France is one of the most recognizable countries on the planet, celebrated for its capital, cultural refinement, fashion, and food. Its architectural heritage—shaped by Renaissance, monarchy, and conflict—has long made it a hub of Western European culture. Yet many visitors overlook the country's natural landscapes and striking destinations.
Beyond the grand palaces and châteaux, this large European nation contains some of the most exquisite scenery anywhere. From the lavender fields of Provence to the French Riviera, the Alps, and Europe's tallest sand dune, there is much to explore.
Without diminishing the splendor of its cultural centers, we have assembled this list of the most beautiful places in France, encompassing grand architecture, history, and natural beauty. Let's take a look.
Getting Around to See Beautiful Places in France
First, a reality check: France is enormous. Domestic budget flights can be useful for long distances, though they are not ideal for the environment. That said, a flight from Paris to Nice might cost under $50 each way.
If you are spending a weekend in Paris, consider renting a scooter or bicycle to move around the city at your own pace as part of your Paris itinerary.
For multi-destination trips across France, you will likely want either the railway system or a rental car.
By Car
If you want maximum freedom to visit these beautiful places when and where you choose, renting a car in France is the way to go. Costs vary widely by duration, vehicle type, and rental company. Generally, prices start at roughly €40 per day. Splitting the cost with a few friends can make it relatively affordable.
Take your time. No rush.
By Public Transport
Traveling by rail is otherwise the best way to move around France. Regional trains (TGV) connect the country and link most of Europe, and the big cities also offer easy-to-use public transport.
A train along the French Riviera from Nice to Menton takes just half an hour and costs around $6. A longer train from Chamonix to Paris might cost between $60 and $120 and take a solid thirteen hours.
Group Tours in France
One of the best ways to see these beautiful places in France is by joining a group tour. G Adventures offers epic adventures that provide the opportunity of a lifetime to get off the beaten path with like-minded people. Check out the best tours in France.
1. Gorges du Verdon
High in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the Grand Canyon of France reaches depths between 250 and 700 meters and widths as narrow as six to 100 meters.
How did such a canyon form? This dramatic gorge was carved by melting alpine ice eroding the landscape over millions of years.
One of the best ways to explore the canyon is to kayak along the Verdon River, which carves its way 25km through the gorge.
If you want to keep your feet firmly on the ground, you could spend a day hiking along the rim of the canyon or even join a horseback riding tour through the limestone cliffs.
The Côte d'Azur is known for its azure blue waters. However, you don't have to be on the coastline to experience these otherworldly turquoise waters. Trust me, you'll want to bring your camera along for this one!
2. The Palace of Versailles, Paris
As one of the best cities in Europe, Paris never fails to impress with its grand architecture, manicured gardens, and palatial interiors. All harmoniously blending in the truly captivating Palace of Versailles.
Historically speaking, the palace was the original residence of the Kings of France during the reign of King Louis XIV in 1682.
Back then, the palace was far out of modern-day Paris and was a countryside hunting lodge. As the city's population grew, Paris did, too, and today, the palace is on the periphery of the capital city.
A portal to heaven.
A guided tour of Versailles must be on your Paris itinerary. After exploring the Hall of Mirrors and the King's State Apartment, you'll understand how King Louis led France into bankruptcy and revolution with the way he spent the country's money.
Try to coordinate your visit with a Musical Fountain Show or Musical Gardens Show, when the estate garden lights and fountains are programmed to 'dance' to baroque music as you stroll through the maze of paths.
3. Saint Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence is a small hillside village located a few miles inland of Nice in the Côte d'Azur.
This medieval town is made up of narrow streets and alleyways, century-old stone cottages, and panoramic countryside views.
Do yourself a favor and enjoy a meal at La Colombe d'Or Hotel. This place hosted many famous artists throughout the 1900s, and it's undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in France.
You don't get this everywhere.
Saint Paul de Vence gained fame as a haven for artistic nobility. Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, along with other famous actors, sculptors, and poets, would vacation in the village.
It's so tiny that you could explore it in half a day. That said, give yourself a full day to explore the town's hidden alleyways and visit the Fondation Maeght museum to admire modern art produced by some of the greatest artists in the world.
4. Mont Saint-Michel
Precariously perched on a tidal island in Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel is easily among the best places to backpack around France. The original commune was built after the bishop of Avranches had a dream about the archangel Saint Michael. In 966, the abbey was built to honor the divine persona of Saint-Michel, and boy, is it an impressive honor.
Mont Saint-Michel is a French gem!
Medieval walls surround the mount's base, protecting it from the unseasonably high tides. At the base of the mount, a small village of clustered buildings frames the penultimate building – the Benedictine Abbey.
The abbey has been an important site for Christian pilgrims and is still considered of religious importance. Today, you can visit the abbey, stroll along La Grande Rue in the village, and walk along the shallow bay. We highly recommend this guided day trip for arguably the best views in the house.
5. Mont Blanc, Chamonix
No, we're not talking about the watch brand; we're speaking of the iconic mountain. Located in the French Alps in Chamonix, Mont Blanc is the focal mountain of one of the most famous ski resorts in the world and is among the best places for adventure travel.
The mountain straddles the French and Italian borders and even extends into Switzerland. It reaches 15,771 feet above sea level, making it the highest mountain in the European Alps. It's also the second-highest peak in Europe.
Sharing some love for the cows.
The most popular activity to do in the alpine town of Chamonix is winter sports. Skiers and snowboarders flock from across the globe to experience the awe-inspiring views of the peak while cruising down well-groomed slopes.
To elevate the experience, you can go on a paragliding adventure in the skies to savor the spectacular views of the Alps.
If physical activity doesn't appeal to you, there is nothing wrong with chilling in the village with an aperitif and admiring the views. There are amazing hostels in Chamonix that suit different ranges of budgets, personalities, and travel styles (including yours). CHOOSE WISELY.
6. Corsica
Pure natural beauty and tranquility await you on the Isles of Corsica. Known as the Isle of Beauty, you'd struggle to find a more gorgeous place to visit while in France.
If it reminds you of Sardinia or Sicily, it's because the island is also found in the middle of the Mediterranean and has a similar climate and landscapes. However, it's one of France's Mediterranean islands, with a unique culture and atmosphere.
The beautiful Isles of Corsica.
You can expect jagged mountains and cliffs that drop into clear blue waters, contrasting with white sandy beaches and gorgeous local villages and towns.
When you aren't catching some rays on the beaches or snorkeling over the rocky ocean underworld, there are incredible hiking trails and water sports to be enjoyed across the island.
It's no secret that France is known for its world-class cuisine and gastronomy (croissants and baguettes are just the start of it). And as you might expect, Corsicans love fresh seafood and Mediterranean-French food, with plenty of local eateries to choose from.
7. Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey, Provence
With rolling hills, valleys, fertile soil, and lavender plants, you could spend months exploring the Provence region.
That said, I'll give away my secrets and let you in on my favorite place in Provence. During the summer months, the Valensole Plateau, Sault Plateau, and Luberon Valley bloom into an ocean of lavender.
But for the most picture-perfect lavender fields, there is no place more beautiful than the fields that surround the iconic Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey, an old 12th-century church in the heart of Provence.
Even bees take selfies here!
From the vivid lilac color of the lavender fields to the overpowering smell of the flowers to the undertone hum of buzzing bees, this is no doubt one of the top ten places to visit in France, if not in the whole of Europe.
Take it from me: while this landscape is a treat for ALL the senses, it is by no means a secret. Visit early and book a tour of the Abbey to avoid the crowds.
8. Vanoise National Park
Nature lovers and adventure seekers, have I got your attention? With high mountains capped with snow, glaciers, and glacial lakes, Vanoise National Park is France's greatest national park.
The park, which was first designated as protected land in 1963, links up with the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy. It's the mother of all European national parks.
The park is home to a huge variety of Central European wildlife. Marmots, chamois, ibex, and eagles – you name it, they live here! Endless hiking trails and treks zigzag through the park, where you can spot other species like owls, ptarmigans, grouse, snakes, and foxes.
Mountains streaming their inner ocean!
If you have a fear of bugs, you should leave this one off your bucket list of adventures. The park's insect population represents more than 80% of that of the entire country.
Take a step out of your comfort zone and try out some new experiences in the great outdoors. Fancy horseback riding through the Alps? Interested in paragliding or even hopping on a hot air balloon ride? What about skiing at the Bonneval-Sur-Arc resorts? The opportunities are endless.
9. Chateaux of the Loire Valley
With more than 300 elegant homes and opulent chateaux, the valley holds incredible natural and historic beauty.
The entire valley is a sheer reminder of the outrageous opulence and ostentatious wealth experienced during the French Renaissance. I'm not complaining, it sure does make for an exceptionally unique place to visit in France!
How do you even pronounce CHATEAUX?
Some of the chateau were built as far back as the 9th century, with many listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each one is beautiful in its own right, well maintained, and has its own stories to tell.
Chateau de Chambord, the most popular in the valley, is famed for its unique Gothic architecture, and Chateau de Sully-Sur-Loire has a medieval appearance.
Between the chateaux, stop off at one of the revered wineries for a true gastronomical treat. You could even upgrade your experience and indulge in a bit of wine tasting.
10. Rocamadour, Dordogne
Set on the walls of a steep gorge above a section of the River Dordogne, Rocamadour is best known for its sanctuary of the Black Madonna.
It is one of the most dramatic villages in the country, tucked into the hillside and layered with winding cobblestone alleyways and slanted stone buildings.
Don't skip out on the iconic Basilique-Saint-Sauveur, a church towards the top of the village, as well as the Chapelle Notre-Dame. Regardless of your religion or beliefs, this is one for the books.
Rocamadour is an outstanding hillside commune in France.
Could you picture yourself living in this small commune of religious pilgrimage? Well, around 650 people do live here year-round, most of them involved in the upkeep of the historical monuments.
For a taste of small-town life, book a hostel in the village. Of course, the best views of the village are from outside of the village itself. Head to one of the famous viewing points at sunrise or sunset for a spectacular photo opportunity.
11. Eze
Eze overlooking the Mediterranean.
Escape the busy streets of Cannes or Nice on the Côte d'Azur for an example of what France was like in medieval times.
One of the most beautiful places in France Eze is a charming hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean, packed with shops, galleries, hotels, restaurants, and churches.
12. Auvergne
You can't smell a picture, can you?
This central region of France is famous for its impressive mountain ranges and dormant giant volcanoes (of which there are eighty – whew!).
Resembling a scene out of Jurassic Park, this natural phenomenon is a relic of prehistoric times and a haven for hikers, cyclists, and hot-spring enthusiasts.
13. Champagne
Imagine a morning jog around there!
The familiar Champagne region is home to Dom Perignon, Veuve Cliquot, and Moet. An absolute must-visit for the bubble-popping crowd.
Made up of lush valleys and fertile vineyards, there are plenty of high-end restaurants to indulge in and even the odd, low-key winery for budget travelers, too!
14. Dune de Pilat
Worth taking the time for.
Deserts of the world: make room for the Dune de Pilat.
The tallest dune in Europe, this majestic natural phenomenon offers unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean to one side and dense pine forests to the other. Visit for the views, to camp, or to hike to the top. You won't be disappointed.
15. Eguisheim
This street is a photographer's dream.
Head into the Alsace region for a touch of German influence in Eguisheim. Famous for its vineyards and wineries, this is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Eichberg.
It looks just like a traditional medieval village, with timber tudor houses painted in different colors, cobblestone streets, and blooming flower pots on the windows.
16. Biarritz
Claude Monet's color palette!
Biarritz sits on the country's Atlantic coastline and is home to a laid-back surfer community.
From one street to the next, you'll pass luxurious hotels interspersed with grunge surf shops, adding to the charming atmosphere of this seaside town.
17. Dinan, Brittany
Just a random sunny day in France!
In the Brittany region of Northwestern France, Dinan straddles the La Rance River and is one of the most unique places to visit in France.
The gorgeous medieval town is known for its ramparts, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered homes, as well as the Tour du Coequal, a 15th-century centerpiece of the village. Highly recommend.
18. Menton
Everyone on the same page.
Brightly colored buildings on a pristine stretch of the Mediterranean – what more could you ask for?
Nicknamed the Pearl of France, Menton is a small town on the French / Italian border with beautiful beaches, a trendy harbor, designer boutiques, upscale restaurants and wine gardens.
19. Pyrenees National Park
How's this for a view?
Straddling the French and Spanish borders along the Pyrenees Mountain Range, this national park is one of the most beautiful places in France.
While here, you could curate your own hiking route from the extensive network of trails and summit some of the highest peaks in France.
20. Riquewihr
The medieval town of Riquewihr
A traditional medieval town at the crux of France's wine route, Riquewihr is one of Europe's hidden gems. It's famous for its historical Renaissance and medieval architecture (dating back to the 1300s).
It's the home of the famous Riesling wine, which we are all so familiar with. What's not to love?
21. Ecrins National Park
Hikers' paradise!
Closing off our list of beautiful places in France with a bang, Ecrins National Park is an alpine region overflowing with beautiful flora and wildlife.
The park's jagged terrain and flowing rivers make it the perfect location for hikers, rock climbers, white water rafters, and mountain bikers, while winter months bring perfect conditions for snow sports.
FAQs About Beautiful Places in France
Here are some answers to a selection of the most frequently asked questions about the most beautiful places in France.
What is the best place to visit in France?
You should seriously consider the lavender fields of Provence. Stretching as far as the eye can see, these vibrant purple blooms are a MUST-SEE in France.
What are 4 major attractions in France?
France's attractions are PURE ART. Keep your camera in hands for these: – Eiffel Tower – Louvre Museum – Palace of Versailles– Mont Saint-Michel
What is the most beautiful valley in France?
Of course, the Loire Valley (Vallée de la Loire). It's known as the "Garden of France" and was once popular with French royals and nobles. Go out and explore THAT.
What is the best beach in France?
The Mediterranean never deceives! And the "Côte d'Azur", in particular, has the most OUTSTANDING beach in France. I'm talking crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and good vibes.
Stay Insured When Exploring France
Travel insurance is ESSENTIAL these days. Good travel insurance can save you from all kinds of mishaps.
Final Thoughts on Stunning Places in France
Holding the title of one of the most visited countries in Europe, there is no denying that France deserves this recognition.
The country has served as a cultural center for Western Europe for centuries, boasting an incredible history, rich tradition, regal architecture, and iconic cities.
But France is so much more than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. The country is home to snow-capped mountains, Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, idyllic islands, national parks, and ancient villages.
If you're visiting France, make sure to hit the lavender fields of Provence and the artsy village of Saint Paul de Vence. What are you waiting for? Hop onto Booking.com and start planning!
Best of luck on your journey backpacking France!
