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26 Best Places to Visit in France

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Jan 19, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander studied and lived in Paris, and has traveled extensively around the country.

The French affectionately call their homeland "l'Hexagone" because of its distinct six-sided shape. Each corner of France has its own unique character: the rugged and outdoorsy French Alps ; sun-drenched and slow-paced Provence ; the glamorous and gorgeous Côte d'Azur ; and idyllic Alsace , a pastoral region where storybook hamlets are tucked away in the vine-covered rolling hills.

Paris and Versailles are must-see destinations for a first trip to France. Other classic travel itineraries include stops at fashionable seaside resorts, fairy-tale castles, and glorious Gothic cathedrals.

More off-the-beaten-path experiences are found in the countryside, such as at farmhouses in Burgundy , fishing villages in Brittany , and thermal spas in the Pyrenees Mountains .

From cultured cities to pristine nature sites, France offers endless tourist attractions . Discover this fascinating and diverse country with our list of the best places to visit in France.

2. The Charming Countryside of Provence

3. côte d'azur, 4. versailles, 5. mont saint-michel in normandy, 6. the châteaux of the loire valley, 7. strasbourg's unesco-listed historic center, 8. seaside towns & resorts in brittany, 9. biarritz & saint-jean-de-luz, 10. chartres cathedral: a gem of medieval architecture, 11. joan of arc monuments in chinon, rouen & orléans, 12. quaint villages of the alsace region, 13. walled medieval city of carcassonne, 14. mont-blanc & annecy in the french alps, 15. unesco world heritage sites in reims, 16. prehistoric caves in the dordogne & the pyrenees, 17. rocamadour: a medieval pilgrimage destination, 18. bordeaux & saint-émilion, 19. the burgundy region: quintessential france, 20. cirque de gavarnie in the pyrenees mountains, 21. lourdes: france's biggest catholic pilgrimage site, 22. gourmet restaurants & cultural attractions in lyon, 23. belle époque spa towns, 24. gascony region & toulouse in the south of france, 25. the camargue, 26. island of corsica, map of best places to visit in france.

Appreciated for its elegance and joie de vivre, Paris is a grand European capital filled with architectural masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral .

Reflecting the city's rich heritage, the Louvre (one of the top museums in Paris ) contains an exceptional fine arts collection, while the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie display treasures of French Impressionist art.

Other charms of Paris are its atmospheric medieval quarters and graceful boulevards. Quintessential tourist experiences include shopping at bookshops in the Latin Quarter , strolling the Champs-Elysées , and people-watching from a sidewalk café terrace on the Boulevard Saint-Germain-de-Prés .

In contrast to the grey skies of Paris and northern France, the charming region of Provence basks in bright Mediterranean sunshine most of the year. This rural area feels untouched by the modern world and has a rugged, earthy appeal.

The rolling hills are covered with a patchwork of small farms, olive groves, sunflowers, and lavender fields. Fragrant rosemary, sage, and thyme and other wild herbs grow here in abundance and enliven the local cuisine.

In this dreamy landscape, Impressionist painters found inspiration to create vibrant works of art.

Visitors are enchanted by the villages perchés , which crown Provence's hilltops. Two favorite destinations are Saint-Paul-de-Vence , a picture-perfect walled medieval town (near many Côte d'Azur tourist spots , such as Eze) and Gordes , which is among the top places to see in the Luberon .

In the heart of Provence, traditional ambience is found on the tree-shaded streets and outdoor cafés of Aix-en-Provence , at the festivals of Arles , and by the old seaport of Marseilles .

Also not-to-be missed are the Palais de Papes in Avignon ; the legendary beach resort of Saint-Tropez ; and the Roman theater in Orange , one of the amazing sites of the Haut-Vaucluse .

Also known as the French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur is a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline named for its deep azure-blue waters. The skies are often a mesmerizing cerulean hue as well, thanks to the sunny weather most of the year in this area of southern France.

Stretching roughly from Saint-Tropez (overlapping with the Provence region) to Menton , less than 30 kilometers from the border with Italy, the Côte d'Azur has been a fashionable seaside resort destination since the early 19th century.

Spring and autumn bring milder weather and a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.

The Côte d'Azur has something for everyone . Nice is the place to enjoy the good life, visit art museums, and stroll along cobblestone streets and palm-fringed boulevards. Within a short drive from Nice are places to visit as day trips , such as splendid waterfront villas and top-notch art museums.

Among the most famous French Riviera tourist attractions are Cannes , which has a dazzling beachfront promenade and an alluring Old Town; and Monaco , a tiny royal principality that is synonymous with luxury and decadence. Both Cannes and Monaco feature five-star hotels, acclaimed restaurants, and yacht-filled marinas.

Sun worshippers flock to Saint-Tropez , a happening summer vacation spot with exclusive private beaches, as well as public beaches that appeal to regular tourists. Vacationers appreciate Antibes for its expansive sandy beaches, atmospheric medieval quarter, and fabulous Picasso Museum housed in a castle overlooking the sea.

A short train ride from Paris is the UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles . Built for Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), this opulent 17th-century palace is a testament to the glory and absolute power of the French monarch.

The château's splendid Baroque façade, dazzling Hall of Mirrors , and fountain-adorned formal gardens allow visitors to imagine a scene of France's bygone royal court.

Versailles immerses visitors into the extravagance of France's Ancien Régime , the glittering world where Marie-Antoinette hosted lavish balls and garden parties.

Tourists may wander around Le Hameau de la Reine , the make-believe country village created by the last Queen as a way to escape the formality of court life. The hamlet includes a lake, orchard, dovecote, and originally had a working dairy.

Mont Saint-Michel is a highlight of the Normandy region, a pastoral landscape of apple orchards, woodlands, and cow pastures. This unmissable tourist attraction ranks number one on the long list of Normandy travel destinations , which includes stellar sights such as historic castles and picture-perfect towns.

Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in France. The UNESCO-listed abbey is perched on the hilltop of an islet in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel and is considered a marvel of Gothic architecture.

The abbey church was an important medieval pilgrimage site on the "Way of Saint James" route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Modern-day pilgrims still make the journey here, crossing the Bay of Saint-Michel by foot at low tide.

Visiting Mont Saint-Michel is a spirit-lifting experience. Tourists may attend religious services, concerts, and cultural events at this sublime historic abbey.

Like the scene of a fairy tale, magnificent castles are scattered throughout the densely forested landscape of the Loire Valley. Stretching for 280 kilometers, from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire in Anjou, the Loire Valley is the largest UNESCO-listed site in France .

The region boasts an incredibly rich cultural heritage. During the 15th and 16th centuries, France's kings built sumptuous country retreats here purely for entertainment and enjoyment.

Extravagant châteaux, such as the grandiose Château de Chambord and the emblematic Château de Chenonceau , offer insight into the opulence of the Renaissance-era French court.

French nobles and elites also built stately manor houses, such as the majestic Château of Cheverny and the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in an idyllic setting with a water-filled moat.

For families with kids, the M ini-Châteaux Park in Amboise is a marvelous destination. Set in two hectares of woodlands, the amusement park features 41 replicas of Loire châteaux built on a 1/25 scale. Children love exploring the kid-sized castles designed with authentic details.

Quaint and cultured, Strasbourg enchants visitors with its old-world charm . The entire historic center of Strasbourg, the Grande-Île , is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

When stepping foot into this mostly pedestrian area, one enters the world of centuries past. Medieval cobblestone lanes and narrow alleyways invite travelers to discover a delightful maze of pastel-painted half-timbered houses, ancient churches, and public squares filled with outdoor café tables.

At the heart of Strasbourg, the cathedral amazes all who admire its breathtakingly ornate façade.

The cathedral is within easy walking distance of many top tourist attractions, like the Maison des Tanneurs , a fine-dining restaurant in a classified Historic Monument; the 15th-century Maison Kammerzell , considered a gem of Alsatian Renaissance architecture; and the Eglise de Saint-Thomas , a 12th-century church that played an important role during the Protestant Reformation.

To soak up the quaint ambience of Strasbourg, be sure to wander around one of the most picturesque quarters of the Grande-Île, the Quartier des Tanneurs ("La Petite France"), with its meandering canals, tree-shaded walking paths, and traditional flower-bedecked Alsatian houses. The Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes is especially charming.

Also within the Grande-Île, the Quartier Krutenau is another wonderful neighborhood for a stroll. With the feel of a small village, this lively quarter brims with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

A picturesque coastal region, Brittany has a rich maritime heritage seen in its historic port towns: Saint-Malo , surrounded by old ramparts; the medieval capital of Nantes; and the fortified 14th-century Concarneau .

The seaside also boasts stylish beach resorts like fashionable Dinard on the Côte d'Emeraude, the summertime vacation destination of La Baule on the estuary of the Loire River, and Tréboul near the lovely riverside town of Quimper.

The scenery is dramatic and unspoiled, with secluded sandy beaches and a rocky coastline where wild Atlantic waves crash against the shore. Centuries-old fishing villages are sheltered in quiet bays and on tiny windswept offshore islands.

Breton culture can be traced back to the Celts (the local dialect is related to Gaelic). Similar to Ireland, it is a land of mythology and legends. Today, Brittany is strongly Catholic. Locals celebrate ancient religious customs called "pardons," special festivals when townspeople wear old-fashioned regional costumes.

The local cuisine features delicious specialties such as fresh seafood and savory buckwheat crepes. Brittany also has a famous regional pastry, the " kouign-amann ," a buttery pastry made with croissant dough that is layered with sprinkles of sugar, has a moist cake-like center, and a crispy caramelized exterior.

A blend of Parisian-style elegance and the untamed natural beauty of the Atlantic coast, Biarritz is an upscale seaside resort with fabulous beaches. Biarritz was favored by Empress Eugénie, who loved this area of the Basque region. She chose a sandy hillside overlooking the Bay of Biscay as the location for her Imperial residence, the Villa Eugénie.

This Second Empire palace has been converted into luxury accommodations, the five-star Hôtel du Palais , which offers exquisitely decorated guest rooms and an oceanfront gastronomic restaurant. Next to the hotel property is the Grande Plage , a sandy beach that has attracted sunbathers since the Belle Époque.

Another of the top beaches in Biarritz is the Plage du Miramar . A picturesque scene of colorful, striped cabanas and parasols during summertime, this sheltered beach has the delightful ambience of an old-fashioned seaside resort.

Just a half-hour drive (15 kilometers) from Biarritz is the historic fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz , a popular summertime destination with family-friendly beaches.

Traveling inland 25 kilometers from Biarritz is the traditional Basque village of Espelette. This small village boasts typical half-timbered, red-shuttered Basque houses decorated with rows of dried red peppers called Piment d'Espelette (prized for use in Basque cuisine).

In Spain's Basque country, 50 kilometers by bus, car, or train from Biarritz, the lively seaside city of San Sebastian delights visitors with its elegant architecture, sandy beaches, and gourmet tapas.

If you only have time to visit one cathedral in France, then head to Chartres. Crowning the historic town, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This magnificent Gothic monument dates to the 12th and 13th centuries and is remarkably well preserved.

Visitors are awed by the soaring spires, elaborately decorated façade, and marvelous array of stained-glass windows that give the sanctuary an ethereal quality. Most of the windows were created between 1210 and 1260, which is extremely rare.

During summertime, the cathedral hosts the Chartres International Organ Festival with performances of sacred music on Sunday afternoons.

France's national heroine, Joan of Arc led the country to victory during the Hundred Years' War when she was only seventeen years old. Her divinely ordained mission, instructed by heavenly voices, is still an inspiration to the faithful.

Joan of Arc's remarkable story began in Chinon , where on March 9, 1429, she went to meet the future Charles VII (the "Dauphin") at the Forteresse Royale (a medieval fortified castle). On this momentous occasion, the "Maid of Orléans" informed the Dauphin of his right to the crown and asked for help in forming an army, which was needed to break the Siege of Orléans (a pivotal event during the Hundred Years' War between France and England).

Because of its rich heritage, Chinon is listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History). At the tree-lined Place Jeanne d'Arc stands a monumental bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc depicted as a heroic military leader.

Among the top attractions of the Loire Valley , Orléans is another essential stop on the Joan of Arc trail. The city was saved by the "Maid of Orléans," during the Siege of 1429. After leading the French to defeat the English army, Joan of Arc came to the town's Cathédrale Sainte-Croix to pray. The cathedral's 19th-century stained-glass windows recount the history of Joan of Arc.

In a 15th-century half-timbered house, the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc in Orléans presents exhibits about Joan of Arc, who is now recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. A bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc graces the Place du Martroi in Orléans.

Tourists can learn more about Joan of Arc's life story at several of the top sights in Rouen . At the 13th-century Tour Jeanne d'Arc (dungeon), a relic of the town's old château, Joan of Arc was imprisoned, threatened with torture, put on trial, and accused of heresy.

Since this infamous trial in 1431 and martyrdom, Joan of Arc has been elevated to a saint. Built on the site in Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, the Eglise Jeanne d'Arc pays tribute to the saint's legacy. This modern church features an upwards-swooping roof designed to resemble flames.

Rouen also has a museum devoted to Joan of Arc, the Historial Jeanne d'Arc , in the former Archbishop's Palace (a classified Historic Monument) on the Rue Saint-Romain. This museum delves into Joan of Arc's epic story and explains how she changed the course of French history. Evocative multimedia exhibits and videos bring the events to life in a thrilling way.

Bucolic scenery and old-world charm set Alsace apart from the rest of France. The architecture and ambience of the region has been influenced over the centuries by neighboring Germany, as seen in the brightly painted, half-timbered buildings and ornate Gothic churches.

Colmar is the quintessential Alsatian town, full of interesting historic monuments and traditional houses with flower-bedecked balconies. An unspoiled landscape of vine-covered foothills surrounds Colmar, and nestled in the nearby valleys and along the Rhine River are tiny storybook hamlets and picturesque villages.

The Alsace Villages route is a delightful way to explore the region. Many villages are listed as the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), and some are designated as Villages Fleuris (Flowering Villages) because of the vibrant potted flowers that adorn the homes and streets.

Carcassonne has the look of a Disneyland castle, with massive fortifications that enclose the medieval citadel ( La Cité ). The concentric circles of defensive walls feature 52 turreted towers, many of which were renovated in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc (who also restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris).

The integrity of the ramparts gives Carcassonne a picture-perfect appearance and makes it one of the world's best-preserved medieval towns. Because of its cultural value, La Cité de Carcassonne is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Drawbridges once provided access into Carcassonne. Today, tourists can walk freely into this medieval citadel at any time. Stepping foot into La Cité provides visitors with a glimpse of life during the Middle Ages.

Wandering the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets leads to discoveries of historic monuments (such as the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse and the 12th-century Château Comtal ), small squares, and plenty of touristy restaurants and boutiques.

The French Alps boast some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery in the world.

The majestic Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe, an iconic snowcapped peak that soars to 4,810 meters. At this altitude, the air is fresh and the landscape is sublime, with crystal-clear lakes, dramatic rushing waterfalls, peaceful valleys, and refreshing pine forests.

During summertime, visitors flock to the Alps to go hiking, cycling, and mountain climbing. In the winter, the French Alps draw many tourists for Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. The area has many of France's best ski resorts . Other things to do during the snowy season include ice-skating, dog sledding rides, and old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Besides the spectacular mountain terrain, the region also has a rich cultural heritage linked to the ancestral territory of the Italian royal House of Savoy, as well as the historic Dauphiné region.

The lovely mountain village of Chamonix (about a 15-minute drive from the base of Mont Blanc) offers traditional Alpine ambience, while Annecy (just over a one-hour drive from Chamonix) has an ancient château, lakeside parks, and fairy-tale ambience.

Reims is justifiably placed among France's list of " Villes d'Art et d'Histoire " ("Cities of Art and History").

Of the town's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites , the most renowned is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims , where French kings were crowned. The most celebrated event was when Joan of Arc escorted Charles VII to the cathedral in July of 1429 for his coronation as king.

Built in the 13th century, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims is a gem of High Gothic architecture. The dazzling exterior features a profusion of flying buttresses and sculpted angels, while the spacious interior has a solemn ambience of spirituality.

Among the city's top attractions , other UNESCO-listed landmarks include the Palais du Tau , a 17th-century Archbishops' Palace, and the 11th-century Basilique Saint-Rémi .

The Dordogne region is one of the best places to visit in France for viewing prehistoric cave paintings. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lascaux Cave in the Dordogne's Vallée de la Vézère contains masterpieces of Paleolithic art created by Cro-Magnon man.

Although the Lascaux Cave has been closed to the public to prevent damage, visitors may view copies of the cave's artwork at the nearby Lascaux II site (in Montignac).

Also in Montignac is the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal (International Center of Cave Art), which presents exhibits about prehistoric animal paintings and reveals the work of archaeologists. The center includes Lascaux IV , which is a complete replica of the prehistoric Lascaux Cave.

Also in the Vézère Valley, the Grotte de Rouffignac is adorned with paintings of horses, cows, bison, deer, goats, and mammoths.

One of the top attractions of the Pyrenees region is the Grotte du Mas d'Azil , an immense cave decorated with drawings from the Magdalenian and Azilian periods. This tourist attraction deep in the Pyrenees Mountains offers guided tours and admission to the nearby Musée de la Préhistoire .

About an hour drive from the Mas d'Azil Cave, the Grotte de Niaux also has remarkable Palaeolithic art dating from 14,000 to 10,000 BCE. The Grotte de Niaux is open to the public for guided tours (reservations required).

Near the town of Tarascon-sur-Ariège , the Grotte de Lombrives reveals fascinating ancient history, and the Grotte de Bédeilhac dazzles with its rare Magdalenian-era prehistoric art.

Clinging to a sheer cliff, Rocamadour seems to aspire towards heaven. This amazing site was the third most important Christian pilgrimage destination in the 11th century and a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrims' route.

The village has seven medieval-era sanctuaries, accessible by steep pedestrian staircases. The most famous is the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which contains the precious 12th-century Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour) associated with miracles.

Rocamadour's largest church, the Basilique Saint-Sauveur is a UNESCO-listed historic monument. This 13th-century pilgrimage church displays the architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic.

Outside the village is the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park . Within this unspoiled landscape on the Quercy plateaus, grazing goats produce milk that is used to make AOC-labeled Cabécou de Rocamadour cheese. In late May or early June, the Rocamadour village hosts the Fête des Fromages (Cheese Festival) devoted to farmhouse cheeses of the region.

Other top attractions within an hour-and-a-half drive of Rocamadour include: Limoges (145 kilometers away), classified as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire and one of the top travel destinations in the Limousin region ; and Périgueux (115 kilometers away), a quaint town in the Dordogne region dating to the Roman era, which was also on the Camino de Santiago.

The Bordeaux region is a beautiful bucolic corner of France, where grandiose castles preside over rolling, vine-covered hills. Scenic tree-shaded paths traverse the countryside and follow alongside the Garonne River, as well as its placid canals. Many travelers enjoy exploring this area on a leisurely cycling itinerary.

The region has two exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites : the elegant city of Bordeaux , with more than 350 buildings classified as historical monuments, and the little country village of Saint-Émilion, 51 kilometers from Bordeaux, which is packed with notable churches and monasteries.

The Burgundy region is an idyllic landscape of lush woodlands and rolling hills dotted with impressive monuments. Romanesque chapels, ancient towns, and inspiring old abbeys attest to a rich cultural heritage.

Among the top sights of the Burgundy region are the historic city of Dijon , with its aristocratic palaces, ornate Gothic churches, and excellent museums; the charming medieval town of Beaune ; and the monumental Abbaye de Cluny , a Benedictine abbey founded in the 10th century. The abbey belonged to the most influential monastic order of the medieval era.

Besides its incredible history, Burgundy is renowned for gastronomy. The traditional cuisine includes a repertoire of famous specialities such as escargot, Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy), and Coq au Vin .

The mountainous Pyrenees region is a soul-inspiring place that offers both natural splendor and spiritual wonders. The region has many sacred pilgrimage sites, as well as rejuvenating spa towns.

The UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie is nature's version of a cathedral. Forming a semicircle, these awesome 1,700-meter-high limestone rock walls are draped with dramatic waterfalls that tumble down into rushing rivers and peaceful streams.

The entire Hautes-Pyrénées region is part of a national park, the Parc National des Pyrénées , which borders Spain. Within the park are hiking trails through lush forests and verdant valleys.

During wintertime, the French Pyrenees is a popular destination for downhill skiing. Top resorts include Cauterets, Font-Romeu, and the Grand Tourmalet ski area.

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, Lourdes is France's most important Catholic pilgrimage site.

Millions of visitors come to Lourdes every year for spiritual inspiration. Some arrive to bathe in the waters in hopes of miracle cures. To the faithful, Lourdes is known for the 70 validated miracles that have occurred here.

The main pilgrimage sites, the Grotto (where Saint Bernadette received her divine visions), and the Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire are surrounded by a serene woodland alongside a tranquil babbling brook.

Marian Processions take place every evening at 9pm from April through October. The procession of hundreds of pilgrims holding candles is a breathtaking sight to behold.

An enticing destination for gourmands to visit, Lyon is at the heart of French gastronomy. Lyonnais cuisine is renowned for its delicious regional specialties such as quenelles (fish dumplings served in a creamy sauce), steak, Bresse chicken with morels, sausages, and salads.

Tourists can choose from an incredible selection of restaurants. For casual everyday dining, the "Bouchons Lyonnais" (traditional bistros) allow visitors to sample the authentic local cuisine while enjoying an inviting, cozy ambience.

A top destination for fine dining, the Auberge du Pont de Collonges was helmed by famous chef Paul Bocuse for decades. Today this legendary gastronomic establishment with two Michelin stars has changed its name to Restaurant Paul Bocuse . The restaurant carries on the legacy of Paul Bocuse by continuing to serve his signature dishes.

Besides its gourmet delights, Lyon is rich in cultural heritage . The city's four historic districts (representing 500 hectares) are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Among the many historic attractions are ancient Roman ruins, atmospheric medieval quarters, and elegant Renaissance houses.

Lyon's Musée des Beaux-Arts is second only to Paris' Louvre Museum in its wealth of artistic treasures. The museum contains an outstanding assortment of European paintings from the 14th to 20th centuries, including masterpieces by Véronèse, Rubens, Delacroix, Renoir, Monet, and Picasso.

For those seeking a rejuvenating getaway, the Belle Époque spa towns in the French Alps region, such as the lakeside resorts of Aix-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains , deliver the ultimate relaxing vacation experience at pampering thermal spas and upscale hotels.

The Pyrenees region is prized for its pristine fresh-water streams and rejuvenating spa towns. During the 19th century, the area's thermal spa resorts such as Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur attracted a silk-stocking clientele, who came to soak in the healing mineral waters.

Set in a verdant valley, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is home to the top spa resort of the Hautes-Pyrénées region. The town's thermal spa was inaugurated in 1823 by Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte , the daughter of Marie-Antoinette.

In an elegant marble-faced 19th-century building, Les Grands Thermes offers thermal baths filled with certified mineral waters that are said to cure various health conditions. Five-day retreats with lodging are available.

The rural area of Gascony and the city of Toulouse exude the sultry charm of southern France.

Sunny and slow-paced, Gascony (Le Gers) has a traditional rural character that seems untouched by modernity. The rolling hills are blanketed with a patchwork of small farms and dotted with quiet country villages and ancient castles.

Steeped in history dating back to the 13th century, Toulouse is known as " The Pink City " because of its distinctive red-brick architecture. These buildings reflect the sunlight in a rosy-toned hue.

While ambling the pleasant town squares and basking on outdoor café terraces in Toulouse, visitors soak up the laid-back vibe of this beautiful and balmy city.

The UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi runs through Toulouse and flows all the way to the Mediterranean port of Sète near Marseille. The tree-shaded path along the canal is popular for leisurely strolls and cycling.

The Parc Régional de Camargue , just 16 kilometers from Arles in Provence , is a place where visitors can take a breath of fresh air and enjoy unspoiled natural scenery. Marshlands, meadows, salt flats, and pastures blanket the landscape.

In this pristine UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve (around 100,000 hectares of protected wetlands), wild white horses roam free, and pink flamingoes thrive.

The nature reserve is home to over 300 bird species, which makes it a paradise for bird-watching. Other famous fauna include the native Camargue Bulls, which are raised for use in bullfighting.

The island of Corsica has a rugged and raw beauty, seen in its dramatic coastal landscapes, pristine forests, and snowcapped mountains. The island is fringed with beautiful beaches, quiet bays, attractive fishing ports, and lively seaside cities, while the inland hillsides are crowned with ancient villages where time seems to stand still.

Sun-worshipping beach lovers and outdoorsy and sporty types (including hard-core hikers) are drawn to the island's incomparable nature sites. The 1,000-kilometer shoreline offers crystal-clear waters that make it a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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The 51 Best Hotels in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta and Sandra Ramani

The very best hotels of Paris encourage lingering. Whether you’re in the City of Light for business or pleasure, there’s a hotel here to suit your style, mood, and budget—and to tempt you to stay longer. They occupy every kind of space, from repurposed historic mansions to barges on the Seine river, everywhere from the beating heart of the city to up-and-coming neighborhoods. And just when you think there couldn’t possibly be another new hotel to enhance the experience, one comes along to the Paris landscape alongside tried-and-true institutions to make a lasting impression. No matter what you’re looking for in this trip, our list of Paris's best hotels has you covered. Feel like you can’t choose only one? That’s reason enough to return.

For more recommendations, see our pick of the best family-friendly hotels in Paris , and our edit of the best hotels with a view in Paris . For a more affordable stay, we've rounded up our favorite cheaper hotels in the city, along with a selection of some of the best Airbnbs in Paris to book right now.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The best hotels in Paris 2024 at a glance:

• Best for families: The Peninsula Paris
• Best for views of the Eiffel Tower: SO/ Paris
• Best hotel near the Louvre: Le Meurice
• Best for couples: Cheval Blanc
• Best for peak luxury: The Ritz

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Le Pavillon de la Reine Arrow

The Marais neighborhood’s Place de Vosges has often been called one of the most beautiful squares in the world, so it’s a good thing that this family-owned hotel’s ivy-covered, 17th-century façade fits right in. The insides are pretty photo-worthy, too: past the extensive private garden courtyard—a fairytale come to life when all lit up—the interiors by Didier Benderli of Kérylos Interiors mix Old World touches like original antiques, marble fireplace mantles, and richly-colored oil portraits of aristocratic faces with contemporary-styled furnishings and clean lines, resulting in a vibe that’s both plush and un-fussy. Take note: The 56 rooms and suites each feature a different style and décor, so be sure to ask in advance if you prefer antique over modern, or vice-versa.

Hôtel Providence Arrow

This place is made for falling in love—with Paris, above all. Hidden away on a side street in the ever-evolving 10th arrondisement, this 19th-century townhouse has been impeccably crafted under the direction of Pierre Moussie, known for his upscale bistros, including the nearby Chez Jeannette. Bespoke doesn’t begin to cover it: every finish, fabric, and fixture has been hand-picked from a mix of contemporary, vintage, and flea-market finds, resulting in a atmosphere that’s at once refined and playful.

Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain Arrow

In the beating heart of historic literary Paris, this retro-chic five-star on the left bank cleverly plays up the writers and philosophers who have spent time both in the Saint-Germain neighborhood and the hotel’s previous incarnation. Books published by Gallimard, whose headquarters are a short walk away, abound in cozy lounges, from the moody library to the fireplace salon, and in guest rooms, setting an artistic tone throughout the hotel. All 47 rooms and suites feel like little apartments, each with Haussmanian high ceilings, crown moldings, plush 70s-style furnishings, parquet floors, curvaceous angles and decorative pieces (mirrors, pillows, bedspreads, wall lights, and more) and a slightly different color palette. Keeping with the retro-chic aesthetic, double basins in the bathroom are set within a custom-designed wood and brushed brass cabinet while the Terrazzo floor shifts nicely from the Chevron floors. Of course, the most spectacular of the rooms is the top-floor (aptly-named) Joyce Suite—nearly 753 square feet of space with exposed wood beams, two bathrooms, and unobstructed views over the rooftops of Paris. 

Hôtel Madame Rêve Arrow

Located on a discreet corner near Les Halles in what was once Paris ’s only 24-hour post office, Madame Rêve Hotel is where well-heeled guests spend the night in stylish rooms with monument views, or at the hotel’s 10,000-square-foot rooftop and restaurant, primed for peak summer socializing. This is as central Paris as you can get: Walk south a mere four blocks to the Seine and the newly reopened La Samaritaine department store; east to the spectacular Bourse de la Commerce Pinault Collection and Les Halles; west to Palais Royale and the Louvre . Essentially, you can’t sneeze without bumping into 1,000 years of Paris history and culture. The pedestrian thoroughfare rue Montorgueil is also nearby for all your artisanal desires, be it a box of chocolates from À la Mère de Famille or a specialty pastry from Fou de Patisserie. Guests here range from tattooed fashion designers to white-haired entrepreneurs in pink Saint Laurent sneakers. The 82 rooms give off Bond-meets-Balmain vibes, with onyx desks and tables, tan leather chairs, and sumptuous linens—and, if you choose wisely, views of the Eiffel Tower . Enjoy a sexy, dimly lit dinner at La Plume, a Franco-Japanese offering that’s definitely the property’s pride and joy. 

Laura Walsh

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Ritz Paris Arrow

César Ritz opened this limestone bastion of French hospitality in 1898 and, in the course of running it, he and his wife, Marie Louise, who would take over the business, flipped the industry on its head. It was the first hotel in Paris with telephones, the first to offer private baths, and the first to install electricity throughout the property. It was also one of the first places in town where women could come without chaperones and meet friends for five o’clock tea. From the start, The Ritz Paris has been a Grand Siècle-style hotel with a modern soul and, much as in 1898, change is afoot. It’s said that when he was too ill to dine out, Marcel Proust had chicken and potatoes sent over from The Ritz Paris—now those hallowed kitchens are home to their first female head chef, Eugénie Béziat. Chef Béziat was born in Gabon to French parents and spent her childhood in Africa, so the flagship restaurant, Espadon , features dishes such as chicken yassa, a Senegalese speciality, and barbecued lobster with cassava semolina. Meanwhile, down a warmly lit hall is Bar Hemingway, named for the American novelist who scrimped for a cocktail a week at The Ritz. Last spring, longtime head bartender Colin Field (inventor of the Clean Dirty Martini, served with an ice cube of olive juice) stepped aside, and his protégé Anne-Sophie Prestail, has come in from the wings. — Jo Rodgers

Hôtel Dame des Arts Arrow

The Quartier Latin is, of course, a famously artsy part of Paris—one with strong cinematic associations. But you needn’t have stumbled out of a screening room at the nearby Le Champo rubbing your eyes with one hand and clutching an issue of  Cahiers du Cinéma in the other to appreciate what designer Raphael Navot has done with Hôtel Dame Des Arts. It’s all about the interplay between curved and straight lines, hard and soft textures, glossy and matte surfaces—you’ll inhale its essence the moment you step inside. Style-wise, the 109 rooms are similarly got-up in a way that is at once spartan and spoiling, chic and subdued. The in-house restaurant serves up elevated contemporary Mexican cuisine with fusion of French, Mexican, and Japanese flavors, while the 360-degree views from the rooftop bar alone are a reason to book. If your faith in Paris is flagging—which does happen but seldom lasts—a visit to the rooftop of Hôtel Dame des Arts will restore it. —Steve King

Hotel Rochechouart Arrow

The carefree spirit of the roaring twenties lives on in this affordable and eminently fun eight-story Art Deco relic, with well-designed rooms, an elegant brasserie popular with locals, and a nightclub to keep the action going until late. The 106 rooms were given an autumnal, woody touch with burl wood headboards, curved armchairs or sofas, retro tiled bathrooms and alabaster suspension lamps, thoughtfully whisk guests to another time. The Sacré Coeur looms large from northern-facing room windows (and in some cases, balconies) but is accessible to all from the rooftop lounge bar. Be aware, if you don’t splurge on a suite, rooms will be compact in true Parisian style. The old-world brasserie on the ground-floor is destination among Parisians that has plush banquettes, soaring ceilings, and comforting Parisian classics like chicken liver pâté and roasted pork belly with crisp frites.

Molitor Arrow

Paris is a city of pools—in fact, it's home to 38 public swimming spots—but none have the history of the Molitor. The bikini debuted here, and they say the water is so clear you can make your morning coffee with it. After a $100 million investment, the Molitor has been resurrected as the city's latest cool hangout. This is like staying at a beach club in the least likely of cities, where you'll meet an artsy, bon-vivant bunch looking to escape the summer heat. Perhaps the most transformative addition of all is the new hotel, most of whose 124 rooms have pool-facing portholes for prime people-watching. The mostly neutral colors (browns and creams) and modern design scheme of the interior offsets the pop-y yellows blues and whites of the pool area.Its lobby is a mélange of styles: industrial exposed ceiling, Art Deco furniture, and a graffiti-splattered Rolls-Royce—perfect to set the scene for a place that's used to making history.

Maison Proust Arrow

Themed hotels devoted to literary giants may be nothing new. Happily, the uber-stylish 23-suite Maison Proust belongs to another rarefied category, designed for an international luxe clientele who appreciate beauty, art, history, and—why not?—love. In other words, not just for book snobs or self-proclaimed esthetes. And it’s perfectly okay if you’ve never read a single page of Proust. The subtle conjuring of the French novelist is more about the Belle Époque atmosphere, as glowing with exquisite detail as the writer’s haunting seven-volume masterwork  In Search of Lost Time . When you step inside this gorgeously restored six-story townhouse, set back on a quiet street in Le Marais, guests are immediately caught up in the enchantment—an enveloping whoosh of exoticism—where, in the blink of an eye, you gaze in wonder at the sumptuously furnished Belle Époque salon/bar and slide a century back in time. —Lanie Goodman

Château Voltaire Arrow

Previously the administrative headquarters for Zadig & Voltaire spanning three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the hotel is fashion designer Thierry Gillier’s first foray into the hotel industry. He tapped the right talents to bring his interpretation of Parisian elegance and hospitality to life, including the designers behind Festen Architecture known for skillfully updating historic spaces and designing hotels that feel more like private residences (such as  Les Roches Rouges and Le Pigalle). There’s no standard room given that the property is composed of three different buildings from three different periods. But some details are shared, from fringed velvet furnishings, nature-inspired rugs, seashell light fixtures (which nod to the 16th century ornamentation on the hotel’s listed façade), bespoke headboards, solid oak wall lights, manor-style woodwork, and a soft, earthy color palette. The minibar is a compelling decorative  touch on its own, set inside a dedicated cupboard and features an array of local, gourmet snacks, antiqued wine and cocktail glasses, and an anniversary edition of the 1935 Illy espresso machine for your morning and afternoon coffees. 

Saint James Paris Arrow

Set in a neoclassical former private residence and surrounded by a sizable structural garden, Paris’ s only château-hotel underwent a radical decorative transformation last year—courtesy of Laura Gonzalez, who made it feel like a one-of-a-kind Parisian home once again. The 50 rooms and suites are perfect examples of Gonzalez’s maximalist design style: Think nature-inspired wallpapers, ornate moldings, and plush fabrics in mixed colors and textures. The wellness program also got a total reboot and was relaunched in 2021 as a three-room Guerlain spa, with large vaulted spaces, a stone staircase, and an aesthetic reminiscent of Greco-Roman thermal baths .

InterContinental Paris Le Grand Arrow

The ornate, Beaux-Arts frame of the InterContinental Paris Le Grand has been around since 1862, when the building was first inaugurated as Le Grand Hotel. Since then, its reputation for grandeur, along with its prime location—just across the avenue from the gilded Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera—has made it a magnet for international royalty (Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra, King Edward VII of England) and regular, if well-heeled, folk alike. But it's the buttoned-up Café de la Paix, housed on the ground floor of the hotel, that should shimmy to the top of your to-do list: Not only is the foie gras first-rate, but if you sit out on the terrasse long enough, you might start to soak in the genius of Émile Zola or Guy de Maupassant, just a few of its former patrons.

Kimpton St Honoré Arrow

In the shadow of the  Palais Garnier , the hotel immediately draws onlookers with its preserved Belle Epoque façade, trimmed with turquoise metal, embellished with stylized floral patterns, marble panels, copper and wrought iron balconies, and arched bay windows that once housed product displays when it was a department store (more on that below). On the inside, soaring volumes and historic decorative touches serve as chic eye candy. This is the first Kimpton property in France and sets a high design bar in a listed Art Deco building on the historic Boulevard des Capucines. Much of the historic (former department store) interior remains intact; the imposing spiral stairway, interior balconies, mezzanine-level alcoves and monumental period elevators. But the design scheme throughout, led by local design darling Charles Zana, elegantly updates the Art Deco style of 1930s luxury hotels through French artisans to contribute to the Parisian pied-à-terre esthetic. Perhaps the most un-Parisian place in the building is the 190 seat Montecito restaurant designed by Humbert & Poyet that channels Palm Springs insouciance; the main dining room is built around a patio with a photo-worthy green wall, and furnishings pop in a refreshing seaside color palette. The Cali-inspired menu has dishes you’re not likely to find at other Parisian hotels such as fish tacos, crab cakes, and huevos rancheros for breakfast.

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal Arrow

The Palais Royal Gardens are many people's favorite place in Paris. Their number two? The Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, the only one in the area with views over the gardens. The 57 rooms and 11 suites, Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed confections of light greens, powdery pinks, velvet, leather, and silk, are managed more like they're part of a family-owned boutique property; really, it feels like a series of apartments, complete with elegant, understated design schemes, and just enough space to feel like you're at home. It's affordable luxury in one of the very best locations in the city. Another happy surprise is Le Lulli Restaurant, a fine dining option set in a beautiful, garden-inspired dining room.

Le Bristol Paris Arrow

Yes, Le Bristol is grand—the polished marble, the Louis XVI armchairs, the boiserie -paneled walls—but it has never felt cold or stuffy. I tend to go for Paris Fashion Week, and any sense of froideur is eliminated with one stroke of Fa-raon, the fluffy white Burmese cat and unofficial hotel mascot (he’s since had a son and heir, called Socrate)—usually draped over the concierge’s desk. Le Bristol has had a stylish insouciance ever since it opened on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1925, and it held on to its gilded soul after a six-year facelift that was unveiled in 2018 by its owners, the Oetker Collection. Suites are about chandeliers, Pierre Frey fabrics, and a very pure devotion to comfort overlooking the wonderfully serene enclosed garden by Arabella Lennox-Boyd, with its geometric lawns, fountains, and osmanthus topiaries. Eric Fréchon’s macaroni with black truffle and duck foie gras at three-Michelin-starred Epicure is a thing of wonder, as is Café Antonia, where the fashion crowd all seem to order the green bean, artichoke, and hazelnut salad. The spa by La Prairie does possibly the best massage in Paris.

Hôtel Lutetia Arrow

After some topsy-turvy years, Left Bank Art Nouveau institution Hôtel Lutetia reopened in 2018, and now looks better than it did when James Joyce wrote bits of Ulysses here, thanks to architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and collaborators such as Francis Ford Coppola . Determined to honor Lutetia’s glamour, Wilmotte cut the room count down to 184 and enlarged the 47 suites, adding Hermès silk throw pillows, Art Deco-style pieces by Poltrona Frau, and Statuario marble in the bathrooms; the bigger rooms have balconies with views of the Eiffel Tower . Yet in keeping with Lutetia’s social legacy, special attention was given to the public spaces. The famous bar that lured in the luminaries is now Joséphine—named for Baker, also a regular—with a menu that includes Champagne-topped vodka cocktails and croque caviar toasted sandwiches. Chef Patrick Charvet, a veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens, dishes up poached langoustines and oysters soaked in aloe vera at Brasserie Lutetia, while exquisite pastries are served inside the sun-flooded Saint Germain salon just as in Joyce’s day, but now under a graffiti-colored glass roof by conceptual artist Fabrice Hyber. With Paris’s hotel scene skewing more boutique by the minute, Lutetia’s masterful restoration reminds us that this has always been a grande-dame city at its core. Doubles from $1,005.

Hotel Les Deux Gares Arrow

It’s hard to imagine that a single corner of the French capital has been left unexplored by hoteliers over the past decade. But, as proven by Adrien Gloaguen’s latest spot in unsung Little India, there are still overlooked pockets to be happened upon. When he first visited the site, then a glum two-star number, and saw the skyline views over the train tracks linking two of the city’s main stations , he knew that he could make something special of it—and that the right person for the job would be British wunderkind Luke Edward Hall. The interior designer’s first hotel project is full of joy, with nods to the past everywhere but also contemporary excitement. The Haussmann-style corner building is awash with bold color combinations, which is what drew the creative crowd who booked out the place even before it opened. “It’s my own, very personal and playful take on Parisian style,” says Hall. French antiques sit next to mid-century lamps; checkerboard contrasts with leopard print, and there are seventies geometric carpets alongside Art-Deco details. Edward Hall also transformed the tired bar across the street into the Café Les Deux Gares. The bistro already has a following of locals and food writers who feast on a lunch menu of plates, such as succulent pork loin with beetroot, washed down with natural wines. It takes a bold move to persuade savvy travelers to loiter near the stations, but the duo behind this hotel have cracked it.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Arrow

Transport yourself out of Paris with this high-gloss hotel, where the past—charming, though it is—doesn't trump the present. You might call it another elegance; but it makes sense that this would be the case at a Mandarin, where the codes for 'luxury' are different, where guests and staff alike swear by impeccable service from start to finish; stylish modern decor; and high-class dining and spa options. The unapologetically modern Thierry Marx overseeing Sur Mesure and Camélia is another way to bridge the divide: having him on board is a clear nod to the local culture and culinary prowess, but his inventiveness and diverse culinary background matches the hotel's contemporary spirit. Another feature that sets Mandarin apart? The to-go Cake Shop located at the entrance to Camélia, one of the only properties in Paris that has this on offer.

Le Roch Hotel & Spa Arrow

Reflecting its surrounding area—where the Tuileries gardens, Place Vendôme and iconic Colette boutique mingle with residential buildings and neighborhood schools and churches—Le Roch tempers high design and haute cuisine with a relaxed, unassuming vibe. The first hotel project for designer Sarah Lavoine, known for her Parisian boutiques and lifestyle product collections, the tucked-away hotel opened in 2016 (pronounced “la rock”) and nails the home-away-from-home feel.

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin Arrow

Martin Brudnizki, the designer who has been everywhere this past year, is all about stories—and few are as seductive as the idea of an aristocratic-era literary salon in the Marais, just moments from the Seine and the Hôtel de Ville and opposite the BHV Marais, surely Paris’s most fun department store. At Le Grand Mazarin—from Maisons Pariente, the group behind chic stays such as Provence’s Hotel Crillon Le Brave—the sense is of being in a film about a sumptuous 14th-century hotel, all pastels and layers of velvet and embroidery; everything a little softer than other recent Brudnizki projects in Soho or on New York’s Fifth Avenue. It’s built in the round with a stunning glass atrium winter garden at its heart. A bijou indoor pool (a rarity in central Paris) is overlooked by a free-form forest mural by in-demand artist Jacques Merle, and the hammam and spa specialize in extra-speedy treatments. The restaurant, Boubalé, is run by Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit with a menu paying homage to the Ashkenazi cuisine of his parents’ heritage: Kurdish kreplach cooked in beurre blanc, potato pierogi, pickled herring, and mamaliga (polenta). Tucked away in the basement is the perfectly dinky Le Bar de Boubalé, which oozes relaxed sophistication but with a dash of Wes Anderson–style whimsy. From $505. —Viv Groskop

Brach Arrow

The staid 16th (arrondissement) hasn’t exactly drawn visitors over the years. So it’s a testament to the cool factor of Evok Hotels that it can take a former mail-sorting facility in this bourgeois, residential district and make it le talk of Paris . After a four-year renovation overseen by designer Philippe Starck, the resulting hotel is as much about a lifestyle as it is a place to crash. For one thing, the buzzing restaurant draws fashionable locals from breakfast until the early hours with its patisserie, plates to share, and potent drinks. A terrace bar lures the pretty people, as does the rooftop vegetable garden, which doubles as a place to picnic and take in views of the city. The subterranean fitness club channels a ’30s boxing gym and had a wait list the minute it opened. Even the swimming pool booms with a killer sound system. The party continues in the rooms, each with its own mini concept store (the minibar is so 2018), stocked with pre-made cocktails by the Avantgarde Spirits Company. The design smacks of Starck’s typical sassy eclecticism: walls covered in rich rosewood and leather, African masks and Maasai-style beadwork, and potted cacti next to the bathroom sinks hewn from unfinished blocks of marble. Who knew that the 16th, of all places, would become the city’s next hip address?

Nolinski Paris Arrow

The Nolinski feels almost too cool—in a good way—for the neighborhood. The Jean-Louis Deniot interiors balance an aristocratic look with playful touches (take the Grand Salon, which matches polished-brass Deco-style tables with an electric-teal piano). This is high-comfort too: a candle-lit spa awaits you downstairs, and you'll find a deep bathtub in your enormous bathroom. Almost everything is available for purchase, in case you fall so in love with the linens you need them at home. The location and the design are unbeatable, and they come at a price point far more accessible than Paris's Palace hotels.

Hôtel Panache Arrow

This boutique charmer, set in a triangle-shaped 19th-century building at the intersection of two bustling streets. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon has crafted the lobby restaurant and lounge with lots of—dare we say it?—panache, with light from the oversized windows shining on mosaic floors, cushy navy and rust velvet seating, and book shelves that seem to glow from within.

The Peninsula Paris Arrow

After sitting empty for decades, a former 1908 hotel has been transformed into the first Parisian outpost for the Hong Kong-based Peninsula brand—and one of Paris’s newest Palace-grade hotels. Four years of work by a stable of skilled artisans has resulted in airy, refined public spaces, where a muted cream palette is accented by restored original wood, decorative stone work, and 40,000 pieces of gold leaf. And with six in-house dining venues, you hardly have the venture out: Standouts include LiLi, serving Cantonese cuisine (including a range of dim sum); the sixth-floor L’Oiseau Blanc, a two-Michelin-star indoor/outdoor French restaurant themed around the early days of aviation; and Le Bar Kléber, where original 1908 oak paneling, oversized mirrors, and terrace views set a sexy scene for cocktails.

Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Arrow

Ageless Le Meurice has always been tolerant of experimentation and eccentricity. No wonder it was Salvador Dalí’s favorite. Most of its suites, including the penthouse, Belle Étoile, have been redone in silk and velvet. Set just off the Tuileries Garden , the iconic spot—considered one of the first luxury hotels in the world when it opened in 1815—has a long history with the art world, from hosting Picasso's wedding dinner to, most famously, serving as the Persistence of Memory painter's Parisian home for over three decades. When renovating the Dorchester Collection hotel in 2016, father-daughter design duo Philippe and Ara Starck looked to Dalí for whimsical inspiration, so you'll now find classic elements like stately columns, marble-topped tables, and copper-rimmed mirrors balanced by original Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs and portraits of 18th-century personalities traced on the backs of leather seats. If you value location, are interested in design, and appreciate service that puts a premium on privacy, Le Meurice is worth the splurge. 

Relais Christine Arrow

Slip away from the lively cafés and chic boutiques of Saint-Germain-de-Prés, head down a quiet side street and through a leafy passageway and you’ll find one of Paris’s best-kept hotel secrets—and the regulars are inclined to keep it that way. Opened in 1979 in a 17th-century former private mansion (that itself was built on the vestiges of the 13 th century Saint-Denis College of the Grands-Augustins Abbey), the hotel marries classic French design with contemporary materials and a fresh look dreamed up by designer Laura Gonzalez. If you want a memorable morning meal, you can have your coffee and croissant beneath the building’s vaulted cellar which doubles as the intimate breakfast room.

Hotel Bachaumont Arrow

After three years of renovations, the former Grand Hotel Bachaumont—which checked out its last guests in the ’70s—has been transformed into an Art Deco dream that’s as much a hit with locals as visitors. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, who’s also envisioned several of Paris’s recent boutique hotel projects, the breezy spaces are accented by black-and-white geometric tiles, marble floors, and sculptural furniture.

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel Arrow

Like the Ritz , Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel is a case study in how to stay relevant in the 21st century. But while the Ritz carried on in the same splendid fashion as always, the Crillon blasted off in search of something new. The result is a fascinating postmodern triumph. In the end, the refurb took four years and the hotel reopened in 2017 under the Rosewood brand. The best of what was the best of the Crillon has been thoughtfully preserved, while the best of what is new (the bar, the barbershop, L’Ecrin restaurant, and the stupendous suites by the late Karl Lagerfeld) is gobsmacking in its boldness and daring. After a day out on the town, relax in the Les Ambassadeurs lounge, which draws see-and-be-seen Parisians with live music and a selection of over 100 Champagnes, or in the spa, with its indoor heated pool and treatments inspired by the beauty secrets of French grandmothers and great-grandmothers. The Crillon has long been a sentimental favorite among the French. It's a splurge, but fans of French history and style or hotel junkies with a running list of global icons to check in to won't be disappointed. —Steve King

Monsieur George Hotel & Spa Arrow

Greek magnate Umbert Saltiel religiously went to Blake’s Hotel in London , Anouska’s Hempel’s first hotel, which she opened in 1978, every week for years on end. When it came to transforming his own latest hotel, in a handsome Hausmann building in Paris just a beat from the Champs-Élysées, he wanted no one else. His son, Nicolas, tracked down the onetime Bond Girl-turned-designer, otherwise known as Lady Weinberg, and convinced her to take on the project. And as ever, she doesn’t do things by half. Her exacting attention to detail is obvious everywhere—"If you’re alive, you have to try and be the best," she says—in a riot of jade, emerald, and forest green, black lacquered paint, chevron tiles, and marble, and so many mirrors your perspective shifts as you move. A small but cleverly constructed space, the 46 rooms are spread over six floors. Décor is a mishmash of Anoushka’s travels. Moroccan in essence, offset with Indian lanterns and ikat prints from Romania; moody and sultry. Lady Weinberg is so obsessed with lighting, she added a Perspex filter to light bulbs by the bed to achieve the perfect soft glow. In the basement, cult Parisian yoga and wellness club Le Tigre doles out soothing massages, while restaurant Galanya looks to Asia with yellowtail sashimi, prawn ravioli, beef tataki, and cod with Japanese mushrooms cooked with precision. Much like the entire hotel, nothing is an accident or left to chance; it’s an orchestra of taste, all conducted by Lady Weinberg herself. It’s an opulent addition to the Parisian scene.

Cour des Vosges Arrow

On the Monopoly board of Paris , there could be no address smarter than the Place des Vosges in the Marais. It’s the city’s oldest and prettiest square: Louis XIII and Anne of Austria celebrated their engagement here in 1612; it was the site of trysts and duels during the 17th and 18th centuries; and in 1832 the great writer Victor Hugo moved into number six, overlooking the pleached lime trees and fountain-punctuated lawns. Across at number 19, the heavy unmarked door doesn’t give any clue that it conceals one of Paris’s most intriguing new arrivals. Cour des Vosges takes the now familiar home-as-hotel set-up and elevates it gloriously but discreetly. It marks a clear departure for Evok Hôtels, whose other haunts (Sinner, Brach ) are more showy and dramatic. The ultra-private, Roman-style bath on the lower level is open day and night, while four-poster beds with panels that close to shut out daylight and mini-bars loaded with pastries make this a rare Parisian bolthole that encourages lazing about.

Shangri-La Paris Arrow

In 1891, Prince Roland Bonaparte—grand-nephew to Napoleon—chose a prime setting near the Seine River to build an opulent palace, complete with an elaborate carved façade, a vaulted ceiling emblazoned with zodiac symbols, and a dramatic "Stairway of Honor" made from brass and forged steel. The cultured prince hosted many a lively gathering at his palace—a tradition of hospitality that was revived in 2010, with the opening of the Shangri-La Paris. Following a meticulous restoration, the landmark features a dome-topped marble entryway, original wood floors, stained glass windows, and hand-carved mahogany panels—plus that famous staircase. It's not just pretty, either: A favorite destination dining spot for locals, the hotel houses Shang Palace, the first Chinese restaurant in France to receive a Michelin star, and La Bauhinia, which serves an elegant East-meets-West menu (including a popular afternoon tea) under the central glass cupola.

Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris Arrow

Beginning with the blood-red awning and lamps adorning the classic façade, it’s clear there’s a little mischief at the heart of this sophisticated lady. Originally opened in 1928, the hotel that’s hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Michael Jackson underwent an extensive re-do in the mid-2000s, during which master designer Phillipe Starck brought in a playful, contemporary flair and a focus on art. (You can even get a guided tour of the hotel's private collection.) Standouts include a 99-seat, state-of-the-art movie theater, an art gallery and library, and a Matsuhisa outpost from Chef Nobu, which serves up Peruvian-Japanese cuisine.

SO/ Paris Arrow

If you’re after jaw-dropping views of the city, big on design, and don’t mind making an under-the-radar neighborhood your home base, this is a playful and comfortable new contender in Paris's sea of design properties. The hotel shares the site with an art gallery, several restaurants, a trendy youth hostel, a bakery, and residences. If the area is on the map today it is first and foremost because of the hotel and its fashion-forward crowd that piles into Bonnie , the oh-so-sceney restaurant-bar-nightclub on the top two floors, run separately by the Paris Society group. It’s here where hotel and restaurant guests can access 360-degree views and the Olafur Eliasson site-specific mirrored work The Seeing City . Each of the 162 rooms and suites are spread out between the 8th and 14th floors and are categorized by the views they offer—but river views are where you should allocate your budget if you can. All rooms have a colorful palette with shimmering earth tones, warm wood, ceramics, and thoughtful details like coffee tables, a spirits cabinet, Bluetooth speakers in the shape of a bulldog, and a minibar stocked with locally-sourced snacks.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris Arrow

Originally opened in 1928, in a prime location in the ever-so-chic eighth, this hotel is a true Paris icon—but from the moment you enter, it’s clear all is not as traditional as it might seem. The entryway is grand and gilded, the staff deferential and efficient (and always greeting you by name), but flashes of modern style and edgy attitude save the place from seeming staid. This is also the first hotel in Europe to feature five Michelin stars under one roof—garnered here by three distinct restaurants like fine dining Le Cinq, where French classics are reinterpreted using lighter ingredients and techniques. Fortunately, all restaurants are accented by prime vintages from the hotel’s legendary, 50,000 bottle-strong cellar, whose position 45-feet underground helped it survive the bombings of World War II.

Cheval Blanc Paris Arrow

Skip the sleepy districts that house so many of Paris’s plush hotels, and book a private perch with a bird’s eye view of the river and La Samaritaine as your fashion-forward neighbor. From a sophisticated suburban crowd to the Bobo’s of the right bank, every type of Parisian rubs shoulders with jet-setting guests in the convivial seventh-floor Art Deco brasserie meets cocktail bar, Le Tout-Paris. It’s the place to be seen before you escape to the subterranean spa or your room with a view. Almost every one of the 72 elegant, beige and gold-hued rooms, 46 of which are suites, overlook the Seine. The best spot from which to enjoy the hotel’s idyllic position is from a sunlit winter garden suite; this private perch offers views from Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower, as well as a glimpse into day-to-day life in the French capital, the famous  bouquinistes (or booksellers), and romantic promenades. Tucked away below ground, the brightly lit spa designed like a modern living room is helmed by another member of the LVMH équipe and star of both Parisian couture and beauty: Christian Dior.

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La Réserve owner Michel Reybier had great success with his Geneva and Ramatuelle outposts. Yet there was general astonishment when, in 2015, La Réserve Paris sashayed into town, teaching the city’s grandes dames new tricks. It's the most beloved address in the French capital for fashion editors and the go-to for regular visitors to the city who want to feel like they’re staying in a private mansion, with just 40 rooms in a fine hôtel particulier designed by Baron Haussmann for Napoleon III’s half-brother the Duc de Morny in 1854. Its position, on a quiet, tree-lined street moments from the Place de la Concorde , is propitious. Then you cross the threshold and—ka-boom!—it’s an explosion of color and texture in the best way imaginable. There’s brocade taffeta, velvet drapes and silk wallpapers in the richest shades of emerald and ruby. No crevice has gone ungilded. This is somewhere you'll want to come back to time and again. —Steve King

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Don't let the aura of sedate elegance fool you: there's always been a playfulness at the heart of this grande dame. Opened in 1913, with its signature red awnings facing the stately Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée has long had ties to the fashion world, from the days when Christian Dior named collections after the hotel, to its appearance in fashion-themed favorites like Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Decor-wise, that translates to classic, chandelier-heavy public spaces that give way to contemporary flashes, like the futuristic, chrome-covered banquettes of an Alain Ducasse restaurant, and the blue velvet-covered ceiling of Le Bar; and guest-wise, it means you're likely to spot some fashion editors and design house execs circling the lobby.

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Paris's first boat hotel puts you right on the Seine for a truly unique perspective. Designed by Parisian nautical architect Gérard Ronzatti, and constructed in Normandy, the purpose-built barge (one of the largest docked on the river) evokes an over-sized catamaran wrapped in glass and steel. The hub is the sleek bar/lounge, which stretches from the main deck up to the U-shaped upper level where, in good weather, locals and guests gather around the plunge pool for cocktails, tapas, and selfies on inflatable gold swans.

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The creative spirit of former residents like Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, and Greta Garbo imbue the spaces of this elegant spot, which began in the 1880s as the residence of a Spanish aristocrat, and was enlarged into a hotel in the Roaring ‘20s. The private home feel lingers, with antique accents, original detailing, and portraits by 1930s Russian artist Boris Pastoukhoff (another former resident) balanced by comfy, contemporary furnishings.

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Under the supervision of a passionate owner, a run-down two-star hotel was in 2009 revived into this sophisticated Left Bank inn that evokes the apartment of a well-traveled art and history buff. Accented by the hotel’s signature scent, the interiors by Jean-Louis Deniot are contemporary and bright, warmed by reclaimed wood tables, metallic sculptures, and original artwork and unique objets sourced from around the world.

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Could this be designer Michele Bönan’s finest hour? The Florentine interiors guru has always gone the extra mile in his work for Italian-Israeli hotelier Ori Kafri’s J.K. Place stable, which launched in 2003 with the much-imitated  J.K. Place Firenze . J.K. Place Paris, opened in 2020, is the group’s first hotel outside Italy and a 29-room conversion of a maison particulier located among the galleries and government offices of  Paris’s  Latin Quarter. For the interiors, Bönan raided antiques shops and flea markets for post-Cubist canvases, African chairs, and discarded sketches for old Hermès collections. Spread over three interconnected buildings and five floors, the handsome rooms come with perks that help to soften the muscular rates, including bathrooms so big you could take your morning coffee in them. Downstairs, the glass-roofed Casa Tua restaurant serves up good Northern Italian food, while a small but serviceable spa pool invites lazy lengths before negronis at the bar. There’s also a gym stocked with Technogym equipment and two rooms for spa and beauty treatments, but the real sell may be that the owner of the building loans out his own bateau-mouche riverboat—which even has a cinema—for private Seine cruises. 

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From the moment you check in at the colorfully-painted reception, under the bright lights of the movie theater marquee-style sign above, Generator makes you feel like a guest at a long-running party. Envisioned as the next generation of hostels, the brand celebrates unique design, engaging experiences, and locally-sourced food, while offering a range of room styles and prices.

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'Arabian Nights' meet Napoleon III at this heady hideaway envisioned by French designer extraordinaire, Jacques Garcia. Drawing inspiration from the building’s early-1900’s stint as a maison close (upscale brothel) frequented by well-to-do pleasure seekers, Garcia has kept the exterior understated—just look for the two red lanterns—then decked the interiors out in reams of lush velvet, Moorish tiles, antique furnishings, and oil paintings of women in seductive poses.

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For many travelers, this is peak Paris. Ideally located for exploring the Left Bank, this boutique four-star owned by celebrity chef Yves Camdeborde—whose much-lauded Le Comptoir sits on the ground floor—has earned loyalists with its warm service, quirky charm, and high-quality in-house eats.

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The spirit of Oscar Wilde—or, at least, his love of decadence—lives on at the smallest five-star hotel in Paris. Housed in a 19th-century building (built on what was once the site of Queen Margot’s “pavilion of love”), the intimate hotel was for decades a popular hideaway for solace-seeking celebs, from Wilde (who lived at the hotel until his death) to, later, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Jim Morrison.

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The third hotel from Paris’s charmingly raffish Experimental Group, who opened the cheeky Grand Pigalle and London’s perky Henrietta after establishing cocktail bars around the world, may be the most irresistible yet. The Hôtel des Grands Boulevards is tucked away in the 2nd Arrondissement, one of the most diverse and dynamic parts of the city. It’s where to find ornate theaters and arcades as well as whimsical textile workshops, and a healthily quirky dose of les flaneurs moving between them all. Staying at this converted 18th-century townhouse places guests properly amongst the muck, and with three bars and restaurants from which to watch the daily life unfold with an elderflower cocktail in hand, naturally. Interior designer Dorothee Meilichzon took her cues from the neighborhood when decking out the 50 rooms with textures, shapes, and colors. Petite guestrooms have luscious greens, blues, and pinks; against this palette the plump all-white beds seem like fluffy, cozy clouds. Tiny wooden stools near windows with ball-gown length drapes create the atmosphere of a Parisian parlor. Though when the bustle of the 2nd all gets a little too much, the ideal escape is on the rooftop, where gin joint The Shed serves a mean vodka with lemongrass to young locals who will no doubt be dressed better than yourself. Paris rarely feels as fun as it does from the inside of a hotel run by a bunch of bartenders.

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Don't get confused by the vintage boulangerie signage: you're in the right place. Set in two connected 17th-century buildings—one the former home of one of Paris's first bakeries—the Hôtel du Petit Moulin feels like an insider's secret that's hiding in plain sight. The four-star charmer as been decked-out by fashion designer Christian Lacroix, so from the reception (located in the ersatz bakery) to the 17 rooms, the decor is bold, eclectic, and bursting with personality.

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Taking inspiration from Paris’s largest flea market, located about a 10-minute walk away, the eclectic Mob Hotel is awash in boho chic and bursting with creative energy. The experience starts at reception, which doubles as a shop stocking everything from snacks and stylish accessories to the odd guitar, and continues out to the backyard, where the restaurant’s terrace overlooks a garden that hosts al fresco movies in the summer, and turns into an ice skating rink in the winter.

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Family-owned and operated since 1925 (it's now watched over by the fourth generation), this boutique five-star's intimate take on luxury has garnered it a legion of regulars, including a fair share of boldface names. Though the vibe is discreet, the public spaces are hardly subtle: Oriental rugs, trompe l’oeil walls, rich wood paneling, and antiques and artwork from the family’s collection.

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Down a quiet cobblestoned street, past an unmarked gate, through the second door of a 19th-century mansion, and you’re home. Once the residence of people with last names like Rothschild and Hermès, this refuge has been transformed by Oscar Comtet, a young entrepreneur with a dynamic vision and keen eye, into the ultimate private hideaway.

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In the heart of the Opera district, just blocks from the Palais Garnier and other historic performance arts venues, as well as the iconic Galeries Lafayette department store, Chouchou aims to be both a gathering spot for locals and a place of respite for travelers. Named for a French term of endearment, Chouchou opened in fall 2020—a launch that was delayed just a few months due to the pandemic. The 63 rooms are divided into five categories, from single to suite, and vary in size and shape, but all have a thoughtful design full of eye-catching details, from parquet floors and lush textiles to bold splashes of color. Views are either of the courtyard or street (a few even look out at the Opera), and some categories come with balconies. 

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The 16 best places to visit in France

From buzzing cities to gorgeous countryside escapes, these are the essential places in France to visit at least once in your life

France   is one of the most visited places on the planet – and you better believe that it lives up to every bit of the hype. This famous country has been at the cultural heart of western Europe for millennia, and you can see signs of its complex and fascinating past all over the place. But it’s not all   grand old châteaux : France is also blessed with some exceptionally beautiful natural wonders   and   some of Europe’s coolest city-break destinations .

So, from heavenly beach destinations and   picturesque rural villages   to grand old cities like   Paris ,   Lyon   and   Marseille , these are the best places to visit in France – and some of the world’s most essential destinations.

Discover France:

📍 The best   things to do in France 🌳 The prettiest   villages in France 🏖 The best   beaches in France 🏰 Spectacular  French châteaux you can rent 😋 The best   restaurants in France 🌊  The best places to stay on the French Riviera

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Best places to visit in France

Where do you start with a city like Paris? The French capital is one of the great global cities, as renowned for its world-class museums, magnificent grub and lavish shopping options as it is for its mere vibe . From the Louvre to the Jardin de Luxembourg, the place oozes history, beauty and, yes, romance. There is, quite plainly, nowhere quite like it.

Discover Paris:

📍 The best things to do in Paris 🧑 ‍🍳 The best restaurants in Paris 🎨 The best museums in Paris 🥐 The best cafés in Paris

The port city of Marseille has been one great big melting pot of cultures ever since it was founded by the Greeks a whopping 2,600 years ago. Having thrown off its rep as a town of sailors and gangsters, these days Marseille is a dazzlingly multicultural city with galleries and rooftop bars galore – and all within easy reach of marvellous spectacles of nature in the form of calanques and coves. 

Discover Marseille:

📍 The best things to do in Marseille 😋 The best restaurants in Marseille 🥾 The essential guide to Marseille’s calanques 🚤 The best boat trips from Marseille

Nice by name, nice by... alright, that’s a bit too cheesy. But it’s true. With its lavish beachside promenade, throngs of established museums and hearty wine bars, Nice is a rather exceptionally lovely coastal city. It’s the former residence of Henri Matisse, with an entire museum dedicated to the legendary artist – and with skies this vibrant, it’s not hard to see where he found the inspiration for his bold blues.

Discover Nice:

📍 The best things to do in Nice 🏖 The best beaches in Nice 😋 The best restaurants in Nice 🛍 The best shops in Nice

Lyonnais are known for being particularly proud of their city – and they’ve every right to be. This place is a gastronomic wonderland and (disputedly, we admit) France’s food capital, with each of its Michelin-starred abodes matched by dozens of under-the-radar culinary masters. And with its Unesco-protected city centre, Rhône and Saône river views and its history as a silk centre, Lyon has loads of non-foodie stuff to do, too.

Discover Lyon:

🍴 The best restaurants in Lyon

Not just the greatest winemaking hub in the world, Bordeaux is also a full-blown dream of a city: packed with characterful medieval architecture, a top-tier dining scene and sprawling green open spaces, and within touching distance of some of the mightiest (and warmest) beaches on France’s Atlantic coast. Even teetotallers will find a shedload to do here.

Nîmes, Arles and Orange

For history buffs, there are few regions of France more worth a week’s visit than the lower reaches of the River Rhône. Impressively preserved Roman amphitheatres, arches, temples and baths draw as many visitors to the cities of Nîmes, Arles and Orange as the laidback lifestyle, local wines and year-round sunshine. But the highlight is the spectacular Pont du Gard: the 2,100-year-old three-tiered aqueduct that straddles the Gardon river. It’s one of the most impressive Roman monuments surviving anywhere – Rome included.

French Riviera

Stretching for more than 100 miles along France’s southeastern coast, the Riviera is best appreciated as a whole: as a series of delightful places rather than any one in particular. From perfume capital Grasse and rocky Èze to legendarily-glitzy Saint-Tropez and film-tastic Cannes, the Côte d'Azur is everything it claims to be and more.

Discover the French Riviera:

😎 The best places to stay on the French Riviera

Inland from the bustle of the Riviera, the vast and ancient rural region of Provence is the place for a slower pace of life. If you don’t like the smell of lavender, best avoid the Valensole plateau, with its fields of purple stretching into the distance – 300 square miles’ worth of the fragrant stuff. We recommend renting a mountain bike and cycling the yellow dirt paths, with a charming stopover in a village such as Riez or Esparron-de-Verdon. Not far away, the gravity-defying limestone flanks and dazzling turquoise-green waters of the Gorges du Verdon draw hikers, swimmers and kayakers from far and wide.

Named after the river that runs through it, the Dordogne region is almost surreally picturesque. Vines as far as the eye can see, endless rolling hills, impossibly pretty hamlets… from the seventeenth-century Chateau de Marqueyssac and its hypnotic gardens to the oak forests of the Périgord noir, it’s so beautiful it can feel like the stuff of dreams.

On the Upper Rhine plain between France and Germany, Alsace has changed hands several times. Start in regional capital Strasbourg for a taste of Alsace’s culture, architecture and food – a distinctive blend of French and German – then  head to half-timbered Colmar for shades of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (plus  one of Europe’s best Christmas markets ). And whatever you do, stop off at  the twelfth-century Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: an epic complex with views all the way to the Black Forest.

Lake Annecy

Bordered by snow-capped mountains in the Haute-Savoie region, Annecy is known as ‘Europe’s cleanest lake’ thanks to strict local environmental regulations. It’s also very beautiful. The third-largest lake within France’s borders, its ten square miles draw bathers, sailors, divers and sunbathers alike to its grassy ‘beaches’ in summer. Rich with flora and fauna, the area’s hills are ideal for hiking, and the town of Annecy itself brims with brilliant restaurants, delis and canals.

Canal du Midi

Connecting the Garonne river at Toulouse with the Étang de Thau basin on the Mediterranean, the 150-mile-long Midi makes for the dreamiest of waterside cycle adventures in summer. Built under the patronage of Louis XIV’s first minister Colbert in the seventeenth century, it is now connected to the Canal de Garonne, and together the two canals allow for barges to travel from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. For the full canal experience, you should rent one. A barge, that is, not a canal.

Loire Valley

Two things make a trip here essential: castles and wine. The Loire is France’s longest river, and the stretch between Orléans and Angers is home to more than 300 grand châteaux dating back to the age when France had kings, as well as 185,000 acres of vineyards. Follow the river past woods and fields and through the medieval towns of Blois, Amboise and Saumur – each crowned by an unmissable royal castle. And don’t miss a chance to sample the local specialities: white wine, rillettes, goat’s cheese and Chambord – the latter named after one of the province’s most spectacular châteaux.

French Basque Country

Although most of the historic Basque Country lies over the border in modern-day Spain, the French part is well worth a visit – especially if you’re partial to a gnarly surf trip. A classy bathing retreat since the nineteenth century, Biarritz became the home of European surfing in the ’50s, with the Atlantic regularly chucking ten-metre waves up its  Grande Plage.  Once you’ve dried off, refuel with a plate of the signature cured ham from Bayonne, just up the road. And further down the coast, the beach towns of St Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye have miles of golden sand and eye-popping summer sunsets over the ocean.

With its sweeping cliffs and capes and proud Celtic heritage, France’s rugged northwest region— aka ‘Little Britain’ — is rightly likened to Cornwall. The coastline gets top billing, from the romantic Pink Granite Coast via quaint fishing villages to walkers’ magnet the Crozon peninsula. History fans should make for Carnac, Brittany’s Stonehenge, while gourmands will love plundering the local larder: crêpes, savoury galettes, and seafood, with France’s oyster capital, Cancale, just east of the picture-perfect walled town of Saint-Malo.

Normandy’s stirring white-chalk cliffs – from picturesque port Honfleur to chic weekend getaway Étretat – gave birth to no less than the entire art movement of Impressionism. New bike route  La Seine à Vélo  reunites many of the area’s joys, especially at Monet’s home and lilypad-lined gardens at Giverny, before taking in Rouen (tied to Joan of Arc lore) and seaside Deauville. Keep on coasting for three more musts: the D-Day landing sites, Bayeux’s famously ornate tapestry, and ‘Wonder of the West’ the Mont-Saint-Michel, an island topped by a gravity-defying abbey.

Discover more in Europe

The best places to visit in Italy

I conic cities, gorgeous towns and villages, incredible islands and all the rest

The best places to visit in Greece

From Athens to the islands, there’s so much to fall in love with here

The best places to visit in Spain

Sure, the beaches and big cities are incredible – but there’s much, much more to Spain

The best places to visit in France

It’s one of the most visited places on the planet, but France always lives up to the hype

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Best Time to Visit

The Best Time to Visit France

TripSavvy / Jiaqi Zhou

Generally speaking, the best time to visit France is during the spring (March through May) and summer (June through early September). Springtime brings milder temperatures ideal for open-air exploration, not to mention an abundance of greenery and color. Meanwhile, the summer months offer long days for exploring, whether you’re roaming the streets of Paris or riding a bike through the lavender fields of Provence. If you can tolerate large crowds, beaches on the French Riviera and Atlantic Coast offer plenty of relaxation and amusement, including for water-sports lovers. Summer is also peak time for festivals, from free concerts to open-air cinema screenings.

Popular Events and Festivals 

France draws millions of visitors a year for world-class festivals and annual events; spring to early fall are especially good times to enjoy some of the best. In the spring, the Loire Valley hosts the International Gardens Festival, showcasing impressive designs from landscape artists around the globe. 

Summer brings festivals such as the Bordeaux Wine Festival and the Fete de la Musique , a free music event that lets you take in hundreds of free street concerts. In early fall, France celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau wine and Paris celebrates the Vendanges de Montmartre Harvest Festival .

The Weather in France

Being geographically diverse, France’s weather varies significantly depending on the destination. The South of France—from Provence to the Riviera—tends to be quite warm, with temperate winters and sometimes scorchingly hot summers. Paris, central, and eastern France have colder winters and summers that can be quite muggy and hot, with frequent storms. Meanwhile, the Atlantic coastal areas tend to display an oceanic climate, with milder temperatures but frequently wet conditions. 

If you’re heat-averse, know that the summer months have seen record heat waves in the past few years, and plan accordingly. You may wish to avoid hitting the beaches of the Riviera during the high season, when temperatures routinely exceed 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). The beaches of Northern France and the Atlantic coast tend to see milder conditions during the summer. Paris can also be uncomfortably hot in late July and August, so make sure you stay hydrated and bring plenty of light, breathable clothing.   

Peak Season in France

The busiest times of year to visit tend to be between late March/early April and early October, with the highest numbers of visitors flocking to France in late spring and mid-summer. This is reflected in steeper rates for flights and hotels. If you do plan to visit during peak season, we highly recommend that you book well in advance to lock in the best deals.

Traveling during peak season doesn’t mean huge crowds everywhere in France, luckily. Paris becomes remarkably quiet and laid-back in August when thousands of locals leave for summer vacation—many decamping to the beaches of the south. Brittany  can also afford plenty of space to explore and boasts many off-the-beaten-path, inspiring places and attractions.

The Christmas festivities have passed in January , but many cities still display colorful lights and offer wintery activities like open-air ice skating. Crowds are relatively thin and you can generally get good deals on flights, hotels, and tours.

Events to check out:

• Around the country, the French celebrate La Fete des Rois (King's Day , marking the Epiphany) starting on Jan. 6. The tradition is to share marzipan-laced, buttery Galette des Rois (kings' cake) and don paper crowns.
• Winter sales run for about two weeks starting in early January; this is an excellent time to find some original new pieces for your wardrobe, a rare book or an antique item to bring home.

February in France is the height of the low season. It offers great opportunities for deals on travel, but it also comes with cold weather and closed tourist attractions in many places. 

• Ski stations in the French Alps and Pyrenees offer adventure during the day and a cozy ambiance in the evenings. The Pyrenees stations tend to be more accessible than their posh counterparts in the Alps. 
• Take a romantic break to Paris, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, or Lyon to celebrate Valentine’s Day . A dinner cruise on the Seine, Rhine, or Rhone river can be a good idea. Or why not take a winery tour in Bordeaux? 

March is the tail-end of low season and may represent your last opportunity to get an excellent deal on travel. Toward the end of the month, temperatures tend to warm up, making day trips and outdoor activities more pleasant. But some attractions remain closed. 

• This is the last major month for skiing, snowboarding, and other powder-related sports in the Alps and Pyrenees, with plenty of apres-ski activities to enjoy in resorts around France. 
• While French carnivals kicked off in February, they tend to really warm up in March. Don’t miss the Carnaval de Nice, with colorful, flower-filled floats, parade, and fireworks that mark the occasion like few others.

High season in France begins in April and brings larger crowds, warmer temperatures, and more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Take some time to explore parks and gardens in bloom, or go on a coastal walk on the Atlantic or Mediterranean. Prices start to really climb at this time, but many attractions re-open after low-season closures. 

• Interested in antiques? Check out the biggest flea and antique market of its kind in Europe in the small French town of L’Isle-de-la-Sorgue . 
• Easter marks a major holiday in France , and most French people take the Monday following Easter Sunday off. There are usually fun events and festive ways to celebrate wherever you’re visiting, but do be aware of potential closures. 
• The Paris Marathon also takes place in this month.

May in France may be the “Goldilocks” month: it tends to be warm, but not too hot. And if you want to attempt an early beach getaway in St. Tropez or see that blockbuster exhibit in Paris, you may beat the crowds compared to the summer. Rates for hotels and flights tend to be quite steep, on the downside. Bring a jacket with you though, chilly spells aren’t uncommon in May. 

• The annual French Open sees tennis champions duke it out for the championship at the Roland-Garros stadium. 
• Meanwhile, the Cannes Film Festival in the Riviera town of the same name brings star power to the red carpets, and it can be fun to be in its orbit. Open-air movie screenings on the beach and other events make it exciting even for non-attendees. 

June is the start of the summer festival season in France, and beaches swell with sunbathers and swimmers as temperatures continue to climb. Hotel rooms are scarcer and more expensive, and you can expect crowded conditions at many museums and monuments. Meanwhile, summer sales offer more opportunities for deals. 

• On June 6, the D-Day Festival in Normandy marks the arrival of Allied Forces soldiers on the region’s beaches, mourning the fallen and commemorating their bravery. 
• The Bordeaux Wine Festival is held every year on the banks of the Garonne River. Taste wines from around the region for a reasonable fee, and stroll the river boardwalk for live music, tall old ships, and local street food. 

The mid-summer vibe is relaxed and fun in July, with more festivals on the program and long, warm days attracting crowds outdoors. Beaches are now full to the hilt, and temperatures tend to be hot and muggy in most places.

• Bastille Day on July 14th marks France’s historic transition from monarchy to Republic with fireworks, fireman’s balls, parades, and more. Paris is generally the best place to see the festivities, but other cities also celebrate with flair. 
• In Provence, this is the peak time to see (and smell) large, rolling hills and fields teeming with lavender. Take a tour or rent a bike and take in the picturesque sight of “blue gold.” 

France in August can feel a bit odd. In Paris, many locals have fled the scene for vacations elsewhere, leaving an impression of semi-emptiness in places. In the South, beaches are so crowded that it can be hard to find a spot. But smart travelers will take advantage of the laid-back ambiance in the capital, and perhaps choose Normandy, Brittany, or Aquitaine for a coastal break. 

• A three-day music festival called Rock en Seine takes over a nearby suburb of Paris for three days in August, for open-air concerts from leading global bands. You can even camp onsite. 
• In Arles, the Arelate Festival brings the Roman Empire back to life with gladiator games, chariots, and other lively festivities. 

September in France marks the unofficial New Year when vacationers get back to work and kids get back to school. Major exhibits debut at museums and restaurants open to crowds and fanfare. Wine harvests begin in some regions. Prices tend to dip slightly, but this is still generally considered high season. 

• The harvest in St-Emilion, near Bordeaux, celebrates the culling of the new crop in one of France’s major wine-producing regions. There’s a dramatic, solemn mass, and visitors can take a torchlit night tour of the old medieval town. 
• Jazz à Beaune is a music and wine festival in one of Burgundy’s loveliest towns. You can take wine-tasting workshops and classes on jazz masters in addition to enjoying performances. 

Fall is well and truly here by October when leaves start to change and days grow shorter and colder. For some, this is the best time of year in France: the air is crisp and often clear, crowds have thinned out, there’s plenty to see and do, and prices are more moderate compared to late spring and summer. 

• Nuit Blanche is an all-night art and culture event in Paris that's become an October tradition. Major museums and galleries open all night, and the streets are transformed by elaborate installations and “happenings,” most of which are free. 
• The Vendanges de Montmartre is a festival celebrating the last remaining vineyard within the walls of Paris that produces some wines. Elaborate processions and ceremonies, live music, food, and of course wine tasting make for a fun and festive three days. 

November in France marks the beginning of low season, and also brings much shorter, darker days and weather that can be wet and quite cold. For this reason, visitor numbers ebb and you can generally get excellent deals on flights, hotels, and tours.

• On the third Thursday in November, France fetes the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau , a young red wine. You can celebrate with a glass at a wine bar in Paris, Bordeaux, and most places around the country. 
• Christmas lights , markets, and decorations start to go up in late November, bringing some much-needed cheer to the dark nights. Paris is a major destination to see the seasonal decor, with a major “switching on” ceremony held every year on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées late in the month. 

Tourist numbers tend to temporarily spike again in December , when winter holiday festivities draw visitors to Paris, Alsace, Provence, and other destinations to take in a little seasonal cheer. Some ski stations start their season in December, too. 

• Christmas markets in France —especially in Alsace, Provence, and Paris—are especially enchanting, and sell seasonal treats such as mulled wine, traditional decorations, crepes, candied fruits, marzipan, and sausages. Bundle up and go enjoy a stroll through the warm wooden “chalets.”
• Early-bird skiers and winter mountain enthusiasts can find potentially good deals at resorts, hotels, and spas in the Alps and Pyrenees. In addition to snow sports, a soak in a mountain spa can be a relaxing way to close out the year. 

The best time to visit France is between spring and early summer, when the weather is at its most pleasant and you can avoid the large crowds of tourists that tend to congregate in major destinations around July and August.

The amount of rain varies throughout the different regions and climates in France, but generally May is the rainiest month. Regions like Brittany gets over 43 inches (109 centimeters) of rain per year while the Côte d'Azur gets about 30 inches (76 centimeters) on average.

Crowds in Paris tend to be biggest in the summer, but this time of year offers the best weather and the most daylight to see all the attractions the famous city has to offer.

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The 15 Best Beaches in France [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

779 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3151 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Map of the 15 Best Beaches in France

1. cap blanc-nez, pas-de-calais, 2. deauville beach, deauville, 3. plage du braek, dunkirk, 4. plage de dieppe, dieppe, 5. plage du havre, le havre, 1. bouillabaisse beach, saint-tropez, 2. ouille beach, argelès-sur-mer, 3. palombaggia, porto-vecchio, 4. plage de l’espiguette, le grau-du-roi, 5. plage des marinières, villefranche-sur-mer, 1. conche of whales, saint-clément-des-baleines, 2. plage de gwendrez, finistère, 3. plage de la côte des basques, biarritz, 4. plage de donnant, belle-île-en-mer, 5. plage du pin sec, naujac-sur-mer, final thoughts.

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It’s no secret that France is a cultural hot spot. From its art and food to its rich history, there’s a lot to experience in this corner of Europe. However, the country’s beaches sometimes slip under the radar, which is a shame because they’re some of France’s best-kept secrets.

If you’re interested in jet-setting off for a French coastal getaway but you’re overwhelmed with all the options you have to choose from, you’re in luck. We did the legwork of looking at all the nation’s beaches to come up with a list of the best you should add to your travel bucket list.

The 5 Best Beaches in North France

You’ll find Cap Blan-Nez hidden away on France’s “Opal Coast.” With its chalk cliffs and a large expanse of uninterrupted water as far as the eye can see, this is a relaxing stretch of the coast where you can find some peace and quiet.

Since the cape is on the English Channel, you can even get views of England’s coastline in the distance on a clear day. This is a favorite place for tourists who want to go on a long walk along the shoreline since there are trails that lead from the cliffs down to the beach.

The landscape of the beach makes it prone to a lot of wind, though. So unless you’re a strong swimmer, it’s best to stay close to dry land. You’ll also want to make sure to check the tide schedule, as the shore floods almost entirely when the tide comes in.

Deauville Beach is a quaint part of France’s northern coast that’s perfect for family vacations. The beach is wide, with plenty of room to spread out, even on busy days. The only thing to remember is that since the sandy shore is quite large, it can take some time to get to the water.

That won’t change much of your experience during the fall and winter when you’re visiting to go for a nice long walk. However, you’ll want to be mindful during the summer when the sand is hot from the sun.

Deauville Beach is also known for being the closest beach to the country’s capital , Paris , so you can easily visit both destinations while on your trip through the region. The beach is beautiful all year. If you visit in January or February, you might even get to see snowfall on the shore.

This Dunkirk beach is an underrated spot that definitely deserves more attention. The beach is remote and secluded, so it rarely gets many crowds, even in the middle of the summer when the tourism season is at its highest.

Since the beach is pretty quiet, it’s a great place for families. Kids love the long and wide stretches of sand to build castles and run around. On the other hand, adults looking for a place to rest and relax can lay out a towel and enjoy listening to the waves.

There often aren’t many lifeguards here, though, so keep that in mind if you decide to venture into the water. However, the water is typically pretty gentle, especially near the shore.

Hot Tip: Keep in mind that this beach can be referred to as both Plage du Braek and Digue du Braek if you’re looking at directions to get here.

Plage de Dieppe is one of the best beaches in Normandy. It’s easily accessible and hard to miss while you’re traveling through the area, so it’s a popular spot for French and international beachgoers.

While there are multiple events hosted around the beach throughout the year, one of the most famous is the Dieppe Kite Festival , which is held every other year, usually in early September. With upwards of hundreds of colorful kites of different shapes and sizes dotting the sky, it’s the largest event of its kind in the world.

The beach is breezy during the other months of the year as well. The cliffs that back the sand create a break for the wind, which can cause waves and a pleasant breeze during hot days. Though it can make the area feel a bit colder than you’d expect in the winter.

Plage du Havre is a relatively new beach that was created to officially give the people who live in and around Havre permission to access the water.

Havre is a port city, so boats are often seen on the horizon, but to keep the water clean, they don’t get too close to the port near this 1-mile-long portion of the coast. You can access the water all year, but the official beach season lasts between May and September. That’s when you can expect to find lifeguards on duty and beach-related businesses open.

Plage du Havre is a great beach if you don’t want to have to bring a huge bag of necessities for a day by the water. Since you’re within walking distance of shops and restaurants, you can easily pick up anything you might need once you arrive. However, it can get crowded during the summer.

The 5 Best Beaches in South France

If you’re looking for a tranquil coastal spot while you’re in Saint-Tropez, Bouillabaisse Beach is a great place to go. You’re still close to the center of town, so the excitement isn’t too far away, but there’s a little more seclusion here compared to other parts of the shore.

Bouillabaisse Beach is particularly known for the waterfront restaurant that shares its name , but you don’t have to go to the eatery in order to access the sand. You’ll also notice a mix of umbrellas you can rent for the day and clear areas where you can just lay out your towel and enjoy the sun.

The water here is clean and blue, and the current is gentle enough for people of all swimming levels to handle. Even little kids can splash around safely because the water gradually gets deeper, and there are no sudden drop-offs.

Ouille is one of the best beaches in the entire Pyrénées-Orientales region of France. Covered in small, smooth pebbles, this beach has a very natural look to it, which adds to its charm. It’s also a pet-friendly beach, so you can let your dog run around happily if you’re bringing them with you on your vacation.

The beach is tucked back away from the open sea, so the water here is incredibly clear and clean as well. Since the current is also gentle, you can try out snorkeling and diving without worrying about fighting against the waves.

The road to get to the beach is a bit steep, so keep that in mind if you plan on walking or biking. However, it’s also paved and smooth, which can help you keep your footing and make driving easy. Since it’s a natural beach, don’t expect to find lifeguards on duty.

Palombaggia is a scenic beach that brings a tropical ambiance to Europe. If you’re looking for a coastal spot that feels like it belongs in a postcard, this is the place to consider. The water is crystal clear and bright blue. In fact, you can even see the different tones of blue from the various minerals and natural matter in the water that often gets murky at other beaches.

You can snorkel and explore the water under its surface no matter your swimming level, especially if you stay close to the sand because the current is nearly imperceptible. If you prefer to stay dry, you’ll be able to enjoy the light, soft sand while you enjoy the sun.

Despite how remote the beach can feel, especially when it’s not busy, you’re not far away from amenities. There’s a nearby restaurant that even has private showers.

Plage de l’Espiguette is a relatively wild beach without all the frills you’ll find at the top tourist beaches. You’ll need to make sure you bring most of the essentials you’ll want to have while you’re on the sand because there aren’t any shops or to-go snack bars.

At the same time, you’re also not in the middle of nowhere. There are a few sit-down eateries fairly nearby and even a place to rent paddle boats.

One of the biggest things Plage de l’Espiguette has going for it is its size. This part of France’s shoreline extends over 11 miles, so there’s plenty of room to roam if you want to walk on the sand or even just find a quiet spot.

The water here is quite shallow for a while, so if you prefer wading over swimming or if you have kids with you, this is a good option.

Extroverts will love Plage des Marinieres. Since it’s a narrow beach, most beachgoers are pretty close together. On top of that, this beach has slowly gained popularity, so it’s nearly always bustling with people during the summer.

Despite being busy, you don’t have to worry about murky water. The sea is clear and clean at all times of the day. It’s also a good beach for people who don’t want to worry about strong tides or waves . The water is gentle and pretty still, and it’s shallow, which also makes it easy to manage.

The beach is notable for its views as well. It’s backed by cliffs and hills, which give the area a very dramatic look, especially if you’re used to flat coastal stretches.

Hot Tip: The beach is close to the train station, so it’s easy to get here even without a car.

The 5 Best Beaches in West France

Conche of Whales offers something for nearly any type of beachgoer. This part of France has wide stretches of sand that are soft and comfortable to walk or lay out on. Since there aren’t many pebbles or other types of debris that wash on shore, you don’t have to worry about keeping your shoes on while you go for a stroll.

If you decide to head into the water, you can have as exciting or as relaxing of a swim as you’d like. Near land, the water is calm and shallow. However, if you venture out a little further, waves start to pick up and become more consistent, so you can try out something more adventurous, like surfing.

The water is also clean and crystal clear, which means you can swim completely stress-free. Though keep in mind that you likely won’t encounter lifeguards here.

Plage de Gwendrez is one of the most expansive beaches in Brittany, but it often flies under people’s radar.

The main stretch of this beach is about a mile long, but it extends even further if you wander through the greenery that separates its different spots. There are multiple tread paths you can follow to fully enjoy the area. To ensure you have the beach day you want, check the tide schedule for this part of the sea.

You’ll want to visit Gwendrez during the high tide if you’re a surfer . The waves swell more and are much more consistent. However, swimming at this time can be a little tricky as the water can be deeper than expected. If you’d prefer to either go for a relaxing dip or just lounge on the sand, low tide is an inviting time to visit.

Plage de la Côte des Basques is a well-rounded beach for nearly any type of visitor. Since this part of France is distinguished by large, spacious beaches, there’s plenty of room, even in the summer when there are more tourists.

You can also have a relaxing and exciting vacation while you’re here. Since the beach has a lot of space, you can lay out and enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves if you want to relax without getting in anyone’s way .

However, you can also go out into the water for anything from a relaxing swim to an exciting day trying out your surfing skills. Perhaps one of the best things about Plage de la Côte des Basques is the view you can get while here. As a beach on France’s west coast, you can see the sunset clearly and dramatically.

Plage de Donnant is known as a surfer’s beach, and for a good reason. This wild shore gets consistent waves thanks to the wind that’s nearly constant in the area. The waves are generally calmer near the sand, so bodyboarding and swimming are better there.

Even further out, you won’t see intimidating waves, so if you’re new to the sport, you can have fun practicing here. During low tide, the beach is wide, with a lot of room to roam because the sea recedes quite a bit. However, that means the opposite is true during high tide. So, expect the beach’s dry land area to shrink rapidly when the water comes back in.

There are no lifeguards here, though. While the water is pretty calm where it’s shallower, young swimmers might still get overwhelmed. If you plan to come with your family, make sure to keep an eye on inexperienced swimmers.

World War II history buffs should plan to visit Plage du Pin Sec while visiting France. Nearby bunkers from this time period are still standing, which are a testament and reminder of the conflicts and root the beach in history.

Naturally, this is also one of the wildest beaches in western France . Not much development has been constructed nearby, so you can have some seclusion away from the bustling crowds of tourists you’ll find in many parts of the country.

Campers can stay overnight at the beach’s parking area, so you can wake up and head to the water if you wish. There’s also an all-ages surf school that gives lessons here that opens in the summer months. If you plan on traveling with your dog, you’ll be happy to learn they’re also allowed on this stretch of sand.

France has some of the best coastal spots in Europe. From relaxing on the sand to spending your days at vibrant beach parties, there’s something to draw any type of beachgoer to the country’s shores. We hope that this list has brought you one step closer to planning the French getaway of your dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all beaches public in france.

All beaches are open to the public in France. According to law, no private people or businesses can own beach land. However, there are beach clubs where you can go to rent a beach chair and umbrella for the day for some extra space.

Do French beaches have warm water?

France has plenty of warm water beaches, which is why it’s such a popular coastal destination. However, the water isn’t warm all the time. Visit between June and September for comfortable temperatures. During the rest of the year, you may need a wetsuit.

What is the prettiest area in France?

France has a varied landscape with shores and mountains, which means there’s something to appeal to nearly any visitor. For the best coastal views, Normandy is hard to beat, but places like Saint-Tropez are also known for their pretty water and lively atmosphere.

Where do French people go to the beach?

If you want to spend your French beach getaway like a local, head to the French Riviera. This popular area draws tourists from not just around the country but worldwide. There are numerous beach towns that can accommodate nearly any sort of trip.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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How to get around France

May 19, 2023 • 12 min read

From driving to public transit, here's how to get around when you visit France © Hernandez & Sorokina / Stocksy United

The vast majority of visitors to France choose to travel en voiture (by car). 

However, while driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around – especially if you want to explore the French countryside – it’s not always the easiest or even cheapest option. The French rail network is superb, and traveling by train is often just as quick as driving, generally very reliable and quite reasonably priced. Better still, you don’t have to worry about parking, traffic, motorway tolls, or any unexpected breakdowns. 

Unfortunately, public transport in more rural areas can be patchy. Local buses fill in the gaps the rail network doesn’t reach, but French buses are rarely as reliable or frequent as trains. If you’re looking to explore beyond the larger towns, hiring a car (even if only for a few days) may be the most practical option. 

From bike to bus and train to plane, here's everything you need to know about getting around France.

Take the train for an easy trip across France

Traveling around France by train is a joy. France’s state-owned SNCF is one of the best rail networks in Europe – fast, frequent and often very competitively priced, especially if you plan ahead and book in advance.

Practically the whole country is accessible by high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) trains, which travel at speeds of up to 300km/h. High-speed lines, or LGVs (Lignes à Grande Vitesse), radiate outwards from Paris like the spokes of a wheel, heading north, east, southeast and southwest. Various spur lines are currently planned or under construction to extend coverage even further. 

Unfortunately, while intercity services are fantastic and fast, connections between smaller towns situated on different ‘spokes’ of the network tend to be slower and less frequent. Away from the main lines, trains have to use conventional tracks, which limits their speed.

Alongside the fast TGV network, local services are provided by TER (Transport Express Régional) or Corail trains, which are less flashy and much slower. It’s worth noting that long-distance trains sometimes divide somewhere along the route, with each half of the train heading off to a different destination; check the destination panel on your car as you board, or you could wind up far from where you intended to go.

Buying and collecting train tickets

The easiest way to book train tickets is to buy them online. You need to book well in advance for the best fares. Many train services offer e-tickets, which you can download onto your phone (make sure it’s charged before you travel). If you plan to collect them at the station, you will need to bring the credit card used to make the booking and the reference number for your booking.

Most mainline train stations have automated ticket machines on the concourse where you can purchase tickets and staffed ticket booths where you can buy in person – but note that on-the-day purchases are likely to be more expensive, especially for longer journeys. 

Tips for traveling by train in France:

• For the best fares, you need to book as far ahead as possible; check SNCF Connect for fares, train times, and online booking. 
• Standard class is very comfortable, but if you book well in advance, you can sometimes get some great deals on First Class too. 

If you’re not too fussed about getting from A to B as fast as possible, check out the cheap fares on Ouigo Train Classique , which offers travel between several major cities (for example, Paris to Lyon, Dijon, or Nantes) for a fraction of the regular price.

Explore rural areas of France by bus

Various bus and coach companies compete with the SNCF's rail services, offering cheaper but much slower services between large towns and cities. These include FlixBus and the cross-Europe coach network run by EuroLines .

Buses are widely used for short-distance travel around cities, and within départements (regions), especially in areas with relatively few train lines, such as Brittany and Normandy . These can be a really useful way of getting around in places where rail travel isn’t possible. In some areas, fares are subsidized, enabling you to travel right across the region for a low flat fare.

Unfortunately, bus services in many rural areas are infrequent and slow as their timetables tend to be geared around school times – there is sometimes just one bus in the morning and afternoon, and reduced services (or no services at all) during weekends and school holidays.

Traveling by car

Traveling by car in France gives you exceptional freedom to explore, particularly in rural areas. Mooching along peaceful country lanes, passing vineyards and orchards, is one of France's greatest joys. However, driving in France isn’t always a picnic. In the cities – especially Paris and its surrounds – heavy traffic and finding a place to park can be major headaches. Theft from cars can also be a problem in France, especially in the south. 

One option is to hire a car for a short period as you need it, rather than for weeks at a time. Many larger train stations have car-hire agencies, so it's possible to combine train and car travel by picking up a rental partway through your journey. Inevitably though, shorter hire periods tend to attract higher rates.

It’s worth brushing up on French road rules before you go as there are some peculiarities that take some getting used to – particularly the priorité à droite rule, which requires you to give way to approaching cars from the right. Speed cameras are increasingly common, as are radar traps and unmarked police vehicles.

Sociétés d'Autoroutes and Bison Futé are good sources of information on traffic conditions, rest stops and service stations. Plot your route and calculate toll costs with an online mapping site such as Via Michelin . There are four types of intercity roads:

• Autoroutes (with names beginning with A) are multi-lane divided highways that charge tolls (péages) except near Calais and Lille . The further you travel, the more you pay. It’s possible to pay via credit card or cash at toll stations. If you’re doing loads of autoroute driving, you could also consider getting an automatic toll pass (such as the ones provided by Bip&Go or Eurotunnel & Emovis ) which will charge you automatically as you pass through. Tolls are cheaper for motorcyclists, and more costly for cars towing caravans. 
• Routes Nationales (N or RN) are national highways with divider strips on some sections. They often run alongside or close to autoroutes and pass through main towns – they’re slower but toll-free.
• Routes Départementales (D) are local highways and roads.
• Routes Communales (C, V) are minor rural roads.

Paying autoroute tolls

When driving on French autoroutes, you are charged for the distance you travel. When you join the motorway, you will be given a paper ticket at the automated toll booth. When you exit, you need to insert the same ticket into another toll booth (or give it to the toll attendant), and the relevant fee will be displayed, which you can pay by cash or credit card.

Different autoroutes charge different amounts per kilometer (you can calculate fees at autoroutes.fr ). Note that you need to choose the right lane when you exit the motorway – some lanes are automated, others have attendants, and some are reserved for frequent users with automated Liber-T passes. Don’t enter one of the lanes marked by a big orange ‘T’ unless you have a pass; look out for green arrows, or a picture of cash or a credit card, and you should be okay.

Car parking in France

Parking in French towns and cities can be a real pain. Assuming you manage to find a space, you will nearly always have to pay for on-street parking – look out for white markings on the street that say payant. There is usually a parking meter nearby that accepts cash and sometimes credit cards. Chargeable hours are generally 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm or 6pm, but this does vary (times will be indicated on the parking meter).

The alternative is to park in a public car park. While these are easy to find, they can be very pricey, especially in larger towns and cities. Usually, you collect a ticket on entry, pay the fee at an automated machine when you want to leave, and then insert the ticket at the exit barrier.

Don’t expect to be able to pay at the barrier when you leave, because you won’t be able to. It can be somewhat embarrassing to get stuck there with a long queue of drivers lined up behind you beeping their horns, who then have to back up to let you back out.

Explore the countryside by bike

France is superb for cycling. The countryside is gorgeous, and the country has a growing number of urban and rural bike paths and bike lanes (known as pistes cyclables) and greenways (known as voices vertes) that make for lovely, traffic-free cycling. Vélos électriques (electric bicycles) are increasingly popular too, with lots of rental companies setting up shop. 

Certain regions – the Loire Valley , the Luberon in Provence , and Burgundy – are particularly well set up for exploring on two wheels, with dedicated cycling paths, some along canal towpaths or weaving between orchards and vineyards. Note, however, that France isn’t always flat – you may well have to tackle some hills en route, though hopefully nothing that’s likely to feature in the Tour de France.

Catch a ferry to the islands

There are regular ferry services to several French ports (including Calais , Cherbourg, Roscoff, Le Havre , Brest and others). Boats also connect the French mainland with offshore islands, the Channel Islands, and Corsica (which is served by frequent ferries from Nice, Toulon and Marseille ). 

Another option is to cruise along France's canals and rivers in a rented houseboat – the Canal du Midi and the Loire are both popular options. It’s a delightful, peaceful way to explore, allowing you the freedom to stop to pick up supplies, dine at a village restaurant or check out a local château by bicycle.

Changes in altitude are taken care of by a system of écluses (locks). Boats generally accommodate two to 12 passengers and are kitted out with bedding and cooking facilities. France Afloat is a reliable rental agency and canal boat specialist.

Only fly in France if you really need to

France's fast, comprehensive rail network means that train travel between Paris and most major French cities is nearly always faster and easier than flying – especially once you factor in extra time for traveling to the airport, getting through security and making connections. Even traveling from Paris to the south or southwest of France is nearly always more swift by train.

The exception is where you want to travel between cities located on different ‘spokes’ of the TGV network, for example Lyon to Nantes or Strasbourg to Nice , though some flights connect through Paris in any case. If you want to get to Corsica, flying is faster and more convenient than the ferry – unless you want to take your own car.

It’s worth noting that smaller airports (notably Paris Beauvais , which is used by many budget airlines) are often located some distance from the city center. While there is normally some form of bus or rail link to get you into town, it adds extra time and cost.  

Air France , including its subsidiary Air France Hop, operates the lion's share of France's domestic flights. Budget carriers offering flights within France include Air Corsica , EasyJet , Twin Jet and Volotea .

Public transport in cities is inexpensive and frequent

France's urban transport systems use a combination of métros (underground/subway systems), trams and buses (Paris also has plans for a shiny new cable car ). Usually, systems are integrated, so you only have to buy one ticket to get wherever you want to go, with changes to other forms of transport covered by the same ticket. Always remember to composter (validate) the ticket before or immediately after boarding, especially if you intend to use it later on to transfer. 

A single ticket is known as a billet à l'unité. You can also purchase a carnet (booklet or bunch) of 10 tickets or a pass journée (all-day pass). Note that tram drivers (and some bus drivers) do not sell tickets, so you may need to buy one before you board from a machine at the stop. 

Paris' public-transport network is increasingly trying to transition over to a paperless system. The old paper carnets are being replaced by credit-card style Navigo Passes, and on some buses, you can buy your ticket by SMS.

Taxis are convenient but often expensive in France

All medium and large train stations – and many smaller ones – have a taxi rank out the front. If there are no cabs parked, you'll need to phone to order one; look for a posted phone number. Cabs can also be ordered online in many cities via G7 (or their app), and rideshares are easily summoned through Uber .

In small cities and towns, where taxi drivers are unlikely to find another fare where they let you off, one-way and return trips often cost the same. Tariffs are about 30% higher at night and on Sundays and holidays. You'll usually have to pay a surcharge if you're picked up at a train station or airport, and there's a small additional fee for a fourth passenger and sometimes for suitcases.

Accessible transportation in France

France presents constant challenges for visiteurs à mobilité réduite (visitors with reduced mobility) and visiteurs handicapés (visitors with disabilities), from cobblestones and sidewalks crowded with cafe tables to a lack of curb ramps – but the French government is making significant strides in improving the situation.

The Paris metro, parts of it built more than a century ago, is not good for wheelchair users. Line 14 was built to be wheelchair-accessible, although in reality, it remains challenging to navigate. Paris buses, however, are 100% accessible. Specialist operator G7 has vehicles specially adapted to carry wheelchairs and drivers trained in helping passengers with disabilities.

Countrywide, many SNCF train carriages are accessible to people with disabilities – although it’s always worth asking ahead to make sure the help you need will be available on the train you wish to travel on. If you use a wheelchair, you and a person accompanying you may qualify for discounts.

This article was first published Jun 4, 2021 and updated May 19, 2023.

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Best beaches in france.

If there's one thing the coastline of France has going for it, it's a glamorous reputation. The getaway of choice for members of high society since the 18th century, France is home to prime sections of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel and Mediterranean Sea. From the picture-perfect beaches of the French Riviera to the windswept coastlines along the Bay of Biscay, picking which town to visit first can be a tall order. To help you with your search, U.S. News considered sights, reputation and traveler sentiment to bring you the Best Beaches in France. Want to add your 2 cents? Vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Sitting off the coast of Nice, the island of Corsica boasts 620 miles of Mediterranean Sea shoreline. Plage de Palombaggia in Porto-Vecchio is no doubt one of the island's finest shorelines, with calm, crystal-clear water and a stretch of fine white sand set along a backdrop of umbrella pine trees. Other beloved shorelines include Plage de l'Ostriconi, which sits tucked behind sand dunes, and unspoiled Plage de Saleccia, a deserted coastline that is best visited by boat.

Each May, famous movie stars descend on this chic coastal town, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Nice in France's Alpes-Maritimes department, for its illustrious annual film festival. However, Cannes boasts plenty of sophistication and natural beauty year-round. You'll find the iconic La Croisette promenade backing the popular sandy shores of Plage Mace, and plenty of high-end designer boutiques lining Rue d'Antibes. Or, travelers can lay down their towel at less-crowded Plage du Midi, which runs along a boulevard featuring a selection of cafes, restaurants and shops.

If the French Riviera isn't your style, consider a visit to Biarritz. Located about 30 miles northeast of San Sebastian, Spain, on the western coast of France, the resort town is part of the Basque region. While it has posh roots as a vacation spot for royalty in the 19th century, today it's known for its long beaches and prime surfing conditions. Head to La Cote des Basques if you want to catch a wave – this golden shore is considered the birthplace of French surfing – or set your sights on Grande Plage, a popular beach within walking distance of several restaurants, shops and cafes.

Known for its pebbly beaches and chic nightlife scene, Nice is the glamourous gem of the French Riviera. Stroll along Promenade des Anglais and people-watch or lounge along the shore. Beaches here run the gamut from glamorous (Opéra Plage) and laid-back (Plage de la Réserve), to tiny and secluded (La Plage de Coco Beach). Travelers can also head 5 miles east of the city to scenic Plage des Marinieres in nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the rare sandy beaches in the region. To up the luxury, lounge on one of the private beaches, such as Castel Plage or Ruhl Plage, that require an admission fee.  

This enchanting medieval town, located about 55 miles southeast of Marseille along France's Mediterranean coast, is ideal for a weekend getaway. Several picturesque islands sit just offshore, including car-free Port-Cros, which boasts several hiking trails, and Porquerolles Island, home to turquoise waters and miles of stunning beaches. If you'd rather stick to the mainland, Almanarre beach is a well-loved windsurfing spot, while La Capte beach features shallow water for swimming.

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Normandy. Deauville beach, easily identified by its colorful parasols and art deco-style beach huts, is a popular getaway for glamour-seeking vacationers. The wild Chausey Islands, located off the coast of Granville, are ideal for nature lovers. Meanwhile, the resort towns of Trouville-sur-Mer and Barneville-Carteret are celebrated for their expansive shorelines, and Cabourg beach and the pebbly beach below the chalk-white Etretat cliffs beckon to romantics. And you can't forget to visit the remembrance sites of Normandy's infamous D-Day Beaches, which include Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beach.

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17 Best Cities to Visit in France

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Much more than just Paris, France has a number of unbelievably beautiful cities that are waiting to be explored. History abounds throughout the land, and cathedrals, castles, culture and refined cuisine combine to entice you on a journey of discovery of all things French.

With such a wealth of wonderful sights on offer, the best cities in France are simply a joy to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Bienvenue and happy travels!

Formerly a capital to the Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries, as the city sponsored the arts and sciences. As such, the old city center is lovely to walk around due to its delightful sculptures and architecture, with the cathedral being particularly resplendent. While it is not enormous, Dijon is definitely worth stopping by for a couple of days, as it is one of the best-looking French cities.

The largest city in the north of France, Lille was formerly a merchant city that owes its wealth to the fact that it lies between Flanders and Paris. Nowadays, it has a lovely city center and vibrant cultural sector, with numerous museums that are worth checking out.

With a lively university community, some great places to go shopping and a thriving nightlife, Lille is a dynamic city with a lot going on. For a glimpse of some of the beautiful Flemish and French architecture on offer, head to the Grand´place, La Vielle Bourse or the winding streets of the old town.

15. Toulouse

The fourth largest city in the country, Toulouse is a lively place, in part thanks to its huge university community. With bustling markets, a vibrant music scene and a penchant for the alternative, there are different sides to Toulouse – the old town remains a peaceful and picturesque place to wander around.

Nicknamed ´the Pink City´ due to its rose-colored buildings, a lovely way to see Toulouse is to go on a boat trip along the Canal du Midi or Garonne River that frame the center.

The city where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake is a pleasant contrast to this violent event, and a picturesque place to wander around. The old town is full of restored medieval buildings constructed from wattle and daub.

Situated on the banks of the Seine, one sight stands alone when it comes to visiting Rouen: that of the majestic cathedral that dominates the center. Dating all the way back to the 4th century it encompasses an eclectic mix of architectural styles – inspiring Monet to create over thirty paintings of it.

13. Ajaccio

Located on the lovely Mediterranean island of Corsica , Ajaccio – its capital city – is worth stopping by, even if only to use it as a base from which to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.

The old town itself has some nice streets to wander around, while the harbor surrounding it conjures up images of the Cote d´Azur. Famed as the birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio is pleasant enough to visit without setting the world alight.

12. La Rochelle

Nicknamed the ´White City,´ due to its limestone edifices that are so beautifully illuminated at night, La Rochelle is a charming place to visit. Once an important seaport in centuries gone by, the old port, historic center and picturesque waterfront are reason enough to visit La Rochelle. With a huge marina at Port des Minimes, and sandy beaches in the vicinity, it´s a nice laidback place to spend some time.

Situated in the Alsace region , Colmar´s proximity to Germany has meant that it has changed hands numerous times between the two nations over the course of its history. Tourists flock to the city for its stunning old town that so perfectly combines weaving cobblestone alleys with delightful canals, and the distinctive houses that line its streets.

Churches and museums are dotted around the place, and the Isenheim Altarpiece is particularly impressive to behold. As it is in the wine region, take the time to sample some of the best wines that Colmar has to offer.

Located in the north of the Alps, Annecy´s proximity to Geneva, along with its historic city center, make it a popular day-trip among tourists. Also known as the ´Venice of Savoie´, quaint canals crisscross Annecy and weave their way between its ancient buildings.

Lying on the shores of Lake Annecy, the city´s surroundings are stunning, and visitors can hike, bike or swim in the nearby natural attractions. With a 14th century castle located in the center, it´s a picturesque and memorable place to visit, though it can get a bit too crowded in summer.

Famous for the popes that set up shop in the city after fleeing Rome in the 14th century, Avignon was the capital of the Catholic Church for a period during the Middle Ages. The colossal palace that the popes built is impressive for its size and Gothic architecture, while the ramparts, towers and gates that line the old town are also fantastic to view.

The old part of the city is beautifully enclosed by the River Rhone that snakes its way around it. A great time to visit is during the art festival in July, though you will have to battle your way through the crowds at this popular destination.

8. Biarritz

Formerly a playground for the rich and famous, this seaside resort now attracts families, surfers and sun-worshippers alike. Situated in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Biarritz´s town center lies on the Bay of Biscay, and is famed for its beautiful coast and excellent beaches, which are its main attraction. While the town is not the most picturesque to look at, its great location right next to the water more than makes up for that slight downfall.

7. Strasbourg

Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has a stunning historical center and occupies a strategic setting on the west bank of the Rhone. Consequently, it has been fought over by France and Germany throughout its long history.

Now, however, the glassy European Union buildings glitter in the sun and, along with the teeming student body, help to give a modern air to this ancient city. The gothic cathedral is simply stunning to behold, as is the delightful La Petite France that is home to the old part of town.

Situated on the banks of the Loire, Nantes´ long and tumultuous history has seen the city constantly reinvent itself. As such, it has numerous sites from different epochs that entice visitors to its shores.

As the historic capital of Brittany , Nantes´ old medieval center, with its cathedral and castle, is enchanting to explore. In recent years, it has developed a thriving student body that gives the city its energetic vibe. An incredible and unique attraction to visit is the Machines de l´Ile – a fantastical and futuristic exhibition of giant mechanical animals.

5. Marseille

France´s second city is a diverse melting pot of people and cultures that all call Marseille their home. Traditionally thought of as grimy and a bit run-down, this bustling port city has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, though its primary attractions remain the same.

The old harbor, for instance, is a magical setting from which to watch fishermen returning to shore with their catch. It is the heart of Marseille, and you´ll really get a feel for the city here. The oldest neighborhood, Le Panier, is definitely worth checking out, as is the stunning Notre Dame de Major cathedral that overlooks the sea.

Lyon, the third largest city in the country, is located where the Rhone and Saone Rivers join. Its strategic location has enabled it to attract merchants and industries to the city ever since it was founded by the Romans in 43 BC.

An orderly and sophisticated place, renaissance buildings dot its streets. Lyon seamlessly mixes the new with the old, with a rich cultural heritage that encompasses gastronomic delights and fine architecture. Lyon Cathedral is one of the most impressive sights , and the old town is lovely to walk around. Make sure to try some of the sumptuous cuisine before you continue on your way.

3. Bordeaux

Straddling the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a large city with a lot to offer . Its impressive old town is delightful to walk around, and the architecture on show is ravishing. Surrounding Place de la Bourse, you can find 18th century mansions rubbing shoulders with decadent palaces, as well as a number of great art museums.

With a modern feel to it, Bordeaux has a thriving university community. In recent years, a number of vintage shops have sprung up. For a great walk, head to Les Quais and gaze out over the waters of the river – at night, the view of the city lights from the Napoleonic-era Pont de Pierre is magical. Home to some of the best wines in the world, make sure to give them a taste before you head off.

Located on the French Riviera , or Cote d´Azur, as it is known in French, Nice is constantly bathed in sunshine. As the fifth largest city in France, it has a vibrant mix of cultures. Because it is a port city, Nice has a gritty side to it, which contrasts with its Italian inspired architecture and the medieval streets of the old town.

Walking along the famous Promenade des Anglais and gazing out over the turquoise waters is simply heavenly. For a great view of the city and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea below, head to the Colline du Chateau. A charming place to spend some time, Nice has something for everyone, as it combines city life with a beautiful setting.

See also: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels in Nice

With some of the most recognizable buildings and monuments in the world, Paris is a must-see city to visit, with a never-ending array of things to see and do . Situated on the banks of La Seine, the elegant and stylish capital of France is a romantic place, with lovely boulevards, beautiful buildings, and sights like the Eiffel Tower and gleaming Sacre-Coeur rising towards the heavens. Renowned for its cuisine, Paris has a plethora of restaurants to choose from – watch out though, it is very easy to spend a lot of money in a short amount of time.

From the stunning art collections at the Louvre to the eerie catacombs beneath the streets and the breath taking Notre-Dame Cathedral, you could spend a lifetime getting to know all of Paris´ wonderful sights.

Map of cities in France

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This Is the No. 1 Surf Destination in the World

Hossegor, located along the southwest coast of France, was just named the best destination to surf.

Vsevolod Vlasenko/Getty Images

The World Surf League's championship tour is well underway, bringing the best professional surfers to places like Australia, Brazil, southern California, and beyond to paddle and battle it out on some of the best breaks on Earth. And while you probably won't be getting out into the lineup with Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Griffin Colapinto, Tatiana Weston-Webb, or Gabriel Medina any time soon, they at least may have inspired you to want to go out and surf on your own. And the travel insurance experts at Confused.com have a few suggestions on where you should go. 

The website released its list of the best surf destinations in the world, a study based on wave quality and surfer satisfaction via data from Surf-Forecast , and overall search interest via Google search data. After digging into all the numbers, the team named Hossegor, located along the southwest coast of France, the best destination to surf. 

"Hossegor ranks as the best destination for surfing in the world, with an overall score of 8.16/10. Hossegor offers reliable, excellent conditions for surfing and is known for its hollow and fast-breaking waves favored by experienced surfers. It has an average surfer rating of 4.25, and 48 percent of the recorded waves are clean and surfable." The team also noted in the results that the best time to visit is during the region's fall shoulder season in October when flights and hotels are at their cheapest. 

Hossegor was joined on the list by the legendary Mavericks, located just outside of Half Moon Bay, California, in second place, followed by Tofino, Canada, known for its year-round surf and fantastic wildlife spotting (seriously, watch out for whales here). 

Rounding out the top 10 spots are The Bubble in the Canary Islands; Biarritz in France; Cloudbreak on Tavarua Island in Fiji; Carrapateira in Portugal; Ponta Preta in Maio, Cape Verde; Uluwatu and Kuta in Bali, Indonesia; Pasta Point in the Maldives; Puerto Escondido, in southern Oaxaca, Mexico; and Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia. 

While yes, this list is fantastic, it's chock full of spots that would easily be rated as expert-only. (Seriously, please do not paddle out to places like Mavericks or Cloud Break unless you really know what you're doing.) So we thought we'd give you three more suggestions for places to go surf if you consider yourself more of a beginner or beginner-intermediate, and asked our friends at The Inertia for their input. Here's what they (and we) suggest. 

Waikiki, Hawaii

If you're going to learn to surf, you might as well do it in the birthplace of the sport — Hawaii. Waikiki is a prime destination, as it often offers soft, rolling waves in beautiful azure waters. Plenty of schools are ready to teach you all the ins and outs, including Kahu , which says 95 percent of its students stand up with one lesson. And, as a bonus, you can drive over to Pipeline and see the pros surf on some of the most pristine waves on Earth. 

Nosara, Costa Rica

The tiny town of Nosara has become an ultra-popular destination for beach-goers, and for good reason. Not only is it stunning, but it also offers plenty of coastline for those who want to surf. Both Nosara Surf School and Nosara Surf Academy are great options and offer lessons for beginners, intermediates, and those looking to take things to the advanced level. 

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind for surfing, but you absolutely should not overlook Cocoa Beach if you want to paddle out. Not only does it offer smooth waves, but it's also the hometown of surfing's greatest athlete, Kelly Slater. So really, you'll be surfing in the shadow of greats. Make a reservation with Cocoa Beach Surf School and get out in the water ASAP. 

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Socgen traders in asia exit after options bets go undetected.

(Bloomberg) -- A pair of traders in Hong Kong have left Societe Generale SA after the French bank discovered a batch of risky bets that went undetected by the firm’s risk-management systems, according to people familiar with the matter.

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Kavish Kataria, a trader on the bank’s Delta One desk, departed last year along with team head Ken Ng after an internal review of the transactions, said the people, asking not to be identified as the details are not public.

While SocGen didn’t lose any money from the transactions, the trades could have cost the Paris-based lender hundreds of millions of dollars had an intense market downturn occurred, the people said. The lapse raised questions about risk management at one of Europe’s biggest banks.

“Our strict control framework has allowed us to identify a one-off trading incident in 2023, which didn’t generate any impact and led to appropriate mending measures,” a SocGen spokesperson in Paris said in an emailed statement.

Kataria and Ng declined to comment.

Kataria had bet on volatility staying low across Indian stock-market indices, the people said, a strategy that involves dealing in options. SocGen’s risk managers failed to pick up on the trades because of a glitch related to their timing, the people said.

Wall Street banks spend billions of dollars every year on their risk and control systems to try to curb losses. SocGen remains haunted by memories of Jerome Kerviel, a rogue trader on a Delta One team in Paris who cost the bank €4.9 billion ($5.2 billion) in 2008.

Read More: Kerviel Loses Last Appeal in SocGen Unfair Dismissal Case

Chief Executive Officer Slawomir Krupa has focused on improving risk controls at SocGen. Prior to taking the reins of the second-biggest French bank last year, he oversaw a turnaround of the firm’s business in the Americas that included overhauling those systems.

“Strength is best-in-class risk management and on these strong foundations, high-performance businesses can thrive,” Krupa told investors in September.

Delta One traders sit within banks’ broader stock-trading divisions and they deal in baskets of stocks and related derivatives. Kataria, who joined SocGen in Hong Kong in 2021, focused on trading Indian shares and had helped the desk to make tens of millions of dollars last year, the people said.

Some of Kataria’s transactions failed to register properly on SocGen’s systems because he executed the options contracts during the day — rather than holding them overnight — and tended to arrange them for the date when they expired, the people said.

When SocGen discovered Kataria’s trades, the lender carried out stress tests to examine how they would have performed during a market downturn, the people said. Those tests found that in the most extreme case they could have potentially lost the bank hundreds of millions of dollars, the people said.

Ng, the head of the desk who joined SocGen in early 2023, was unaware of the transactions, the people said.

Wall Street banks have struggled with risk management in Hong Kong before. The Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong fined Citigroup Inc. $45 million in 2022, accusing the New York-based bank of “pervasive dishonest behaviour” over the course of a decade there.

A spokesperson for SFC declined to comment on SocGen’s recent moves.

--With assistance from Kiuyan Wong.

(Updates with SocGen’s comment in fourth paragraph.)

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Dortmund vs PSG prediction, odds, stats, best bets for Champions League semifinal first leg

O ne of this year's Champions League semifinals presents a group stage rematch as PSG travel to the Rhineland for the first leg of their matchup against German side Borussia Dortmund.

These two sides finished top two of this year's Group of Death, beating AC Milan and Newcastle to the pair of qualifying positions. It was a difficult prospect that went right to the end, with final-day results going a long way towards determining the final standings.

They now meet again in the semifinals, as both look to secure a place in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1, knowing a date with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich looms for the victor.

PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title and are still in play for a quadruple, while Dortmund cannot finish lower than fifth in the Bundesliga table, which is likely enough to secure a spot in this competition next season. Thus, both clubs will be prioritising Europe the rest of the way, meaning they will throw everything they have at these two games.

USA: Click here to see the latest odds for Dortmund vs PSG and bet Champions League matches

Dortmund vs PSG odds

PSG are slight road favourites for this Champions League semifinal, but the betting market believes Borussia Dortmund hold a solid chance to come away with a win in front of the Yellow Wall.

Dortmund have been excellent at home in Europe over the last few years, with just three defeats in 22 home matches since the start of the 2019/20 season, including a draw against PSG earlier this year and a first-leg win over the French giants back in the 2019/20 Round of 16.

Neither side comes into this match off the back of a league win, as PSG drew with Le Havre 3-3 and Dortmund were clobbered by RB Leipzig 4-1. While both sides rotated the squad to some extent, they still deployed first-choice players in large part, so form is not on the side of either club.

Dortmund vs PSG prediction

• Moneyline lean:  Draw (+270)
• Score prediction:  Borussia Dortmund 2-2 PSG

Neither club has been the model of consistency this season, so there's reason to believe this match will end all square and leave the second leg to determine the final participant. Dortmund are this year's "don't look at their domestic results" side in Europe, as they've won just one of their last four Bundesliga games but continue to put in solid performances in the Champions League. Last year, that team was AC Milan, and they reached the semifinals before a fellow Italian side finally took them down in Inter.

PSG, meanwhile, were held by relegation candidates Le Havre on the weekend, failing with the chance to mathematically secure the Ligue 1 title, although they back-doored their way into the trophy thanks to other results on the weekend. They have, however, been quite comfortable in other recent domestic results, plus splitting victories with Barcelona in the previous Champions League round.

Both sides will be motivated to bring a lead back with them to Paris, and both sides could theoretically come away successfully in such an endeavor, and thus we split the difference with the best value.

Dortmund vs PSG match facts

• Date:  Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Kickoff time:  9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
• Location:  Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund, Germany)
• Referee:  Anthony Taylor (ENG),  VAR:  Stuart Attwell (ENG)
• Last meeting:  Borussia Dortmund 1-1 PSG (Dec. 13, 2023 | Champions League)

Dortmund vs PSG key stats

• PSG failed to win any of their three Champions League group stage matches this season, but have won both road knockout stage games since, each in Spain, with a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad and 4-1 win at Barcelona.
• Nobody has more assists in the Champions League this season than Marcel Sabitzer of Borussia Dortmund, whose five contributions are level with Vinicius Jr and one more than Jude Bellingham, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bukayo Saka.
• Borussia Dortmund have not lost at home in Champions League play since a group stage defeat to Ajax in November 2021, a run of 10 unbeaten with six wins and four draws in that span, including the 1-1 scoreline against PSG at Signal Iduna Park last fall.

Dortmund vs PSG team news

Borussia Dortmund are still without  Sebastien Haller  who has had a stop-start season with injuries and remains sidelined for another few weeks. They are sweating the fitness of  Donyell Malen  who returned to training on Monday but still has doubts around his availability for this match. Defender Mats Hummels  was withdrawn early in the second half of their match on the weekend but is expected to pass fit, while Chelsea loanee  Ian Maatsen  is also likely to return after his injury against Bayer Leverkusen the previous weekend.

PSG have nearly all their first-choice players fully fit and available for selection in this match. Backup goalkeeper  Sergio Rico  is out for the season after his horseback riding accident earlier this year, and  Presnel Kimpembe  remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, but otherwise only a back injury to  Layvin Kurzawa  presents any kind of issue. Head coach Luis Enrique managed to secure some kind of rest for most of his first-team players over the weekend, with only midfielders  Warren Zaire-Emery  and  Vitinha  and full-back Achraf Hakimi  logging a full 90 minutes.

Dortmund vs PSG best bet

• Pick:  Over 3.5 total goals
• Odds:  +125 (BetMGM)
• Pick:  Borussia Dortmund over 1.5 goals
• Odds:  +100 (BetMGM)

PSG can score in bunches but also cannot stop their opponents — the French giants conceded three to Le Havre over the weekend as fill-in goalkeeper Keylor Navas was poor, and they have just three clean sheets in 13 matches across all competitions since the start of March, and none in the Champions League on the road this season.

In fact, PSG haven't kept a road clean sheet in Europe in  almost four years , dating back to their first Champions League group stage game of the 2020/21 tournament against Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir. That's a run of 18 straight games in which they've conceded a total of 30 goals to host opposition.

Dortmund, meanwhile, play a similar style this season across all competitions. In BVB's 19 matches in 2024, a total of 55 goals have been scored, an average of 2.9 goals per game. At home, that number balloons to 3.4, as they've played to some wild finishes at Signal Iduna Park. They themselves have reached the two-goal total all but two of their 2024 home games, with the 1-1 draw against destiny's team Bayer Leverkusen and a 1-0 loss to third-placed Stuttgart the only outliers.

Dortmund vs PSG goal scorer bet

• Pick:  Niclas Fullkrug anytime goal scorer
• Odds:  +175 (BetMGM)
• Pick:  Niclas Fullkrug 2+ shots on target
• Odds:  +150 (FanDuel)
• Pick:  Ousmane Dembele anytime goal scorer
• Odds:  +320 (BetMGM)

With Sebastien Haller shelved for much of the season due to injury, Niclas Fullkrug had an excellent first half of the campaign, but has faded a bit since the start of March. Yet he's showed signs of roaring back to life, having struggled through a dry spell of poor finishing.

Meanwhile, it took nearly the entire season, but Ousmane Dembele finally found his shooting boots for PSG and is rifling in goals over the past month. Dembele had just one Ligue 1 goal through his first 23 games with the French giants on 4.56 xG, but struck for a brace against Lorient two weekends ago and found the net twice in the Champions League quarterfinals against his former club Barcelona as well.

After bagging a goal in the first leg of the quarters, we backed him to score in the second leg as well, and he indeed found the net with one of his whopping five shots throughout the match. He has eight shots in his last three league games plus 10 in his last two in Europe, and will again be a major player here on the road.

Dortmund vs PSG flier bet

• Pick:  Niclas Fullkrug to score a headed goal
• Odds:  +750 (FanDuel)

Fullkrug found the net against Bayer Leverkusen, an impressive prospect in and of itself, and scored a critical goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals at home as well. He came up empty in the heavy defeat to RB Leipzig last weekend, but was still a massive presence, failing to hit the target on three glorious headed efforts worth a massive 1.41 xG combined.

Still, his threat speaks for itself — 25 of Fullkrug's 58 shots in the Bundesliga this season have come off his head, and PSG have conceded eight headed goals this season in Ligue 1, representing a whopping 28% of their total concessions, a higher mark than any other club. Fullkrug didn't have a shot against PSG in the home group stage meeting this season, but on the road in France he came off the bench to register two headed chances in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Headed chances are difficult, as evident by Fullkrug's mark of just three headed goals this season, a quarter of his haul, despite nearly half of his efforts coming on headers. He holds a -3.28 xG differential on those chances, which is typical for such a high volume. Still, his threat plus PSG's vulnerability makes this a high-quality selection.

Dortmund vs PSG live stream, TV channel

In the United States, this Champions League semifinal first leg will be televised in English on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ , as every match of the competition from the group stage on has been. There is a Spanish-language broadcast available on TUDN.

Both U.S. television broadcasts in English and Spanish can be streamed on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.

In the UK, the match will be televised on TNT Sports 1, with streaming on the broadcaster's dedicated platform  discovery+ .

Meanwhile, in Canada, the exclusive streaming partner of the UEFA Champions League is  DAZN , where every game across the competition can be watched live.

More From Forbes

Ranked: the 18 best hidden gems in europe, according to a new report.

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Looking for the best places to travel in Europe? So is the rest of the world.

As the summer season kicks into high gear across Europe, popular destinations are grappling with an influx of visitors. From Venice (which just started a controversial tourist tax ) to Spain’s Canary Islands (where the locals are planning mass protests against overtourism), iconic landmarks and locations are straining under the weight of record-breaking crowds.

So the new list of 2024’s Best Hidden Gems in Europe from European Best Destinations couldn’t come at a better moment.

A view of Primosten, Croatia, one of 18 hidden European gems revealed in a new report.

This new ranking shines a spotlight on 18 under-the-radar destinations that will whisk travelers away from the tourist throngs and into the heart of authentic European culture. The list is based on votes by more than one million travelers from 172 countries.

From secluded villages tucked away in the mountains to lovely untouched beach towns, these 18 hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world rarely seen by the average traveler.

View of Villajoyosa, Spain from above.

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Apple s iphone 16 pro design revealed in new leak, charlotte shooting 4 officers killed while serving warrant, 1. villajoyosa, spain.

Experience a kaleidoscope of colors in Villajoyosa (which means “the jewellish town” in the Castilian language). Here, jewel-toned houses line the shores in a nod to the town’s seafaring heritage, overlooking crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

Ares del Maestre, a hidden gem in Castellon, Spain.

2. Ares del Maestre, Spain

Perched atop a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre—built in the 1300s in the province of Castellon—offers panoramic views and centuries of Spanish history. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and explore ancient castles.

Sand beach in front of old town of Primosten in Croatia.

3. Primosten, Croatia

In Primosten—set along Croatia’s Dalmation coast—you’ll find pristine beaches and azure waters. You can indulge in fresh seafood, stroll along waterfront promenades and discover why this coastal paradise is still Croatia’s best-kept secret.

Floating village Bokodi in Hungary at sunset.

4. Lake Bokodi, Hungary

On Lake Bokodi, an hour drive from Budapest, there’s a village of floating chalets that’s an Instagrammer’s dream. Some of the chalets are private (many belong to local fishermen), but others are open to visitors. Explore the winding waterways and unwind in the serenity of this hidden Hungarian gem.

View from the sea to park at Moomin world on a sunny summer day in Naantali, Finland.

5. Naantali, Finland

In Naantali, a little town in southwestern Finland, you can experience the whimsical, colorful world of the Moomins—quirky characters created by a Finnish author in 1945. This enchanting seaside town even has a theme park dedicated to the Moomins called Muumimaailma.

Bour village in the Faroe islands.

6. Bour, Faroe Islands

Discover the rustic charm of Bour, a tiny village on Vagar Island in the Faroe Islands (a remote Danish archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean). Wander through verdant landscapes, marvel at panoramic ocean views and immerse yourself in this area’s timeless beauty.

Lighthouse and bunker in the sand dunes on the beach of Blavand, Denmark.

7. Blavand, Denmark

Blavand is a seaside Danish gem where wartime bunkers have been transformed into sculpted symbols of peace. Here, you can ride horseback along the wide, windswept beaches and explore coastal dunes.

View of the city of Ulm, a hidden gem in Germany.

8. Ulm, Germany

In the city of Ulm—a small city on the banks of Germany’s Danube River—historic landmarks and modern amenities coexist in perfect harmony. Marvel at Gothic cathedrals, stroll along cobblestone streets and savor Bavarian cuisine.

Boardwalks leading to a viewing platform on the beach of Bordeira in southwest Alentejo, Portugal.

9. Aljezur, Portugal

With its rugged Algarve coastlines and golden beaches, Portugal’s Aljezur has a laid-back vibe and a tranquil beauty. Don’t miss the local wines.

The view of Dartlo Village in Tusheti, a remote region of Georgia.

10. Dartlo, Georgia

Dartlo—a remote Georgian village—is the crown jewel in the untamed mountainous Caucasus landscape. It’s home to pristine wilderness and ancient stone towers.

Jumping into the water in Castro Urdiales, Spain.

11. Castro Urdiales, Spain

Castro Urdiales is a medieval port town steeped in maritime tradition in the Cantabria region of Spain. Wander through cobblestone streets, check out the ancient fortresses and soak up the sun on sandy beaches.

Ljotipollur crater lake in Landmannalaugar, Iceland.

12. Landmannalaugar, Iceland

In Iceland, Landmannalaugar is recognized for its otherworldly beauty, full of rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs. It’s also a haven for outdoors lovers, thanks to its volcanic landscapes.

First folk architecture reserve in the world in Cicmany, Slovakia.

13. Cicmany, Slovakia

The Slvoakian town of Cicmany is like a fairytale, where narrow streets are lined with hand-painted houses and ancient traditions like folk art are being preserved.

Road to Mount Pico in the Azores.

14. Pico Island, Azores

In the volcanic paradise of Pico Island in the Azzores, you’ll find dramatic landscapes, lava caves and vineyard-covered hillsides with world-class wines.

The village of Pont-en-Royans, France.

15. Pont-en-Royans, France

In France, Pont-en-Royans is a pretty cliffside village where you can swim in the crystal-clear river and soak up panoramic views of the countryside.

Schwebebahn Train crossing a street in Wuppertal, Germany.

16. Wuppertal, Germany

Wuppertal is an industrial German city with a unique attraction: the iconic Schwebebahn, a suspended monorail built in 1901 that offers breathtaking views of the urban landscape. Fun fact: This is the oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars in the world.

Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel sitting on a rock in Le Puy en Velay, France.

17. Le Puy-en-Velay, France

In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is a place that’s steeped in history: It’s the gateway to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. One of the highlights is St-Michel d’Aiguilhe, a 10th century chapel perched on a volcanic rock.

Staithes, a seaside village in the Scarborough borough of North Yorkshire, England.

18. Staithes, England

A former fishing center on North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, Staithes now attracts modern-day travelers, who come for the charming village, fresh seafood and natural beauty. Don’t miss the North York Moors National Park, where you can hunt for fossils and explore coastal trails.

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