11 of the Most Beautiful Places in France

Home to romantic medieval villages, award-winning wines, and some 300 French châteaux, the Loire Valley is worthy of its reputation as one of the must-visit places in France. You can visit on a day trip from Paris, but for the full experience, linger long enough to enjoy a hot air balloon flight over the vineyards, a bike tour along the Loire River, and a stroll through the landscaped gardens of the Château de Villandry. Don’t miss the heavy hitters: the Château de Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau, and the Château de Cheverny are what fairy tales are made of.

Some of France’s most luxurious—and expensive—real estate can be found along the southern Côte d’Azur, better known to vacationers as the French Riviera. Beyond the glamorous super yachts and celebrity-studded parties, this is one of the country’s most geographically blessed regions, from its palm-studded beaches to the incredible Verdon Gorge. For the prettiest views, leave Cannes and St-Tropez behind and take a thrilling road trip along the Nice Corniche Roads, where soaring cliffs plunge down into the glittering Mediterranean; then climb up to the hilltop towns of Eze and St. Paul de Vence.

The rural heartland of southeast France, Provence’s rolling patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields were the inspiration for artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne, as well as being home to some of the most picturesque villages in France. There are plenty of ways to explore this quintessentially French region: Take an art tour of Provence to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence, sample Provence rosé during a wine-tasting tour, or visit the hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon.

Insider tip: The famous lavender fields in Lubéronand the Valensole Plateau only bloom in June and July; further north around the Vaucluse, they often bloom into August.

Swoonworthy scenery awaits around every corner in Paris, whether you’re exploring the cobbled lanes of the Latin Quarter, taking a boat cruise along the Seine River, or pouring over masterpieces in the Louvre. Some of the most beautiful spots in Paris include the hillside Montmartre neighborhood, the flower-lined Luxembourg Gardens, and the ornate Pont Alexandre III, which affords a wonderful view along the Seine.

Did you know?: The magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower from around Paris are no accident. Building heights in the city are strictly capped at 12 stories to preserve the city’s low-rise skyline.

Related: Visiting Paris for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Normandy’s most enchanting monument isn’t a château; it’s a monastery that dates back to the 8th century. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mont-St-Michel sits perched on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy, surrounded by tidal pools and shifting sands. Visit the castle-like monastery on a day trip from Paris; for the best views, join a walking tour around the bay.

Did you know?: At rare moments of very high tide, the monastery becomes an island again and is completely cut off from the mainland for a few hours. While you don’t want to get stuck, it’s a spectacular sight.

Passed back and forth between France and Germany throughout history, the northeastern Alsace region is a fusion of both cultures. Laced with Venice-like canal ways and German-influenced architecture, it’s also home to some of the most uniquely beautiful towns in France. Photogenic Colmar takes the top prize with its half-timbered buildings painted in rainbow shades and scenic canals overflowing with colorful flower boxes. To see the town at its prettiest, time your visit for the holidays to enjoy the famous Christmas markets or admire the fall foliage on a wine-tasting tour.

Just off the coast of the French Riviera, the Mediterranean island of Corsica is the summer vacation spot of choice for locals and one of the best destinations in France for outdoor adventurers. Despite being France’s smallest region, Corsica has nearly 200 idyllic beaches to choose from, dotted with offshore islands and scuba diving sites, while the craggy mountainous interior is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Explore the island’s natural wonders with a boat cruise around the Scandola Reserve and Calanques de Piana, a walk along the soaring white cliffs of Bonifacio, or a thrilling canyoning excursion.

When it comes to natural beauty, The Alps are hands-down one of the best French travel destinations, and few spots are as scenic as Lake Annecy, a sparkling alpine lake set against a backdrop of snow-hatted peaks. Explore the medieval canal ways and half-timbered houses of Annecy on the north shore, set sail on a boat cruise around the lake, and go hiking or cycling around the lakeshore. Or, enjoy the ultimate view by paragliding from one of the lakeside mountains.

Whether you’re exploring on foot, by kayak, on horseback, or by bike, the vast expanse of wetlands, lagoons, and salt marshes that make up the Camargue Regional Natural Park are full of wild landscapes and wildlife-watching opportunities. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this hugely biodiverse region is equally known for its pristine natural landscapes and its age-old agricultural traditions. Spot flamingos wading in the pink-hued waters, watch herds of white Camargue horses and black bulls grazing around the marshes, then tour the pink salt lake and salt farms of Salin d’Aigues-Mortes.

While first timers often make a beeline for the French Riviera, in-the-know travelers head for France’s Atlantic shore instead. You won’t escape the crowds in Biarritz, but the windswept coastline is one of the best places in France to learn to surf. After you’ve caught some waves, take your pick of coastal hikes (including a scenic stretch of the Camino de Santiago), tuck into unique Basque Country cuisine, and watch an entertaining Basque pelota match.

Insider tip: Hike to the Rocher de la Vierge in time for sunset for the most mesmerizing views along the coast.

If you’re seeking hidden gems in France, the mountainous southern border of France and Spain is a good place to start. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are the main reasons to venture into the Pyrenees Mountains, but you can also explore charming mountain towns such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Aulus-les-Bains, and Saint-Savin.

For the most memorable panoramas, hike to the UNESCO–listed Cirque de Gavarnie, the Louron Valley, or the Pont d’Espagne waterfall.

Did you know?: Thanks to an EU conservation initiative, brown bears have now returned to the Pyrenees, although you’re still much more likely to spot marmots or golden eagles.