I moved to Paris, France in 2020, just months before Covid shut the world down.
Since moving, I’ve spent a lot of time looking at places to travel. Luckily, my husband also loves traveling and has shared his knowledge with me.
France is a beautiful country, and we have done a lot of traveling together based on my research and his knowledge.
Here are some of my favorite places where you should go when you travel to France !
I’ve organized these best places by regions in France.
Île de France
1. Paris
Obviously, Paris made the list because I live here. I have written many blogs about things to do and see in Paris. I will not list them all here, but I will list my blog posts where you can find lots of information !
Cruise along the Seine, find your tickets here.
Check out my other blogs on Paris :
The Most Spectacular Views in Paris of Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
Find entry to the Eiffel Tower here.
Best Parks for you to Discover in Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
Discover These Hidden Gems in Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
The Best 3 Day Itinerary : Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
A First Timers Travel Guide to Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
Travel Below Paris and get to know what’s Underneath – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
Find your entry ticket to the Catacombs here.
Travel through Time in the Covered Passages of Paris Sarah Europe (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
10 Works not to Miss in the Louvre Museum – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
Find your entry ticket to the Louvre here.
The 5 Best Museums in Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
5 Best day-trips from paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
7 Best Castles close to Paris – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
Centre Val de Loire
2. Chartres
Chartres is a small town located in the Loire Valley, about an hour southeast of Paris. Every night there is a light show on the cathedral that is free to enjoy. It is a cute, quaint town to visit. You can even do it as a day trip from Paris !
Chartres is best known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning stained glass windows and intricate architectural details that draw visitors from around the globe.
Beyond the cathedral, Chartres offers charming medieval streets, vibrant markets, and beautiful gardens, making it a perfect destination for those looking to experience France’s rich cultural heritage and serene beauty.
Take a tour of Chartres as a day trip from Paris here.
3. Amboise
Amboise, a picturesque town in the Loire Valley of France, is steeped in history and Renaissance charm. Dominated by the majestic Château d’Amboise, once a royal residence, the town offers stunning views of the Loire River and beautifully landscaped gardens.
This is the town where the Italian DaVinci lived and died. Visit the Château de Clos Lucé where he lived. This castle is now a museum. The king of France, François I, offered this castle to Leonardo DaVinci. DaVinci lived here for the last three years of his life. The museum includes lots of DaVinci’s inventions and is a must-see !
Find your entry ticket to Clos Lucé here.
Bourgogne-franche-compte
4. Dijon
Dijon is in the Bourgogne region of France. This is another famous region in France for the wine, the first that probably comes to mind is Bordeaux. Dijon is an important place for the Dukes of Burgundy.
There is a lovely self-guided tour of the town, you just pay for and download an audio-guide, then follow the owls ! Literally, there are arrows on the streets with owls to guide you.
Read more about Dijon in my blog here.
Don’t forget about the gastronomy in Dijon ! Find your ticket to a wine tasting with cheese here.
5. Troyes
Pronounced like the number three in French (trois), this town is also located in the Bourgogne region of France, about two hours east of Paris.
Troyes is a hidden gem renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. The town’s charming, narrow streets are lined with colorful half-timbered houses, Gothic churches, and quaint squares. Troyes is also famous for its historic textile industry, particularly its role in the production of high-quality hosiery and lace.
Visitors can explore the impressive Troyes Cathedral, stroll through the bustling Les Halles market, and enjoy the vibrant arts and cultural scene that makes this picturesque town a delightful destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
6. Sens
In Sens, you’ll find one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in France, Cathédrale Saint-Étienne. Construction of this cathedral began between 1130 and 1135. Again, it is a very small town, I stopped here on my way to Troyes to see the cathedral.
Grand-Est
7. Metz
You might notice a lot of German influence when you visit this town. This is because this was part of the disputed territory between France and Prussia in the 19th century. Metz became a part of the newly created Germany when Prussia won the 1870 Franco-Prussian war until 1918 when Metz became a part of France again.
This town is magical during the holiday season. I went here for two nights on my own before meeting a friend in Nancy. I also recommend Nancy during the holiday season, but I enjoyed Metz more.
Find a city exploration game here.
8. Colmar
This small fairy-tale town is located south of Strasbourg. You can take a boat ride on this small canal where you will go under a bridge so low you have to duck down in the boat. The town’s picturesque streets are lined with colorful half-timbered houses, quaint canals, and charming flower-adorned balconies, earning it the nickname “Little Venice.”
Colmar is also famous for its vibrant Christmas markets, delicious Alsatian cuisine, and exceptional wines, making it a delightful destination year-round for visitors seeking both historical charm and culinary delights.This town is so beautiful, you can’t miss it if you travel to Strasbourg !
Take a walking tour which includes a wine tasting here.
Normandy
9. Etretat
The white cliffs of Dover in England are famous. But, once upon a time, France and England were connected and those same white cliffs can be found in France ! You can see these white cliffs in Étretat along with the geologic formation in the rock that is pictured.
Read more about Normandy in my blog here.
10. Honfleur
I am from Annapolis, Maryland in the United States and there were so many things in this town that reminded me of Annapolis. It, like Annapolis, is a port town. The architecture here also reminded me of Annapolis. My husband, who has only been to Annapolis once, said the same thing. And in this town, you will find the oldest wooden church in France !
11. Rouen
This is a city in the Normandy region of France. It is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
The cathedral in Rouen is magnificent. It is a must-see city.
Take a small group tour of Etretat, Honfleur, and Rouen from Paris here.
Bretagne
12. Saint Malo
This is a small seaside town in Bretagne (Brittany). One thing I loved about this town was that during low-tide there is a bridge going to the island where Chateaubriand is buried (pictured).
13. Mount Saint Michel
Located in Normandy or Bretagne, depending on who you talk to. Both regions want to claim Mount St. Michel as their own.
The origin of the sanctuary is in 708, in 966 it became an abbey.
At low-tide, Mount Saint Michel is accessible by land to pilgrims, you can tell from the picture.
14. CancalE
Cancale is a beautiful seaside town in Bretagne. It is near Saint Malo, I went to both places in one day.
Nestled along the Emerald Coast, this picturesque town offers stunning views of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel and a lively harbor bustling with oyster farms and seafood markets.
Visitors can stroll along the scenic promenade, sample fresh oysters at the market stalls, and enjoy gourmet dining at waterfront restaurants. With its blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and rich maritime heritage, Cancale is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers and coastal explorers.
15. Rennes
Rennes is the capital of Brittany. There are many things to enjoy while in the region of Brittany, notably crepes and cider (if you like eating and drinking, that is).
Rennes is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its beautifully preserved medieval half-timbered houses and grand Renaissance architecture, Rennes offers a picturesque blend of old and new.
The city’s lively atmosphere is fueled by its large student population, giving rise to a dynamic arts scene, bustling markets, and a thriving nightlife.
Key attractions include the stunning Rennes Cathedral, the Parliament of Brittany, and the expansive Thabor Park. Rennes is also renowned for its culinary delights, particularly its savory galettes and sweet crêpes, making it a delightful destination for both history enthusiasts and food lovers.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
16. Sarlat
Sarlat-la-Canéda, commonly known as Sarlat, is a charming town in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, celebrated for its exquisite medieval architecture and vibrant market culture. The town’s cobblestone streets are lined with well-preserved stone buildings, ornate mansions, and picturesque squares, offering a captivating journey back in time.
Sarlat is renowned for its culinary delights, particularly its foie gras, truffles, and regional specialties, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. The lively atmosphere, historical richness, and gastronomic treasures make Sarlat a must-visit destination in the heart of the Périgord Noir.
Read more about this region in my blog here.
17. Les eyzies
There are so many prehistoric sites to visit in this beautiful region of France. So much so, I wrote a whole blog about it here.
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, often referred to simply as Les Eyzies, is a quaint village in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, renowned as the “Capital of Prehistory.” Nestled in the Vézère Valley, the area boasts an extraordinary concentration of prehistoric sites and caves adorned with ancient cave paintings, including the famous Lascaux Cave.
The village is home to the National Museum of Prehistory, which offers fascinating insights into early human life. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and verdant landscapes, Les Eyzies provides a serene and historically rich destination for visitors interested in exploring humanity’s distant past.
18. Bordeaux
When you think about French wine, you probably think of Bordeaux. But don’t just go here for the wine, the town is cute and is worth visiting.
Bordeaux, located in southwestern France, is a dynamic city celebrated for its world-class wine industry, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts stunning 18th-century buildings, grand boulevards, and the iconic Place de la Bourse with its mesmerizing Water Mirror.
Bordeaux’s numerous wine bars, exceptional dining options, and proximity to the renowned vineyards of the Bordeaux wine region make it a paradise for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The city’s thriving arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and lively atmosphere ensure a memorable experience for every visitor.
19. Saint Jean de Luz
Located in the French Basque Country, this is the town where Louis XIV was married. It is also the town where my husband was born.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is renowned for its charming harbor, sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The town’s vibrant streets are lined with colorful Basque houses, lively markets, and quaint shops, creating a delightful ambiance.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is famous for its seafood cuisine, particularly its fresh fish and local delicacies like Basque cake. Its historic significance is highlighted by the Church of Saint John the Baptist, where King Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660, making it a captivating destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
Take a tour of the town, including food, here.
Read more about the French Basque country here.
20. Biarritz
Also located in the French Basque country, this seaside town is quaint and beautiful. Go for the beach and the seafood ! You won’t be disappointed.
Biarritz is a glamorous seaside town known for its stunning beaches, vibrant surf culture, and luxurious atmosphere. The town’s coastline features dramatic cliffs, beautiful sandy shores, and the iconic Rocher de la Vierge, offering breathtaking ocean views.
Biarritz is famous for its elegant architecture, including the historic Hôtel du Palais, once a summer residence for Napoleon III. With its mix of upscale boutiques, gourmet dining, and lively nightlife, Biarritz attracts both surfers and sophisticates, making it a premier destination for those seeking both adventure and indulgence.
Take a guided walking, gourmet tour here.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, I still have much exploring and traveling to do ! But I love discovering new places and plan to travel more this year, next year, and so on ! So check back for updated posts !
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