Are you looking for the perfect destination to get away from it all? Look no further than France! With its breathtaking landscapes, romantic seaside towns, quaint villages, lively cities and exquisite cuisine, it’s the perfect holiday destination.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure in Paris, a Mediterranean paradise in the French Riviera, a luxury stay in Bordeaux or an idyllic escape to Normandy, France is sure to delight lovers of every kind. Ready to explore? Read on for our top picks of the most beautiful places to visit in France – let’s start planning your dream getaway today!
PARIS
It’s no wonder why this timeless city has been coined “The City of Lights” – it’s mesmerizingly beautiful from every angle, at any hour of the day. Only here will you imagine yourself sipping a cappuccino on an outdoor sidewalk café, strolling along charming cobblestone streets, or standing atop the Eiffel Tower gazing out towards a vibrant cityscape.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Paris is the cultural hub for fashion, cuisine and fine art. With its unique urban layout, the city is divided into 20 arrondissements, laid out in a spiral pattern – each with their own unique vibe.
ATTRACTIONS
THE EIFFEL TOWER
An iconic symbol of the city. Built between 1887-1889, the tower was only meant to be a contemporary piece for the World’s Fair. Due to its sheer size, more than 2 million people toured it in the first year, and was eventually decided to be kept as a permanent landmark.
With three levels, the tower is a great opportunity for those 360 views of Paris. You can reach the second level by lift or stairs – a total of 674 steps! After that, there is a lift to take you to the summit. The first floor holds museum exhibits, a glass floor, souvenir shop and restaurant. The second floor also has eateries, shops and a fabulous observation area! The summit is mainly dedicated to the viewing areas, but there is a champagne bar to treat yourself to, as well as a recreation of Gustave Eiffel’s office.
LOUVRE MUSEUM
Formally the palace of the kings of France. The Louvre Museum is home to some of the best-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Divided into 3 wings (Richelieu, Sully and Denon), the building covers almost 10,000 years of history.
Not sure where to start? The museum also offers visitor trails, from ‘The Louvre Masterpieces’ to ‘Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Louvre Highlights’.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
The monument that honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Arc de Triomphe stands centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle and took over 30 years to build. A flame is lit every evening on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War.
The top of the Arc de Triomphe can be reached through a spiral staircase, or lift that takes you to the attic room. Its unique viewpoint at the top offers a beautiful panoramic of the city and is a fantastic location to get a better understanding of Paris’ layout, as well as one of the best views for the Eiffel Tower!
LUXEMBOURG GARDENS
An oasis of greenery, filled with an abundance of flowers, magnificent trees and romantic statues. Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens are free to enter and explore! Some of France’s well-known artists and writers were inspired by this very park – including Viktor Hugo who featured it in Les Misérables and Van Gogh who painted people walking through.
SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY
A must do for all book lovers! This bookstore is located in the heart of Paris on the banks of Seine, opposite Notre-Dame. Upstairs you will find various small beds, where writers and artists have been invited to sleep among the books. Since opening, there have been roughly 30,000 writers that have stayed in the bookshop.
PONT ALEXANDRE III
An important fixture in the Parisian landscape. The bridge itself displays four large pillars, each one paying homage to a part of French history. It has also featured in many famous movies including James Bond: A View to Kill, Midnight in Paris and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
One great way to see this bridge can be through a river cruise along the Seine. A great chance to rest your feet, while seeing some of these iconic sights.
THE BASILICA OF SACRÉ COEUR
Located at the top of the Butte Montmarte. This iconic white marble Cathedral is the second highest point in the city, and can offer some stunning views of Paris. On your descent, be sure to explore the streets of Montmarte. Nestled in the middle of the neighbourhood, you will find a small plaza called Place du Tertre, filled with artists working on their next pieces.
DINING OPTIONS
Where is the best place to eat in Paris? From fine dining, to local bistros and sweet cafés – Paris has something for everyone! Here are just a few of our favourites to inspire you:
PINK MAMMA
If you’re going to Paris, Pink Mamma is simply a must! Located between the 9th & 18th arrondissements, this trattoria serves delectable Italian food at a fairly reasonable price. Its décor truly resembles that of a fairy tale; filled with ivy foliage, retro paintings and plush velvet chairs.
Address: 20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris, France
LE BON GEORGES
A classic Parisian restaurant, with delicious food, warm ambience, and an extensive wine list! It’s definitely the perfect spot to treat yourself to steak and fries, followed up with their chocolate mousse.
Address: 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009 Paris, France
CARETTE
Founded in 1927 by Jean Carette and his wife Madelaine, Carette café is located just across the river from the Eiffel Tower. This French patisserie is known for their delicate macaroons, choux pastries and famous hot chocolate!
Address: 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France
LE MACHON D’HENRI
A charming restaurant with classic, traditional French food. Be greeted by its warm décor, exposed beams and beautiful paintings. Le Machon d’Henri is a great option when you are after something a little more casual!
Address: 8 Rue Guisarde, 75006 Paris, France
SHOPPING IN PARIS’ MANY DISTRICTS
It’s no surprise that Paris is considered the fashion capital. The city is filled with boutiques and stores, ranging from luxurious to more budget friendly.
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Located between Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V, is where you’ll find some of the most luxuries stores in Paris. Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chloé and Yves Saint Laurent can all be found here, and is a major hub for the bigger spenders.
HAUSSMANN-OPÉRA-SAINT-LAZARE
This specific quarter of Paris has always been seen as the centre of shopping; Galeries Lafayette opened in 1912, and was soon followed by trendy brands, food, jewellery shops and more.
Top Tip: On the 8th floor of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is a rooftop terrace where you can get an impressive panoramic view of the city for free! The terrace is open from 10am-8pm, meaning you can capture those picture-perfect sunsets.
ACCOMMODATION TIPS
Paris is a huge city, with plenty of accommodation options. However, depending on what you want to do and see, could influence where abouts you stay for your journey.
If it’s your first time in Paris, Le Marais is a great option. Close to all the main tourist attractions, with great food and nightlife!
For those after a more romantic getaway, Montmarte is the place to be! Nestled away, this beautiful former village is lined with cobblestone streets and gorgeous architecture. It is a little further out from the main attractions, but definitely worth a stay if you’re looking for that fairy-tale location!
Finally, if you are in search of a more budget friendly area, the 9th arrondissement is a great place to look! Central, affordable and has a great nightlife – need I say more?
TRANSPORTATION
Paris is a beautiful city to walk around by foot – but it is still good to have a rough idea on the type of public transport it has to offer.
The metro is likely to be the fastest choice to get around. Each line has a colour and number, making it as easy as possible for you to understand. You can usually spot metro entrances, as they will either have the letter ‘M’, or the words ‘Métro’ or Métropolitain.The Paris Regional RER train is used as both train and subway. This connects you from the city centre, all the way to Disneyland Paris.Paris also has plenty of city buses, tram ways and taxis.
DAY TRIPS OUTSIDE CITY CENTRE
Fancy a day trip to Disneyland Paris? It’s easier than you think! Disneyland Paris is just an hour from the city centre by train. For less than €10 each way, hop on the RER A Train, and get off at the last stop, Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy. From there, it is just a quick two minute walk to the entrance of Disneyland! Enter a world of magic and spend your day immersed in one of Disney’s magical parks.
COTE D’AZUR, FRENCH RIVIERA
The French Riviera, also known as the Cote d’Azur, is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. The French Riviera is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, and is known for its views, beaches and charming towns.
ICONIC TOWNS
SAINT TROPEZ
This town is particularly known for its gorgeous beaches and popular night clubs. Hundreds of yachts will drop anchor here in the summer months to enjoy a bottle of fizz and freshly grilled seafood. Walk through the vibrant villages, discover the colour of Provence, with its legendary lavender fields and sip on some delicious cocktails.
BORMES-LES-MIMOSAS
Bormes-les-Mimosas is classed as one of the most flowered villages in France. With over 700 plant species (including 90 varieties of mimosa), the village holds an annual flower parade with beautifully decorated floats.
ÈZE
Èze is an enchanting village in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Built 400m above sea level, it is the perfect location to admire the breathtaking view of the Riviera. A must visit is the exotic garden in Èze (Jardin Exotique d’Èze). A beautiful botanical garden filled with cacti and succulents, and a great view overlooking the town.
MENTON
You will find Menton right on the border with Italy. The town is filled with pastel coloured villas and idyllic beaches. A picturesque, must see spot is in the heart of the city – Menton’s Old Town. These dense narrows streets are filled with colourful buildings and as you walk uphill, you will pass the church of St. Michael the Archangel, built in the 17th century.
Menton is also famous for its annual Lemon Festival, held every winter. The festival celebrates their production of citrus fruits, and will have parades and floats (made out of lemons)!
CANNES
Cannes curves along the coast, with long sandy beaches and classy boutiques. It is also home to the famous Cannes Film Festival. Want to explore Cannes in a unique, new way? Hire bikes and pedal along the sea front from la Croisette to Golfe Juan!
SUMMER FESTIVALS
NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Nice Jazz Festival has been held annually since 1948, becoming a legendary music event in Europe. The festival has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry including Ella Fitzgerald, John Lewis and Bone Walker.
FESTIVAL OF PYROTECHNIC ART IN CANNES
Since 1998, Cannes Pyrotechnic Art Festival has welcomed thousands of spectators to one of the most prestigious art festivals in the world. Six countries compete every year for the Silver Vestal with a multi coloured music battle and impressive fireworks at the seafront.
FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
Every year on Summer Solstice, Fête de la Musique makes the French Riviera come alive with music. The festival consists of a big, free music concert on Place Masséna in Nice, and small concerts in main squares of most towns. Bars also have permission to put their speakers outside and serve on the street, while staying open to 3am.
SHOPPING
It’s no secret that the South of France is known for its luxury lifestyle. When it comes to shopping, the Cote d’Azur has lots to offer:
NICE
Home to over 7,000 shops, this beachfront city is filled with prestigious brands, fresh markets and local shops. Rue de La Liberte is home to some of France’s most iconic brands including Chanel and Mont Blanc.
If you’re after more of a mix of high street stores and designer labels, Nice Etoile shopping mall is a great choice – four floors filled with fashion stores, grocery shops and restaurants.
MONACO
Again, Monaco has its fair amount of designer brands. Wander down the Golden Circle to find Prada, Christian Dior, Hermes and many more.
Marche de La Condamine on Place d’Arms is also a brilliant opportunity to explore colourful market stalls filled with fresh produce. This particular market also offers delicious traditional Mediterranean dishes.
FINE DINING ALONG THE COAST
An exquisite fine dining experience awaits you on the French Riviera. From Michelin-star eateries, to traditional favourites focusing on local cuisine, there is something for everyone along the seaside of Europe. Stunning views are always part of a unique experience when out for dinner here, with chic modern bistros or classically inspired restaurants all providing a taste of the sublime.
CHEZ FONFON, MARSEILLE
Tucked away in Vallon des Auffes fishing harbour, you will find a delectable, fresh off the boat seafood restaurant. With a wide range of fish dishes, you can truly immerse yourself in some local dishes.
Address: 140 Rue du Vallon des Auffes, 13007 Marseille, France
HOSTELLERIE JÉRÔME
A two Michelin star restaurant in La Turbie, overlooking the picturesque Monte Carlo. The chef creates a mixture of haute cuisine, with a fresh local twist. Treating yourself to a bottle of wine is also a must when dining here! Chef Bruno Cirino’s wife, has one of the most beautiful cellars in the Côte d’Azur with over 40,000 bottles.
Address: 20 Rue du Comté de Cessole, 06320 La Turbie, France
LA TABLE DU MAREYEUR
In 1989, Ewan and Caroline Scutcher married in Port Grimaud and set up their restaurant on the waterfront of Saint-Tropez. This fine restaurant has been visited by many, including Leonardo Di Caprio and Paris Hilton. A great option for some local food at a more reasonable price!
Address: 10-11 Rue des Artisans, 83310 Grimaud, France
TRANSPORTATION
The French Riviera has an extensive network of trains, with lots of destination options on a daily basis. Some popular train routes include:
NICE – MARSEILLE:
A 2 hour 45 minute journey with stops in Toulon, Cannes and Antibes.
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – NICE:
A direct train, that takes a little over 20 minutes.
MARSEILLE – CASSIS:
With roughly 15 trains operating this route per day, you can get from this large city, to beautiful fishing village in under 20 minutes.
Good to know: Regional routes on the TER network are generally cheaper, but usually slower than the TGV high speed train network!
BORDEAUX
This port city is a luxury destination, located in the southwestern part of France. It’s the leading destination for wine lovers and filled with history and art. Bordeaux has over 360 historic monuments, some dating back to the Roman times. Together, there are nearly 7,000 wine growers in Bordeaux, creating over 55,000 jobs in the region. From red, to white, to rose, there are over 100,000 hectares of land covered in vineyards.
WINERY TOURS
CHÂTEAU PAPE-CLÉMENT
Spend an afternoon in sunny Bordeaux exploring the celebrated Château Pape-Clément, a picturesque vineyard with 700 years of winemaking history. Wander its 30 hectares and discover why wine connoisseurs are so captivated by this ancient haven for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes – plus a small quantity of white varieties like Sauvigon blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Let your senses be stirred as you take part in one of the organised tours: each step bringing you closer to centuries’ worth of passion steeped into every drop!
CITÉ DU VIN
The City of Wine (Cité du Vin) was opened in 2016 by the President of France, and is a museum that lies along the banks of the River Garonne. A visit to Bordeaux would not be complete without coming here and exploring the exhibitions, shows and wine tasting.
CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
Nestled in the idyllic village of Pauillac, Chateau Mouton Rothschild stands as an iconic French winery. Home to a medley of award-winning grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot – each carefully fermented before transitioning into oak casks for maturation – this vineyard is famed globally for its exceptional claret. Sip your glass with pride knowing that you’ve tasted true artistry!
BORDEAUX WINE TASTING CRUISE
Experience the charm and grace of Bordeaux in an entirely unique setting by taking a cruise along the stunning River Garonne. This tour will not only teach you about the city’s history, but also give you insight into its famous wine growing region whilst giving your eyes something to feast on as well!
SHOPPING
Discover the height of fashion excellence in Bordeaux! Home to some of the world’s top designers, jewellers, and luxury brands along with an array of innovative concept stores and boutiques. Stroll through its chic “Triangle d’Or” quarter or Rue Sainte-Catherine for a glimpse into this stunning city’s love affair with style.
DELICIOUS REGIONAL CUISINE
Explore the captivating flavours of Bordeaux’s renowned food markets! From oysters and tricandilles to foie gras, every dish is a delectable treat. Let your taste buds take you on an unforgettable journey through many local producers at the Halles de Bacalan or Chez Jean-Mi – there’s something for everyone! Enjoy these delicious delicacies by admiring views over Arcachon Bay or down the Garonne River. No matter where you go in Bordeaux, an inspirational culinary adventure awaits!
TRANSPORTATION
With an amazing array of travel options, Bordeaux has plenty of ways to get you around the city:
TRAMWAY:
Bordeaux’s tramway system covers a significant part of the city with its three lines.
BUS:
The bus network also serves the heart of the city as well as the outer, urban areas.
WATER TAXIS:
A unique way to travel around Bordeaux, that serves multiple routes. The water taxis are available from 7am to 7pm.
BIKES:
Hiring bikes can be a great way to explore the area at your own pace and at a fairly reasonable price!
EXPERIENCE BORDEAUX’S NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife in Bordeaux is a unique experience for any traveller. From lively clubs and bars to cosy wine tasting rooms, there’s an array of options.
For something a bit more laidback, the Cours de l’Intendance offers a variety of small bars, each one offering craft beers and a friendly atmosphere. And no night in Bordeaux would be complete without overlooking the Garonne River while savouring some cask-matured wines at a tasting room.
Whatever you do, don’t forget about Bordeaux’s vibrant food scene–the streets come alive at night with late-night snacks and live music echoing in the streets. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night on the town or an intimate evening of music and local cuisine, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs during your stay in Bordeaux!
NORMANDY
Normandy is a region of Northern France, bordering on the English Channel. This idyllic destination is steeped in history, from its majestic rolling hills to the quaint towns and villages that line the landscape. But there’s more to explore than just history – from picturesque beaches and coastline views to local culinary delights, Normandy has something for every traveller or couple looking for an unforgettable experience.
PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
GIVERNY
Giverny is a small country village, and the perfect location for the devotees of impressionism. Famous artist, Monet, lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Most of his famous paintings had been completed while living here – including his water lily and Japanese bride paintings. During the summer months, Monet’s Garden is exploding with colour and thousands of flowers. You can wander through the famous Japanese garden, and find water lilies in full bloom.
BARFLEUR
This picturesque, petite village holds a strong maritime history due to its location; it was often used as a port of embarkation for England. Fishing is very prominent in the village, with a beautiful array of colourful boats in the harbour. Many cafes are also located opposite the quay, and is the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by.
VEULES-LES-ROSES
A hidden gem in Northern France, filled with half-timbered cottages, seaside walks and one of a kind restaurants. The river Veules flows through the centre of the village and into the sea. There are many beautiful houses spotted along the river (previously old fisherman’s houses), surrounded by bright gorgeous flowers. This makes the river an idyllic walk, that everyone craves.
HONFLEUR
Visiting Honfleur is a chance to explore a quaint, charming town, filled with cobbled alleys and colourful half-timbered houses. Honfleur’s beauty has attracted many impressionist artists, including Monet and Eugène Boudin, where their work can be found in the town’s museums and galleries. The summer weather is the perfect opportunity to sit at the harbour and embrace the scenery.
LYONS-LA-FORÊT
Lyons-la-Forêt is a fairy-tale village, located at the heart of Normandy’s largest forest. The streets are an array of half-timbered, prink brick, straw and clay houses lined up in a row. A must visit here would be the covered market that dates back to the 14th Century, and has never been modified. Local producers bring their goods every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Sometimes, exhibitions with contemporary artists and concerts take place there too.
MEMORIAL SITES
CAEN MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Regarded as one of the best World II Museums in France, this museum was built on top of the former underground headquarters of a German general. Caen Memorial Museum covers the start and globalisation of the war, various resistance movements, the D-Day landings, Battle of Normandy and many more.
NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY
Normandy American Cemetery serves the final resting place for 9387 soldiers – most victims of the D-Day landings. On the Walls of the Missing, in a semi circular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.
Many may also recognise this location from the final scenes of ‘Saving Private Ryan’.
OMAHA BEACH
Only a 20 minute walk away from Normandy American Cemetery, you will come across Omaha beach – the landing area in Normandy, used by allied forces in the WW II D-Day invasion. By the beach is the sculpture of ‘Les Braves’ by French artist Anilore Banon. The three parts to this piece represent the Wings of Hope, the Rise of Freedom and the Wings of Fraternity.
WATER SPORTS
Beautiful Normandy is made up of 600km of coastline, lakes, rivers and waterways – making it one of France’s best regions for water sports!
The three coastal departments of Manche, Calvados and Seine-Maritime are home to world-class facilities and fantastic teams of experienced instructors in 80 sailing schools accredited by the Fédération Française de Voile. With consistent winds and fairly good conditions all year round, you have your choice from catamarans, dinghy’s, sailing boats and more!
Further inland, Suisse Normande, Sein Valley and Regional Natural Parks are the perfect spots for kite-surfing, canoeing, kayaking, wake boarding and paddleboarding.
ACCOMMODATION
RURAL GETAWAY
Spend your holiday in rural bliss at Le Clos de Grace. A secluded estate, where you can take part in cookery lessons with the chef, relax at the indoor pool or wander its beautiful gardens.
Address: 143 Chemin du, Le Val la Reine, 14600 Honfleur, France
FAMILIES / LARGE GROUPS
Le Manoir de la Plage is a seaside manor next to Honfleur. The building is decorated with traditional French decor, has large rooms, a sauna, indoor pool and tennis court. Additional beds, and smaller adjoining rooms can be booked for children, making it a great option for families and larger groups.
Address: Route du Littoral Vasouy, 14600 Honfleur, France
SOLO TRAVELLER
Looking for something more budget friendly and sociable? Auberge de jeunesse de Rouen hostel situated in Rouen offers shared kitchen & barbecue facilities, free wifi and breakfast.
Address: 3 Rue du Tour, Rte de Darnétal, 76000 Rouen, France
TRANSPORTATION
With a wide array of transport options, Normandy has plenty of ways to travel:
TRAIN
Normandy’s train network can get you round most cities and towns. Keep an eye out for their TER local trains for timetables and more information!
BUS
With multiple bus networks in both upper and lower Normandy, even the smallest villages are reachable by bus!
CAR
Driving in Normandy is fairly easy to navigate, with well marked roads. Taking your own car or hiring can be a great way to explore more of Normandy’s countryside at your own pace!
And there you have it! France is filled with beautiful destinations waiting for you to explore – and DFDS can get you there. With our three routes to France, you can pick the perfect one for you. See you soon!
