France is a country that feels like a carefully curated dream. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, from the glittering coastline of the south to quaint medieval towns tucked into rolling countryside. From my many unforgettable journeys across this gorgeous country, here are the 15 best places that completely enchanted me.
1. Paris
Paris France Eiffel Tower
Paris is always a good idea, and it completely lived up to the hype. The atmosphere felt electric yet elegant. I strolled along the Seine, sipped coffee in outdoor cafés, and watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. There was beauty in every building, in every scent of a nearby boulangerie, and every stroll through Montmartre.
Location: Northern central France
Best time to visit: April to June or September
Activities on offer: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Seine river cruise, shopping
Accommodation: Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Le Bristol Paris, Hôtel Grand Powers
Map Location and Directions
My highlight: Watching the sunset from the steps of Sacré-Cœur with street musicians playing in the background.
2. Annecy
Annecy Lake and Town
Annecy felt like a real-life postcard. I was in awe of the crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains, pastel-colored houses, flower-covered bridges, and dreamy canals. Known as the Venice of the Alps, this town had an incredibly peaceful energy.
Location: Southeastern France
Best time to visit: Summer
Activities on offer: Boat rides on Lake Annecy, old town walking, hiking
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Clos Marcel, Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort, L’Imperial Palace
Map Location and Directions
3. Provence
Provence Lavender Fields
The rolling lavender fields of Provence were straight out of a painting. The countryside shimmered with purples and golds, ancient stone villages perched on hilltops, and vineyards as far as the eye could see. It had this calm, sun-kissed rhythm that made every day feel slower and sweeter.
Location: Southeastern France
Best time to visit: Late June to July
Activities on offer: Lavender field tours, wine tasting, exploring villages
Accommodation: Le Mas de la Rose, Coquillade Provence, Château de Berne
Map Location and Directions
4. Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint Michel Normandy
I was awestruck by this magical island commune that rises out of the water like something from a fantasy novel. At high tide, it looks like it floats. Climbing to the top of the abbey gave me views that I’ll never forget.
Location: Normandy, northwestern France
Best time to visit: Spring or Fall
Activities on offer: Abbey visit, tidal walks, historical tours
Accommodation: La Mère Poulard, Hôtel Vert, Le Relais Saint-Michel
Map Location and Directions
5. Côte d’Azur
French Riviera Blue Waters
The glamour of the French Riviera really caught me off guard. Everything sparkled, from the water to the polished storefronts of Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. But it wasn’t all about luxury. There were quiet coves, local markets, and fresh seafood that made every day delicious.
Location: Southeastern France
Best time to visit: May to September
Activities on offer: Beach days, coastal hikes, shopping, art museums
Accommodation: Hotel Negresco (Nice), Hôtel Martinez (Cannes), Château de la Messardière (Saint-Tropez)
Map Location and Directions
6. Dordogne
Dordogne River Valley
The Dordogne was a rustic fairytale. I kayaked along the river past towering limestone cliffs, explored medieval castles, and tasted earthy local cuisine. The villages were golden-toned, sleepy, and timeless.
Location: Southwestern France
Best time to visit: Fall
Activities on offer: Canoeing, castle tours, cave visits
Accommodation: Château les Merles, Le Moulin du Roc, Les Glycines
Map Location and Directions
7. Loire Valley
Loire Valley Castles France
This region felt like the storybook heart of France. I saw castles with moats, lush gardens, and spiral staircases that took me back centuries. Every château had its own magic, and the landscape was so serene with fields and forests stretched alongside the Loire River.
Location: Central France
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
Activities on offer: Château tours, cycling, wine tasting
Accommodation: Château de la Bourdaisière, Domaine de la Tortinière, Château d’Artigny
Map Location and Directions
My highlight: A sunrise bike ride through mist-covered vineyards near Amboise.
8. Strasbourg
Strasbourg Alsace France
Strasbourg felt like a blend of French charm and German soul. I wandered through La Petite France with its half-timbered houses and flower boxes. The Strasbourg Cathedral was towering and dramatic. I even tried local Alsatian tarte flambée and loved it.
Location: Northeastern France
Best time to visit: Winter (for Christmas markets) or Spring
Activities on offer: Cathedral visit, boat rides, exploring Petite France
Accommodation: Hôtel Régent Petite France, Les Haras, Maison Rouge
Map Location and Directions
9. Lyon
Lyon City France
Lyon was incredibly underrated. It had grand architecture, secret passageways called traboules, and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. It’s a paradise for foodies but also a cultural and historic gem.
Location: East-central France
Best time to visit: Fall
Activities on offer: Gastronomic tours, silk weaving museums, river walks
Accommodation: Cour des Loges, Villa Florentine, InterContinental Lyon
Map Location and Directions
10. Giverny
Giverny Monet Garden
Giverny felt like walking into a Monet painting. The lily ponds, wisteria-covered bridge, and the artist’s own home made it all feel incredibly peaceful and creative. It’s the kind of place that whispers rather than shouts.
Location: Northern France
Best time to visit: Spring
Activities on offer: Visiting Monet’s garden and house, art museums
Accommodation: Le Jardin des Plumes, La Dîme de Giverny, Hotel Normandy
Map Location and Directions
My highlight: Seeing real water lilies after years of admiring Monet’s paintings of them.
11. Colmar
Colmar Alsace France
Colmar looked too pretty to be real. It was colorful and charming with canals that twisted through its fairytale streets. It had a slow rhythm that invited me to sit at cafés longer than usual and sip a chilled glass of Riesling.
Location: Northeastern France
Best time to visit: Spring
Activities on offer: Wine tasting, canal walks, exploring Old Town
Accommodation: La Maison des Têtes, Hôtel Saint-Martin, James Boutique Hotel
Map Location and Directions
12. Bordeaux
Bordeaux Wine Region
Bordeaux was all about fine living. Elegant buildings, sophisticated cafés, and of course, world-class wine. I took a vineyard tour and watched the sun set behind rows of vines. It was graceful and grand without trying too hard.
Location: Southwestern France
Best time to visit: Fall (harvest season)
Activities on offer: Wine tours, river cruises, market visits
Accommodation: InterContinental Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie, Hotel de Sèze
Map Location and Directions
13. Corsica
Corsica Island France
Corsica had wild beauty that was untouched and soulful. I hiked along the coast, swam in hidden coves, and tasted chestnut flour pastries in hillside villages. It felt like its own world with a strong identity.
Location: Mediterranean Sea, south of mainland France
Best time to visit: Summer
Activities on offer: Hiking, snorkeling, beach exploring
Accommodation: Hôtel La Villa, Casadelmar, Hotel Misíncu
Map Location and Directions
14. Reims
Reims Champagne Region
Reims was full of sparkle. Not only did I sip champagne in underground cellars, but I also visited the cathedral where French kings were once crowned. The town was elegant, bubbly, and filled with celebratory spirit.
Location: Northeastern France
Best time to visit: Fall
Activities on offer: Champagne tasting, cathedral tour, cellar visits
Accommodation: Domaine Les Crayères, Grand Hotel des Templiers, Hôtel Azur
Map Location and Directions
15. Avignon
Avignon France Bridge
Avignon felt ancient and noble. The old papal palace towered over the city, and the broken bridge of Saint-Bénézet seemed to float out into the Rhône. It was full of medieval character and winding lanes with secrets.
Location: Southeastern France
Best time to visit: Summer (for theatre festival) or Spring
Activities on offer: Palace of the Popes, bridge walk, street performances
Accommodation: La Mirande, Hotel d’Europe, Cloître Saint-Louis
Map Location and Directions
Want to fall in love with France?
From lavender fields and snow-capped mountains to storybook villages and romantic cities, France is one unforgettable memory after another. Let us help you craft a custom itinerary for your French adventure through our free travel planning service.
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