The 10 Most Romantic French Retreats Outside Paris

The romantic allure of Paris is undeniable. But France has much to offer lovers beyond the city limits. Rolling vineyards, idyllic rural villages, and spectacular coastlines are wonderful locations for a less clichéd and more secluded romantic getaway. We list the best places to enjoy l’amour.
The Camargue
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.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Calanque National Park
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.

Sancerre
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.

La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a gorgeous harbour town on France’s southwestern border, backing onto the Atlantic Ocean. Its marina is most beautiful at night when thousands of tiny lights illuminate the horizon. The surrounding promenade makes a lovely place for a romantic evening stroll. La Rochelle has an air of understated luxury, with its rows of sailboats, yachts, and a waterside strip of seafood restaurants.

Annecy
Annecy’s old town is a charming assortment of flower-adorned houses that sit upon serene canals; hence why it’s often referred to as the ‘Little Venice’ of France. Alpine hills make for a gorgeous backdrop and offer breathtaking views back upon the remarkably blue lake.

Épernay
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.

La Roque-Gageac
La Roque Gageac has been officially crowned one of the most beautiful villages in France. This small medieval town in the south-west Aquitaine region, perches upon craggy rock faces that wall the passing Dordogne River. The waterfront features picturesque houses over which loom grand, stately buildings such as the Manoir de Tarde, protruding from the cliffside.

Colmar
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.

Amboise
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.

Le Puy-en-Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay is nestled between thickly forested hills and towering rock formations, which give a real sense of secrecy to the place. There is much to discover in the surrounding Allier Gorges; either by bike, on horseback, or on foot.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.