France Bucket List: 25 most beautiful places in France

Discover the diversity of France’s most beautiful places, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the lavender fields of Provence. Check out the France bucket list.

Traveling to France

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been coming to France. With my parents, my brothers, and my sister, I camped at beautiful castle campsites in places like Normandy, Brittany, and Burgundy. Even when I was no longer traveling with my parents, I visited France regularly, both for beautiful city trips and unforgettable road trips.

France is one of my favorite destinations and a country with a wealth of breathtaking places. From the enchanting streets of Paris to the picturesque lavender fields of Provence, this country has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a virtual tour of some of the most enchanting places France has to offer. Are you ready? Off to France!

Here’s your France Bucket List

What are the most extraordinary beautiful places in France? An overview in no particular order.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

To cut to the chase, I have been to Paris no less than four times, but during none of my visits did I climb the world-famous Eiffel Tower. The iconic steel structure is the symbol of Paris and stands proudly above the Parisian skyline.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors each year from all over the world. From the top, you have a great view of the city, although it is also nice to view the structure from a distance. Among other things, you have a nice view of the Eiffel Tower from the steps of Montmartre and from Rue de l’Université.

• Hotel tip: Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE (4⭐) – Extraordinary hotel in a former convent from the seventeenth century. Located in the cozy neighborhood of the Marais.
• Travel Guide:

Read more: 17 fun things to do in Paris

Mont Blanc

As you may know, I love hiking, and one of the hikes I hope to do someday is the Tour de Mont Blanc. This one goes around Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Mont Blanc is located in the Alps on the border between France and Italy.

With its majestic peak rising above the surrounding peaks, Mont Blanc attracts mountaineers, adventurers, and nature lovers from all over the world. The surrounding valleys and glaciers offer breathtaking scenery and a home for diverse flora and fauna, making Mont Blanc an unforgettable destination for lovers of mountain adventure and natural beauty.

• Hotel tip: Aiguille du Midi – Hôtel & Restaurant (3⭐) – fine hotel at the foot of Mont Blanc in the village of Les Bossons. The hotel’s facilities include an outdoor pool and a tennis court.
• Hiking Guide: Cicerone Trekking the Tour of Mont Blanc – This guide describes the hike in both directions and includes helpful maps.

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

The first time I visited Mont Saint-Michel I was about 13 years old and was already hugely impressed. Some 20 years later, I went again and found this amazing landmark just as impressive. A medieval abbey on a rocky island in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale book.

Its winding streets and alleys, surrounded by ancient walls, exude an atmosphere of mysticism and history. At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel is completely surrounded by water, making it an even more magical sight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see if you are looking for a unique blend of architectural splendor and natural beauty.

• Hotel tip: Hôtel la Croix Blanche (3⭐) – Want to stay on Mont Saint-Michel itself? This is one of the best options.

Read more: Visiting Mont Saint-Michel: everything you need to know

Dune du Pyla

Did you know that the highest dune in Europe is in France? This is the Dune du Pyla, located on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France. The highest point is about 110 meters above sea level. The golden sand dunes overlook the azure waters of the ocean. Around the dunes you have a beautiful pine forest, making it a great destination for adventurers and nature lovers.

It’s fun to climb the dunes at the end of the day. After all, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset here.

• Hotel Tip: Hotel La Co(o)rniche (5⭐) – Discover Dune du Pyla in style from this magnificent seaside hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck, it has an infinity pool with a panoramic view of the Dune du Pyla. Wow!

The chalk cliffs of Étretat, Normandy

The chalk cliffs of Étretat are one of the most beautiful places in the Normandy region. At the coastal town of Étretat, you will witness dramatic chalk cliffs, picturesque beaches, and breathtaking cliff landscapes. With its unique natural arches and steep cliffs overlooking the azure waters of The Channel, Étretat offers an unforgettable experience. The charming coastal town has attracted artists, writers, and travelers for decades, all enchanted by the timeless beauty of this special location on the Normandy coast.

• Hotel tip: Castel De La Terrasse is a beautiful villa with different types of rooms (some with sea views).

Lyon

Located in the eastern part of France, Lyon is a vibrant city known for its rich culinary scene and historic architecture. Across the city run two rivers, the Rhone and the Saône. This allows you to take beautiful walks along the picturesque riverbanks.

In the city, you will find beautiful cobbled streets and impressive Gothic cathedrals worth exploring. Lyon is also known as the gastronomic capital of France, with an abundance of bistros, brasseries, and Michelin-starred restaurants where you can sample delicious regional dishes.

• Hotel tip: InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu (5⭐) – One of the most beautiful buildings in Lyon and a unique place to stay.

Photo: Jonne Mäkikyrö via Unsplash

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is one of the most extraordinary places I have ever visited in France. This is a magnificent medieval fortified town that impresses with its imposing city walls, picturesque towers, and old cobblestone streets. Carcassonne exudes an air of history and mystery, with well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque views of the surrounding valleys. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne’s imposing fortifications are a timeless reminder of the rich history of this fascinating southern French city.

• Hotel tip: Hotel de la Cité & Spa MGallery (5⭐) – A unique place to stay, as you sleep in the citadel!

The Dordogne

As a teenager, I went on vacation to the Dordogne with my parents and it still is one of my favorite travel memories. I was so impressed with all the castles, the dark forests, and the fun activities! I still remember the amazing kayaking trip down the river where me and my brother didn’t know how to kayak and just sailed from one side to the other.

The Dordogne is a beautiful region in southwestern France. You’ll find its sleepy villages, wide rivers, and lush forests. A place with an enchanting atmosphere! The region is also known for its rich culinary traditions, with delicious local produce such as truffles and foie gras. A perfect destination for lovers of nature, history, and authentic French lifestyle.

• Hotel tip: Hôtel Le Cro-Magnon (3⭐) – Beautiful hotel in Les Eyzies, set in the woods on a tributary of the Dordogne River. It has a beautiful shaded courtyard garden and an outdoor pool.
• Travel Guide: The Rough Guide to Dordogne & the Lot

Nice, Côte d’Azur

One of the best cities for a warm city break in France is the city of Nice. This city is located on the French Riviera. You’ll feast your eyes on the azure waters of the sea, the beautiful historic center and the pleasant promenades along the coast.

In Nice, you can relax on the beautiful beaches and discover great restaurants and cafes serving the delicious Provençal cuisine. Nice is a great destination if you are looking for a combination of sun, sea, culture, and a touch of glamour. And did you know that from Nice you can also go on fun day trips to Monaco and Ventimiglia in Italy?

• Hotel tip: Arome Hotel (3⭐) – Hotel with nicely decorated rooms within walking distance of the beach.
• Travel Guide: Lonely Planet Pocket Nice & Monaco – Fun pocket-sized travel guide to Nice and Monaco.

Read more: Awesome day trips from Nice, France (and other useful tips)

Cannes, Côte d’Azur

Besides Nice, there are many other interesting places to visit in the south of France. It’s therefore a great idea to go on a French Riviera round trip. Make sure to add Cannes to your itinerary. This city is best known for its annual film festival when hundreds of celebrities walk the red carpet here. With its lush boulevards, chic boutiques, and glittering marina, Cannes exudes an air of luxury and exclusivity. A nice place to wander around for an afternoon.

• Hotel tip: Villa Garbo (4⭐) – Beautiful hotel with suites close to the beach.

Saint-Tropez, Côte d’Azur

The third destination on the Côte d’Azur in this list of most beautiful places in France is Saint-Tropez. I haven’t visited this city myself, unfortunately, but I think it would be incredibly fun to go here sometime. Saint-Tropez is known for its luxury yachts, lively nightlife and glamorous atmosphere. With its picturesque harbor filled with chic cafes and boutiques, and its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, Saint-Tropez exudes an irresistible blend of elegance and relaxation.

• Hotel tip: Les Lauriers (3⭐) – Incredibly cozy hotel in the heart of Saint-Tropez. The rooms are beautifully and colorfully decorated.

Lourdes

Located in southwestern France, Lourdes is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. With its shrines, basilicas and healing springs, Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world each year in search of spiritual enlightenment and healing. The city exudes a serene atmosphere, steeped in devotion and hope.

• Hotel tip: Grand Hôtel Moderne (4⭐) – Nice hotel in the center of town. Built in 1896, it is a fine example of late 19th-century French architecture. The rooms are decorated in French style.

Lille (Lille)

Lille is one of the nicest cities in northern France and is also called the Paris of the North. I personally found the city to be a special blend of Belgium and France, both the buildings and the cafes and restaurants. Lille has both historic charm and modern energy.

The city is known for its cozy café culture, lively markets and various museums. For example, it is highly recommended to visit the La Piscine museum, which is an art museum in a former swimming pool. Lille is a vibrant and captivating gem in northern France and a popular destination for lovers of art, history and gastronomy.

• Hotel tip: Au Cœur du Jardin – A little oasis tucked away in the city center. A small-scale accommodation with a few studios.

Read more: 13 awesome things to do in Lille France

Annecy

The city of Annecy is located in eastern France, not far from the border with Switzerland. Like several other French cities, you can enjoy picturesque canals and medieval architecture here. What makes it especially special is that it is located in the French Alps, giving you beautiful views. Thereby, Annecy is located on Lake Annecy, a clear turquoise lake surrounded by impressive mountains.

• Hotel tip: Impérial Palace (4⭐) – Beautifully situated in a unique location on Lake Annecy.

The Loire Valley

A region in the heart of France, the Loire Valley is much visited for its majestic castles and picturesque landscapes filled with vineyards and sunflowers. With its meandering river, lush green hills and charming villages, the Loire Valley exudes an air of tranquility and romance. The region is also known for its excellent wines, with endless vineyards producing some of the best wines in France.

I spent a week here at a beautiful castle campground in the Loire Valley and I loved every moment of it. During the day we visited castles and in the evening we went picnicking among the sunflowers. A wonderful destination for a relaxing trip.

• Hotel tip: Logis Demeure de la Vignole (3⭐) – Located in the heart of the Loire in an extraordinary building from the seventeenth century. It has a heated indoor rock pool.
• Travel Guide: DK Eyewitness Loire Valley has everything you’ll need to experience the best of the Loire Valley.

Read more: The 15 most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley

Palace of Versailles

One of the places on this bucket list France that I would love to visit someday is the enormous Palace of Versailles. Versailles is an unparalleled tribute to the splendor of Louis XIV’s court and an impressive symbol of royal splendor. The palace has extensive castle gardens and is bursting with sumptuous interiors. In the video below, you can see how grand and impressive it all is.

• Hotel tip: Le Louis Versailles Château (4⭐) – Beautiful hotel and only a 5-minute walk to the castle.

Provence

Provence is an idyllic region known for its enchanting lavender fields, picturesque villages, and sun-drenched landscapes. With its picturesque hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards, Provence exudes an air of tranquility and beauty.

The region is also known for its delicious cuisine, with its fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and fine wines that bring to life the authentic flavors of southern France. I myself have only visited cities in Provence so far, but I would love to take a nice road trip here one day.

• Hotel tip: Les Carmes and spa (3⭐) – A beautiful country hotel with a spa center and outdoor pool.
• Travel Guide: Fodor’s Provence & the French Riviera – a great guide to discover Provence and the French Riviera.

Tip! Provence is also home to the beautiful city of Orange, which is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Read more about Orange in the article: 11 Best Things to do in Orange France.

Côte de Granit Rose, Brittany

Brittany is a region that I don’t know very well (yet) but would like to explore sometime. One of the reasons to explore this region is because of the Côte de Granit Rose, a stretch of coastline with unique pink granite rock formations.

With its unusual geological features and spectacular views of the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Côte de Granit Rose is a very special destination in France not to be missed. Besides exploring the rugged cliffs and hidden coves, there are also many picturesque villages to visit.

• Hotel tip: Castel Beau Site (4⭐) – Beautiful hotel with stunning views of the rugged coast. It is located opposite Ploumanac’h beach in Perros-Guirec.

The Louvre, Paris

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and it is incredibly large. I have been there twice myself and I have by no means seen everything. Housed in a former royal residence, the museum houses an impressive collection of artworks ranging from ancient civilizations to modern masterpieces.

With iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, each gallery exudes an air of artistic grandeur. The majestic architecture of the building itself reflects the rich history of France, while the lush gardens and beautiful courtyards are an oasis of calm amid the bustling city.

Marseille

Marseille is a lively port city on the Mediterranean. The city offers a fascinating mix of maritime history, cultural diversity, and Mediterranean charm. With its bustling old port, vibrant markets, and lively restaurants serving delicious Provençal cuisine, Marseille is a feast for the senses. It is a city steeped in artistic energy and rich history, making it an essential destination if you are looking for an authentic French experience.

• Hotel tip: Les Bords De Mer – Beautifully located by the sea with an indoor and outdoor pool.

Bordeaux

During my city break in Bordeaux, it rained almost the entire time, so I unfortunately did not get to admire the city in all its glory. Still, I had a great time, as Bordeaux is a very beautiful city! Located in the heart of France’s wine region, Bordeaux is best known for its vast vineyards, sophisticated architecture, and rich culinary scene.

The city is full of elegant buildings from the eighteenth century, there are beautiful parks and cozy squares where there is always something to do. Of course, you visit Bordeaux also for its exquisite wines; it is bursting with wine bars and tasting rooms where you can enjoy the best wines from the region.

• Hotel tip: Hôtel La Maison Bord’eaux (4⭐) – Beautiful boutique hotel in the center of Bordeaux.

Gorges du Verdon, Provence

Gorges du Verdon is a great destination for adventurers and nature lovers. It is a breathtaking gorge known for its impressive rock formations, azure waters, and enchanting landscapes.

With its steep cliffs, winding river, and lush green valleys, the Gorges du Verdon offers adventure opportunities and a spectacular natural setting. You can do many fun activities here such as hiking, kayaking, or just enjoy the panoramic views from the surrounding vantage points.

• Hotel tip: Hôtel Le Colombier (3⭐) – Beautifully situated in nature. Set in a Provencal house, the hotel features a spa pool, 2 hot tubs, and a tennis court.

Strasbourg (Strassbourg), Alsace

One of the cities still on my bucket list is Strasbourg. This extraordinary city is located on the border of France and Germany, giving it a unique blend of culture and architecture. Walking through Strasbourg, you will see picturesque half-timbered houses that bear witness to a rich history.

Its famous historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find a wealth of medieval and Renaissance architecture, while cozy cafes and restaurants serve delicious Alsatian cuisine.

• Hotel tip: Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery (4⭐) – Beautiful rooms in a 16th-century building in the center of Strasbourg.

Avignon, Provence

I visited Avignon only briefly during a train trip from Montpellier to Orange, but I was very impressed with this city! With its imposing papal palace, ancient city walls, and atmospheric squares, Avignon exudes an atmosphere of medieval grandeur. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with a vibrant cultural life and numerous festivals taking place throughout the year.

• Hotel tip: Le Limas – Excellent location in the center of Avignon. It has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Palais des Papes

Corsica

Corsica is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea and of course cannot be interrupted in this overview of the nicest places in France. With its enchanting coastline, secluded coves, and majestic mountain landscapes, Corsica offers a unique blend of sun, sea, and rugged nature. As such, it is truly a place full of adventure possibilities! In addition, Corsica has a rich history and here you can enjoy charming towns, medieval fortresses, and a vibrant local culture.

I myself would like to visit Corsica one day for a hiking vacation. In fact, here you have one of the most beautiful (and difficult) long-distance hikes in Europe: the GR20. That one seems really great to do sometime!

• Hotel tip: Résidence & Hôtel Aria Marina (3⭐) – Located in Propriano with beautiful views of the countryside and sea.
• Travel Guide: Eyewitness Top 10 Corsica

Book a trip to France

In my opinion, these are the most beautiful places in France. Would you like to explore France yourself to check out these places? These websites are useful for booking your trip.

✈️ Plane tickets – France has many international airports, and is therefore easily reachable by plane. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.

🚆 Train tickets – Are you interested in a more sustainable way of traveling? France is a great country for trail travel. Check Rail Europe for train tickets.

🚘 Rental Car – Of course, you’ll need a rental car for this epic road trip. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours & activities – Are you looking for fun tours and activities in France? Check Get Your Guide.

Read more about France

Do you like vacations in France and want to discover more beautiful places in France? You will find even more great tips and travel inspiration in these travel guides:

DK Eyewitness France

Fodor’s Essential France

You can also read more about traveling to France on this website.

Do you like these kinds of lists and would you like some more inspiration? Check out these posts:

• 28 Most Beautiful Places in Belgium – Bucket List
• Spain Bucket List: 25 incredible places to visit
• Switzerland Bucket List: 15 beautiful places

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