10 Best Places To Visit in France Outside of Paris

France is the world’s most popular tourist destination which has a completely unique blend of history, culture, activities, and entertainment.

Sometimes it feels like the first destination on everyone’s itinerary is Paris, but however great it is, France is much beyond its capital. So whether you’re thinking of a little stopover like a wine tour, here’s a little taste of what could be on your France menu.

Here are the top 10 attractions outside of Paris you need to visit this 2023:

The palace and its surroundings are a beautiful display of the opulence of a period when the Sun King was at the center of the world's French power. The massive lush gardens, punctuated by gravity-defying fountains and cooling canals provide a perfect frame for the facade of the main palace. Once you’re inside the scale of the rooms, leafed everywhere in gold, with paintings and illustrations of the Greek gods make a visit to Versailles a wondrous adventure. 

Explore outside of Paris and discover the hidden gems of Alsace. Get set for a delightful tour of the region's "Pearls"! First stop: Colmar, where picturesque streets await. Explore its Old Town, marvel at the Pfister House, Koïfhus, Saint Martin Collegiate Church, Small Venice, and the Tanner's District. Next up, embrace the Alsatian Wine Route, leading you to the village of Eguisheim, hailed as the most beautiful in the area. Then, head to the town of Riquewihr, renowned for its historical architecture and exquisite wine flavors. Lastly, visit Orschwiller, where the majestic Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle awaits.

One of the most heart-achingly beautiful sites in the world, Mont Saint Michel, just outside of Paris, rises up from the sea from a tiny rocky island just off the coast of Northwest France. You’ll want to spend extra time here just to let your jaw hit the floor as you make sure that you get the perfect balance of sea and sky color to frame the most majestic of Gothic architectural delights. The abbey of Mont Saint Michel was built in the 8th century and over time it grew to be a fortified village and a true medieval masterpiece. Think of walled fortifications, winding stone staircases, a church built over three crypts, and a breathtaking monastery.

The lush green hills, sunshine, and fast-flowing water make Loire Valley the perfect spot for vines to grow. In the Upper Loire, start exploring at Sancerre with a Sauvignon Blanc, then go to the Middle Loire home of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet near Saumur before heading towards Nantes and the delicious Muscat and Samur, Muscadet region. The Loire Valley is a wine lover’s paradise, with a variety of tastes, smells, and sounds to charge your taste buds and your glasses. You could even meet a Loire Valley winemaker, who would guide you through the delicate art of winemaking whilst you imbibe the delights of the Loire Valley.

Looking for fun things to do in Bordeaux, France? Bordeaux is the largest wine-growing region covering a massive area of 4,800 hectares. The first wines were made here by the Romans, and it’s a testament to the perfect conditions for winemaking. The reason why Bordeaux produces such delicious wines is the combination of ideal climate and soil. Its proximity to the ocean means that for over 2,000 years merchants have been bringing the tastes of Bordeaux all over the world. Wine is such an important part of society here that the Bordelais have even built La Cite du Vin where you will learn all about the history and production of wine.

For a riotous day outside of Paris with the whole family, you should definitely consider Parc Asterix. Get ready for a blast at Parc Astérix—a huge amusement park with a unique twist! Dive into the world of Asterix and Obelix as you immerse yourself in thrilling rides, fantastic shows, and delightful experiences, all themed around their epic adventures.

After 19 months of creative magic, behold the extraordinary Les Bassins des Lumières museum in Bordeaux, France, where concrete walls and water pools come alive, reflecting the most breathtaking art from history and contemporary times in an otherworldly atmosphere! Watch the masterpieces leap out of their frames, transforming into incredible projections, soaring 12 meters high and 22 meters wide, all set to a matching high-quality musical beat. Walk amidst vibrant colors, witness fascinating forms in water reflections, and follow a path between light and shadow, all while listening to the commentary.

If you are thinking of spending more time outside in the mountains, then of course France has multiple options with its three mountain ranges: the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Massif Centrale. In terms of getting to the key areas fastest, the Chamonix and Mont Blanc regions are easily accessible. For an unforgettable experience, you can’t get much better than a helicopter flight over Europe’s highest peak—Mont Blanc. When you’re dipping between the mountains, curving through the gorges, or soaring over the snowy plateaus, life takes on a completely different perspective. One of the best things you can do outside of Paris!

Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saint-Émilion, a French gem with stunning panoramic views of Romanesque churches and ancient ruins. This charming village, named after a traveling priest, is famous for its thriving vineyards that have flourished since the 2nd century.

Learn about the domain's rich history and indulge in a delightful tasting of Chateau wines. Next up, immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of Saint-Émilion, where 13th-century-style monuments and mystical landmarks like the underground monolithic church await. Listen to intriguing tales from your knowledgeable guide, from Templar Knights to the French Revolution and World War II.

Carcassonne is one location that perhaps you may have heard of but may not know much about. It’s a beautiful, historic, wall-fortified city sitting on the river Aude in southwestern France. The city's fortifications and castle are well-known, and you can walk along the city walls. Small winding lanes lead into squares, and there are lots of places to pause, ponder, and envision what life was like in the Middle Ages.

So whether you are enjoying a day trip out of Paris, a beach break on the Cote d’Azur, or a longer trip as a family, you can also check out the best cities to visit in France to get a fuller flavor of the adventure ahead.