Best Places to Visit in France: 20 Places, Ranked by How Many Guides Name Them

The places, most named first

From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in france"

Named by 4 of 81. ParisÎle-de-France, FranceListed among the sights a first or second visit to France should include, with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of the city; one writer likes viewing it from the steps of Montmartre.Best time to visit Paris
Named by 3 of 82. ProvenceSouthern France, FranceKnown for sunshine, lavender and hilltop villages.Lavender fields are a main picture of the region.Best time to visit Provence Best places to visit in Provence
Named by 3 of 83. French Alps and Mont BlancAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes, FranceMont Blanc is called the highest mountain in Europe by one guide.Another guide calls it the highest mountain in Western Europe, on the France and Italy border.
Named by 3 of 84. DordogneSouthwest France, FranceOne writer spent about five days exploring the valley and its medieval towns.Countryside with chateaus along the river, known for canoeing and prehistoric cave art.
Named by 3 of 85. French RivieraCôte d'Azur, FranceA wealthy stretch of coast with beaches, swimming, snorkeling and coastal paths.Palm trees on the south coast, far from the medieval towns inland.Best time to visit French Riviera Best beaches in French Riviera Best places to visit in French Riviera
Named by 2 of 86. Mont Saint-MichelNormandy, FranceMedieval abbey on a rocky island in Normandy.At high tide the island is cut off; a causeway now allows visits in any tide.
Named by 2 of 87. Loire ValleyCentre-Val de Loire, FranceHome to the chateaux that most first-time visitors to France come for.UNESCO-listed valley of castles, with wine from the surrounding vineyards.
Named by 2 of 88. LyonAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes, FranceOne of the big cities named alongside Paris.Beaujolais wine country is a 40 minute drive away.
9. CorsicaFranceIsland with a mountainous spine, rocky coast and walking trails.Called underrated with an independent spirit; sailing is highlighted.
10. BordeauxNouvelle-Aquitaine, FranceFrance wine capital, with monuments, markets and good dining.Sights include Place de la Bourse, the Water Mirror and Tour Pey-Berland.
11. EtretatNormandy, FranceChalk cliffs, natural arches and beaches in a coastal town.Among the most beautiful places in Normandy.
12. Dune du PylaNouvelle-Aquitaine, FranceThe highest dune in Europe, about 110 meters, on the Atlantic coast.Climbing it at the end of the day gives a sunset view.
13. AlsaceFranceStrasbourg, Colmar and villages such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim, with half-timbered houses.Known for white wine and wine trails.
14. RocamadourOccitanie, FranceA UNESCO clifftop village in southwest France.Has a castle with views, cobbled streets and religious buildings.
15. Saint-EmilionBordeaux region, FranceA wine village in the Bordeaux region with a monolithic church.Includes the Monolithic Church and wine tastings.
16. BeaujolaisNear Lyon, FranceWine region close to Lyon, with ochre-stone villages such as Oingt.Late in the year suits it, with a barrel organ festival in September and Beaujolais Nouveau in November.
17. CamargueSouthern France, FrancePicked as best for wildlife and open landscapes.Peaceful in mid-winter, with few tourists.
18. RoussillonLuberon, Provence, FranceChosen as the most unusual landscape.Village with an Ochre Trail, not far from Avignon.
19. French PyreneesSouthern France, FranceRougher than the Alps, good for walking, biking and skiing.Suits snowshoeing and horse riding.
20. AvignonProvence, FranceMedieval ramparts surround the old town.Crowded in busy summer months; quieter seasons suit it better.