One
of the most visited countries in the world, France conjures up an image of long
hot summer days and probably the desire not to come home again. When we think
of France we usually think of fine wine and cuisine, exceptional scenery and a
laid back lifestyle which is the envy of the world. The diverse landscape –
which has inspired centuries of influential writers, artists and poets –
include huge mountain ranges, acres of green countryside and miles of gorgeous
coastline. Paris aside, here are ten of
the most beautiful places to visit in France (in no particular order):
An
area of outstanding natural beauty, the Loire Valley is also affectionately
known as the garden of France. The valley spans over 280 km and is located
in the beautiful middle stretch of the Loire River in central France.
It’s filled with culturally and historically important architecture which
has earned it a world heritage site status- unsurprisingly it’s one of the most
visited places in the country. Renowned for its large collection of
fairytale-esque chateaux and mansions, exceptionally beautiful landscapes and
one of the most striking rivers in Europe the Loire Valley is a gentle but most
definitely bourgeois paradise.
Second
only to the Eiffel Tower as France’s best-loved landmark, Mont St-Michel is
rocky, peaked island which is connected by a causeway to northwest France. An
imposing sight sitting amid sandbanks and powerful tides, the heritage site is
most celebrated for its Gothic-style Benedictine abbey. Directly below the
grand monastery is a medieval village complete with winding streets, small
houses and souvenir shops. The island is accessible at all times except when
the tide is very high.
If
you’re visiting here make time to explore the rest of the Normandy region.
Filled with history and lush green landscapes expect to see dry-stone
farmhouses, chalk-white cliffs, half-timbered buildings and many other
fine examples of picturesque architecture. The historically important site of
the Normandy Landing beaches and the famous Bayeux tapestry is also
located here.
The
Mediterranean coastline of southeast France is otherwise known as the French
Riviera. Although expensive and over-developed to some, with its miles of
gorgeous coastline and azure waters it’s still one of the most beautiful places
in France. The sun-drenched area has attracted and transfixed many visitors
over the years including royalty, celebrities, writers and artists such as
Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. The Côte d’Azur is also famed for its stylish
coastal cities such as Nice, Cannes and
St-Tropez, which still remain exclusive holiday resorts even today.
Giverny
is a riverside rural idyll located on the borders of Normandy which is most
famous for being the birthplace of impressionism.
The small village was once Claude Monet’s cherished country retreat and now
both his pink shutterboard house and highly photogenic country gardens are open
to the public. Planted by Monet himself,
the walled water garden (which inspired so many of his famous paintings)
features white and purple wisterias, water lilies, weeping willows, bamboo and
the iconic green Japanese bridge.
A
wealthy suburb of Paris, Versailles is
an important administrative centre and a proud tourist attraction in its own
right. It’s most famous for its chateau – the grand and ornate Palace of
Versailles which once housed the kings of France, (including the ill-fated
Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette). Both the beautifully preserved palace
and manicured gardens are extraordinary and they also offer an interesting
insight into the lives of 18th century French royalty before the start of the
legendary Revolution.
The
French Alps are best known for its prestigious ski resorts, although the region
is also home to many pretty towns which are great to visit, summer or winter.
One of the most attractive is Annecy which has a medieval picture-postcard
quality. The centre is built around a 14th century Chateau and the whole town
is interspersed with small canals which is why some locals refer to it as the
‘Venice of Savoie.’ With its canals and backdrop of snowy mountains, Annecy is
easily one of the most photogenic towns in France.
The
birthplace of champagne is also one of the most beautiful regions in France and
of course it’s very popular with wine trail tourists. It is located in the
northeast of the country, bordering Belgium and in addition to the miles of
Champagne Routes, the region has exceptionally scenic countryside, medieval
chateaux and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Make sure you visit the
region’s capital Troyes for impressive art and architecture and Reims for its
famous cathedral and acres of underground wine cellars.
Located
right on the border of Germany and France this heritage city has distinct
characteristics of both countries. It’s a picturesque, almost twee town
radiating an old world charm which really draws the visitors. Famous for its
riverfront half-timbered houses, beautiful gothic cathedral and fondness for
flowers, it also makes a great base for those wishing to visit the nearby Black
Forest or the River Rhine.
Although
this region encompasses other places on this list, Provence deserves a mention
of its own. It has a very diverse geography but Provence is best known for its
irresistible countryside landscapes filled with endless lavender fields, lush
olive groves and ancient hilltop villages. Long lazy days and alfresco lunches
await you in this rural chic paradise. Make sure you include a trip to the
impossibly picturesque villages of Baux-de-Provence and St. Rémy and also the spectacular
walled city of Avignon.
Europe’s
answer to the grand canyon, this deep cliff gorge located in the Provence
region is a visitor hot spot. Here you’ll find bright turquoise green waters,
outstanding scenery and an abundance of wildlife – it’s not difficult to see
why this gorge is so popular. Easily accessible from the French Riviera, the
national park is a great spot to climb, hike, kayak or just go for a scenic
drive.
Of
course it’s impossible to mention all the beautiful places in
France in a Top 10 list. You should also consider the exceptionally tranquil
and unspoiled countryside of the wine region Burgundy,
the chic coastal cities and sunshine of Corsica,
the UNESCO world heritage cities of Lyon and Bordeaux,
the picturesque villages and high mountains of the Mid Pyrenees
and the prehistoric cave paintings and picture perfect ancient landscapes
of the popular Dordogne. Enjoy your stay!
