If you’re looking for ideas for your next holiday, here are the most incredible places to visit in France
When people hear of France, they immediately think about Paris. Sure, Paris is great and a must-visit for first-time visitors to France. But there’s more to France than its capital city.
It’s also home to many picturesque regions with exceptional scenery, delectable cuisine and wine, and long stretches of sparkling coastline. If you’re looking for ideas for your next holiday, here are the most incredible places to visit in France.
1 Paris
Paris may have a reputation for being overcrowded with tourists, but it’s still worth visiting at least once. There are endless reasons to love Paris, not only because it exudes a romantic atmosphere. It’s a sophisticated and cultural city, very walkable, and has many incredible sights to explore.
The beautiful architecture of Paris is enough reason to visit the capital city. Wandering through its picturesque streets, you’ll find buildings dating back to the Romans and the Middle Ages. The architectural richness of Paris offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of the city’s history. Admire the city’s highlights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. The city turns even more magical at night as everything lits up, so hit up one of the city’s rooftop bars to admire the city’s magnificent skyline.
Paris is also the perfect place to savour authentic French cuisine. You will find many eateries to indulge in delectable French delicacies, best paired with a glass of local wine. If you want to splurge, book a reservation at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the iconic Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower.
2 Cote d’Azur
Cote d’Azur is one of the world-renowned tourist attractions in France. It’s an incredible region along the Mediterranean in Southeast France. The area is known for its outstanding scenery and cultural events, especially the famous Film Festival in Cannes. But beyond the Film Festival, it is also home to spectacular beaches and other fascinating places. There are also plenty of luxurious places to stay around Cote d’Azur, making for the ideal destination for a range of travellers.
You’ll find the most beautiful beaches in France in Côte d’Azur. Bathed by the Mediterranean’s warm waters, these beaches are perfect for those seeking a relaxing break. The area’s most famous beaches include Croisette Beach in Cannes and Pampelonne Beach in Saint Tropez.
Another reason to love Côte d’Azur is its historical sights. The city’s glamour dates back to when Europeans started setting along the Le Suquet district around the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, you can still see the remnants of its history, especially in Cannes. Although the city has some of the most modern hotels in France, it still maintains an authentic charm, especially along the Old Town, where you’ll find religious buildings and fantastic museums.
The medieval city of Grasse is another place worth visiting in Côte d’Azur. It’s renowned for its perfume industry, thanks to the large flower crop benefitting from the area’s optimum temperatures. Visit some of the perfumeries to learn more about the perfume-making process.
3 Rhone
Rhone is one of those French regions that attract thousands of visitors, and it’s clear why. It boasts stunning Alpine peaks, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant historic cities. From exploring its untouched natural landscapes to discovering its delectable food and wine, you will enjoy every moment in Rhone.
If you’re a wine lover, Rhone is a must-visit. It’s home to protected vineyards and several Michelin-starred restaurants, offering the perfect place to savour mouthwatering local wines. Indulge in a fine dining experience by pairing wine with local dishes like andouillette, a sausage made of tripe.
Nature lovers will find Rhone an incredible place to explore on a hike, home to several regional parks and natural reserves. For a thrilling way of admiring its breathtaking landscapes, consider mountain climbing. Novice hikers can conquer the Felsenlabyrinth Loop, one of the region’s most scenic hiking trails.
Cycling is another way to discover the charm of Rhone. If you’re a seasoned cyclist, cycle the legendary passes of the Tour de France. Meanwhile, beginner cyclists can enjoy a relaxing bike ride along Lake Annecy.
Rhone is renowned for its fun festivals. If you visit the incredible region in December, head to Lyon for the Festival of Lights. The iconic event started in 1643 when a plague struck the community.
4 The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a stunning area of France worth visiting at least once. It’s in the northwest part of the country, named after the scenic Loire River flanking the region. The Loire is incredibly picturesque, with several medieval and Renaissance castles and pretty bridges flanking the water. Because of its picturesque natural beauty, the Loire Valley was dubbed the Garden of France.
Thanks to regions like the Loire Valley producing the finest wine varieties, France dominates the global wine scene. Loire’s history of wine production dates back to the 1st century during the time of the Romans. Take the time to explore the stunning vineyards and join a wine-tasting tour to learn more about local wine production.
If you’re fond of cycling, take advantage of the opportunity to cycle the famous Loire à Velo Cycling Path on your visit to the Loire. It runs for a whopping 800 km across six departments of France. Cycling this path is a fascinating way to soak Loire’s gorgeous scenery away from the bustling tourist crowds.
5 Cologne
Cologne’s vast array of beautiful churches and fantastic museums are among the reasons it’s one of those incredible places to visit in France. A city filled with art, history, and fascinating architecture, not to mention delicious food, Cologne will delight even the most discerning traveller.
In Cologne, you’ll spend your days strolling through its lovely promenade, trying out delectable street food and stopping by at cosy cafes lining the river. The beautiful Rhine River and its surrounding areas are fun to explore on foot. You can also book a river cruise in France, a great way to admire the city from a different perspective. Cologne has a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind.
What’s great about visiting Cologne is it’s easily accessible in various areas in Europe. It’s well-connected to major cities in France and nearby countries of Germany.
