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.
2. Pont du Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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?
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19 Comments
Judy
June 11, 2016 at 8:16 amAll so beautiful in their own way
Thank u for sharing
Jan
June 11, 2016 at 2:53 pmYes, good point. They are so beautiful!
Karen Warren
June 13, 2016 at 7:19 amI’ve only been to two on your list (Versailles and Honfleur) but I’d love to see the others. Especially the Pont du Gard, which looks quite spectacular.
Jan
June 13, 2016 at 2:58 pmThe Pont du Gard is especially appealing because you can picnic, hike, or rent a kayak to see the area.
Jane Canapini
June 13, 2016 at 11:35 amI love those chateaux! I have decided that I am definitely a castle-palace-chateau-kind of girl and the more of these I get to visit, the merrier. Thanks for giving me more ideas for where to go in France!
Jan
June 13, 2016 at 2:58 pmYou’re welcome. I can’t get enough of chateaux too!
Kay Dougherty
June 13, 2016 at 4:15 pmI’d love to see these villages in the spring or fall so I could experience them without crowds. This has been a tough year for France (their own constant strikes don’t help them any) and I’d like to see things take a turn for the better.
Jan
June 14, 2016 at 7:11 amYes, spring and fall are the nicest times. The summer can just be too hot! One can only hope things will get better.
Julie Dawn Fox
June 13, 2016 at 4:46 pmI haven’t been to any of these apart from Versailles but I barely remember it so it doesn’t count – I know I’d appreciate it far more with older eyes. From your photos and descriptions, I think I’d really like Annecy, Monte St. Michel and Gordes
Jan
June 14, 2016 at 7:11 amYou’d love any one of those! I had had Mont St. Michel on my mind for years and when I finally went, it was definitely worth it.
Denis Gagnon
June 13, 2016 at 8:53 pmI could not agree with you more! And you selected ten beautiful locations. I can’t wait for your sequel on “ten more beautiful places that will make you want to visit France”!
Thanks for a great posting.
Jan
June 14, 2016 at 7:12 amThank you. I’ll have to start thinking about my next 10!
Patti Morrow
June 15, 2016 at 11:41 pmThey are all gorgeous! Mont St. Michel, Normandy has been on my bucket list for a while, but now Gordes is also on it!
Jan
June 16, 2016 at 8:42 amThat’s great! Just don’t be turned off by the crowds. It does die down later in the day!
Irene S. Levine
June 17, 2016 at 8:59 pmWhat beautiful architecture! I would love to visit each of them.
Jan
June 17, 2016 at 9:04 pmIt will be worth your while!
Sue Reddel
June 18, 2016 at 1:33 pmThere you go again adding more places that we need to visit in France. If you keep this up we’ll be going more than 20 times like you 😉
Jan
June 18, 2016 at 2:03 pmYou’re too funny. So, how many times have you been???
Rosie Hill (@EcoGitesLenault)
December 27, 2016 at 3:11 amGreat to see 2 Normandy sites here!