The most beautiful places to visit in France
With its gorgeous rural scenery, world-class wines, culture-packed cities and sophisticated cooking, it’s no wonder France is such a well-loved holiday destination.
In 2024, France hosted a bigger influx of visitors than usual, thanks to the sporting calendar's most important event: the Summer Olympics. The games were held primarily in Paris, with millions of sports fans visiting the French capital and the surrounding region, making the City of Light even more lively than usual.
But if sports and big crowds aren't your thing, we've got you covered. Plenty of places besides Paris have captured our hearts, with gorgeous locations dotted all over the country.
France’s varied landscapes, from the idyllic beaches of Corsica and the Cote d’Azur to the heavenly mountains of the French Alps and the gently rolling vineyards of the Rhône Valley and Bordeaux, make it an unparalleled holiday destination, with many reasons to keep returning.
So, whatever type of holiday you have in mind, our selection of unforgettable trips will take you to the most beautiful places to visit in France, showing you the very best the country has to offer.
These exclusive, financially protected getaways allow you to travel with other Good Housekeeping readers and soak up the wonders of France in 2024 and 2025 – and you’ll even be joined by some celebrity guests for unique events along the way.
The Loire Valley
The exquisite Loire Valley in central France is known and loved for its ornate cathedrals, colourful gardens, hearty cuisine and historic châteaux. Among these are Chateau Villandry, with its pretty gardens, Chateau Amboise, the 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII, and Chateau Chenonceau, once home to Mary Queen of Scots, arguably the most stately of the Loire châteaux.
As well as exploring these delightful castles, a trip to the Loire Valley helps you understand why this lovely region is known as the 'Garden of France'. It's one of France's most idyllic rural regions, with an abundance of fruit orchards, vineyards, pretty parks and manicured gardens.
You can visit all of the above on Good Housekeeping's fabulous Loire Valley tour. Also on the itinerary is the opulent Château de Fontainebleau, a truly fairytale castle where you can marvel at the luxurious décor of intricate frescoes and exquisite furniture.
Bordeaux
Gourmet travellers needn't look further than Bordeaux, the ideal destination for a scenic break where you can sample exquisite dishes made from the rural region’s fabulous produce, and sip some of Europe’s finest wines.
Its famous Médoc region is the jewel in Bordeaux’s crown and is well-known for its lavish chateaux, such as Château de Malle and Château La Louvière. You’ll be spoilt for pretty little towns and villages to tick off your list too, as you explore world-class appellations including Cadillac and Saint-Émilion, to name just two. Soak up the atmosphere of these picturesque locations and when it’s time to quench your thirst, only the very best claret will do.
Good Housekeeping readers can enjoy an eight-day river cruise through the Médoc on board Uniworld's luxurious ship Bon Voyage in 2025. You'll be joined for part of your adventure by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who'll host a cooking demonstration and answer your questions in a Q&A session
Another option for exploring Bordeaux is an eight-day 'Best of Bordeaux' luxury river cruise. You'll sail along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers visiting traditional wineries and charming châteaux in Cussac Fort Médoc, Cadillac, and Saint-Émilion.
Corsica
Corsica’s pristine beaches and rugged landscapes are sometimes overlooked by travellers going for the glamour of Sardinia or the allure of the Cote d’Azur, but you’ll be well rewarded here with a unique holiday taking in the best of land and sea.
The island’s interior is great for hiking and excursions, and you won’t find yourself fighting for space on the glorious beaches lining the coast. The local cuisine is unique, with French and Italian influences, and the island makes some really delicious wines too. Corsica is proud of its heritage and has a very different culture from mainland France, but as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it has played a dramatic role in France’s history.
Good Housekeeping has an eight-day Mediterranean cruise which makes a stop in Bonifacio, the oldest town on Corsica. You'll see important religious monuments like the 13th-century Church of Saint-Dominique and the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, with its imposing bell tower.
Normandy
One of the closest parts of France to the UK, and easy to reach by boat if you're looking for a no-fly trip, Normandy is known for its wartime history, rich culture, varied architecture, and picturesque coastline.
It is home to some wonderfully scenic waterfront towns, including enchanting Honfleur, where a young Claude Monet first started painting landscapes outdoors, and which many other artists have called home over the centuries. As with most French regions, it has its own distinct cuisine to discover, including a wonderful range of cheeses.
Good Housekeeping's six-day cruise of Normandy and the Channel Islands will take you to Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly on the stylish ship Borealis before you arrive in Normandy to visit beautiful Honfleur. Here you'll have the chance to taste the unique local apple brandy Calvados and discover the commune's varied history.
The Dordogne
The Dordogne is one of France's most-visited regions, and with good reason. This scenic part of southwest France is known for its fairytale castles, incredible walled cities and fascinating museums all surrounded by beautiful rural scenery.
One of the Dordogne's most intriguing attractions is the Lascaux Cave, an elaborate cave system where chambers, galleries and shafts are adorned with almost 2,000 Upper Paleolithic paintings and engraved figures. Described by some art historians as the 'Sistine Chapel of prehistory,' visitors can explore wander through an exact copy of the decorated caverns, which feels like taking a step back to prehistoric times.
On Good Housekeeping's tour of the Dordogne, you'll visit the cave paintings at Lascaux as well as various walled towns and hilltop settlements across the region. A highlight is sure to be a visit to medieval Sarlat, perhaps the most picturesque town in the Dordogne region.
Giverny
Monet’s gardens in Giverny provided him with endless inspiration for his paintings, and you’ll feel inspired too with a visit to the lovingly restored grounds of his home and studio.
It's a wonderful place to visit for any art lover, where you can stroll around the beautiful flower gardens whose tulips, irises, poppies and peonies featured in many of Monet’s canvases.
Probably the most famous aspect of the garden is the tranquil, Japanese-inspired water garden, with its great willow tree and bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, where you can admire the iconic Japanese bridge and the pretty waterlilies.
On Good Housekeeping's tour of the Loire Valley, you'll explore the peaceful gardens at Giverny on a special day trip. You'll get to see the delightful Japanese water garden that inspired some of the impressionist's most famous paintings, including Les Nymphéas - the Water Lilies
Carcassonne
With stiff competition, Carcassonne must rank among France's most picturesque cities. This incredible walled city looks just like something from a fairytale, with its cream-coloured battlements and cone-topped turrets.
Visitors can soak in all the history contained within its walls as they wander ancient, cobbled lanes founded by Romans and trodden over the centuries by Saracens, Visigoths and rich mediaeval merchants. Restored in the mid-19th-century, the medieval citadel includes the inner Château Comtal and the beautiful church of St-Nazaire, which boasts wonderful views over the fortress.
Visit Carcassonne with Good Housekeeping and you'll enjoy an insightful walking tour of the city, where you'll learn all about its varied history. This six-day tour will also show you the Roman and medieval architecture of the wider region, including to the Pont du Gard, an ancient three-tiered Roman aqueduct.
French Riviera
Spend some time on the stunning Cote d’Azur and enjoy the glitz and glamour of this well-known playground of the rich and famous. The charming streets of Nice are the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Lose yourself in the Old Town before enjoying some sundowners at a rooftop bar or catching a show at a jazz club.
The beach clubs of St Tropez hold glitzy appeal, and don’t miss Monte Carlo – the pinnacle of old-school glamour. Retreat to the quaint medieval town of St Paul de Vence when you’re tired of being seen, and enjoy stunning views of the glittering Mediterranean.
The Pyrenees
Feel restored and refreshed by the cool mountain air with a trip to the stunning Pyrenees. Majestic scenery of rocky peaks and lush meadows await, as soaring bridges and viaducts give way to stunning valleys.
These rugged mountains form a natural border between France and Spain, and are home to some of France's rarest wildlife, like the endangered griffon vulture, a type of mountain goat called an izard, and brown bears.
You can take a step back in time as you board the region's historic trains to marvel at the spectacular views across this impressive terrain. You can also venture into charming hill-top towns like Villefranche-de-Conflent and Axat, and along picturesque trails, enjoying guided walks as you take in the sights and sounds of the mountains.
Paris
The City of Love has a timeless appeal, and will always top any list of the best places to visit in France for a chic city getaway. In 2024 the city has been even more of a magnet for visitors than usual, as world's top athletes and millions of sports fans gathered in the capital for the Summer Olympics.
Now that the Olympics are over, you can enjoy a more classic Parisian break, where you can stroll the romantic streets, dine at an authentic bistro and while away the afternoon at one of the city’s many galleries.
A visit to the Sacre Coeur offers breathtaking views over the city, and while you’re there you can linger in the quirky shops and cosmopolitan cafes of Montmartre.
Lake Annecy
Annecy, a charming alpine town in southeastern France, is known as 'the Venice of the Alps' due to the three flower-lined canals which run through it. It's also right on the shores of the sparkling, turquoise Lake Annecy, surrounded by mountains and bordered by sandy beaches.
Make sure you visit the 13th-century Château d'Annecy and the intriguing museum within its walls. You might want to have lunch at the popular picnic spot of Champs de Mars where you can cross Lovers' Bridge.
Otherwise, just do as the locals do and take an ambling walk along the lake edge, with pitstops in the pretty public garden and on the lake's beach, or take a boat trip across the crystal-clear waters.
Lot Valley
This classic rural region of South West France is well worth a visit for lovers of the French countryside. Unspoilt, romantic views and a gentle pace of life make the Lot Valley the perfect place for a relaxing holiday where you can unwind and get away from the stresses of everyday life.
Explore medieval hilltop towns like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and marvel at the limestone cliffs that make the scenery so spectacular here. Satisfy your desire for delicious gastronomy in nearby Cahors – truffles are a local specialty – and visit the medieval abbey in Moissac, further south.
Toulon
Toulon, a coastal city in southern France, is a delightful destination with so much to offer. The picturesque harbour, lined with colourful buildings, is the perfect place for leisurely walks and waterfront dining in the sun, and the Grand Musée National de la Marine is a must-see for anyone with an interest in maritime history.
You can also spend a few hours exploring the historic old town with its charming squares and narrow streets or take a cable car up to the stunning Mont Faron for panoramic views of the incredible coastline. Toulon boasts beautiful beaches and a vibrant Provencal atmosphere, making it a captivating spot for a French getaway.
Chamonix
The French Alps are perhaps most often associated with winter sports, being home to some of the world's most sought-after ski resorts. But these remarkable mountains should not be overlooked in the spring, summer, and autumn months.
Take the stylish resort town of Chamonix, for example. Located at the base of Mont Blanc, it's best known as an upmarket skiing destination, with luxurious Savoyard chalets and exceptional slopes with jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc.
But there's still so much to do in Chamonix and the surrounding region if winter sports aren't your thing. Hiking is a popular activity, allowing you to see the beauty of these Alpine landscapes when bursts of colourful wildflowers are in bloom.
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