France may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a winter getaway, but think again! While you won’t find a white wonderland scene everywhere in France during the winter, you will discover a heady, unique blend of mountain scenery, mid-summer warmth, and golden, autumn-esque landscapes. This country has everything, whether you want to hit the slopes or relax on the beach. If you haven’t visited France in the winter, you should start planning now!
1-Paris
Paris is one of the best locations to visit in the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s at the top of this list. With renowned sights like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, beautiful architecture, and unrivaled dining and retail scenes, France’s capital city attracts travelers all year. Keep in mind that Paris is frequently overrun with tourists, and hotel rates might be expensive. If you want to save money, go in the winter or early spring.
2-Normandy
Despite its turbulent history, this region of northern France is nevertheless a stunningly beautiful place. Claude Monet, a well-known impressionist, agreed. The landscapes of Normandy captivated the artist so greatly that he made some of his most famous works here. The white cliffs of Etretat are a terrific site to soak in the natural beauty of the area. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen also has works of art, while the D-Day Beaches and La Tapisserie de Bayeux also have traces of Normandy’s dark history.
3-Marseille
France’s oldest and second-largest city has transformed into an exciting, up-and-coming tourist destination since shedding its dirty reputation. The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Cathédrale de la Major are two of the things to see in the former European Capital of Culture. When the weather permits, the Calanques’ rugged cliffs, and isolated beaches are ideal for swimming, boating, and trekking. A visit to the Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée would not be complete without a stop in Marseille (Mucem). Its rooftop patio provides the ideal vantage point for taking in the sights of the city.
4-ST. Tropez
St.Tropez transformed from an unknown fishing village into a symbol of beauty and hedonism after Brigitte Bardot filmed “And God Created Woman” here in 1956. But this French Riviera hotspot is much more than just partying and yachting. After spending the day on one of the destination’s famous beaches, visitors can meander through the Vieux Port, see its museums, or stop by La Tarte Tropézienne to sample the eponymous dessert. The various boutiques in St. Tropez also make it easy to keep up with the town’s stylish, and sometimes famous, visitors.
5-Mont Saint –Michel
Mont Saint-Michel, which rises above the sea like a fairy-tale castle, is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. According to legend, the archangel Michael, the island’s namesake, appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in visions several times in A.D. 709, urging him to erect a cathedral on top of the island. It has become an important religious and educational site for Christian pilgrims and European thinkers since its construction. Visitors can take a tour of the gorgeous monastery and marvel at its wonderful medieval architecture, or stroll around the abbey’s neighboring streets, which are lined with little shops and charming cafes.
6-Strasbourg
Because of its location on the France-Germany border, Strasbourg offers the ideal blend of French and German culture. Travelers should view the city’s Gothic-style church and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Petite France area while they’re here. Additionally, people interested in politics can tour numerous significant European institutions, like the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, during their visits. Arrive in December for a dose of added charm at one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets.
7-Loire Valley
Visit the Loire Valley in central France for a romantic getaway. The Loire River runs through the region, which is dotted with châteaux, bed-and-breakfasts, farms, and wineries. Because of its beauty and historical settlements, the region has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend some time in Orléans, Tours, and Saumur, which are all laid-back cities and towns in the valley.
8- French Alps
Head to the French Alps if your ideal French holiday includes a little more nature and a little less city. Some of Europe’s top ski slopes may be found here, as well as breathtaking scenery that rivals any work of art or architecture. In the summer, the normally snow-covered mountains thaw just enough to provide ideal hiking and riding conditions. At the base of the range, charming settlements provide a variety of venues to relax after a day on the slopes or trails.
9-Nice
Nice is located on the French Riviera in a beautiful setting. The city’s pebbly shores, intriguing museums, boutique boutiques, and Baroque-style palaces will appeal to both beach bums and culture lovers. You’ll most likely spend a lot of money on lodging and beach access, but it’ll be well worth it. Travel between mid-March and April or September to October, the area’s shoulder seasons, to save money.
