France is the most visited country in the world, with treasures from top to toe. Join us at Direct Owners as we pick our favourite French destinations !
Welcoming an astounding 89.4 million visitors every year, France is one of the world’s cultural centres, possesses a deep and diverse history, and contains an array of natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to turquoise waters and golden, sandy beaches. The biggest challenge any traveller to France faces is how to plan their itinerary, how to fit in all the things they want to do! Well, at Direct Owners, we thought we’d extend a helping hand and run through our own list of the best places to visit in France.
Paris
Let us begin our journey through France with the natural starting point, the nation’s capital. Paris is a universe unto itself. Stroll through Paris’s famous Montparnasse or Père Lachaise cemeteries and you will be struck by how many extraordinary artists and thinkers chose to make the City of Light their home. Whatever your tastes, Paris will cater to them. Shop in stylish boutiques, eat hearty food in cosy bistros, visit iconic locations, and get lost amidst masterpieces in the city’s marvellous museums. A capital city with magic in the air.
Mont Saint-Michel
The Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is unquestionably one of the most beautiful sights in all of France. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tidal island commune rises out of the waters, a survivor of the high Middle Ages. Situated at the mouth of the Couesnon River, the island is connected to mainland France only by a causeway. The abbey dates back to the 8th century and as you walk its tiny streets, you will get a feel for how life would have been during the medieval period. Today just 30 people live on the island permanently, though they are never short of company as the island remains a significant pilgrimage site, with religious pilgrims to Mont Saint-Michel being known as Miquelots.
Nîmes
Known as the ‘French Rome’, the city of Nîmes is home to one of the best-preserved Roman arenas found anywhere in the world. This southern city offers a laid back atmosphere, charming eateries, and a whole host of picture-perfect historic landmarks. The Arena of Nîmes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should be top of your list. If you arrive at the right time, you can even visit a concert within the building, sitting where a Roman would have sat 2,000 years ago. Elsewhere, visit the Tour Magne (Great Tower), a surviving Roman tower, and be sure not to miss the iconic Pont du Gard, an enormous Roman aqueduct and one of France’s most famous historical sights.
Provence
The enchanting region of Provence is famous for its gorgeous lavender fields, Mediterranean climate, and tiny, romantic villages scattered across the landscape. A trip through the region would be ideal for travellers renting a car as the joy to be had here is in exploring the territory and being carried away by the views which seem to have come straight from a painting by Renoir. Aix-en-Provence, the city of a thousand fountains, is a good place to base yourself for exploring the region, with the city itself being a relaxing, picturesque old town with plenty of art galleries and markets to explore.
Carcassonne
It is a common enough thing for historic destinations to be described as fairy talesque, but as you approach the hilltop city of Carcassonne you really will feel like you’ve entered the pages of some fantastical old storybook. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site on our list, this city was founded in the 5th century and was an important defensive citadel for centuries, owing to its location on busy medieval trade routes. The joy here is to soak up the atmosphere and wander around the fortified city, allowing your imagination to run free. However, wine enthusiasts can also enjoy tastings in the area — world-class wine in a beautiful setting.
Bordeaux
The port city of Bordeaux is home to much of the best France has to offer: magnificent architecture, delectable cuisine, and a lush, surrounding countryside dotted with châteaux. Across the region of Bordeaux, wine has been produced since Roman times and connoisseurs will be able to enjoy some top-quality tours and tasting experiences. In the city, guests will never be short of things to see: Bordeaux is second only to Paris in its number of monuments. The city centre has UNESCO status for its harmonious blend of Classical and Neoclassical buildings, making it the largest area to have been granted this status. Explore Roman ruins and medieval masterpieces, and enjoy the waterside of the Port of the Moon.
Rocamadour
An important pilgrimage site since the 11th century, the lofty clifftop town of Rocamadour is made up of holy sites and medieval homes. Rocamadour’s famous shrine to the Madonna was known since the Middle Ages for its healing powers and became a major stopping point on the Santiago de Compostela. Just 600 people live in the town today, but millions of visitors have walked these streets across the centuries. The town is shrouded in myth and legend relating to both saints and medieval warrior knights. Look out for the supposed fragment of Durendal (sword of Roland and Charlemagne) that has been driven into the cliff face. An enchanted land, seemingly unaltered by modernity.
Nice
The romance of the Riviera, splendid weather, high-class accommodation and delicious food — Nice has it all! This Italianate city just urges visitors to let go of their cares and embrace the holiday spirit. Nice is a city that offers revitalization and relaxation. Culture vultures can explore the city’s many galleries, while those wanting to soak up the rays can escape to nearby paradises such as Saint-Tropez and Antibes. And, if you are looking for an extra exclusive experience, you can venture to Cannes or Monaco.