Look at a map and one of the first things you will notice about France is that it’s pretty big. Yet despite this, many tourists never venture beyond the obvious attractions – here are our 96 suggestions for places to visit, one for each French département (country).
01. Ain, eastern France
The historical village of Pérouges, which has ranked among the most beautiful in France, is even the setting for a handful of French period films.
02. Aisne, northern France
You simply cannot go past the Laon cathedral, from the 12th century, which ranks up with Notre Dame in terms of France’s top examples of Gothic architecture.
03. Allier, central France
Head to the Maison Mantin, a museum in the town of Moulins, that was once a mansion in the late 19th century before being closed off for a century. It was opened to the public in 2010 and offers a really eclectic collection of art.
04. Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence, southern France
The top spot here is the Gorges du Verdon, of course, France’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Rent a kayak and tackle the river at the bottom.
05. Hautes-Alpes, eastern France
The small town of Briançon is also billed as the highest town in France at an altitude of 1,326 metres. Take in the whole town on foot – and don’t miss the Unesco recognised city walls.
06. Alpes-Maritimes, south eastern France
Photo by JACQUES MUNCH / AFP
07. Ardèche, central France
It may be in ruins, and you may have to climb a bit to get there, but the Château de Crussol in Saint-Péray is incredible. You can also take a donkey ride after you’ve enjoyed the views up top.
08. Ardennes, north eastern France
09. Ariège, south western France
To the west of the town of Foix there’s a pretty awesome chateau – the Chateau de Foix – that promises a good half-day trip. Just bring good shoes for the cobblestones!
10. Aube, north eastern France
If you’re in Aube, be sure to head to its capital of Troyes (pronounced like ‘trois’) for its half-timbered buildings – you’ll feel like you’re walking through France from yesteryear.
11. Aude, southern France
We’d be mad if we didn’t recommend the stunning medieval fortress Cité de Carcassonne, which is on the Unesco list of World Heritage Sites and a huge hit with tourists (for good reason). Very busy in summer thanks to that Unesco listing, it’s best visited in autumn or winter.
12. Aveyron, southern France
Top site here is the Millau Viaduct – the tallest bridge in the world (the mast goes up to 343 metres). Here are some more pics if you need convincing.
SEE ALSO: The 12 bridges in France you just have to cross
13 Bouches-du-Rhône
This department is where you’ll find the coastal city of Marseille. Our top tip there? It has to be the Calanques (kind of like cliffs or canyons along the coast). Take a boat out in the Parc National des Calanques and thank us later – although at peak times you will have to book in advance.
14. Calvados, northern France
As anyone from Normandy will tell you, the coastal town of Honfleur is one of the best half-day trips you’ll take all year. It’s been extremely popular with artists down the years, and you will understand why once you have seen its beautiful harbour.
15. Cantal, central France
You can’t really go wrong in Cantal, but we recommend the view from the top of the Puy Mary summit. Bring some of the local Cantal cheese with you for the hike to enjoy on top.
16. Charente, western France
Charente’s most famous product is cognac, and while you’re in this part of the world, you have to have a little tipple. The town of Cognac contains several distilleries that offer tours and (importantly) tastings, probably the best known is Remy Martin.
17. Charente-Maritime, western France
It has to be the Fort Boyard just off the coastline between the Île-d’Aix and the Île d’Oléron. This is the place that inspired the TV show of the same name. Building started over 200 years ago, and it’s loaded with history that stretches well beyond its more recent fame as a TV show.
18. Cher, central France
Get your Scottish vibe going at the Chateau des Stuarts in Aubigny-sur-Nère, “France’s Scottish town”. Its unusual heritage can be traced to John Stewart of Darnley, a Stuart who came to France in 1419 to fight for Charles VII.
SEE ALSO: Nine must-see chateaux you’ve not heard about
19. Corrèze, central France
Ever heard of the Vézère Valley? It’s home to hundreds of other remarkable prehistoric ruins. Plenty of caves and historical sites along the way, providing a glimpse into long extinct civilisations that have been difficult for researchers to comprehend. The valley became a world heritage site in 1979.
SEE ALSO: Ten World Heritage sites in France you won’t have heard of
2A. Corse-du-Sud, Corsica
The clifftop village of Bonifacio is an absolute must, right on the southern tip of the island. Enjoy the view, then take the 187 steps down to the sea. Just make sure you leave enough energy to get back up again . . .
2B. Haute-Corse, Corsica
Corsica is one of France’s most popular holiday spots with the French themselves, and one of the reasons for that is its beautiful beaches. Head to Plage de Palombaggia in Porto-Vecchio, ranked as the second best beach in France.
21. Côte-d’Or, central France
The charming town of Beaune has original features from the pre-Roman era as well as the medieval and Renaissance periods, making it a fascinating place to wander around for anyone who hasn’t over-indulged on the local Burgundy wine.
22. Côtes d’Armor, western France
23. Creuse, central France
Ever wanted to hang out with wolves? Why not try the Wolves of Gueret experience, where you can see wolves in their almost natural environment. It’s the top rated thing to do in Creuse on TripAdvisor.
24. Dordogne, western France
Head along to the life-size replica of the Lascaux cave paintings, which was a mammoth three-year artist effort to create a true-to-life replica of renowned Stone Age cave paintings long hidden away in southwestern France. The original paintings are not open to the public, but are just down the road.
25. Doubs, eastern France
The Citadel of Besançon is renowned for being a masterpiece of military architecture, and even Julius Caesar took note (yes, well over 2,000 years ago). Get to the top and admire the structure – and the views.
26. Drôme, south eastern France
Head to Cheval’s Palais Idéal, an odd attraction indeed. The story goes that postman Ferdinand Cheval tripped over a stone in 1879 and then dreamed of his “ideal palace”. He spent the next 33 years building it with stones he collected on his journeys.
Photo by GERARD MALIE / AFP
27. Eure, northern France
You simply cannot miss Giverny, where Claude Monet used to live. Monet himself regarded the gardens that he created as the true artwork, with his paintings of them – including the famous Waterlilies series – merely a record of his work.
28. Eure-et-Loir, central France
29. Finistère, western France
Take in the breath-taking granite rocks in Ushant, or “Ouessant” as the island is known in French. Stop in at the Creac’h lighthouse, which is said to be the most powerful on earth.
30. Gard, southern France
31. Haute-Garonne, southern France
Take a stroll around the old town in the city of Toulouse, which earned its name of La Ville Rose because of the pinkish brick used in construction. Once you’ve seen the sights, enjoy the lively nightlife or take in a rugby game at the home ground of French rugby powerhouse Stade Toulousain.
32. Gers, south western France
Condom’s Cathedral is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture and you get to take a picture next to the road sign Condom, which is a must for anyone with a childish sense of humour (which includes us at The Local).
33. Gironde, western France
34. Hérault, southern France
The awe-inspiring Abbaye de Valmagne fuels two great French passions: wine and architecture. Built in the 12th century, it was inhabited first by Benedictine monks who cultivated vines on the estate. Never has wine tasting been so good.
35. Ille-et-Vilaine, western France
The capital is Rennes, which was incidentally ranked by The Local as the best city in France to live for foreigners, and we recommend you check out this picturesque old town.
36. Indre, central France
Time for a museum – head to the home of writer George Sand in Nohant (whose real name was Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin – yes, George Sand was a woman). Her charming home and breathtaking gardens will make you want to pick up a pen and write a book of your own.
37. Indre-et-Loire, central France
The Chateau de Chenonceau, near the small village of Chenonceau spanning the River Cher, is 500 years old a real pearl of the Loire Valley. It’s a heritage listed site and protected by France’s Ministry of Culture. If châteaux are your thing, this late Gothic and early Renaissance castle is for you.
38. Isère, eastern France
39. Jura, eastern France
The Parc Naturel regional du Haut-Jura is one of the best in the country for hiking or skiing, depending on the season.
40. Landes, western France
Take a hike in the Landes forest, which is Europe’s biggest forest for maritime pine. Bring a compass – it’s 10,000 square kilometres in size.
41. Loir-et-Cher, central France
Le Château de Chambord is one of the most magnificent in France. Stroll around its enormous grounds of rolling countryside or admire its twisting double stair-case.
42. Loire, central France
The charming village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez has been voted among the most beautiful in the country and it used to be a Carthusian monastery. Read more here.
43. Haute-Loire, central France
Heard of Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel? If not, welcome to one of the most mind-blowing buildings in the country – built in the year 969 on a volcanic plug, get ready for a steep climb to get up there (no, there isn’t an elevator).
44. Loire-Atlantique, western France
Stop what you’re doing, grab your towel, and head to La Baule beach right now. The seaside town is a popular weekend getaway, and the beach stretches (seemingly) forever.
45. Loiret, central France
Another chateau, yes, but that’s what you can expect in this incredible part of France. The Chateau de Sully is an architectural wonder.
46. Lot, south western France
The clifftop village of Rocamadour. Located in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, this entire village is an oft-overlooked gem, and marks a popular spot on pilgrimage routes. Don’t forget to taste their one-of-a-kind goat’s cheese while you’re there.
47. Lot-et-Garonne, southwestern France
Don’t miss the Bonaguil castle, which was a cutting edge fort 700 years ago and was never attacked. It was the last of France’s fortified castles.
48. Lozère, southern France
The small town of Sainte-Enimie is nestled at the top of the Gorges du Tarn and dates back to the 7th century. Expect limestone houses and cobbled streets descending in tiers from the foot of an ex-Benedictine monastery.
49. Maine-et-Loire, eastern France
The Saumur skyline. It sounds like something from Lord of the Rings and resembles Bratislava – but you’re smack bang in the middle of the Loire Valley and it’s incredible. Walk along the river and take it all in.
50. Manche, northern France
A clear winner for the Manche department is the Mont-Saint-Michel island and its abbey. Just make sure you get the timing right, no point heading there at high tide (and certainly not during the supertide).
51. Marne, northern France
52. Haute-Marne, north eastern France
53. Mayenne, north western France
Just three hours from Paris by car, this peaceful department has two of France’s regional natural parks a short drive away: Normandie-Maine and the Perche.
So if you want to leave the capital but don’t fancy heading to the busy beaches of the south, this is a great alternative for nature lovers.
54. Meurthe-et-Moselle, eastern France
Even if you were only passing through this department, make the effort to go into central Nancy for the Place Stanislas, a beautiful and historic square that’s also a Unesco site.
SEE ALSO: The most beautiful squares across France
55. Meuse, eastern France
56. Morbihan, western France
The village of Rochefort-en-Terre was named as France’s favourite in 2016. The geranium-clad village boasts a 13th castle and half-timbered 16th century buildings, as well as symmetrical stone built renaissance structures.
57. Moselle, eastern France
Sure, there are a lot of cathedrals in France, but few are as dazzling as the one in Metz, which was completed in 1550.
58. Nièvre, central France
In the small town of Villemoison you can find the residence of the Commander of the Knights Templar, plus the nearby chapel that dates from 1180. Part of it has turned into a gîte if you want to stay overnight.
59. Nord, northern France
The 11 belfries in Nord have got the nod from Unesco because they are such fine representations of the eras in which they were built. Built from the 11th to 17th centuries they also demonstrate a shift away from walled cities and towards more open urban planning. Start with the belfry in the town of Douai.
60. Oise, northern France
Make a day trip for the Parc Astérix theme park. Sure, it may not be historically significant like many other things on this list, but it’s a guaranteed hit for tourists and French people alike.
61. Orne, northern France
Head to the village of Camembert and check out the Cheese museum that is literally in the shape of a Camembert cheese. Cheesy, but delicious.
62. Pas-de-Calais, northern France
63. Puy-de-Dôme, central France
Head to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, which an often-overlooked gem of a town with a lively atmosphere. Of course the main reason to go there is climb the Puy de Dôme that looks over the city.
READ ALSO 15 reasons Clermont-Ferrand is the best town in France
64. Pyrénées-Atlantiques, south eastern France
Time to head to the best beach in France – the Cote des Basques in Biarritz. It’s a huge hit with surfers, or even surfer spectators, and was ranked in 2017 among the top 25 beaches in the world.
65. Hautes-Pyrénées, south western France
A dramatic amphitheatre-like valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the Cirque de Gavarnie valley was carved out of the Pyrenees mountains by glacial erosion and includes one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.
66. Pyrénées-Orientales, south western France
Take a look at the Orgues de l’ille sur Tet, a striking rock formation that looks like organs from a church.
67. Bas-Rhin, eastern France
The Grande Île area is a real attraction, surrounded by two forks of the River Ill in Strasbourg, with a cathedral, four ancient churches and a palace all in one little district.
68. Haut-Rhin, eastern France
The colourful Eguisheim village was voted France’s favourite in 2013. Expect winding concentric streets, fairytale spires, lively floral decorations and slanted half-timbered buildings.
69. Rhône, central France
Head to the Old Town in Lyon and take in the gastronomic delights that put this central city on the world map for food. When you’re done eating (try the praline brioche) take in the charming old town with its winding traboules.
SEE ALSO: Eight reasons to leave Paris for Lyon
70. Haute-Saône, eastern France
71. Saône-et-Loire, eastern France
72. Sarthe, central France
73. Savoie, eastern France
Skiing in Val-d’Isère should be on everyone’s bucket list (and don’t rule out a good summer hike in the area either!).
74. Haute-Savoie, eastern France
Stroll along the waterside in delightful Annecy and take picture-postcard snaps along the way, before taking a dip in the beautiful and clear lake.
75. Paris
Where do we even begin with Paris? The advice of the locals is in fact to forget the tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and just take a long walk through the stunning and atmospheric city.
Ask the locals: What to see if you’re visiting Paris for just one day
76. Seine-Maritime, northern France
A picturesque town on the Normandy coast, Étretat was a much-loved subject of the nineteenth-century Impressionists and is now a popular seaside getaway. The perfect starting place for windswept walks and an ice cream on the beach.
77. Seine-et-Marne, south east of Paris
The Palace of Fontainebleau and its surrounding forests are one of the best day-trips from Paris you could do.
78. Yvelines, west of Paris
OK, this was perhaps the easiest on the list. Visit the Palace of Versailles for a spectacular look at France’s royal history. Simply breathtaking, and don’t forget to leave time to check out the stunning gardens (including Marie Antoinette’s ‘hamlet’). If you’re coming from Paris there is a cycle path that goes all the way to Versailles.
79. Deux-Sèvres, western France
Spend an afternoon in the small town of Niort, including a chateau and an impressive old keep.
80. Somme, northern France
Pay your respects at one of the many military cemeteries like Thiepval, the resting place of those who lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme in World War I. But for us the best World War One site to visit is the Lochnagar crater, south of the village of La Boisselle, where the British planted underground explosives on the first day of the battle of the Somme.
81. Tarn, south western France
The small town of Cordes-sur-Ciel is magical… when the valleys below are shrouded in mist, the hilltop town of appears to be sitting upon the sky.
82. Tarn-et-Garonne, south western France
Cross the Pont Vieux in Montauban, one of the oldest bridges in the region. It’s in remarkable condition considering it was built in the 1300s.
83. Var, southern France
Drift in a canoe across the turquoise waters of France’s third biggest lake, Le Lac de Sainte Croix. Surrounded by towering cliffs, the lake is well worth visiting for a weekend away.
84. Vaucluse, southern France
Why not take a look at the Théâtre antique d’Orange – which was built in the 1st century AD by the Romans. It’s been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1981.
85. Vendée, eastern France
Check out historical theme park Puy de Fou where guests can enjoy special effects which include a Viking longboat emerging from the water to attack a reconstructed 1,000-year-old fortress.
86. Vienne, western France
Visit the world famous healing spa waters of La Roche-Posay, a village which is also known for its charming medieval centre and medieval castle.
87. Haute-Vienne, central France
Include the ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane on your list of must-sees in this region. Destroyed in 1944 by the Nazis, the original village has been maintained as a permanent memorial and museum.
Hear the team from The Local talk about a visit to Oradour-sur-Glane in the Talking France podcast. Download here or listen on the link below
88. Vosges, eastern France
Follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc and pay homage to France’s heroine in her birthplace, the stunning village of Domremy-la-Pucelle, where visitors can even visit the house where she was born.
89. Yonne, central France
Don’t miss out on Morvan Regional Natural Park, a protected area of woodlands, lakes and traditional farmland in the Burgundy region.
90. Territoire-de-Belfort, eastern France
Be sure not to miss the Lac de Malsaucy where lovers of the outdoors can enjoy watersports, footpaths and mountain biking, or take advantage of the beach.
91. Essonne, south of Paris
Visit the stunning Russian Orthodox cemetery in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, the burial place of the White Russians who arrived in Paris after the Bolshevik revolution in Russia. Vladimir Putin once visited, but don’t let that put you off.
92. Hauts-de-Seine, west of Paris
See how the other half lived at the Chateau de Malmaison, where you can visit the boudoir of Empress Josephine in the home she shared with Napoleon Bonaparte.
93. Seine-Saint-Denis, north east of Paris
Don’t miss out on the world’s largest antiques and second-hand goods market. Covering seven hectares which encompass seven markets, Saint-Ouen’s flea market is an institution in its own right and the ideal place to ferret out unique treasures.
94. Val-de-Marne, to the south east of Paris
Check out the impressive Rungis farmers market, the biggest wholesale food market in the world, which dates back to the 10th century.
95. Val-d’Oise, north of Paris
And lastly, take a walk through the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, which was made famous by the paintbrushes of countless painters, most notably Vincent van Gogh.
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