as it’s often described as being a source of inspiration for Beauty and the Beast.
The medieval town sits in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, with it being made up of half-timbered houses and enchanting courtyards. The area effectively serves as an open air museum, with tourists able to learn extensively about history and architecture in this area.
Annecy
The alpine town of Annecy feels worlds away from the bright lights of Paris, as Lake Annecy which feeds into the Thiou River has a calming nature. The area is also known for its old town, with pastel coloured buildings lining the canals.
For tourists visiting, the Château d’Annecy is a restored castle which was the former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Geneva-Nemours. It was in 1953 when the City of Annecy bought the castle from the Ministry of the Armed Forces and turned it into a museum which hosts temporary exhibitions and collections.
Bordeaux
The southwest of France is where the wine region of Bordeaux is located, with this being a port city on the Garonne River.
Its name alone will be easily recognisable to wine lovers as almost 900 million bottles of wine are produced of Bordeaux wine in most years. Even if wine isn’t your thing though, the city does have something for everyone. Some call it ‘Little Paris,’ with the city largely having been rediscovered by tourists in recent years. It has incredible architecture, a historic centre, and a bustling culinary scene.
EXPLORE: Best of France Tour
Dordogne
Dramatic gorges, medieval castles and gorgeous villages make up Dordogne in the south west of the country. It’s an area where time appears to stand still, with it being an incredible playground for history lovers.
It has a high concentration of medieval castles which is where the name ‘the land of 1001 castles’ comes from. When people aren’t busy going back in time, activities that are popular here include canoeing, cycling and hiking.
Champagne
The sprawling province of Champagne has stand-out rolling landscapes which are covered with vineyards.
There’s almost 280,000 plots in the area, tended by more than 16,000 growers, with it creating a breathtaking scenery to witness as you consider the years of work that has taken place. This legacy of wine production is monumental too, as the type of wine is famous worldwide but it can only be made in the Champagne region for it to receive the honourable title.
Brittany
Brittany is a neighbouring region of Normandy as it’s situated in the north-west, but both areas are different in their own right. Unlike Normandy with its chalk cliffs and long sandy beaches, Brittany has a more rugged appearance with its dramatic granite coastlines and coves.
It has a strong Celtic background which makes it unique too, with the Celts being the first historically identifiable inhabitants of Brittany.
Lavender Fields, Provence
The region of Provence may host the French Riviera, but it’s known for its lavender fields too. These are a symbol of the region as it is one of the world’s top producers of lavender and it entices tourists from far and wide to see them in person.
The crop has actually been part of the area for over 2,000 years and lavender products can be widely found throughout the region. One of the most popular and beautiful fields is the Valensole Plateau which is a family-run distillery that is open to visitors.
Strasbourg
If you like the look of the Grand Est region, Strasbourg should be on your list as this is another of one of the most beautiful places in France.
This city is unique for its Franco-German culture, with the blend making for an interesting mix in its cuisine, architecture and history. While this can be enjoyed year round, it’s renowned for being the ‘Capital of Christmas’ as it comes to life in a whole new way during this time period. Its historic market sees over 300 wooden chalets set up, across different squares in the city.
Rhône-Alpes
The Rhône-Alpes has a stunning backdrop, with a dramatic view of Mont Blanc which is Europe’s highest peak. The fresh mountain air means the winters can be quite cold, but it lends itself to being a popular area for skiing and snowboarding. It’s here that you’ll find the likes of the iconic Tignes – Val d’Isère which has a 300 kilometre range of pistes.
Burgundy
In east-central France you’ll find the region of Burgundy which is another known for producing high-quality wines. It’s made up of small vineyards and is most well known for its Chardonnay’s and Pinot Noir’s.
If you’re wishing to explore the vineyards, the wine region in Burgundy is a narrow strip of land stretching from Chablis in the north to Mâconnais and Beaujolais in the south.
FAQs: All about the most beautiful places in France
When is the best time to visit France?
France is a great place to visit year-round, with the best time being dependent on what you’re hoping to get out of the trip. If you’re looking to explore and don’t mind colder temperatures, the shoulder season or winter could be the best time for you.
If, however, you’re hoping to sunbathe with a cocktail in hand, visit from June to September with the French Riviera being one of the most beautiful during the summer season.
What is the most beautiful city in France?
Every person will have their preferences, but Paris is commonly cited as one of the most beautiful places in France due to its captivating boulevards and incredible landmarks.
Going beyond the capital, the port town of Saint-Tropez combines beauty and elegance with this sitting on the French Riviera. Home to many boutiques and beach clubs, basing yourself here means you’ll have quaint villages and neighbourhoods accessible just a short train ride away.
What are the most romantic places in France?
Paris has its nickname of the ‘City of Love’ for a reason, with this link dating back to the 18th century as it became a major hub for the romantic art movement. This genre swept through France and Britain and saw some artists move away from the classical artistic norms which had previously dominated.
It’s also home to beautiful architecture and picturesque settings like the Seine River which provides a romantic feel as people walk through the city streets. For the most romantic of evenings, consider booking a dinner cruise on the Seine river.
Aside from Paris, Colmar, in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, is often reserved the title of ‘most romantic’ as it feels like you’re stepping directly into a fairytale. The medieval town has its very own ‘Little Venice’ area, complete with canals, along with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
What are the main wine regions in France?
There are several main wine regions in France, including: Bordeaux, Champagne, Corsica, Jura, Loire, Provence, Rhône, Savoy, the South West of France, Languedoc, Alsace and Burgundy.
What is there to do in the French Riviera?
The French Riviera has been a firm travel hotspot for decades now, with each area being unique in its own way. In Saint-Tropez and Cannes, for example, these locations are known for having popular beach resorts and clubs. It’s here where you can party the night away amidst a stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Just a 50-minute train journey away from Cannes and you’ll arrive in the seaside commune of Èze which feels like worlds away from the hustle and bustle. It’s here that you could explore its botanic garden or even make your own perfume as this tiny area is known for its top-notch perfumeries.
Head more north from Èze and you’ll find Menton which enjoys a slower pace of living compared to the glitzy city of Cannes. It sits right at the Franco-Italian border, with it being possible to head for dinner in Italy and then make it back for evening drinks in France.
Have you been to France? Which part of the country did you fall in love with? Share your France travel guide recommendations and tips in the comments below…