Travel in France is filled with beauty and romance wherever you look. That makes it a top honeymoon destination for many young couples. It is full of romantic cobblestone streets, breathtaking architecture, and famous food. So it’s no surprise why millions of tourists flock to the cities of France every single year. Traveling to this beautiful country and hearing the “language of love” will make your heart skip a beat. So if you’re looking for the most romantic destinations in France, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of the best places:
Lyon
Lyon is known as the food capital of France, and for a good reason. There is so much great Lyonnaise food to try here, and what better way to experience a romantic vacation than trying different food together during romantic meals? There is an abundance of romantic, quality hotels in Lyon to enjoy — ranging from 5 stars to budget to round out your intimate trip.
Wandering around the old streets and taking in the fantastic architecture, including the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourivère, is one of the best activities to do in Lyon. There is something beautiful to look at everywhere you look in this quaint city. Also, don’t miss out on an evening stroll along the Rhone River, running right through Lyon. If you’re looking for a romantic destination in France with famous food, stunning architecture, and fantastic sights, Lyon is the place for you!
Annecy
Tucked away in the Alps is a beautiful town situated on the edge of a bright blue lake, called Annecy. This town has been coined the “Venice of the Alps” for its winding canals, colorful pastel buildings, and cobblestone streets. Close to Lyon, Annecy is accessible via train and car and perfect for honeymooners or couples on vacation. This medieval town feels pulled out of a storybook. Spend hours wandering the charming cobbled canals of the old city. Or, sit at a café and spend an afternoon people-watching together.
If you kiss on Pont Des Amours (also known as Lover’s Bridge), the rumor says you will stay together forever. So take your partner and give them a big smooch on this famous bridge. What better opportunity for a romantic destination in France? Annecy is also known for great dishes such as Raclette, Fondue, and Tartiflette. Make sure to try local restaurants while you’re on your romantic trip!
Toulouse
Famously known as “La Ville Rose” by the French, this translates to the Pink City. This name comes from the fact that the entire city is pink, including the walls and the roofs. This city is beautiful and the perfect romantic backdrop for romantic travel in France. While the city center is small, it makes for a convenient visit.
Cycling is a popular way for locals to get around the city, and a romantic bike ride could be a fun way for couples to explore the town together! Locals also report that the city is best seen at night. Make sure to walk around town in the evening to see all the bridges lit up. It’s a very romantic way to explore La Ville Rose in France.
There are also several parks and green spaces in Toulouse, including the Japanese Gardens. This very picturesque garden is the perfect place to go with your partner for a romantic afternoon and have a picnic or a pleasant stroll. If art is more your style, there are several museums you can go to. There’s so much to do here for your romantic destination in France!
Champagne
The Campagne wine region is the perfect location for a romantic trip to France. While the city of Reims is generally considered the gateway to the Champagne region, there is no particular city that defines Champagne. There are 5 main wine-producing districts of the Campagne wine region that can be visited. Reims, Marne Valley, Côte des Blancs, Côtes des Bar, and Côtes de Sezzane are all part of this region. Champagne is regarded as one of the most prestigious in France and in the world. It is full of quaint villages and Champagne houses with free tours. With an abundance of romantic bed and breakfasts to stay in, historic cities, vineyards to see, and Maisons of Champagne to visit, you could make an entire trip to just this region.
Couples will love the abundance of experiences to enjoy together in Champagne. It’s a short distance from Paris. The best way to see the region is to choose to stay in one of the historic cities, Reims or Epernay. Then visit vineyards and Champagne Maisons during the day.
Nice
Nice is the much-loved capital of the French Rivera and 5th largest city in France. One of the romantic destinations in France, this city is perfect for couples looking to relax on the Rivera. The best place to start exploring is Nice’s Vieux Nice, the city’s Old Town. It was first built in the 14th century and is now a colorful maze of narrow streets and terracotta buildings. Get lost in the streets with your partner and find a restaurant to grab a bite to eat at. The best stop is the iconic central square, Place Masséna. There are many great restaurants here to try, and you can admire the square while you’re enjoying your meal!
Strasbourg and Colmar
Strasbourg and Colmar are about an hour apart from each other and located right on the German border. Historically, this region has been german and is now a part of France. Both are romantic destinations in France and perfect for a fairytale honeymoon adventure. Strasbourg is the bigger of the two and best visited during the winter months for the whole experience.
Famous for its’ Christmas markets, Strasbourg is full of fairytale charm with riverside paths and half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. Part of the old city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is lined with restaurants, cafés, and romantic inns for couples to stay at. In addition, couples should spend some time at Place Klèber. It is the perfect square for window shopping and people-watching. Architecture buffs will enjoy several of the historic facades in this famous square.
A great day trip or a several-day extension to your journey from Strasbourg is the nearby town of Colmar which is widely known as one of the prettiest towns in the Alsace region. A much smaller city than Strasbourg, Colmar carries the same colorful charm but features quaint canals and charming timbered houses. Colmar is also the perfect place to travel in France if you’re a wine lover as it is known as the capital of Alsace wine. Make sure to wander around the old town with your loved one and admire buildings that date back as old as the 1400s.
Winter is a great time to visit here as well, and there are six different Christmas markets, romantic ice skating rings, and mulled wine to cozy up to your loved one and drink.
Paris
Last but not least is the capital city of Paris – the City of Love. Where better to have your honeymoon than one of the most romantic destinations in France? There is an endless amount of romantic activities in Paris that you could spend an entire month here and still have activities to do with your partner. From the hidden gardens to the corner cafés and captivating architecture, it is no surprise that Paris is called the world’s romantic capital!
The first thing you should do with your partner is to pack a romantic picnic. Plan to see the sunset under the Eiffel Tower and stay for the twinkling lights. This is a favorite of locals and tourists, so make sure to snag a good spot and wait for the light show. Love definitely hangs in the air in this space, so make sure you pull your partner close. Many couples hang out at Champ de Mars in the evening.
A romantic stroll along the Seine is a great way to see the city’s highlights. Stop at a patisserie or a boulangerie for a sweet snack during the afternoon. While you’re there, appreciate the numerous sights that the city has to offer. Close to the Seine is the Place de la Concorde. You can ride a romantic Ferris Wheel (Roue de Paris) and get a fantastic view of Paris – and snag a kiss- while you’re at the top. Nearby is the Jardin des Tuileries, which is a beautiful and romantic garden to stroll through together hand in hand.
For travel in France, the romantic possibilities in Paris are endless. Of all the things to do here, make sure you try an abundance of different restaurants. All offer romance in their own way, whether you are trying a neighborhood bistro or a Michelin starred restaurant.
Whether you are looking for romance in the big city or a fun honeymoon on the beach in the French Rivera, France is the perfect location for your romantic vacation. There is so much to see here between the fantastic wine, unique towns, and regional foods. If you can’t decide what city to visit, plan a road trip and see them all!
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