10 Beautiful Places That Will Make You Want To Visit France

I’m often asked, “ Where is my favourite place in France?” If you’re talking about what places I find incredibly beautiful, it’s so hard to choose. I won’t even mention those in Paris that I love because there are so many beautiful places.

So this week’s post is to share with you 10 places I’ve visited outside of Paris that I think are beautiful just look at. See how many places you know. I am still adding to my collection and I apologize in advance for possibly not showing one of your favourites. I’ll have to do a future post with more places.

1. Gordes

This was the first place outside of Paris that I ever stayed. It is designated one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The most beautiful villages of France). Don’t be deterred by all the tourists. It is a beautiful place to visit, particularly in the Spring and Fall. Check out this post to find out more: The Most Beautiful Hilltop Village In Provence.

Gordes France Photo: J. Chung

2. Pont du Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon

Pont du Gard, France

This Roman aqueduct in southern France is beautiful to look at from afar or even  from underneath (in a kayak).

3. Mont St. Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint Michel France

Incredibly crowded in the summer but a beauty from far away. It is worth heading to the west coast of France and going to see it.

4. Honfleur, Normandy

Honfleur, France. Photo: J. Chung

16th to 18th century townhouses line the Vieux-Bassin (old harbor). Nothing better than sitting at a cafe overlooking the water, eating seafood and having a glass or two of wine.

5. Versailles, île-de-France

Versailles, France. Photo: J. Chung

The Palace of Versailles is more than just the chateau. There are beautiful gardens, the Petite Trianon and Grand Trianon, and of course The Queen’s Hamlet, basically a village with a farm created especially for Marie Antoinette. Check out what this oasis was like in the post, “Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and Hamlet“.

6. Chateau de Chenonceau, Loire

Chateau du Chenonceau France

Glorious chateau in the Loire Valley spanning the River Cher that was built from 1514–1522 and was given by Henry II to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Unfortunately, after King Henry died, his wife, Catherine de’ Medici kicked her out but gave her Chateau Chaumont (another beautiful chateau).

7. Château de Villandry, Loire

Chateau de Villandry, France

Just one word: gardens. While you can visit the interior of the chateau which was built in the early 1500s, it is in the gardens where you will want to spend your time. The gardens are on 3 terraces and include a water garden, flower gardens and vegetable gardens.

8. L’Isle Sur La Sorgue, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France. Photo: J. Chung

Known for it’s Thursday and Saturday markets that have more than just food. It is well known for the large number of antique dealers that attend.

9. Saint-Cirq-LaPopie, Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées

Saint Cirq Lapopie France

This town is located on a cliff in the Lot region and is another “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”.  This medieval village has narrow, cobblestone streets and a fortress. It is certainly a town worth visiting if you are in the area.

10. Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Annecy, France

Summer or winter, Annecy is a favourite town to visit in the Haute-Savoie region, south of Geneva. It is sometimes called the “Venice of the Alps” due to all the two canals and river which meander throughout the town.

Where are your favourite beautiful places in France?