10 Best Places to Visit in France — Outside of Paris!

France is far more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Venture beyond Paris and you’ll find dramatic coastlines, sun-drenched vineyards, medieval villages, and Alpine peaks. Below are ten outstanding destinations that showcase the country’s regional variety, each with what to see, how to get there, and the best time to visit. If you’re curious about travel guides beyond Europe, check out this overview of top destinations in Mexico for inspiration on planning far-flung itineraries.

1. Provence (Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Luberon)

Highlights: Lavender fields, Roman ruins in Arles and Nîmes, hilltop villages in the Luberon, the Palais des Papes in Avignon.
How to get there: Fly into Marseille or Nice; trains connect to Avignon and Aix.
Best time: Late spring and early summer for lavender (June–July) and mild temperatures.

2. French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez)

Highlights: Glamorous beaches, seaside promenades, art museums (Matisse in Nice), and glamorous film festivals.
How to get there: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the regional hub; efficient TER trains link coastal towns.
Best time: May–June and September for warm weather with fewer crowds.

3. Loire Valley

Highlights: Iconic châteaux (Chambord, Chenonceau), riverside cycling, and acclaimed local wines.
How to get there: Trains from Paris to Tours or Amboise; many towns are bike-friendly.
Best time: Spring to early autumn for gardens and festivals.

4. Normandy (Étretat, Bayeux, Mont-Saint-Michel)

Highlights: D-Day beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry, dramatic cliffs at Étretat, and the miraculous mount of Mont-Saint-Michel.
How to get there: Fly into Deauville or take trains from Paris to Caen or Bayeux.
Best time: Late spring and summer for coastal hikes and clear skies.

5. Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion

Highlights: World-class vineyards and wine tours, elegant 18th-century architecture, and gourmet dining.
How to get there: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport and frequent TGV services from Paris.
Best time: Late summer and autumn during harvest season (September–October).

6. Lyon

Highlights: France’s culinary capital, Renaissance Vieux Lyon, and Roman ruins on Fourvière Hill.
How to get there: High-speed trains (TGV) from Paris and other major cities.
Best time: Year-round, especially during the Fête des Lumières in December.

7. The Alps (Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble)

Highlights: Mont Blanc views, skiing in winter, alpine lakes like Annecy for summer swimming and hiking.
How to get there: Fly to Geneva or Lyon; trains or rental cars to mountain towns.
Best time: Winter for skiing; summer for hiking and lake activities.

8. Strasbourg and Alsace

Highlights: Fairytale timbered houses, canals in Petite France, and a unique Franco-German culinary tradition.
How to get there: High-speed trains from Paris make Strasbourg easy to reach.
Best time: Spring and autumn for comfortable sightseeing; Christmas markets in December are magical.

9. Bordeaux Coast & Dune du Pilat

Highlights: Vast Atlantic beaches, surfing at Lacanau, and Europe’s tallest sand dune at La Dune du Pilat.
How to get there: Drive from Bordeaux or take regional trains to nearby towns.
Best time: Summer for beach activities, but evenings remain pleasant into September.

10. Corsica

Highlights: Rugged mountains, turquoise coves, Napoléon’s birthplace Ajaccio, and unique Corsican culture.
How to get there: Flights from mainland France or ferries from Nice, Marseille, and Toulon.
Best time: Late spring through early autumn for warm sea bathing and hiking.

Practical Tips for Exploring France Outside Paris

• Transportation: France’s TGV network and regional TER trains make cross-country travel quick; consider a rental car for countryside and coastal drives.
• Language: English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but a few French phrases go a long way in smaller towns.
• Food & Drink: Regional specialties vary—try bouillabaisse in Marseille, tarte flambée in Alsace, and cannelés in Bordeaux. Look for local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
• Money & Safety: Credit cards are widely accepted; carry a little cash for markets. France is generally safe for travelers, but watch for pickpockets in crowded transport hubs.
• Accommodation: Boutique hotels, châteaux stays, and vineyard gîtes offer memorable alternatives to chain hotels.

Sample 7–10 Day Itineraries

• Provence & Riviera: Fly into Marseille, rent a car for the Luberon, then head southeast to Nice and Antibes.
• Loire Valley & Bordeaux: Start in Tours to explore châteaux, then train or drive to Bordeaux for wine tours.
• Alps Adventure: Base in Chamonix for mountaineering or Annecy for lakeside relaxation combined with day trips to Grenoble.

Conclusion

If you want a broader regional perspective and a ready-made map of top French destinations beyond Paris, consult this helpful external resource for a complementary list and travel map: 12 Best Places to Visit in France Outside of Paris.