You dream of visiting Paris to stand atop the Eiffel Tower and gaze out over one of the most romantic views in the world.
But by your second visit, you might secretly feel that the Eiffel Tower isn’t all that impressive. You’ve probably visited the Louvre more than once, and the magic of seeing the Mona Lisa no longer wows you. And yes, sometimes it feels like you could lose your patience with a rude waiter or two.
However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that France begins and ends with Paris. While the capital is a great destination for first-time visitors (and even second-timers), there’s so much more to see in the country. France is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. To help you venture beyond Paris, Bookmundi highlights the top travel destinations in France, from charming cities to the stunning French countryside.
Of course, Paris has to make the list, so let’s check it off first! Known as the “City of Light,” Paris is one of the most romantic places on earth, and for good reason. It’s one of the world’s most exotic cities, drawing millions of visitors every year. Sure, you might have to stand in line at places like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, but even those queues are part of the experience. If this is your first time in France, Paris is an absolute must-see. Bookmundi suggests spending a few days in the capital to immerse yourself in all that it has to offer. From luxury shopping and world-class fashion to cozy cafes and mouthwatering cuisine, Paris provides a perfect window into the French way of life.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the best attractions, we’ve also put together a list of the top 10 best things to do in Paris.
A city that enjoys close to 300 days of sunshine is bound to boast of beautiful weather. Nice is famous around the world for its relaxed way of life. Its stunning natural beauty has attracted countless poets and writers over the years, and the city has become a must-see travel destination in France for those visiting the French Riviera. Nice is incredibly charming. It is full of beaches and a creatively cosmopolitan and dynamic atmosphere. You can also visit nearby beach towns or take the train ride to Monaco. And don’t forget to check out the three dramatic coastal roads, each crazier, more beautiful and higher than the next.
Cote D’Azur
Cote D’Azur is considered to be the most glamorous destination in the Mediterranean. Tourism and urbanism might have ruined some of its charm, but it still manages to offer one of the most enchanting locales in Europe. The impossibly clear blue water and beautiful hills take you away to another dimension where life captivates you with every breath. Whether it’s sunbathing in some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, driving along some of the best cliff-top roads in the world or searching for the best food and wine at the weekly market, Cote D’Azur beautifully sums up the French way of life.
Lyon
Lyon is the perfect base for those wanting to explore Rhone. Famous as the third largest city in France, Lyon is where you need to be for the very best dishes and cuisines. Things like the quenelles and Lyon sausages are famous all over the world, and the city is also known for its spectacular silk. The atmosphere is surprisingly friendly for a city of its size and there are all kinds of historic sights, vibrant cultural delights and relaxed attractions to explore.
Chamonix
Who can resist a city that enjoys those beautiful slopes of the Mont Blanc as its backdrop? The Chamonix Valley is home to one of the most dramatic regions of the Alps, and it is famous as a winter playground that manages to satisfy even the most skilled skiers. The highland trails are also accessible during the summer months through easily accessible ski lifts.
Provence
Without a doubt the most amazing region in France, Provence extends from the verdant plains of Camargue to the snowy mountains of the Southern Alps. And as if that wasn’t enough, it is also home to Gorges du Verdon, the greatest canyon in all of Europe. Old-world towns are guarded by century-old walls while countless villages sit defensively on picturesque hilltops. Two of the most popular cities in the region are Artes and Avignon, both known to offer great insights into the French culture. The main highlights of a trip to Provence include the never-ending sunshine, mouth-watering wines, amazing Mediterranean cuisines and unparalleled natural beauty.
Bordeaux
Accredited as one of the most prestigious wine regions on the planet, a trip to Bordeaux is a must for any wine enthusiast visiting France. Bordeaux is among the best cities for those wanting to explore the old-world lifestyle. It offers all kinds of things to see and do, and that 2-hour guided walking tour offered by its tourist office is actually worth your while. And of course, the biggest highlights in the region are those dramatic wineries, enchanting vineyards and scintillating wines. Bookmundi recommends you to time your visits to reach Bordeaux in time for Vinexpo, the largest wine fair in the world. Other places to explore include Rue Sainte-Catherine and Port de la Lune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cannes
The wealth and glamor of Cannes is something that never ceases to impress. From admiring Porches and Ferraris to looking at some of the most amazing yachts on the planet, from walking past the couture shops of La Croisette to meeting some of the richest, sexiest and most famous people on the planet, a trip to Cannes is all about fashion and glamor at its very best. And if you’re not seduced by all those hedonistic charms, Cannes also has more than enough natural beauty to make your journey worthwhile.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is often overlooked by tourists, but make sure that you don’t make the same mistake. Home to the European Parliament, this beautiful city is located at a distance of just 2.5 hours by Paris (by train). It is full of history and is famous as the birthplace of pâté de foie gras. Strasbourg also hosts the oldest Christmas Market in France.
Marseille, the second largest city in France, is the premier port in the country. It was founded more than 2600 years ago and is full of history. It is also home to numerous museums and is an ideal place for eccentric walks. Bookmundi recommends you to take a stroll down the La Canebiere. You can also take a stroll around Fort Saint-Jean and explore French football at its very best.
There is a reason why more than 85 million travelers visit France each year. Considered to be one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, France has something perfect for all kinds of travelers. The architecture, art, food, wine, history and French way of life simply makes the country an irresistible option. And above all, those friendly locals and incredible locations ensure that you keep coming back for more.