I’ve Been To Nearly 150 Spots in France – These Are 10 of My Favorites
France has an incredible variety of places to explore: big cities, beaches, vineyards, and medieval towns all within a few hours of each other. I’ve loved nearly every corner I’ve visited, but after years of traveling and seeing close to 150 destinations, a few have clearly become favorites. These are a few places that, to me, show France at its very best.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, in southwestern France near the Atlantic coast, is the country’s wine capital and one of its most beautiful cities. The historic center is filled with golden limestone buildings, elegant squares, and riverside promenades lined with cafés and wine bars. It has all the charm of Paris but with a slower pace and a strong connection to the surrounding vineyards.
Annecy
Annecy, in the French Alps near the Swiss border, looks straight out of a postcard. The old town is filled with quaint canals, colorful buildings, and flower-covered bridges, all set against the backdrop of the deep blue Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains (where you can find plenty of outdoor adventures).
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence, in southern France just north of Marseille, is famous for its five colorful markets and dozens of picturesque fountains scattered across the city. Stalls overflow with fresh produce, lavender, and local specialties, and tree-lined squares and sunny boulevards invite you to endlessly wander the charming, upscale streets.
Chateau de Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau, in France’s Loire Valley, is one of the most unique and recognizable castles in the country. The château’s grand gallery stretches across the River Cher on a series of stone arches, with its ballroom set directly above the flowing water. The gardens are just as impressive, filled with perfectly trimmed hedges and geometric flowerbeds.
Menton
Menton, on the French Riviera near the Italian border, is a colorful coastal town known for its pastel buildings and sunny Mediterranean vibe. The old town climbs up the hillside in layers of yellow, pink, and orange facades overlooking one of the best beaches on the Riviera. It’s also famous for its lush gardens, where citrus trees and exotic plants thrive in the warm coastal climate.
Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel, off the coast of Normandy, is one of France’s most unforgettable sights – a medieval abbey island rising dramatically from the tidal flats. At high tide, it appears to float on the water, and seeing it in person truly feels like a fairytale come to life. Narrow stone streets wind up to the abbey at the top, with sweeping views over the surrounding bay.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne, in southern France’s Occitanie region, is the largest walled city in Western Europe and one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the world. With 60 towers and a unique double wall system built for defense, it once housed an entire village, plus hundreds of soldiers and archers. Today, its towering ramparts and fortified gates still make it a breathtaking sight.
Colmar
Colmar, in the Alsace region of northeastern France, is known for its beautifully preserved old town filled with colorful half-timbered houses in shades of pink, yellow, and blue. Canals lined with flowers wind through the Petite Venise neighborhood, and the whole town looks like it came right off a postcard.
Nice
Nice, on the French Riviera, blends the feel of a beautiful French city with the easygoing charm of the Mediterranean. The old town glows in golden tones, with narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and markets. The palm-lined Promenade des Anglais is the city’s showpiece, perfect for strolling, accessing the beach, and enjoying expansive sea views.
Paris
While France is filled with amazing destinations, there’s nowhere quite like Paris. The grand architecture, the impressive monuments that dot the city, the beautiful riverside views and bridges, and history around every corner make it a city that’s impossible to tire of. The museums, the cafés, the endless neighborhoods to explore – I’ve spent months here, and it’s still never enough.
