The Best Regions to Visit in France

France isn’t just Paris and croissants — though we adore both. It’s a country stitched together by wildly different regions, each with its own soul. From alpine peaks to lavender fields, wine-soaked valleys to sun-drenched beaches, there’s a France for everyone. So grab a café crème and let’s take a scenic ride through the best regions to explore in France — and what not to miss in each.

1. Provence – Lavender Dreams and Sun-Kissed Villages

Provence feels like a painting you can walk into. Think golden sunlight, medieval villages, fields of purple lavender, and rosé flowing like water.

Must-See Places:

• Gordes – A hilltop stunner with cobblestone streets and jaw-dropping views.

• Roussillon – A technicolor village surrounded by ochre cliffs.

• Aix-en-Provence – Fountains, markets, and Cézanne’s legacy live here.

• Verdon Gorge – France’s “Grand Canyon,” perfect for kayaking or hiking.

• Les Baux-de-Provence – Visit the Carrières des Lumières, an immersive art show inside a limestone quarry.

Don’t Miss: A lavender field picnic in July with goat cheese, baguette, and local wine.

2. Burgundy (Bourgogne) – Where Wine and History Age Beautifully

Burgundy is for lovers — of wine, medieval towns, and slow living. It’s all rolling vineyards, mustard-scented breezes, and grand abbeys.

Must-See Places:

• Dijon – Chic and historic, with a pinch of mustard-fueled charm.

• Beaune – The wine capital, complete with cellars, tastings, and the stunning Hospices de Beaune.

• Vézelay – A hilltop village with a majestic basilica and views that stretch for miles.

• Châteauneuf-en-Auxois – A fairy tale village with a commanding medieval castle.

Don’t Miss: A wine tasting at a family-run vineyard followed by a lazy lunch in a courtyard bistro.

3. French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) – Glamour, Sea, and Sun

Welcome to the land of celebrities, yachts, and Mediterranean magic. But don’t worry — you don’t need a private jet to enjoy the French Riviera’s sun-soaked splendor.

Must-See Places:

• Nice – Seaside bliss with a vibrant Old Town and a palm-lined promenade.

• Cannes – Red carpets, sandy beaches, and old-world charm.

• Saint-Tropez – Flashy and fabulous, but with real beauty tucked in the backstreets.

• Èze – A jaw-dropping medieval village perched high above the sea.

• Antibes – Great beaches, an old port, and a Picasso museum.

Don’t Miss: Sunset cocktails overlooking the sea, followed by late-night gelato in a beachside town.

4. The French Alps – Snow, Scenery, and Fresh Mountain Air

Whether you're here for winter sports or summer hikes, the French Alps will take your breath away. Quite literally — those peaks are high.

Must-See Places:

• Chamonix – France’s mountaineering heart, nestled under Mont Blanc.

• Annecy – A picture-perfect town on a turquoise lake, often called the "Venice of the Alps."

• Grenoble – A lively university town surrounded by dramatic peaks.

Don’t Miss: A cozy alpine chalet, fondue by the fire, and a sunrise hike if you're feeling brave.

5. Bordeaux – Wine Royalty and Elegant River Life

In Bordeaux, the days are long, the wine is rich, and the city glows with 18th-century elegance. It’s the perfect base for discovering one of the world’s most revered wine regions.

Must-See Places:

• Bordeaux city – A mix of chic cafés, neoclassical architecture, and the shimmering Miroir d’Eau.

• Saint-Émilion – A UNESCO-listed wine village with steep cobbled streets and underground cellars.

• Arcachon Bay – For oysters, ocean air, and Europe’s tallest sand dune (Dune du Pilat).

Don’t Miss: A full-day wine tour where someone else drives — this is crucial.

6. Normandy – Cliffs, Camembert, and WWII History

Normandy is lush, rustic, and deeply moving. It’s a region where apple orchards meet dramatic coastlines and history hangs thick in the air.

Must-See Places:

• Mont Saint-Michel – A magical island abbey that seems to rise from the sea.

• Étretat – White cliffs and natural arches that look like something out of a fantasy film.

• Bayeux – Home of the famous tapestry and close to the D-Day beaches.

• Rouen – A medieval gem with a gorgeous Gothic cathedral.

Don’t Miss: A cheese tasting — Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Évêque… heaven.

7. Alsace – Fairy Tales and Flammekueche

This region looks like it was plucked from a Christmas snow globe. Think half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies, and Germanic charm with French finesse.

Must-See Places:

• Strasbourg – A city of canals, cathedrals, and cozy winstubs (Alsatian taverns).

• Colmar – Almost too cute to be real. Don’t skip La Petite Venise.

• Eguisheim & Riquewihr – Tiny villages straight out of a storybook.

Don’t Miss: Visiting during Christmas for Europe’s most magical markets.

8. Loire Valley – Castles, Gardens, and Royal Daydreams

The Loire Valley is where France’s royals once played—and built the most jaw-dropping châteaux you’ll ever see. It’s green, graceful, and ridiculously romantic.

Must-See Places:

• Amboise – Leonardo da Vinci lived (and is buried) here.

• Chenonceau & Chambord – Two of the most iconic castles, each with its own wow factor.

• Saumur & Chinon – For wine lovers and castle climbers.

Don’t Miss: Biking along the Loire River between vineyards and villages.

9. Occitanie – Medieval Magic and Hidden Gems

One of France’s most diverse and under-the-radar regions, Occitanie is packed with history, nature, and character.

Must-See Places:

• Carcassonne – A fortified city straight out of medieval legend.

• Toulouse – The “Pink City” with a young vibe and sunny squares.

• Nîmes & Albi – Roman ruins and artistic heritage.

• Lourdes – A spiritual center visited by millions each year.

Don’t Miss: A train ride through the Pyrenees for unforgettable mountain views.

10. Brittany (Bretagne) – Wild Seas and Celtic Soul

Rugged and poetic, Brittany is where the land meets the Atlantic with drama and defiance. Windswept beaches, crêpes, and ancient myths await.

Must-See Places:

• Saint-Malo – A walled corsair town full of salty history.

• Quimper – A delightfully Breton city with medieval streets and colorful pottery.

• Carnac – Home to thousands of prehistoric standing stones.

Don’t Miss: A walk along the GR34 coastal trail, with the wind in your hair and salt on your lips.

Final Thoughts

France is not just one destination—it’s a dozen different worlds packed into one delicious country. Each region has its own story, flavor, and personality. Whether you’re sipping wine in Burgundy, hiking cliffs in Normandy, or getting lost in the ochre lanes of Provence, you’ll find a part of France that speaks directly to your heart.

Bon voyage — and don’t forget to bring stretchy pants.