Top 10 destinations to explore in France

Nicola, one of the contributors to Dinogo Planet's latest guidebook on France, shares ten fantastic locations to consider for your French getaway.

With France being so belle, where do you even begin when planning a journey to this unapologetically gourmet, cultural, and artistic powerhouse of Europe?

From towering peaks and dramatic valleys in the majestic French Alps and Pyrenees to sunlit azure horizons and sculpted cliffs along its 4,853 km (3,015 miles) of coastline, L’Hexagone (the term the French use for their hexagon-shaped country) is rich in breathtaking natural wonders. Combine this with a treasure trove of human-made marvels—ancient Roman towns, art-filled cities, a capital renowned for its romance, and charming hilltop villages—and you’d need years to truly experience it all.

To savor the essence of French art de vivre, take your time moving between destinations—by train, bike, or car in the countryside. Spend days rather than hours at each spot, allowing plenty of time to wander through open-air markets, indulge in dégustation (tasting) with local producers, and enjoy leisurely lunches.

Here are the top 10 destinations for enjoying a mix of sights and activities.

1. Paris

Ideal for a spring city getaway

Charming Paris, with its elegant Haussmannian boulevards and renowned art galleries, captivates visitors year-round: the breathtaking cityscape from the basilica-topped Montmartre on a snowy winter day; leisurely cycling or strolling along the Seine or Canal St-Martin in autumn; exploring Cimetière du Père Lachaise post-rain; and being awed by the mesmerizing stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle on a radiant summer afternoon...

However, it’s during the vibrant, sunlit days of March and April that Paris truly reveals its enchanting energy and romance. Fresh goat cheese, rich Saint-Marcellin, and the last glimpses of winter’s Mont d’Or fill fromageries like Quatrehomme and Paroles de Fromagers (which features a cheese school and an upcoming museum). Cherry blossoms transform Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin des Plantes, and the hidden gem Parc de Sceaux into shades of pink. Café terraces spring to life, while rooftop bars and restaurants (such as the vegetarian Créatures atop Galeries Lafayette) awaken from their winter slumber. Paris’ festival scene flourishes.

Planning tip: Skip the metro and embrace the open skies by exploring the extensive network of dedicated, two-way cycling paths. Rent a public-sharing Vélib bike or a free-floating e-bike from Dott, Lime, or Tier; simply download the relevant app to find, pay for, and unlock your ride.

Learn more: 11 secrets only locals know in France (and now you do too)

2. Arcachon

Ideal for classic seaside allure

In the 19th century, artists were captivated by the shimmering blues, grays, and greens of northern France’s Côte d’Opale, and the golden hues of the Côte d’Azur drew them in during the 20th century. Both remain dazzling destinations. However, for a dose of retro charm, Arcachon on the Atlantic Coast stands out as a true gem. This unpretentious seaside town boasts a broad, golden-sand beach along its coastline, divided into four quarters named after the seasons, and a plethora of delightful seafood restaurants serving locally harvested oysters. Be sure to reserve a spot at Chez Pierre.

Planning to linger for a few days? Combine sun-soaked beach days with a coastal bike ride to Europe’s tallest sand dune, Dune du Pilat, followed by a boat trip across the bay to Cap Ferret. Here, you can climb a charming lighthouse, surf on fragrant pine-scented beaches, and visit a traditional oyster-farming village. If sea kayaking appeals to you, join Arcachon Kayak Aventure for a paddle to Île aux Oiseaux, a bird island that nearly vanishes at high tide.

3. Parc National de la Vanoise

Ideal for hiking and wildlife experiences

Bursting with adrenaline and natural splendor, France’s oldest national park spans 529 sq km (204 sq miles) of majestic mountains, glaciers, and verdant valleys in the French Alps. Renowned ski resorts like Val d’Isère and Tignes, which operate from late November to April, are favorites for snow enthusiasts. However, it’s the extensive network of summer hiking trails, including the legendary GR5 stretching from Lake Geneva in Haute-Savoie to Nice on the Mediterranean, along with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, that truly stand out.

Well-marked paths weave beneath 107 towering peaks exceeding 3000m (9842ft), home to France’s largest population of wild ibex. Be sure to embark on the spectacular day hike to Lac des Vaches (“Lake of Cows”), situated at 2318m (7605ft), which serves as a pasture for cows during August when the lake dries up completely. At other times, you can ‘walk on water’ along a 210m-long (689ft) boardwalk of stone slabs that crosses its moraine-fringed expanse.

Planning tip: Gather park information and trail maps at the Maison du Parc located in the charming alpine village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise, just a 1½-hour drive from Chambéry in Savoie.

4. The Loire Valley

Ideal for romantic château adventures

Nowhere showcases châteaux quite like France. For those visiting for the first time, the château-rich Loire Valley—just an hour's train ride from Paris to Tours—offers an enchanting introduction. Vineyards were first established along the banks of the River Loire by Roman winemakers, and you’ll find Sancerre, Chinon, St-Nicolas de Bourgeuil, and Montlouis-sur-Loire featured on wine lists. Later, French royalty indulged in lavish pleasure palaces and weekend hunting lodges during the Renaissance, with stunning sites like the 440-room Château de Chambord, the garden-adorned Château de Villandry, Chaumont-sur-Loire, and the irresistibly romantic Château de Chenonceau that must be experienced to be believed.

Forget wandering through dull, outdated rooms filled with relics. Château-hopping in this iconic valley means watching deer at dawn on the expansive estate of Chambord, witnessing the astonishing speed at which foxhounds devour 100kg (220lbs) of meat in mere seconds at Château de Cheverny, and savoring five centuries of history at the Gothic-to-Renaissance Château de Blois during an engaging son-et-lumière (sound-and-light show). To connect with the local river culture, navigate the Loire in a traditional flat-bottomed toue and spend a night camping on its picturesque banks.

Planning tip: Explore the châteaux by bike. Look into cycling routes, bike rentals, and cyclist-friendly accommodations with Loire à Vélo. Use the Les Châteaux à Vélo cycling trails to link the castles around Blois.

5. Bordeaux

Top wine region for tastings

Dégustation (tasting) is a vital aspect of everyday life in France’s renowned wine regions, including Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Alsace, the Loire, and Rhône Valleys, as well as Provence and Languedoc. However, it is the elegant city of Bordeaux—where English merchants shipped claret (red wine) from the quays in the 15th century and winegrowers dazzled the world with extraordinary Médoc and St-Émilion reds three centuries later—that beautifully combines top-quality vintages with accessible tours of historic estates.

Unforgettable highlights on a grand tasting tour around Bordeaux feature the “Guggenheim of wine,” La Cité du Vin; a wine tasting at the exceptional Bar à Vin within Maison du Vin de Bordeaux; and exclusive cellar tours at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion in the city and Château Lynch-Bages in the countryside, boasting cutting-edge winemaking facilities designed by the architect son of Pei, the mastermind behind the Louvre's glass pyramid.

Planning tip: Be sure to book cellar tours and dining reservations well ahead of time. In St-Émilion, enjoy a meal amidst sun-drenched vines at Château Troplong-Mondot’s Les Belles Perdrix vineyard restaurant. In the Médoc, Nomade is the hidden gourmet gem for wine enthusiasts.

6. Normandy

Best northern region for art lovers and food enthusiasts

From ancient cave paintings at Lascaux to the Louvre's Mona Lisa, France’s prestigious art collection spans numerous eras and styles. In northern France, Normandy’s remarkable light inspired the Impressionist movement. The renowned painter Claude Monet was captivated by Rouen’s stunning cathedral, painting it obsessively in the late 19th century, as well as sunrises in the UNESCO-listed port town of Le Havre and his beloved water lilies at his idyllic estate in Giverny.

Embark on an art lover’s pilgrimage to appreciate the many Norman inspirations of Impressionism from every perspective. Set up your easel to portray the iconic white chalk cliffs of Étretat. At low tide, stroll across the sand to explore the Gothic abbey of Mont St-Michel. Navigate through art galleries in the trendy Honfleur and enjoy the scenic beauty of the charming fishing village of St-Vaast-la-Hougue, surrounded by oyster beds. Don’t overlook the chance to taste Camembert: a visit to the village’s Ferme du Champ Secret, where they produce creamy AOP Camembert cheese using unpasteurized milk from their Normande cows, is truly memorable.

7. Côte d’Azur

Best for scenic train journeys and winter sunshine

When the desire strikes to glide past a picturesque panorama of vineyards, orchards, and vibrant blue waters, hop on a leisurely train ride along the Côte d’Azur (“Azure Coast”). This coastal journey along the Mediterranean takes you from the lesser-known Hyères to the Italian-influenced Menton (famous for its lemons!), with glamorous stops including the red-carpet town of Cannes, Picasso’s Antibes, the ochre-hued fishing village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the hilltop beauty of Èze, and the tiny principality of Monaco. Enjoy laid-back beach days, vibrant nightlife, cutting-edge art museums, historic gardens, and bustling open-air markets.

The ultimate southern train journey? A sleeper couchette on the revived Train Bleu (“Blue Train”) traveling from Paris to Nice, a favorite of 19th-century hivernants (winter travelers). Since 1896, they’ve been arriving in this Riviera capital seeking warmth, sunshine, and the invigorating sea breeze.

Planning tip: Combine coastal train trips with inland rail adventures to the perfume-making town of Grasse, explore the off-the-beaten-path Côte d’Azur on the Train des Merveilles (“Train of Marvels”), or travel back in time from Nice to Digne-les-Bains on the narrow-gauge Train des Pignes.

Read more: The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France

8. Rocamadour

Best for a family adventure in hilltop villages

The Luberon region in Provence is famous for its cluster of hilltop villages, including gourmet Bonnieux, the chateau-crowned Lacoste, and the stunning hike from the lavender-filled Abbaye de Sénanque to the cliffside beauty of Gordes. However, if you head west, the less-traveled Lot reveals a landscape where tourist crowds vanish, letting the natural splendor and charming medieval villages shine, perched on dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Perched high on cliffs, Rocamadour is a historic waypoint on the legendary pilgrimage from Rome to Santiago de Compostela, and it has the added delight of producing its own delicious cheese. This is made at goat farms like La Borie d’Imbert, which welcomes cheese enthusiasts and goat-loving children. Combine your visit with thrilling tree trampolining at Saute-Mouton and wild swimming at pebble beaches along the lively Lot and Dordogne rivers for an unforgettable family outing.

9. Corsica

Best for open-road adventures

In Corsica, journeys are about hours rather than miles, earning its nickname Île de Beauté (“Island of Beauty”) for a reason. Road trips are adorned with golden beaches, turquoise coves, and striking red rocks, allowing for leisurely pauses at charming hilltop villages, ancient churches, prehistoric sites, vineyards, and tempting culinary delights.

Aside from the busy month of August when French holidaymakers flock to Corsica for their summer escape, there’s no better place to relax and navigate stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe. Winding coastal roads and steep mountain paths add an exhilarating sense of adventure to your travels, while a wealth of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and sea kayaking help burn off energy. For book lovers, Corsican beaches—think Bonifacio, the uninhabited Lavezzi islands, and Porto Vecchio—are truly breathtaking.

Planning tip: Enhance your road trip experience with Corsican polyphony by adding artists like I Muvrini, Cantu U Populu Corsu, and Voce di Corsica to your playlist.

10. Lorraine

Best for history enthusiasts (and a unique experience)

Few travelers spend time in Lorraine, the often-overlooked industrial region of northeastern France that boasts a modern charm. History aficionados are drawn to Verdun’s WWI battlefields and the well-signposted Remembrance Circuit, a 25km (15-mile) route for driving or cycling along the Somme River, site of one of the war’s bloodiest confrontations in 1916. Yet, there’s so much more to captivate and excite. Explore the stunning Centre Pompidou in Metz and the exquisite art nouveau architecture and neoclassical central square in Nancy, best enjoyed with a coffee al fresco or an evening apéro. For a unique experience, take an after-dark guided tour of the futuristic Parc du Haut Fourneau U4 ironworks in Uckange and unwind in the serene, sparsely populated Hautes-Vosges mountains. Embrace the tranquility and distinctiveness of this region.

Continue planning your trip to France:

Select the ideal time to visit France for your dream getaway. Explore these affordable tips before making your reservation. Keep our family-friendly guide to France handy.