There are many reasons why France is one of the world’s most visited countries. Aside from having some of the world’s most exquisite food and wine, it’s also home to beautiful cities and picturesque countryside guaranteed to take your breath away! From rolling vineyards to charming villages and plunging canyons, France has more than enough to satisfy every visitor.
But with so much to see and do, deciding which places to stay can overwhelm you. To help narrow down your options, here are some of the most stylish places to stay in France.
1. The Loire Valley
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The Loire Valley is one of France’s most picturesque regions, named after its location along the Loire River. With its quaint bridges stretching over the tranquil water and numerous Medieval and Renaissance chateaux, the Loire is one of France’s most stylish places. The region’s landscape is also stunning, with green as far as the eyes can see. In fact, it was dubbed “France’s Garden” around the 15th and 16th centuries.
While staying in the Loire Valley, consider cycling along the scenic Loire à Velo cycle path, stretching to a staggering 800 kilometres and covering six French departments. Of course, you don’t need to cycle the entire length. Cycling even a section of the path that winds through the Loire is already an incredible experience.
Architecture lovers and history buffs will find the Loire Valley fascinating to explore. The region has many impressive buildings dating back to the 12th century, such as Fontevraud Abbey. It’s steeped in history and is the resting place of some of France’s most significant figures, such as Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
The Loire Valley is renowned for its magnificent chateaux, and if you only have time to visit one, make it the Château de Villandry. You’ll love strolling through the gorgeous Renaissance gardens of this remarkable castle.
2. Provence
Located in Southeast France, Provence is a beautiful region that has become a favourite place for many visitors to France. It’s home to charming Provençal towns with cobblestone streets that are a joy to explore on foot.
The highlight of your stay in Provence is the incredibly scenic lavender fields. Exploring the lavender fields and soaking up their sight and scent is an incredible experience. After strolling through the farm, visit a local lavender distillery to try harvesting lavender and making essential oil to take home.
When staying in Provence, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its picturesque hilltop villages. A must-see is Les Baux-de-Provence, which sits on a hill amidst the magnificent ruins of an ancient castle. The stone village is a joy to explore, where you’ll come across beautiful homes from the early 15th century and a lovely Romanesque church.
Every visit to Provence is complete with visiting its vibrant outdoor markets, often taking place every weekend. Visiting these markets is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. If you are here on a Sunday, check out Coustellet Farmers Market, a colourful and bustling place with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
3. Cote d’Azur
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The Cote d’Azur has long been a popular destination for visitors to France, thanks to its lovely beaches and sophisticated resort towns like Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Cannes. Indeed, it’s a fascinating region to base yourself in, where you will find plenty of stylish places to stay in the Cote d’Azur, making it a perfect base for those looking to travel in France in luxury and style.
Nestled along the Mediterranean Coast, Cote d’Azur boasts excellent weather, receiving an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Thus, it has become a favourite spot for elite travellers wanting to escape the harsh winter weather in Europe.
No visit to Cote d’Azur is complete without exploring the glamorous resort of Saint Tropez, which used to be a humble fishing village. Thanks to the famous French actress Brigitte Bardot, it eventually gained the attention of stylish travellers and has become synonymous with glitz and glamour.
The luxurious city of Cannes is another reason to stay in Cote d’Azur. Like St. Tropez and Nice, Cannes exudes glamour and style. It has become famous for hosting one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, bringing together some of the biggest names in the film industry.
4. Corsica
Corsica is another beautiful region that can make for an ideal place to stay on your holiday to France. Situated along the Mediterranean Coast, the island is best known for its warm weather, stunning coastlines, and dramatic mountain peaks.
While Corsica is best known for its magnificent coastline, it also has its share of fascinating historical sites, which you’ll have the chance to explore when you stay in the region. Check out Napoleon Bonaparte’s ancestral home, La Maison Bonaparte, where you can browse through portraits, medals, artefacts, and other things depicting the famous ruler’s life.
While in Corsica, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the region’s unique gastronomy, featuring a blend of French and Italian cuisine. Corsican dishes are hearty, consisting of local meats and fresh seafood cooked in locally produced dairy products.
5. Normandy
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As one of the most popular regions in France, Normandy is a fantastic place to stay. It’s renowned for its history, culture, architecture, and stunning nature, where you’ll see magnificent rolling hills, meandering rivers, and several kilometres of sparkling coast.
Steeped in history, Normandy is full of historic sites to explore. It’s the setting of one of modern history’s most significant battles that led to Western Europe’s liberation from Nazi occupation. Normandy’s beaches are the setting of the Battle of Normandy, a crucial event in world history.
The best way to explore Normandy’s historical sites is on a guided tour. You can also opt for a self-guided cycling tour through the city to learn more about its heritage and history. You can include a visit to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel on your tour. The island is only a kilometre away from the coast of Normandy, topped by a magnificent abbey.
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