The Top 18 Romantic Destinations to Visit in France

Hilltop towns don’t get more charming or alluring than Èze. With a view of the Mediterranean that you could stare at for days, and colourful facades flanking pretty cobbled streets, it is surely one of the most romantic pockets of France. It helps that you can stay in one of the country’s most romantic, ornate hotels here, too: Château Eza.

If you feel like exploring more beautiful cities near Èze – including Monaco – browse through our guide on how to take the perfect summer road trip along the French Riviera.

Mont Saint-Michel had to make the list: this island village in Normandy looks like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale. One of the best – and most romantic – views this Unesco World Heritage site has to offer is from the approach, the jetty walk; a 760m-long (2,493ft) bridge leading out from the coastline of northern France to the commune.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Mont Saint-Michel.

The alpine town of Annecy lies east of Lyon in southeastern France, at the head of Lac d’Annecy (or Lake Annecy). Here, the Alps provide a magical backdrop to one of the prettiest old towns in France. Canals weave their way through its centre and, with colourful buildings looking down onto the pathways and bridges, it’s easy to see why it’s known as the Venice of France. It’s a truly romantic town.

Check out these amazing day trips to take on Lake Annecy by boat.

The mesmerising village of Roussillon could only exist in Provence, and it’s no surprise that it finds itself listed as one of France’s most charming villages time and time again. The ochre-coloured streets are perfect for ambling, hand in hand – with the Mediterranean sun almost always high in the sky and the cafe tables serving great food and local wine all year round.

Make the most of your time here with our guide to the best things to do in Roussillon.

The Loire Valley is home to plenty of romantic towns and villages, but Blois has to be among the best. It’s a hillside city, offering incredible views over the Loire River, with its royal château punctuating the sky. From here, it’s less than a 30-minute drive to Château de Chambord, arguably the most romantic château in France.

There are many more magical châteaux and castles to explore in the Loire Valley, and many more reasons why you should visit this lovely region.

You couldn’t ask for a prettier or more lovey-dovey town than Cassis. Just a stone’s throw from Marseille, set on the edge of Calanques National Park, this harbour town is a pure delight. The waterfront restaurants and picturesque pebble beach are the perfect foundation for romance, especially on a long, sunny Mediterranean day.

Looking to spend some time in Marseille, too? Take a look at the best hotels in the city.

The medieval city of Albi, not far from Toulouse, is known as the “red town” thanks to its brick foundations. The imposing Cathedral Sainte Cécile is just one of the monuments listed as a Unesco World Heritage site here, and its scale is truly breathtaking. The bridges, pretty streets and incredible views combine to make Albi one of the most endearing places to visit.

If you’re making your way to Toulouse, check out these amazing things to see and do in the city.

Vichy is renowned as ‘Queen of Spas’, with nine natural springs and some of the richest spa architecture in Europe. Napoleon III encouraged the building of a new spa town; a cosmopolitan ‘Little Paris’ with parks, boulevards, grand bathhouses and covered galleries for therapeutic walking. Part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vichy has world-class healing mineral waters. ‘Drinking cures’ and spa treatments can be experienced at the Springs Hall, the Thermes Les Dômes and the Grand Établissement Thermal, which is remarkable for its magnificent dome imitating Iranian architecture. The Vichy Laboratories, the leading skincare brand in European continental pharmacies, also makes use of Vichy’s springs. Vichy’s streets are bursting with enchanting neighbourhoods lined with Neo-Venetian, Flemish, Gothic, Classical and Art Nouveau villas. A jewel in the crown of the city’s architectural heritage, the Opera and Congress Centre is two buildings merged together: the former Great Casino and the only Art Nouveau opera house in France.

The town of Josselin in Brittany is super-romantic for two reasons. Firstly, its 12th-century château, perched on the River Oust, is a real-life fairytale castle – one that seems almost out of place on the edge of the quaint town. Secondly, the market town itself is gorgeous, with cute squares and small cafes that are tailor-made for two.

Josselin is only one of the many hidden gems in France. These lesser-known French villages also deserve a visit.

You will find the pretty port town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré on the island Île de Ré, just off the coast of France from the city of La Rochelle. It manages to retain its charm while still offering everything you’d need on a romantic break – from scenic trails for leisurely cycling to harbour-side eateries for late-night, candlelit dinners for two.

Once you’ve explored Île de Ré, consider these amazing day trips to take from La Rochelle by boat.

It would be impossible not to include Étretat, on the coast of Normandy, in this loved-up list. Here, you’ll find some of the most striking cliff faces and rock formations in Europe, including the famous L’Aiguille (the Needle). The best way to explore the area is to get onto one of the many coastal paths and hike: the views are incredible, not to mention romantic.

Spending some time in Normandy? Give these awesome things a go; they’re free.

You’re sure to fall in love with Aix-en-Provence. Every street and every square here seems to be more attractive than the last, making it an ideal city to explore on foot with your loved one, stopping at cafes every couple of hours. Be sure to visit the Pavillon de Vendôme and pause for an aperitif at the bustling Place des Cardeurs.

There are plenty more lovely towns in the Provence region. These are the most beautiful ones.

The Camargue is a gorgeous stretch of marshland in southern France, where the two branches of the River Rhône run into the sea. The region is famous for its white horses, which can often be seen galloping through the shallow waters. It’s also common to see flamingos flock to the hazy beaches, which are patched with clusters of rushes and little lagoons.

Don’t just stop at the flamingos and white horses! Make sure to see all the rich wildlife in the Camargue.

Calanque is the name given to a bay carved out of the steep limestone or dolomite cliffs particular to the Mediterranean coast, the most striking examples of which are found on the French Riviera between Marseille and Cassis. The 12 miles of coastline between these two towns hides dozens of these little alcoves in its craggy precipices, providing secluded romantic havens close to—but completely concealed from—the popular Riviera beaches.

Explore the vast Calanque National Park with our essential guide to Provence’s natural wonder.

Sancerre’s hilltop location offers stunning views across the Loire Valley. You can lose yourself wandering through the surrounding vineyards and patchwork fields that seem to roll across the horizon. The region also hides several other picturesque little villages in its dales, as well as the Sancerre wine cellars, where the cheerful owners are more than happy to offer tours and tasting sessions.

Explore the Loire Valley with our guide to the best things to do in Sancerre.

Neat rows of champagne vines meander down towards to the town of Épernay, where several of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses are located; Mercier and Moët & Chandon among them. Most of these houses, or rather, majestic, Renaissance style mansions, are located on the central Avenue de Champagne, which open their gates for tours and sampling sessions on selected days of the week.

Live out your best life with our guide to visiting Frances fabled wine region in style.

Like something out of a fairytale, this charming little Alpine town is full of brightly colored timber houses. Colmar has a unique culture due to the influence of nearby Germany and Switzerland; it echoes with the magic of Alsatian folklore, celebrated through music and dance evenings which are regularly held in the historical center.

Wondering where to spend a few magical nights? Check out our guide to Colmar’s best hotels for every traveller.

Situated on the banks of the Loire River, Amboise’s cobblestone streets are brimming with delightful restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and boutiques. At the weekends it hosts a bustling farmer’s market. Once the home of the French royal court, Amboise’s 15th-century castle still reigns over the town and becomes truly enchanting at night.

Aboise is a gem among many in the Loire Valley. Take a look at some of the best things to do whilst there.