Exploring Beyond Paris: The Top Destinations in France This Year

The French have mastered the art of leisure, relishing in the exploration of their beautiful country year after year. It's no surprise—France is brimming with diversity. With stunning coastlines, one caressed by the calm Mediterranean and the other roaring with Atlantic waves, plus over 1,000 islands, the landscape is breathtaking. Venture inland, away from bustling cities filled with restaurants, markets, and museums, and you'll discover tranquil countryside dotted with charming villages, vineyards, and even the remnants of ancient volcanoes awaiting your hike.

The key is to savor each moment. You could easily dedicate two weeks to just exploring Provence or Corsica. So, as you plan your French adventure, embrace the French philosophy—choose one spot and dive deep into its wonders. There's always next year to discover somewhere new. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best places to explore in France.

What are the best places for first-time visitors to France?

Provence

Nowhere else embodies the essence of France quite like Provence, where olive trees grace the sun-baked landscape and vibrant lavender fields explode in color each June. This is the France that inspired Cézanne’s dreamy landscapes, where sunshine graces the land for nearly 300 days a year, and the weekly market day still dictates the rhythm of life.

Make Aix-en-Provence your starting point. This sun-drenched maze of ancient stone buildings and creaky shutters is both a laid-back university town and an elegant former provincial capital. A few days here is ample to soak in its delights: guided tours through the bustling olive markets followed by a game of pétanque, the Bonnard exhibition (and the lovely courtyard garden) at the Hôtel de Caumont, and at least one leisurely afternoon enjoying rosé in a shaded square, with the soothing sound of church bells in the background.

A car is essential for further exploration, ideally staying in a mas (farmhouse B&B) along the way. The picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, with its charming tile-roofed homes perched on a rocky promontory, is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful in France—drawing many visitors, especially in July and August when the French take their month-long holidays. Take your time wandering through the Luberon to uncover Provence’s hidden gems, including the medieval village of Oppède le Vieux, hiking in the Foret de Cedres near Bonnieux, and kayaking on the Sorgue River.

What if I enjoy big waves and a relaxed vibe?

Biarritz

In France’s surfing capital, just a half-hour from the Spanish border, you can truly unwind. It’s the only place in the country where you might see a surfer carrying their longboard through city streets en route to a Michelin-starred restaurant. This is a different side of France, energized by the wild Atlantic surf and the vibrant Basque culture and cuisine.

That said, the secret is definitely out. Biarritz has become as stylish and pricey in certain areas as it is relaxed in others. However, if you’re not a Parisian driving up local property costs, you’ll find a warm welcome, powerful surf, and ample chances to sample the local hot pepper, piment d’Espelette.

Avoid the upscale Grand Plage and rent boards or sign up for lessons at Hastea on the Côte des Basques instead. It’s not unusual to see surfers being rescued by helicopter when the beach disappears at high tide and waves crash against the promenade, so keep an eye on both the shore and the surf. If you'd rather stay dry, enjoy the show with a beer from Etxola Bibi perched on the clifftop.

I’m into urban music and street art.

Marseille

France’s second-largest city sparks mixed feelings. For some, Marseille is a quiet southern retreat; for others, it feels wild and even dangerous. The truth lies somewhere in between. While your first impression may be of charming pastel buildings and a harbor filled with yachts, the true rhythm of Marseille is more elusive.

Street art tours offer an excellent way to delve into the city's essence. The top guides will lead you away from the waterfront to discover the vibrant area around Le Cours Julien. Once filled with markets and warehouses, this neighborhood has transformed into a vivid outdoor gallery, adorned with striking street art, trendy galleries, coffee shops, and bars. At night, it’s one of the prime locations to enjoy a spritz (or three) with the locals.

Rap is as deeply woven into the city’s artistic fabric as its graffiti culture. An evolving legacy that began during Marseille’s 1980s heyday can be found in places mentioned by artists like Jul and SCH. If you’re new to French rap, the lyrics of their 2020 hit Bande Organisée vividly depict the city’s gritty side, giving fresh meaning to the phrase “C’est Marseille, bébé” (This is Marseille, baby).

For DJs and stunning views, make your way to R2 Le Rooftop, where crowds of thousands groove to a mix of hip-hop and house music all night long.

I’m on the hunt for art, culture, and photography. Surprise me!

Arles

The launch of the Frank Gehry-designed arts center, Luma, significantly elevated Arles’ profile three years ago. However, this small UNESCO-listed city has been on the French cultural map for a long time.

Getting oriented is a breeze. Arles centers around a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater, where mock gladiator battles captivate young audiences. Beyond that, narrow streets weave through ancient ruins and houses draped in vines, with restaurant tables spilling onto the sidewalks and hardly any cars in sight. It’s an enchanting locale, especially during its numerous festivals and events. Enjoy flamenco dancers performing under the moonlight in cobblestone courtyards during FlamencA, this year from July 29 to August 15, and then explore for free live music during Les Rues en Musique, taking place around the same time from July 26 to August 10.

The ideal time to visit is between July and September when you can experience the world-renowned Rencontres d’Arles, the annual photography festival that features exhibitions across various venues throughout the city. This year, the festival will delve into the theme “beneath the surface,” offering fresh perspectives and interconnected stories.

Staying at L’Arlatan, a beautifully vibrant boutique hotel housed in a historic mansion and renovated by artist Jorge Pardo, places you right in the heart of the city.

I’ve sampled all the culinary delights in Lyon. Where should I go next?

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is rapidly emerging as one of France's most vibrant and youthful cities, boasting a flourishing tech sector and a culinary scene that ranks among the finest in Europe. The wine industry has been integral to Bordeaux since the Middle Ages. While barrels are no longer rolled down to the Garonne, you can explore the fascinating Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to the history of wine and its production. The tourist office offers a detailed schedule of tours and tastings at nearby vineyards.

When it comes to dining, your choices are plentiful. Apart from Paris, Bordeaux claims to have the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country, with 12 earning one or two Michelin stars. Don’t miss the excellent Ressources, which features affordable and innovative three-, four-, or five-course menus. Anticipate beautifully crafted dishes like scallops with garlic and cédrat (a large, bumpy relative of the lemon) or goose breast with porcini mushrooms and caviar.

Seafood, particularly oysters from the tidal Arcachon basin, is a must-try, alongside an entrecôte bordelaise (steak in a rich red-wine sauce) and at least one canelé (Bordeaux’s signature rum-soaked pastry). Regardless of the season, the city-center covered market, Marché des Capucins, showcases the finest local produce.

Experience the lively atmosphere of Bordeaux by staying at the funky budget-boutique chain Mama Shelter, where you can also enjoy stunning views from the rooftop terrace.

Challenge my perceptions of France and its culture . . .

Corsica

Imagine lounging on the beach in the morning and trekking a snow-dusted trail by afternoon. This incredible blend is entirely feasible on Corsica, the French island adjacent to Sardinia in the northern Mediterranean, where towering mountains rise dramatically from the sea.

Corsicans often assert their identity: they are Corsican first and French second (if at all). Beyond their passionate politics, they have much to take pride in. Along with some of France's most stunning beaches—like the white sands and crystal-clear waters of Palombaggia and Rondinara that resemble the Caribbean—you'll encounter prehistoric ruins, ancient citadel towns, and picturesque ports like Bonifacio and Saint-Florent, where marinas teem with luxury yachts and speedboats.

While you can't explore the entire island in a single trip, you can easily connect major towns like Ajaccio, Porto Vecchio, and Bonifacio by navigating Corsica’s rugged landscapes in between. Completing the notorious 124-mile GR20 trail takes significant dedication and at least two weeks, but you can sample it by participating in one of the daily “stages.”

I crave rolling hills and lush landscapes.

The Auvergne

The French often joke about the diagonale du vide, a vast diagonal stretch of rural France from the northeast to the southwest. At its center lies the Auvergne, a true representation of pastoral tranquility, where thick forests seem to extend infinitely over rolling hills—actually the remnants of extinct volcanoes.

This untamed region is a delight to explore, especially with a sturdy pair of hiking boots. Ascending the Puy de Dôme, the tallest peak among the 80-plus volcanoes in the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys near Clermont-Ferrand, is an excellent starting point. You can also embark on the Auvergne cheese route, savoring slices of flavorful Bleu d’Auvergne, crumbly Cantal, and rich Saint-Nectaire along the way.

Luxury options abound if you know where to look, such as at the Hôtel Restaurant Le Pré, which boasts a two-Michelin-star dining experience. Unforgettable stays also await high in the treetops at the Cabanes des Volcans tree houses (available for booking in English through Airbnb).

I’m interested in the Riviera, but Cannes isn’t really my scene.

Nice

The Riviera offers so much more than the glamour of Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Unlike those resort towns, Nice retains its authenticity, especially as you explore beyond the Promenade des Anglais and the picturesque, albeit touristy, old town into the charming residential areas that rise up the hillside.

Place du Pin is the ideal local haunt, alive with café chatter from the first espresso to the final beer. Just a short stroll away lies the modern art museum, MAMAC, and the entrance to the lush Park de la Colline du Château, where stunning views of the bay await. A must-try local dish here is socca, a crispy pancake made from chickpea flour, best enjoyed at Chez Pipo.

Along the seafront, the Cours Saleya markets are a delightful place to explore, brimming with vibrant flowers and fresh produce every morning from Tuesday to Sunday. The narrow beach in Nice is best enjoyed lounging under the blue-and-white striped umbrellas of beach clubs, cocktail in hand. Alternatively, consider a stay at Hôtel la Pérouse, perched on the cliffs with expansive views over the stunning Baie des Anges.

How about exploring a completely unspoiled coastline?

Brittany

For those seeking coastal seclusion, Brittany is the perfect destination. Particularly outside the peak season, this northwestern tip of France remains a realm of wild, windy coves, charming harbor towns, a cluster of protected islands, and tidal saltwater pools. If you steer clear of July and August, when Parisians retreat to their vacation homes, you'll feel as though Brittany is all yours. Just keep in mind that experiencing the entire region in one visit is quite a challenge.

For those dreaming of sunsets, leisurely strolls, and ocean swims, the northern pink granite coast is your ideal base. The village of Ploumanac’h, renowned for the Men Ruz lighthouse, and Plougrescant, the northernmost point of Brittany, are perfect places to admire the stunning pink granite that gives the region its name.

In the Gulf of Morbihan to the south, the focus shifts to sailing. This sheltered bay is home to about 40 islands that you can discover aboard traditional fishing boats or small ferries that operate on the main routes.

Experience true seclusion with a brief stay on the wind-swept Ouessant, part of the Molène archipelago nestled in the Atlantic's embrace. The four-star Le Sport Ouessant & Spa features an outdoor pool, meditation areas, and a restaurant serving local dishes, all within just 11 peaceful rooms.

Discover more about why the best way to experience Brittany is from the sea.

This article was initially published in June 2023 and updated in June 2024 with fresh insights.