You don’t need us to tell you that France is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, the country has long been known for its cosmopolitan cities, expansive vineyards, rich culture, and beautiful rolling hills.
In this article we’ll be providing some of our favorite travel recommendations when visiting France. For a stress-free experience, we have professional guides standing by in almost every major destination in France ready to provide informative, private, and customizable tours at the drop of a hat.
Côte d'Azur / French Riviera
Tucked away in the Southeastern corner of France, the Côte d'Azur (literally Azure Coast) is one of the country’s most incredible jewels. Known by many simply as the French Riviera, this region includes semi-tropical Mediterranean beaches, a multitude of beautiful resorts, and some of the best weather in all of Europe.
This region includes some of the most stunning and culture-rich destinations in France, including Toulon, Cannes, Saint Tropez, Nice, and the Principality of Monaco (a semi-enclave inside France). This playground of the rich and famous offers a variety of attractions to guests, including swimming, water sports, sprawling parks, art museums, and some of the best cuisine in the world - a fusion of French and Mediterranean tastes.
If you’re unsure where the best places to explore are located, our guides can help you with private tours of both the Western and Eastern parts of the French Riviera. You can customize your trip to fit your preferences - for example visiting the Roman ruins at Eze-La Turbie for those with an archeological streak, or enjoying the cuisine and views of picturesque Nice and its surrounding villages.
You could also visit the charming villages of Provence, or if you are in the mood for some glamor, the city of Cannes with its famous film festival, or even the luxury hotels and casinos of Monte Carlo. There are numerous outstanding travel destinations in the region, and our team of guides can connect you with the best experiences.
Mont Saint-Michel
Perhaps one of the most famous locations in all of France, Mont Saint-Michel is an old Breton fortress and religious commune located on a tidal island on the mouth of the Couesnon River. Located right off shore, the island has the advantage of allowing people to cross over during low tide, but during high tide the water comes in, transforming it into a superb defensible position. During the Hundred Years War, the island was never conquered, with its small garrison able to hold out against even full-scale English assaults thanks to its ingenious location. Luckily, defense against medieval raids isn’t much of a concern these days, but the effect of the tides still makes the island a very interesting place to visit.
Later on in its history the island was turned into a prison for some time, again due to its largely unassailable nature, and in 1979 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then it has remained as ons of the most visited tourist attractions in the whole of France, with over 3 million people flocking to its gates every year. As mentioned previously, the island is home to a religious commune, with pilgrims visiting its Abbey church as part of the holy route known as the “Way of St. James” over many centuries.
The island itself is home to several beautiful medieval structures which are a marvel to behold, with the magnificent Abbey itself serving as the crown jewel. Visitors can also have a grand time shopping at the souvenir shops for some authentic gifts from Normandy, or enjoy some amazing omelets and shellfish at the restaurant. When night falls, the Abbey also lights up in a spectacular light show, surely a picture-worthy moment.
The Camargue
For our next recommendation, we’re going to something a bit more nature-esque, with the Camargue wetland park in Southern France. This beautiful nature reserve offers a variety of activities, including horse riding, bird watching (pink flamingos included), cycling, hiking, river excursions, and even beaches to relax at.
France may not necessarily be the first place that pops into your mind when it comes to nature reserves, but nature lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the area and all its attractions. We would particularly recommend the horseback riding trails - there’s few things as amazing as riding a horse down the sandy Mediterranean beaches of the Camargue. For those looking for a more high-octane activity, there are also the Camargue bullfights where contestants have to snatch a tassel from between a bull’s horns (no bulls are harmed).
Another thing you may not have thought of experiencing in France is the expansive rice paddies located in the region - responsible for a whopping 5% of Europe’s total rice production.You can also visit the medieval walled city of Aigues Mortes, brimming with history dating back to the Crusades. Additionally there are a variety of river cruises, the natural beauty of the marshlands and meadows of Parc Régional de Camargue, and if you’re lucky you could even grab a glimpse of the wild white horses that roam the park.
Marseille
The second most populous city in France, Marseille is situated on the Gulf of Lion on the Mediterranean coast near the mouth of the river Rhône. This spectacular city is well known for its beauty and vibrant cosmopolitan aura. In addition to this, Marseille also has the distinction of being the oldest city in France, being founded all the way back in 600 BC. This means that there are a myriad of historical structures located around the city to enjoy.
One of the most famous buildings in Marseilles is of course the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde (not the one in Paris), an ancient and famous church located in the center of the city. The city is home to the second highest number of museums in all of France, after only Paris, and is a great place to visit for those seeking to widen their cultural horizons. A particular recommendation would be a visit to the wonderful ‘Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean’.
The city features a large variety of concerts and theaters, luxury hotels and succulent restaurants too numerous to mention. It also has a famous football heritage which will definitely appeal to sports fans, meaning there is truly something for everyone to be found in Marseille.
The Loire Valley
For our final recommendation, why not visit the Loire Valley in central France - a breathtaking valley situated next to the Loire river. Featuring a rich collection of vineyards, orchards, fields, and historic estates, the region promises some truly amazing travel opportunities. Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site due to its rich cultural heritage, visiting some of the area’s large collection of unique châteaux is a must.
Totalling over 300, these impressive structures were built by French kings and nobility to serve as holiday getaways and residences. A particularly spectacular château to visit is the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, located on an island in the Indre river. Construction started in 1518 on the site of a former castle, and over the centuries it passed through the hands of several nobles. By 1905 the building had been purchased by the state, and soon after it was classified as a historical monument.
A major restoration project commenced in 2014, with the surrounding park being restored to its 19th century splendor along with extensive modernizations to make it more visitor friendly. These restorations include almost all aspects of the building, from the roof tiles to the surrounding park and authentic interiors of the opulent rooms. One of the most beautiful views is of the famous water mirror, the flow of the river having been slowed so the building facade is reflected in the water’s surface.
Conclusion
There are many more activities and sights to behold at these locations than we’ve had time to cover in this article, but rest assured that each destination offers a quintessential French experience. Whether you’d prefer lying on the beach, admiring nature, sipping on French wine, high-end shopping, or enjoying classic renaissance architecture - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Reach out to one of our many guides in France to start planning your tour today!
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