best cities to visit in west france

Best Things to Do in Western France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Those who venture into Western France are rarely disappointed. Whether you plan to spend your holiday sightseeing, surfing, or simply relaxing by the sea, the west of France is an ideal destination.

Mythical Brittany offers immense beautiful sea landscapes, Celtic festivals, magic forests, and mysterious prehistoric sites.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is dotted with great beaches, cities steeped in history, many picturesque villages, medieval fortified towns but it is also a place with mountains, vineyards, and the Landes Forest.

Pays de la Loire boasts a stunning coastline, charming towns, and villages, and other beautiful natural landscapes. Here, we are never far from the Loire River, flowing from east to east across the region.

Last but not least, people who visit Western France will enjoy an excellent and varied gastronomy, some of the best French wines and other famous French drinks .

For this article, we asked some fellow travel bloggers and friends about their favorite things to do in Western France. From Western France cities and top sights to hidden gems, here’s what they suggest.

Hike the GR34 (Brittany)

The GR34 , also known as Le Sentier des Douaniers , is a great way to explore the wild sea landscapes of Brittany with its impressive cliffs, lonely beaches, and picturesque coastal towns. This multi-day hike borders all the coastline of Brittany for over 2,000 kilometers and it is a wonder.

Created in 1791, the path was crossed day and night by customs patrols – hence its name – to prevent smuggling. Having fallen into disuse at the beginning of the 20th century, the trail experienced a second life from 1968, when some hike enthusiasts decided to make it a hiking path. Today, the GR34 is one of the most popular GRs in France and the preferred long-distance footpath of the French.

Add a couple of GR34 sections to your next Western France itinerary and you will want to come back for more!

Suggested by Norbert | France Bucket List

Les Machines de l’Ile in Nantes (Loire Atlantique)

Nantes is a wonderful city in Western France, great for a weekend getaway from Paris. If you visit Nantes you cannot miss Les Machines de l’Ile , the new must-attraction in the city. Located in the industrial wasteland of the Nantes’ former shipyards, on an isle in the middle of the Loire River, Les Machines is an artistic project that brings together a set of crazy machines that seem straight out of Jules Verne’s imagination and Leonardo Da Vinci’s invention.

Ride the Sea World Carousel on the back of the strangest marine creatures or wander around the isle on a crazy elephant who likes to shower all the kids he finds on his way! Finally, visit the Galerie des Machines , where a team of crazy inventors and machinists are creating and testing the new machines for the most incredible project, The Heron Tree . This project (inauguration expected for 2022) consists of a giant metallic and vegetal tree where people will be able to walk along its branches and interact with the different creatures that populate it.

Suggested by Elisa | France Bucket List

Click here to book your hotel in Nantes

Bordeaux (Gironde)

Bordeaux is one of the top cities in Western France, a beautiful city made famous for the wine regions surrounding it. The historic center of the city is a UNESCO world heritage site for its beautiful 18th-century buildings. These buildings reflect the wealth of the city when it was the busiest port in France trading in goods from all over the world in addition to wine. 

When you visit Bordeaux you really need to take a wine tour and sample some of the wines in the region. The Bordeaux Tourist Office is also helpfully next to a small store which sells wine from the region at very reasonable prices. Another must-visit is the  Bordeaux Wine Museum  which is full of interactive and fun exhibits. We took my kids with us and they found the museum fascinating. 

Bordeaux is also known for its local specialty – canneles which are a small pastry with rum and vanilla perfected by nuns in the area more than 200 years ago.  The most famous canelles shop is Ballardran which has multiple locations in the city but the most convenient has to be the store right across from the Bordeaux Tourist Office.

Suggested by Shobha | Just Go Places

Click here to book your hotel in Bordeaux

The Cave Paintings at Lascaux (Dordogne)

Located in the Dordogne region of south-western France, the cave paintings at Lascaux barely need any introduction. Discovered by local teenagers in the 1940s, Lascaux’s cave paintings are probably the world’s most famous and recognizable examples of pre-historic art and one of the best places to visit in Western France.

Although experts still disagree on the exact age of the paintings in Lascaux’s caves, the current consensus places them at about 17,000 years old. There’s a fascinating mixture of art here, including depictions of bulls, horses, cattle, deer, cats, a bear, and even a rhinoceros! Also depicted are human figures, and geometric designs as well. The bulls depicted in the Hall of the Bulls are enormously impressive, up to five meters long in some cases. The area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

As you’d expect, the cave interiors are highly sensitive and closed to the general public. However, there’s a series of fantastic replica caves located just near the original caves, where you can explore the artwork in your own time, and without fear of damaging the precious originals. To access the site, head for the village of Montignac. Car is the best transport option here, as public transport in the area is very limited.

Suggested by Joel | World Heritage Journey

Sarlat-la-Canéda (Dordogne)

With its honey-colored buildings and lamp lit streets, it’s easy to fall for the  village of Sarlat .

Sarlat is the perfect base to explore the Dordogne Valley.  It takes about 2.5 hours to get there by car or train going east from Bordeaux.

Be ready for foodie heaven.  Sarlat is famous for its foie gras, truffles, cheese, and wine.  Locals gather these delicacies on market days on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Enjoy getting lost in the impossibly romantic laneways and relax in one of the cafes on the main square, Place de la Liberté.  For a panoramic view of the town, take the glass lift to the top of the bell tower at the church of Saint-Marie (open in summer).

Spring or fall is the best time to visit to avoid the tourist crush. Stay at the lovingly restored Les Suites Sarladaises for a real taste of the past.

Suggested by Cindy | Travel Bliss Now

Click here to book your hotel in Sarlat

Île d’Oléron (Charente-Maritime)

Often overshadowed by it’s glitzier sister (Île de Ré), Île d’Oléron has a more laid back, understated vibe with its white-washed bungalows and low-key beaches. Cycle-ways criss-cross the island, but there is also ample parking should you choose to drive around; the island is 30km long after all.

The lighthouse ( Phare de Chassiron ) at the far tip of the island is a must-do. You can climb to the top for superb views across the Atlantic and back across the island. Entry for the viewing point only is €3 per adult.

The villages across the island don’t really offer much to do unless it’s market day, but they are pleasant to stroll or cycle around and to pick up an ice-cream. Take a visit to La Cotiniere around 3:30 pm when the daily catch is unloaded, or feast on oysters at Saint-Trojan .

As for the beaches, those to the northeast offer views across to the mainland and Île de Ré. Here the water is shallow and calm. On the other side of the island, the waves are a little stronger, but the beaches boast a tropical vibe with clear turquoise water and long stretches of sun-drenched sand.

Suggested by Jenny | Peak District Kids

Click here to book your hotel on Île-d’Oléron

Cairn de Barnenez (Finistère)

The Cairn de Barnenez is one of the first megalithic monuments in Brittany. The Cairn is composed of 11 dolmens, with a length of 70 meters and 10 meters in height. The grave chambers are fully covered and accessible through a covered corridor. There’s a visitor center where objects are displayed, next to that the results of scientific excavation and a large mock-up of the monument.

You enter through the visitor center, after that you walk up the hill on a path, where the monument is. The cairn is surrounded by grass.

The Cairn is located on the peninsula Kernélèhen in Brittany. 17 Kilometers north of Morlaix, just off the D76, in Plouezoc’h.

There’s a combination ticket possible with the Château du Taureau. You can visit the cairn with a self-guided tour, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Guided tours are in French and take 45 minutes.

On the hill, there are benches to sit on, from here you can enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and the Cairn. Further, you can stroll around the monument and go through one opening and walk out on the other side. You have to bend since its just one meter in height.

Suggested by Cosette | Kars Travels

Dune du Pilat (Gironde)

Europe’s largest sand dune, the  Dune du Pilat , can be found hugging the Atlantic coast in Western France. It’s an impressive sight, spanning around 3 km in length, 600 m in width, and a lofty 100 or so meters high. Although, these measurements are constantly changing as the dune ebbs with the tides and gets swept into the nearby forest with the wind.

One of the best day trips from Bordeaux , Dune du Pilat is the perfect place to appreciate the nature on offer in the Arcachon Basin – a place most famous for its colorful Oyster huts and Belle Époque architecture.

To make the most of your visit, arrive early and pack everything you need for the day. There are a selection of eateries and snack bars at the entrance to the dune, but if you decide to venture up and over the expanse of sand to the seaside, you won’t want to be ‘popping back’ just for an ice cream!

Adventure seekers may like to book in for a paraglide over the dune to gain a bird’s eye view, while families can take advantage of the campsites on-site to extend their stay…

Suggested by Nadine | Le Long Weekend

Explore Dune du Pilat with this top-rated Arcachon Bay Tour from Bordeaux

Cognac Tastings at Cognac (Charente)

The medieval city of Cognac may be small but it is bursting with wonderful things to do. Located 400 kilometers to the south-west of Paris, the city is divided into two by the Charente River. 

The left bank showcases the beautiful old town, with its narrow cobbled streets and historically significant buildings. Many of them are in the half-timbered medieval style, like the Maison de la Lietuenance built in the 15th-century.  The St Jacques Towers and St Léger Church should also be visited.

Cognac is also the namesake and heartland of one of France’s most famous liqueurs.  The major Cognac producers of France all have their houses in the city.  Names like Rémy Martin, Camus, and Hennessy can be found here. 

Whether you are a Cognac drinker or not, spending time at one of the leading Cognac producers is a great experience.  The production occurs in age-old buildings using production methods that are both controlled by the French appellation process and also by tradition.  On a tour, you will learn what Cognac is and how it is made and visit the very interesting aging rooms.  Finally, you will taste the Cognac and learn different ways of drinking it. 

All Cognac houses offer basic tours with Cognac tastings .  They also offer more exclusive tours for Cognac connoisseurs, including tastings of special editions.  It is recommended to book ahead of your visit, especially in summer.

Suggested by Kerri | Beer and Croissants

Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Pyrénées Atlantiques)

When driving the west coast of France, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a must stop. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is not only a beautiful natural place with a picturesque little harbor, a lovely and quiet seafront, and awesome views of the Pyrénées mountains, but it’s also a village with a strong soul.

Its history was marked by the wedding of King Louis XIV. We can still find the souvenirs of the wedding through Maison Louis XIV where the couple spent his first night; Maison de l’Infante where Maria-Theresa spent her last night before getting married; the church that was specially renovated for their wedding, and Macarons Adam shop who invented the macaron for the event. Anne d’Autriche, King Louis XIV’s mother, liked this little cake so much that she offered her rosary to the servant of Adam shop!

It’s very easy to travel to Saint Jean de Luz by train. The railway station is situated 2 minutes from the harbor, with the view of the Rhune mountain. From the harbor, you can see the pink Infante house and on the opposite side the village of Ciboure and the house where Maurice Ravel was born. Follow the harbor and you will arrive on Louis XIV square, where you will see Maison Louis XIV and Macarons Adam. Take the little restaurants street to the ocean and enjoy the seafront. Return by the church that you can visit.

Suggested by Séphanie | Ethno Travels

Click here to book your hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)

La Rochelle is a historical seaport in the Bay of Biscay along the sandy west coast of France which would be on par with other port cities of the time like Bordeaux and Nantes. And while it does share a variety of tourist interest and attractions like the aquarium, gardens and the natural-history museum.

The main feature and attraction of this seaport town has to be the old harbor area which is central to nightlife, restaurants, and perfect views over the ancient port on the coastline. This is known locally as the Vieux Port , and the old harbor is the site of three medieval towers that keep the entrance to the harbor bay.

Unlike most of the Vendée coastline, La Rochelle itself doesn’t have the same sandy beaches, but not far down the coast finds Châtelaillon-Plage (15km south) which has a bustling promenade and some of the most perfect beachfront sands.

Suggested by Allan | It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor

Click here to book your hotel in La Rochelle

Saint-Émilion (Gironde)

Saint-Émilion is a fabulous place to explore wine tourism in the Bordeaux region of France. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s plenty of great reasons to visit even if you’re not a wine enthusiast. Though even if you don’t plan on drinking, you can still enjoy learning about how   Bordeaux became a wine region.  

Make sure to book your visits to the chateaus ahead of time if you plan to do wine tours and wine tastings. Many are booked up far in advance. However, if you do show up to the village without any bookings, the tourism office can help you to find which chateaus have last-minute openings available for you.

I also suggest you go on the city’s free walking tour to learn about the town’s amazing history and what makes this World Heritage Site so special. The tour will take you through the historic town center’s most important sites. Other fabulous things to do here include dining outside in one of the town squares, shopping for cheese and wine in the town shops, and simply exploring the gorgeous area on foot. You can stay for a few days or you can visit the town by train as a day trip from Bordeaux.

Suggested by Stephanie | History Fan Girl

This Saint Emilion Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting always has excellent reviews!

Seafood in Port-des-Barques (Charente Maritime)

The Atlantic seaside town of Port-des-Barques west of Rochefort boasts an idyllic location. Its peninsula location providing panoramic sea views and sandy beaches perfect for fishing from stilted pontoons, cycling tours or simply bathing in the coastal water.

However, another side to Port des Barques also related to its location on the Charente Estuary is our favorite thing to do in this region of Western France.

The waters of the estuary and its changing tides are why Port des Barques is rightfully known as the ‘Land of Oysters’.

Along the banks of the estuary are dotted numerous oyster farms all specializing in the local Marennes-Oléron oyster. Their enviable quality a result of the combination of beds located 5 km out at sea and land-based shallow ponds or ‘claires’. This mixture of salt and freshwater together results in a delectable seafood treat.

The only way to savor this is to head to one of the farms such as Les Fontaines on Chemin de la Grande Échelle. Also, a France Passion stop their small stall selling them accompanied with a simple dressing and cold glass of white wine makes for an ideal end to your day.

Suggested by Paul | The Two That Do

Castles of Dordogne (Dordogne)

France’s Dordogne region is magical! So many lovely Dordogne castles dot the landscape here. Not far from Bonneviole, Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux makes a worthy stop.

Fortified high on a cliff, its dramatic six towers cut an impressive profile against the skyline. If it’s Renaissance castles you’re in search of, look no further than Château de Montal . Or see the lush riverside setting of Château de Becastel.

My favorite Dordogne castle,   Château de Beynac   is just minutes from Saint Cyprien. This majestic stone fortress is the best-preserved fortress in the Perigord. Carved out of a cliff, it dominates the horizon. In fact, to reach it, you’ll need to wind your way up a long steep hill and then enter its stone walls from the back. Once you do, you’ll wander through the little village before entering the castle itself. Inside, 17th-century paintings adorn the ceiling and 15th-century frescos bring the Renaissance fireplace to life.

Whatever you do, be sure to climb all the way to the watchtower for stunning views of the Dordogne Valley! For the full effect, consider a canoe paddle or guided boat trip on the Dordogne River to look back at the facade. 

Chris | Explore Now or Never

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11 Best Places In The West Of France To Visit

From the Bay of Biscay in the south to the Celtic Sea off the northern coast of France, there are so many beautiful and best places in the west of France to explore. For starters,  there is a huge mix of little towns and cities that’ll have you leaping to book a train or flight to this beautiful region. 

That being said, if you’re not too sure you can reach the best places in the west of France, you’ve also got a treasure trove of other things to do in France. For instance, the secret spots in Paris or the charming villages of Dordogne are just two of my favourites. France even has its fair share of stunning national parks and hikes in France that are beautiful to explore.

Okay, I’m starting to ramble now, but I really wanted to show you some of my favourite and best places in the west of France to visit. There really is so much to see.

Take a look, below, at the very best places in the west of France to explore. Have the best time. 🇫🇷

1.) Biarritz

Nestled on the coast of the French Basque country, Biarritz is a little gem that’s gained popular attention after European royalty started holidaying here from the 19th Century. I mean, if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s good enough for us, right? 😉

Thankfully, you don’t just have to be royal or in line to a throne to visit, though I’m sure it would help. Once you’re here, make sure to explore; Rocher de la Vierge, stroll across Port Vieux Beach and explore Port des Pecheurs. It really is one of the best places in the west of France to explore.

Unique Spot: Oh, and if you’re a cheese lover (like me) make sure you don’t miss La Grappe a Fromages . You will be sufficiently stuffed with the best French cheeses. 

Easily up there as one of the best places in the west of France, Brest is a stunning city in the heart of Brittany . It’s the perfect place to learn how to sail, especially when it hosts the International Festival Of The Sea every four years.

Once here, make sure to explore; Cours Dajot, visit the Oceanopolis and stroll through the Musee national de la Marine. Alternatively, if you’ve not managed to gain your sea legs, take a wander through its harbour and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in all of Brittany .

Unique Spot: Its seafront (to learn to sail of course).

Read more: Best things to do in Brittany

3.) Bayonne

Bayonne is surprisingly close to Biarritz so you can definitely team up these two towns on a ‘double-date’! I hate to utter that cliche advice of ‘getting lost in its medieval streets’ but honestly, it’s such a little town that you’ll struggle to stay lost for very long.

One great experience is to hire a bike from Bayonne and spend the day cycling the coastline and exploring Biarritz too. Easy peasy.

Unique Spot: It’s little-cobbled streets filled with independent shops.

4.) Andernos-les-Bains

This small commune is oft-overlooked by many visitors to the west coast of France but is actually great to visit as it has one of the country’s loveliest coastlines. Recently, Andernos-les-Bains has also become known for its delicious oysters.

Take a wander across its shores and delve into its many shorefront restaurants and drink your weight in delicious French wine. It really is one of the best places in the west of France to explore, especially on a road trip.

Unique Spot: Anywhere that serves those delicious oysters.

Read more: Best things to do in Bordeaux

5.) Saint-Georges-d’Oleron

Visit the island of Oléron to explore some of its beautiful architecture and island life that time has seemed to have forgotten! You can even take a trip to the nearby Fort Boyard which is a one of a kind, French fortress in the sea.

Unique spot: Easily Fort Boyard and its timeless architecture. You can certainly hop on one of the boat trips that head across, but remember that it’ll take a hefty chunk of your time and might be a little disappointing if you’re not interested in the history of this building. 

6.) La Rochelle

This magical looking coastal city is almost 1,000 years – which can only mean one thing… lots of history and culture to explore. Stroll through the city and try to find some of the cities many 17th century passages and arches that dominate this pretty place.

Once here, make sure to explore; Vieux Port, explore the Towers of La Rochelle and see the Lighthouse of L’ile de Re. Also, if you’re looking for a little break from city life, check into the gorgeous Hotel de Toiras that’s around 10-miles from the city.

Unique spots:  Pop into the Restaurant of Christopher Coutanceau. It’s so delicious and they serve up the best local dishes. 

Read more: Best places in the south of France

7.) Saint-Nazaire

On the banks of the Loire River, Saint-Nazaire is a different type of town in Brittany to explore. Although the town is not as popular as other beautiful towns in Brittany, it’s a great place to start your journey down the coast whilst discovering the natural beauty that surrounds this region.

Once here, make sure to wander through the seafront (Front de Mer), see the Submarine l’Espadon and explore the Escal’Atlantic.

Unique spot: It’s beautiful coastline just outside the town limits.

8.) Barbatre

Barbâtre is a little district, perched on the eastern side of a little island. Attached by its very own road, this area is the perfect place to visit in summer to enjoy one of France’s most spectacular beach fronts. It really is one of the best places in the west of France to explore. 

Unique spot: It’s pristine coastal terrain.

9.) Guerande

Famous for its salt marshes, Guerande is the perfect place to discover a surprise French export (salt). 😉 Take a tour with one of the many local artisans that still look after these impressive marshes.

Unique spot: Salt. Salt. SALT!

10.) Quiberon

This little commune is based right on the tip of land that juts into the Atlantic Sea. With its rugged coast and small little coves, Quiberon is a geographer (and photographer)’s dream.

Unique spot: It’s dramatic coastline.

11.) Douarnenez

Pretty close to Brest, this small commune is a wonderful place to enjoy the unique culture of Brittany. Master your Breton language skills, take your walking shoes and enjoy this most beautiful of communes.

Unique spot: Its seafront restaurants chock-filled with fresh seafood from its harbour.

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A Tour of West France

West France offers so many different experiences that it's difficult to decide where to go. There's the glorious Atlantic coast with its unexpected islands where time stands still; places like Ile d'Aix where Napoleon spent his last days in exile; very chic Ile de Re, and delightful Noirmoutier, cut off from the mainland at high tide. 

Aquitaine is one of the most beautiful areas of France, with surprises like Puy du Foy (one of the best theme parks in the world). 

And all this before you get to the northern part of west France and glorious Brittany  which makes a tour in itself.

But to make it easier, I did a road trip but only going one way from the UK. Take the ferry to either St Malo, or my favorite route of Santander, and you'll only have on a major drive. 

You can also do this easily from Paris, or add it on to your trip to Spain.

I recommend driving from Santander to Bordeaux, via Biarritz, and spending 2 or 3 nights in Bordeaux. Then go into the glorious Dordogne where there are spectacular hotels to enjoy. From here, head north into the Loire Valley and stay in the western end in Saumur. From here it's an easy drive to St Malo for a night or more in this lovely fortified seaport with a superb history. Take the ferry from St Malo to Portsmouth.

A Tour of West France: The Highlights

Take the ferry.

Brittany Ferries runs very good ferries to various ports in France and Spain.

Tip: Take the Portsmouth to Santander ferry on the Pont-Aven. It’s more like a mini cruise than a ferry, you get an excellent dinner and overnight in a cabin. Then there's a day to relax and sunbathe on deck before arriving in time to check into your Santander hotel, get a good dinner and night to start the next day.

Brittany ferries run various services, but I recommend leaving Portsmouth at 5.15 pm and arriving the next day at 6.15pm. 

The Portsmouth-Bilbao route is slightly shorter and you can take either a day or overnight crossing but this is the less popular route for people taking a Spanish holiday so is not so frequent.

If you do it this way, you will be driving from south to north. 

Next Stop: From Santander to Bordeaux - via Biarritz

Drive from Santander to Bordeaux - via Biarritz

Drive: Santander to Bordeaux 430 km (267 miles) taking from 4 hours 50 minutes

The drive is pretty past mountainous country and you might want to stop on the way. It takes slightly less from Bilbao to Bordeaux.

Alternatively, beach lovers might consider stopping in ​ Biarritz for an overnight and the chance to surf on the great Atlantic rollers. Or join the other high rollers at the Casino.

 Next Stop: Bordeaux

Recommended: 2 to 3 nights

Bordeaux is one of France’s most vibrant, and prosperous cities. The river quays have been renovated while the new Bordeaux Cité du Vin has brought an exciting world-wide attraction to the city that was once at the heart of the wine trade, filling the cellars of English milords with the rich Saint-Emilion, Château Yquem and Pomerol vintages that are the best wines in the world.

Check out the Water Mirror that reflects the Bourse; the markets that line the quays; the museums that display the story of the city, show fine and contemporary arts and intrigue with the history of historic Aquitaine. Above all, savor the great restaurants, and taste the great wines of the region.

And after this, you deserve a day trip out to the surrounding Bordeaux wine country .

Next Stop: Drive from Bordeaux to Trémolat in the Dordogne. 153 km (95 miles) taking around 2 hours  

The Dordogne

Recommended: 3 to 4 nights nights

The Dordogne is a beautiful region, covering Périgord where the living – and the food is rich. The region is famous for its bastides , or fortified towns that defended every community in the Middle Ages when baron fought baron and the French and the English fought each other.

Where to Stay

For sheer luxury spend the first night at Le Vieux Logis in the small village of Trémolat. This old manor house is now one of the most comfortable and charming hotels in the area offering a warm welcome and top dining in the garden where a small stream provides a gentle background sound. 

• Read guest reviews, compare prices and book at Le Vieux Logis with TripAdvisor.

What to See in the Dordogne

From here the sightseeing choices are endless, so take your pick. Lascaux II takes you on a walk through the prehistory of this region; Château Beynac is one of the castles that once ruled the area. Or visit the Château de Milandes, where the American dancer Josephine Baker spent many years, some happy, some towards the end, desperately sad. Look at the views from the Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac, then go deep underground down into the Gouffre de Padirac, a vast sinkhole where you take a boat ride through the silently flowing river.

If you’re here for the weekend , don’t miss the Saturday market in Sarlat-la-Canéda which fills the streets of this pretty old town.

Next Stop:  Drive from here to Lacave and the fabulous Château de la Treyne . The distance is 80 km (50 miles) and the drive takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. 

The Dordogne: Part 2

Spend the second part of your Dordogne tour at the impossibly romantic Château de la Treyne . This fairytale castle is perched high up above the Dordogne river that flows slowly and majestically in the gorges below. It’s a delightful, surprisingly casual, family-run hotel where you sit on the outdoor terrace at tables lit by flickering candles and dine watching the sun slowly sink below the hillside opposite.

The two hotels are relatively close so you can catch up on any of the major sights you have missed and also try to get to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rocamadour. Or you might just like to chill out for the day, playing a gentle game of tennis and swimming in the outdoor pool.

• Read guest reviews, compare prices and book the Château de la Treyne on TripAdvisor .

Next Stop: Drive from the Dordogne to Saumur. 355 km (220 miles) taking around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Saumur in the Loire Valley

In the western section of the Loire Valley, you’ll find one of the pretty but less well-known towns.

Saumur might be familiar through its excellent sparkling wine which some people prefer to Champagne, but it has a lot more going for it than just bubbly. It was once an important military town and it still has the Armoured Corps Academy. You can visit the Military Museum, as well as the Tank Museum (Musée des Blindées) which has the largest collection of armored vehicles in the world. Check a really good visitor guide to the Tank Museum  online.

Horse lovers will be drawn to the National Riding School (Le Cadre Noir) to take a tour and watch how the horses are trained in the gentle and complex art of dressage.

Saumur is half-way between Tours and Angers so it’s a good place for some trips beyond the city walls. To the west, the Loire river flows towards the city of Nantes and beyond to the Atlantic with its glorious islands. To the east, it takes you past the great châteaux and gardens of the Loire Valley, once the playground of kings and now one of the most beautiful areas of France. 

• Read guest reviews, check prices and book a hotel in Saumur through TripAdvisor.

Next Stop: Drive from Saumur to St-Malo - 262 km (162 miles) taking from 3 hours

St-Malo on the Brittany Coast

St-Malo is a lovely city, its grey granite walls wrapped around the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town. Originally a fortified island protecting the city at the mouth of the river Rance and the open seas, it’s now attached to the mainland.

St-Malo has an old citadel and in the section called intra-muros (within the walls) plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

If you’re planning to take the ferry the next day back to the UK you’ll only have an afternoon and an evening here. So book a hotel within the center, enjoy your last moules frites or plateau de fruits de mer, have a good night’s sleep and get onboard the next day for a tranquil trip back to Portsmouth.  

• Read guest reviews, check prices and book a hotel in St-Malo through TripAdvisor.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.

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Dordogne Travel Guide and Maps

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The Undiscovered and Splendid Corner of Southwest France

Basque Country in South West France

The Top 15 Things to Do in Bordeaux, France

The Top 15 Foods to Try in France

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France Guide: Planning Your Trip

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• Your ultimate guide to visiting France

South West , Travel

The perfect south west france road trip: itinerary & tips for planning a road trip in south west france.

Are you planning a road trip in South West France? You’ve come to the right place!

I spent most of my life in this region so needless to say that I think that south west France is one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

There are many reasons to visit southwest France and opting for a road trip is a great way to discover everything this authentic region has to offer.

While public transport is not too bad, it won’t allow you to reach some of the best spots so exploring with a car will definitely enable you to see the best of the best!

There are plenty of things to do when you’re on holiday in south west France, from exploring our beautiful cities, discovering clifftops villages, hiking, kayaking and of course one tasting in the famous vineyards.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your South West France road trip. This includes practical information, where to stay, what to do and of course some insider tips!

So, are you ready to get started with the ultimate South West France road trip? Let’s go!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Table of Contents

Planning a road trip in South West France

Before we get started with the itinerary itself, we will give you all the info you need to actually plan your road trip in Occitanie and Nouvelle Aquitaine.

When is the best time to go on a road trip in South West France?

This is a tough question because that really depends on what you’re looking for.

South west France region is known for its beautiful summers with long sunny days, but it can get quite hot during the peak season (July and August). Traffic can also be insanely bad near the coast. However, cities like Toulouse are rather empty.

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet or don’t want to deal with the crowds, I would recommend going in May-June or September-October.

Spring and autumn are also beautiful times to visit south west France, with fewer crowds than the summer but still lots of sunshine!

How to get to South West France

You can find airports in most of the major cities in south west France. Toulouse and Bordeaux are the main airports and all have international flights.

You will also find Ryanair airports in Carcassonne and Bergerac (which is handy if you are flying from the UK for example)

For ease and practicality, I recommend flying to Bordeaux or Toulouse . You will be doing a loop and both of these cities have major airports so it’s very convenient.

You will also have more options when it comes to car rentals in these places and can visit the city car-free and then book your car. This will save you a couple of days of rental and carpark.

However, as previously mentioned, Bayonne , Bergerac and Carcassonne are also on the road.

Where to find the best fares?

Here are where you can find the cheapest fares to the airports in South West France.

• Flights to Bordeaux
• Flights to Toulouse
• Flights to Carcassonne
• Flights to Bergerac
• Flights to Bayonne

Renting a car in South West France

Once you have your flight sorted, it’s time to think about renting a car.

Obviously, no good road trip would be good without a car! Also, driving is definitely the best way to explore south west France as public transport will not take you everywhere.

There are many rental companies and most of them can be found at the airports.

That having been said, I would strongly recommend flying to either Bordeaux or Toulouse and exploring the city with public transport for a couple of days before renting your car.

Firstly, a car is not helpful in these two cities. Secondly, it will save you some money since you won’t keep the car for as many days and more importantly, you won’t have to worry about parking the vehicle (which is both a hassle and expensive in these cities).

Finally, renting a car in the city and not in the airport can sometimes work out cheaper but it really depends on what offers they have on which is why you should use a comparison website like Skyscanner to find the best deals.

Click here to find the best prices.

You can also check out these car rental companies since they are really good and sometimes have good offers on Europcar and Hertz .

Renting a car in France is pretty straightforward. You will need a driving license (+ international license if you come from outside of Europe) and a credit card.

If you’re under 25, you might have to pay a bit more for your rental so it’s always worth adding someone over 25 as a driver.

Don’t forget to take extra insurance for peace of mind (or check with your credit card issuer if that’s included). As much as I’d love to say that we are good drivers, let’s be honest, we aren’t really.

PRO TIP: Diesel is much cheaper in France than petrol so if you have the choice, opt for a diesel car.

PRO TIP 2: You will be exploring a lot of small villages which means you’ll also be driving on narrow and bendy roads. For this reason, I wouldn’t advise you to book a large vehicle. In this case, the smaller the better!

Packing list for South West France road

Obviously, it will vary depending on when you go in south west France (hot weather vs cold weather) but this should give you an idea of what to pack for south west france:

• Dresses and shorts if you are visiting in summer
• Jacket – Something like a jean jacket should be enough most of the time.
• A winter coat if you are visiting between November and March.
• A pair of comfortable city shoes such as Converse.
• A pair of hiking shoes – sturdy and comfortable since you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
• A pair of sandals/flip flops – for the beach and walking around in the evening
• Swimsuit(s)
• Sunhat and Sunscreen

South West France Road Trip itinerary

Now that you have nailed all the preparations, it’s finally time to start exploring south west France!

Here are all the best stops to add to your South West Road Trip!

Stop 1: Bordeaux

• Recommended length of stay: 2 days

Bordeaux is a great place to start your road trip, especially since it’s home to one of the main airports in the region.

Bordeaux is famous in the entire world for its wine. If you are interested in learning more about the wine and culinary culture in France, there is no better place to start!

The city and its surroundings have a lot to offer so I would recommend allocating at least two or three days here.

Here are some of the best things to do in Bordeaux :

• Visiting the Cité du Vin. If you are a foodie and want to learn more about wine in Bordeaux, heading to the Cité du Vin is a must-do! Here you will find 8 floors of exhibitions dedicated to wine and will get to taste some of the most delicious local wines while admiring the stunning views over the city. Entrance tickets can be purchased here.
• Exploring the old town. It’s full of historical buildings and the perfect place to discover the UNESCO listed monuments. To make the best of this visit, join the local walking tour.
• Eating Canelés. Bordeaux is known as the birthplace of Canelés so make sure to try one while you’re here!
• Going on a cruise on the River Garonne. This is a cool thing to do if you want to discover the city from a unique angle. Prices here.

PRO TIP: If you are planning on visiting the Cité du Vin and taking a walking tour , you should consider taking the Bordeaux Metropole City pass. It includes access to these places as well as 15 other landmarks and you can take public transport for free! It can save you a fair bit of money. See prices here.

Stop 2: Saint Emilion

• Recommended length of stay: 1/2 to 1 day
• Driving time from Bordeaux: 50 minutes (48 km)

Located just outside of Bordeaux, on the way to the beautiful Dordogne, Saint Emilion is one of the most beautiful villages in south west France.

Its rich history and numerous vineyards have made it a popular spot for tourists, especially among wine lovers!

Not only will you get to discover beautiful landscapes but it’s also an excellent place to taste some world-famous wines!

There are several things to do in St-Emilion:

• Visit a local winery and chateau and learn more about the Saint-Emilion grand crus. You can book a tour with wine tasting here .
• Enjoy a leisurely walk in the village and around the vineyards (but don’t walk in the vineyard unless invited).
• Wine themed Escape room. This is the perfect thing to do if you are at least 3 people. The escape room is set in a local vineyard. It includes the game as well as a wine tasting afterwards. It’s so much fun!

Stop 3: Bergerac

• Driving time from Saint-Emilion: 1 hour (58 km)

Your next stop after Saint-Emilion will be Bergerac. You’ve officially made it to the beautiful Dordogne!

Bergerac is a beautiful small town located in the heart of the Dordogne department and on the side of the river Dordogne.

It’s famous for its timber frame houses but also for its wine. This area boasts some of the most famous wines in the world including the delicious sweet Monbazillac.

While you are there, make sure to:

• Go to Notre Dame de Bergerac Church. This gorgeous neo-gothic church is ideally located in the town centre.
• Stroll around the historic centre of Bergerac which is full of winding streets, local shops and beautiful timber-framed houses.
• Visit the Maison du vin. Located in the old town, this is the perfect place to learn more about the wine culture in the area.
• Wine Tasting . Since Bergerac is also famous for its wine, make sure to enjoy a glass or two and book a wine tasting.

Stop 4: Beynac-et-Cazenac

• Driving time from Bergerac: 1 hour (61 km)

After spending some time in Bergerac, it’s time to continue and discover some of the most famous landmarks in the Dordogne.

Your first stop will be Beynac-et-Cazenac, which is just before Sarlat and Les Eyzies de Tayac.

Not only is Beynac one of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’ (most beautiful villages in France) but it’s also home to one of the most iconic medieval castles in France.

The Château de Beynac is located on top of a cliff and overlooks the river Dordogne. From there you can discover breathtaking views of the valley but also the other Dordogne castles such as the Château des Milandes which used to belong to Josephine Baker.

French culture tip: The castle was also featured in the French comedy movie ‘ Les Visiteurs ‘.

It was released in the 90s and stars Jean Reno and Christian Clavier as a medieval knight and servant.

Some of the scenes of the sequel were filmed in the castle.

You’ll understand pretty quickly since most French people come here to actually see the filming location. If you want to watch the movie before you go, it’s available here.

Stop 5: La Roque Gageac

• Driving time from Beynac-et-Cazenac: 7 minutes (5 km)

Just down the road is La Roque Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in south west France.

This village is built into the side of a cliff and offers some of the most amazing views over the river Dordogne. It’s so unique! You definitely won’t get to see that everywhere.

There are plenty of things to do in La Roque Gageac, such as:

• Stroll around the village and take in the views of the ochre houses and cliffs.
• Visit Château de la Malartrie which is a beautiful castle located on the edge of the village.
• Wander around the exotic garden and Bamboo stand.
• Take a boat ride on the river Dordogne . This is a great way to see the village and to get a closer look at this beautiful place.
• Kayaking . If you like sports and the outdoors then you’ll be in for a treat since this is one of the best places in France to go kayaking . You will get to see the village from the river which is quite unique but you can also keep paddling and see all the castles previously mentioned from the valley.

Stop 6: Sarlat-La-Canéda

• Recommended length of stay: 1 day
• Driving time from La Roque Gageac: 17 minutes (14 km)

Your next stop will be Sarlat-La-Canéda, which is one of the most famous medieval towns in Dordogne .

It’s located in the heart of the Périgord Noir which is known for its truffles.

Sarlat is home to narrow streets, lovely squares and an authentic food market. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you love history and food!

Some of the things you can do in Sarlat-La-Canéda are:

• Explore the old town and take in the beautiful architecture.
• Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos which is a beautiful gothic cathedral.
• Visit the Manor Gisson
• Have a drink or lunch in one of the lovely restaurants and discover the local dishes (foie gras, truffles…)

If you’d like to learn more about the culinary culture in Sarlat, make sure to join the gourmet tour of the market.

The guide will take you to the best spots and you will get to taste delicious food and wines. It’s an excellent way to learn more about these dishes and delicacies that although locally produced, are famous in the entire world. Click here to see the prices.

Stop 7: Grottes de Lascaux

• Recommended length of stay: 1/2 day
• Driving time from Sarlat: 30 minutes (27 km)

It would be impossible to visit Sarlat without taking a day trip to the world famous Grottes de Lascaux.

Located only 30 minutes drive from Sarlat, in the small village of Montignac, the Grottes de Lascaux are a set of caves that contain some of the most famous prehistoric paintings in the world.

The cave and paintings were discovered in 1940 by 4 teenagers. It opened a few years later to the public before closing again in the 80s.

Unfortunately, the carbon dioxide created by the visitors’ breath and sweat was damaging the paintings.

An exact replica was then created, just next to the original site. It’s called Lascaux IV and is the site that you will visit.

But don’t worry, it’s so well done that you wouldn’t actually know it’s not the original.

In order to visit the Grottes de Lascaux you will need to buy a ticket. Here you have three options:

• Buy your ticket on-site. This is not recommended since it’s unlikely you’ll manage to get one unless you are visiting during the low season.
• Buy your ticket online. You can buy your ticket on the official Dordogne ticketing site here.
• Book a tour from Sarlat . You can also choose to book a tour from Sarlat which includes transport, ticket and a guided tour of the cave. This is also a skip-the-line which means you won’t be losing any time waiting. See prices here.

You will also find a museum which contains information about the discovery of the cave, its history and how it was reconstructed. It’s full of interesting info so don’t forget to check that out.

Stop 8: Rocamadour

• Driving time from Montignac: 1 hour 10 minutes (62 km)

Once you are done with Lascaux, you will start heading south.

You will leave the Dordogne to enter one of the most underrated (but yet, gorgeous) French departments: le Lot.

Your next stop will be Rocamadour which is a famous clifftop village in the South West.

It’s one of the most famous villages in France (as in literally since it’s part of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’ association) and it’s easy to see why. The village is perched on a cliff, overlooking the Alzou river canyon. It’s simply beautiful!

Rocamadour is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in France. It’s known for its Cité Réligieuse which includes several churches and chapels as well as the Black Madonna statue and the stunning Basilica of St-Sauveur.

Here are some ideas of things to do in Rocamadour:

• Walk up the ‘chemin de croix’
• Going all the way up to the basilica. The stairs to go up there are not that easy. Traditionally pilgrims would climb them on their knees so you can only imagine how hard it is. If you don’t fancy the walk up, you can take the cable car.
• Eating delicious food. Rocamadour is known for producing some of the best goat cheese in France. They are called ‘cabécou’ and are well worth trying.
• Monkey forest and Rocher des Aigles are both great places to visit with kids.

Stop 9: Gouffre de Padirac

• Driving time from Rocamadour: 23 minutes (16 km)

Located only 25 minutes from Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac is one of the best and most unique places to visit in South West France.

It’s is a natural limestone cave that was formed over millions of years by the action of water on the limestone rock.

The Gouffre de Padirac is one of the largest and most visited caves in France, with over 500,000 visitors a year.

The cave is around 100 metres deep and has a river running through it. This is why it’s so unique. This is not your traditional ‘boring’ cave. There is a river and all visitors get to take a boat trip on the underground river before visiting the cave on foot.

The cave also features impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.

The visit is split into 3 parts:

• You will walk down in the gouffre (which means hole in French). This part kind of looks like you’re stepping into a Jurassic Park movie set.
• You will go on a small boat and the guide will bring give you loads of information about the underground river while paddling.
• Your guide will ‘park’ his boat and take you all around the cave for further info.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. While there is a front desk there and you technically can buy it on-site, it’s often hard to get tickets.

To avoid any disappointment, book them online.

PRO TIP: Since you will be underground for most of the visit, I always recommend taking a slot just before sunset so you get to see while you’re walking down and then it’s dark while you are in the cave. That’s the best use of your time.

Alternative : If you’re not too much into caves and would prefer to discover more cute villages, you can easily go to Loubressac and Autoire from Rocamadour. It’s a bit closer and they are all adorable places. You can also walk to the waterfall in Autoire (that’s a bit of a hidden gem!).

Stop 10: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

• Driving time from the Gouffre de Padirac: 1 hour 10 minutes (65km)

Your next stop on your South West France itinerary is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.

This stunning village is located on a cliff overlooking the Lot river and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with photographers.

Also, it’s another ‘plus beaux villages de France’! It is known for its stunning views, charming architecture, and vibrant colours.

Here are some ideas of things to do in St-Cirq-Lapopie:

• Wander around the narrow streets and discover how picturesque and unique this village is.
• Check out the church. It’s located right on the edge of the cliff which is rather impressive.
• Kayaking. You can rent a kayak from Bouziès and opt go kayaking on the river Lot, just underneath St-Cirq. Not only is it one of the best places in France to go kayaking but it’s also a great opportunity to discover the village from a new and unusual angle.
• Check out the Towpath. Le chemin de halage is a path entirely built in the stone of the cliff. It’s super impressive!

Stop 11: Najac

• Driving time from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: 55 minutes (45 km)

Your next stop is another beautiful village but this time it’s located in the Aveyron department.

While it is similar to the other villages you’ve seen, you should start noticing a lot of changes in the landscapes compared to the Dordogne or the Lot. We are heading South!

Najac is also one of the most beautiful villages in France however, it’s not as famous as Rocamadour or St-Cirq-Lapopie. Even the locals don’t even always know about it!

For this reason, it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to add some hidden gems to your road trip in the South West.

This medieval village is incredibly cute and boasts amazing views over the valley. You will also find the castle on top of the hill.

It’s very unique!

Here are some ideas of things to do in Najac:

• Walk around the village and admire the beautiful medieval houses. If that’s something you are interested in, you should pop by the visitor centre first. They organise guided walking tours so you might want to join one.
• Visit the castle. From the top of the village, you can walk all the way down and then back up to the castle. It can be visited inside.
• Go on a hike to see some incredible views over Najac and the valley.
• Kayaking. With the Gorges de l’Aveyron so close, it would be a shame not to try some water sports while you’re here!

Foodie tip: The Aveyron is known for its authentic and traditional cuisine. While you are in Najac, make sure to go to one of the local restaurants and get a menu that includes Aligot.

It’s a local speciality made with potatoes and cheese. It’s delicious!

Also, restaurants in Najac are often quite cheap so it’s a great place to get food if you are on a budget.

Pro tip: Since Najac is rather small, you can choose to spend 1 day or only half a day here. It’s up to you. If you wish to visit both Najac and Cordes on the same day, it’s entirely possible. It depends on how much time you have ahead of you.

Stop 12: Cordes-sur-Ciel

• Driving time from Najac: 30 minutes (26 km)

Located only 30 minutes drive from Najac, Cordes-sur-Ciel is located in the Tarn department and it’s one of the most beautiful villages in France.

It is a fairytale village, perched on top of a hill with stunning views over the surrounding area. It really does look like something out of a storybook!

Fun fact: Sur ciel in French means ‘on sky’. That should give you a good idea of what to expect!

Here are some ideas of things to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel:

• Walk around the village and admire the beautiful houses, churches, and narrow streets. The visitor centre also offer walking tour so make sure to check them out.
• Take the mini train. You can find a mini train at the entrance of the village. It takes you all around Cordes and up to les Cabanes so you can enjoy the view. If you are travelling with kids it’s worth considering it.
• Discovering the medieval marketplace. Cordes is one of the best places in France to see examples of ‘halles’. It’s very big and is located in the middle of the village.
• Shopping. Cordes is full of cute local shops with food, jewellery and other crafts. If you want to find unique souvenirs, it will be the perfect place.
• Go for a walk to the view point. The best way to understand why Cordes is named ‘on sky’ is to head to the view point. From there, you’ll get to see the hill and the village. It’s so pretty. It’s also an easy 20-minute walk from the centre.
• Visiting the chocolate and sugar museum. This is a fun and unique place to visit especially if you are with kids. Nothing boring here, just pure fun!

Stop 13: Albi

• Driving time from Cordes-sur-Ciel: 30 minutes (25 km)

Now that you’ve seen many villages in the South West, it’s time to discover some of our beautiful cities!

Albi is a city located in the Tarn department. It’s best known for being the birthplace of painter Toulouse-Lautrec and for its stunning cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city has a rich history and there are plenty of things to see and do in Albi. Here are some suggestions:

• Walk around the Episcopal City and admire the beautiful medieval architecture in the walled area in the heart of Albi.
• Take a guided tour of the cathedral. It’s an incredible building and well worth a visit. You’ll get to discover exactly why it was listed as a UNESCO site.
• Visit the Toulouse-Lautrec museum. This is the world’s largest collection of works by the painter and it’s definitely worth a visit if you are interested in art.
• Have a picnic in the park. There are plenty of green spaces in Albi, so find one that looks nice to you and enjoy a relaxing lunch break.
• Go to Cap’Découverte. This is a super fun theme park located near Albi. You’ll find a bit of everything including an artificial ski slope!

Stop 14: Toulouse

• Driving time from Albi: 1 hour (77 km)

Now it’s time to head to the largest city in the South West, Toulouse!

Toulouse is a vibrant city and there is plenty to see and do here.

It’s a rather ‘young’ city since there are so many students and for this reason, it’s very lively. It is nicknamed the pink city ( La ville Rose ) and is one of the most underrated cities in France.

Toulouse is also a great place to relax and enjoy some good South West food. Here are some suggestions:

• Take a walking tour . While walking around the city centre is a great way to explore, if you can you should join a walking tour organised by the visitor centre. You will learn plenty about the history of Toulouse, the Calas case and the mix of medieval and modern architecture. It can be booked through the visitor centre and is included in the Toulouse Pass.
• Visit the Place du Capitole and admire the beautiful buildings around it, including the city hall and opera house.
• Take a stroll in the Jardin des Plantes and enjoy the quiet green space in the middle of the city.
• Have a picnic at the Daurade. This is one of the best sunset spots in Toulouse and a great place to go for a picnic and drinks in the evening.
• EAT! Toulouse has some amazing food and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make sure to order a traditional cassoulet!
• E-bike tour. Toulouse is an awesome city to discover with a bike. It’s flat and there are a lot of cycling lanes. For this reason, I’d highly recommend to consider the e-bike tour of Toulouse . It’s good fun and you’ll learn loads!

READ MORE: Toulouse Travel Tips: 10 Things you need to know before visiting Toulouse, France

Stop 15: Lourdes

• Driving time from Toulouse: 2 hours (178 km)

Now that we are done with Toulouse, we are going to head further south and west and go through the stunning Pyrenees to make a stop in Lourdes!

Lourdes is best known for being a religious pilgrimage site and it attracts millions of visitors every year.

It was recognised as a place of pilgrimage because of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

However, even if you’re not religious, the city is worth a visit as it’s very pretty and has a lot of history.

Here are some things to do in Lourdes:

• Visit the Grotto of Massabielle , where Saint Bernadette had her famous visions.
• Take a guided tour of the city and learn about its history and the sanctuary. See prices here.
• Visit the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
• Visit the castle. The Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen is a beautiful castle located on a hill in Lourdes. It boasts fantastic views of the Pyrenees and is a great example of medieval architecture.

Stop 16: Biarritz

• Driving time from Lourdes: 1 hour 45 minutes (170 km)

Now we are going to make our way to the Atlantic coast and discover one of the cutest coastal towns in France, Biarritz!

It’s well known for its beaches, surfing and golfing. It’s also a great place to just relax and enjoy the sun and sea. Loads of French people choose it as a destination for their summer holidays and as soon as you get there, you’ll understand why.

Here are some things to do in Biarritz:

• Surf ! Biarritz is a world-famous surfing destination and if you’re interested in giving it a go, there are plenty of schools where you can learn.
• Relax on the beach
• Have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants located on the beach.
• Visit the old town and admire the beautiful Basque architecture.
• Walk to the lighthouse and discover beautiful views of the coast
• Visit les Halles. This traditional market is an excellent place to get food and taste some authentic basque cuisine.

Stop 17: Bayonne

• Driving time from Biarritz: 15 minutes (8km)

After Biarritz, we are going to head to Bayonne, which is only a short drive away.

Bayonne is a beautiful town and it’s well known for its Basque culture and food. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about this unique region of France.

It’s also particularly famous for its ferias in July so if you are visiting at this time of the year, it’s worth considering it. If that’s not something you are interested in though, I’d recommend skipping Bayonne altogether since you won’t get to do some sightseeing while it’s on.

Here are some things to do in Bayonne:

• Walking tour. The best way to explore Bayonne is on foot and if you’d like to learn more about the main landmarks, this local walking tour will be ideal.
• Sainte-Marie cathedral. Located in the heart of Bayonne, this gorgeous cathedral is an excellent example of gothic architecture.
• Sample some of the delicious Basque food at one of the many restaurants located in the old town. Bayonne is also known for producing some of the best chocolate in France so it’s worth doing a chocolate tasting .
• Walk along the river Adour and enjoy views of the city.
• Musée Basque. This is the best place to learn more about Basque culture at traditions.
• Going to les Halles. This is the traditional market in Bayonne and one of the best places in town to get food! Here you will find local products and delicious dishes. It’s a great place for lunch and it’s free to visit (you’ll have to pay for your food though but that’s up to you what you choose to buy or not).
• Segway tour. If you’d like to do something a bit different, then you can opt for the segway tour of Bayonne.

Stop 18: Capbreton and Hossegor

• Driving time from Bayonne: 20 minutes (22km)

Calling all outdoor lovers for this one!

After Bayonne, we are going to head south and explore the towns of Capbreton and Hossegor.

These two towns are located on the Atlantic coast. They are well known for their beaches and being one of the best surfing spots in France!

They’re also a great place to just relax and enjoy the sun and sea.

So, if you’d like to try to hit the waves during your holidays in South West France or just want to take a bit of a break and relax for a day, they will be the perfect spots.

You can choose to visit both in one day since they are very close to each other.

Otherwise, you can go to just Capbreton to relax and Hossegor is better for surfing.

Here are some things to do in Capbreton and Hossegor:

• Surfing. As I mentioned before, these towns are world-famous for their surfing and if you’re interested in giving it a go, there’s plenty of schools where you can learn.
• Relax on the beach. Notre-Dame, l’Estacade and la centrale in Capbreton are excellent options.
• Walk to the l’Estacade pier in Capbreton for some beautiful ocean views and romantic atmosphere (especially at sunset).

Stop 19: Dune du Pilat

• Driving time from Capbreton: 1 hour 40 minutes (167 km)

After Hossegor, we will be driving a couple of hours up to the Dune du Pilat.

The Dune du Pilat is a huge sand dune located near the town of Arcachon. At 107 meters high, it’s the highest sand dune in Europe and over 2 million people visit it each day.

If you’re looking for an adventure, this is definitely the place to go. You can hike to the top of the dune and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

Not only is climbing it a unique experience but the views from the top are amazing!

Also, if you are a bit of a thrill-seeker, this is the perfect place to try paragliding!

Stop 20: Arcachon

• Driving time from the Dune du Pilat: 15 minutes (13 km)

After the Dune du Pilat, we will be driving to Arcachon.

This seaside town is known for its beautiful beaches, seafood and architecture. It’s a popular day trip from Bordeaux so you will find loads of locals here.

It’s only 15 minutes drive from the dune so it would be a shame not to check it out. You can also do both in one day. No need to dedicate a day each.

Some of the things you can do in Arcachon are:

• Going to La criée (fish auction). When it comes to seafood, Arcachon sets the standard and the best place to get fresh fish is at the port, in the morning. Fishermen come back and will sell their fish while shouting (crier means to shout in French). You’ll need to go super early in the morning though.
• Explore the town and check out Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Take a boat trip to the Bassin d’Arcachon. This is a natural bay located south of Arcachon is the perfect place to go on a day cruise. You can discover the famous bird island which is home to over 150 species of birds and to the unique cabanes tchanquées.

We hope this article has helped you, now is time to enjoy your amazing road trip in South West France!

You may also be interested in:

• Toulouse 1-Day Itinerary: Exactly How to spend 1 Day in Toulouse, France
• Toulouse Travel Tips: 10 Things you need to know before visiting Toulouse, France
• 13 Prettiest Villages near Toulouse, France

FrancePocketGuide

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West Coast of France travel Itinerary for 2 or 3 weeks

Breathtaking landscapes, historical towns, numerous UNESCO sights, and amazing beaches. Throw in that delightful surfing atmosphere and countless camping options, and VOILÀ, there’s France. Roadtrip HEAVEN! It’s one of the most visited countries globally! We don’t find it surprising at all because, although France took some time to appear on our road trip radar, we’re now completely smitten with this country, particularly the west coast of France.

In 2020, the initial plan was to embark on a road trip through Spain and Portugal, but due to Corona, we had to change our plans and decided to combine the west coast of France with Italy. A bit of an odd route, but that’s just how we roll. Over a span of two weeks, we embarked on a beautiful road trip, ultimately driving from the southwest coast of France to Italy. We couldn’t get enough, so we decided to add the west coast of France to our road trip route not only in 2020 but also in 2021 and 2022.

In this article, we’re sharing the ultimate road trip route for the west coast of France, highlighting the most fantastic destinations and absolute must-visits.

In this article

• West Coast France Route – 3 Weeks
• West Coast France Route – 2 Weeks
• From Southwest France back to the Netherlands

From France to Italy

• Road trip France & Northern Spain
• Tips for each destination

West coast of France Travel Itinerary 3 weeks

• Le Grand Vey (Utah Beach), Normandy – 2 nights (8 hour drive)
• Le Mont-Saint-Michel – 1 night (1 hour drive)
• Ile de Re – 3 nights (5 hour drive)
• Bordeaux – 1 night (2.5 hour drive)
• Dune du Pyla – 2 nights (1 hour drive)
• Mimizan – 2 nights (1 hour drive)
• Contis and/or Biarritz- 2 nights (1.5 hour drive)
• Cap de’ l’Homy – 2 nights (1.5 hour drive)
• Bordeaux – 1 night (2 hour drive)
• Olivet – 1 night (4 hour drive)
• Paris – 2 nights (5 -6 hour drive to the Netherlands)

West Coast of France Travel Itinerary 2 weeks in a nutshell

• Calvados, Normandy – 1 night
• Le Grand Vey (Utah Beach), Normandy – 2 nights

Le Mont-Saint-Michel – 1 night

• Ile de Re – 2 nights (5 hour drive)
• Mimizan or Contis – 2 nights
• Cap de’ l’Homy and/or Moliets – 2 nights

No plan is the best plan

For the past 3 years we have seen much of the beautiful west coast of France. Based on our favorite destinations, we have put together our ultimate west coast itinerary of France. The perfect combination of history, charming villages, vineyards, cities and, of course, some awesome surf destinations. We think this itinerary is a nice handle but try not to tie up too much during your trip. No Plan is the best plan. This keeps you nice and flexible and allows you to change the route a little bit each day. We plan everything on the day of departure or a day in advance. That way you can stay a little longer if you love a place or leave quickly if you go screaming mad at a destination. It is also nice to drive short distances. If you spend more than 5 hours in the car or RV, you really need to leave early or you will soon lose a whole day.

Tip! | You could possibly add Calvados (for Normandy) on the way out as a first stop if you find 8 hours in 1 day too much. Other places on the southwest coast of France to possibly add are Moliets , Hossegor and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains.

From southwestern France to the Netherlands

From Moliets or Biaritz you can drive back to the Netherlands in one trip, which is a total of 12 hours. But much more fun, of course, is to add some additional destinations to your itinerary. Thus, the dordogne is the perfect stopover. From Biarritz, this is about a 4-hour drive. You will find numerous charming villages like Belvés, Beynac-et-Cazaneo and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

Then if you want to add another destination to your itinerary, of course you may skip Paris The perfect stopover.

We decided to add Italy to our road trip . Initially we wanted to visit Provence and the Cote del Azur, but unfortunately these areas were tightened to orange during our road trip. We therefore drove on to a small charming village and then spent 1 more night on the outskirts of Alps before driving on to Turin from there.

Road trip France & northern Spain

In case you have been following us for a while, it is probably no secret that we are fans of Northern Spain. This part of Spain is still relatively undiscovered and there is a wonderful vanlife atmosphere. Northern Spain is perfect to combine with France. So if you have some extra time, we definitely recommend adding Northern Spain to your trip.

We love the vanlife life, but actually not that much of a long drive. We prefer to spend a maximum of 3 hours a day in the car with the exception of the first day. Then it is nice to get some mileage. So we decided to drive on to Calvados in one go, which took us about 7 hours. We found a fairly new Huttopia campsite here and since we had heard many good stories, we decided to stay here for the first 2 nights. The campground was incredibly cozy and charming, but otherwise there wasn’t a huge amount to do in the area. It was a nice and quiet city, but after 2 nights we decided it was time for the next destination.

Utah Beach & Omaha Beach

Normandy had been high on our bucket list for a long time. It is, of course, once the place where the liberation of Europe began during World War II. The place where thousands of soldiers managed to surprise the Germans by air and water on D-Day. A piece of history and a region you should definitely visit. We decided to stand near Utah Beach and visit different places from there. A very impressive destination that we certainly wouldn’t have wanted to miss.

As a tip, several people passed on Saint Mont Michel. It is a peninsula in southwestern Normandy and, in fact, one of the most visited sights in France. It is absolutely a picture. You can spend an entire day here just fine.

Ile de Ré is a cozy island on the French coast just past La Rochelle. The peninsula is known for its charming villages with whitewashed houses, beautiful beaches, stunning salt marshes and laid-back French atmosphere. Not for nothing that this island belongs to UNESCO heritage.

When you are in France then of course a wine tasting should not be missed. At many wineries you can book an overnight stay including wine tasting. But you also have numerous options (almost always for nought) to pitch your RV at a winery. The wine tasting is often free with the idea that you do take home a bottle of wine. On Park4Night, you can find numerous options around Bordeaux.

Dune du Pyla

In Dune du Pyla you will find the largest dunes in Europe. The highest garden rises as much as 110 meters above sea level. An absolute must-visit during your road trip along the west coast of France.

Mimizan – 2 nights

Mimizan is a super fun surf spot with a huge amount of things to do. Besides surfing, the town itself is great fun to visit. The stench from the paper mill is really a downside, though. Too bad, because otherwise we would definitely have stayed here a little longer.

Cap de’ lHomey- 3 nights

The favorite of our France Roadtrip. Indeed, Cap de’ l Homey is a small relatively undiscovered surf spot located in a beautiful natural area. It is the destination for surfers looking for tranquility, nature and the best waves. You have one campsite and it’s instantly awesome!

Moliets is a small surfing town in southwestern France. You’ll find Moliets just a little below Biarritz. Initially, we also wanted to visit Biarritz, as this is the most famous surf spot in France, but in the meantime, this region was also colored Orange. Eventually we ended up in Moliets, a small surfing village with beautiful beaches.

If you like to break up the drive to Paris, Olivet is the perfect stop. In fact, in the town you will find a very cozy cute campsite that includes a nice terrace and if you are lucky the pizza food truck.

Taking a motorhome to a metropolis? Yes it can! We decided to add Paris to our road trip in 2022 and booked 2 nights at HUTTOPIA VERSAILLES. It may cost a little, namely 45 euros per night but then you have something. The sites are nice and spacious and green. You have a nice cafe, pool and you walk right to the metro. Within 20 minutes you are in the middle of Paris. Have breakfast at the Eifel Tower, stroll through Mont Matre, dine in the Latin Quarter and end the day with a beer by the Seine. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

Tip! Use a truck navigation on the paris ring road. In fact, part of the ring has a height restriction that unfortunately google maps does not take into account.

See more photos of Paris? Then you might also like this photdump reel of Paris.

Totally hip to this article and want to send We Wander Why some love? You can! Leave a comment below the article, follow W e Wander Why on Instagram or pin the article on Pinterest. Or go all nuts and do all three. That makes us completely happy.

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Travel further to

Contis: small cozy surf town in southwestern France

Moliets: a small surfing town in southwestern France

Cap de L’Homy: Favorite Surf Spot

Mimizan: surfing paradise of France

What does a road trip through france cost

France road trip: everything you need to know

Camping Huttopia Calvados – Normandië, Frankrijk

De mooiste roadtrip bestemmingen van Europa

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The 17 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

Photograph: Shutterstock.com

There’s a reason France has been the most visited country in the world for a number of years now. It quite simply has it all. And you’re not confined to just one kind of vibe: wherever you go in France, you’ll get something totally different. That’s the magic of it. 

Looking for the ultimate city break? Paris has got you covered. A port stay in a seriously up-and-coming travel destination? Marseille is waiting. Beaches, bougie bars and Michelin-starred dining? It’s time to head to Nice. Whether you’re looking for picturesque rural villages or remote towns away from civilisation, you’ll find it here. Here’s our top picks for where to visit in France. 

RECOMMENDED: 🌆 The best   French cities to visit 🏖 The best   beaches in France ☀️ Where to stay on the French Riviera 📍 The best city breaks in Europe

Clodagh Kinsella is a travel writer based in Paris, France. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best places to visit in France

You sort of have to see it to believe it when it comes to Paris. You can’t quite get why this city is so magical until you’re there. And sure, cram your schedule full of Eiffel Tower climbing and trips to the Louvre, but make sure you factor in some time to just sit, order a coffee or a rosé, and just watch the day go by. That’s the best way to do Paris: slowly.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you want somewhere that isn’t (completely) overrun with tourists, check out Carcassonne, a delightful little town in Aude. There’s the famous castle, sure, which is actually a properly good tourist attraction, completely beautiful and not too busy if you go in the morning. But there’s also the beautiful Cavayére Lake just a short one-euro bus ride out of the town, which is really quiet even in peak season, and has tons of kids activities and a more kid-free area too. 

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.

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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• Central France
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• Côtes-d'Armor
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• Eure-et-Loir
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The Best of Western France | Recommended Places to Stay & Visit

Featuring the regions of brittany , centre and pays de la loire, the best hotels in western france.

Explore our whole database of Western France hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation, with multiple filters to help you find your ideal place to stay throughout Western France. All listings are reviewed and ranked by our own independent travel experts.

The Best Bed & Breakfasts in Western France

Explore our whole database of B&Bs and other guest accommodation throughout Western France. All listings are reviewed and ranked by our own independent travel experts.

Brittany, a culturally rich region in northwest France, is renowned for its distinct Celtic heritage and stunning coastline. It boasts rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque islands. Brittany is famous for its megalithic monuments, medieval towns like Dinan, and the lively city of Rennes. Breton culture is celebrated through music, dance, and traditional festivals.

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a region of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visit the stunning châteaux, including Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, explore the picturesque towns and villages along the Loire River, and enjoy the region's famous wine and cuisine. Experience the charm and elegance of French country living.

Amboise, a charming town in France's Loire Valley, is celebrated for its rich history and stunning château. The Château d'Amboise, perched above the River Loire, was a royal residence during the Renaissance and the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can explore the château, enjoy picturesque views, and delve into the town's medieval streets, offering a glimpse into France's regal past.

Angers, a historic city in western France, is renowned for its rich medieval heritage. The centerpiece is the formidable Château d'Angers, housing the famed Apocalypse Tapestry. The city's architecture reflects its history, from the half-timbered houses of the medieval quarter to the grandeur of the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint-Maurice. Angers is also a gateway to the Loire Valley, celebrated for its vineyards and natural beauty.

The Château de Blois features a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and classical elements. Visitors can explore its grand chambers, witness the famous spiral staircase, and learn about the intrigues of French royalty. Wander through the charming old town with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and vibrant markets, experiencing the timeless beauty of this historic destination.

Bourges is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its remarkable architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Visitors can explore the well-preserved medieval quarter, enjoy local cuisine, and delve into the city's rich cultural heritage, making Bourges a hidden gem in the heart of France.

Brest, a coastal city in Brittany, holds a prominent maritime legacy. It's home to the impressive Château de Brest and the National Navy Museum, showcasing its naval history. The city also boasts a bustling port and the iconic Pont de Recouvrance bridge. Brest's proximity to the sea offers opportunities for water sports and exploration of the rugged Brittany coastline.

Chartres is renowned for its magnificent Chartres Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its stunning stained glass windows and architectural grandeur. Visitors can explore the cathedral's interior, stroll through the charming old town with half-timbered houses, and experience the city's rich history, making Chartres a captivating destination for art and history enthusiasts.

Chenonceaux

Chenonceaux, a charming village in the Loire Valley of France, is famed for the Château de Chenonceau, an exquisite Renaissance château that spans the Cher River. This architectural marvel is known as the "Ladies' Château" due to its association with influential women in history. Surrounded by lush gardens and a romantic setting, Chenonceaux is a must-visit destination for lovers of history and architecture.

Concarneau, a picturesque coastal town in Brittany, is known for its charming medieval old town and its bustling fishing port. The Ville Close, a walled city within the town, is a highlight with its historic architecture and quaint shops. Concarneau also boasts beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for seaside relaxation and seafood enthusiasts who can savor the day's catch in local restaurants.

Dinan, a medieval town in Brittany, is a captivating destination known for its well-preserved historic architecture. Its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and the impressive Dinan Castle transport visitors back in time. The town is perched above the Rance River and offers panoramic views from its ramparts. Dinan is a charming place to explore Brittany's medieval heritage and unique atmosphere.

Dinard, a coastal town in Brittany, is celebrated for its Belle Époque architecture, sandy beaches, and mild climate. It gained fame as a fashionable seaside resort in the late 19th century, attracting artists and aristocrats. The town's elegant promenade, Plage de l'Écluse, and vibrant Casino offer a taste of its glamorous past. Dinard continues to be a popular destination for relaxation and recreation.

La Baule, located on the Atlantic coast of France, is a popular seaside resort town known for its long sandy beach, considered one of Europe's finest. With a reputation for luxury and elegance, it boasts Belle Époque architecture, upscale hotels, and a lively promenade. La Baule is a favorite destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a coastal escape.

The city of Le Mans is renowned for its world-famous endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Beyond motorsport, it boasts a historic old town with charming medieval streets, the stunning Saint-Julien Cathedral, and the Plantagenet City, reflecting its medieval past. Le Mans is also a centre for culture and education.

Nantes, a vibrant city in Western France, is rich in history and culture. Once a major port, it's known for its maritime heritage and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. The city's transformation into a creative hub is exemplified by the unique Machines of the Isle of Nantes. It's also a gateway to the picturesque Loire Valley, famous for its vineyards and châteaux.

Orléans, a historic city in central France, is renowned for its pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War, notably the leadership of Joan of Arc. The city pays homage to this heroine with monuments like the Joan of Arc statue. Orléans boasts a charming old town with timber-framed houses, the majestic Orléans Cathedral, and the Loire River flowing through it. It's a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Perros-Guirec

Perros-Guirec, a stunning coastal town in Brittany, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The Pink Granite Coast, named for its unique pink-hued rock formations, is a major attraction. Visitors can explore the stunning Ploumanac'h Lighthouse and the enchanting beaches like Trestraou. The town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and opportunities to appreciate the region's geological wonders.

Quimper, a charming city in Brittany, is known for its well-preserved medieval old town and its connection to Breton culture. The city's iconic Quimper Cathedral, picturesque half-timbered houses, and the Musée départemental Breton highlight its historical and cultural significance. Quimper is also famous for its production of hand-painted faience pottery, which adds to its unique character.

Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historical charm and modern vitality. The medieval quarter, with its timber-framed houses, contrasts with the contemporary architecture of places like Les Champs Libres. Rennes is a cultural hub, home to theatres, museums, and the historic Rennes Cathedral. It's also known for its lively student population and thriving culinary scene.

Roscoff, an attractive port town in Brittany, is renowned for its historic charm and maritime heritage. The town's picturesque old harbour, with its colourful boats and seafood restaurants, is a popular attraction. Roscoff is also known for its medicinal seaweed baths, which have drawn visitors for centuries. It serves as a gateway to the nearby Île de Batz, offering natural beauty and tranquility.

Saint-Malo, a coastal city in Brittany, is celebrated for its impressive city walls and maritime history. The historic old town, Intra-Muros, boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Château de Saint-Malo. The city is known for its corsair legacy and the annual Route du Rhum yacht race. With its sandy beaches and bustling harbour, Saint-Malo offers a captivating blend of history and seaside charm.

Saumur, a picturesque town in the Loire Valley of France, is known for its enchanting setting along the Loire River. It's famous for its impressive Château de Saumur, which houses the Musée des Blindés, a remarkable tank museum. Saumur is also celebrated for its equestrian traditions, with the Cadre Noir, a renowned cavalry school. The town's charming streets, vineyards, and cultural heritage make it a delightful destination.

Tours, a city in the Loire Valley of France, is celebrated for its historical significance and cultural richness. Known as the "Garden of France," it's surrounded by vineyards, historic châteaux, and picturesque countryside. The city itself features medieval architecture, including the stunning Tours Cathedral. Tours is also a hub for gastronomy, offering delightful cuisine and fine wines to visitors exploring the region.

Vendée, a département in the Pays de la Loire region of western France, is known for its picturesque landscape and rich history. It features a diverse geography, from the lush Marais Poitevin marshes to the sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast. Vendée is famed for hosting the Vendée Globe, a challenging solo round-the-world yacht race. Its cultural heritage includes the historic Puy du Fou theme park.

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20 Most Beautiful Towns In Off the Beaten Path Brittany

Planning a trip to Brittany France?

Here’s my guide to the most beautiful towns in Brittany, a dramatic and wild region of northwest France. Brittany is deliciously varied. There’s spectacular scenery — heathland, marshes, a jagged coastline, stunning sand beaches, and azure waves.

Brittany is also just filled with secret medieval towns and villages where you can disappear down a cobbled lane into history.

If you’ve been in Paris or just want to get off the beaten path and explore secret areas of France , Brittany makes the perfect escape.

In Brittany, the Breton language is still proudly spoken. It’s actually closer to Welsh than to French. The further west you go, the wilder Brittany gets. If you want sun, be sure to visit between March and October.

And don’t forget to sample the crepes. Crepes are to Bretons what pasta is to Italians.

20 Beautiful Towns in Brittany France

Brittany is divided into four departments: Finistere in the west, Cotes-d’Armor in the north, Ille-et-Vilaine int northeast, and Morbihan in the south. Let’s take a tour of the most beautiful villages in all four areas.

Daoulas is a beautiful town in Brittany that’s Shakespeare famous. Shakespeare’s father lived in Daoulas. He was a cloth merchant who exported precious fabrics to London. Daolus is even mentioned in Henry IV, Part I.

If, like me you’re a ruin luster, Daoulas is famed for the early Gothic ruins of an ancient Augustinian abbey.

The abbey was founded in 500 AD on the banks of the river. The cloister is a unique example of a 12th century Romanesque cloister. Today, it’s a cultural center.

2. Locronan

Locronan is one of Brittany’s plus beaux villages and also designated as a “little City of Character.” It was a rich merchant village in the middle ages.

So picturesque are its streets that Locronan has been the filming location for several historical films, including Roman Polanski’s Tess .

The centerpiece is the Grand Place of Locronan. It’s graced with gorgeous buildings, dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries — granite homes, slate roofs, and fetching shutters.

Don’t miss the 15th century Church of Saint-Ronan. The chief feature is its belfry, which lost its spire in a lightening storm. Another lovely building is the Notre Dame Chapel of Bone-Nousbelle.

3. Rochefort-en-Terre

Rochefort-en-Terre is one of France’s les plus beaux villages and a must see village in Brittany. It was voted “France’s favorite village” in 2016.

It’s difficult to imagine a more beautiful and well-manicured French hamlet. Rochefort-en-Terre is fairytale-perfect and almost mind blowing, a sensation I had upon glimpsing the beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Germany’s Romantic Road .

Rochefort-en-Terre is an architectural dream, beautifully sited on a hilltop overlooking the Valley of Arz. It’s a town where rich merchants built lavishly decorated chateaus. Most date from the 17th century.

The mansions run from the Rue de Porche to the Place du Puits. They’re made of granite and half timbers and adorned with corbelled turrets, sculptures, and wood carvings.

As you stroll, inspect the Notre Dame de la Tronchaye church, which dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s famed for a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was discovered by a shepherdess in a tree trunk.

The most swoonful place in Rochefort-en-Terre is the Place du Puits. It’s the perfect intimate village setting with stone buildings, hanging iron signs, a fountain, and flower boxes on every facade.

Pop into L’Art Gourmand for delicious chocolatey things. If hunger calls, try Le Café Breton, boasting original medieval decor. There are plenty of crepes and waffles to be had as well.

4. Josselin

The town of Josselin sits on the Nantes-Brest canal. Its fortress, Chateau Josselin, was ravaged over the years, including by Cardinal Richelieu. But three round towers with conical roofs still remain. The fortress was restored in the 1860s.

Josselin is a seductive medieval ensemble. It’s home to medieval half timbered houses, the flamboyant gothic Basilica Notre-Dame du Roncier, and a lively Saturday market.

Climb to the top of the bell tower of the basilica for panoramic views over the town and surrounding area.

The basilica is Josselin’s finest building after the fortress. There’s a cardinal’s coat of arms carved on the doorway. The pulpit is an 18th century wrought iron masterpiece.

5. Locmariaquer

Lochmariaquer means a “place consecrated to Mary.” It’s a resort town, offering promontory views of the Morbihan coast. Beautiful homes line the seductive Rue Lafayette.

Aside from being a pretty village, Lochmariquer is a Stone Age paradise for history buffs and ruin lusters. It’s the site of the most renowned Breton menhirs or standing stones, dating from between 3500 and 1800 B.C.

The stones (or burial chambers) were aligned, in part, to reflect the movement of the sun and moon. One dolmen, Mane Rethual, can be entered along a cover tunnel. The Gran-Menhir is a single piece of granite, 280 tons.

6. Paimpont

Paimpont is a village of lakes and chateaus. It’s reputedly the birthplace of the Lady of the Lake, from the Arthurian legends, who resurrected Lancelot. The Paimpont Chateau houses a museum devoted to Arthurian lore.

Surrounded by an ancient forest, Paimpont is the perfect stepping off point to explore the legendary forest of Brocéliande, which was supposedly home to King Arthur and the wizard Merlin.

Many trails lead from the town into the forest.

For those more interested in historical sites, the town’s ancient abbey dates from 1199. It was built on the sacred site of a 17th century monastery and has a stunning lakeside location.

7. Ploumanac’h

Ploumanac’h is one of the most beautiful towns in Brittany. It’s located on spectacular “pink granite coast,” halfway along the northern coast.

It’s essentially a glittering secret seaside. Ploumanac’h’s ruddy pink granite rock formations create an utterly surreal coastline. The town’s active edge of the world lighthouse stands guard.

Befitting a coastal town, Ploumanac’h contains both a beach area (Ploumanac’h-Plage), and an inland village (Ploumanac’h-Bourg). “Plou” means parish and “manac’h” means monk.

The most popular footpath in Ploumanac’h starts from the main beach area and undulates along the Sentier des Douaniers for three miles. Enjoy the soft dreamy granite and unusual vistas.

8. Fougeres

Tiny little Fougere is a delightful medieval village, only 40 minutes from Brittany’s chief city, Rennes. Fougeres is a must see for its fairytale-like chateau, the Chateau de Fougeres. The cutest spot in Fougeres is the Place du Marchix with its half timbered mansions and gardens.

For a delightful stroll through town, start at the parking lot near the chateau. Walk through Porte Sainte, the only remaining gate to the walled city. The chateau is on your left.

The chateau is more than 1000 years old. It has 13 towers connected by ramparts.

After circling the ramparts, head to the medieval quarter to visit Saint-Leonard church. There’s also a hilltop garden, the Jardin Public, next door. From the Church of Saint-Leonard you have the best view of the chateau.

The medieval town of Vannes is one of the best places to visit in the Morbihan (southern) region of Brittany. Vannes is an ancient town famous for its iconic cobbled lanes, narrow streets, and walled fortifications.

As you stroll, enjoy the phenomenal art and architecture. Visit the magnificent Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Hotel de Ville de Vannes, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Vannes, and Henry IV Square.

Vannes is also known locally for its great foodie scene — especially crepes, local cider, and seafood. If you need a meal in Vannes, you’re in luck. Vannes is home to several Michelen starred restaurants, including Le Pressoir.

10. Roscoff

Roscoff is a charming seaside town located in the Finistère region on the northern coast. It’s officially designated a “ town of character.” You can explore the harbor, beaches, and the attractive architecture.

Roscoff is filled with 16th and 17th century buildings. The main sites are its 16th century church and botanical gardens.

Other highlights of this pretty Breton town include the historic botanical garden of Georges Delaselle Garden and the heritage museum of Maison des Johnnies et de l’Oignon de Roscoff.

Carnac is a small, charming town on Brittany’s southern coastline. Carnac’s claim to fame is its Neolithic stones, the Carnac Stones. They are the world’s largest and densest collection of Neolithic monuments, with almost 3000 stones.

If you are a ruin luster, Carnac is a mandatory stop in Brittany. Erected by the pre-Celtic people, the stones may date to as early as 4500 BC. They consist of single standing stones called menhirs and multi-cluster stones called dolmens.

Their actual purpose remains mysterious. Various theories claim they were used for ceremonies, burial sites, and even astrological purposes.

The town of Carnac itself is divided into Carnac-Ville and Carnac-Plages (beaches). At the town center is the 17th century church, St. Cornely, and the Museum of Prehistory. Carnac-Plages is an seaside resort on Quiberon Bay, with fine sandy beaches and plenty of shops and restaurants.

12. Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a charming walled town, thrust out into the sea and straight out of the history books. Founded in the 1st century, Saint Malo became a prominent Roman fortified site.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a famous port used by trade ships and pirates alike. Saint Malo starred in the wonderful and evocative book All the Light We Cannot See , winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize.

The best things to do in Saint Malo are to wander along the town’s 12th century ramparts (a rewarding 1 mile romp), which encircle the town, and explore the ancient churches. Though seriously damaged in WWII, Saint Malo was restored to perfection. To see it all, you may want to book a guided walking tour .

Saint Malo Cathedral also dates from the 12th century. It has some beautiful stained glass windows.

But strolling the cobbled streets is the main attraction. Discover Maison Hussaye, the oldest house in the city with a cute turret. After a stroll, head to the beach and relax.

13. Quimper

The postcard perfect town of Quimper is one of Brittany’s most beautiful and oldest towns, located along the Odet River. Originally settled during Roman times, Quimper is the Celtic capital of the region. It’s all Gothic architecture, footbridges, and ancient cobbled lanes.

Quimper’s most famous landmark is the Cathedral of St. Corentin, built between the 12th and 18th centuries.

If you’re an art lover, you can wile away a couple hours in the Musee des Beaux-Arts or Quimper’s Pottery Museum. Quimper had an economic boom in the 17th century thanks to its pottery trade.

If you’re a fan of the BBC’s Poldark series, you may remember that Quimper is where Ross Poldark makes a daring rescue of Dwight Enes from prison. The episode (Season 3, Episode 5) was filmed onsite at the former convent turned prison in real life in 1790.

Auray has all the components of a quaint, easy on the eyes town.

Located in the port of Saint-Goustan, Auray is fill with historic half-timbered and stone houses. It’s is a lovely place with chic restaurants, tony cafes, and arty boutiques.

Auray dates back to the 1600s and 1700s, when the port was a major trading hub and source of international sales. The town even welcomed Benjamin Franklin in 1776 when he sought French assistance in the Revolutionary War.

15. Saint-Suliac

Saint-Suliac is another of Brittany’s plus beaux villages. It’s a charming tiny fishing village, located between Saint-Malo and Dinan.

Its pretty granite houses, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, are adorned with flowers, painted shutters, and fishing nets.

There’s not much to do besides enjoy the swoonful scenery. There’s an attractive 13th century church, one of Brittany’s oldest. You’ll want to photograph every nook and cranny.

If you promenade down the Rue des Besnieres, you’ll come to a statue of the Virgin of Grainfollet, which was thought to protect the villagers from the likes of cholera.

16. Moncontour

Beautiful Moncontour is another of France’s “les plus beaux” villages. It’s a medieval walled town perched on a hill at the confluence of two rivers.

Based on its location, Moncontour was a strategically important medieval village. Richelieu battered the town in the French Revolution. But its doughty fortress still remains.

The old town of Moncontour is incredibly charming. Its half timbered houses date from the 17th century, when Montocour was a wealthy trader in hemp and linen. The most delightful ones are on the Rue des Dames, Rue du Docteur Sagory, and the Place du Martray.

Moncontour also has a 16th century parish church with a belfry, Saint-Mathurin. It boasts superb stained glass windows, which ornament the choir and the nave.

Hanging on the side of a cliff, Dinan is one of the most famous and magical villages in Brittany. In all of France really.

If you only have time for one stop in Brittany, make it Dinan. It’s an impeccably preserved ancient city that escaped the bombing of WWII.

Dinan is a walled village with hefty ramparts, cobbled lanes, and half timbers everywhere. Dinan has barely changed since the middle ages. What could be more romantic?

The best thing to do in Dinan is to simply savor its old world charm. Wander the port, walk the ancient medieval walls (1.8 miles), admire the 14th century Chateau de Dinan, and visit St. Sauveur Basilica.

The basilica dates from the 12th century. It’s a charming blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It has striking modern stained glass in a well lit nave.

But Dinan’s absolute must see site isn’t really a site at all. It’s a street, the Rue du Jerzual.

It’s the pedestrianized main street that winds through the town down to the port. Along the way, you’ll pass half timbers with wisteria covered facades, art galleries, and shops.

Vitre is a beguiling medieval town with a fairytale castle. It boasts Brittany’s characteristic half-timbered houses, stones cottages, and quaint cobbled streets.

The spiky castle is called the Chateau de Vitre. You can take a self guided tour. One tower is 6 levels high, affording great views. The fortified castle is small, but authentically foreboding.

The infamous Madame de Sévigné is Vitre’s most famous former resident. She was a novelist who fell in love with the chateau-castle and visited frequently.

Her private letters to her daughter — sparkling with wit, intelligence, and gossip — are considered one of the great works of 17th century literature.

19. Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited landmarks, dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael. It’s a breathtaking Gothic fortress-style island commune rising dramatically from the bay.

Both the rock top abbey and the cobbled alleys will leave you in a medieval state of mind.

The star attraction is the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel and its lovely cloister. It was settled in 996 by Bendictine monks. For 1,200 years, it’s been a Christian pilgrimage site. The abbey is a mix of architectural styles, with religious and military overtones.

After the French Revolution, when France was de-Christianized, the abbey became a prison. It was closed in 1863. In 1979, Mont St. Michel was declared a UNESCO site.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Mont Saint-Michel . Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket.

You can visit on a  full day guided tour from Paris . Alternatively, you can book a  guided tour from Bayeux .

20. Cancale

Cancale is a coastal fishing village. It’s also the oyster capitol of Brittany, gaining fame when it was featured in Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations .

If you’re crazy for oysters, you can even take a tour of the oyster beds with the Saint Malo tourist office.

While known for its oysters, Cancale is beloved for its natural beauty. You may even have a glimpse of Mont St. Michel. Stroll around the port, cruise on a traditional fishing board, and wander in the historic center.

You can even walk to Cancale from Saint Malo.

You may enjoy these other travel guides and resources for France:

• 3 day itinerary for Paris
• 5 day itinerary for Paris
• Hidden gems in Paris
• Secret hidden gems in France
• Famous landmarks in France
• 10 day itinerary for southern France
• Charming hidden gems in Provence
• Guide to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
• 30+ beautiful towns in northern France
• Beautiful villages in Normandy

If you’d like to visit the most beautiful villages in Brittany, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “20 Most Beautiful Towns In Off the Beaten Path Brittany”

Hi, Thank you for your suggestions, now i have an idea where to go. I am planning to go to Brittany in July. Where is a good base for 4 days to see all these towns and villages? Much appreciated.

Dinan and Vannes make good bases, I think. If you want to explore the north, try Ploumanac’h.

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Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Rolling hillsides, rocky cliffs, towering cathedrals, and elegant chateaux – a visit to northwest France offers all of these and much more. This area is made up of the smaller regions of Brittany, Normandy , and the Loire with this guide featuring mainly recommendations for Brittany.

Rich with history, especially that which is deeply entwined with the south of England , this region has a long tradition of migration and trade across the channel going back to long before Roman times. This history has contributed to the unique culture and a landscape that bears the markings of centuries of struggles and triumphs.

With all of this history, culture, and a variety of coast and inland destinations, there is sure to be something for all visitors to enjoy. 

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week … or longer, here are eight great places to visit in Northwest France to experience the best the region has to offer.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 great places to visit in northwest france.

Places to Visit in Northwest France Map

The thing about the Unesco World Heritage town of Dinan is that it’s not exactly full of discrete places to visit. The entire town is the attraction for its ambience, its architecture, and yes, its food.

MUST DO IN DINAN:

• Stroll through the town : Dinan escaped the damage of World War II, and so today presents an uninterrupted medieval tableau of open squares, half-timbered buildings, and city ramparts that are worth crawling around. Spend some time in the Place des Merciers, the old commercial center of the city and while there, take note of the buildings’ small ground floors, topped with larger floors that overhang the street that make lovely space for a walkway, or maybe a café, and to keep you out of the sun or rain.
• Explore by bicycle : Take a long bike ride around the city, especially along the River Rance, which provides a much easier ride, and delightful views of the city built into the mountain above. There are churches to see, but, unlike so many French towns, these are not the main attraction. The Eglise St. Malo, however, is worth a stop for its beautiful windows.
• Savour the cuisine : Dinan, and Brittany, are more Celtic than traditional French, and the cuisine (and street names) are the main indicators of that provenance. The primary dish of Dinan is the   galette,   a buckwheat crepe stuffed with savoury delights. We tried them several times with such fillings as ham, eggs, gruyere, and onion confit with sausage, and smoked salmon. All were delicious, especially when washed down with the local cider or the local beer, Duchesse Anne   Triple. Some   of the restaurants that definitely merit a visit are the  Restaurant La Cale  at Plouer Sur Rance, where you’ll join the locals ordering the daily specials off the blackboard and enjoying the view of the river. Don’t miss the   Creperie Le Connetable , right in the centre of the medieval hilltop town, where you’ll pick one of the above-mentioned galettes.  Finally, if you’re looking for a little more elegance, try the  Le Cantorbery  for one of the best meals of the week. Though reservations are recommended, they often manage walk-ins in the upstairs dining room.

Contribution and Photo from Tom of   Travel Past 50

Reviews of Restaurant La Cale   |   Reviews of Le Cantorbery

Founded over 2,000 years ago at the confluence of the Marle and Vincin rivers which flow into the Gulf of Mor-Bihan or “little sea”, Vannes is a market town with a long history. Fortified by city walls, it was besieged in 1342 by both sides of the Breton War of Succession but escaped much of the devastation of the world wars allowing many medieval buildings to remain in the town centre.

With narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses within the walled city and a beautiful garden outside the east wall, this is a picturesque city that is great to wander around and soak up the history and architecture.

MUST DO IN VANNES:

• Cathedral of St. Peter : This Gothic church is one of the largest buildings in the area and the bell tower dates back to the 13th-century. Housing the relics of Saint-Vincent Ferrier since his death in 1419, it was made a minor basilica in 1870 by Pope Pius IX.
• Walk the City Walls:  Some of the best-preserved in France, the city walls of Vannes date back in places as far as the 3rd-century. Only a small part of the ramparts can be walked on for great views across the city, but be sure to view the magnificent gates that allowed access to the city too.
• Chateau Gaillard : Completed in 1410 as an administrative building, the chateau had several owners before being turned into a museum in 1914. With each floor covering a different period of history, the beautiful setting and the array of the collection make the museum a great way to spend a couple of hours

Reviews of Cathedral of St. Peter   |  Reviews of City Walls

READ MORE: Beautiful and Historic Castles to Visit in France

Situated on the Loire river, the port city of Nantes was once the capital of Brittany, though today it isn’t even in Brittany as the boundaries have been redrawn. The city grew as a thriving port trading in raw materials, goods, and slaves. The French Revolution and the abolition of the slave trade precipitated an economic decline until replacement industries such as ship-building were introduced.

Today a memorial to the fact that the slave trade financed much of the cities splendour is located on the waterfront near Pont Anne de Bretagne. A great way to explore the city is to follow the Nantes Green Line, which is literally a green line painted on the ground to follow for 14km past many of the cities sights, including the slavery memorial.

MUST DO IN NANTES:

• Machines of the Isle of Nantes : Located in the former shipyards of the Isle of Nantes, this artistic and cultural tourist attraction consists of magnificent mechanical machines such as the Great Elephant, which is 12m high and can take 49 passengers for a 45-minute walk.
• Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne : Anne de Bretagne’s castle offers visitors the urban history museum within chateau which from the city looks like a fortress but from the inner courtyard a stunning ducal residence. The museum showcases the history of the city including its role as a trade port, the French Revolution and both world wars.
• Passage Pommeraye : This beautiful 19th-century shopping mall was opened in 1843 and has appeared in movies such as Lola. Linking two streets together which are over 9m apart vertically, the mall has steps in the middle to change level before continuing. Even if you don’t want to shop, it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone.

Reviews of Machine of the Isle of Nantes   |  Reviews of Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne   |  Reviews of Passage Pommeraye

READ MORE: Looking for more great places to visit in France? Check them out here!

Once a pirate’s haunt, the fortified town of Saint-Malo is now rich in cobblestone streets and amazing houses built by people who gained their wealth from their privateering in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Heavily bombed in 1944 when it was mistaken for an enemy base, the city was reconstructed and is now one of the most beautiful towns in France .

As well as the summer home of Jacques Cartier, the medieval pirates known as Malouins were the first to settle the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, hence the Spanish name for the islands, Las Malvinas. An active port even today with ferry services to the Channel Islands and England , Saint-Malo is well worth a visit.

MUST DO IN SAINT-MALO:

• Fort National : Only accessible at low tide, this 17th-century fortress is located on a rocky outcrop just north of the city. Guided tours of both enclosures and the underground take you through the history of the fort and its role in the defence of St Malo.
• Citadel : Now the old town of Saint-Malo, the citadel was originally a granite island only accessible via a long causeway. This changed when the inner harbours were created and the town was connected to the mainland. Although the citadel looks old, it is mostly reconstructed after the devastation of the second world war. Today you can walk an almost entire circuit of the walls for great views of the town.
• Musée Jacques Cartier : The Manoir de Limoëlou was the summer home of Jacques Cartier, the man who discovered Canada . The guided tour of the home shows some of the navigational instruments Cartier would have used to traverse the Atlantic and the home is decorated in period furniture to show it may have looked when he lived there.

Reviews of Fort National   |  Reviews of Citadel   |  Reviews of Musée Jacques Cartier

On the edge of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site, and on the Maine River, Angers was a medieval seat of power for the Plantagenet dynasty. The town is the perfect gateway to the Loire Valley as well as offering plenty of attractions of its own. 

The town is dominated by the impressive Chateau d’Angers with its seventeen towers and offers panoramic views of the city whilst the old town has half-timbered houses, including the Adams house with façade of carved wooden characters to the south-west of the cathedral.

MUST DO IN ANGERS:

• Chateau d’Angers : Founded over 1,000 years ago in the 9th-century, Chateau d’Angers has a long and varied history. Used for military purposes right through to WWII, the former Plantagenets castle now houses the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, including the Tenture de l’Apocalypse tapestry which depicts the Book of Revelations.
• Jardin des Plantes d’Angers : Dating from the 18th-century and containing over 2,000 varieties of plants, Jardin des Plantes depicts an English park complete with a stream, statues and winding paths through the park.
• Saint Maurice Cathedral: Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, this Gothic and Romanesque cathedral with its 75m twin spires is famous for its stained glass windows which date from the 13th-century, the same era as the painted wall depicting the life of St. Maurilius.

Reviews of Chateau d’Angers   |  Reviews of Jardin des Plantes d’Angers   |  Reviews of Saint Maurice Cathedral

Brest in the far north-west of France in Brittany is a maritime city with a rich history. During WWI it was a major disembarkation port for troops arriving from across the Atlantic and during WWII it was used by the Nazi’s as a U-boat base. Heavily bombed and almost completely destroyed during the battle to liberate it, the city was rebuilt once hostilities ended.

Today Saint-Malo Street, an authentic street from the 17th-century, is the oldest street in the city, while the docks and marina are a pleasant place to wander or people watch. Keep an eye out for the houses built on hills so steep, steps are required and where the 2nd floor of one house can be alongside the 1st floor of its nextdoor neighbour!

MUST DO IN BREST:

• Chateau de Brest : Offering over 1700 years of history, the impressive Chateau that stands today has buildings dating back from the 13th-century and was completed in the 17th. The fact it remains an active military installation, housing the maritime command of the Atlantic, makes it the oldest active military place in the world.
• Océanopolis : Take a journey through the world’s oceans, from colourful tropical fish to the largest penguin colony in Europe from the Antarctic and the creatures that live in the oceans along the nearby Breton Coast.
• Brest History Museum : Located in the impressive Tour Tanguy, believed to have been constructed during the Breton War of Succession, the history museum houses large dioramas to show the history of the city.

Reviews of Chateau de Brest   |  Reviews of Océanopolis

Overlooking Baie de La Foret in Brittany, Concarneau has been a major fishing port for hundreds of years and still catches thousands of tonnes of tuna each year. Visitors can visit the fish auction, cannery and sometimes witness the fisherman returning and unloading their catch. You can often catch fishing boats coming or going from Place du Petit Chateau, a green space within the old town.

For one week in August, there is the Filets Bleus festival, a costumed parade named after the blue nets the fisherman use and celebrating the town’s history with music and parades. A great way to get a feel for the town is to ride the Celtic train, this land train tours the town in 35-40 minutes during the summer months.

MUST DO IN CONCARNEAU:

• Ville Close : This walled part of the town on an island provided an excellent defensive position, with just a small bridge linking it to the mainland at the western end and a ferry at the eastern. Today it’s a great place to explore and a walk around the ramparts offers some great views.
• Chateau de Keriolet : Dating back to the 13th-century, the chateau was remodelled in the neo-Gothic style in the 19th-century by a Russian princess. Now restored to its former glory you can tour many of the rooms and the gardens of this impressive chateau.
• Musée de la Pêche : With fishing so important to Concarneau, this museum showcases the history of fishing from prehistory to modern day. Exhibits include the Hemerica semi-industrial trawler, a coelacanth, nautical charts, a coracle and more.

Reviews of Ville Close   |  Reviews of Chateau de Keriolet   |  Reviews of Musée de la Pêche

Accessible year-round by a 45-minute ferry ride from Quiberon for passengers and vehicles, this is the largest of the Brittany islands, but still relatively compact at just 20km by 9km.

With rugged ocean coastline on the south-west and pleasant beaches on the north-east, the coastline is quite changeable in a small distance. This has made it a popular place for artists including Monet and Sara Bernhardt to find inspiration.

Photo Credit: Martyn Wright

MUST DO ON BELLE ÎLE:

• Citadel : This impressively preserved star-shaped fort can’t be missed as you arrive at Le Palais. Founded in the middle ages it was rebuilt in the 17th-century by Vauban and today has been restored to its former glory. You can even stay here if you wish, as part of the fortress is now a hotel.
• Visit the Lighthouses : Being an island, protecting ships running aground was important and several lighthouses exist on the island. From Phare des Poulains in the northwest which looks like a small church with the lighthouse on the steeple, Phare du Goulphar which is like a defensive stone tower and Phare de Kerdonis, which looks like a small cottage with a lighthouse in the back garden.
• La Belle Fontaine : This beautifully restored historic monument is one of only two left in France . It was used to supply fresh drinking water to ships and could hold 850,000 litres of potable water. The semi-circular build of the cistern makes for a great photo, especially if the water is perfectly still.

Reviews of the Citadel  |  Reviews of Phare de Goulphar   |  Reviews of La Belle Fontaine

Looking for more information to plan your visit to France? You may find these articles helpful.

• 8 Great Places to Visit in Southwest France

Beautiful and Historic Castles to Visit in France

• 21 Things to Do in Paris
• World War II Museums in Normandy

MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTHWEST FRANCE

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO FRANCE

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

• For all things France, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his   France travel guide , full episodes of his   TV show , or download his app for excellent   audio tours .

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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8 great places to visit in eastern france, 8 great places to visit in normandy, france, weekend breaks in france, 8 great places to visit in northeast france.

7 Spectacular Adventures Along France's Western Coast

Think France is just champagne, croissants, and the Eiffel Tower? Think again.

A road trip up the Atlantic coast, from Biarritz to Brittany, reveals France ’s wild western edge, where water-sport opportunities abound and there are far fewer tourists than in the Mediterranean . Even if you’re not a lover of the sea, the dramatic coastal landscapes, delicious cuisine, and budget-friendly beach campgrounds are too good to miss.

Here are seven active ways to explore France’s stunning Atlantic coast.

Catch Legendary Waves in Biarritz

This is the way all French adventures should begin: straddling a longboard, huffing with sheer exhilaration after catching a wave in the famous birthplace of European surfing. Since 1957, when The Sun Also Rises screenwriter Peter Viertel visited the shore with a surfboard from California , Biarritz has continued to woo serious wave riders with its world-class beach breaks, rugged beauty, and year-round mild weather.

The resort town has ample surf options across nearly four miles of sandy shoreline. Rent a board or take a lesson at Tropical Euskadi on La Grande Plage , an iconic surf spot suitable for all levels. A short walk south leads to La Côte des Basques, where longboarders can find blissfully drawn-out peeling waves at low tide. When high tide rolls in (and the beach disappears all the way to the rocky seawall), watch the more experienced surfers in action while tasting traditional Basque cheeses with black cherry jam at Le Surfing restaurant. While you’re there, make sure to check out newly opened Maison du Surf , an artistic space dedicated to surf culture, and Lastage , where swim trunks are locally made from recycled plastic bottles and you can find reasonably priced longboard rentals. Grab sunset drinks at L’Eden Rock Café , tucked into a jagged cliff above Plage du Port Vieux.

Where to stay: At Hotel Saphir , a few blocks from the old port, book the terrace room overlooking the “white village with red roofs and green shutters” that Victor Hugo fell in love with in 1843. For a more authentic surfer experience, shack up in Campy Camper ’s fully-equipped 1972 VW Kombi Westfalia. Before waxing your board, check the surf report at windguru.cz or surf-report.com .

Paraglide Above Europe’s Tallest Sand Dune in La Teste-de-Buch

Miles from Biarritz: 109 On the Road: Two Hours

A group of paragliders flies over the golden ridges of La Grande Dune du Pyla.

Kick off your shoes at the edge of the Landes pine forest, and you’ll be met with mountains of silken sand and an abrupt silence. After a “bonjour!” and snap of a buckle, you’ll suddenly find yourself suspended 500 feet above La Grande Dune du Pyla, likely letting slip a few expletives into the warm calm wind. But you’re in good hands with the Waggas School , which has been offering paragliding flights from Europe’s tallest sand dune for over a decade. There’s so much to take in—and a mere 20 minutes to do it, but you’ll quickly adjust to the altitude and start absorbing the immense landscape with the aplomb of the resident dune falcon (who you may very well see flying at the tip of your wing).

Charlie, one of the group’s pilots, says paragliding is best on an overcast day with a few rays of sunshine illuminating the Bay of Arcachon and the two-mile-long, 300-foot-high Dune du Pyla. On a flight with Charlie, you’ll soar above oyster farms on the Banc d’Arguin Nature Preserve , the chic fishing village of Cap Ferret, and the Pyrénées range to the south—all before doing a totally-crazy-but-worth-it stunt. Book the Endurance experience and ask for “the wagga,” a series of acrobatic maneuvers that brings you swooping and diving close to the sand. Don’t forget to have a photographer ready below to capture your spectacular moves.

Where to stay: The Panorama du Pyla camping village provides a myriad of amenities—bike rentals, tennis courts, pools, laundry facilities, a crêperie , and a gourmet restaurant and mini market—and accommodations, including tent spots, cabins, and sea view cottages.

Ride Horses on the Beaches of Île de Ré

Miles from La Teste-de-Buch: 171 On the Road: Three hours

Horseback riders travel along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean on Île de Ré, an island off the coast of France’s La Rochelle.

There’s plenty to do on this dreamy 19-mile island off the coast of La Rochelle —enjoy oysters at Cabane du Feneau , try merguez (a spicy North African sausage) crepes at Le Moulin à Café , explore the remains of a 12th-century abbey and charming maritime villages lined with bright pink hollyhocks—but making the most of Île de Ré’s under-the-radar beauty means getting up extra early to meet Iranian expat Ahmad Melodi at the Moulin Moreau stables. Melodi regularly leads two-hour rides that weave through unexpected wilderness and out to Plage des Grenettes, where he’ll shout, “Galop!” At his call, the thoroughbreds and Selle Français show jumpers your group is riding will begin cantering along the pristine beach and into the sea, where the splashing surf and chorus of neighs resolves any need for that cup of coffee you missed. Sure, you may have wet ankles and grains of sand on your tongue, but it’s worth reveling in this vast and empty shore (at least until your horse kicks at the waves, a sign he’s preparing to lie down). Morning beach trips are reserved for more experienced riders, while beginners can enjoy slower sunset outings that are just as breathtaking. Where to stay: Book a room at La Villa or camp right on Plage des Gollandières at Les Varennes .

Pedal France’s Longest Waymarked Bike Trail

Miles from Île de Ré: 126 On the Road: 2.5 hours

Tour de France cyclists race through the Passage du Gois, a pathway on France’s Atlantic coast that floods twice a day during high tide.

La Vélodyssée is a 745-mile cycling path that runs from Roscoff, Brittany, to the border of Spain. The full route is a multiday commitment, but travelers with limited time can get a two-wheeled taste of one of the route’s most idyllic sections in the western Pays de La Loire region, where the Tour de France is expected to stage the “Grand Depart” over the Passage du Gois causeway on June 30, 2018. If you play the tides right, you can pedal the same roads as the world’s top cyclists. Only instead of starting on the Passage du Gois causeway, which is connected to the picturesque isle of Noirmoutier and disappears with the tide twice a day, you’ll kick off your own mini bike tour 30 miles to the north.

In Pornic, not far from a historic medieval chateau and a Michelin-starred restaurant , pick up a hybrid or mountain bike from Vélo Retz Volt and head out along the mostly traffic-free trail, winding around canals and flat countryside, waving back at locals in their gardens. The French consider riding a bike to be one of the few simple pleasures in life, and that is especially true along the west coast of France, with its salty tailwinds and smooth roads flanked by grazing horses and wind turbines. Shortly after cruising through the lively Port du Bec, you’ll arrive at the 2.5-mile Passage du Gois causeway, certain to be the wildest (and windiest) part of the ride. Once on Noirmoutier, bike 15 minutes to the southern tip for panoramic views of Bourgneuf Bay and a glass of champagne with Vendée Atlantique Oysters at La Maison sur L’eau . The full out-and-back 60-mile trip should take roughly five hours; just make sure to download the route on your phone or GPS device ahead of time.

Where to stay: Enjoy unobstructed views of Bourgneuf Bay from your tent window at Camp Eleovic , one of several campgrounds in the Pornic area. The site offers an indoor heated pool, kids club, restaurants, laundry facilities, cruiser bikes, and free Wi-Fi.

Scuba Dive the Shipwrecks off Île de Groix

Miles from Pornic: 100 On the road: Two hours

The sun shines on the coast of Île de Groix, where visitors can scuba dive to explore World War II shipwrecks.

The Atlantic Ocean has been a constant travel companion these last 500 miles, and yet you’ve really only touched the surface of it. Often overshadowed by the more popular diving sites off the Glénan archipelago to the north, Île de Groix ’s haunting underworld is worth discovering. Roughly nine miles off the coast of Lorient , Brittany’s “City of Sailing,” Made in Blue leads certified divers to World War II shipwrecks, like the tugboat Cyrano and submarine hunter Chasseur 16. First timers are also welcome, and will start with a 20-minute intro class before pairing off with instructors on an exploration of Île de Groix’s pink and green coral colonies. Divers swim through jade-tinted waters with electric rays, schools of Atlantic horse mackerel, leopard-spotted goby, wolf eels, and even the almighty Mola mola, or ocean sunfish, the world’s heaviest known bony fish. Book the Baptême Mer option or the private two-person tour package.

Where to stay: As you’re in the “City of Sailing,” it’s only fitting that you sleep on a boat. Book the delightful “ Muscadet .”

Land Sail at La Torche in Finistère

Miles from Lorient: 75 On the road: One hour

Land sailors soar along the sand in Brittany, France, on the three-wheeled vehicles first popularized in France and Belgium.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

When visiting the coast of Brittany, one must do as the Bretons do: wear stripes, eat galettes de blé noir (traditional buckwheat crepes), and basically live at the beach. While La Torche is best known as a surfer hot spot, this wide windswept headland perched on the Bay of Audierne is also an ideal track for land sailing, a 119-year-old sport first popularized in France and Belgium that never quite gained traction in America. With some chutzpah and a good gust of wind, you’ll be able to get the three-wheeled Seagull MC2 zooming up to 25 miles per hour along seven miles of fine sand. Ecole de Surf de Bretagne La Torche offers two-hour sessions, which include goggles, gloves, a helmet, and a lesson. Though the speed record is 126 miles per hour, land sailing at La Torche is a safe and visually stunning activity suitable for adrenaline junkies age 10 and older. Refuel with a crepe pomme caramel (caramel apple crepe) in the garden at nearby La Crêpere de la Rayon Vert before driving five minutes south to Musée de la Préhistoire for a fascinating look at the area’s prehistoric findings, like the Neolithic burial site atop Pointe de La Torche.

Where to stay: La Torche campsite , which has earned an EU Ecolabel , offers chalets for glamping or more basic spots to pitch a tent.

Kayak the Sea Caves of the Crozon Peninsula

Miles from Finistére: 50 On the road: 1.5 hours

A kayaker paddles through a sea cave on France’s Crozon Peninsula.

The Crozon Peninsula’s spectacular nooks and crannies are tailor-made for kayaking. Rent one nearby at Le Spot Nautique and paddle out from the Bay of Morgat. Not long after your launch, you’ll reach the first of many sea caves. Gliding into Grotte Sainte-Marine and Grotte du Diable, ancient cathedrals of mauve rock best accessed by kayaks, you’re likely to conclude you’ve saved the best adventure for last. Spurred by whispers of a hidden paradise, push on a bit farther north, sizing up the vibrant moors and vertiginous cliffs , until you land on Île Vierge, the hallowed Virgin Beach. This intimate pebbly cove of bracing panoramas and translucent turquoise sea will be the trip’s most difficult place to leave. Linger as long as you can, nourished by memories of wild adventures—and the unknown ones still to come.

Where to stay: Enjoy terraced pitches overlooking the bay of Douarnenez at Camping L'Arimorique , situated half a mile from the beach and a 20-minute drive from the bustling resort town of Morgat. If you’re looking to splurge a bit on the last leg of the journey, book an oceanfront room with breakfast at Le Grand Hotel de la Mer .

Eco-Friendly Travel Tip: It costs just over $5 to offset the 0.51 tonnes of CO2 from this 631-mile road trip. Visit carbonfund.org to offset your trip by making a tax-deductible donation to carbon-reduction projects, such as reforestation and renewable energy. It takes only a few seconds to calculate the cost of your carbon footprint. (Just remember to keep track of your mileage as you go!)

Lauren Matison is a travel and lifestyle writer based in New York City. Follow her on Instagram @laurenmati or Twitter @LaurenMati .

Related Topics

• AERIAL SPORTS
• SEA KAYAKING
• SCUBA DIVING

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THE BASTIDE TOWNS & BEAUX VILLAGES OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE

THE BASTIDE TOWNS AND BEAUX VILLAGES OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE

20 November 2020

Taking a road trip around southwest France is one of life’s great pleasures. Its rural heart boasts endless vistas of rolling hills, vineyards and medieval towns of stunning beauty. And, away from the tourist hotspots of the Dordogne, the roads are all but empty for large parts of the day.

To us, it feels like home. Largely because of the number of housesits we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying in the region. And, no matter how many times we visit, we’re still able to uncover another medieval village that captures our hearts. Indeed, we can think of no other place in the world (with the possible exception of Umbria and Tuscany in Italy) where there are so many wonderful villages and towns to explore.

In this article, we feature 12 of our favourites in a road trip spanning the departments of Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot and Dordogne. So buckle up and come with us on a Gallic trip into the past.

Castelnau de Montmiral

Cordes sur ciel, la roque-gageac, saint-cirq-lapopie.

• Bastide towns & Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Castelnau-de-Montmiral

Cordes-sur-ciel, beynac-et-cazenac, final thoughts, bastide towns + les plus beaux villages de france.

For an easy introduction to France’s medieval villages you need look no further than the many bastide towns that are dotted all over the country’s southwest.

Largely built between the 13th and 15th Centuries, they were originally intended to house the disparate rural population inside “urban” centres to improve commerce and security against attack. Typically, they employed a grid system with a central square that doubled as a marketplace, surrounded by arcades.

And then, as the Hundred Years War raged between France and England over succession to the French throne, many became fortified. And it’s this combination of medieval streets, half-timbered buildings and hilltop castles that makes these towns such evocative places to visit.

In addition, Le Plus Beaux Villages de France ( The Most Beautiful Villages Of France ) is an independent association that celebrates and promotes a large group of rural villages that meet a certain set of quality criteria. Some of these villages are also bastide towns.

Together, they form the backbone of any road trip through France’s southwest and provide the basis for our selection here.

We begin our road trip in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne. Just an hour’s drive north of Toulouse, Bruniquel boasts not one, but two castles which overlook the mouth of the Gorges de l’Aveyron .

The reason for there being two Chateaux de Bruniquel was apparently the result of a petty family squabble between the viscounts of Bruniquel. Sort of an old-world tale of one-upmanship between father and son. But on a huge scale.

Indeed, the best way to explore Bruniquel is to find a parking space at the bottom of town and then wander up through the steep, cobbled streets of pink stone and red tiles to view the castles and the valleys beyond, before returning via a different route.

Just 13 km south of Bruniquel, along the picturesque D964 and across the department border to Tarn, Puycelsi swings into view. Inheriting its name from the Roman Podio Celco (or “High Platform”) it’s a medieval village with spectacular views over the Vère Valley.

Left in an almost abandoned state just 60 years ago, it has since been transformed into one of the Plus Beaux Villages, largely through the purchase and restoration of second homes.

Also known as “the fortress in the woods”, which becomes clear when you see the village peering out from the forested hillside as you drive on the road below.

Better still, a further 13 km along the same road brings us to the fabulous Castelnau-de-Montmiral . A bastide built around 1222, just wandering through its maze of narrow streets of half-timbered buildings feels like you’ve suddenly arrived at the dawn of the Middle Ages.

But the centrepiece is undoubtedly La Place des Arcades (“The Place of the Arcades”), a small town square of sublime beauty. With arched arcades on all four sides and a glorious mix of red brick, white stone and ancient wood, it’ll take your breath away. Nowadays, it houses the mairie (town hall), the tourist office, a café, a couple of restaurants and a hotel. Not to mention the original whipping post.

But if there’s anywhere better to enjoy a plat de jour with a chilled glass of Gaillac perlé (slightly sparkling wine) then we’ve yet to find it.

For a closer look, here’s a 360-degree tour .

Heading north for 25 km, along the D922, we arrive at another bastide town built around 1222. Translated as “ Cordes in the Sky “, it reflects the town’s lofty perch above the clouds which regularly fill the valley below during the spring and autumn.

Indeed, the long climb up through the cobbled streets is a steep one. And, along the way, there’s a full range of gothic buildings made from local sandstone to admire, such as the Grand Falconer’s House and the Grand Huntsman’s House.

In addition to its architectural highlights, the town also became a magnet for French artists – poets, writers, painters and sculptors – including the revered Albert Camus. And so today, there are regular art exhibitions to add to the dedicated Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art.

Continuing north for a further 26 km, and into the department of Lot, the imposing castle at Najac stands impressively above the village, with a full 360-degree view over the valley below.

The village stretches out as a row of medieval buildings along a hilltop ridge. Almost as if it marks the route towards the castle at the opposite end of the ridge. 

And, as you’ve no doubt gathered by now, there’s an inevitable steep walk before you arrive at its gates. But it’s so worth the effort, if not just for the panoramic view from the top.

45 km beyond Najac, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is another Plus Beau Village , which sits precariously at the edge of a sheer cliff that plunges down to the Lot River

Its photogenic setting , as well as being named “Favourite Village of the French” in a 2012 TV programme, means that it’s well established on the tourist trail. So the village is set up for the onslaught of people during the peak summer months. Indeed, many of the medieval houses on the main street have now been transformed into studios for potters and artists. ​

Continuing north, perhaps the most famous of all in our selection, Rocamadour is another cliff-hugging spectacle which almost defies description.

It has attracted tourists since the Middle Ages, largely due to the supposed miraculous powers of the Black Madonna (housed in the Chapel of Notre Dame), which has drawn pilgrims ever since.

As a result, the medieval town (known as La Cité ) has plenty of tourist trappings. But it’s nevertheless a gorgeous place to just wander around.

Split into three levels, in keeping with the three orders of society, it begins with the lower village where the lay workers would live. From there, the 216 steps of the Great Staircase ascend the cliff-face to a middle section containing a number of large religious buildings (including Notre Dame). And, at the top of the cliff, a chateau once used by knights looks out over the Alzou Valley. Unsurprisingly, it’s from here that the best views are to be had.

Heading east for 50 km, we leave Lot for the department of Dordogne and follow the picturesque D703 as it winds its way beside the Dordogne River. Eventually, we arrive at the fairytale setting of La Roque-Gageac .

However, a quiet riverside village this ain’t. During the summer months, it gets crowded with people eager to cool down with an artisan ice cream and a kayak trip along the river for some chateaux-spotting. And, to be honest, we can’t complain because we’ve done exactly that. In fact, this stretch of the river is so supremely beautiful that we’d suggest you don’t miss out on at least a couple of hours “on the water”.

The main features of the village itself are the circular-towered Manoir de la Tarde and the gorgeous Chateau de la Malartrie, which peers out from its sub-tropical setting.

And, behind the village, a set of prehistoric cave dwellings are carved into the cliff-face.

10 minutes further along the D703, the twin villages of Beynac and Cazenac host one of the region’s best-preserved castles, which sits on top of another sheer limestone cliff face.

The Château de Beynac is a 900-year-old beauty that stands guard above the village over what was once the border between French and English territory. Indeed, the English-held Château de Castelnau faces it on the opposite side of the valley. And with a little imagination, it’s just possible to hear the 14th-Century insults flying on the wind between the two opposing sides.

Or, as immortalised by Monty Python in a dodgy French accent, “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!”

Next, taking a detour southeast of the Dordogne River, we arrive at what most experts agree is the archetypal bastide town.

Lovely Monpazier’s perfectly aligned streets criss-cross each other at right angles before leading ultimately to the arcaded Place des Cornières (main square). There’s been a weekly market here every Thursday for the past 700 years under the protective wooden-covered market hall. So it would be a bit of a shame if you managed to miss it.

Founded by Edward the First of England in the 13th Century, it forms another part of this forgotten slice of England.

Although you’d be better off whispering that quietly when you’re in town.

And, assuming you’ve not completely zoned out to wandering around gorgeously medieval French villages by now, a further 30 km eastwards brings us to the achingly beautiful Issigeac .

By way of a contrast to Monpazier’s linear structure, Issigeac is circular in design. And its half-timbered buildings actually reminded us of those we saw in Castelnau de Montmiral.

But the village’s crowning glory is its weekly market which, during the summer months, attracts shoppers (and tourists) from all over the region. Seriously, if you only choose one French market to visit, it should probably be this one.

And, finally, we head to the extreme north of the Dordogne to a village dubbed The Venice of Périgord on account of its island setting on the River Dronne.

It’s a 90-minute drive from Issigeac to Brantôme. But we’ve included it on our list as it differs greatly from the medieval towns further south. And, apart from its superb setting on the river, the ancient Brântome Abbey , founded in 769 by Charlemagne, is worth the journey alone.

Sandwiched between the river and the limestone cliffs behind, it was originally home to cave-dwelling Benedictine monks. And you can visit the troglodyte (cave-dwelling) remains of the monastery as part of a guided tour.

We can honestly say that whittling down the bastide towns and Plus Beaux Villages of southwest France to just “12 of the best” was a difficult task. But perhaps that’s because we’re just biased about the allure of this region. And we haven’t even mentioned the vineyards!

Suffice to say, we’ve plenty of unfinished business to attend to on future visits. In the meantime, we hope that our suggestions in this article at least whet your appetite for your own road trip.

And, if you happen to fall in love with a medieval gem that we’ve overlooked, then please do let us know!

What did you think? Have you been to any of the bastide towns and Plus Beaux Villages of southwest France that we’ve featured? Or perhaps you have some recommendations of your own? Either way, we’d love to hear from you so please add your comments below.

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Hi, we’re Ian and Nicky, an English couple on a voyage of discovery around the world, and this blog is designed to reflect what we see, think and do. Actually, we’d like to think it also provides information, entertainment and inspiration for other “mature” travellers, too. So please feel free to pour yourself a glass of something suitably chilled and take a look around.

South France seems so extraordinarily exotic! La Roque-Gageac and Bruniquel are so charming and look like a fabulous experience. They look amazing!

WOW!! Almost missed this post, since we were in Cartagena that week. But what a fabulous journey through these medieval towns. And as usual, your lyrical photography puts us right in the spot and makes us yearn to see it in person! Just a small observation – it looks like there’s a familiar design to a lot of the arches and windows – very rounded with a bit of a point at the top? I wonder if that’s unique to the region?

The arches relate to the Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages – which you can actually see in England as well as France. You two would love it in southwest France. Fingers crossed circumstances will allow you to visit in the not-too-distant future!

Just awesome! Adding to out list!

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Best places to visit in france.

France is home to some of the most lively cities, bucolic villages and renowned wine regions on the globe. U.S. News considered factors like variety of attractions, lodging, weather and culinary scenes to create this ranking of the best places to visit in France. Whether you're seeking an action-packed sightseeing adventure or a relaxing wine retreat, you'll find a fun French vacation here. To influence next year's ranking, vote below for your favorite destinations in France.

French Alps

Montpellier, aix-en-provence, chamonix-mont-blanc, loire valley, carcassonne.

As the world's best place to visit , it's no surprise that the electrifying City of Light tops this list. France's capital city is a year-round tourist destination with iconic attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and incredible architecture (think: the dazzling Basilique du Sacré-Coeur). Paris also offers unparalleled dining and shopping scenes, plus more museums than you could hope to visit in one trip. Keep in mind, Paris is often flooded with tourists and room rates can be pricey. If you're looking for a deal, travel in winter or early spring.

If your ideal French vacation involves a little more nature and a little less city, head to the French Alps. Here, you'll find some of the best ski slopes in Europe, as well as beautiful scenery that rivals any work of art or architecture. In summer, the typically snow-covered mountains thaw just enough to create perfect conditions for hiking and biking. Enchanting villages sit at the base of the range, offering several places to unwind when you've had enough fun on the slopes or trails.

Glamorous Nice occupies a picturesque spot along the French Riviera. Beach bums and culture hounds alike will enjoy the city's pebbly shores, engaging museums, boutique shops and Baroque-style palaces. Be sure to stroll along the coastline's Promenade des Anglais and pick up some fresh flowers and produce at the vibrant Cours Saleya market, located in old town. You'll likely spend a pretty penny on lodging and beach access, but experiencing Nice is worth it. To save some coin, travel between mid-March and April or from September to October: the area's shoulder seasons.

Known as the "Venice of the Alps" for its many winding canals, this enchanting town overlooks the northern tip of Lake Annecy in southeastern France. Here, travelers can admire the pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets of Vieille Ville, Annecy's Old Town, or explore the town's namesake lake on a boat tour. Meanwhile, couples won't want to miss a chance to stroll hand in hand across Annecy's romantic Pont des Amours (Lover's Bridge). Just don't forget to allot time to visit Annecy's historic structures, including Palais de l'Île and the Château d’Annecy, the former residence of the Counts of Geneva.

Sunny Montpellier glows with a combination of old world charm and a trendy university lifestyle. This city in the south of France evokes Parisian appeal, with Haussmann architecture and stylish promenades. And like Paris, adornment is everywhere in Montpellier, from fashionable boutiques to street art to France's oldest botanical garden. Plus, since Montpellier is located less than 10 miles from the coast of the Mediterranean, a beach break is always close at hand. Once the sun sets, take part in the city's youthful nightlife scene, which includes everything from music halls to dance clubs.

The capital of the Alsace region offers the perfect mix of French and German cultures thanks to its position on the France-Germany border. While here, travelers should see Strasbourg's Gothic-style cathedral and stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petite France quarter, with its half-timbered houses and postcard-worthy waterways. Plus, those with an interest in politics can tour several important European institutions, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. For an extra dose of magic, arrive in December to see one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets.

Quaint, charming Aix-en-Provence is a university city known for its tree-lined boulevards, cute cafes and lively markets. Life moves at a more leisurely pace here than in other French cities, meaning it's the perfect place for travelers to get lost in the scenic streets. Make sure to add Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and Le Grand Marché – two of the city's top attractions – to your itinerary. You can also see where artist Paul Cézanne (an Aix-en-Provence native) painted some of his masterpieces at Atelier de Cezanne, or venture outside of the city to see the Provencal scenes that inspired him.

It's easy to see why Colmar, located in the heart of Alsace's wine region, is considered one of France's most beautiful cities. Colorful houses that look as if they belong in a fairy tale line the Little Venice district, where you can take a boat tour through Colmar's canals or reach boutiques and eateries on foot. The setting is picturesque regardless of when you vacation here, but if you want to be awed, visit Colmar at night when lights illuminate the city during annual events like the Colmar International Festival, Alsace's wine fair and Colmar's Christmas market.

If you love to ski, chances are you'll enjoy shredding powder at Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. In the bustling Chamonix (the main place to stay if you want to ski at Mont Blanc), you'll have easy access to one of the longest off-piste runs in the world (Vallée Blanche) and rugged, challenging slopes. But this destination, which hosted the 1924 Winter Olympics, offers more than just top-notch skiing. Chamonix is also a great place to go hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. For some family-friendly fun, visit the town's adventure park to zip down its Alpine coaster and various slides.

Another popular wine region, Burgundy is home to rolling hills, superior cuisine and an array of vineyards. Those visiting Burgundy must spend time exploring the medieval villages, historical abbeys and museums that call this area home. Dijon, the region's history-rich capital, makes a great home base for touring the area. And, of course, you can't leave without trying the region's wine, which mainly uses pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and dining on some of its rich cuisine.

Dubbed la Ville Rose (the Pink City) due to the prominence of distinctive clay bricks in its architecture, Toulouse is a feast for the eyes. Throughout this city, which is located in the South of France, you'll find marvels like the neoclassical Le Capitole on the main square, the stately Basilica of Saint-Sernin (an 11th-century UNESCO site) and the Hôtel d'Assézat, which houses a noteworthy art gallery. What's more, several canals with shady footpaths pass through the city, including the idyllic Canal du Midi. For some of the best views of Toulouse, take a cruise on the River Garonne, or just sunbathe on its banks.

Located on the French Riviera about 8 miles east of Nice, the tiny hilltop village of Èze makes for an excellent day trip. The best way to spend your time in this medieval town is meandering through its cobbled streets that look as though they've been pulled from a postcard. In doing so, you'll find picturesque views of the coast, as well as luxury hotels and shops from another era. Top sights include the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and Jardin Exotique d'Èze, as well as the walking path of Nietzsche, who was inspired to write here. Before leaving town, stop by the Fragonard Parfumeur factory for a fragrant tour.

While it may not be as well-known as big-name cities like Paris, Lyon competes with the best of them. Despite being the third-largest city in France, Lyon is much calmer and less touristy than other similarly sized destinations. The streets are filled with public art, including the city's famous trompe l'oeil murals, and there are museums that focus on everything from movies to history. Plus, it's surrounded by wineries and home to 4,000-plus restaurants, several of which boast Michelin stars, making it especially appealing to oenophiles and foodies.

This wine-producing hub woos travelers with its riverbank location and surrounding countryside. With nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards, Bordeaux offers ample choices for those looking to sip some of the best (typically bold red) wines in the world. In the city center, marvel at the Gothic-style Basilique Saint-Michel, walk across the Pont de Pierre (a beautiful stone bridge), snap a photo of the iconic Place de la Bourse and enjoy the Jardin Public's pathways and flora.

Despite its war-filled past, this region in northern France is also a place of great beauty and culture. Étretat's white cliffs are a great place to take in the area's natural scenery. Then, visit the region's capital city, Rouen, to admire works of art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and stroll past the quaint half-timbered houses. Be sure to sample some of the city's culinary specialties to see why it is now a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Or, see some of the remnants of Normandy's heavy history at the D-Day Landing Beaches and The Bayeux Tapestry.

For a romantic escape, visit the Loire Valley in central France. Situated along the Loire River, the area is peppered with châteaux, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, farms and wineries renowned for their sauvignon blanc. The region itself is even a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beauty and historical villages. Plan to spend some time in a few of the valley's laid-back cities and towns, such as Orléans and Saumur, and you can't miss the emblematic Château de Chambord.

In the foothills of southern France's Pyrenees mountains sits charming Lourdes, where in 1858, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have seen several apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Today, it is an important Catholic pilgrimage site, with millions making the journey here every year. But one does not have to be religious to enjoy the stunning architecture and fascinating history behind top sights like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes or Château Fort de Lourdes. Meanwhile, for incredible views of the town and its surrounding peaks, take a funicular ride to the top of Pic du Jer.

Teeming with joie de vivre (a French phrase used to express an exuberant enjoyment of life), Antibes on the Côte d'Azur is packed with great beaches, gorgeous art and gigantic yachts. Antibes was beloved by many notable figures like Pablo Picasso, whose works can be found in his former studio (which happens to be an ancient Greek castle) that is now the Musée Picasso. The museum is located in Antibes' Old Town, a picturesque district full of local shops, markets and some of the city's best restaurants. The scenic, 3-mile Le Sentier du Littoral takes visitors from Old Town to the chic Cap d'Antibes area.

Often called "France's Isle of Beauty," Corsica features diverse landscapes and a unique culture that make it seem like a miniature continent. The Mediterranean island's clear blue water and white sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and kayaking, while its mountainous terrain and dense forests provide ample opportunities to hike trails like the highly regarded (albeit grueling) GR20. Those looking to take in some history can visit the Maison Bonaparte museum to see Napoleon's birthplace. What's more, Corsica offers a one-of-a-kind food scene that showcases various local delicacies, such as lonzu (dry-cured pork tenderloin) and brocciu (cheese).

Famous for its annual film festival in May, Cannes is just as impressive (and much less congested) at other times of the year. Cannes is another French Riviera hot spot that welcomes travelers looking for a little relaxation (think: sun-soaked beaches and meandering walks through the steep streets of Le Suquet, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods). Visitors can sightsee as they stroll along La Croisette, a nearly 2-mile-long promenade, or sit down for an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Feeling lucky? Stop by one of Cannes' casinos.

Northwestern France's Brittany region stands out from the rest of the country in more ways than one. Locals are proud and protective of their Celtic heritage, including their unique language, traditions and festivals. As a result, visitors will find many well-preserved historical sites throughout the area, including prehistoric megaliths and medieval towns like Saint-Malo, a popular port town with a 12th-century citadel. Brittany also features breathtaking coastlines with fantastic beaches that are known for their phenomenal waves for surfing, snorkeling and dolphin-spotting opportunities.

To see some of France's most spectacular art and architecture, head to Avignon. This city in southeastern France is full of stunning structures, including the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, and the arched bridge, Pont Saint-Bénezet (also called Pont d'Avignon). A number of can't-miss museums are spread throughout Avignon as well, such as the Musée Angladon, which houses works by highly regarded artists like Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. Visit in July to attend the Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's largest performing arts festivals.

You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time during a stroll within the fortified walls of Carcassonne – in fact, the city even inspired a board game of the same name. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was restored to its former medieval glory in the 1800s. In the upper, older part of town known as La Cité, you can tour storybook streets and magnificent cathedrals. And in the lower and newer (but equally historic) Bastide Saint-Louis area, you'll find various museums, shops and cafes. Before you leave, take a mini boat cruise on Canal du Midi.

Vincent Van Gogh fans may recognize the streetscapes of Arles: This small city in Provence inspired some of the artist's best-known works with its bright colors and rustic feel. Art aficionados can walk in Van Gogh's footsteps and explore his favorite haunts on a walking tour through this romantic city or visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles. Beyond this noteworthy connection, Arles is renowned for its Roman ruins, including a two-tiered amphitheater, the Alyscamps necropolis and the Constantine Baths. And as the gateway to the Camargue region, Arles is a great base for visitors looking to explore this marshy, flamingo-filled area.

France's oldest and second-largest city has become an exciting, up-and-coming tourist destination. Marseille has a number of sights to see, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Château d'If, the ominous prison made famous by Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." When the weather is nice, the rocky cliffs and beaches of the Calanques are excellent for swimming, boating and hiking. No trip to Marseille would be complete without a stop by the Mucem, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization. Plus, its rooftop terrace makes the perfect vantage point to admire the city.

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Exclusive France Tours

West Coast of France: 4 Luxurious Destinations

..biarritz, bretagne & more.

Marie Tesson

The west coast of France is ideal for luxury travellers seeking natural beauty, gastronomy and outdoor adventure. We’ll show you the coast’s most exclusive and stunning places

Read related: Adventurous Escapades on France’s West Coast

1. biarritz: for beaches, seawater spas & more.

Situated on the splendid Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is one of the west coast’s most-coveted destinations for nature lovers, those in search of gorgeous beaches and maritime activities, excellent food and local culture. While it has a reputation as mainly being a hub for surfing and other rugged water sports, luxury travellers who prefer more low-key activities will also find plenty to love about this Atlantic-coast hub in France.

For one, it offers a variety of sublime beaches and wild coastal scenery. Whether you wish to get out into the water to try your hand at kitesurfing or scuba diving, take a stunning coastal walk along the Basque coast toward destinations such as Hendaye and Guethary, or prefer to spend most of your time indulging in seawater treatments at one of the area’s luxurious spa hotels, there’s something for all tastes in Biarritz. And if secluded, private beaches are what you’re after, we’ll make sure you gain access to some of the very best.

Stay & Eat in Biarritz Two of the finest hotels in this seaside city also boast wonderful onsite spas. The Hotel du Palais, a historic gem that was built in the mid 19th century as a summer residence for the Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie, crowns the Grande Plage, one of the city’s most important beaches. Its onsite spa and Guerlain treatment rooms, luxurious pools, gourmet restaurants with seaside views and other amenities make this an obvious choice for visitors in search of a little regality and history.

Meanwhile, the 5-star Sofitel Biarritz le Miramar Thalassa hotel and spa is less historically important, but is also a wonderful place to enjoy luxurious suites overlooking the blue waters of the Basque coast, pamper yourself with spa treatments from La Prairie and Decleor, and swim in heated seawater pools situated on the deck and inside. Private villas at the hotel mean total exclusivity is a possibility at this hotel, and the onsite gastronomic restaurant serving Basque specialties with an emphasis on healthy, fresh ingredients will add to your sense of luxuriant well-being.

Some of the finer restaurants in Biarritz include the Les Rosiers, a one-star Michelin establishment renowned for its innovative, modern creations rooted in Basque gastronomic traditions. Meanwhile, L’atelier de Gaztelur features remarkable cuisine focused on fresh local ingredients, and is situated in a medieval building with a lush, greenery-filled patio.

Read related: 5 Exclusive Places for Luxury Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

2. arcachon.

Heading north to the Acquitaine region and its own breathtaking coastlines, the resort town of Arcachon offers all manner of charms for the discerning visitor. Situated only about an hour away from Bordeaux, this seaside town– along with Pyla-sur-Mer (see #3) are favoured by those who embark on wine-tasting in the region, then want to return to the fresh coastal air and rugged luxuries of the Atlantic coast.

Built in the 19th century as an oceanside health resort for the residents of Bordeaux, Arcachon boasts charming beaches with sparkling water, and is especially reputed for its oysters. Anyone who loves oysters or is open to discovering their gourmet possibilities will find plenty of opportunities to do so in Arcachon.

Exceptional Hotels & Restaurants Near Arcachon, the Villa La Tosca is an opulent haven in a quiet corner of the Arcachon Bay, tucked close to lush pine forests. Private villas are also available for rental, offering an additional level of luxury and exclusivity. An outdoor pool, “zen garden”, and private access to a calm corner of the bay make this a prized spot for high-end visitors. Private chefs, meanwhile, prepare dedicated gastronomic experiences for guests, who can taste wines to pair from the villa’s own cellar. This also makes an ideal spot for a luxurious honeymoon in France, with a dedicated romantic package offered for couples. Quiet, seclusion, and true luxury? Yes, please.

Notable restaurants in the Arcachon area include the restaurant at La Co(o)rniche in Pyla-sur-Mer, and Le Patio, boasting a Michelin star and featuring some of the region’s finest seafood. Both are ideal for tasting Arcachon’s world-renowned oysters and shellfish.

Read related: The 30+ Most Luxurious Things to Do During Summer in France

3. pyla-sur-mer.

Meanwhile, the nearby town of Pyla-sur-Mer, with its formidable sand dune standing 110m high and 600 m wide, is a true natural wonder: nestled between the ocean and a pine forest, the dune is a sublime site to behold, and has been described as a “menacing sand wall” by many. Pyla-sur-Mer, a place ideal for private, quiet luxury, offers much more than this odd natural feature, of course.

Where to Stay & Dine In Pyla-sur-Mer, not one but two remarkable hotels designed by Philippe Starck are situated in close reach of the Dune du Pilat: La Co(o)rniche is a chic, gorgeous spot overlooking the sea and the dunes, conceived in a bold modern style that nevertheless harmonises well with natural landscapes. With the entire design centred around poetry and collage, this hotel is ideal for guests who adore art and culture as much as they do exclusive surroundings. Large, luxurious rooms with expansive terraces look out to the sea and the dunes; meanwhile, the onsite Ren spa affords moments of true indulgence and relaxation.

Meanwhile, only a couple of minutes away is the 5-star Ha(a)itza hotel and spa, opened only in 2017 and already renowned as one of the west coast’s most-coveted places to stay. With the (re)design of this hotel, Philippe and Ara Starck chose a warmer and more traditional register, transforming the iconic hotel first built in 1930 and popular with celebrities including Yves Montand and the designer Jeanne Lanvin into a new treasure for the 21st century. Colourful stained glass windows created by Ara Starck catch the light differently at different times of the day, creating enchanting reflections and prismatic effects. The onsite spa Haaitza, like its counterpart at the Co(o)rniche, offers relaxing treatments by Ren, and the hotel’s Skiff Club restaurant

Read related: Exceptional & Adventurous Things to Do in Brittany

4. roscoff: a quiet gem in northwestern brittany.

This coastal city in rugged, breathtaking northwestern Brittany doesn’t always get associated with luxury, but for those in search of peace, quiet and intimacy, it might make for an ideal high-end break. As The Telegraph notes, its quiet, unassuming charm and characteristic Breton architecture make it worth at least a weekend of exploration, fresh air, gastronomic discovery and pure relaxation.

Situated in the Finistere section of Brittany on the Atlantic coast, Roscoff is located along one of the west coast’s loveliest cycling routes, stretching 1,400 km along the coast. For anyone in search of outdoor adventure, this is an ideal hub for exploring the coast by bike. Sailing fan? Taking a private sailing tour along the Finistere coast and visiting gorgeous local islands such as L’ile d’Ouessant, l’ile de Batz and Belle-Ile-en Mer is highly recommended to discerning travelers with an adventurous spirit.

Roscoff is also noted for its distinctive architecture, wonderful seafood and quietly luxurious amenities. Far from ostentatious, it can’t be called glamorous, but it offers the deeper charm of historical riches and cultural authenticity. Its nearby megalithic sites, distinctive Breton architecture, hamlets and understated manors are sure to charm anyone who appreciates depth over glitz.

Where to Stay & Dine The Hotel Brittany & Spa in Roscoff makes an ideal hub for exploring the region by bike, sailboat or yacht. Boasting a spa, heated swimming pool and private access to the beach, this is a gem of a hotel with a rustic but luxurious atmosphere. The onsite restaurant Le Yachtsman, helmed by chef Loic Le Bail, focuses on fresh local produce, delicious seafood and Breton specialities.

Meanwhile, the 4-star Hotel le Temps de Vivre is an unpretentious but lovely choice for a stay in the area. Offering sea views, a lovely garden and authentic Breton appeal, the hotel is ideally situated and quiet.

Restaurant worth exploring in Roscoff include the 2-star Michelin Patrick Jeffroy, lauded for the creative use of shellfish and other products derived from earth and sea.

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10 best places to visit in France

May 14, 2024 • 10 min read

Admire the striking coastal scenery near Normandy's Étretat © Raphael Rivest / Shutterstock

Nicola is one of the writers on Lonely Planet's latest France guidebook . Here she shares ten incredible places to plan a French holiday.

So belle is France , that where on earth do you start when it comes to planning a trip to Europe’s unapologetically gourmet, cultural and artistic titan?

From vertiginous peaks and cut-throat valleys in the colossal French Alps and  Pyrenees  to sun-spangled blue vistas and chiseled cliffs along the country’s 4853km (3015 miles) of coastline, L’Hexagone (as the French call their hexagon-shaped land in western Europe) is bestowed with remarkable natural treasures. Pair this with a Herculean cache of human creations – ancient Roman towns, art-rich cities, a capital that is the last word in romance, and rural, jack-in-the-box hilltop villages – and you'd need years to really see it all.

To ensure a sweet taste of French art de vivre , move slowly between map pins – by train, bicycle or car in rural regions. Spend days, not hours, in each place and factor in ample time for mooching open-air markets, dégustation (tasting) with growers and endless lunch lazing.

Here are the 10 best places to do just that between sights and activities.

Best for a city break in spring

Elegant Paris , with its Haussmann boulevards and world-class art museums, is a heartthrob at any time of year: the city panorama from basilica-crowned Montmartre on a snowy winter day; cycling or playing the flaneur along the Seine or Canal St-Martin in fall;  Cimetière du Père Lachaise after the rain; Sainte-Chapelle ’s soul-piercing stained glass on a glorious summer afternoon…

But it is March and April’s iridescent, sun-dappled days that truly embody Paris’ unique energy and romance. Fresh goat cheese, creamy Saint-Marcellin and the tail-end of winter’s Mont d’Or appear in fromageries like Quatrehomme and Paroles de Fromagers (with cheese school and upcoming new cheese museum). Cherry blossoms paint Jardin des Tuileries , Jardin des Plantes and local secret Parc de Sceaux pink. Cafe terraces bloom, rooftop bars and restaurants (like vegetarian Créatures atop central department store Galeries Lafayette) emerge from hibernation. Paris’ festival calendar explodes.

Planning tip: Ditch the metro for blue-sky exploration along hundreds of miles of dedicated, two-way cycling lanes. Rent a public-sharing Vélib bike or a free-floating e-bike operated by Dott, Lime and Tier; download the appropriate app to locate, pay and unlock.

Read more:  11 things only the locals know in France (and now you do too)

2. Arcachon

Best for old-school seaside charm

Artists fell for the shimmering blues, grays and greens of northern France’s Côte d’Opale in the 19th century, and the Côte d’Azur ’s golden light in the 20th. Neither has lost its razzle-dazzle. But for retro chic, Arcachon on the Atlantic Coast is the masterpiece. A deep, golden-sand beach laces the seafront of this unpretentious seaside town, with four quarters named after the seasons and a shoal of tasty seafood restaurants serving locally farmed oysters. Reserve a table at Chez Pierre .

Lingering for several days? Pair bucket-and-spade beach days with a coastal two-wheel spin to Europe’s mightiest sand dune,  Dune du Pilat , and a boat trip across the bay to Cap Ferret, with a story-book lighthouse to clamber up, pine-scented beaches to surf and a traditional oyster-farming village to explore. If sea-kayaking rocks your boat, paddle with Arcachon Kayak Aventure to Île aux Oiseaux, a chameleon of a bird island that almost disappears at high tide.

3. Parc National de la Vanoise

Best for hiking and wildlife encounters

Fizzing with adrenaline and natural beauty, France’s oldest national park embraces 529 sq km (204 sq miles) of mountain peaks, glaciers and pastoral valleys in the French Alps . World-class ski resorts Val d’Isère and Tignes (both open late November to April) are household names, particularly among powder addicts and springtime skiers. But it’s the hundreds of miles of summertime hiking trails (including the mythical GR5 from Lake Geneva in Haute-Savoie to Nice on the Med) and wildlife-watching ops that pull the real punch.

Well-marked trails spaghetti beneath 107 mighty peaks above 3000m (9842ft), home to France’s largest colony of wild ibex. Don’t miss the dramatic day hike to Lac des Vaches (“Lake of Cows”), a lake at an altitude of 2318m (7605ft) that doubles as pasture for grazing cows in August when the lake completely dries. Other months, “walk on water” across a 210m-long (689ft) boardwalk of stone slabs traversing its moraine-fringed length.

Planning tip: Pick up park information and trail maps at the Maison du Parc in the small alpine village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise, a 1½-hour drive from Chambéry in Savoie.

4. The Loire Valley

Best for romantic château-hopping

Nowhere does châteaux like France. For first-timers, the château-strewn Loire Valley – an hour's hop by train from Paris to Tours – assures instant immersion. Roman oenophiles first planted vines on the banks of the River Loire (look for Sancerre, Chinon, St-Nicolas de Bourgeuil and Montlouis-sur-Loire on wine lists). Then French royalty had a ball in megalomaniacal pleasure palaces and weekend hunting retreats during the Renaissance: 440-room Château de Chambord , garden-graced Château de Villandry and  Chaumont-sur-Loire , and hopelessly romantic Château de Chenonceau must be seen to be believed.

Forget traipsing through endless fusty rooms filled with dated trappings. Château-hopping in this emblematic valley is about observing deer at dawn on Chambord’s colossal forested estate, watching foxhounds wolf down 100kg (220lbs) of meat in 10 seconds flat at Château de Cheverny , and feasting on five centuries of history at Gothic-to-Renaissance Château de Blois during a son-et-lumière (sound-and-light show). To bond with grassroots river life, navigate the Loire in a traditional  flat-bottomed toue and overnight in a bivouac camp on its riverbanks.

Planning tip: Château-hop by bike. Research cycling routes, bike rental, cyclist-friendly accommodations et al with Loire à Vélo . Join the dots between castles around Blois with Les Châteaux à Vélo cycling trails.

5. Bordeaux

Best wine region for tasting

Dégustation (tasting) is an essential part of daily life in France’s celebrated wine regions:  Burgundy , Bordeaux, Champagne , Alsace , the Loire and Rhône Valleys, Provence and Languedoc . But it’s the handsome wine city of Bordeaux – where English merchants rolled barrels of claret (red wine) from quayside to ship in the 15th century and winegrowers stunned the world with mind-blowing Médoc and St-Émilion reds three centuries on – that pairs top-drawer vintages with easily-accessible visits around ancestral estates.

Memorable stops on a tasting grand tour around Bordeaux include the “Guggenheim of wine”  La Cité du Vin ; a wine flight at the superlative  Bar à Vin inside Maison du Vin de Bordeaux; backstage cellar tours in town at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion  and out of town at Château Lynches-Bages (with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities designed by the architect son of Pei, creator of the Louvre glass pyramid).

Planning tip: Reserve cellar tours and lunch tables well in advance. In St-Émilion, dine among sun-soaked vines at Château Troplong-Mondot’s Les Belles Perdrix vineyard restaurant. In the Médoc,  Nomade is the wine lover’s gourmet secret.

6. Normandy

Best northern region for art fiends and foodies

From prehistoric cave art at Lascaux to the Louvre’s Mona Lisa , France’s illustrious art portfolio spans all eras and genres. In northern France, Normandy’s extraordinary light spawned impressionism. French painter Claude Monet painted and repainted Rouen’s masterpiece cathedral obsessively in the late 19th century; ditto for sunrise in UNESCO port town Le Havre and backyard water lilies on his flowery country estate in Giverny .

Admire impressionism’s many Norman subjects from all angles on an art lover’s pilgrimage. Set up your easel to capture Étretat ’s iconic white chalk cliffs on canvas. Wade across sand at low tide to visit Gothic abbey Mont St-Michel . Hop between art galleries in fashionable Honfleur and among oyster beds in the picture-postcard fishing village of St-Vaast-la-Hougue. Don’t miss Camembert: a visit to the village’s Ferme du Champ Secret – where rounds of buttery AOP Camembert cheese are still made with unpasteurized milk fresh from the farm’s herd of Normande cows – is unforgettable.

7. Côte d’Azur

Best for train travel (and winter sunshine)

When the urge hits to rattle past a cinematic mirage of vineyards, fruit orchards and indigo blue water, ride the rails aboard a slow train along the Côte d’Azur (“Azure Coast”). Beach-blessed stops on the coastal route along the Med between unsung Hyères and Italianate Menton (lemons galore!) include red-carpet Cannes , Picasso’s Antibes , ochre-hued fishing village Villefranche-sur-Mer , the seaside wedge of hilltop village Èze , and Monaco , the world's second-smallest country. Embrace lazy beach days, lively bar nights, sensational modern-art museums, historic gardens and open-air markets in spades.

The ultimate train journey south? A couchette in a sleeper aboard the revived Train Bleu (“Blue Train”) from Paris to Nice , beloved by 19th-century hivernants  (winter vacationers). From 1896 onwards they began arriving in the Riviera capital by train in search of warmth, sunshine and nourishing sea air.

Planning tip: Pair coastal train trips with an inland rail adventure: to the perfume-making town of Grasse , off-grid into Côte d’Azur backcountry on the Train des Merveilles (“Train of Marvels”), or back in time from Nice to Digne-les-Bains aboard the narrow-gauge Train des Pignes .

Read more:  The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France

8. Rocamadour

Best for a hilltop-village family adventure

The Luberon in Provence is renowned for its flush of hilltop villages (foodie Bonnieux, chateau-capped Lacoste, and the scenic hike from lavender-stitched Abbaye de Sénanque to eagle-nest Gordes are undeniably gorgeous). Yet moving west, it is the less fabled Lot where the tourist horde suddenly dissipates, and the natural grandeur and majesty of medieval villages take rightful center stage, strategically perched atop vertical crags and outcrops. 

Cliff-hanger Rocamadour, an ancient stop on the epic pilgrimage route from Rome to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, has the epicurean bonus of producing its own eponymous cheese. It's crafted on goat farms such as La Borie d’Imbert , which opens its doors to fromage curios and goat-loving kids. Pair with tree trampolining (yes, really) at Saute-Mouton and wild swimming from pebble beaches along the frisky Lot and Dordogne rivers for an assured, no-holds-barred family adventure.

Best for open-road escapes

Journeys are measured in hours, not miles, on Corsica – nicknamed Île de Beauté (“Island of Beauty”) for good reason. Golden beaches, turquoise coves and fire-red rocks color road trips here, punctuated with unhurried stops at time-forgotten hilltop villages and ancient churches, prehistoric relics, wineries and an overdose of foodie temptations.

With the exception of nose-to-tail August (when French holidaymakers also hit Corsica for their traditional summer break in the sun), there is no lovelier place to take your foot off the pedal and cruise through natural landscapes so beautiful you could weep. Narrow, serpentine coastal roads and torturously steep mountain roads infuse journeys with a heart-pounding dash of trepidation; and there’s bags of outdoor action (hiking, biking, sea kayaking) to let off steam. Bookworms take note, Corsican beaches (looking at you Bonifacio , uninhabited Lavezzi islands and Porto Vecchio) are sublime.

Planning tip: Add Corsican polyphony to your playlist to enjoy on the road: I Muvrini, Cantu U Populu Corsu and Voce di Corsica are classic artists.

10. Lorraine

Best for history geeks (and something different)

Few linger in Lorraine, the industrial underdog in northeastern France with ample contemporary allure. History buffs naturally gravitate to Verdun’s WWI battlefields and the well-marked Remembrance Circuit, a 25km (15-mile) driving and cycling route along the Somme River, where one of WWI’s bloodiest battles was fought in 1916. But there’s so much more to enthrall and thrill. See the striking Centre Pompidou in Metz , and  Nancy ’s wondrous art nouveau architecture and neoclassical central square, best soaked up over alfresco coffee or an early evening apéro (predinner drink). Take an after-dark guided tour of the straight-out-a-sci-fi-movie  Parc du Haut Fourneau U4 ironworks in Uckange and experience bucolic green escapes in the gloriously people-empty Hautes-Vosges mountains. Embrace the quiet and difference.

Keep planning your trip to France:

Choose the best time to go to France for your perfect vacation Check out these budget-friendly tips before you book Save our kid-friendly guide to France

This article was first published Jun 12, 2012 and updated May 14, 2024.

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The Earful Tower

Paris and France by Oliver Gee

Ten things to do in north-western France before you die

The following list was inspired by  the honeymoon season  of The Earful Tower in 2018.

Press play below to hear the 30-minute podcast episode and scroll down for the list. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple here and Google here .

1. Walk the top of the old city walls in Saint Malo at sunset

It’s really as magical as it sounds, the old fortified walls will leave you gobsmacked. Prepare for wind!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deuxième Studios (@deuxiemestudios)

2. See the tapestry of Bayeux

We’d heard about this museum, but nothing compares to walking along the 70m tapestry and taking it in yourself. Be sure to check out the local cathedral too, well worth a visit!

3. Walk through the old town of Bernay

Ever heard of Bernay? Neither had we. But it’s absolutely a hidden gem of the north west – stop there on the way to Deauville, perhaps?

4. Explore the pink granite rocks at Ploumanac’h

Not only is this place one of the prettiest villages in the country (it won an award for it in recent years), but the seaside is mesmerising.

5. Try local delicacies such as cider, galettes, crepes, and Kouign-amann

Avoid your typical restaurant choices at all costs – go with the flow. Even if you can’t pronounce it. Ten points if you can pronounce Koign-amann. I still can’t.

6. Check out the Mont Saint Michel at low tide 

Write a message in the sand and see it from the monastery above!

7. Visit the charming village of Dinan

Another pearl in Brittany, be sure to add it to your itinerary. Why not have a cider by the water while you’re there?

8. Find a museum along the D-Day Beaches

We went to the Juno Beach centre, which was a good one, but there are plenty more to choose from.

9. Stay in a farm-house with a French family

We found a few via Airbnb and they were excellent. I suppose you never know what you’re going to get, but a good French family will take you in and treat you like their own. Good luck!

10. Take the back roads and find the small villages

Can’t stress this one enough – get off the highways and you’ll be amazed at what you find!

That’s it for now. Of course, this list is best enjoyed as a 30-minute podcast where we get right into the details. Once again, listen here.

In the mean time, if you wanna see all the bonus footage and support this show at the same time then sign up on Patreon today and unlock it all. Or, the full honeymoon features prominently in my 2020 book, Paris On Air.

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3 thoughts on “ ten things to do in north-western france before you die ”.

This is just wonderful!! ❤️

Kouign-amann is pronounced “queen ah-mahn” — I think.

Hi again, looks like your honeymoon trip is progressing quite nicely! If you’re still in Brittany, I can highly recommend the “southern coast”, Finistère. It’s wild and gorgeous. To give you an idea, you could check on my post and the following one: https://photoleraclaudinha.com/2016/09/24/returning-to-brittany-after-40-years/ Continued happy travels!

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6 places to visit on the West Coast of France

On the west coast of France, La Charente-Maritime is a destination loved as much for its beaches and ports as for its cultural treasures.

Charente-Maritime is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean, with a coastline of over 200km. With beautiful beaches and a fresh seaside breeze, sunbathers and fans of nautical sports understandably love it here. But beyond the beaches, Charente-Maritime is also rich in history and culture and has many interesting historic landmarks to visit. Here are six spots to visit in the region now.

Le Marais Poitevin (and the Aiguillon Bay)

Nicknamed ‘la Venise verte’ (‘the green Venice’), here you can take boat rides through the canals to see grey herons. Spread across 85,000 hectares of land, Le Marais Poitevin is a wetland situated in both la Vendée and Charente-Maritime departments, a former river delta which over hundreds of years became a marshland due to human activity. Today, it’s a fantastic spot for walking, thanks for its notably lush green landscapes. Not far from here, the Aiguillon Bay is a National Nature Reserve that is home to a huge diversity of plant and animal species. It is an important place for black-tailed godwits, as one of the few breeding grounds for the species in France. Another threatened species that can be found here is the terek sandpiper.

The Phare de Chassiron

The Phare de Chassiron is a lighthouse located at the northern point of the Island of Olér on , also known as the ‘pointe du bout du monde’ (the poing at the end of the word). It was built in 1854 and has become an emblematic feature of the island. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world that is still in operation. It is surrounded by an exquisite contemporary garden designed in the shape of a compass rose (it was awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” prize in 2017) and offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

Le Fort Boyard

Made famous by the French television game of the same name which is also filmed there, Fort Boyard is an iconic location in Charente-Maritime. The fort, a historical monument on the island of Pertuis Antioche, is famous the world over and has been open to the public since 2010. A former military fort, it was built in the 19th century under Napoleon to protect the bay of Rochefort from English invasion. Today Fort Boyard is a popular tourist destination. If you’re planning your journey there, then there are regular boat trips to Fort Boyard from La Rochelle, l’Île d’Oléron, l’Île de Ré, Fouras-les-Bains and Bourcefranc-le-Chapus.

L’Aquarium La Rochelle

Discover the mysteries of the ocean at the La Rochelle Acquarium where more than 12,000 marine animals are waiting. A fantastic opportunity to learn about marine flora and fauna and the great efforts to conserve these species in an era of environmental crisis where the sea life is becoming more and more fragile. Situated in the centre of the town, La Rochelle Acquarium is the biggest aquarium in France . They offer activities for all ages, with animations and exhibitions designed to educate visitors about the joys of underwater wildlife.

The Musée de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême

The Musée de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême was opened on 4th February 1989. As the museum shows – spread over 1300m² of floor space – comics are an art form in their own right. Housed in former wine cellars, the museum immerses the visitor into the world of comics through a collection of more than 8,000 works: original strips, drawings and related objects form one of the most unique collections in Europe.

Le vignoble de Cognac

The Cognac vineyard covers more than 79,500 hectares spread across the Charente-Maritime and several other communes in the Dordogne and Deux-Sèvres. As the name suggests, this is where one of the world’s most famous spirits is produced. The unique vines that grow here produce a grape from which the fruity and spicy cognac is created. The Cognac region is known for its warm and sunny climate, which allows the vines to mature slowly and create a product of a very superior quality.

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These Small Towns in France Are Straight Out of a Storybook

By Caitlin Morton

France has no shortage of world-class cities, from the busy ports of Marseille to the innovative restaurants of Lyon. (And do we really need to lecture you on the endless charms of Paris ?) But the villages and small towns in France have beauty to rival any bustling hub, with hilltop views, flower-lined canals, and pastel, half-timbered houses pulled straight from the pages of a storybook .

Even better? Some of these tiny communes even have Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning hotels, and easy access to some of France’s best ski slopes —so, really, what’s holding you back? Here, we’ve rounded up 21 of the most beautiful small towns in France, along with places to stay in (or near) each location.

Whether you want to sip your way through Bordeaux or swim off the storied beaches of Corsica, we guarantee you have a new village (or two) to add to your next France itinerary.

This gallery has been updated since its original publish date. 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.

Gordes, Provence

Population: 1,974

Yet another hilltop stunner, Gordes is easily one of the most charming towns in all of France. The elevated location makes it one of the best places in Provence to watch the sunset, and it also happens to be an excellent home base for seeking out lavender fields during the summer months. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the town center to Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century church that is famous for its seemingly endless stretches of purple blooms.

Stay here: Airelles Gordes, La Bastide —a Gold List, Hot List, and Readers’ Choice Award winner—has just the right balance of superb terroir cuisine, atmosphere, comfort, and service to set it apart from the other small hotels in town.

Chamonix, Haute-Savoie

Population: 8,906

Chamonix’s proximity to Mont Blanc has made it one of Europe’s most legendary skiing and climbing centers . But the town itself, with panoramic mountain views and rows of slant-roofed buildings, is lovely every month of the year.

Stay here: Accommodations don’t get much cozier (or cooler) than The Clubhouse , carved out of a 1927 Art Deco mansion with gorgeous views of Mont Blanc.

Bonifacio, Corsica

Population: 3,029

Located between France and Italy, the island of Corsica is known for its stunning protected nature areas and dramatic beaches. The island has a few notable communes, but few compare to Bonifacio, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea from its location on the southern coast. Much of the town is situated on white limestone cliffs that have been eroded by the ocean—from certain angles, you could swear the buildings are suspended in the air by some magical force.

Stay here: Just a 30-minute drive away from the center of Bonifacio,  Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa (a 2021 Gold List winner) is one of the  best beach hotels in all of Europe .

Saint-Émilion, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Population: 1,878

Bordeaux may be the world’s most important wine region, but the vineyard-filled landscape can be a little monotonous. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is a notable exception—the entire jurisdiction was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, thanks to its “exceptional landscape” and historic monuments. The town’s winding, hilly streets and limestone houses attract visitors with only a casual interest in wine, although serious oenophiles should also try to visit (see: the prestigious Château La Dominique vineyard).

Stay here: Located in an 18th-century family home surrounded by vines, Le Relais Franc Mayne makes you feel like you’re living on a private vineyard—complete with wine tastings and a dreamy swimming pool.

Roussillon, Provence

Population: 1,328

Some cities are known for their connection to a specific color , like pink in Jaipur or white in Tel Aviv. Roussillon, sitting atop one of the world’s largest ochre deposits, has plenty of the mineral’s reddish hue on display on buildings and the dramatic cliffs nearby.

Stay here: If you want to really relax between village visits, head to Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa , where massages and fireplace-side drinks are waiting for you.

Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Population: 125,694

Sometimes called “the Venice of Savoie,” this lakeside Alpine town is treasured for its sloping hillsides and the canals that wind their way through the town’s streets. (Pro tip: The small stone bridges over the canals make for perfect photo ops.) While its population might be bigger than this list’s other entries, Annecy’s cobblestone streets and pastel-colored façades provide the same storybook feel that you’d find in some of France’s tiniest villages.

Stay here: Sitting on the edge of Lake Annecy, L’Auberge du Père Bise offers some of the best views, food, and celebrity sightings in town. (Brigitte Bardot and Queen Elizabeth II are notable past guests.)

Briançon, Hautes-Alpes

Population: 12,370

Sitting at an altitude of 4,350 feet, Briançon is considered the highest city in all of France. Several buildings in the fortified city are UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as part of the “ Fortifications of Vauban ” listing), but the most famous landmark is undoubtedly the 18th-century parish church, defined by its two symmetrical towers. The town is also connected to the Serre Chevalier ski resort, making it a must-visit during the winter months.

Stay here: If you’re here to hit the slopes, you can’t do much better than Chez Bear Ski Lodge , a luxury chalet with a private sauna and chauffeur to shuttle you to and from the lifts.

Èze, Côte d’Azur

Population: 2,343

For a French Riviera experience that trades glitz for tranquility, bypass Nice and Cannes for Èze, whose rocky hillside location 1,400 feet above the sea promises stunning views of the Mediterranean. After a dizzying hike to the town’s summit, enjoy a well-deserved meal at La Chèvre d’Or , a two-starred Michelin restaurant helmed by chef Arnaud Faye.

Stay here: Château Eza is an exceptional boutique hotel with canopy beds, wood-burning fireplaces, and perfect Mediterranean views.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Population: 693

Known for its beautiful pottery and rosy tiled buildings, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie sits at the western entrance to the Gorge du Verdon (often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of France”). The bookends of towering limestone cliffs makes the town feel at once cozy and prolific—wander through the old village before stopping by a local restaurant for dinner and watching the town turn pink with the sunset.

Stay here:   La Bastide de Moustiers is a bucolic country house surrounded by olive trees and lavender—and views of those stunning cliffs, of course.

Carcassonne, Occitania

Population: 45,996

The Languedoc region is like nowhere else in France , thanks to its sun-baked beaches, forested peaks, and density of vineyards. It’s perhaps best exemplified by the medieval town of Carcassonne. Overlooking the river Aude, the town’s main lure is La Cité, a 10th-century citadel complete with ramparts and a drawbridge.

Stay here: Built in 1909 on the site of a former bishop’s palace, Hôtel de la Cité is like its own little medieval castle—marble bathrooms, stone fireplaces, and stained glass windows included.

Bayeux, Normandy

Population: 13,656

Bayeux is best known for the 11th-century tapestry bearing its name; but it holds a special place in recent history as well, as it was the first town liberated by the Allies after they landed on Normandy’s beaches in 1944. As a result, its appeal is a mix of the classic (the Norman-Gothic Bayeux Cathedral that dominates the skyline) and the more contemporary (a somber, minimalist World War II cemetery).

Stay here: Located steps away from the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, Villa Lara boasts 28 rooms filled with elegant furniture and rich textiles.

Giverny, Normandy

Population: 509

Giverny, a small village on the border of Normandy, is most famous for being the site of Claude Monet’s cherished riverside house and garden, both of which are open to the public . The pastel pink house is pretty as a picture, with spring green shutters and ivy crawling up every surface. The gardens are an impressionist painting come to life, with water lilies, weeping willows, wisterias, and that green Japanese bridge.

Stay here: A 30-minute drive south of Giverny, Domaine de Primard is a French country fantasy come to life—think 18th-century bones, a pool hidden by neatly trimmed hedges, and a greenhouse that doubles as a tea salon.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Population: 14,133

Saint-Jean-de-Luz has everything you would hope to find in a Basque Country village: half-timbered houses, golden beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and a harbor lined with colorful boats. Spend the afternoon at one of the town’s charming corner cafés, croissant in hand as you watch the elegant locals stroll by.

Stay here: Head to the neighboring town of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and book a room at L’Auberge Basque , where you can expect an edgy mix of urban conveniences and farmhouse charm.

Colmar, Alsace

Population: 70,284

Picturesque Colmar has a neighborhood known as “Little Venice ”—giving Annecy a run for its money on the Venice comparisons—with small canals that cut elegant lines past candy-colored houses. Locals aren’t the only ones inspired by Colmar’s beauty, though: Some people believe the town was the model for Belle’s village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast .

Stay here: Is location your main priority? Hôtel Le Colombier is a small, high-design hotel set in a 500-year-old townhouse, just steps from the canals.

Conques-en-Rouergue, Occitania

Population: 838

Located about six hours south of Paris, the department of Aveyron has some of the most beautiful small towns in France. Among these lovely villages is Conques-en-Rouergue (formerly Conques), situated along the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route and home to the 12th-century Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy. Make sure to sample the creative gastronomy at Michelin-starred La Table d’Hervé Busset when you’re in town.

Stay here: Just a quick drive away from town is Château de Labro , a 16th-century chateau turned upscale guesthouse with romantic rooms and an excellent on-site restaurant.

Vézelay, Burgundy

Population: 434

The medieval hilltop town of Vézelay is a can’t-miss stop on any Burgundy road trip . Make sure your detour includes a visit to the aptly-named Vézelay Abbey, where you’ll be afforded plenty of sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Stay here: With its spacious rooms and plant-filled terraces, Hôtel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or is the perfect place to rest up after exploring Vézelay all day.

Castelnou, Pyrénées-Orientales

Population: 328

The medieval village of Castelnou is so well preserved, you might think you’ve traveled back in time as you walk along the narrow streets. The town’s eponymous castle sits high on a hill and overlooks the stone houses below, all set to the backdrop of the gorgeous Pyrenees. For an extra dose of cheer, plan your visit around Castelnou’s annual Christmas market in December.

Stay here: Though there aren’t many notable hotels within Castelnou itself, Mas des Colombes —a quick drive away—is as lovely as French countryside hotels come. (Just wait until you see the heated infinity pool overlooking the mountains.)

Bergheim, Alsace

Population: 2,111

We’re big fans of Bergheim in Alsace—as are the French. In 2022, the tiny town in northeastern France was voted  the country’s favorite village in  Village préféré des Français , a TV program that polls citizens every year to crown a winner. Bergheim continues to win over citizens and foreigners alike with its friendly locals, walkable streets, and famous half-timbered houses lined with flower boxes.

Stay here:  With its flowery inner courtyard and rooms with exposed wood beams,  Maison d'Hotes Chez Norbert is a microcosm of Bergheim’s most lovable qualities.

Crissay-Sur-Manse, Centre-Val de Loire

Population: 97

In the heart of the scenic Loire Valley, is a tiny (and we mean  tiny —just check out its population size) but beautiful town that makes an excellent day trip excursion or road trip pit stop. Spend a few wonderful hours strolling through the main village, taking time to admire the white limestone houses and secret gardens tucked off the roads, as well as the ruins of a 15th-century castle on the western side of town.

Stay here: The Loire Valley has no shortage of dreamy stays. But if you really want to up the fairytale ante, head to  Loire Valley Lodges —these glass-walled tree houses in a 750-acre forest are like modern magical princess towers.

Peillon, Alpes-Maritimes

Population: 1,483

We’re big fans of  hilltop towns in general, but Peillon—located about 7.5 miles (12.2 kilometers) northeast of Nice—stands out with its spectacular views over the Alps. The pedestrian-only town will definitely give your pedometer a workout as you wind through narrow street and staircases, passing baroque churches, historic fountains, and charming stone houses along the way.

Stay here: Since Nice is such a quick drive away, book a bucket-list stay at the Côte d’Azur’s most flamboyant hotel:  Le Negresco .

Dinan,  Brittany

Population: 11,003

With many structures dating back to the 13th century, the walled city of Dinan is like one giant museum. The medieval town boasts ancient theaters, churches, and castles, as well as a picture-perfect location along the river Rance. Try to time your visit to the Fête des Remparts, a two-day festival (typically held in July) in which people dress up in period costumes, hold jousting tournaments, and basically transform the town into a Middle Ages time capsule.

Stay here: It’s worth spending at least one night in  La Maison Pavie , a traditional 15th-century home in the heart of the town that was recently reopened as a stylish guest house.

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The South of France Is My Favorite Vacation Destination — Here Are Its 20 Best Places to Visit

The lavender fields, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches have my heart.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Alexander Hafemann/Getty Images

France ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe — of course there are remarkable destinations in the country that gave us boeuf bourguignon , the Eiffel Tower , and Champagne. But with alluring beaches along the Côte d'Azur , magical lavender fields, and the vineyards of the Luberon, the South of France is a superb destination all on its own. I'm a professional travel writer who's been to 45 countries across six continents, and it's my absolute favorite place in the world to visit. If you’re planning on spending even just a few days in le Midi , this list will help you choose which of the region's many, many highlights to include in your itinerary.

kolderal/Getty Images

Gordes is one of the most beautiful small towns in the world , with roads and facades that seem to have sprung from the pages of a children's storybook. Unsurprisingly, tourists beeline to this enchanting Luberon village to see — and snap photos of — its cobbled lanes, white stone buildings, and churches.

Saint-Tropez

AtanasBozhikovNasko/Getty Images

A French Riviera hotspot put on the map by Bridget Bardot and other members of the jet-set pack in the 1960s, Saint-Tropez still sizzles. Sun-kissed holiday goers crowd glamorous beach clubs here, moor their mega yachts in the harbor, shop for breezy linens at the boutiques, and traipse around the old fishing quarter.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Just outside the tourist-trodden center of Gordes lies Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a photogenic monastery founded in 1148 by Cistercians monks. Guided tours of the church and cloisters are available throughout the year. When the lavender fields bloom in the summer, this site reaches peak prettiness.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

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Île Sainte-Marguerite floats about half a mile offshore from Cannes. In contrast to its mainland neighbor, the largest of the Lérins Islands is small, slow-paced, and steeped in nature. Expect rocky beaches, turquoise waters, and a eucalyptus forest, as well as a very interesting underwater sculpture museum.

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It’s not hard to find enchanting hilltop towns in Provence. The enduring charm of Mougin that lured Edith Piaf and Christian Dior enamors all who visit. This medieval village has a snail-shaped center with cobbled lanes and flower-clad houses, plus large-scale art sculptures and award-winning restaurants overlooking the leafy countryside.

Oppède le Vieux

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In stark contrast to the Disneyland-like atmosphere of Gordes, Oppède le Vieux is an under-the-radar village that’s built atop rocks and surrounded by overgrown trees. The stone pathways, steps, and structures here are in various degrees of ruin, which imbues a time-worn charm.

Porquerolles

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Escape to Porquerolles, off the coast of Hyères, for a peaceful respite that can include time lazing on near-empty beaches, swimming in placid tides, sipping your way through vineyards, cycling in the countryside, and wandering through old forts.

Plage des Marinières

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Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the French Riviera, crescent-shaped Plage des Marinières in the darling village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the perfect spot for a day of basking in the sun, strolling across golden sand, and splashing in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

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The exclusive commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has long attracted the attention of artists and jet setters with deep pockets and a desire for privacy. Exquisite villas are obscured from sight by lush vegetation. Pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a yacht-filled harbor define this desirable destination.

Site Archéologique de Glanum

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Named after the Celtic god Glanis, Site Archéologique de Glanum traces its roots back to 600 BC. It’s at this extensive site just outside the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that visitors can walk through remarkable surviving remains of both Gaulish and Roman settlements.

Le Sentier des Ocres

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The most iconic and unmissable sight in the Luberon village of Roussilian, Le Sentier des Ocres is a former ochre quarry with walking paths through rust-hued hills. The setting certainly provides spellbinding photo ops.

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Nice is a vibrant seaside city with a lovely historic core. If Vieux Nice is on your itinerary, begin with the Promenade des Anglais, then wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the pastel-hued facades and shopping for Niçoise soaps. Experience a Provencale market, grab socca (chickpea pancake) at one of the outdoor cafes, and soak in the views from Colline du Château before you depart.

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The untamed region between the Mediterranean Sea and the two branches of the Rhône River delta, Camargue defies preconceptions with its vastly different landscape. Rather than olive groves and grape vines, expect salt marshes and reed beds inhabited by free-roaming white horses and pink flamingos.

Valensole Plateau Lavender Fields

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Lavender is the emblem of Provence. The fields on the Valensole Plateau that erupt into a fragrant and gorgeous purple bloom each summer are some of the most popular — and photogenic — attractions in the region.

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Fragrance fans are no doubt familiar with Grasse, a French Riviera town in the hills behind Cannes that’s considered the perfume capital of the word. Rare roses and jasmine for designer luxury scent makers grow in this sunny village. It’s also home to many perfumeries.

Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole

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If you’re at all interested in the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, consider a visit to Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole. This is the monastery-turned-psychiatric facility in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where the tortured Dutch artist sought treatment and famously painted “The Starry Night.”

Palais des Papes

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The standout attraction in Avignon, the enormous Palais des Papes served as a pontifical residence in the 14th century. It's also on the shortlist of the most significant medieval Gothic buildings in all of Europe, with ceremonial halls, chapels, a cloister, and frescos.

Mines Bruoux

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Mines Bruoux , near Gargas, gives visitors the chance to tour a maze-like complex of tunnels and galleries in a 19th-century ochre mine. You will learn about the fascinating mining process as you go. The cool underground temperature provides a reprieve from the summer sun, too.

Promenade de la Croisette

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Few places embody French Riviera glamor quite like Promenade de la Croisette. Running along the Mediterranean Sea, the famous palm-fringed thoroughfare is crowned by Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, which hosts the Cannes Film Festival, and you'll find many upmarket hotels, shops, and restaurants here as well.

Carrières de Lumières

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For an unforgettable experience that speaks to Provence’s artistic pedigree, head to Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence. Housed in an old quarry, this contemporary art center hosts multimedia shows that combine larger-than-life projections of famous paintings and music.

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13 Coastal French Villages We Can't Stop Dreaming About

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 20, 2024

Best 13 beach and coastal towns in France

The French coastline has more than 2,000 miles of sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rolling waves that are great for surfing. In many other places, the sea is calm, clear, and azure in color. There are beaches that are large and sandy, and others are small and secluded. There are numerous rocky bays too. One thing’s for certain if you’re looking for  places to live in France  and being near the water is important, there are plenty of great French beach towns situated close to its beautiful coastline.

Living in France  near the coast brings so many merits. Certainly, looking out over the ocean is a great mood booster and helps reduce stress. The cleaner air and higher levels of vitamin D will help you to feel better, and being by the sea definitely promotes a more active lifestyle.

Here are France’s best coastal towns and cities you will truly enjoy: 

3. Honfleur

4. Trouville sur Mer

Trouville sur Mer is a great choice for those who want to visit this part of France to as it lies within close proximity of the Normandy beaches and it really is an attractive coastal town in France.

Brest appeals to beach lovers too as just a couple of kilometers further west is a really special spot called Pointe du Petit Minou. This is a pretty sandy cove with great rolling waves which are popular with surfers.

Although Quimper has a lovely sea front to enjoy for a leisurely stroll, its nearest beach, the pretty beach of Saint Gilles Beach – Bénodet is 20 km from the city center and is one of ten beaches in the close vicinity. In and around Quimper there are numerous restaurants serving ocean-fresh seafood and excellent local cider.

7. La Rochelle

There is plenty to see and do in La Rochelle and after exploring this coastal French city it is fun to stretch out on one of its three sandy beaches “Plage de la Concurrence” is just a 5-minute walk from the city center and is ideal for families. The beach also has an access ramp for wheelchair users. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the sea with boat trips plus kite boarding and jet ski rental. Just outside the city, you will find Châtelaillon beach – said to be one of the best beaches in Charente Maritime. The whole area is well known for its oysters and you will find numerous oyster farms strung along the coast.

8. Arcachon

Arcachon is considered one of the best French beach towns and this is certainly reflected in the house prices! Arcachon is situated in south-west France and is famous for its oysters. The town is divided into four districts – all named after a different season.

You will find all the shops and the main sandy beach in Ville d’Été (summer). In Ville d’Hiver (winter) there are gorgeous 19th-century villas to admire. Just  south of the town, stands the highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat, which measure 102 metres. It is hard work scrambling to the top but the view makes the effort really worthwhile.

9. Biarritz

Situated on the country’s south western coast overlooking the Atlantic, stands Biarritz which is a very chic and fashionable French beach town that was first made popular by Emperor Napoleon III and his Spanish wife Eugenie. Biarritz soon became popular with many European monarchs including Queen Victoria. Biarritz has beautiful beaches with rolling surf that is  much loved by surfers and the town hosts a popular surfing competition every summer. Biarritz is well known for its center for thalassotherapy which uses the local sea water in all of its treatments.

This delightful French beach town lies just a few kilometers from the border with Spain and this is reflected in the regional cuisine which is a wonderful blend of French and Spanish specialties. There is a lovely promenade that links the town’s two main beaches.

10. Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The town has always been strongly linked with Louis IV, the Sun King, as the king was married in the beautiful church of Saint Jean-Bapiste in the town. There are colorful half-timbered houses in the town and the Maison Louis XIV Museum in the town has scenes that portray life in the 17th century and the exhibit include the king’s bed.

11. Marseille

As well as enjoying the beaches, the Old Town with its winding narrow streets is fun to explore. While you are in the city, it is fun to try some of the famous local dishes which include: Salade Niçoise, Ratatouille, Daube Niçoise (beef casseroled red wine). Pissaladière (a flan made with caramelized onions and anchovies) and Socca the tasty street food which is a flatbread made from chickpea flour. The perfect accompaniment to all of these is a glass of local wine!

There are so many lovely beaches and coastal towns and cities in France and each is special as it has its own individual character. Whether you like action-packed beaches with water sports, quiet, secluded coves with soft golden sand or coastal towns where you can relax with a chilled glass or fine or cider, you will definitely find the ideal place for you among France’s amazing coastal spots.

Fallen in love with beautiful France?

 Check out more  amazing articles about living in France .

This article originally appeared on MyDolceCasa  and was syndicated by MediaFeed .

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How to Watch the Biden-Trump Presidential Debate

The debate will be hosted by CNN from its Atlanta studios starting at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday.

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By Neil Vigdor

• Published June 25, 2024 Updated June 27, 2024

The moment has been four years in the making: President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump on a debate stage, another flashpoint in their long-running hostilities.

The debate, hosted by CNN at its Atlanta studios starting at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, will occur without an in-person audience and before Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden formally accept their parties’ nominations this summer, in a dramatic departure from the past.

Where can I watch it?

The New York Times will stream the debate alongside real-time commentary and analysis from reporters.

CNN will broadcast or stream the debate on all its platforms, including its flagship cable channel, as well as CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max. The network also plans to stream the debate on CNN.com.

CNN is also sharing its feed with other broadcast and cable news networks so that they could simulcast the debate. That means you can also watch it on Fox News, ABC News, NBC News and probably elsewhere.

Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. be onstage?

No. He failed to meet CNN’s requirements, which means Ross Perot remains the last independent candidate to have qualified for a general election presidential debate — and that was in 1992. For this debate, participants had to receive at least 15 percent support in four approved national polls and qualify for the ballot in enough states to have the chance to earn the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.

Who is moderating the debate?

The moderators will be Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, who are fixtures on the anchor desk at CNN and the hosts of the network’s Sunday political talk show, “ State of the Union .” Mr. Tapper is CNN’s chief Washington correspondent, and Ms. Bash is the network’s chief political correspondent.

Neil Vigdor covers politics for The Times, focusing on voting rights issues and election disinformation. More about Neil Vigdor

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