1. Champagne: home of Dom Pérignon
Let’s face it, a roundup of the best places to visit in France wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the birthplace of bubbly. Located in the northeast of France, just a 1.5 hour’s drive from Paris, the Champagne region is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves to sip on bubbles. Just watching the sun set over the idyllic rolling vineyards and dreamy landscape is reason enough to visit the region. That said, those who do wish to sample the fruits of the land can embark on a tour of one of the prestigious Champagne houses. And this is sure to make for an unforgettable experience – or perhaps not if they choose to overindulge!
Moët & Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Taittinger, and Dom Pérignon, are among the famous houses that open their gates to the public. The latter is perhaps best known for its namesake; a Benedictine monk who was an important quality pioneer for Champagne wine. Contrary to popular belief, however, Dom Pérignon did not invent the famous wine itself. This is just one of many facts you will learn while visiting his cellar and final resting place in the Abbey of Hautvillers.
2. Provence: land of lavender
Every summer, the seemingly endless ocean of lavender fields makes Provence one of the most beautiful – not to mention, fragrant – places to visit in France. The heavenly scented crop can be found almost everywhere in the region during this time. That said, some of the most scenic spots to enjoy it include the Valensole Plateau, the Sault Plateau, and the Luberon Valley. For the ultimate postcard shot, though, nothing beats the flower fields surrounding the Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey. Nestled in the tranquil countryside near the village of Gordes, the stunning 12th-century church is shrouded in a sea of purple every June and July.
Along with the local honeybees, these beautiful lavender fields are lovingly tended by the monks that live in the abbey. In fact, visitors can even stay with them and enjoy a serene spiritual retreat. If you prefer to keep it to a day trip, however, the fields are open from 09:30 during the summertime; and 13:00 on Sundays. Just bear in mind that the unique beauty of the location means that it becomes extremely busy during this time. Therefore, make sure you arrive early and join the first tour of the day at 10:30.
3. Gorges du Verdon: the Grand Canyon of France
If a trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona feels like too much of a stretch, then you could always settle for its French counterpart. Nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France, the 700-meter-deep Gorges du Verdon is a truly breathtaking sight to behold. Carved by the Verdon River, the plunging limestone canyon is the largest in Europe. It is also a hotspot for adrenaline-fueled activities and watersports.
Cruising along the 25km-long stretch of mesmerizing turquoise waters that flow into the artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix is a truly unforgettable experience. More adventurous travelers, however, might prefer to brave white-water rafting along the rapids. A more relaxing day can be spent hiking around the 100km rim of the canyon or hopping on horseback and weaving your way through the vertical limestone cliffs. Whatever you do, though, be sure to have your camera at the ready. After all, this is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in France.
4. Mont Saint-Michel: the real Rapunzel’s Tower
France is home to many beautiful villages. However, few are as enchanting and otherworldly as Mont Saint-Michel with its majestic abbey. Perched high on the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, some 600 meters off the coast of Normandy, the striking medieval monastery looks like something lifted straight from the pages of a children’s fairytale. This is made all the more magic by the narrow, winding streets and pretty timbered-framed houses that lead up to it. In fact, the magnificent setting actually inspired Rapunzel’s Tower and the Kingdom of Corona in Disney’s Tangled movie.
The majestic island village once served as a great Christian pilgrim site back in the 8th century. Today, however, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts more than three million tourists a year. Needless to say, it remains one of the most popular places to visit in France, outside of Paris. That said, the vast ocean and sandbank that surround the island certainly make it seem less inviting.
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