Bonjour! France is known to be the most visited country in Europe, mainly due to its capital city – Paris. The city of the Eiffel Tower is not the only reason tourists come to this country. France is easily one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit.
This rich country of wine and cheese lovers offers something for everyone. France is fascinating, from the German influence infiltrating the eastern border to the Mediterranean flavour of the French Riviera and the rocky island at a tickling distance from the country’s western shores.
You’re spoiled for choice in France. There are plenty of options depending on your interests and budget. Being in France is like a dream come true; the food is so amazing you will want to return for more!
I’m sharing some recommendations for the best places to visit in France besides Paris…
1. 12 Best Places to Visit in France
1.1. Nice
Nice is one of France’s most attractive cities. Nice is a fantastic city to walk around in.
You will find plenty of secluded beaches along the Atlantic coast. One of the best beaches in Nice is Ruhl Plage, a private beach with crystal clear blue water.
You can come to Nice for that beach life, the stunning medieval old town and delicious French food!
Although much of Nice is now bright and modern, the ancient quarter, Vieille Ville, a cobblestone neighbourhood, retains the charm with the city’s best glaciers, crêperies, cafes, and markets.
If you’re looking for a laid-back and indulgent vacation in the South of France, Nice is the place to go!
1.2. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is heaven for wine lovers. The last time the Queen visited Bordeaux, she quoted it as “The very essence of elegance.” It is a major winemaking region.
Bordeaux has over 6,000 vineyards and offers some of the world’s finest wines.
You can explore this region by bicycle or on foot. The city of Bordeaux is a cultural hub, and visitors often come here to visit museums and renowned art galleries.
Try to visit a vineyard or go to a wine tasting when you’re in Bordeaux.
1.3. Mont Saint Michel
The island of Mont Saint Michel is approximately half a mile from the coast of France. This island in northern France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mont Saint Michel is a must-see attraction in France.
If only to enjoy the gothic architecture of its ancient abbey and see a lovely medieval town perched on a rock ledge in the middle of the sea, Mont Saint Michel is well worth a visit.
1.4. Cannes
Cannes is world-known for its famous Cannes film festival. This event takes place every year in May.
If you want to go shopping, the main shopping streets are La Croisette and Rue D’Antibes. Some of France’s most popular streets, beaches, and shopping areas may be found in Cannes.
Cannes often feels like a dream, with views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and surrounding palm trees.
1.5. Alsace
Alsace is where France meets Germany, and the two cultures come together through food, architecture, and language.
You can find a plethora of cute cafes around Alsace. Alsace is renowned for its gastronomic subculture and its long history of winemaking: people have been generating wine here, seeing Ancient Roman instances.
Beyond its vineyards and hearty cuisine culture, Alsace has much to offer. The lush green scenery outside cities and towns is ideal for escaping everything. The Alsace region, which stretches from the Rhine to the spectacular hills of the Vosges, is a natural treasure with much to keep nature enthusiasts occupied.
You can explore this fairy tale location more by clicking here.
1.6. Loire Valley
France has historically been divided by the Loire River. This river marks the boundary between southern and northern France. Loire Valley is located in central France.
This historic city is mainly known for two things – castles and wine. You will find many extravagant castles which are open to visitors.
Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a cultural landscape of great beauty, containing architectural towns and beautiful villages, great historical monuments, and magnificent gardens.
Amboise is a must-visit in Loire Valley. Loire Valley is also very close to the capital city, Paris, and offers great connectivity for tourists.
1.7. Lyon
Lyon has a fascinating history and is home to several historic French sites. It is known for its Light Festival, which occurs in December every year. Lyon is a bustling city with something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Lyon can easily compete with Paris as France’s cultural and culinary capital. This city has it all – from monuments to France’s third-largest city. It is home to interesting museums, year-round cultural events, and food offerings for those with an adventurous palate.
Wander over the city’s two rivers, relax by the water, and soak up the atmosphere of this city’s rich heritage.
Don’t forget to check out the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere.
If you enjoy history and food, you should spend at least a week in Lyon, which has 20 Michelin-starred restaurants.
1.8. Dijon
Dijon is one of the top cities to visit in France. Dijon City is world-famous for Dijon mustard, but it is so much more than that.
Rivers, lakes, and canals surround Dijon. You will also find many Gothic churches here.
Dijon is blessed with some of the best wines in the world. This city is a haven for great food, with much to eat and enjoy.
Dijon is a city full of cultural activities and a historic old town centre. It is a very easy city to ride around on bikes. Bikes can be hired here.
1.9. Corsica
Corsica is a Mediterranean island known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters.
The beaches in Corsica have clear water and white sand. With its quiet, shallow sea and proximity to Calvi’s famed stores and restaurants, Calvi Beach is one of the best in Corsica.
You can also go on hikes in the Regional National Park of Corsica, which covers 40% of the island alone, and you will find an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as rivers, waterfalls, hilltop settlements, and even old structures.
Diving is also a good option to explore the wonderful sea life of France.
Corsica, nestled between France and Italy and surrounded by the warm waves of the Mediterranean Sea, offers views like no other. Imagine magnificent white-sand beaches surrounded by alpine mountains.
Bastia, Cap Corse, Saint Florent, and the Agriates Desert are the most well-known places in Corsica.
1.10. Normandy
Normandy is blessed with sandy beaches, renaissance architecture and some of France’s finest seafood; this region has something for everyone.
Normandy offers a rich history to its visitors. You can find a cute cafe and enjoy the local French cheeses and fresh seafood.
1.11. Marseille
Marseille is France’s second-largest city. It is brimming with street art, museums, and galleries.
You can explore the old port of Marseille or Vieux Port de Marseille. It is also one of the city’s most picturesque places to explore.
Marseille is also very famous for its local cuisine, and foodies will surely not be disappointed on any visit.
There are several street markets in Marseille, but the most colourful is the Noailles market, which has a North African flavour.
1.12. Annecy
Someone will tell you to go to Annecy if you’re going anywhere near the French Alps. And they are correct.
This small, gorgeous city sits on the banks of Lake Annecy and is surrounded by stunning mountain views.
The beautiful Lac d’Annecy, one of France’s largest lakes, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is recognized as Europe’s cleanest lake. You can do watersports or go on a boat tour of the lake.
You can also stroll around Annecy’s market of fresh produce, Cheese, clothing, olives, tapenades, jewellery, and antiques – there’s something for everyone. You can check the market timings from here.
In The End
I hope you loved this list of prettiest places to visit in France! From beautiful nature to cute villages, France has so much to offer. If you ever find yourself in France, go out of Paris and visit one of these places.
Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Rajeshwari_Das
