Discover the best romantic holidays in France
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or your recent engagement, France is the romantic destination par excellence. From Normandy’s breathtaking coastline to Provence’s iconic lavender fields, the choice is yours.
Our guide explores the best holiday destinations in France for couples to help you make the most of your special time. We also include recommendations on the best restaurants in and around each place.
1. Sancerre, Loire Valley
Wine enthusiast? Sancerre is your go-to place if you want to sample France’s finest grapes. The appellation includes the charming village of Sancerre and its 14 arrondissements along the left bank of the Loire. The wine is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety and boasts pale hues and dry profiles. Enjoy a wine tasting among the rolling hills to soak up the valley’s magical atmosphere.
Looking to explore more of this region? Our guide to the Loire Valley has everything you need to know.
Where to eat:
Restaurant La Pomme d'Or (£££)
La Taverne du Connétable (£££)
Maison Medard (££££)
2. Troyes, Champagne
One of the most popular holiday destinations in France for couples, Troyes offers great attractions and stunning scenery. The Champagne-Ardenne region enjoys open countryside and expansive vineyards, making it the ultimate romantic destination. Explore the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park with your other half and enjoy a picnic along the lake. Or spend the day visiting Troyes’ attractions and finish in style with a glass of champagne.
Where to eat:
L'Illustré (££)
Le Tablier (£££)
Le Valentino (££££)
3. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Picardie
Sitting along the southern banks of the Somme estuary, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (or Saint Valery) is a quaint seaside resort known for its Medieval charm. Thanks to its strategic position on a promontory overlooking Somme Bay, it played an important role in the Middle Ages. Its web of cobbled streets and pastel-coloured houses hide scenic walking trails, perfect for a romantic getaway. Celebrate with a glass of wine along the marina at sunset to make it extra special.
Where to eat:
L'embarcadère (£££)
La Table des Corderies (£££)
Le Jardin Restaurant (££££)
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat-la-Canéda, or simply Sarlat, is a charming Medieval town in Dordogne, a part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It was built around a Benedictine abbey and became a leading political centre in the 15th century. Wandering through its cobbled lanes feels like stepping back in time, with half-timbered houses and perfectly preserved Renaissance architecture. Thanks to its unique market town atmosphere and vibrant café culture, Sarlat makes for a great romantic holiday in France.
Where to eat:
Restaurant Le Grand Bleu (£££)
Chez le Gaulois (£££)
5. Dijon, Burgundy
Burgundy’s medieval capital is immersed within the region’s expansive vineyards, making it a honeymooners’ favourite. Dijon has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, and rightly so! It boasts a unique gastronomic legacy, stunning architecture and a rich artistic heritage. The town centre seamlessly blends Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque landmarks and is packed with excellent restaurants for a first-class dining experience. Explore its historic heart on foot and celebrate your special bond with a glass of Pinot Noir at sunset.
Where to eat:
L'ARÔME (££)
Les Fils à Maman Dijon (£££)
Restaurant Chez Léon (££££)
6. Étretat, Normandy
Few places are as dramatic as Normandy, with its steep, white chalk cliffs and turquoise waters. Its stunning natural beauty once inspired Impressionist painters to capture the landscapes on canvas, and Étretat is still a must-visit location for nature lovers. Head east towards the Jardins d’ Étretat for sweeping views of the Aiguille, a limestone needle-shaped rock formation. Then, enjoy a picnic on the shores at twilight or book a table at one of the local restaurants.
Where to eat:
Le Homard Bleu (££)
Le Clos Lupin (£££)
Bel Ami (£££)
7. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr looks like a canvas painting and feels like a fairytale. Sandwiched between the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, this quaint town is the epitome of a romantic holiday. It’s immersed in the vast Alsace vineyards and has retained its Medieval charm with half-timbered houses and old defensive gates. Walk through its vibrant alleys and visit traditional inner courtyards and old wells. Then, enjoy a wine tasting in the surrounding rolling hills.
Where to eat:
Au Dolder (££)
La Grappe d'Or (£££)
La Table du Gourmet (££££)
8. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Rightly deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, Mont Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination. Its show-stopping abbey atop the rocky formation welcomes visitors to centuries of fascinating history. It was one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, first inhabited by Benedictine monks and later by the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. Treat yourself and your partner to a candlelit restaurant overlooking the bay for an unforgettable romantic evening.
Where to eat:
9. Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Wondering where to honeymoon in France? It doesn’t get much better than Bordeaux. Romantic and elegant, the ‘Sleeping Beauty’, as locals call it, enjoys a slower pace of life and a unique mix of old and new architecture. The Place de la Bourse is one of the city’s highlights, with the water mirror reflecting its spectacular design. Walk along the stone bridge for picture-perfect views of the Old Town and stop at a café to taste the local gourmet cuisine.
Where to eat:
Le Bouchon Bordelais (££)
Restaurant Le Plana (£££)
Restaurant Influences (££££)
10. Gordes, Provence
Sitting on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse in Provence, Gordes’ unique atmosphere is what makes it popular among couples. The white stone houses are lined along the calades (narrow cobbled streets), hiding quirky boutiques and cosy restaurants. Stroll around its historic centre and explore the picturesque lavender fields nearby to admire Provence at its very best.
Where to eat:
Le Teston (£££)
Le Mas (££££)
L'Artégal (£££)
11. Paris
No romantic getaway to France would be complete without a visit to Paris. The City of Love is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Take a stroll along the Seine River, enjoy a picnic in the Tuileries Garden, or simply relax at a cafe and watch the world go by. Paris is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved one.
Check out our Paris Travel Guide for everything you need to know about visiting this iconic city. For an unforgettable romantic getaway, explore our Paris City Break package, which includes ferry crossings and handpicked accommodations tailored for your perfect Parisian retreat.
Where to eat:
Le Jules Verne (££££)
L'Arpège (££££)
Our routes
Newhaven to Dieppe
With our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing, you can arrive in France in 4 hours. Enjoy excellent facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an onboard shop.
Dover to Calais
Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in France in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time on board, from dining to Duty Free shopping.
Dover to Dunkirk
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, Holland and more. Enjoy dining and Duty Free shopping on board.
