The top places to visit in France
Top places to visit
Regularly ranked as the world's most visited country, France is the land of endless wonders. This versatile destination has it all, from glorious stretches of coastline and dramatic mountains to quaint fishing villages and bustling metropolises.
Whether travelling with your partner, family or solo, France promises an unforgettable holiday. Below are our top picks of the best places to visit.
Paris, Île de France
Paris is a one-of-a-kind city full of grandeur. Romantic, charming and vibrant, it leaves nothing to the imagination. Quintessentially French, its lively café culture, intimate cobbled alleys and spectacular architecture are perfect for a city break.
Paris has many exciting attractions for all ages and tastes, from lavish shopping spots and fascinating museums to grand palaces (think Versailles!). It’s an open-air museum with artwork and historical monuments around every corner.
Some of Paris's highlights include:
Strasbourg, Alsace
Picturesque and full of character, Strasbourg is a must-visit French city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will transport you back to medieval times, with its cobbled alleys and timber-framed buildings. Its impressive cathedral stands proud in the historic city centre, the Grande Île, and is a fine example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.
Wander through Strasbourg's quaintest neighbourhood, the Quartier des Tanneurs (Petite France), with its canals, tree-lined pathways and traditional Alsatian houses. Or relax along one of the waterways and immerse yourself in Strasbourg's unique culture.
Some of the best things to do in Strasbourg include:
Champagne-Ardenne
You don't need to be a champagne lover to appreciate the beauty of Champagne-Ardenne. Travel around, and you'll see why it's among France's most popular holiday destinations.
Sitting at the border with the Alsace and Lorraine regions, not far from Belgium, Champagne-Ardenne promises a unique getaway. It's home to vast expanses of vineyards, countless wine-tasting tours and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, meaning no two days will be the same.
Highlights include:
One of the best ways to visit Champagne-Ardenne is by car. If you're unsure about the local rules, explore our guide to driving in France.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley has over 350 majestic châteaux (castles), 180,000 acres of vineyards, and lavish gardens. It’s France's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching 280 km and brimming with rich cultural heritage.
Royals used to visit the Loire Valley to establish feudal castles and grand palaces, and their legacy lives on today. Opulent and charming, this region is a haven for wine and food lovers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
The valley is a treasure trove of historic gems, including:
Brittany
Brittany is all about the beauty of nature, from dramatic cliffs to lush forests and everything in between. France's northwestern coastline, also known as 'Little Britain', is often compared to Cornwall, and it's easy to see why. Quaint fishing villages and glorious countryside make this region one of France's best places to visit.
Locals are fond of their Celtic heritage and traditional cuisine, including crêpes and savoury galettes. Some of the best things to do in Brittany include:
- Walk along the Pink Granite Coast
- Visit Saint-Malo
- Château de Josselin
Normandy
Normandy has some of France's (and Europe!) finest natural scenery, so much so that it has inspired the art movement Impressionism. This region is spectacular, from the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel and Rouen's quaint Old Town to Étretat's stunning coastline.
Whether cycling along the Vélo Francette route or learning about the D-Day landings at one of the local museums, a holiday in Normandy will steal your heart.
Some of the region's highlights include:
Our Routes
Travel Guides
