10 Best Places to Visit in France

France is one of the most visited countries in the world, famous for its romantic cities, historic landmarks, stunning countryside, delicious cuisine, and diverse travel experiences. From iconic Parisian streets to sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches and medieval villages, France offers something for every traveler — whether you’re traveling on a budget or seeking luxury.
This guide covers the 10 best places to visit in France, including things to do, luxury and budget hotels near major attractions, and best places to eat close to hotels. Perfect for first-time visitors, couples, families, and solo travelers.

When planning your trip, consider the best places to visit in France, which include iconic cities and regions that reflect the diverse culture and beauty of the country. Each of these best places to visit in France has unique experiences waiting for travelers.

When planning your trip, consider the best places to visit in France as they offer diverse experiences and breathtaking sights. Each region has its own unique charm, making it essential to explore the best places to visit in France for an unforgettable journey.

🦘 Jump to the final travel tips for France

20 Best Things to Do in France

1. Paris – The Heart of France

Best Places to Visit in France

Don’t miss the chance to explore the best places to visit in France when you’re in Paris. These experiences will surely make your visit memorable.

As you discover Paris, you’ll realize it’s one of the best places to visit in France, with its rich history and vibrant culture. Don’t forget to check out the best places to visit in France beyond Paris, such as the stunning countryside and coastal towns.

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Known as the City of Light, Paris is famous for its art, fashion, architecture, and café culture. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral define the skyline. Walking along the Seine River, exploring Montmartre’s artistic streets, and enjoying fresh croissants at local bakeries are unforgettable experiences.
Paris blends history with modern life effortlessly. Whether you love museums, shopping, food, or romance, Paris is a must-visit destination in France.
Things to Do in Paris
✅ Visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy panoramic city views
✅ Explore the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay
✅ Walk along the Seine River
✅ Discover Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
✅ Shop on Champs-Élysées

Best Hotels in Paris (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

Hotel Plaza Athénée – Elegant rooms near the Eiffel Tower

Budget Hotel:

ibis Paris Tour Eiffel Cambronne – Affordable and centrally located

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ Le Comptoir du Relais – Classic French bistro

In addition to Paris, Nice is among the best places to visit in France, offering stunning coastal views and vibrant culture.

✅ Café de Flore – Historic café experience

2. Nice – French Riviera Beauty

In Nice, you will find some of the best places to visit in France, from the beautiful beaches to the charming old town. Make sure to include these best places to visit in France in your itinerary for a well-rounded experience.

Nice is located on the French Riviera along the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its turquoise waters, colorful old town, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. The Promenade des Anglais is perfect for seaside walks, while Old Nice offers vibrant markets and local restaurants. Nice is also a great base to explore Monaco, Cannes, and coastal villages.
Nice combines beaches, culture, and great weather, making it ideal for summer vacations.
Things to Do in Nice
✅ Walk along Promenade des Anglais
✅ Relax on Mediterranean beaches
✅ Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)
✅ Visit Castle Hill viewpoint
✅ Day trip to Monaco or Cannes

Best Hotels in Nice (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée

Budget Hotel:

Hotel Ozz by Happy Culture

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ La Merenda – Traditional Niçoise food
✅ Chez Acchiardo – Local French cuisine

3. Lyon – France’s Food Capital

Lyon, known as a culinary hotspot, is also one of the best places to visit in France for food lovers.

Lyon is famous for its culinary traditions and historic charm. Located between Paris and Provence, Lyon offers beautiful old town streets, riverside walks, and world-class food. Traditional bouchons serve authentic Lyonnaise dishes, making this city a dream for food lovers.
Lyon is also rich in history, with Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and modern cultural attractions.
Things to Do in Lyon
✅ Explore Old Town (Vieux Lyon)
✅ Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
✅ Walk along Rhône and Saône rivers
✅ Enjoy a food tour
✅ Visit local markets

Best Hotels in Lyon (Expedia)

Lyon is celebrated as one of the best places to visit in France, especially for food lovers. Indulging in local cuisine is among the best places to visit in France that you should not miss.

Luxury Hotel:

Villa Maïa Lyon

Budget Hotel:

ibis Lyon Centre

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ Daniel et Denise – Authentic bouchon
✅ Café Comptoir Abel – Traditional dishes

4. Bordeaux – Wine & Elegance

Bordeaux is another of the best places to visit in France, renowned for its exquisite wine and elegant surroundings.

Bordeaux is world-famous for wine and elegant architecture. The city features beautiful riverfront promenades, historic squares, and modern attractions like wine museums. Nearby vineyards make Bordeaux perfect for wine tours and countryside escapes.
Bordeaux is ideal for travelers who enjoy food, wine, and relaxed city life.
Things to Do in Bordeaux
✅ Wine tasting tours
✅ Visit La Cité du Vin
✅ Walk along the Garonne River
✅ Explore historic city center
✅ Day trip to vineyards

Best Hotels in Bordeaux (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

When exploring Bordeaux, you will discover that it is one of the best places to visit in France for wine enthusiasts. The vineyards surrounding the city are among the best places to visit in France.

InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel

Budget Hotel:

Hôtel de la Presse

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels
✅ La Tupina – Southwestern French cuisine
✅ Le Chapon Fin – Fine dining

5. Strasbourg – Fairytale Alsace

Strasbourg, with its charming architecture, is also considered one of the best places to visit in France during your travels.

Strasbourg is a picturesque city near the German border, known for its half-timbered houses and canals. The historic center, La Petite France, feels like a fairytale village. Strasbourg is also famous for Christmas markets and Alsace wines.
The city offers a unique mix of French and German culture.
Things to Do in Strasbourg
✅ Visit Strasbourg Cathedral
✅ Walk through La Petite France
✅ Boat cruise on canals
✅ Explore Christmas markets (seasonal)
✅ Wine tasting in Alsace

Best Hotels in Strasbourg (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

Strasbourg offers a blend of cultures and is one of the best places to visit in France to experience European charm. You will find that the best places to visit in France are often hidden gems like these.

Hotel Cour du Corbeau

Budget Hotel:

Hotel des Arts

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ Maison Kammerzell – Alsace specialties
✅ Le Tire-Bouchon – Traditional food

6. Marseille – Mediterranean Energy

Marseille’s vibrant culture and seaside charm make it one of the best places to visit in France that you shouldn’t miss.

Marseille is France’s oldest city and a vibrant Mediterranean port. The Old Port is the heart of the city, surrounded by seafood restaurants and lively markets. Marseille is famous for bouillabaisse and offers easy access to nearby calanques (coastal cliffs).
This city is perfect for culture, food, and sea views.
Things to Do in Marseille
✅ Walk around the Old Port
✅ Try bouillabaisse
✅ Visit Notre-Dame de la Garde
✅ Explore Calanques National Park
✅ Visit local markets

Best Hotels in Marseille (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu

Marseille is a vibrant city that is one of the best places to visit in France for those looking for a Mediterranean adventure. Exploring the best places to visit in France will reveal its rich maritime history.

Budget Hotel:

ibis Marseille Centre

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ Chez Fonfon – Seafood classic
✅ Une Table au Sud – Mediterranean flavors

7. Mont-Saint-Michel – Iconic Wonder

While visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, you’ll witness one of the best places to visit in France, known for its stunning views and historical significance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic landmarks. This medieval abbey rises dramatically from the sea and is surrounded by changing tides. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.
It is one of the most photographed places in France.
Things to Do in Mont-Saint-Michel
✅ Visit the Abbey
✅ Walk the historic streets
✅ View tidal changes
✅ Photography at sunset
✅ Explore nearby villages

Best Hotels Near Mont-Saint-Michel (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

La Mère Poulard Hotel

Budget Hotel:

Mont-Saint-Michel is undeniably one of the most iconic best places to visit in France, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Make sure to add this to your list of the best places to visit in France.

Hotel Gabriel

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ La Mère Poulard Restaurant
✅ Le Relais du Roy

8. Loire Valley – Castles & Countryside

When exploring the Loire Valley, you’ll find some of the best places to visit in France, famous for its beautiful châteaux and vineyards.

The Loire Valley is famous for its fairytale castles, vineyards, and charming villages. The region is ideal for slow travel, cycling, and history lovers. Castles like Chambord and Chenonceau are among the most beautiful in France.
Things to Do in Loire Valley
✅ Visit Château de Chambord
✅ Explore Château de Chenonceau
✅ Wine tasting
✅ Cycling trails
✅ Visit local markets

Best Hotels in Loire Valley (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

Domaine des Hauts de Loire

Budget Hotel:

The Loire Valley is among the best places to visit in France, known for its stunning châteaux and picturesque landscapes. This region is one of the best places to visit in France for those who appreciate history and beauty.

Hotel Anne d’Anjou

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

✅ L’Evidence – Modern French
✅ La Table de la Bergerie

9. Versailles – Royal Grandeur

Versailles is home to the famous Palace of Versailles, one of the most luxurious royal residences in history. The palace and its gardens showcase French elegance, fountains, and art. Versailles makes a perfect day trip or overnight stay from Paris.
Things to Do in Versailles
✅ Visit Palace of Versailles
✅ Explore gardens and fountains
✅ Walk around Versailles town
✅ Visit Trianon estates
✅ Photography spots

Best Hotels in Versailles (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

Waldorf Astoria Versailles

Budget Hotel:

Hotel Le Louis Versailles Château

Versailles is synonymous with luxury and grandeur, making it one of the best places to visit in France for history buffs. Visiting the Palace is among the best places to visit in France during your trip.

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels

Versailles, with its opulent palace, is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in France for anyone interested in history and culture.

✅ La Petite Venise
✅ Gordon Ramsay au Trianon

10. Deauville – Seaside Escape

Deauville is a stylish seaside resort in Normandy, famous for beaches, boardwalks, and luxury villas. It’s a favorite weekend getaway from Paris, offering elegant beach clubs and a relaxed atmosphere.
Things to Do in Deauville
✅ Walk the boardwalk
✅ Relax on the beach
✅ Visit casinos
✅ Shop boutiques
✅ Attend film festivals

Best Hotels in Deauville (Expedia)

Luxury Hotel:

Hotel Barrière Le Normandy

Budget Hotel:

ibis Deauville Centre

Best Places to Eat Near Hotels
✅ Le Drakkar – French brasserie
✅ vL’Huîtrière – Fresh seafood

Lastly, Deauville is one of the best places to visit in France for a stylish seaside getaway, perfect for relaxation and leisure.

Deauville is yet another gem, recognized as one of the best places to visit in France for a seaside getaway. Take time to enjoy the best places to visit in France that offer relaxation and leisure.

Final Travel Tips for France

✅ Best time to visit: April–June & September–October
✅ Trains are the easiest way to travel between cities
✅ Book hotels early for summer and festivals
✅ Combine cities + countryside for a complete experience
1. What is the most beautiful part of France?
France’s Most Beautiful Towns And Villages
✅ L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence
✅ Vézelay, Burgundy
✅ Troyes, Champagne
✅ Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes
✅ Colmar, Alsace
✅ Roussillon, Cote d’Azur
✅ Yvoire, Rhone-Alpes

2. Is $1000 enough for a week in Paris? Only for a very tight budget (hostels, cheap food, limited attractions).

3. Where do tourists go in France? Paris, French Riviera, Provence, Normandy, Loire Valley, and the Alps.

4. What are the top 5 cities to visit in France? Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux.

5. Where to go in France for the first time? Paris + a day trip (Versailles or Loire Valley).

6. What is the nicest town in France? Annecy—lakes, canals, and Alpine scenery.

7. What is the prettiest little town in France? Colmar—fairytale streets and colorful houses.

8. Which is prettier, Normandy or Brittany? Brittany for wild coastlines; Normandy for history and gentle scenery.

Ultimately, when planning your travels, ensure that you explore the best places to visit in France, as they encapsulate the essence of this beautiful country.