To know France is to love France and we are here to talk about The top 10 places to visit in France outside of Paris!
However, how do you acquaint yourself with a country as complicated as France? From the German-influence infiltrating the eastern perimeter, to the Mediterranean essence of the French Riviera, and the picturesque islands at a teasing distance from the country’s western shores, France is as intricate as it is captivating. And while most individuals who visit France arrive in Paris, We at Dena Trip think that you would not be doing yourself any favors if you only stayed in the world’s beloved capital for there are a lot of best places to visit in France outside of Paris.
Certainly, spend a few days gazing at the Iron Lady, savoring café noir in a typical curbside bistro, and experiencing the art of flaneur… But then travel, take a train or bus to another corner of the l’hexagone to uncover another world. One that is certain to enchant you with its captivating charm and universally appealing lifestyle. Be sure to know our tips on how to travel light, it will help you a lot on your trips! So what are these top 10 places to visit in France outside of Paris:
Alsace is an archetypal frontier region, a part of that northern French hinterland that has exchanged hands between France and Germany numerous times throughout history. As expected of a place caught between worlds, Alsace has developed its own distinct culture and identity, not entirely French nor completely German, but always truly Alsatian. If you are planning a trip around the world, and France is on your list, be sure to visit Alsace for it is one of the best European family destinations!
This area possesses its own language, a diverse and characteristic culinary culture, and a treasured history of wine production, dating back to the 2nd century which is why Alsace is one of the Best places to explore in France outside Paris. The Alsace wine route showcases over 800 vineyards across a span of 168 kilometers and offers a delightful array of indulgences for wine enthusiasts.
Indeed, the oldest container of grape juice anywhere in the world may be discovered in a dim cellar beneath the Hospice of Strasbourg. The vintage is 1472, and it has endured the devastations of two global conflicts and countless blazes.
Although they remain grounded in customary wine production, the creators of Alsace wines are also avant-garde leaders, and it was here that some of the first natural farming vineyards were established.
Throughout the summer, a range of celebrations and food markets appear along the wine route, making Alsace an extremely appealing option for a summer road trip.
Yet, Alsace has so much more to offer beyond its vineyards and its hearty food customs. The Renaissance streets of Strasbourg and Colmar, with their painted timbered structures and cobbled paving stones, offer abundant allure, especially during the Christmas season when they are adorned with lights and filled with celebratory markets.
Outside the urban areas, the abundant green scenery is the perfect getaway from the world. Extending from the Rhine to the striking hills of the Vosges, the Alsace is a natural treasure, and there is plenty to keep nature enthusiasts occupied.
What’s more, this area of France is castle country, and there are many impressive reminders of the region’s medieval past in the remnants of Hohlandsbourg and Fleckenstein.
History casts a shadow here, and the area is permeated with memories of the violent conflicts and occupations of the 19th and 20th centuries. Nonetheless, despite the significance of the past in shaping Alsatian culture and identity, this is a forward-thinking, hopeful, and absolutely one-of-a-kind part of France that will leave you desiring much, much more.
NORMANDY, The Historical Haven
Independently fierce, with a hefty history and a rough allure, Normandy is frequently regarded within France as a distinct place.
This lush area derives its name from the Viking conquerors who settled here in the 9th century (the name itself comes from ‘north men’ in Old Norse), and even though the Normans have maintained their formidable reputation, visitors will always find a friendly greeting.
With stunning beaches, impressive architecture, and some of France’s best seafood, this is a region with something for everyone. Norman history has always been linked to the sea, from the earliest Viking raids and the capture of England in 1066, all the way through the bleakest moments of the Second World War.
Today, some of the vast, extensive beaches of the Norman coast are sacred places, preserved as a tribute to the many men who lost their lives during the D-Day landings of 1944 which is why we think Normandy should be one of the Best places to explore in France outside Paris and best European family destinations if you are into Historical Events.
Long stretches of golden sand, bordered by rolling dunes, also provide plenty of opportunities for summer enjoyment, and families flock here in the summer months to relax, play games, and dip a foot in the Channel. The same coastline is home to an abundance of picturesque harbors and fishing villages, such as the exquisite Honfleur, arguably the most beautiful harbor in all of France. This is the destination for incredible, fresh seafood, all washed down with a glass of local cider.
The Norman dukes were medieval celebrities, and they left their mark in the form of castles and cathedrals. The magnificent Gothic churches of Rouen, Coutances, and Caen are fitting monuments to this glorious past, as is the unique Bayeux tapestry, the first battle story depicted entirely in thread.
But the highlight of this region must be Mont-Saint-Michel, the iconic abbey situated on a rocky pinnacle high above the glistening sands of the Couesnon estuary. It’s no surprise that artists and poets alike have found inspiration in this captivating region; a visit to Giverny, where Monet painted his famous water lilies, is certainly enough to understand why.
BORDEAUX , The Wine Wonderland
Rivalled only by the Champagne region, Bordeaux is one of France’s most significant wine-producing provinces. Home to over 6,000 vineyards, this abundant and fertile region offers some of the world’s finest wines, building on an ancient culture that dates back nearly 2000 years. If you are a Wine enthusiast, than Bordeaux should be one of the places to visit in France outside of Paris for you!
The area around Bordeaux is best explored on foot or by bike, and this lush, sun-soaked region certainly won’t disappoint.
The city of Bordeaux is a pleasant destination for a city break, with its broad boulevards, 18th-century architecture, and riverside street culture. The city is a cultural center, and visitors come here for the exceptional art galleries and museums, and renowned dining scene.
The River Garonne, which meanders through the town center, has been the focal point of the city for centuries, transporting goods in and out of the city. It offers an ideal place for an afternoon stroll, lined with attractive cafes and restaurants offering refreshments for tired travelers.
Outside the city, vineyards dominate the landscape, but Saint-Emilion, in the heart of the Bordeaux region, is an appealing spot for a day trip.
This historic medieval village was founded in the 8th century when a devout hermit named Emilion, made his home in the nearby caves. Over time, the settlement developed into an important religious center, and it’s possible to get a little closer to this rich history today by exploring the caves underneath the village.
Wine production has been significant here ever since King John of England established the Jurade, a wine-makers brotherhood committed to developing the industry in Saint-Emilion.
Over 800 years later, Saint-Emilion still stands as one of the most significant wine-producing areas in France. Whether you’re a fan of Bordeaux wines or not, this wonderful region has plenty to offer to visitors.
FRENCH RIVIERA, The Glamorous Coast
The French Riviera – summer getaway of the wealthy – immediately brings to mind images of luxury, elegance, and fashion. During the summer months, French vacationers, along with a global crowd of famous people and affluent individuals, travel to the Côte d’Azur, to dip their toes in the Mediterranean and relax in Monaco, Saint-Tropez, Nice or Cannes.
This is one of France’s most sought-after vacation spots, and for good reason: the Côte d’Azur is truly breathtaking, encompassing sandy beaches, lively markets, charming towns, coastal hiking trails, and striking crimson cliffs.
Don’t worry if your budget doesn’t allow for extravagant nights out in the trendy resorts of St Tropez and Antibes or the casinos of Monte Carlo. There’s more to discover here than many people realize, and this section of the French coastline is a natural paradise, filled with stunning hidden villages nestled in the mountains that emerge from the sea.
Saint-Paul de Vence, for instance, is renowned for its intricate network of streets and thriving artistic scene. This remarkable village offers extraordinary views of the coast and is a haven for photographers. Port Grimaud, the Venice of the Riviera, is characterized by its canals, waterways, and brightly colored houses.
change the words without its meaning: Finally, Èze, a charming medieval village perched on a high, rocky outcrop, offers the very best of the Provence region: exotic gardens, a medieval castle, and fabulous views of the Mediterranean. All the way along the coastline, beech forests and gardens of olives cloak the hillsides, making this an excellent spot for hiking or mountain biking, which is why we at Dena Trip think French Riviera is one of the best places to visit in France outside of Paris if you are into beaches.
Come in the quieter months and you’ll enjoy the warm sunshine, empty beaches, and turquoise seas: it’s easy to see why visitors return to the Provence region again and again.
BURGUNDY, The Wine Capital
Burgundy, known internationally for its rich, full-bodied wines, is one of France’s lesser-visited regions. A trip here is an escape into some of the country’s most idyllic countryside, featuring rolling green hills covered in orderly vineyards, bright, yellow mustard fields, and tranquil canals.
Burgundy’s vineyards are so important they have even been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, in a nod to the richness and diversity of this significant wine-producing region. However, while a vineyard tour should definitely be on the agenda, this beguiling region has plenty of other treats to entice visitors.
Dijon, the regional capital, was once the home of the Burgundian dukes, and their influence may still be felt in the stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture that makes up the city.
The region’s fine produce is always on show here, and the fabulous Friday market at Les Halles is not to be missed, featuring local specialities such as Epoisses cheese, escargots (snails), and of course, the famous beef bourguignon.
Outside the city, the countryside is littered with fabulous medieval monasteries, castles, and some of France’s most beautiful villages. The small, walled town of Beaune, with its cobbled streets, Gothic architecture and labyrinthine wine cellars has charm in abundance. This profuse, laid-back region offers plenty of activities for nature lovers.
This is the place to hire a bike and spend the day weaving through the vineyards or drift lazily through the countryside in a canal boat, admiring the view. For walkers, the magnificent Morvan National Park provides over 1000 square kilometers of unspoilt countryside, filled with lakes, waterfalls, and atmospheric woodland. This is undoubtedly the French countryside at its finest. While you are in The Wine Capital, be sure to know does travel insurance cover medical expenses and other policies regarding alcohol.
Provence, The Land of Lavender
Provence, the delightful region that envelops the Côte d’Azur one of the best places to visit in France outside of Paris, is a heady assault on the senses. Rolling areas of shinning, purple lavender, columns of vines extending into the skyline, and flawless forests of bent olive trees check out Provence as a genuine plant of delights, which is why Provence is one of best places to visit in October with family.
Aix-en-Provence, the rich territorial city, brings a touch of this rustic erotic nature to an urban setting, combining verdant yards, etched stone buildings, and wide boulevards strewn with patios where guests can whereas absent the hours and observe the world go by. The city’s colourful markets bring together the exceptionally best of Provençal create, in a distinctive show that’s beyond any doubt to stimulate your craving.
Avignon, one of Provence’s fundamental cities, too offers guests bounty of things to see and do. For the way better portion of the 14th century, the ecclesiastical court was based at Avignon, and in this period, popes were not known for their limitation. The Avignon popes set approximately building a extravagant royal residence, which stands to this day, total with wonderful frescos.
The city moreover highlights a few great exhibition halls, the popular Pont d’Avignon, and an yearly expressions and theater celebration that draws in an worldwide swarm.
Be that as it may, Provence’s most luring charms are found exterior the most urban center points, within the wide open. Picture-perfect medieval towns such as Venasque, Uzès and Gordes offer adequate opportunity for investigation, highlighting cobbled roads, brilliant stone engineering, and green, precipitous backdrops.
Les Baux de Provence is maybe the finest case of reestablished Provençal town design, with its own citadel and a fearsome notoriety for gastronomy.
Provence is additionally home to an plenitude of natural life, backed by its assorted run of characteristic living spaces. Within the southwest corner of the locale, the green slopes drop absent to a tremendous wetland within the Rhône delta.
The Camargue National Stop incorporates crowds of wild, white steeds, wandering bulls and herds of startling pink flamingos. This one of a kind, wonderful zone is best investigated on foot or on horseback and is certain to take off a huge impression.
Frequently Asked Question about top places to visit in france outside of paris
1. What are some popular destinations in France outside of Paris?
Some popular destinations in France outside of Paris include Alsace, Normandy, Bordeaux, the French Riviera, Provence, the Loire Valley, the Dordogne region, Brittany, the French Alps, and the Mont Saint-Michel.2. How can I travel from Paris to these destinations?
There are several transportation options available to travel from Paris to the best places in France outside of the capital. You can take a train, bus, or domestic flight to reach your desired destination. Trains are a convenient and efficient mode of transportation in France, with well-connected railway networks.3. What are the must-see attractions in these places?
The must-see attractions vary depending on the destination, but here are a few highlights:- Alsace: The Alsace Wine Route, Strasbourg Cathedral, Colmar’s Old Town.
- Normandy: Mont-Saint-Michel, D-Day Landing beaches, Rouen Cathedral.
- Bordeaux: Bordeaux city center, Saint-Emilion vineyards, Cité du Vin.
- French Riviera: Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, Cannes Film Festival, Monaco’s
- Casino.Provence: Lavender fields in Valensole, Avignon’s Papal Palace, Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town.
