8 places in France you need to visit beyond Paris
A trip to Paris is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists when they think about a French vacation, but the country shines beyond the City of Light.
Do you dream of traveling to France and seeing Paris? We totally get it! While a trip to Paris is always a good idea, there are countless places beyond the City of Light that are more than worth a visit. From lovely beaches to sprawling vineyards to famous chateaux, there are plenty of destinations to visit based on your interests—like the pristine Loire Valley, historic Normandy, and the glamorous French Riviera.
Take it from traveler Josef. “While most travelers in France see only Paris, there is so much more to this country,” he said. “The castles, the churches, the green countryside, the medieval towns with their narrow streets and architecture, the food, the wine, and the people were a wonderful experience.”
If you’re asking yourself where to go in France besides Paris, read on to see eight places that seamlessly complement a stay in the capital—or make for an immersive trip all on their own.
1. Normandy
Go here if you’re a World War II history buff
If you’re interested in traveling to France for its well-preserved history, a trip to Normandy should be high on your bucket list. You may already know this coastal region as where Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944. The ensuing battle, commonly referred to as D-Day, was one of the most important of World War II and resulted in the freeing of France from Nazi rule two months later.
Tours that take you there
Our Paris, Normandy, Brittany Coast & the Loire Valley tour includes a guided visit to one of the beaches where American troops landed. You’ll also stop at the granite monument honoring the 2nd Ranger Battalion and the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where 9,000 soldiers are buried. Then, you’ll stroll through Arromanches, home to one of the main Allied landing harbors, and Honfleur, a picturesque town that’s one of France’s hidden gems. And if one day immersed in WWII history isn’t enough, our American WWII History: London to Berlin tour stretches from the Churchill War Rooms in London to Hitler’s bunker in Berlin, with two days in Normandy (and so much more!) in between.
Other sites to see there
Visit Bayeux to see its famous 70-meter-long tapestry that tells the tale of the Norman Conquest of England. From there, a quick trip to Mont-Saint-Michel is a necessity. The storied island is known for its Benedictine abbey— towering above the surrounding town, it looks like something out of your favorite fantasy novel.
Best time to visit Normandy
Since the Allied forces landed in Normandy in June, it makes this month especially important. Visit at that time for warm temperatures and even warmer hospitality.
2. Bordeaux
Go here if you want to be wined and dined
Looking for major cities besides Paris that are equally dynamic dining destinations? You’ll want to travel to Bordeaux, a sought-after wine region that’s one of the most famous places in France. Located in the southwest, Bordeaux’s vineyards are renowned for producing tasty, yet potent red grapes.
Tours that take you there
On our Food & Wine: A Taste of Bordeaux & Burgundy tour, you’ll get the opportunity to sample some of the region’s famous wines in the town of Saint-Emilion. We’ll balance that out with a tour of the city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See historic monuments, sample sweets, and learn the secrets of French cuisine during an interactive cooking class. There’s even a wine museum, La Cité du Vin, that explores the history of vineyards and viticulture around the world!
Best time to visit Bordeaux
If you’re headed to this legendary wine region, aim to arrive in the fall, between September and October, for the grape harvest. (Some vineyards will even allow you to pick grapes during this time.) And if you’re a huge wine lover, don’t miss the Bordeaux Wine Festival. Taking place every other June, it brings every wine-related activity imaginable to the scenic shores of the Garonne River.
3. Lourdes
Go here if you’re looking to explore the spiritual side of Europe
When it comes to pilgrimage sites, Lourdes, tucked in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, is the place to go in France. Many Catholics believe that in the 19th century, the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to a young girl at the Grotto of Massabielle, which has since made Lourdes one of the most important religious destinations in the world.
Tours that bring you there
Our Marian Shrines & the Way of St. James tour weaves through European towns and villages that have religious significance—including Lourdes. While there, your Tour Director will lead visits to the home of Bernadette Soubirous (the girl who experienced the apparitions), the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Grotto of Massabielle. You can also participate in the Marian Procession, which has been held every night since 1872 and concludes with Mass at the grotto.
Best time to visit Lourdes
If looking for a place to go in France for a religious festival, head to Lourdes in early August. You’ll get to experience various celebrations marking the Assumption, when the Virgin Mary ascended into heaven. The actual holiday is August 15, but processions and rituals begin as early as the week before.
4. The French Riviera
Go here if you want to see what the rosé-fueled, beachside allure is about
For many travelers, the glitzy reputation of the French Riviera makes it one of the best places to visit in France outside of Paris. Designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, gorgeous hikes, and stunning beaches attract global jet-setters to the south of France every year, especially during the summer. You can even add visiting world-class museums to your list of ways to spend 48 hours on the French Riviera—or, if you’re a gambler, spend some time at a blackjack table in Monaco!
Tours that take you there
During our French Riviera & Provence: Nice, Avignon & Aix-en-Provence tour, you’ll experience that combination of striking natural beauty and fabulous glamor. This tour will start with a hike along rocky terrain to the picturesque lighthouse on Cap Ferrat, followed by beach time and people-watching in the outdoor markets of Nice. Your free evening is a great time to make a dinner reservation at one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants—or to join us on an excursion to seaside Monaco.
Best time to visit the French Riviera
This is one of the best places to visit in France—which also makes it extremely popular. To dodge the crowds, go between April and June or in early September. (Psst... If you don’t mind droves of film enthusiasts and creators, arrive in October to experience the electricity of the Cannes Film Festival.)
5. The Loire Valley
Go here if you want to discover the regal elegance of French chateaux
Want to head to one of the top destinations featured in our France Travel Guide? Make room in your itinerary to visit the Loire Valley, a lush region two hours southwest of Paris. If you’re looking for natural beauty—the type that would be worthy of a painting hanging in the Louvre—the Loire Valley ticks all the right boxes. It’s magnificently verdant, with rolling vineyards dotted with fairy-tale chateaux, imposing fortresses, historic castles, and the prettiest gardens you can imagine. Plus, did you know that the town of Amboise was the final residence of none other than Leonardo da Vinci? Wander the same streets this master sculptor, painter, engineer, and architect did, and we’re sure you’ll understand why he chose to live there.
Tours that take you there
Our Grand Tour of France includes two nights in the Loire Valley, during which your Tour Director will guide you through all the nooks and crannies of the opulent Chateau de Chenonceau. (Its surrounding gardens are legendary and make for an especially picturesque photo op.) You can then cap your day with an excursion to a local wine cellar to sample some of the region’s tastiest vintages over dinner.
Best time to visit the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is often referred to as the Garden of France, so visit between the months of April and June to see those iconic flowers in full bloom.
6. The French Alps
Go here if you want to explore the great outdoors
Know what the French Alps have that Paris doesn’t? Snowcapped mountains that you can hike in the summer and ski in the winter. This range, which stretches across a chunk of southeastern France, contains some of the most iconic peaks in Europe—including Mont Blanc. That means that a visit to the region can add outdoorsy adventure to your trip to France.
Tours that take you there
On our French Riviera & Provence: Nice, Avignon & Aix-en-Provence tour, add the French Alps extension to spend three nights in one of the best places to visit in France. You’ll stroll the charming streets of Chamonix, which sits at the base of Mont Blanc, before taking the Montenvers cogwheel train thousands of feet up the mountain to marvel at the Mer de Glace—the largest glacier in France. The final day of the trip is all yours for the taking: Hike around the Alps in your free time or add our excursion to Haute-Savoie to walk through the narrow canyon of the Gorges du Fier and visit the Chateau de Menthon, the inspiration for the castle in “Sleeping Beauty.”
Best time to visit the French Alps
If you’re headed to the French Alps for hiking, go between June and September for drier weather. If you prefer snow, arrive between December and March to enjoy those crisp white views and powdery slopes.
7. Aix-en-Provence
Go here if you’re an art lover looking to be inspired
If you find yourself asking, “What are some interesting places to visit in France?” don’t miss sun-drenched Aix-en-Provence—one of the prettiest places to visit in Provence. This southern city boasts a unique type of magic: It has world-class vineyards that bottle summer-perfect rosé wines, meandering bike paths flanked by fields of lavender, and beautifully preserved historic towns from the Roman and medieval eras. It also has a strong culture of slowing down, stopping to smell the roses (or should we say lavender?), and enjoying every morsel of food on your plate—in fact, most shops close during lunchtime to let staff sit down and eat a proper meal. No wonder celebrated artists like Van Gogh and Matisse fell in love with the place!
Tours that take you there
On our Provence, the Riviera & Tuscany tour, you’ll be cocooned in Provence’s thrilling energy for three days. For art lovers, the highlight of this itinerary might be following Paul Cézanne’s footsteps—you’ll visit his birthplace, see where he went to school, and stop in the studio where he created some of his best paintings. You’ll also drive through the rugged landscapes of Luberon Regional Natural Park, tour the hilltop village of Gordes, and peruse the famous farmer’s market in Aix-en-Provence. And if you opt for our French Riviera & Provence: Nice, Avignon & Aix-en-Provence tour, you’ll stay in the legendary Cours Mirabeau neighborhood, where lush trees and gurgling fountains emerge at every turn.
Best time to visit Aix-en-Provence
It’s never a bad time to visit Aix-en-Provence, but we especially love visiting in fall, when there are fewer crowds and the grape and olive harvests begin.
8. Annecy
Go here if you want to ease into small-town life
With the Alps on one side, Lake Annecy on the other, and the medieval Vieille Ville (or Old Town) at its heart, Annecy seems like it was plucked out of a fairy tale. And those picture-perfect looks are what make the Venice of the Alps one of the best places to visit in France outside of Paris. While you’re there, take a dip in Lake Annecy—it’s a hotspot for swimming, boating, and more splash-worthy activities. Or, explore the 12th-century Chateau d’Annecy, a castle-turned-museum whose storied halls are lined with rotating art exhibits.
Tours that take you there
On our Jewels of Alpine Europe tour, the one-night stop in Annecy is all about appreciating its beauty. Start with a meandering stroll through the Old Town, where you’ll stop at stained glass-covered churches, join locals at the outdoor produce market, and enjoy views of the Alps. What’s a trip to France without slowing down to enjoy the good stuff?
Best time to visit Annecy
Annecy is known for some unique festivals, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This world-renowned event is held outdoors in June, with glistening Lake Annecy serving as a dramatic backdrop for the colorful films. If you’re more of a shoulder season traveler (and we get it—it’s one of our favorite times to travel, too), arrive in October for the Retour des Alpages. This age-old celebration honors when livestock return from their summer pasture in the mountains—expect traditional dress, food, and festivities.
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