France has long enchanted travellers, artists, and expats alike with its effortless blend of natural beauty, architectural charm, and rich cultural heritage. From sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines to fairytale Alpine villages and rolling vineyard-dotted hills, the country offers a visual and sensory feast that appeals to every kind of explorer.
While Paris remains the crown jewel for many, there’s far more to France than its capital. Each region has its own unique identity, whether it’s the lavender-scented air of Provence, the half-timbered storybook towns of Alsace, or the dramatic cliffs of Normandy. This regional diversity means no two visits or lifestyles are ever quite the same.
Whether you’re planning a short break, a longer cultural escape, or considering relocating to France for a new chapter in life, this guide to the 10 most beautiful places to visit in France will help you discover destinations that inspire both wanderlust and a deeper sense of home.
Table of contents
Provence
Provence is the very image of romantic France: golden sun, fragrant lavender fields, and rustic villages perched on rolling hills. Located in the south-east, this region captures the essence of la vie douce (the sweet life), attracting everyone from painters and poets to modern-day expats and second-home seekers.
Highlights of Provence
- Valensole Plateau: Visit in June or July to witness endless rows of lavender in bloom—a must for photographers and nature lovers.
- Gordes and Roussillon: Two of France’s official Plus Beaux Villages, these cliffside gems offer panoramic views, winding cobbled lanes, and terracotta hues.
- Luberon and Alpilles: Ideal for cycling, wine tasting, and exploring open-air markets brimming with olives, cheese, and local crafts.
Beyond its beauty, Provence boasts a Mediterranean climate, relaxed pace of life, and excellent access to healthcare and transport, making it an increasingly popular region for second homes and relocation.
Annecy
Tucked between lake and mountains in the Haute-Savoie region, Annecy is often called the Venice of the Alps for its crystal-clear canals, pastel façades, and medieval charm. But Annecy offers more than just postcard-perfect scenery, it delivers a lifestyle that’s both vibrant and serene, ideal for travellers and would-be expats alike.
Highlights of Annecy
- Lake Annecy: One of Europe’s cleanest lakes, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and scenic boat rides.
- Old Town (Vieille Ville): Wander through cobbled alleys, flower-decked bridges, and local markets against a backdrop of alpine architecture.
- Outdoor activities: From hiking and paragliding in summer to skiing in nearby resorts during winter, Annecy is a four-season playground.
The town’s combination of natural beauty, cultural life, and excellent public services makes it a popular destination for families relocating to France or anyone seeking a more balanced, outdoorsy lifestyle.
Dordogne
Nestled in the south-west of France, Dordogne is a region where time slows down and history runs deep. With its ancient stone villages, dramatic river valleys, and world-famous prehistoric caves, it offers an enchanting glimpse into rural French life, perfect for slow travel, second homes, or retirement living.
Highlights of Dordogne
- Sarlat-la-Canéda: A jewel of medieval architecture with golden-hued buildings, bustling markets, and candlelit evening strolls.
- Lascaux Caves: Home to some of the oldest known cave paintings, the Lascaux IV centre offers a breathtaking look into human history.
- River Dordogne: Ideal for canoeing, fishing, or riverside picnics beneath centuries-old castles like Château de Beynac.
The region is also renowned for its gastronomy, duck confit, foie gras, walnuts, and truffles, making it a paradise for food lovers. Compared to more tourist-heavy regions, Dordogne offers excellent value for money, especially in property and long-term rentals, attracting expats seeking charm without the crowds.
Paris
No list of France’s most beautiful places would be complete without Paris. The City of Light captivates with its blend of world-renowned landmarks, grand boulevards, and effortlessly stylish street life. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, Paris rewards slower exploration, each arrondissement revealing its own distinct flavour.
Highlights of Paris
- Montmartre: Artistic hilltop quarter with sweeping views, cobbled lanes, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
- Le Marais: A historic neighbourhood full of charm, fashion boutiques, museums, and lively cafés.
- The Seine: Walk along its banks or enjoy a sunset cruise to soak up the city’s most romantic views.
For expats and long-term visitors, Paris offers an unmatched cultural calendar, excellent healthcare, top-tier education, and public transport that makes car ownership unnecessary. Despite its global popularity, Paris still holds endless secrets for those who linger and countless reasons to stay.
> Download our FREE guide to Paris here.
Alsace
Tucked between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine River, Alsace is a region unlike any other in France. With its colourful half-timbered houses, cobbled villages, and strong Franco-German heritage, Alsace feels straight out of a storybook, especially during the festive season when its Christmas markets are among the best in Europe.
Highlights of Alsace
- Strasbourg: The regional capital, known for its UNESCO-listed Grande Île, majestic cathedral, and European institutions.
- Colmar: Often called the Little Venice of Alsace, this town delights with flower-filled canals and fairy-tale architecture.
- Alsace Wine Route: A scenic drive through rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and family-run wineries producing world-class Rieslings and Gewürztraminers.
With its bilingual charm, excellent infrastructure, and close proximity to Switzerland and Germany, Alsace is not just a beautiful place to visit, it’s increasingly attractive for relocation, particularly for professionals and cross-border commuters.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Rising dramatically from tidal flats off the Normandy coast, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks. This medieval abbey, perched atop a rocky island, appears to float during high tide and has enchanted pilgrims, artists, and travellers for over a thousand years.
Highlights of Mont-Saint-Michel
- The Abbey: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the abbey offers panoramic views across the bay and a fascinating glimpse into monastic life.
- The Tides: Witness the dramatic shift between land and sea, as the causeway alternates between accessible path and watery moat.
- La Merveille: The 13th-century cloister and refectory complex known as “The Marvel” is a must-see for history lovers.
While often visited as a day trip, staying overnight in nearby Pontorson or on the island itself allows you to enjoy the peaceful magic of Mont-Saint-Michel after the crowds depart. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a reminder of France’s enduring connection between nature, history, and spiritual legacy.
Côte d’Azur
Stretching along the sun-drenched Mediterranean from Saint-Tropez to Menton, the Côte d’Azur (or French Riviera) is where old-world glamour meets natural beauty. With its turquoise waters, palm-lined promenades, and pastel-hued hilltop villages, the region has long attracted artists, celebrities, and seekers of the good life.
Highlights of the Côte d’Azur
- Nice: The region’s unofficial capital, offering a perfect mix of beach, culture, and Italian-influenced cuisine.
- Èze and Menton: Perched above the sea, these cliffside villages boast winding alleys and breathtaking views.
- The Corniche Roads: Scenic coastal drives with sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean and mega-yachts bobbing in hidden coves.
Whether you’re exploring art museums in Antibes, strolling the Promenade des Anglais, or enjoying a seaside lunch in Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Côte d’Azur delivers a lifestyle that’s equal parts elegance and ease.
> Download our FREE guide to the French Riviera here.
Chamonix
Set in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a high-altitude haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. As one of the oldest and most iconic alpine resorts in Europe, Chamonix combines rugged mountain beauty with year-round outdoor adventure.
Highlights of Chamonix
- Mont Blanc: Western Europe’s highest peak, offering opportunities for skiing, mountaineering, and breathtaking cable car rides.
- Aiguille du Midi: Take the cable car up to 3,842 metres for panoramic views stretching across France, Switzerland, and Italy.
- Alpine lifestyle: The town itself is lively yet cosy, with wooden chalets, artisan shops, and mountain-inspired cuisine.
Chamonix is more than a winter destination, it’s equally attractive in summer, with hiking, paragliding, and glacier walks drawing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Its international community and high quality of life also make it a strong contender for expats looking to combine adventure with daily living.
Loire Valley
Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is a region of fairytale castles, flourishing vineyards, and gently flowing rivers. Just a couple of hours from Paris, it offers a peaceful, picture-perfect escape steeped in history and romance.
Highlights of the Loire Valley
- Château de Chambord: With 440 rooms and Leonardo da Vinci-inspired staircases, it’s the largest and most extravagant of the valley’s castles.
- Amboise and Chenonceau: These Renaissance gems sit right on the riverbanks and are surrounded by manicured gardens.
- Wine country: From crisp Sauvignon Blancs to rich Cabernet Francs, the region’s vineyards are a paradise for wine lovers.
Beyond its scenic appeal, the Loire Valley offers excellent value in property and lifestyle, making it popular with both holidaymakers and expats seeking a slower pace of life within easy reach of the capital.
Corsica
A Mediterranean island with a fiercely independent spirit, Corsica blends rugged mountain landscapes with crystal-clear seas and unspoilt beaches. Known as L’Île de Beauté (Island of Beauty), Corsica offers a raw, natural charm that feels worlds away from mainland France, yet remains part of it.
Highlights of Corsica
- Bonifacio: A striking cliffside town with narrow lanes and dramatic sea views.
- GR20 hiking trail: One of Europe’s toughest and most scenic long-distance walks, stretching across Corsica’s mountainous spine.
- Calanques de Piana: Pink granite rock formations above turquoise coves, perfect for kayaking and boat tours.
Corsica’s blend of French and Italian influences is reflected in its language, cuisine, and culture. It’s ideal for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with opportunities for both adventure and solitude.
Comparison of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France
| Location | Best For | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Provence | Nature and charm | Lavender fields, hilltop villages, markets |
| Annecy | Outdoor lifestyle | Lakes, canals, mountain sports |
| Dordogne | History and gastronomy | Castles, cave art, French country cuisine |
| Paris | Culture and romance | Iconic landmarks, art, café culture |
| Alsace | Storybook villages | Half-timbered towns, wine route, Christmas magic |
| Mont-Saint-Michel | Iconic landmark | Abbey, tides, medieval architecture |
| Côte d'Azur | Luxury and sunshine | Beaches, yachts, artistic hilltowns |
| Chamonix | Alpine adventure | Skiing, Mont Blanc, year-round outdoor sports |
| Loire Valley | Châteaux and vineyards | Renaissance castles, riverside living |
| Corsica | Remote natural beauty | Cliffs, trails, hidden beaches |
FAQs – Visiting France’s Most Beautiful Places
When is the best time to visit these regions?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for coastal spots like Provence and Corsica but can be busy.
Are these destinations suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many of these locations offer outdoor activities, historical sites, and relaxed environments perfect for children and multigenerational travel.
Can I visit these places on a budget?
Yes, especially outside peak season. Rural areas like Dordogne and the Loire Valley offer excellent value. Booking trains in advance or using regional passes can also cut travel costs.
Which regions are best for expats or second homes?
Provence, Annecy, Dordogne, and the Loire Valley are particularly popular with foreign residents due to their quality of life, property affordability, and infrastructure.
First published: February 2024
Updated: May 2025
