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It's hard to write about my own country sometimes − I may not always be as objective as I'd like! But here, in my opinion, are the best places to visit in France if you want to get to begin to know the country, and of course I include the ones I love the most!
France is synonymous with culture, cuisine, history − and judging by the number of visitors we have, I think we're doing a credible job of providing you with endless travel experiences.
From the iconic to the less visited, welcome to France!
Paris: The starting point
Paris is the obvious starting point for a trip to France, but you don't have to stick to the usual tourist trail.
Discover the city's lesser-known corners, non-touristy things to do, and unusual attractions — as well as the landmarks you probably came to see in the first place.
Paris also makes a good base for exploring beyond the capital, with easy day trips by train to places including Versailles and the Champagne region.
Planning your Paris trip
- Safety: Is Paris Safe? 4 Myths That Need Debunking
- When to visit Paris: Spring | Fall | Winter
- Tours: 7 Food Tours In Paris That Will Teach You French Culture
Paris: things to see and do
More Paris
Explore all my Paris articles ➠
Lyon
Lyon sits roughly halfway between Paris and Provence and makes an excellent base for exploring southeastern France. The city is known for its historic center, gastronomy, Renaissance passageways, murals and Roman remains.
Explore my Lyon guides below, from practical travel information to unusual sights, food and day trips.
Planning your Lyon trip
- 8 Great Lyon Hotels Near The Train Station
- How To Use Public Transportation In Lyon, France
- 16 Terrific Day Trips From Lyon
- The 7 Best Lyon Food Tours In France’s Gastronomic Capital
- Lyon In December: What Lyon In Winter Is Really Like
Things to see and do in Lyon
More Lyon
Explore all my Lyon articles ➠
Provence
Provence is one of the most popular parts of southern France, with historic towns and villages, Roman ruins, vineyards, markets and landscapes that have attracted artists for centuries.
From Avignon and Arles to the Luberon and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, my Provence articles cover places to visit, things to do and some of the region's less obvious stories.
Planning your Provence trip
Things to see and do in Provence
More Provence
Explore all my Provence articles ➠
Marseille and the French Riviera
Marseille is technically west of the French Riviera, and culturally it can feel like a world apart from the polished resorts of the Côte d'Azur. But both belong in any exploration of France's Mediterranean coast.
From Marseille's port and historic neighborhoods to the beaches and yacht-filled harbors of the Riviera, this stretch of the Mediterranean offers a very different side of France. Explore the coastal towns, local food, perfume capital Grasse, and scenic routes such as the Mimosa Route.
Planning your southern France trip
- Is Marseille Safe? Or As Dangerous As They Say?
- How To Get Around Marseille As A Tourist
- Route Du Mimosa In France: Best French Riviera Winter Road Trip
- 10 Dazzling Towns In Southern France: First Trip To The French Riviera
- How to Plan a 10-Day South of France Road Trip
Things to see and do in Marseille and the Riviera
More Marseille and the French Riviera
Explore all my Marseille and French Riviera articles ➠
Other popular French destinations
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley offers a feast for history buffs – this is where French kings lived and where most of the renowned chateaux were built or enhanced during the Renaissance. If you're really tight on time, the region can even be visited on a day trip from Paris.
Base yourself in the cities of Blois, Tours or Amboise, perfect for ambling along cobblestoned streets or taking in a few wine tastings in-between castles.
Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Savoys
I have to recommend a visit to the French Alps, if you possibly can: they're absolutely gorgeous, in both winter and summer, and – I live in the foothills so I'm utterly subjective. My house is in the countryside, part-way between Annecy and Lyon, and I've lived here for at least three decades.
For an introduction to the mountainous part of my region, try this Lake Geneva-French Alps road trip – you'll need a car to drive it, though.
Or visit some of the stunning small towns in their fairy-tale settings, like Annecy, often considered the prettiest in France, or Chamonix, for skiers and hikers and lovers of soaring snow-capped mountains and rugged rocks.
The Basque Country: A blend of boldness and tradition
I first visited France's Basque country a few years ago, and was surprised on every level, enough to return.
A continuation of Spain's Basque region, it blends both cultures.
Towns like Bayonne and Biarritz near the Atlantic coast showcase this fusion with their renowned cuisine, surf culture, and traditional festivals. The Basque language echoes in the streets, adding to the area's mystique.
In the mountains, you'd think France was a distant country, as pilgrims head off on the St James Way towards Santiago, their backpacks fresh and steps still high, just before crossing the mountains into Spain. Villages with their green- or blood-colored trimmings offer an architecture seen nowhere else in France.
The last time I visited here was after spending a week with a friend in Bordeaux. I drove down, taking my time, because for me, the best way to visit the Basque country is on a road trip.
These regions are awaiting my return
France has many other genuinely spectacular regions, from Normandy to Brittany to the Alsace (and its wines and Christmas markets) or the wild Ardèche, to mention just a few.
France may be slightly smaller than the state of Texas, but it punches way above its size when it comes to history, diversity (culinary, cultural and linguistic), and sheer authentic character. I'm doing my best to explore every corner!
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Central France
Normandy
Northern France
Destinations by theme
Hilltop villages, walled cities, Roman ruins — some places in France make more sense when grouped by type rather than region. This section highlights destinations across the country that share a common thread, whether it’s architecture, history, or atmosphere.
Are These THE 3 Most Beautiful Cities in France?
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Bonjour! I’m Leyla. Born in Paris, now based in Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. After years abroad as a journalist and diplomat, I came home and began rediscovering France through its history and landscapes.
Offbeat France is for travelers who want more than checklists. I write about castles, villages, museums, landmarks — explaining France’s history along with what to see, how to visit, and why it matters. You’ll find context, backstories, and practical advice, in equal measure. My aim is simple: help you travel through France with historical insight, not guesswork. If you think, “I didn’t know that,” I’m doing my job.
