The 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France in 2023

France has a lengthy and fascinating history, and its landscape reflects this. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the beaches of the Mediterranean, there is much to see in France. While Paris may be the most popular destination, there are other beautiful places to visit. Here are 15 of the most beautiful places to see in France.

1. Paris

France has an abundance of stunning locations to explore, but Paris is truly a standout. The City of Love is home to some of the world's most famous art and architecture, not to mention a wealth of history and culture. Some of the many beautiful places to see in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world; Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with a bell tower climb that offers stunning city views; the Louvre with over eight million works of art and artifacts; and Champs-Élysées which is home to some of Paris's most upscale designer stores. And, of course, Paris would not be complete without its stunning river views.

Eiffel Tower at sunrise from Trocadero Fountains in Paris

2. The French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur, sometimes referred to as the French Riviera, is a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in southeastern France. It extends from the city of Nice in the west to Saint-Tropez in the east. The coastline is about 180 miles long and is known for its mild climate, sunny weather, and luxury resorts. The French Riviera is one of the well-known tourist destinations in the world and attracts visitors from all over. If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, plenty of things can keep you occupied, from taking historic walks in the Old Town of Nice to soaking up the sun in Théoule-Sur-Mer.

Yachts in bay near houses and hotels, Fontvielle, Monte-Carlo, Monaco, Cote d'Azur, French Riviera

3. Bordeaux

The lovely city of Bordeaux is situated in the southwest of France. It is known for its stunning architecture, delicious wine, and friendly people. Visitors to Bordeaux can enjoy exploring the city’s many historic monuments and churches, sampling the local wine, and strolling through the picturesque streets. Top attractions include Place de la Comedie, a beautiful square located in the city center of Bordeaux and named after the theater built here in 1772. Another attraction is Place de la Bourse, which is home to the Bourse, or stock exchange, and a favorite meeting spot for both locals and visitors, and is one of the most photographed spots in Bordeaux.

Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux

4. Lyon

The picturesque city of Lyon is situated in the southeast of France.. It is known for its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, festive food, and nightlife scene. Visitors to Lyon can explore its many historical landmarks, shop in its trendy boutiques, and enjoy its delicious cuisine. One of the most attractive areas in Lyon is Presqu'île, a peninsula on the Rhône River. There are several historical sites there, such as medieval buildings and Roman ruins. It is also known for its well-preserved cobblestone streets, a popular place for walking and strolling. Lyon is also known for its lively nightlife scene. The city has many areas where you can go to bars and clubs or enjoy a glass of wine at the local bistro.

Panorama of Lyon France

5. Marseille

Marseille is located on the Mediterranean coast and is known for its sunny weather, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Visitors to Marseille can enjoy the city's many beaches, including the Plage de la Pointe Rouge, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. Other popular attractions include the Vieux Port (Old Port), where you can stroll along the waterfront and watch the boats as they enter and leave; Notre-Dame de la Garde, a 19th-century basilica with panoramic city views; and the Calanques de Marseille National Park, which offers hiking trails, cliffs for climbing, and crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The city's main museums include the Palais Longchamp, home to the most extensive collection of Roman artifacts in France; the Musée Cantini, which features works by local artists and hosts rotating exhibitions; and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille, which holds a variety of permanent collections and exhibitions. Locals recommend making a stop at the Barriere de Fontvielle, one of Marseille's oldest neighborhoods, which has preserved its typical narrow alleys and old stone houses.

Harbor at Marseille

6. Toulouse

In the South of France is the city of Toulouse and is known for its picturesque canals and bridges. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many beautiful buildings and monuments. The famed Airbus manufacturing is located in the city as well., where you can tour and learn about the history of aircraft manufacturing in France. Toulouse is a great place to visit for its beauty, history, and culture. Visit the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a beautiful Romanesque church that is one of the largest in Europe. Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a gorgeous botanical garden with over 10,000 species of plants. Explore the Cité de l'Espace, a theme park dedicated to space exploration with interactive exhibits and simulations. And that's just the beginning! Toulouse is also home to excellent restaurants, bars, and shops, so you can easily spend a few days here exploring everything this city has to offer.

Light on a bridge in Toulouse city

7. Annecy

Situated in the French Alps, Annecy is often referred to as “the Venice of the Alps,” thanks to its stunning setting on Lake Annecy. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking in the area. Outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are also very popular in Annecy. In the town itself, you can wander through medieval streets and admire quaint houses painted in pastel colors. Annecy is also a popular tourist destination in the winter, thanks to its picturesque Christmas Market.

Beautiful flower pots along the canals in Annecy

8. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a lovely city located in the northeastern part of France, on the border with Germany. With roots in the Roman Empire, the city has a long and rich history, and is home to several important historical landmarks. The Strasbourg Cathedral, completed in 1439, is one of Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture. The Grande Île (Grand Island), on which the city is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Strasbourg is an important cultural center, with numerous museums and art galleries. The city is also home to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. With its central location in Europe, Strasbourg is an ideal base for exploring the region. One of the top attractions in Strasbourg is its Cathédrale de Strasbourg, the city's highest point. It was constructed between 1439 and 1779, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is here that the famous astronomical clock can be seen. The original date of construction was 1278 when Strasbourg was still a German city.

Buildings in a park in the city of Strasbourg

9. Montpellier

Montpellier is a stunning city located in the south of France. The city is home to several beautiful buildings, monuments, parks, and gardens. In Montpellier, there are also a lot of museums and galleries, making it the perfect destination for those who love art and culture. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montpellier is one of the city's most famous museums. The museum features a collection of art from the Renaissance to the present day. The gallery also has a section devoted to contemporary art. One popular park is Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier, which is home to a variety of plant species, as well as a pond and a fountain. Visitors to the park can also enjoy various activities, such as picnicking, hiking and paramotoring.

Paramotoring in the south of France

10. Nante

Nante is a picturesque city located in the Loire Valley of France. The city is situated on the River Loire and is known for its beautiful architecture and historical landmarks. Like other French cities, Nante is also home to many museums and art galleries, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. For example, the Musee des Beaux-Arts d'Angers is a contemporary art museum that features paintings and sculptures from artists such as Auguste Rodin. Nante also has its historical monuments. The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne is an impressive castle built in the 12th century. The chateau has a drawbridge, towers, and numerous other architectural features, and encircled by a moat. There are also many impressive churches in Nante, including the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice. The structure was built in the fifteenth century and features three spires and a large stained glass window.

11. Bordeaux

Bordeaux, one of the cities in the southwest of France, is renowned for its magnificent architecture, delectable wine, and warm inhabitants. Visitors to Bordeaux will enjoy exploring the city's many historic landmarks, sampling the local cuisine, and spending time outdoors in the lovely weather. Bordeaux is home to some of France's most iconic architectural landmarks. The Cathédrale Saint-André is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, while the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is a must-see for art lovers. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Musée d'Aquitaine, which houses artifacts from the region's history. The food in Bordeaux is unsurprisingly excellent, thanks to the city's renowned wine industry.

Vineyards in Saint-Émilion, an appellation in the Bordeaux wine region of France

12. Avignon

Avignon is where you may find some of France's most impressive art and architecture. The Palais des Papes is one of the places you can discover in this city. The palace, which was constructed in the 14th century, is a superb illustration of Gothic design. The palace's interior is just as beautiful as the exterior, with intricate tapestries and paintings. Avignon is also home to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aqueduct, constructed in the first century AD, is an incredible feat in engineering. Visitors can walk or bike along the aqueduct, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants serving up traditional French cuisine. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some delicious food, then Avignon is definitely the place for you.

Historic Center of Avignon Provence

13. Colmar

Nestled in the heart of Alsace of northeastern France, France is the fairytale town of Colmar. With its half-timbered houses and ancient churches, it's no wonder this medieval town looks like something out of a storybook. Colmar is a charming destination that is ideal for a solo wander or romantic break. It is known for its quaint old town, lovely canals, and picturesque setting. Colmar has a wide variety of attractions for tourists to choose from, from strolling through the historic streets and admiring the architecture to enjoying the local wine and cuisine.

Christmas decorations on the streets of Colmar

14. Chamonix

The charming town of Chamonix is located in the French Alps, close to the Swiss border and a town in the Haute-Savoie region of France. The town is known for its stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the views of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe, from the cable car or take a hike to one of the many waterfalls in the area. The town has a lively nightlife with many bars and restaurants to choose from. French clothing and trinkets can also be found in a number of stores and boutiques. Chamonix is also popular for mountain activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. The Aiguille du Midi cable car offers views of the Mont Blanc Massif from its summit. The Parc de Merlet is a nature reserve home to many animals, including chamois and ibex.

The Mount Blanc in Chamonix

15. Versailles

Versailles is a wealthy suburb of Paris, the town and capital of Yvelines Département, famous worldwide for the Château de Versailles and the gardens of Versailles. Château de Versailles was the former palace of Louis XIV and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is massive, with over 2,000 rooms and covering over 67 hectares. Built in the seventeenth century by King Louis XIV, this massive palace was once the home of French royalty. Today, it's a popular tourist destination, where visitors can explore the stunning gardens, tour the lavish apartments, learn about the history of this iconic palace, or even take a boat ride on the Grand Canal. The palace is renowned for its lavish architecture and opulent décor, as well as its extensive grounds, which include the famed “Queen’s Hamlet.” The Queen’s Hamlet is a charming cluster of 18th-century cottages set amid picturesque gardens. This was once a private retreat for Queen Marie Antoinette, where she could escape the formality of court life.

Château de Versailles with its beautiful gardens

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