20 Must-See French Destinations That Will Make You Fall in Love

Picking the best places to visit in France feels like trying to choose between perfectly baked croissants – they’re all wonderful in their own way, and you really can’t go wrong. From the charming streets of Paris to the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, France serves up an incredible mix of experiences. You’ll find ancient castles telling tales of the past, quiet villages that time forgot, and coastal towns where the Mediterranean meets sky-blue horizons.

We’ve combed through France’s diverse regions to bring you a mix of the expected and unexpected. Our choices go beyond just what you see in postcards – we considered the complete experience: the local culture, the food, the history, and that special something that makes each place uniquely French. From the lavender fields of Provence to the peaks of the French Alps, we’ve included spots that showcase France’s remarkable variety.

Whether you’re planning your first French adventure or returning for another taste of la belle vie, this list of 20 must-visit places will help you discover both famous landmarks and hidden corners of this incredible country. No rankings here – just twenty places that make France, well, France.

Paris

If you’ve never been to Paris before, I always recommend starting at the iconic Eiffel Tower. Rising proudly above the Champ de Mars, this famous iron landmark serves as the perfect introduction to the City of Light. From there, you can explore world-class museums like the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, stroll along the Seine River past Notre-Dame Cathedral, or wander through the charming Montmartre neighborhood with its artsy vibe and white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica.

Nice

Nestled along the French Riviera, Nice is where I send anyone looking for that perfect mix of beach life and city culture. The city’s trademark Promenade des Anglais stretches for 7 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast, lined with palm trees and art deco buildings that tell stories of its glamorous past. You can spend your mornings exploring the narrow streets of Old Town (Vieux Nice), sampling local specialties at the Cours Saleya market, then head to one of the pebbly beaches for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.

Mont Saint-Michel

If you’re looking for a real-life fairy tale castle, head straight to Mont Saint-Michel. Located on a small rocky island off the coast of Normandy, this medieval abbey rises dramatically from the sea, connected to the mainland by a single bridge. The UNESCO World Heritage site features winding cobblestone streets that spiral up to the abbey, lined with quaint shops and restaurants that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Loire Valley

Looking for a taste of France’s royal past? The Loire Valley feels like stepping into a fairytale, with more than 300 castles scattered across its peaceful countryside. This region, just a couple hours from Paris, earned its nickname as the “Garden of France” for good reason – it’s a patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and historic chateaux where French kings and nobles once lived. Whether you’re cycling between medieval towns, sampling local wines, or wandering through castle gardens, the Loire Valley moves at its own relaxed pace. It’s not just about the grand architecture – the whole area is recognized by UNESCO for preserving the kind of France that existed centuries ago.

Versailles

Ever wondered what it’s like to walk the same halls as French royalty? Just 12 miles outside Paris lies Versailles, home to one of the world’s most famous palaces. Built by the Sun King Louis XIV, this massive château shows off French luxury at its peak, with 700 rooms and gardens that seem to stretch forever. The Hall of Mirrors, where treaties were signed and kings entertained, still sparkles with hundreds of mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Outside, you can spend hours exploring the perfectly trimmed gardens, watching the musical fountains dance, or rowing a boat on the Grand Canal. Marie Antoinette’s private estate, the Petit Trianon, offers a quieter peek into royal life, complete with its own charming farm village where she used to escape the pressures of court life.

Bordeaux

Many travelers come to Bordeaux for its world-famous wine, but this southwest French city offers much more than just vineyards. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features elegant 18th-century buildings and the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. Beyond the classic wine tastings and château tours, visitors can explore the modern Cité du Vin museum, relax at the Water Mirror (the world’s largest reflecting pool), or take day trips to charming medieval villages like Saint-Émilion. Whether you’re sampling local cuisine at the Marché des Capucins or cycling through the surrounding countryside, Bordeaux proves it’s more than just a wine lover’s paradise.

Provence

Of all the regions I’ve explored in France, Provence holds a special kind of magic that’s hard to find elsewhere. This sun-drenched corner of southern France stretches from the Mediterranean coast to the rolling hills of the Alps, where fields of purple lavender sway in the warm breeze. It’s a place where life moves at its own relaxed pace – where long lunches under olive trees are the norm, and local markets overflow with fresh herbs, cheeses, and sun-ripened tomatoes. You’ll find yourself wandering through small villages with honey-colored stone buildings, their wooden shutters painted in cheerful blues and greens. While summer brings crowds to popular spots like Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Rémy, those who venture beyond the main tourist track discover quiet vineyards, ancient Roman ruins, and hidden cafés where locals gather for their afternoon pastis.

French Riviera

Ever wondered where the world’s most glamorous celebrities spend their summers? Welcome to the French Riviera, where crystal-clear Mediterranean waters lap against golden beaches from Nice to Saint-Tropez. This sun-soaked stretch of coastline is where you’ll find yourself sipping rosé at waterfront cafés in Cannes, wandering through Monaco’s famous Monte Carlo Casino, and watching mega-yachts bob in Antibes’ harbor. You can hop between charming coastal towns on scenic train rides, explore hidden coves and beaches, or venture into medieval hilltop villages like Èze, where narrow cobblestone streets offer views that stretch all the way to Italy on a clear day.

Lyon

My first visit to Lyon was during a summer road trip through France in 2018. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon sits at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, creating a unique landscape of peninsulas and hills. The city’s old quarter, Vieux Lyon, takes you back in time with its hidden passageways (traboules) and Renaissance architecture, while the modern Confluence district shows off the city’s forward-thinking spirit. Food lovers flock to the traditional bouchons – small, family-run restaurants that serve classic Lyonnaise cuisine. The city comes alive at night when the major monuments are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that earned Lyon the nickname “City of Light” long before Paris claimed the title.

Strasbourg

Located in northeastern France along the German border, Strasbourg blends French and German influences in the most delightful ways. Like many European cities, it has grand cathedrals and charming squares, but what sets it apart is how seamlessly two cultures come together here. Just walk through the half-timbered houses of La Petite France quarter, where French cafes sit next to German-style beer halls, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its position between two powerful nations, Strasbourg became the official seat of the European Parliament, and you’ll find a unique mix of old-world charm and modern European politics throughout its streets.

Normandy Beaches

The Normandy Beaches offer a powerful glimpse into one of World War II’s most important moments. Located along France’s northern coast, these historic shores were the site of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, where Allied forces began the liberation of Western Europe. Today, you can walk along Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and other landing sites while visiting museums, bunkers, and memorials that tell the stories of courage and sacrifice from that fateful day.

Chamonix

Experience the peaks of the French Alps in Chamonix, a charming mountain town nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. There are plenty of ways to explore the surrounding mountains, from taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 12,600 feet for panoramic views to hiking the numerous trails that wind through the valley. For a memorable dining experience, book a table at Le Bistrot, a cozy restaurant in the heart of town where you can savor traditional French Alpine cuisine while watching the sunset paint the mountains in soft golden hues. It’s an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and those who prefer to relax and take in the mountain scenery.

Avignon

Few places in France capture the medieval spirit quite like Avignon, a city that served as the seat of Catholic popes in the 14th century. The imposing Palais des Papes still dominates the city’s skyline, reminding visitors of a time when this was effectively the capital of the Christian world. Walking through Avignon’s well-preserved historic center feels like stepping into a history book, with its cobblestone streets leading to quiet squares and centuries-old churches. Most travelers come to see the famous Pont d’Avignon – the half-bridge that seems to float mysteriously over the Rhône River – but those who linger discover a lively arts scene, particularly during the annual summer theater festival that fills every corner of the city with performers and spectators.

Carcassonne

Whenever friends ask me about must-see spots in France, I immediately recommend Carcassonne. This medieval fortress city, perched on a hilltop in southern France, looks like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale with its massive walls and 53 stone towers. Inside the ancient ramparts, you’ll find a charming old town filled with winding cobblestone streets, traditional French restaurants, and the impressive Château Comtal – a castle within a castle.

Saint-Tropez

I always tell luxury-seeking travelers to spend a few days in Saint-Tropez. Once a quiet fishing village on the French Riviera, this coastal gem transformed into a playground for the rich and famous in the 1950s. The town centers around its charming port, where mega-yachts dock alongside traditional fishing boats, while the winding cobblestone streets of La Ponche quarter lead to hidden restaurants and boutiques. The famous Pampelonne Beach, with its rows of beach clubs and crystal-clear waters, stretches for nearly five kilometers along the Mediterranean coast.

Annecy

Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is one of my favorite small cities in France. Nestled between crystal-clear Lake Annecy and snow-capped mountains, the old town’s winding canals, colorful medieval buildings, and flower-lined bridges make it look like it’s straight out of a fairytale. At its heart sits the 12th-century Palais de l’Isle, a former prison that now stands as the town’s most photographed landmark, surrounded by water on all sides.

Colmar

Step into a real-life fairytale when you visit Colmar, a charming town in France’s Alsace region. The historic center feels like it was pulled straight from Beauty and the Beast, with its half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes lining cobblestone streets. Take a boat ride along the canals of “Little Venice,” where colorful medieval buildings reflect in the calm waters. For wine lovers, the Alsace Wine Route runs right through town, offering plenty of chances to sample local Rieslings and Gewürztraminers in cozy wine cellars. Make sure to visit the covered market hall, where you can taste regional specialties like tarte flambée and local cheeses while mingling with friendly locals.

Toulouse

Known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City), Toulouse charms visitors with its rose-colored buildings and relaxed southern French vibe. Located between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, this historic city shows off its rich aviation heritage at the Airbus Factory and Space City museum, while its winding medieval streets lead to treasures like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Capitole building. After exploring the old town, you’ll want to join locals at the busy cafes along Place Saint-Georges, where the sound of Occitan (the local dialect) mingles with the aroma of cassoulet, the region’s famous bean and meat stew.

Marseille

Located on France’s Mediterranean coast, Marseille is the country’s second-largest city and oldest port. Like other major French cities, it has grand boulevards, charming cafes, and beautiful churches. But unlike its northern neighbors, Marseille moves to a distinctly Mediterranean beat. Just wander through the bustling Vieux-Port, where fishermen sell their morning catch and locals gather for bowls of bouillabaisse, and you’ll feel what I mean. Because of its location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Marseille has been shaped by centuries of immigration, and you’ll find North African spice markets, Italian-influenced architecture, and a mix of cultures that make this port city uniquely fascinating.

Giverny

Art enthusiasts come to Giverny for Claude Monet’s house and gardens, where the famous painter lived and worked for over 40 years, but the charming village offers more than just artistic heritage. The carefully maintained gardens — including the water lily pond that inspired many of Monet’s masterpieces — provide a peaceful escape into nature, while the Museum of Impressionism showcases works from the artists who were drawn to the area’s natural beauty. In spring and summer, the gardens burst with colorful flowers and peaceful water features, but Giverny’s quaint streets, local cafes, and countryside views make it worth visiting in any season.