France! 17 Best Places To Visit In 2025 (+Map)
By Sam Lee, 2025. Planning a holiday to France? Check out these 17 must-see destinations.
From storybook castles to towering peaks, medieval towns to sparkling coastlines, and lush vineyards to massive sand dunes, France is a diverse and endlessly captivating spot for vacationers (there’s a reason it’s one of the world’s top tourist destinations). But where to begin planning your holiday? Get started by checking out my 17 must-see destinations in France.
01—
Bordeaux
I’ve just come back from a month in Bordeaux, so this magnificent city is still fresh in my head (and my heart). Bordeaux might be a seriously old city, but it also has a cool underground urban vibe, and there is plenty of stuff to do.
Yes, it’s a wine-lover's paradise that boasts nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards, serving up a smorgasbord of famous reds—but Bordeaux isn’t just a wine mecca. It's a gorgeous city packed with medieval architecture, top-notch dining, sprawling parks, and a stone's throw from some of the best beaches on France’s Atlantic coast. I’ll cheers to that!
02—
Nice
Whether you're a beach bum or a culture vulture, you’ll find something to interest you in Nice —from its pebble-strewn beaches and quirky museums to charming shops and grand Baroque palaces. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful seaside promenade, dive into the city's numerous museums, and indulge your taste buds at its wine bars. Sure, accommodation and beach access can be a bit spendy, but the experience is worth every penny.
03—
Lyon
Lyonnais are famously proud of their city – and honestly, who can blame them? While it might not have the fame of Paris, Lyon holds its own. Nestled among vineyards and boasting over 4,000 restaurants, some with Michelin stars, Lyon is a paradise for wine lovers and foodies alike. Plus, with its UNESCO-protected city center, stunning Rhône and Saône river views, and rich history in silk production, Lyon offers plenty of non-foodie delights.
04—
Montpellier
Sunny Montpellier shines with a mix of classic charm and a hip university vibe. This southern French city boasts some of Paris’ allure, with its Haussmann-style buildings and charming streets. It has a cosmopolitan vibe, and you'll find style everywhere in Montpellier—from trendy shops to street art to France's oldest botanical garden.
Plus, the Mediterranean coast is just a short drive away, so a beach day is always within reach. When night falls, dive into the lively nightlife, with everything from music venues to dance clubs to keep you entertained.
05—
Aix-en-Provence
How to describe Aix-en-Provence? Quaint. Yep, that’s the word. Aix-en-Provence is a charming university town with tree-lined boulevards, adorable cafes, and bustling markets. Life here takes a leisurely pace, making it perfect for wandering scenic streets and soaking up that quintessential provincial vibe. Don’t miss Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and Le Grand Marché. And if you’re an art lover, swing by Atelier de Cézanne to see where Paul Cézanne, an Aix native, created some of his masterpieces.
06—
Avignon
To experience some of France's most remarkable art and architecture, head to the ‘City of Popes’ Avignon. This southeastern gem flaunts stunning landmarks like the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the planet's largest Gothic palace, and the legendary Pont Saint-Bénezet bridge. Avignon also boasts museums like the Musée Angladon, where you can ogle masterpieces by big shots like Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh. Swing by in July for the Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's biggest performing arts events.
07—
Arles
Art lovers might recognize the streets of Arles, a charming city in Provence that sparked Vincent Van Gogh's creativity with its vibrant hues and rustic appeal. Fans of Van Gogh can check out all the spots he loved or visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles. Besides its artistic ties, Arles is renowned for its Roman relics, including a two-tiered amphitheater, the Alyscamps cemetery, and the Constantine Baths. As the gateway to the Camargue region, Arles also serves as a great starting point for those itching to explore this marshy area teeming with flamingos. Pro travel tip: Don’t try to drive into Arles city on market day. Organized chaos is how I would describe it 😊
08—
Paris
You didn’t think I would forget Paris, did you? The capital of France is a perennial favorite among travelers, featuring landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, along with stunning architecture such as the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. Paris' charm is something you must experience firsthand.
Don't just show up without a plan—research and book major attractions ahead of time. While you may be tempted to fill your itinerary to the brim, ensure you carve out moments to relax with a coffee or rosé and simply take in the surroundings. Be aware that Paris is frequently crowded and good-value accommodation can be hard to find (book early for best deals).
09—
Champagne
Of course, I have to add Champagne to my list! Champagne is synonymous with France, right? From the Saint-Thierry Massif to the Marne Valley, dive into the area's best vineyards and cellars—these producers really know how to pour on the charm (and the bubbly).
10—
Normandy
Despite its turbulent past, northern France boasts immense beauty and rich culture. Normandy’s striking white-chalk cliffs—from the charming port of Honfleur to the stylish retreat of Étretat—were the birthplace of Impressionism. In Rouen, the region's capital, you can admire art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and wander among quaint half-timbered houses.
Don't miss the city's culinary delights, earning it the title of UNESCO City of Gastronomy. You can also explore significant historical sites like the D-Day Landing Beaches and Bayeux’s renowned intricate tapestry.
11—
Loire Valley
You absolutely need to visit for two main reasons: castles and wine. The Loire River, the longest in France, flows between Orléans and Angers, where you’ll find over 300 impressive castles from the time of French royalty and about 185,000 acres of vineyards.
As you follow the river, you’ll pass through woods, fields, and medieval towns like Blois, Amboise, and Saumur, each featuring a stunning royal castle. Make sure to try the local treats, too: white wine, rillettes, goat cheese, and Chambord.
12—
Corsica
Often called "France's Isle of Beauty," Corsica is like a mini-continent with its diverse landscapes and unique culture. Picture this: crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Rugged mountains and lush forests offer epic hiking, including the legendary GR20 trail (not for the fainthearted!). History buffs can geek out at the Maison Bonaparte museum. And let’s not forget the food—local delights like lonzu (dry-cured pork) and brocciu (cheese) are a must-try! Sounds great, right?
13—
Toulouse
Nicknamed the Pink City thanks to its distinctive clay brick buildings, Toulouse is simply stunning. It boasts attractions like the neoclassical Le Capitole in the main square, the grand Basilica of Saint-Sernin (a UNESCO site from the 11th century), and the Hôtel d'Assézat with its amazing art gallery.
The city is crisscrossed with several canals, perfect for a stroll under tree-lined paths, including the lovely Canal du Midi. For amazing city views, you can take a cruise on the River Garonne or just kick back on its banks. Take a glass of wine, join the locals, and watch the sunset.
14—
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
If you're into skiing, you'll probably love hitting the slopes at Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe, standing 4,808 meters tall. Chamonix, the bustling town that serves as the gateway to Mont Blanc, gives you easy access to one of the world's longest off-piste runs, Vallée Blanche, and some pretty challenging terrain.
But Chamonix isn't just about skiing; it is a fantastic spot for hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. For a fun time with your kids, check out the town's adventure park, where you can ride the Alpine coaster and enjoy a bunch of slides.
15—
Lourdes
Tucked away in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France, Lourdes is a quaint town where, back in 1858, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have seen several visions of the Virgin Mary. Nowadays, Lourdes is a top spot for Catholic pilgrims, drawing in millions every year.
But you don't have to be religious to enjoy the amazing architecture and rich history of places like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and Château Fort de Lourdes. For some incredible views of the town and the nearby mountains, hop on a funicular to the top of Pic du Jer.
My take? It’s touristy, but it’s still an interesting place for a quick visit. And the surrounding countryside is lovely.
16—
Alsace
In the Upper Rhine area between France and Germany, the Alsace region has switched sides more than a few times. Kick things off in Strasbourg, the regional capital, where you can soak in a unique mix of French and German culture, architecture, and food.
Next, head over to Colmar, with its charming half-timbered buildings, and don't miss out on one of Europe's top Christmas markets. And definitely make a stop at the twelfth-century Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg for some stunning views that stretch all the way to the Black Forest.
17—
French Basque Country
Even though the majority of the historic Basque Country is located in present-day Spain, the French section is definitely worth exploring, especially if you enjoy surfing. Biarritz, a stylish bathing spot since the 1800s, became the hub of European surfing in the 1950s, with the Atlantic often producing massive waves at its Grande Plage.
After surfing, recharge with some of Bayonne’s famous cured ham, which is nearby. Further along the coast, the beach towns of St Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye offer miles of golden sand and breathtaking summer sunsets over the ocean.
That’s a wrap!
From wine to waves, France has something for every type of traveler. What do you think? Ready to plan your trip to France? Everyone should experience the best of France at least once in their lifetime — although I can pretty much guarantee that once you visit, you’ll want to come back! It's a bit of a conundrum, isn’t it?
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