“Paris is always a good idea,” said Audrey Hepburn, and we agree. But did you know of the endless surprises that await beyond the ‘City of Lights’? You could chase history through medieval citadels and chateaux and immerse yourself in tales of knights and nobility, or treat yourself to world-class gastronomy, from Michelin-starred restaurants to welcoming family-run bistros. How about living the slow life in the idyllic countryside, where the rhythm of daily life is dictated by seasons and landscapes are painted with rolling vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, and charming stone cottages? From sun-soaked Mediterranean coasts of the South to storybook villages of the North East, and historical treasures of Central France, follow our recommendations for the most enchanting tourist places in France.
Start your journey through the grape outdoors with our guide to the vineyards of France.
Must-visit tourist places in Central France
Central France is a gorgeous region studded with medieval villages and aristocratic châteaux. The Loire River winds through vineyards, lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside. Little villages with cobblestone streets and local markets offer a taste of traditional French life. Go seek an intriguing mix of history, culture, and natural landscapes.
Loire Valley
The “Garden of France”, renowned for vineyards, orchards, and historic castles, is a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching along the Loire River. Grandeur and gastronomy come together in this fertile river valley known for outstanding wines (red, white, rosé and sparkling) and elegant cities. Experience the French art of living your dreams.
Time required: 2-3 days
Major attractions: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry, vineyards
How to reach: Approximately 2 hours by train from Paris to Tours or Blois
Best hotels: Château de la Barre, Château d’Artigny
Best restaurants: Restaurant La Maison d’à Côté (Montlivault), Mamie Bigoude (Tours)
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Also Read | Your Guide To The Exhilaratingly Enigmatic World Of French Wine
Bourges
The capital of the historical province of Berry is a magnet for lovers of architecture with its Gothic cathedral, medieval buildings and half-timbered houses. Get close to nature in one of the greenest cities in France with more than 50 square metres of parks per inhabitant. You can plan a trip to coincide with the annual music festival “Le Printemps de Bourges” to acquaint yourself with the soul of this ‘City of Culture’.
Time required: 1-2 days
Major attractions: Bourges Cathedral, Palais Jacques-Cœur, Marais de Bourges
How to reach: Around 2 hours by train from Paris
Best hotels: Logis Villa C Hôtel, Hôtel de Bourbon – Mercure Bourges
Best restaurants: Le Marmiton Berrichon, Les Comptoirs de Brécy
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Clermont-Ferrand
This gem of the Auvergne region is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape and Romanesque architecture. A major industrial centre for the region, Clermont-Ferrand is the proud home of Michelin tyre headquarters. France’s best cheeses, like Cantal and Bleu D’Auvergn, are produced here. Tagged “France’s Liverpool” for its music and culture scene, the city hosts a famous international short film festival, attracting around 150,000 visitors every February.
From cycling through Provence’s scenic lavender fields to staying in a fairytale castle, draw more inspiration from this guide exploring the best things to do in France.
Time required: 2-3 days
Major attractions: Place de Jaude, Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, Michelin Adventure Museum
How to reach: 3.5 hours by train from Paris
Best hotels: Mercure Clermont Ferrand Centre Jaude, Novotel Suites Clermont Ferrand Polydome
Best restaurants: Aux Canuts des Dômes, Jean Claude Leclerc
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Must-visit tourist places in Southern France
Southern France presents a sun-drenched paradise with a Mediterranean ambience, picturesque villages, and lavender-filled landscapes. Time travel to a storied past with Roman ruins and medieval fortresses or slip into jet-setting mode at one of the glamorous beach resorts along the sparkling coastline. The region’s thriving culture and arts scene is legendary.
When Cannes you enjoy it the most? From the French Riviera to Marseille, Bordeaux, and more, this guide decodes the best time to visit the South of France for everything Nice.
Marseille
The oldest city in France and a bustling port city on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is a melting pot of cultures and histories. Dive into maritime heritage, admire ancient architecture, and explore the lively arts scene. The delicious Provençal cuisine ties everything together for an all-around appeal.
Time required: 2-3 days
Major attractions: Vieux-Port (Old Port), Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Le Panier district
How to reach: 3 hours by train from Paris, and 1.5 hours by plane from Paris
Best hotels: InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu, Hôtel La Résidence du Vieux-Port
Best restaurants: Le Perroquet Bleu, La Table De l’Olivier
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Avignon
Located in the heart of Provence, the site of the Papal Palace has a rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and a buzzing, arty vibe. The massive Palace of the Popes is the largest surviving Gothic palace in Europe, where seven Popes ruled when Avignon was the centre of Christianity for almost a century. Gawp all you can.
Time required: 1-2 days
Major attractions: Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, Avignon Cathedral
How to reach: 2.5 hours by train from Paris
Best hotels: La Mirande, Hotel d’Europe
Best restaurants: Le 46, Maïnama
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Carcassonne
Nestled in the the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon, Carcassonne is one of the few living fortresses in the world with just 50 residents. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with a storybook citadel, narrow cobblestone streets, charming cafes, shops, and houses. Wine connoisseurs should bookmark this intriguing town set in one of the world’s largest wine-producing regions.
Time required: 1-2 days
Major attractions: Cité de Carcassonne, Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, Canal du Midi
How to reach: 1.5 hours by train from Toulouse or 5 hours by train from Paris
Best hotels: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne, Hôtel du Château
Best restaurants: La 104, Restaurant Le Parc Franck Putelat
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Best tourist places to visit in North Eastern France
French and Germanic cultures blend seamlessly in this lesser-known region speckled with rustic villages, sprawling vineyards, and ruined castles. The Alsace Wine Route, also known as La Route des Vins d’Alsace, stretches 100 miles (160 km) east of the Rhine River, along some of France’s most striking landscapes. Winters are a lovely time to travel if you are keen to witness the festivity of Christmas markets in Alsace.
Strasbourg
The multicultural capital of the Alsace region is one of the best tourist places in France, boasting an exceptional architectural heritage while flaunting a new-age spirit through its modern structures. The half-timbered houses of the old town reflect French and Germanic influences. World-class museums, live entertainment, and cultural experiences abound.
Time required: 2-3 days
Major attractions: Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, European Parliament
How to reach: 2 hours by train from Paris
Best hotels: Cour du Corbeau, Régent Petite France
Best restaurants: Le Stras’, Le Bistronome
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Colmar
Cute as a button, this Alsatian town will keep you hooked with its colourful timbered houses, winding cobblestone streets, and flower-lined canals. The waterside houses La Petite Venise district are a photographer’s dream. Do try the local specialties like foie gras, baeckaoffe, sauerkraut, and le coq au Riesling.
Time required: 1-2 days
Major attractions: Little Venice, Unterlinden Museum, Saint-Martin Collegiate Church
How to reach: 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg
Best hotels: Hotel Le Maréchal, L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery
Best restaurants: Les Racines, L’Atelier du Peintre
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Reims
Located in the heart of the Champagne region, this historic city is a treasure trove of elegant buildings, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The cathedral is a unique masterpiece of Gothic architecture where French kings were crowned. Pamper your tastebuds in the famous champagne houses, including prestigious names like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger.
Time required: 1-2 days
Major attractions: Reims Cathedral, Palais du Tau, Champagne Taittinger
How to reach: 45 minutes by train from Paris
Best hotels: Domaine Les Crayères, Best Western Plus Hotel de La Paix
Best restaurants: Anna-S La Table Amoureuse, L’Atelier Entrecôte et Volaille Reims
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(Feature Image credit: Artur Staszewski/Flickr)
Related: 20 Beautiful Places To Visit In France — From Normandy To The French Riviera
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The most scenic tourist places in France are Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie villages.
Some prominent historical tourist places in France outside of Paris include Mont Saint-Michel, the Palace of Versailles, and the Roman ruins in Provence.
Coastal tourist places in France in France worth visiting are the French Riviera, Normandy beaches, and the island of Corsica.
Cultural experiences in France outside Paris include attending a traditional Provencal market, exploring the medieval town of Carcassonne, and visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Unique activities in France include hot air ballooning over the Loire Valley, exploring the underground tunnels of Les Catacombes in Paris, and learning to make perfume in Grasse.
To explore major tourist destinations in France, plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Paris, 2-3 days in Lyon, and 2 days each in Marseille and Bordeaux.
To commute locally in France, use public transportation such as buses, trams, and metros, or consider renting a bicycle for a more eco-friendly option.
For intercity travel in France, consider taking the high-speed TGV trains, which connect prominent tourist places in France quickly and efficiently. Alternatively, you can rent a car to explore the countryside at your own pace.
Written By
Punita Malhotra
Punita shifted gears from a career in entrepreneurship and publishing to live her dream of travel and ..Read More
