Best of France: The Ultimate Travel Guide to France’s Must-See Destinations
France is one of the most visited countries in the world — and for good reason. From romantic Parisian streets and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches to fairytale villages and world-famous wine regions, France offers a remarkable blend of culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty.
Whether you're planning your first trip or returning to explore more, this guide to the Best of France highlights the top destinations, experiences, and travel tips to help you design an unforgettable itinerary.
Why Visit France?
France offers:
Iconic landmarks and architecture
World-renowned cuisine and wine
Diverse landscapes from mountains to coastline
Rich history spanning Roman times to modern art
Charming villages and vibrant cities
Few countries offer such variety within relatively short travel distances.
1. Paris – The City of Light
Pont Alexandre III Bridge
Widely known as one of the most ornate and beautiful bridges in the city.
No “Best of France” list would be complete without Paris.
Why Visit
Paris blends romance, history, art, and gastronomy like nowhere else.
Highlights
Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Montmartre
Seine River cruises
Best For
First-time visitors, art lovers, couples, cultural travelers
Travel Tip
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
2. French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
Côte d’Azur
the glamorous, sun-drenched southeastern Mediterranean coast of France, stretching from Menton near the Italian border to Saint-Tropez or Toulon.
The glamorous Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France.
Why Visit
Sun, sea, luxury, and postcard-perfect coastal towns.
Top Spots
Nice
Cannes
Monaco
Saint-Tropez
Èze village
Best For
Beach lovers, luxury travelers, summer vacations
Travel Tip
May, June, and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
3. Provence – Lavender Fields & Hilltop Villages
Provence’s lavender
season peaks from late June to early August, with iconic purple fields spanning the Valensole Plateau and the Luberon Valley, often paired with charming hilltop villages like Gordes and Sault.
Provence captures the essence of southern France.
Why Visit
Rolling vineyards, lavender fields, Roman ruins, and charming markets.
Highlights
Gordes
Roussillon
Avignon
Aix-en-Provence
Verdon Gorge
Best For
Photographers, food lovers, slow travelers
Best Time to Visit
Late June to early July for lavender bloom.
4. Loire Valley – Castles & Countryside
The Loire Valley
a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "Garden of France," features over 300 stunning Renaissance and medieval castles (châteaux) along the Loire River.
Often called the “Garden of France.”
Why Visit
Fairytale châteaux, wine tasting, and peaceful landscapes.
Top Castles
Château de Chambord
Château de Chenonceau
Château de Villandry
Best For
History lovers, romantic getaways, wine enthusiasts
5. Normandy – History & Coastal Beauty
Normandy
is a captivating region of France, blending profound, world-altering history with stunning, diverse coastal beauty along 600km of coastline.
Located in northern France along the English Channel.
Why Visit
Historic WWII sites, dramatic cliffs, and medieval towns.
Highlights
Mont Saint-Michel
D-Day landing beaches
Étretat cliffs
Honfleur harbor
Best For
History travelers, photographers, cultural explorers
6. Bordeaux – Wine Capital of France
Bordeaux
As a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, it boasts exceptional 18th-century architecture, the modern La Cité du Vin museum, and prestigious, historic vineyards.
One of the world’s most famous wine regions.
Why Visit
Exceptional vineyards, elegant architecture, and refined cuisine.
Experiences
Wine tastings in Médoc and Saint-Émilion
Garonne River walks
Historic city center (UNESCO site)
Best For
Wine lovers, culinary travelers
7. French Alps – Outdoor Adventure
The French Alps
offer premier year-round outdoor adventures, featuring world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter.
A paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
Why Visit
Snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and charming mountain villages.
Activities
Skiing in winter
Hiking in summer
Visiting Chamonix
Exploring Lake Annecy
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts, families, active travelers
8. Alsace – Fairytale Villages & Wine Routes
The Alsace Wine Route
is a 170-km, century-old trail through eastern France, renowned for its, medieval, half-timbered, and flower-decked villages nestled in the Vosges Mountain foothills
Located along the German border.
Why Visit
Colorful half-timbered houses and excellent white wines.
Top Towns
Strasbourg
Colmar
Riquewihr
Eguisheim
Best For
Christmas markets, romantic escapes, scenic road trips
9. Lyon – France’s Culinary Capital
Lyon
is France's premier culinary destination, renowned for its high concentration of restaurants per capita, historic "Bouchons Lyonnais," and Michelin-starred excellence.
Often overlooked but essential.
Why Visit
Exceptional food scene and historic old town.
Highlights
Traditional bouchons
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Presqu’île district
Best For
Food lovers, cultural travelers
Best Time to Visit France
Spring (April–June): Mild weather, fewer crowds
Summer (July–August): Peak tourism, festivals, beaches
Fall (September–October): Wine harvest season, pleasant temperatures
Winter (December–February): Christmas markets and ski season
Sample 10-Day “Best of France” Itinerary
Days 1–3: Paris
Days 4–5: Loire Valley
Days 6–7: Provence or French Riviera
Days 8–9: Bordeaux or Lyon
Day 10: Return to Paris
Practical Travel Tips for France
Learn a few basic French phrases
Book major attractions in advance
Use trains for easy intercity travel
Consider shoulder season for better prices
Conclusion
The best of France isn’t just one destination — it’s a mosaic of unforgettable experiences. From Parisian elegance and Riviera glamour to vineyard landscapes and medieval villages, France offers something for every traveler.
Whether you’re planning a cultural city break, a romantic escape, or a countryside retreat, France rewards visitors with beauty, flavor, and timeless charm.
Ready to discover the best of France for yourself? Start planning your journey today and turn these iconic destinations into your own unforgettable travel story — from Parisian cafés to Riviera sunsets and countryside vineyards.
