Signature’s curated guide to France

From vineyard-strewn valleys to culture-rich capitals, we’ve compiled the best places to visit in France on your next grand adventure. 

By Eleanor Edstrom. 

I’m sitting on stone steps in the upper reaches of Menton’s old town, tucked beside a sleepy Baroque basilica that throws just enough shade to make the summer swelter tolerable. Below me, rose and lemon-hued houses cascade towards the sea, where the Mediterranean flaunts an azure and turquoise palette. Indistinct chatter intermingles with the lull of the waves, citrus-tinged seafood scents the air, and time seems to unplug itself. This, I think, could very well be the apex of contentment.  

Such moments are hardly rare in France. The country has long mastered the art of détente (relaxation), inviting visitors and locals alike to savour a slower pace and soak in their surroundings – which often happen to be extraordinarily atmospheric. It isn’t hard to do just that given the nation’s sweeping diversity of flavours, landscapes and moods spread across 13 distinct mainland regions.  

Whether you’re uncorking a grand cru in Champagne or diving into turquoise bays off Corsica, the best places to visit in France are far more than picturesque. They offer historic depth, culinary expertise and pleasure refined to an art form. Here are our top picks.  

Paris 

A stranger to few but a favourite of many, Paris has long been the cultural epicentre of the French identity. With endless exhibitions, theatres and culinary establishments, along with an abundance of charming terrace bars and courtyards, it’s easy to find yourself drawn back. First-time travellers often visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but the soul of Paris lies in its neighbourhoods.  

Le Marais offers boutique shopping and Jewish heritage. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is ideal for literary cafés and art galleries, while Montmartre is a historic artist’s quarter with a village-like atmosphere – visit Place du Tertre to see modern artists showcasing their work. 

Signature experiences  

For museum enthusiasts, the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin are wonderful options that are more manageable than the Louvre’s scale. Or perhaps take an after-hours tour of the Palais Garnier with Deluxe France, followed by a rooftop dinner overlooking the Seine. And most certainly spend a lazy afternoon at the idyllic Luxembourg gardens, one of the best places to visit in France for picnics and people watching. 

Read more:
The best things to do in Paris
The best patisseries in Paris  

Champagne 

The Champagne region – best known, of course, for its eponymous sparkling wine – is centred around Reims and Épernay, both within 90 minutes of Paris. Reims is home to a stunning Gothic cathedral and some of the most iconic Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger. Épernay is smaller but equally important, known for the Avenue de Champagne, where cellars stretch for miles beneath grand maisons.  

Tours and tastings here are best booked in advance, especially at legacy houses such as Moët & Chandon or Ruinart. Smaller producers in villages such as Hautvillers offer more personal (and often more memorable) tasting experiences. 

Signature experiences 

Take a helicopter flight over the chalky vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, ending with an exquisite lunch with paired tasting at a family-owned estate. Trust us, you’ll quickly discover why Champagne is one of the best places to visit in France – and perhaps the world – for sampling sparkling. 

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 

Located in southeastern France, this is one of the country’s most topographically diverse regions. Lyon, its capital, is widely considered the gastronomic heart of France, home to world-famous restaurants and chefs, including the legendary Paul Bocuse. First-time visitors should explore the produce markets along the Saône river, stroll the old town’s historic passageways, visit the old silk district of Croix-Rousse and see the unique interiors of the Fouvrière basilica.  

Two hours away by train from Lyon, Annecy (also known as the Venice of the Alps) is a picturesque town where colourful buildings and quaint canals are set against a scenic mountain range. Set on a pristine aqua lake, it is one of the best places to visit in France for summer hiking, boating and swimming. 

The French Alps, including ski towns Chamonix, Megève and Courchevel, promise year-round indulgence: skiing in winter, alpine spa retreats and high-altitude hiking in summer. The Rhône Valley is also a key wine-producing region celebrated for its powerful syrahs and bold reds.  

Signature experiences  

When in Lyon, visit a bouchon (a type of traditional restaurant serving typical Lyonnaise cuisine) and take a guided food tour of the old town for a deep dive into the local specialties of this culinary hotspot. In Annecy, rent a paddleboat or sailing yacht in summer and enjoy the crystalline waters. For alpine lovers, the day hike to Lac Blanc near Chamonix offers unmatched views of the alps reflected in the high-altitude, mirror-like lake.  

Provence 

Here, cicadas sing, and rustic villages look out over sprawling countryside. Provence is divided into several sub-regions, but top highlights include Aix-en-Provence, known for its art scene and lively markets, and Avignon, famous for its medieval monuments and hosting one of the world’s largest performing arts festivals.  

The Luberon Valley is the heart of hilltop-village country, home to some of the prettiest and best places to visit in France including the rose-toned Roussillon and postcard-worthy Ménerbes, which has long lured writers and artists. Lavender fields on the Valensole plateau bloom in June and July, while Saint-Rémy-de-Provence boasts a blend of Roman ruins and Van Gogh history.  

Signature experiences  

Lift off in a hot air balloon at dawn for enchanting views over the Luberon’s limestone ridges and Roussillon’s ochre outline with Art Mongolfières. Or explore Arles with a private art historian tracing Van Gogh’s legacy. Nature lovers should make the trip to Verdon Gorge, a natural canyon with unbelievably turquoise waters.  

Côte d’Azur 

The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riveria, is one of the best places to visit in France for slow seaside summers. Nice combines Belle Époque charm with urban energy; visit the markets at Cours Saleya, the tranquil port and the bakeries of the old town. Èze is perched dramatically on a cliff, offering sweeping views from its famed garden.  

Meanwhile, Saint-Tropez continues to attract the yachting set. Cap-Ferrat and Antibes offer luxury with more discretion, ideal for villa rentals and private beach clubs. Menton, with its citrus groves, Italian influences and vibrant colours, is a quieter alternative to glitzier neighbourhoods.  

Signature experiences  

From Nice, walk around the headland to the gorgeous smaller town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which has many lovely swimming spots and scenic viewpoints along the way. Then enjoy a sunset tasting menu above the cliffs of Èze at the Michelin-starred Château Eza. 

Corsica 

Corsica is France on sabbatical. Equal parts France and Italy in spirit, the island is all granite peaks, turquoise coves and mountain air. Towns such as Bonifacio and Calvi cling to cliffs with Mediterranean drama, while inland trails promise soul-stirring solitude. For blissful beaches, head to Palombaggia or Saleccia,  

Signature experiences  

Set sail on a catamaran bound for the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands between Corsica and Sardinia, anchoring in a secret cove while a private chef prepares fresh fruits de mer. The adventurous and bold-blooded can hike a section of the challenging GR20 with a personal guide and porter.  

Alsace 

Located on France’s eastern border, Alsace is renowned for its Germanic heritage and distinctive architecture. Strasbourg, the region’s capital, is home to one of Europe’s most impressive cathedrals. Its half-timbered old town is best explored on foot or by canal boat and is one of the best places to visit in France for Christmas markets. To the south, Colmar is often quoted as one of the prettiest towns in Europe, offering fairytale flower-lined streets and world-class museums such as the Unterlinden Museum. For keen gourmands, the pizza-like tarte flambée is a local culinary highlight. 

Signature experiences 

The Alsace Wine Route connects numerous wine-producing villages, including Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Turckheim, ideal for tasting crisp rieslings and pinot gris. Perhaps hire a privately chauffeured vintage Citroën and do it all in style.  

Normandy 

Often overlooked in favour of Paris or the South, Normandy offers a mix of medieval charm, WWII history and Celtic heritage. Try some of its famous seafood, especially moules (mussels), and Camembert cheese.  

Rouen is known for its Gothic cathedral and ties to Joan of Arc. Bayeux houses the 11th-century tapestry that tells the story of the Norman Conquest. Another must-see is Mont Saint-Michel, a tiny but spectacular tidal island crowned by an 8th-century abbey stacked over rocky granite cliffs. It’s one of the best places to visit in France for unique architecture and medieval history. 

Signature experiences  

Take a private guided tour of the D-Day beaches, where the largest military seaborne  invasion in history took place, before ending the day with a Calvados (apple brandy) tasting at Ferme Cidricole Biologique Lecornu in  Bayeux.  

Bordeaux  

Bordeaux combines regal 18th-century architecture with some of the most prestigious wine estates in the world. The city itself is walkable and elegant, centred around the Place de la Bourse and its famous water mirror. Make sure to stop by the famous flea markets, take a boat trip on the Garonne River and take part in interactive wine-centric exhibits at the Cité de Vin museum.  

Signature experiences  

Just 45 minutes by car or accessible by train (with a 20 to 30-minute walk into the village centre), the stunning medieval town of Saint-Émilion is one of the best places to visit in France and makes a fantastic day trip from Bordeaux. Climb the King’s Tower for panoramic views, explore the numerous wine cellars and estates, and take a guided tour of the largest monolithic church in Europe. 

Insider France travel tips

• On Sundays and Mondays, many shops and restaurants are closed in France, particularly in rural areas.
• Make sure to say bonjour (hello) or bonjour Madame/Monsieur when you first enter a shop or restaurant before ordering or asking your question, or when approaching strangers for help. Not doing so is considered rude.
• The French aren’t fans of shouting or loud voices, so be wary of your volume in public to ensure you aren’t disturbing locals.
• While casually spending the day in activewear may be normal in Australia, it isn’t really a thing in France. Instead, locals prefer to dress chic or smart casual when out and about in public.

France travel Q&As   

What is the prettiest place to visit in France?  

While there are abundant gorgeous places in France, the prettiest to visit are often considered to be the alpine town of Annecy, the lavender fields of the Luberon valley, the colourful canals of Colmar and the streets of Montmartre in Paris. More beautiful locations in France include: 

• Les Calanques National Park, Marseille 

• Rouissillon, Provence 

• Eze, Côte d’Azur 

• Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy 

• Chamonix, the French Alps 

• Gordes, Provence 

What are the 5 famous things in France?  

The most famous things in France are Paris – home to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre museum, which houses the famous Mona Lisa painting – the French Riviera, wine, world-class pastries including macarons and croissants, and baguettes (which are enlisted as cultural world heritage).  

Is 7 days enough in France?  

Seven days is enough to get a good taste for one to two regions or cities, but will not allow travellers to fully experience the breadth and depth of France’s culture. France is home to a multitude of regions that are distinct from each other in flavour, landscape and spirit, meaning those seeking to delve deeper should consider spending two to three weeks there. 

What are the top three tourist sites in France?  

The most popular tourist attractions in France are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and the Arc de Triomphe – all found in Paris.  

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The best things to do in Paris
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