France is a country of endless beauty, blending rich history, iconic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes. From the romantic streets of Paris to the fairytale villages of Colmar and the medieval mystique of Rocamadour, France offers something for every traveler. Wander the sun-kissed Riviera, explore medieval castles in the Loire Valley, or enjoy alpine serenity in Annecy. This list of amazing places in France invites you to wander beyond Paris and discover the heart of French beauty and culture. From the Riviera to the Alps, the Loire Valley to Alsace, France’s landscapes and towns promise inspiration, romance, and adventure at every turn.
22 Barbizon/Fontainebleau
Barbizon is a charming artists’ village known for inspiring the Barbizon School, where 19th-century painters sought natural light and tranquility in the nearby Forest of Fontainebleau. Its preserved ateliers, tree-lined lanes, and intimate galleries offer a vivid glimpse into the origins of modern landscape art.
Just a short distance away, the Château de Fontainebleau provides a grand historical counterpoint, with opulent halls, sweeping staircases, and centuries of royal heritage. Together, Barbizon and Fontainebleau create a unique blend of artistic legacy and architectural splendor, making this corner of France an exceptional destination for culture lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
- Barbizon School Museum
- Forest of Fontainebleau
- Château de Fontainebleau
21 Nice
Nestled on the French Riviera, Nice dazzles with its glittering coastline, Italian-influenced architecture, and lively atmosphere. The city’s famed Promenade des Anglais stretches for miles along the azure Mediterranean, inviting strolls beneath palm trees and pastel skies. The Old Town (Vieux Nice) bursts with color—ochre walls, blue shutters, and vibrant markets selling Provençal flowers and spices.
Art lovers will find inspiration at the Matisse Museum and Chagall Museum, both celebrating masters who called this region home. Between its pebbled beaches, Belle Époque mansions, and Mediterranean cuisine, Nice embodies effortless coastal charm that blends relaxation with culture.
Highlights
- Promenade des Anglais
- Cours Saleya Market
- Castle Hill
20 Marseille
France’s oldest city, Marseille was founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, and its rich multicultural tapestry still defines it today. The bustling Vieux-Port is its beating heart, where fishermen unload their catch beside lively terraces filled with the aroma of bouillabaisse.
Overlooking it all stands the golden-crowned Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, offering sweeping views of the sea. The city’s narrow streets in Le Panier whisper stories from centuries past, while the MuCEM museum bridges ancient and modern. Marseille’s raw energy, diverse flavors, and maritime spirit make it a captivating port city that celebrates its layered identity with pride.
Highlights
- Vieux-Port
- Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Le Panier District
19 Lyon
Lyon is a feast for the senses—quite literally, as it’s often called the gastronomic capital of France. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Lyon reveals its layers of history through Roman amphitheaters, Renaissance courtyards, and hidden passageways known as traboules. The basilica of Fourvière crowns the city with its gilded mosaics, while below, the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon brim with bouchons serving traditional Lyonnaise dishes.
The confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers frames this elegant cityscape, where centuries of architecture coexist with a thriving contemporary arts scene. Lyon’s charm lies in its ability to blend past and present effortlessly.
Highlights
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- Vieux Lyon
- Presqu’île District
18 Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez may be synonymous with glamour, but beneath the luxury yachts and chic beach clubs lies a fishing village with Provençal roots. Once a modest harbor, it became world-famous after Brigitte Bardot and French cinema put it on the map in the 1950s.
Today, the pastel-toned façades, narrow lanes, and bustling markets retain their old-world character. Climb to the citadel for sweeping views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez or sip rosé at a seaside café while the sun sets in pink and gold hues. Saint-Tropez is both sophisticated and simple—where rustic charm meets Riviera radiance.
Highlights
- Pampelonne Beach
- Place des Lices
- Citadel of Saint-Tropez
17 Lille
Lille, the capital of French Flanders, charms with its Flemish baroque architecture and lively personality. Once an industrial powerhouse, it has reinvented itself as a city of culture and creativity.
The Grand Place glimmers with ornate façades and bustling cafés, while the Vieille Bourse, built in the 17th century, remains one of France’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is second only to the Louvre in size and collection, showcasing masterpieces from Goya to Van Dyck. Lille’s student energy and welcoming locals create a warm, vibrant atmosphere that makes visitors feel instantly at home.
Highlights
- Grand Place
- Palais des Beaux-Arts
- Old Stock Exchange
16 Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane stands as one of France’s most poignant memorials. On June 10, 1944, this quiet village was destroyed in a Nazi massacre that left over 600 inhabitants dead. Rather than rebuild, France preserved the ruins exactly as they were—a haunting open-air museum of war’s devastation.
Walking its streets, you’ll see rusting bicycles, burned-out cars, and crumbling homes frozen in time. It’s a sobering yet essential visit, offering a moment to reflect on the resilience of humanity and the importance of remembrance. The new village nearby coexists peacefully beside the ghostly silence of the old one.
Highlights
- Martyr Village
- Memorial Center
- Church Ruins
15 Étretat
Étretat’s chalk cliffs rise dramatically from the Normandy coast, their natural arches sculpted by centuries of wind and sea. Artists like Monet and Courbet immortalized their beauty, capturing the light that dances across the waves.
The village below, with its quaint streets and pebble beach, makes the perfect base for exploring the cliffs’ walking trails. From the top, you can see the famous Needle Rock and sweeping views of the Channel. Étretat blends natural grandeur with quiet seaside charm, offering a place of inspiration where ocean, art, and nature meet in breathtaking harmony.
Highlights
- Falaise d’Aval Arch
- Needle Rock
- Étretat Gardens
14 Giverny
In Giverny, time seems to stand still amid blossoms and reflections. This peaceful village owes its fame to Claude Monet, who transformed his home and gardens into living works of art. Visitors can wander through the painter’s flowerbeds, cross the Japanese bridge, and gaze into the lily pond that inspired his most famous series.
Beyond Monet’s home lies the Museum of Impressionism, which deepens appreciation for the art movement born from such tranquil beauty. Giverny is a sanctuary for dreamers and artists alike, where nature itself seems to have picked up a brush.
Highlights
- Monet’s House and Gardens
- Museum of Impressionism
- Church of Sainte-Radegonde
13 Avignon
Once the seat of the papacy, Avignon thrived as the spiritual heart of Europe during the 14th century. The massive Palais des Papes still dominates the skyline, a fortress of faith and political power built in grand Gothic style. The city’s ramparts, cobbled lanes, and sunlit squares hum with Provençal charm.
Each summer, Avignon hosts its world-renowned theater festival, filling every courtyard and corner with creativity. The Pont d’Avignon, half-standing across the Rhône, remains a poetic symbol of time’s passage. In Avignon, history feels alive, echoing through every arch and stone.
Highlights
- Palais des Papes
- Pont d’Avignon
- Place de l’Horloge
12 Versailles
The Palace of Versailles epitomizes French grandeur and royal extravagance. Commissioned by Louis XIV in the 17th century, its Hall of Mirrors shimmers with chandeliers and gilded glass, reflecting centuries of opulence. The palace’s gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, stretch for miles with fountains, statues, and geometric precision.
Beyond the palace gates lies the charming town of Versailles, with antique markets and cafés that recall the era of kings and courtiers. Visiting Versailles is stepping into a living museum of ambition, artistry, and the sheer splendor of the Sun King’s reign.
Highlights
- Palace of Versailles
- Hall of Mirrors
- Gardens of Versailles
11 Rochefort-en-Terre
Perched on a hilltop in Brittany, Rochefort-en-Terre looks like a scene from a storybook. Cobblestone streets wind between stone cottages draped in flowers, earning it the title of one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages.” The town’s roots date back to the 12th century, centered around its medieval château, rebuilt by an American painter in the early 1900s.
Boutiques selling local crafts, crêperies, and art galleries line the charming square, making every corner feel alive with creativity and color. In the evening, lanterns illuminate the flower-filled streets, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Rochefort-en-Terre perfectly captures the heart of Brittany—authentic, artistic, and timeless.
Highlights
- Château de Rochefort-en-Terre
- Village Square
- Flowered Streets
10 Menton
Menton, the “Pearl of France,” glows with soft pastels, lemon groves, and Mediterranean light. Located near the Italian border, it combines French elegance with Italian warmth. Its old town cascades down to the sea, crowned by the Baroque Basilica of Saint-Michel.
Menton’s microclimate allows lush gardens to flourish year-round, from the exotic Val Rahmeh to the Serre de la Madone. The annual Lemon Festival transforms the town into a citrus wonderland each February. Menton is serenity itself—a town where flowers, fruit, and sea air mingle in perfect harmony.
Highlights
- Jean Cocteau Museum
- Basilica Saint-Michel
- Val Rahmeh Garden
9 Honfleur
Honfleur is a painter’s dream—a harbor town where sky and water blur into endless shades of silver and blue. The 17th-century houses that line the Vieux Bassin shimmer with slate tiles and colorful shutters, once inspiring artists like Monet and Boudin.
Its half-timbered lanes, boutique galleries, and seafood bistros add rustic charm to its maritime soul. The wooden Sainte-Catherine Church, built by shipwrights, is a marvel of craftsmanship. Honfleur’s quiet beauty captures the essence of Normandy—poetic, picturesque, and timeless.
Highlights
- Vieux Bassin
- Sainte-Catherine Church
- Eugene Boudin Museum
8 Toulouse
Known as “La Ville Rose” for its rose-colored brick buildings, Toulouse glows with warmth and life. This southern French city perfectly balances ancient heritage with modern energy. The grand Place du Capitole serves as its vibrant heart, framed by neoclassical architecture and bustling terraces. Toulouse’s aerospace legacy, as the home of Airbus, sits harmoniously beside its Romanesque treasures like the Basilique Saint-Sernin.
Along the banks of the Garonne River, locals gather at sunset to enjoy music, wine, and conversation. With its welcoming vibe, artistic soul, and student energy, Toulouse embodies the joyful rhythm of southern France.
Highlights
- Place du Capitole
- Basilique Saint-Sernin
- Canal du Midi
7 Carcassonne
Carcassonne feels like stepping straight into a medieval legend. Its double-walled fortress, crowned with 52 towers, dominates the landscape and tells tales of knights, sieges, and centuries past. The Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates back to the Gallo-Roman era and was restored by architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.
Inside the walls, narrow cobbled lanes wind between stone houses, cozy taverns, and artisan shops. From the battlements, the view stretches across the rolling hills of Languedoc. As the sun sets and the walls glow golden, Carcassonne becomes pure magic—history brought vividly to life.
Highlights
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Château Comtal
- Narbonnaise Gate
6 Loire Valley
Often called the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley enchants visitors with fairytale castles, lush vineyards, and meandering rivers. The region boasts over 300 châteaux, each a masterpiece of Renaissance artistry and aristocratic ambition. From Chambord’s whimsical turrets to Chenonceau’s graceful arches spanning the Cher River, every estate tells a unique story.
Beyond the palaces, charming towns like Amboise and Saumur invite leisurely exploration with their markets and riverside cafés. The Loire’s fertile lands produce world-class wines and fresh cuisine that reflect the richness of its history. This valley is a living canvas of French romance and refinement.
Highlights
- Château de Chambord
- Château d’Usse
- Amboise
5 Rocamadour
Clinging dramatically to a cliffside above the Alzou Canyon, Rocamadour is one of France’s most breathtaking sights. For centuries, it has drawn pilgrims and travelers who climb its steep Grand Escalier to reach the sanctuary of the Black Madonna. The medieval village seems to defy gravity, with chapels, houses, and fortifications stacked one above another against the rock.
At sunset, the limestone glows with a golden light that feels almost divine. Rocamadour is both a place of deep spirituality and stunning natural beauty—a sanctuary suspended between earth and sky, echoing with centuries of devotion.
Highlights
- Sanctuary of the Black Madonna
- Grand Escalier
- Château Rocamadour
4 Mont Saint-Michel
Rising from the tidal flats of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in France. Its Gothic abbey, perched atop a rocky island, appears to float when the tide comes in, creating an ethereal vision that has captivated pilgrims for over a thousand years. The narrow, winding streets below lead past stone houses, bakeries, and tiny chapels, all enclosed by medieval ramparts.
At low tide, the surrounding sands stretch endlessly, while at high tide, waves lap at the walls. Mont Saint-Michel is more than a monument—it’s a miracle of faith, architecture, and nature combined.
Highlights
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
- Ramparts
- Bay of Mont Saint-Michel
3 Paris
The City of Light is the beating heart of France—romantic, historic, and endlessly inspiring. Paris enchants visitors with its harmonious blend of grand boulevards, world-class museums, and intimate corners. The Eiffel Tower sparkles each evening, the Louvre holds treasures that span millennia, and Montmartre’s hilltop streets hum with artistic spirit.
Yet beyond the famous landmarks, the true Paris reveals itself in its cafés, bookshops, and riverside strolls along the Seine. From Gothic cathedrals to modern fashion, Paris is where art, culture, and life intertwine in dazzling perfection. Every visit feels like falling in love all over again.
Highlights
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Montmartre
2 Annecy
Nestled in the French Alps, Annecy is a vision of pure tranquility. Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” its canals shimmer beneath pastel bridges, and flower-filled balconies overlook cobblestone streets. The turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s cleanest, reflect snow-capped peaks and centuries-old architecture.
The medieval Château d’Annecy watches over the town, while local markets fill the air with the scent of cheese and fresh bread. Whether you’re kayaking across the lake, cycling its scenic paths, or simply strolling the canals, Annecy is the definition of alpine romance—a perfect harmony of nature and old-world charm.
Highlights
- Lake Annecy
- Palais de l’Isle
- Château d’Annecy
1 Colmar
If fairy tales had an address, it would be Colmar. Located in Alsace, near the German border, this enchanting town feels like a painting come to life. Half-timbered houses in hues of pink, yellow, and blue line the canals of Little Venice, their reflections dancing on the water.
Colmar’s well-preserved Old Town showcases Gothic churches, Renaissance mansions, and winding alleys filled with bakeries and wine shops. The Unterlinden Museum holds medieval masterpieces, while nearby vineyards produce Alsace’s celebrated white wines.
Every season adds new magic—flowers in spring, Christmas lights in winter. Colmar is pure storybook perfection. Colmar has earned it’s ranking as the #1 of the most amazing places in France.
Highlights
- Little Venice
- Unterlinden Museum
- Saint-Martin Church
Bonus
If you are looking for a unique place to stay while in southern France, try Peillon.
Tucked away in the hills of the French Riviera, Peillon feels untouched by time. This medieval village, perched dramatically on a rocky peak, invites you to wander its maze of narrow stone streets and discover stunning views at every turn. With its terraced houses, quiet charm, and breathtaking sunset vistas of the surrounding valley, Peillon offers an authentic escape from the bustle of the Côte d’Azur.
Whether you’re following the winding trails, tasting the warmth of Provençal cooking, or pausing to listen to the hush of the hills, Peillon reveals the quiet heart of southern France—where time slows, and every moment feels deeply rooted in place.
Conclusion
From glittering coastlines to storybook villages, France’s landscapes capture the soul like no other country. Each destination offers its own history, flavor, and unforgettable charm. Which of these amazing places in France will you explore first?
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Most photos by Kary Kern
About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a travel influencer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the near future.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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