France truly has something for everyone.
From picturesque beaches along the French Riviera, to captivating cities like Paris and Bordeaux, there's a lot to see.
It’s also home to some lesser known gems and experiences including cute towns, medieval castles, and hidden gorges.
With so much to offer, it's no surprise that this country is one of the best places to travel through.
In this France travel guide we’ll explore all of this... and more!
Giving a rundown of what we believe to be the absolute best places to visit in France, based on our many weeks spent road tripping the country.
We’ll also look at other important things to know, such as the best time to visit France as well as how to set a good budget for your travels here.
Lets get started …
Before booking your flights, it’s important to first know what to expect in the different seasons.
Of course each destination will have its own particular patterns and variations, so be sure to check the climate on WeatherSpark for more accurate information.
These two seasons are the overall best when heading to France.
Temperatures are comfortable, which is perfect for heading out and about without overheating or getting too cold.
Rainfall levels are mostly low throughout the country, although the month of May is known to be one of the wettest of the year.
You’ll also find the best deals around these seasons too, making them the most affordable times to visit. For those looking to travel cheaply, you'll want to keep this in mind!
If you’re into wine and want to see the grape vineyards at their very best, then you’ll want to head in late Autumn (from August until early October).
The summer is a great time for those who want to visit the French Riviera and lounge on its beaches, whilst you’ll also have warmer daytime temperatures.
The rest of the country will have a nice warmth which is perfect for heading outdoors, and will also be optimum conditions for certain treks such as the Camino de Santiago.
Whilst most of this is great, the only downside is that this period tends to see a hike up in prices as it coincides with the busy summer holidays.
The summer season is also when the lavender fields of Provence begin to bloom, usually from June lasting until the end of July.
The winter of course is going to be much colder, however it has its own advantages.
During this time of year you’ll be able to ski on the Alps, as well as have some novel experiences such as the Christmas market in Strasbourg.
Whilst some months like November and February can be pretty cheap, the Christmas and New Years period will see quite a hike up in prices!
The main point of entry for most will be by plane.
Paris has one of the best connected airports in Europe, where you can easily fly from other cities in the continent with various airlines (prices are pretty cheap too).
You’ll also find that many further afield destinations also have direct flight heading to Paris. Some of the best routes include from Turkey, the USA, Canada and Thailand.
As well as Paris, there are other cities you can fly directly into from Europe which include Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux.
We recommend using SkyScanner to compare flights in order to find the very best deals.
France is located in Western Europe, and is a popular country to visit given it shares borders with many other nations.
For this reason, using the bus or train is a very convenient way of arriving into France.
Belgium and Germany border France to the north east, with popular departure points including Brussels, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
Further south we also have Switzerland and Italy, with cities like Zurich, Bern, Turin and Milan being some of the most popular areas to take the bus or train from.
Finally we have Spain and Andorra which border France to the south. Cities like Barcelona, Pamplona and Bilbao are your best bet when heading up from the Spanish nation.
BusBud is a great site for comparing the different providers and routes into France, and is one of the best travel apps you can download.
This method of transport is a popular option for our friends over in the United Kingdom, which links the coastal cities of Folkestone in England to Calais in northern France.
The Eurotunnel is an underground tunnel which runs 50km underneath the English Channel, where you can drive your car onto a freight train and relax as you're transported over.
It’s the same also when traveling by bus, and with both options you’ll need to have your passport ready before boarding.
Last but not least, this is for those who want their own wheels during their trip.
Whether driving a car just for transport, or also taking a motorhome with you (which we 100% recommend for France! More on this later), driving into France is pretty easy.
You’ll be following the same routes listed above in the Bus section, where you’ll cross an immigration checkpoint at the border.
What happens during immigration depends on where you’re from, since citizens from the EU won’t need to go through any checks as France is part of The Schengen Zone. Everyone else will need to have their passports and any other necessary documentation ready in hand.
For those looking to hire a car in France then check out Rental Cars!
Whilst France can be considered a big country by European standards, it’s actually pretty easy to get between different destinations.
Here we’ll take a look at the different options you have.
Having spent quite a bit of time traveling around France in a motorhome, we can easily say that this is the best option for getting around!
The advantages of course include the fact that you’ll always have your home ready, and you won’t need to constantly check in and out of various different hotels (which can also be quite pricey in this country too).
Our top campervan rental choice is McRent, who are the largest motorhome rental company in all of Europe.
Prices are good, and you can also pick-up in numerous locations such as Paris, Lyon and Poitiers.
You can read more about McRent in our France RV rental guide!
Alternatively, you could grab yourself a car rental, if you're not fully comfortable with driving a van.
For more tips on this, check out our guide on the best car rentals in France.
Pretty much all roads lead to Paris, meaning that the highways are a really efficient way of getting around.
The bus and train services are also of high quality, with numerous providers serving all routes throughout the country.
Overall, the bus is the best way to get around, since they are reliable and are also the cheapest method of transport.
France even offers some overnight buses which are a great way to save money on accommodation - this is one of our top travel tips!
The trains are also useful, especially for when traveling bigger distances.
For those who are really short on time (or don’t mind paying more for a more comfortable ride), then you can also fly between different destinations.
Of course Paris is the best city to fly to and from, since it’s centrally located.
Again (like the train), this option is best for destinations that are quite far away from each other, where you’d otherwise end up spending quite a few hours on the road.
Here we’ll now explore 35 of the very best places to visit in France.
As well as covering each particular destination and why you should visit, we’ll also mention how you can get there.
Kicking things off we have the capital of Paris, which is by far the most popular destination to visit in all of France.
The majority of travelers will first fly into the capital before exploring the rest of the country, and here you’ll want to see all of the very best sights.
The Eiffel Tower is the simply unmissable, which is then best followed by a memorable river cruise like this one, which includes dinner and live music.
Another top sight to see is the Louvre Museum, which is officially the most visited museum on earth!
It’s home to some of the most important art pieces known to man, including the Mona Lisa.
We recommend purchasing your entrance tickets in advance, where you’ll skip the otherwise long line (often several hours!) to get in.
There's no shortage of popular tourist attractions in this city, so if you've got the time, allow at least three days here.
Getting between all of the top sights in Paris is pretty easy, where you can either take taxis, public transport or even bike it if you’re feeling adventurous.
For the best experience, I'd also recommend staying in a hotel with Eiffel Tower views!
This incredible gem is one of the best day trips you can take from Paris, which is found in the nearby town of Chantilly.
Here you can walk through the Condé Museum, which like the Louvre, also has an outstanding collection of different artworks on display.
Henri of Orléan (also known as the Duke of Aumale) was the man responsible for what is now the second largest artwork collection found in all of France, spending decades growing this incredible collection.
Whilst the Château de Chantilly was first built in the 1560’s, it was then subsequently rebuilt in the 1870s after being destroyed.
The town of Chantilly is located roughly 50 km north of Paris, and the best way to get here from the capital is by train.
You can also head to the Château de Chantilly with this guided tour, which is a great option since you’ll have pick up and drop off to your hotel in Paris included.
If sprawling, imposing castles are on your French bucket list, then you should really visit the Château de Pierrefonds, which is located on the edge of the Forest of Compiègne.
First built near the end of the 14th Century, here you’ll find a classic example of a fortress built with medieval fortification at its roots, which was tactically designed to withstand sieges.
Even just looking from the outside would be worth the visit too, with its spiraling white towers rising above the green trees of the nearby forest.
Inside you’ll see numerous rooms and classic architecture from these times, which was once the residence for several kings.
The Château de Pierrefonds is situated roughly halfway between the towns of Villers-Cotterêts and Compiègne, both of which are around an hour and a half drive from the Capital.
You can get your ticket in advance, which will fast-track you past the crowds who have to otherwise wait!
Located in the far north of France, Reims is a spectacular city which we really recommend visiting along your trip around the country.
One of the very best things to see here is the Cathedral. It has a beautiful facade which normally has crowds standing in front simply marveling in awe at the entire thing!
Those who love French wine will be especially happy, since the champagne houses of Moët & Chandon and Taittinger are found nearby, and are some of the best in this region.
We recommend heading on this day tour from Reims, where you’ll explore both sites and also have tastings included too.
Reims is located roughly 145 km north-east of Paris, and it takes around an hour and a half of driving to get there from the capital.
There are numerous trains and buses heading here daily, and we recommend spending several days here.
Here's some more information on the best things to do in Reims...
France is known for its many awesome cities and destinations, however many tend to forget that it’s also home to some of the best Champagne in the world.
The Champagne region in particular is where you’ll want to head to when it comes to sparkling wines, which is located in the north-east of the country.
We’ve already discussed Reims, however in this region you’ll also find the small town of Epernay which is worth visiting too.
Those who haven’t got the time or desire to spend several days out here in the Champagne region, will instead love this day tour from Paris.
Here you’ll have 8 different tastings at some of the very best sites in the region, with a fresh lunch included too.
This region is located around an hours drive from Paris, however there are also many champagne house B&Bs that you can stay at (our favorite was Champagne Boutique).
It's also a great place to park up with your motorhome too!
Another striking castle you’ll want to add to your French bucket list, the Château de Fontainebleau is simply stunning.
Located in the town of the same name, this château was one of the favorite residences for many of France’s previous kings, such as Louis VII and Philip IV.
First built in the mid 12th Century, it has since gone through many redevelopments which is apparent in its various architectural styles found throughout the complex.
Some of these include the Renaissance and Neo-Renaissance styles.
We recommend going with this organized tour that picks you up from Paris, which also includes a visit to the Vaux le Vicomte château.
The town of Fontainebleau is located roughly 70 km south of Paris, and can be driven to in around an hour.
Strasbourg is located close to the German border in the northeast of the country, and actually serves as one of the four de facto capitals of the European Union.
It's one of the best cities to visit in France, especially so if you’re heading around the Christmas holidays!
Here you’ll find a clash of both French and German architectural styles, which can best be seen in the numerous cathedrals and churches such as the Notre Dame and St. Thomas Church.
By far the best thing about Strasbourg though has to be the Christmas market, which is one of the most iconic in Europe.
We recommend joining this fun tour, which includes an expert local guide who’ll show you the very best spots, foods and drinks.
However, even if you're not visiting at this time of year, you won't run out of things to do in Strasbourg!
This impressive city is located roughly 5 hours east of Paris, with the train being the best transport option (which cuts the route down to 3 hours).
The Alsace region is one of the most culturally diverse regions you can visit in France.
An area that has swung back and forth between French and German occupations, it’s also well known for its Alsace grapes and wines.
Strasbourg is the capital and where most head to, however we also recommend heading on a road trip around the region to taste some of the very best wines, which include Pinot Gris and Riesling.
This organized day tour from Strasbourg is a great way to visit the best spots along Alsace’s wine route. You’ll also get to explore beautiful villages such as Eguisheim, with a walking tour of Colmar included too.
This picturesque, medieval castle is known for its German-esque appeal, which again is not surprising given it’s located within the region of Alsace.
It’s still unknown to this day when it was built, although it’s thought to be somewhere between the 10th and 12th Century.
It was famously used as a hideout for robbers by the Hohensteins who occupied it at the time, which then led to it being burnt down in 1462.
Having since been rebuilt several times, it’s a great place to visit for its architectural styles, which differ a lot from the usual castles and châteaux that are found in France.
The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is located close to the rural town of Rodern, which is around an hour drive south of Strasbourg.
Those who love Disney films are for sure going to want to head here!
Both Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr were the real-life inspirations behind the town that can be seen in the Beauty and the Beast film, which are arguably even better in real life.
Here you can explore the charming centers, as well as get lost walking through their winding, narrow cobblestone streets.
It’s also worth spending an extra day or two in this region, since you’ll be able to visit some nearby champagne houses too.
We recommend heading on this all-inclusive tour where you’ll visit both of these towns, as well as visiting bonus towns such as Kaysersberg and Eguisheim.
Both of these towns are located along the popular Alsace Wine Route, which is approximately 70 km south (an hour driving) of Strasbourg in the east of France.
If you’ve already been to Strasbourg and want to explore more of Northeastern France, then Colmar is our best recommendation for your next stop.
It’s much smaller than Strasbourg, which is good since it has a more welcoming feel (as well as being more peaceful too).
Here you can also explore the unique architecture in this region of France, in spades!
Some of the best sites include the Maison Pfister and La Maison des Têtes, as well as the variety of beautiful buildings that lie within the Old Town.
Another awesome thing to do is to take a boat ride down La Petite Venise - Colmar’s answer to the infamous Italian destination!
For more information, check out this one-day Colmar itinerary...
Those who are up for an unforgettable trip will love this multi-country day tour, which will see you hop over to both Germany and Switzerland!
Colmar is located roughly an hour south from Strasbourg, and six hours east of Paris.
You can also take the high speed train from the capital, which cuts the travel time down to just two hours!
Whilst Mustard is believed to have had its roots in Ancient Egypt, there have since been many tasty varieties created throughout the world.
Dijon Mustard is a very popular one, which comes from the French city of the same name (which lies in the east of the country).
Mustard tasting is a popular activity to do in Dijon, and we recommend heading here to do exactly this.
Many tend to say that it tastes a little spicier than regular mustard, however we’ll leave that up to you!
Whilst in the city you’ll also want to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Liberation Square, as well as go for a wander through the pretty Arquebuse Botanical Garden.
Here's some more information on the most popular attractions in Dijon!
This incredible city is located roughly 315 km east of Paris, with the drive taking around 4 hours.
First built in the early 13th century, this is one of the must-visits that you’ll want to see when cruising through Central France.
The Castle of Val honestly looks like something out of a Harry Potter film, and sits right on top of a beautiful lake for even more added viewing pleasure!
Inside the castle you’ll find multiple rooms filled with gothic style architecture and features.
You’ll also see the incredible Chapel of Saint Blaise, which has lasted in-tact since the 15th century (there have previously been issues of vandalism here).
We also recommend climbing the staircase to the rooftop, where you’ll have a brilliant vantage point out over the rest of the castle, as well as the lake and nearby forest.
The Castle of Val is located close to the town of Lanobre, which is a 5 hour drive south from Paris.
Out of all the possible things you could do on this long list, this is by far one of the most popular.
France is well known for its range of wines (and champagnes as we covered earlier), however the king of all has to be those made in Bordeaux.
Here you’ll find the renowned blends of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, and we recommend heading on this wine tasting day trip in the region of Saint-Emilion for the ultimate experience.
Bordeaux isn’t just about the wine though!
Here you’ll see lots of beautiful buildings around the city, so it’s worth going for a walk around to spot some of the best.
Heading up the Flèche Saint-Michel is one of our top recommendations for some surreal, sweeping panoramic views of the city.
This city is located within the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in the south-west of France.
It’s roughly 600 km from the capital, and you can either drive, take the train or even fly if you’re short on time.
We’ll admit it, sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad!
So once you’ve had your fair share of wines and have explored every nook and cranny of the big cities, this next one is a fantastic way to change things up.
The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is full of dormant volcanoes and dramatic landscapes, and you could easily spend a long weekend hiking the very best trails.
Some of the absolute best things to see here include the deep blue lake of Lac Pavin, the Volcan de Lemptégy as well as the views from the Château de Murol.
Not only is there a lot to do, but Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in France.
Lyon is the closest major city to this National Park (2 hours by driving), so it makes sense to start any adventures from here.
If heading directly from Paris, then it’s located roughly 450 km south, which takes around 5 hours by car.
This breathtaking town truly is one of a kind, making it one of the most unique places to visit in France.
With a cathedral and other buildings built onto a sheer vertical cliff, for us it ranks as one of the most photogenic destinations in the country!
Be sure to spend the day here, where you can walk up the steep steps to the top for the best views over the region (we recommend heading up in the evening).
This guided tour is the very best way to explore the town!
The chapel of Saint-Michel (where the tomb of Saint-Amadour is located close to) is found here, along with a rather impressive historical site where you'll get to see cave drawings that are over 20,000 years old.
From the town you can also explore the unspoiled nature and hiking paths of the Regional Nature Park of the Quercy Limestone Plateaus.
Rocamadour is situated within Central France, and is roughly 630 km south of Paris (6 hours driving distance).
This stunning fortified castle was the last of its kind to be built in France, and rightfully so has been listed among the prestigious monument historiques of the country.
First built in the 13th century, Bonaguil Castle is located on top of a hill, which gives the overall best vantage point and lookout over the surrounding region.
It was never attacked in its history, however the views are still very much worth the trip here!
You’ll also get a good glimpse of classic medieval defense tactics, which includes raised walls and a more streamlined design.
The château de Bonaguil is located between the two popular southern cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse (roughly a two hour drive from each).
If heading here from Paris, then the distance will be around 715 km, with the journey lasting approximately 8 hours by car.
The Atlantic coast of France is home to some pretty exceptional beaches, with less heading here in comparison to the more popular Mediterranean spots.
Biarritz is considered one of the best areas for surfing in France, with spots such as Lafitenia and Guethary renowned for their swells.
Beginners will want to head to La Cote des Basques where the waves are much more relaxed.
Biarritz is located along the bay of Biscay in the extreme south of France, some 22 miles from Spain.
The best way to get here is to either fly directly into its airport, or to fly into nearby Bordeaux and make the 2 hour journey south (which is a much cheaper way of doing it).
This stunning town is located in the extreme south of France, and is a great place to explore before starting the legendary Camino de Santiago into nearby Spain.
Here you’ll find many picturesque streets like that of Rue d’Espagne as well as Rue de la Citadelle, which are known for their carved wooden architecture.
There are some really unique French dishes here too, with Axoa and Salmais de Palombe some of the must-tries.
This town is also a town of historical significance - with it having been founded as an act of defiance from Richard I of England against his own father - King Henry II.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is located just an hour south from Biarritz, so it’s worth continuing here after your trip along the French Atlantic coast.
This town is also a popular entry and exit point from nearby Spain, with Pamplona just a 1 hour and a half drive away.
If you're considering walking the Camino de Santiago, be sure to read through our extensive Camino packing list to be best prepared!
This incredible national park is laden with jagged peaks and alpine lakes, with many who come here ending up spending way more time than originally planned!
One of the best things to see here is the Grotte du Mas d'Azil, a giant limestone cave with prehistoric drawings.
You’ll also want to head to the town of Font-Romeu, which offers awesome scenery as well as great skiing for those who come during the winter.
Given this region is full of awesome things to see and do, you’re going to want to base yourself somewhere good.
The towns of Cauterets and Bagnères-de-Luchon are some of the best, and naturally you’ll also find many awesome spots to camp up with your own motorhome.
The Pyrénées National Park is located in the extreme south of France, and forms the natural border between France and Spain.
The closest major airports are located in Montpellier and Toulouse.
Continuing along the French Pyrénées, we have the incredible medieval castle of Carcassonne.
Surrounded by double walls, this citadel has been occupied by several cultures that range from the Visigoths to the Romans, each taking advantage of its strategic location.
You can head up to its vantage point, which offers some outstanding panoramic views of the nearby region.
Given that the government of France originally had plans to demolish this castle, you could say we’re pretty lucky that they never went through with it!
It’s worth spending the day exploring the town too, which had settlements here from as early as 3500 BC. No wonder its a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
This all-inclusive day tour is a great way to get to know this historic town, with a visit to the castle included as well as having a professional guide show you the way.
Whilst Carcassonne does have its own airport, we recommend coming from the nearby city of Toulouse, which is roughly 94 km away (about an hour driving).
This natural area is a great place to visit for spotting wildlife, and also to go exploring in a more remote area of Southern France.
It was first designated as a protected area in 1970, and here you can see wild horses bathing in the lagoons, as well as over 400 bird species such as the Pink Flamingo.
The best time to visit is between September and March, where excessive rainfall fills out the area and attracts the different species found here.
Having said this, it’s been known for weather patterns to shift annually, so be sure to ask a local guide before if the area is good for visiting.
The Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue is located 62 km east of Montpellier.
The best way to get here is to first fly into Montpellier, and then take the bus to Saint-Gilles, which is a great launching point into the region.
There’s nothing quite as mesmerizing as the endless rows of lavender fields found in Provence.
Located in the south of France, these bright purple flowers are an incredible sight regardless of the weather, and make for a simply incredible photo shot.
These lavender fields begin to bloom from June until late July, although some can go on until August (depending on the altitude).
The best way to visit these fields is with this awesome day tour, where you’ll also see the Pont du Gard as well as some authentic towns like that of Roussillon and Gordes.
The region of Provence is located in the extreme south-east of France, with the city of Marseille being the best entry point (not only can you fly here with ease, it’s also well connected with other destinations in the region).
If you’re looking for a medieval town set with a stunning backdrop of imposing mountains, then look no further than Oppède!
Located within the Provence region, it's a popular day trip for those looking to escape Marseille and head into the French countryside.
This small village dates back to the 12th century, and still maintains much of its architecture from that era.
Some of the best sights to see here include Notre-Dame-Dalidon, the Musée de l'Huile d'Olive as well as the Lavender Museum (if you’re still not satisfied with lavender fields, that is!).
Oppède is located roughly 87 km north of Marseille, with the trip taking roughly 1 hour and a half by car.
This small town is located within the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and is an awesome day trip to take when visiting the south of France.
It’s built into a mountain which makes for some spectacular views, similar to that of Oppède which we have just looked at.
The town of Gordes has had quite the history, having seen both rulings and invasions from the Romans, French, Arabs as well as the more recent World War II.
For this reason it’s a nice town to spend the day in, as you can see the various types of buildings around, not to mention the walk to the top of the hill for the best views.
You’ll also want to hike along the Sentier des Ocres too, with its scenic cliffs and nearby forest.
When it comes to exploring the region, this ultimate tour is the best way to do so.
Not only will you see Gordes, you’ll also be shown around the Sentier des Ocres as well as some of the most beautiful lavender fields in the region.
Gordes is located between the two major cities of Montpellier and Marseille, taking around an hour to get there.
Now we continue our exploration of medieval castles with this stunner, which was built around the 10th Century.
This one in particular has had a pretty infamous history, as it was owned by the Lords of Baux for an eventful 500 years where it was threatened by many conflicts.
The château is by far the highlight to see here, which is located at the top of a 245m rocky cliff.
However, there's more to see if you have the time!
Known as one of the most attractive towns in all of France, it has as many as 22 buildings which are categorized as “historical treasures” (these range from houses and hospitals to the main cathedral).
The town of Les Baux-de-Provence is located within southern France, about an hours drive east of Montpellier.
This one is an absolute must for hiker-enthusiasts, or simply anyone that wants to wander around some truly breathtaking nature.
Once a quarry, these mined hills have since been abandoned and have now become part of a protected parkland.
It’s a really easy trail (just 1.4km long), where you’ll see the dramatic, orange cliffs either side of you as you pass through the pine tree forest.
Le Sentier des Ocres is located close to the town of Roussillon, which marks the start of the trailhead.
You can drive to this small town from Marseille in the south, with the trip taking around an hour and a half.
Those traveling around France simply must plan a stop in Marseille, at least for a few days.
Home to the biggest port in the country, this city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and is great for relaxing on beaches.
The Calanques National Park is another great site to visit with its beautiful rugged scenery, which can best be explored with this catamaran cruise which includes a tasty lunch.
On your other days here, you’ll want to explore the top sights which include the beautiful Cathédrale La Major, the Old Port as well as the castle of Palais Longchamp.
The flight from Paris to Marseille takes just an hour and a half, and there’s also direct flights here from popular European destinations such as Brussels, Barcelona and Venice.
Now we head over to the extreme south-east of France, to one of the most popular beach destinations in the country.
St Tropez has long been a must visit, given it’s home to some of the best sands along the French Riviera.
Some of the best beaches to visit here include Tahiti Plage and Port Grimaud.
As well as relaxing along the coast, there are many other worthwhile destinations to visit including the Annonciade Museum as well as the museum of Gendarmerie Nationale.
This popular area is also a good day trip to take from nearby Nice, and we recommend heading on this awesome tour which includes round-trip transport as well as a cruise around Port Grimaud.
St Tropez is located some 135 km east of Marseille, with the bus ride taking roughly 2 hours to get there.
Those who are already in Nice will want to make a trip over to the nearby resort town of Cannes.
Famed for its premiere, many come here to see the global superstars walk the walk, and also to enjoy the overall lively atmosphere.
The Cannes Film Festival takes place every year around May but it's invite only I'm afraid. However, stick around outside and you may get a glimpse of your celebrity crush!
The Bay of Cannes is also renowned for its beautiful waters, which are ideal for both swimming and snorkeling.
We recommend heading on this all-inclusive tour where you’ll spend the day on a Catamaran. This way, you can enjoy the best snorkeling spots as well as visiting the beautiful Lérins islands.
The Vieux Port de Cannes is another great area to visit, hence why we recommend a full day here so you’re not too rushed seeing them all.
We also recommend heading to the nearby Parc Naturel Forestier de la Croix des Gardes, which is home to some stunning wooded trails (where you’ll see peaks as well as impressive views over the bay).
This guide is a great place to compare different hiking routes!
As we’ve already mentioned, the French Riviera is the place to go if you’re looking for some time on the beach.
The beaches in and around Nice are a popular choice, and are even frequented by the rich and famous who jet off here for some unspoiled waters and relaxation.
La Réserve and Blue Beach are two great options for those looking for a day spent next to the Mediterranean.
Those who want the ultimate all-inclusive experience will want to head to Opéra Plage, where you can get massages and cocktails without even having to move!
The best time to head to the beaches here are between the months of April and October, when temperatures are nice and toasty.
Nice is tucked away in the south-east of France, with Paris a good 930 km away in the north.
The best way to get here is to fly, unless you don’t mind extra time on the bus or train!
If you're heading to Nice then you may want to check out our beach vacation packing list...
You’d be forgiven for thinking this beautiful coastal town is actually Spanish or Italian!
Menton is full of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, and has famously been dubbed the Pearl of the French Riviera.
Walking around you’ll also find a tonne of orange and lemon trees; so many in fact, that this town hosts France’s biggest Lemon Festival every February!
One of the best things to do in Menton is to visit the botanical gardens of Val Rahmeh, which is home to many beautiful and exotic plants from around the world.
Other top places to visit include to the Salle des Mariages, Saint-Michel Basilica and also the Jean Cocteau Museum.
Whilst most only head here on a day trip, we recommend spending a long weekend given it’s a great place to recharge with its beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
This boat ride is a great way to explore the gem of Menton, where you’ll also see Monte Carlo and nearby Balzi Rossi.
Menton is located just 30 km east of Nice, with the journey taking around half an hour.
Located within the stunning region of Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, this gorge is home to a deep blue river with sprawling canyons on either side.
It’s the perfect place for getting an adrenaline fix, where there’s numerous white water rafting spots.
Those who can handle heights can also go bungee jumping too, whilst others may prefer either Paragliding above for views of the spectacular scenery.
Aqua-hiking is another popular choice for those who want to explore the weaving canyons and lesser-known spots.
Even if you’re not into high-octane activities, it’s still great to come here to walk the Blanc-Martel trail for some incredible mountain views.
Rougon is the closest town in this region to the river, and to get here it’s best to head from Nice, with the drive taking approximately 2 and a half hours.
For those visiting, make sure you pack some swimmies and water shoes. You can get a better idea of what you'll need in our Europe packing list!
Now we head up to the extreme north of France, swapping the postcard-perfect beaches for the city of Rouen that's full of many noteworthy, historical events.
Unfortunately, most of these were of a more gruesome nature, including the deaths of both Joan of Arc as well as William the Conqueror, however are still interesting to learn about nevertheless.
Walking around you’ll be able to spot many monuments such as the Église Ste Jeanne d'Arc.
Other top things to do in Rouen include the abbey church of Abbatiale de St Ouen, the Gros Horloge as well as the museum of Beaux-Arts.
It’s also a great place to get some unorthodox souvenirs to bring back home, such as Normandy Cheese as well as a range of impressionist art.
Rouen is the capital of the Normandy region, and is located some 135 km north-west of Paris.
You can easily take the train or bus here from the capital.
A guide to France could never be complete without exploring the French Alps, and that’s exactly where we’ll now dive into!
These stunning snow-capped mountains are a very popular place to go skiing in Europe, home to a range of both easy and infamously hard trails.
Some great places to base yourself in this region include Avoriaz, Morzine and Chamonix.
You can also find the ever-popular Mont Blanc further north near the Swiss border, which stands at a dizzying altitude of 4809m.
The best way to access this otherwise difficult, mountainous terrain is to first head to Lyon.
This major city has many flight connections, and then it’s just a simple drive or bus into the region.
Grenoble is another popular option (although it may cost more depending on when exactly you're heading there).
Here we’ll cover some of your most burning questions when it comes to traveling around France.
There’s no beating around the bush here; France definitely isn't one of the cheapest countries in Europe. In fact, it's one of the most expensive destinations on the continent!
Those who are looking to keep things as cheap as possible can expect to spend between £50-60 per day.
This backpacking budget includes staying in a good quality bed in a shared dorm room, as well as buying ingredients and cooking your own meals.
You’ll be using public transportation to get around (given taxis can be quite expensive), and also have some cash leftover for some of the cheaper activities.
For those who want a more comfortable lifestyle when in France, you’ll be looking at a daily budget of £90+.
With this increased budget, you’ll be able to stay in a nice private room, and also eat out at a few classy restaurants too.
You’ll still be taking public transportation to get around most of the time, however you can also afford a taxi here or there too.
Other costs such as flights, buses between destinations and travel insurance are not included in the above budgets.
Whilst there are many unforgettable regions to visit in France, the overall most frequented place is of course the city of Paris.
The capital is usually the easiest means of entry into this European nation, and the majority of travelers stick around here (and for good reason too).
It’s home to many iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame cathedral as well as the Louvre Museum.
The culture here is also very alluring, and you’ll find lots of tasty dishes too!
If you’re heading to France around Christmas (or are just curious), then listen up!
There are many fantastic destinations to visit in France cometh the festive season, however one of our absolute favorites has to be Strasbourg.
The Christmas Market here is unlike no other, where you’ll be able to see the giant Christmas tree whilst walking around the decorated plaza and grotto-esque buildings.
It’s also the perfect place to pick up some memorable souvenirs too, with a range of wines and handmade gifts ready to be taken.
There’s also a variety of Alsatian foods to try here too (remember we’re just 3km from the German border in Strasbourg).
Whilst staying here for the Christmas holidays, you’ll also want to make a trip to the nearby city of Colmar, which is an hours drive south of the city.
Here you’ll also find another must-visit European Christmas market, as well as plenty of worthwhile sites to keep you busy!
And there you have it, our list of the very best places in France to visit!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored both the all-time popular city destinations (such as Paris and Strasbourg), as well as the incredible landscapes and national parks.
This country is full of breathtaking regions from the Alps over to Alsace, so there's something for everyone.
As well as this, we’ve also covered other important things you’ll need to know when planning your trip.
This includes a typical daily budget, how to get to France as well as the overall best time to visit.
We hope you found this guide useful, and that you now have a better idea of where to head.
Is there still something on your mind which we haven’t covered?
Or perhaps another must-visit destination that we’ve missed out?
Drop us a comment below and let us know!
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