Holiday destinations in France
France is the most visited country in Europe, with around 100 million visitors per year. In this vast country, there are an incredible number of well-known vacation destinations in every direction. Since 2016, France has been divided into 18 major regions, 5 of which are located overseas.
Île-de-France
The Île-de-France region surrounds Paris. Paris is the most popular travel destination in Europe and certainly the most famous destination in all of France. Who hasn’t heard of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or seen movie stars on the bridges of the Seine on television? Nearby Paris, the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland, alongside Paris itself, rank among France’s top attractions.
Normandy
In the north of France, along the shores of the English Channel, lies Normandy, known for its imposing cliffs and long coastline. North of the city of Caen are the famous D-Day beaches, which are among the most popular travel destinations in France. Along the coast, there are numerous museums that tell the story of the Allied landings. The glamorous Deauville is Normandy’s best-known beach destination, renowned for its luxury hotels and fashion boutiques.
The capital of Normandy, historic Rouen, is particularly famous for its impressive medieval architecture and its significant role in the history of France. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mont Saint-Michel monastery island is a highlight that should not be missed on a tour of Normandy.
Grand Est
The Grand Est region, located in the northeast of France, includes Champagne, which is, of course, famous for its champagne and champagne tourism. A good starting point for exploring is the largest city in Champagne, Reims. Here, you can visit the champagne houses of Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot and admire the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were once crowned. From Reims, it’s easy to take day trips to other champagne villages, such as Épernay, which is only 30 kilometers away. Here, the famous Avenue de Champagne stretches for about one kilometer, lined with champagne houses. Épernay, considered the capital of champagne, is also home to the Moët & Chandon champagne house. For history enthusiasts, Troyes in Champagne is an interesting place, with its medieval churches and pastel-colored half-timbered houses.
Also located in northeastern France, on the border with Germany, is the historic region of Alsace. The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, is an architecturally, politically, and historically significant destination. Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in Europe and attracts food lovers from around the world. Another charming destination during Christmas in Alsace is Colmar, whose small old town glows with festive holiday lights, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region is located in eastern France. Its capital is Dijon, known for its historical architecture, rich culinary culture, and, of course, its famous mustard. Beaune is another key destination, as it forms the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Besançon is renowned for the impressive Vauban fortress and its beautiful clock towers.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, located in eastern France, is one of the most interesting regions in the country. Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is well-known to food lovers as a travel destination, as Paris and Lyon traditionally compete for the title of the most culinary city in France. The city’s bouchons (bistros) are often a perfect choice. Lyon’s architecture, art, and history offer enough for a multi-day stay – especially if you take the opportunity to visit the Beaujolais wine region to the north or the Côtes du Rhône to the south.
East of Lyon rise the Alps, with their famous ski resorts such as Chamonix, Val d'Isère, or Courchevel. On the crystal-clear Lake Annecy lies the city of Annecy, one of France’s best-known travel destinations, which is also called the “Venice of the Alps” due to its numerous canals.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, also known as Provence, Alps, and Riviera, is located in southeastern France. The cities of the Riviera – Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and St. Tropez – are the most famous destinations along the Riviera, where magnificent yachts, sports cars, and creations from fashion boutiques are part of the scene. France’s second-largest city, Marseille, on the other hand, is known as a charmingly worn, bohemian port city. A strong reason to visit Marseille is its local cuisine, where the influences of many cultures blend with traditional French culinary arts.
Provence enchants not only with its famous lavender fields but also with its rich history. In Avignon, you can feel the medieval atmosphere, while Arles and Orange, with their Roman ruins, take you even further back in time. The wines from the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, located near Avignon, are among the most renowned in France. The picturesque town of Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of painter Paul Cézanne, is only 30 kilometers from Marseille.
Occitanie
Occitanie, also known in English as Occitania, is a historically significant region, with its center and capital in Toulouse. Nîmes, located in Occitania, is famous for its Roman monuments, such as the well-preserved Pont du Gard aqueduct and the amphitheater. Carcassonne is a unique fortified village and ranks among France’s most popular travel destinations.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, also known as New Aquitaine, stretches from the Pyrenees to the center of France. Southwestern France is an interesting region for history lovers – on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in the French Basque Country, lies the charming town of Biarritz, a popular beach destination for decades. In the southwest, Bordeaux offers fascinating architecture, culture, and world-class wines. A visit to the impressive sand dunes of the Arcachon region, particularly the Dune du Pilat, is also worthwhile.
About 100 kilometers north of Bordeaux is the village of Cognac, home to the world’s most famous cognac houses like Hennessy and Rémy Martin. Here, you can tour their production facilities and sample the fine spirits. Families are often drawn to the Futuroscope amusement and water park, which is one of France's most visited attractions.
Brittany
In the far northwest of France, between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, lies Brittany, known for its rugged rock formations and the sandy beaches nestled between them. Brittany is France's second most popular beach vacation destination after the Riviera, with well-known seaside resorts such as Saint-Malo, La Baule, and Dinard. The capital of Brittany, Rennes, is the vibrant heart of the region, shaped by its student population and Breton cuisine, which can be enjoyed amidst the historic half-timbered houses.
Pays de la Loire
The Loire River flows through the Pays de la Loire region to the Atlantic. The city of Angers on the banks of the Loire is known for the Plantagenet dynasty from Anjou and the Château d'Angers, whose construction began as early as the late 9th century. Another beautiful castle on the banks of the Loire is Château de Saumur, located in the village of Saumur. The largest city in the region and its capital, Nantes, is rich in culture and history. In Nantes, you can visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, which tells the history of the Dukes of Brittany. A highlight for families in the region is the Le Puy du Fou theme park.
Centre-Val de Loire
The Loire Valley, stretching west of central France, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful river valleys in the world. The lush fields, dense vineyards, majestic castles, romantic villages like Amboise, and historic cities like Orléans or Tours have placed the central Loire Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Loire Valley is also one of the best-known wine regions in France, home to villages such as Sancerre and Vouvray.
Hauts-de-France
Hauts-de-France is the northernmost region of France, bordering Belgium and the English Channel. The battlefields and memorials of the Somme attract history enthusiasts. The capital of the region, Lille, is a vibrant cultural center with impressive Flemish architecture, such as the Vieille Bourse and the Palais des Beaux-Arts Museum. Amiens is famous for its Gothic cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boulogne-sur-Mer is a beautiful historic town, surrounded by medieval walls and home to the Château de Boulogne.
Corsica
Among France's regions is the island of Corsica. The island's wild mountainous landscape, including the popular GR20 hiking trail, is a dream destination for hikers. The turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the coast, such as Palombaggia Beach, attract sunseekers. Corsica is also known for its charming villages, such as Bonifacio, perched on high limestone cliffs, offering spectacular views of the sea.
