15 best places to visit in France

What do you think of when you think of France? The Eiffel Tower glittering at night, majestic castles left behind by royal legacies past, the azure French Riviera? While these are definitely some of France’s finest features, there is so much more to do in France and so many beautiful places to visit. 

If you’re planning a trip to France soon and want to experience something totally new and uncover some hidden gems, then read on to get a list of the 15 best places to visit in France. You’ll get a full taste of history, arts, gorgeous views, and of course delicious cuisine. 

What is the most visited place in France?

As you can probably imagine, Paris is the most visited place in France. Its reputation as the City of Love and the City of Lights has drawn tourists to it for decades, and Paris has often been named the most visited city in the world.

Other popular French cities are Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, and Lyon. 

Best places to visit in France

Now, without further ado, let’s get into the best places to visit in France!

1. Paris

So, we can’t make this list without talking about Paris. Even though it’s not exactly a hidden gem, and some may even call it overrated, we can’t deny the beauty of the French capital and how worth it it is to visit if you’ve never been before. 

It’s got everything: museums, culture, fashion, amazing food, some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, as well as many historic landmarks. The great thing about Paris is that it’s so walkable – you can take a walking tour and see most of the big hitters in a day! You can also take day trips out of Paris to neighbouring areas like idyllic Giverny and of course resplendent Versaille.

2. Les Calanques de Marseille

If you’re looking for a destination that’ll offer the same turquoise waters and rocky cliffs as the Greek Islands, but with fewer crowds, then Les Calanques de Marseille is what you need. Situated along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll get weather that is to die for and truly jaw-dropping views. Les Calanques are absolutely ones of the best places to visit in France and they’re a heaven to tourists and locals alike.

There’s plenty to do here including swimming and sun bathing, but also boat tours and private catamaran rides. You can discover coves, sail between rock faces, and just generally have the best time. Les Calanques are near Marseille, a vibrant French city, as well as Cassis which is a little more lowkey – you’ve got a place to stay no matter your preferred holiday vibe! Just make sure to pack the sunnies and SPF, it’ll be a scorcher. 

3. Lille

A great thing about France is that the country is just so varied. The North and the South are so different, as are the East and the West. Lille, one of France’s northernmost cities, is a great example of the variety here. Right on the border with Belgium, Lille’s architecture is inspired by classic Flemish styles, and you’ll find many cobblestone streets and tucked away bars and restaurants. 

A must-do in Lille is to enjoy a classic plate of moules frites, and a big attraction in this city is La Braderie de Lille which is the biggest flea market in Europe! So, if you like a good thrift, make sure you’re visiting in September. Lille is also a good hub for your lodgings if you’re wanting to discover more of Northern France like Calais and Dunkirk, and you’ll be able to spot the shores of England from there!

4. Lyon

If you like Paris, you’re going to love Lyon! It’s filled with the same gorgeous architecture, a flowing river in the middle, and plenty of cultural spots to check out. There’s even a fountain that might remind you of a certain famous one in Rome! In fact, there is plenty of Roman and Gallic history to discover in this gilded city – so if you like to reminisce on the past, you need to make a stop in Lyon. 

And, if you didn’t already know, Lyon is often crowned the gastronomic capital of France, which is a huge feat considering the whole country is meant to be the gastronomic capital of the world. Make sure you don’t miss out on Lyon’s famous ‘bouchon’ which are traditional restaurants that serve up plates full of traditional Lyonnaise food – it’s one of the top things to do in Lyon!

5. The French Alps

Ah, the Alps – personally I would call them the skiing Mecca of the world (though there are of course gorgeous skiing opportunities elsewhere in the world), and the best thing about them is that they sprawl over many European countries! One minute you’re skiing in France, and the next you’re over the Mont Blanc and in Italy! Truly magical.

Ski for a week or two and soak up the snow, the mulled wine, the fondue, and the French’s favourite mountain food: raclette. Potatoes, charcuterie, and plenty of melted cheese – this is the perfect meal to end a long day gliding down the slopes.

You can hit up the Swiss and Austrian Alps with Contiki, and make your way over to the French Alps to experience all facets of these gorgeous mountains. 

6. Normandy

Normandy is one of the best places to visit in France if you’re a lover of dramatic coasts and history. Specifically the history of World War 2. The Normandy beaches, which are dramatic with cliffs and roaring waves, is where the US troops landed during the famous D-Day. You can visit these beaches as well as the Omaha Beach Museum if you’d like to learn more about this historical event, or pay homage to the troops. 

You’ll be able to do this on our brand new France in a Week trip – but there are many other things to see in Normandy as well. For one, you’re only a short drive away from the Mont St. Michel which is a very unique UNESCO World Heritage site just off the coast, taking the form of a small inhabited island, only accessible when the tide is low. Interesting and 100% worth a look (which you’ll also get to do with Contiki!).

7. French Riviera

The French Riviera is iconic and if you’re into classic beachy holidays with radiant sunshine and maybe even a yacht ride or two, this is the place to check out. You’ll have heard of cities like Cannes and Nice, as well as St. Tropez, famous for celebrity sightings and the glitzy lifestyle. Because of this, the French Riviera can be a little more on the expensive side, but we have a budget guide to help you out! 

But, there’s so much more to this area than just those places. Hidden beaches, small towns like Menton and Èze, cobblestone streets, independent art galleries, and plenty of hiking trails as well! One recommendation is to make sure you visit the hilltop village of Ramatuelle. You’ll get beautiful views of the coast while having plenty of room to roam as it’s not as densely populated by locals and tourists. Bliss!

8. Loire Valley

If there’s one thing the Loire Valley is known for its wine and châteaux. Oh, and also cycling. And also mediaeval towns. AND food! So, actually the Loire Valley is known for many things, making it one of the best places to visit in France by FAR.

So, it follows that your time here should be spent sipping red wine (embrace the staining on your teeth!), cycling around the canals and beautifully preserved towns, and feeling a sense of total awe as you come across the many stunning castles in the area. Perhaps the most stunning is the Château Chambord which looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. While Versailles is a magnificent sight to see in all its golden splendour, Chambord has that classic black and white look with many sprawling lands to complement it, as well as traditional symmetrical French gardens. Maybe you’ll meet your prince charming here, or just have a regal time with your new Contiki besties.

9. Aix-en-Provence

Maybe you don’t want the bustle of the French Riviera or the grandeur of châteaux, maybe small countryside areas are more your speed. In that case, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect destination for you. Close to Marseille and Avignon, as well as the UNESCO Heritage Site named Pont du Gard, Aix-en-Provence is more than idyllic and holds that classic Southern French charm.

Enchanting town squares, narrow streets filled with boutiques and art galleries, the weather is usually very pleasant and you can enjoy many french treats in the breeze. Aix-en-Provence is home to the artist Cézanne as well, so if you’re a fan you can visit his house for a spot of art and culture! Beautiful. 

10. Cannes

A star-studded city in the south of France, Cannes is of course the place to be if you’re a fan of sunshine and movies. Once a year, the city fills with big Hollywood stars and execs for the Cannes Film Festival – which you can actually attend! But, there’s plenty more to do as well.

Cannes is a vibrant city with great nightlife and perfect for the young Contiki traveller, and the shopping here is also to die for. You should make sure to hit up the local markets like Marché Forville, and venture slightly out of the city to visit the Croix des Gardes forest park, as well as the paradisiacal Île Sainte-Marguerite. Secluded as these locations are, you’ll be offered some peace and sensational views. 

11. Strasbourg

Venturing back into Northern France, Strasbourg sits right on the German border and in fact used to belong to Germany (as did the entire Alsace area) during World War 2. As a result, Strasbourg’s architecture is reminiscent of Germany’s style with exposed wooden beams and slanted dark roofs. 

One of the perfect times to visit Strasbourg is during Christmas because the Christmas markets there are out of this world! Decorated in twinkly fairy lights, glittering trees, and real snow, you can buy all sorts of hand-made trinkets and delicious warming foods. Visiting Strasbourg in summer is also a great idea, and you can venture out to neighbouring towns like Colmar which will be flowering and remind you of a certain Studio Ghibli film. 

12. Lourdes

Located in the Pyrénées between France and Spain, Lourdes is a historic town filled with religious importance. The Basilica of Immaculate Conception, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Massabielle Grotto are huge tourist attractions and pilgrimage sites for many in the area. Surrounded by the lush green mountains, you’ll definitely feel like you’re in another plane of existence entirely. 

It’s one of the best places to visit in France if you want to get away from the busy cities and discover some of the country’s natural beauties and deep history.

13. Avignon

Avignon is for the historians and the artists. It’s a commune of great historical importance in France with some really old and wonderful architecture that you can gawk at while you take a walking tour or roam on your own time. It’s so special in fact, that there’s a whole song about Avignon you might hear young French children singing.

Set right along the Rhône River, let yourself be soothed by the sounds of flowing water and explore the museums and amazing buildings. Did you know that Vatican City wasn’t always home to the Pope? Nope! For just under 70 years in the 12th century, Avignon was the seat for the Catholic Pope, and you can visit the storied residences. 

Another thing you must absolutely do in Avignon is stay for the Theatre Festival which sees actors, musicians, artists, and many more gather to show off their brilliant work and pave the path for live art of the future.

14. Dordogne

Perhaps a lesser known area in France, Dordogne is just drop-dead gorgeous. Filled with valleys, mountains, lakes, and caves you can get a little bit of everything here. As always, the food and wine is excellent, the sunsets atop Château de Beynac are romantic, but best of all, you can get a glimpse into the deep, deep past of the world. The Lascaux Caves are located here and they are filled with cave paintings. I mean, seeing art made by people thousands of years ago is one of the most unique things you could do on holiday, and it’s bound to give you some kind of existential crisis about humanity (in the best way).

15. Bordeaux

Last but not least, Bordeaux is one of the best places to visit in France if you love wine. Want to learn more about wine? Head to Bordeaux! Want to drink a lot of wine? Head to Bordeaux! This is the capital of wine in France and you can have a merry old time visiting. 

The city itself is beautiful with plenty of museums and the stunning Place de la Bourse, and you can take a walking tour to enjoy all that it has to offer. Make sure to tour some vineyards as well if you want that viticulture education and you can brag to all your friends back home at dinner parties. 

Where should I go in France for a week?

I’m so glad you asked! In case you hadn’t heard, we actually have a gorgeous and totally brand new France in a Week trip!

There are many ways to do France in a week depending on what you want to see, but our preferred way is to stay in the central parts of the country, and venture out east and west. You’ll get a taste of the some of the best places to visit in France, such as iconic Paris, as well as historic Normandy, the crazily impressive Château Chambord, regal Orlean where you can try real champagne, and mediaeval Reims which feels straight out of a storybook. This trip is the perfect introduction to France offering you cities, natural beauty and plenty of history and culture. So, à bientôt!