For Filipino travelers or travelers in general, a trip to Paris is a dream come true! But now that you’ve visited the city of lights, you may now wonder what more France has to offer on your next trip. Should you just revisit Paris once again? You could do that of course! But did you know that there are other 6 beautiful places in France that you will love?
The 6 most beautiful places in France that we’ve listed below are some of our actual favorites as well, and we know that you will have a great time exploring these new spots.
Northern France
Bordeaux
They say that when you visit France for the first time, tour around Paris. But when you come back, explore Bordeaux! The locals of Bordeaux are right. The culture, city, and food are just some of the reasons why you should consider visiting the city.
Big fan of artistic architecture? Here, each building in the town center has its unique charm that keeps on luring travelers from all over the world! Stroll along the river and understand why France is one of the best countries to travel to in the world. Witness how laidback and simple the lives of the locals are compared to the city of Paris which is still a bit laidback back compared to the fast-paced lives in other major cities in the world!
Bordeaux wines are also famous worldwide and are a must-visit for every wine lover.
How to go to Bordeaux from Paris?: Bordeaux is just 2 hours away from the city center of Paris. For this reason, this city is worth visiting if you have a spare day on your trip to Paris.
Mont Saint-Michel
Located in Normandy, in the Northern region of France, Mont Saint-Michel is one of Europe’s unforgettable sights. The beautiful mountain island is surrounded by the sea, and an abbey rests on top of it. You might think that this looks familiar, and you’re right about it! Mont Saint-Michel is the inspiration for multiple Disney cartoons like Tangled, and Three Musketeers. For that reason, Mont Saint-Michel charmed its way into tourists’ hearts, attracting visitors from all over the world. For that reason, Mont Saint-Michel is one of our picks for Most Beautiful Places in France.
Tourists commonly arrange a day tour from Paris as this is closer to the capital compared to other destinations like Southern France. Aside from the eye-catching attraction, Mont Saint-Michel is home to several old buildings that feature intricate Gothic architecture.
It would roughly take you an hour’s worth of sightseeing as you marvel at the beauty of the island commune.
How to get to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?: Mont Saint-Michel is located a 3-4 hour drive away from Paris. It is ideal to take the train because it cuts the trip shorter to just a little over 2 hours.
Alsace
Located in the North Eastern part of France, Alsace is located near the Swiss and German border. This place is quite different from all the other destinations that we’ll discuss. The second you walk around, you will notice that the architecture is not quite French. You might even think that it looks a bit German. The distinctive culture and uniqueness of Alsace is enough for it to be one of the most Beautiful Places in France
Well tracing back to a complex history of Alsace, Germanic influences are quite obvious here, most people even speak a Germanic dialect, Alsatian. Alsace is also popular for its cuisine. The melting pot of cultures is also noticeable in the plates you will order, as the German and French cultures are served on a plate.
But did you know that Strasbourg, Colmar, and Eguisheim of France transform into a total Christmas wonderland during the holidays? Tourists all over the world who want to experience white Christmas travel all the way to Alsace just to get closer and immerse in this unique Christmas experience. The Christmas markets, snow-covered surroundings, and the whole town transform magically.
If you’re visiting Alsace in the summer, be sure to drop by again in Strasbourg. It is where La Petite France, a village that dates back to the 15th century. Today, it is a photogenic village where quaint old houses stand next to each other. Feast your eyes, and take a ton of photos because no matter where you are in La Petite France you will surely find a spot that is perfect for photos.
How to get to Alsace from Paris?: Alsace is typically a 5-hour drive from Paris. But if you take the train from Paris, you will cut your travel time to just 3 hours.
Southern France
Provence
The South of France is a region in France that gained popularity across the world for several years now. Provence is just one of the regions that comprise this Southern region. Provence is home to the world-famous Provençal Lavender which is a product of one of the largest Lavender Fields in the world! You might have been familiar with this as it is all over social media!
The Museum of Lavender or Le Musée de la Lavande is just one of the spots you should visit if you love lavender! Watch the fields turn purple during the summer months and don’t forget to take this opportunity to capture photos and immortalize this experience!
How to get to Provence from Paris? You may opt to go on a train ride from Gare de Lyon in Paris for more than 13 hours due to transfers. Or you could fly to Provence from CDG airport.
Côte D’Azure (Nice)
Coastal destinations like Nice and Saint Tropez have been on the scene for quite some time now. Nice was considered to be a winter resort by British Aristocrats during the 1800s. But you don’t have to be an aristocrat today for you to visit Nice, and enjoy the Mediterranean and the unique cultural experience that Nice has to offer! This destination is not an underrated one, but still one of the most Beautiful Places in France due to its beaches, and Mediterranean vibe.
The colorful Vieille Ville or Old Town in Nice is worth stopping for! The narrow alleyways and colorful buildings express the distinct spirit of this town. It is somehow similar to how Italian towns look while still in France. Don’t forget to drop by the local market and try the best dishes and freshest produce of Nice.
Interested in modern art? Then the Matisse Museum is for you to visit. The museum is home to 31 paintings and more than 50 sculptures by Henri Matisse. Some of Matisse’s other works are also displayed in the Los Angeles Museum of Modern art.
Côte D’Azure (Saint Tropez)
Let’s now drive further to St. Tropez, another destination in Côte D’Azur. St. Tropez is a world-renowned destination for luxury travelers and the world’s richest since the 1800s. The town is a popular travel destination among the European elites. The lavish and opulent lifestyle is still pretty obvious even today as millionaires, international celebrities and personalities make Saint Tropez their destination of choice for their vacations. A place fit for the world’s most famous people, celebrities, and even royalties, Saint Tropez is one of the most beautiful places in France.
But you don’t have to own a yacht nor to be a popular personality to take a detour here. Just like other spots in France, Saint Tropez is home to a lot of cafes and restaurants worth trying. Be sure to check them out. Aside from the restaurants, Saint Tropez beaches are quite popular among locals and tourists as well.
Saint Tropez is located in the Southern France region, making it a good add-on to any South of France trips. South of France is best explored with your own car. So it is best to rent one while you’re there. There are several car rental shops in the region that you can contact.
Have some more time? While in the southern region of France, drive to Monaco, and Cannes. They are just a few kilometers away and make a good spot for sightseeing as well. Although without the film festival, Cannes is almost the same as Nice and Saint Tropez.
How to get to Nice, Saint Tropez from Paris?: Nice is located on the coastal side of France, near the Mediterranean. Taking a plane is your fastest bet while taking a train would take you almost 7-8 hours.
Central France
Loire Valley
For travelers who are big fans of wine, Loire Valley is definitely on their list aside from Bordeaux. Loire Valley is located in the center of France. The Loire River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site truly makes the valley a wonder on its own. Making it a perfect setting for vineyards.
But there’s more to Loire Valley that you should know. It is home to a beautiful Chateau that makes your fairytale dream come true. As a matter of fact, you have more than 300 chateaus to choose from! From smaller homes to lavish regal residences! But some of the best ones include the impressive and palatial estate of Château de Chambord, Château d’Azay le Rideau which looked like it jumped out of a Disney film.
After exploring the beautiful chateaus, the next thing to do is to visit a French Vineyard! Spanning over 1,000 kilometers of wine routes, the Loire Valley is one of the largest wine producers in the country. There are a lot of vineyards to choose from so choose one that offers activities that you will love. From wine tastings, biking along the vineyard, and if the timing is right, witness the harvest time of grapes, and see some of the processes it undergoes.
How to get to the Loire Valley from Paris?: Loire Valley is probably the nearest destination you should visit outside of Paris. A train ride of 1.5 hours will get you there.
After learning about the most Beautiful Places in France you should visit aside from Paris, plan your itinerary now! Know the best time to visit Paris and learn the Top 6 Must-See places in Paris! Craving for French food? Check out the 6 best French restaurants in Manila!
