As Franco Phil, who confessed, I have a considerable portion of my adventures through the French countryside and my beloved Paris. However, every year, I had no choice but to flee to France over and over again. Each time I discover new cities and towns to add to my list. Here you will find some of the most incredible places in France.
Updated in May 2022.
1. Annessy
Favorites always came first for me, and it’s suffice to say that a few years ago my visit to Annessy quickly shot this city at the top of my list. After that, many dinner party conversations have been centered around the city of Annessy and I’m always hoping to share everything from goat cheese salads to lake paddle boats for lunch!
read more: Is this the cutest town in France? Why you should visit Annessy!
2. Colmer
Before I arrived at Colmer I knew this would be a town where I would fall in love. The unique blend of Alsace’s French and German architecture is too beautiful to ignore, so I’ve had Colmer on my travel list for years before I finally got the chance to visit. The town is most explored in warm months as it tends to be cold and wet with shoulder seasons and boring and grey in the winter season. But Summer – there’s no mistake!
read more: This is the most beautiful town in France
3..Vivier
Southern France doesn’t have a shortage of cute towns to discover. One of the best ways to explore this area is by river cruises (as I did) Avalon’s waterway) or you can select a rental car that has been tried and tested and explore the area by land. Provence’s quaint town is easy to get, so stop a handful and explore by allowing a few extra days in your travel plan. Find out more on Instagram.
4. Lyon
The French city that surprised me the most was Lyon. Until I started cycling around the city and eating a way to get through many fascinating cafes, I had no idea that Lyon was actually considered to be the gastronomic capital of France. This is the perfect city to explore for a few days and offers much more than you would have initially encountered.
Read more: A complete guide to Lyon
5. Burgundy
After cruising through Provence, I made my own path further north (towards Paris) and stumbled upon several gems in the Burgundy area. One such gem was Chateau de Cormatin. This was a historic chateau that was renovated and restored by a local family who saw it as a dream of reopening Chateau to the public for a living history lesson. Très Magnifique!
Read more: Visit the Chateau des Comatines in Burgundy
6. Paris
The list of the best places to visit in France was never completed without mentioning my only true love in this lifetime: Paris. The French capital is the dream of all the French Philharmonic. Incredible French cuisine, music, art, history is all at your fingertips.
Read more: 30 Beautiful Hidden Places in Paris
7. Bohne
A few years ago, when I first visited Bohne, I loved every inch of town, but fell in love with it for the second time. Perhaps my second visit was timing for Market Day (Saturday in France) so the city really came to life with a sense of community, so it centers around what makes the most sense for France… high-end cuisine and great wines!
Read more: Provence and Burgundy River Cruise
8. Eze
The southern part of France is not the place I was expecting to find one of the most attractive small French villages, but I would lie if I said it was quaint and typical French.
Read more: Explore the French Riviera of Vespa
9. Cannes
Known primarily for film festivals, Cannes is a great starting point for exploring the base for a few days trips in the French Riviera and region. Great stops along the coastline include advances to Monte Carlo in Nice, Eze and Monaco!
Read more: Explore the French Riviera of Vespa
10. Loire Valley
If you’re like me and have visited Paris many times to fill your schedule, consider a day trip or a short weekend in the Loire Valley, not too far from Paris and with so many country charms. Visit many public chats to immerse yourself in history, or head to the vineyards for picturesque views.
Read more: Check in at Manoir in Loire Valley
11. Versailles
Another great day trip from Paris that can be easily done in one day is to try the Chateau of Versailles and take a stroll through the history of the royal French history. The gardens are seasonal and are definitely worth a visit if you are in France during the warm months, but nonetheless, the chateau is open all year round and you have to do something absolute.
12. Chateau de Bagnoles
If visiting the Chateau is not enough, and rather want to imagine living in one, look no further than the medieval style Chateau de Bagnolls in a short drive from Annessy. Wake up in the French countryside is magical, not to mention the inside of the imposing interior within your own chateau!
13. Strasbourg
As a gateway to the Alsace region, Strasbourg was truly amazed and quickly became one of my favourite cities across France. With German and French influences in almost every aspect of life (culinary, language, architecture), it is a unique city that brings together one of Europe’s most luxurious Christmas markets, especially during the festive season, along with two of my favorite cultures!
Read more: A quick guide to Strasbourg
14. Bagatelle Chateau
One of Paris’ best secrets is that it is often overlooked by travelers and somehow (even in the age of the internet) underrated! The Chateau des Bagatelles are a small and quaint chateau with gorgeous gardens. The perfect summer escape from the busy streets of Paris.
Read more: Visit Chateau de Bagatelle
15. Chateaude Sceaux
Just 10km from the heart of Paris, you can reach one of the most illustrious chateaux I believe in in everything about the Chateau des Coeux in France. If you’re likely to visit in April, be sure to keep an eye on the cherry blossom season as the garden changes its pastel pink shade!
Read more: 7 Best Day Trips from Paris
16. Chantilly Chateau
To the north of Paris is the Chateau des Chantilly, one of the best day trips from the capital. This also describes the chateau of France’s last kings, and perhaps the oversized moat surrounding the castle!
Read more: Visit Chant de Chantilly
17. Arles
Located on the Rhone River in the Provence region, it is a very charming, small, modest small town. Ares is also a great insight into the influence of Rome in this part of France, with the town centre still having a huge amphitheater that is very well still in the town centre.
18. Tournon Sur Rhône
If the Rhone is on your bucket list, look for the completely picturesque town of Tonan. Not only is it a great base to explore nearby vineyards and scenery, it is also the homeland of Balhona chocolate that chefs consider to be the world’s most premium chocolate.
19. Mont Saint Michel
The commune on this island in Normandy is as beautiful as a postcard! Mont Saint-Michel has long been a favorite for photographers who flock to capture a unique and charming town.
20. Bordeaux
Finally, famous wine-loving cities are hard to beat, especially if you love good grapes! Bordeaux is the biggest choice for foodies and wine lovers… it’s just a bonus that it looks like (like all the cities and towns on this list)!