Here are the best places to go in France outside of Paris

France is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, offering a unique blend of history, culture, activities, and entertainment.

The first destination on everyone’s itinerary always seems to be Paris. While the City of Love is great, France is much more than just its capital. With this guide, we’ll take you to some of the best places to go in France outside of Paris. Get ready to explore the best of this country without limiting yourself to just one city!

Palace de Versailles 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 inside, the scale of the rooms—leafed everywhere in gold, with paintings and illustrations of the Greek gods—makes a visit to Versailles a wondrous adventure. This is definitely one of the best things to see in France!

Another one of the best places to go in France is the hidden gem of Alsace. Get ready for a delightful Pearls of Alsace tour! Your first stop is 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 is 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, located just outside of Paris, rises up from the sea atop a tiny rocky island off the coast of Northwest France. You’ll want to spend extra time here just to let your jaw hit the floor as you ensure you get the perfect balance of sea and sky colors 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 into 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.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in Loire Valley is one of the most majestic places to go in France. Here, you can take a serene stroll with lush green hills and intricate architecture as your backdrop. The interiors of the castle are just as stunning, with furniture, artworks, and wallpaper that showcase the beauty of the French Renaissance touch.

Make sure to read the information pamphlet included in your ticket to know more about the castle’s history, significance, and more!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Bordeaux, you’re in the right place! Bordeaux just happens to be one of the must-see cities in France and the largest wine-growing region, covering a massive area of 4,800 hectares. The first wines were made here by the Romans, a testament to the perfect conditions for winemaking. The reason Bordeaux produces such delicious wines is the combination of its 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 can learn all about the history and production of wine.

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

And hey, if you want to take your amusement park experience to the next level, you should know that France is also home to Disneyland Paris. Visit that and more when you buy this Klook Paris Pass! This one pass allows you to visit and experience two to six attractions in Paris, like Disneyland, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Behold the extraordinary 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.

Important Note: Bassins des Lumières is temporarily closed and will reopen on February 21, 2025. For more details and updates, please check out their official website.

If you’re thinking of spending more time outside in the mountains, then of course some of the top places to go in France are the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Massif Centrale. In terms of getting to the key areas quickly, 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. This has to be 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 Château wines. Join this Saint-Émilion Wines and Village tour to experience the love and art of wine here. Take a sip (or have a glass) of classics like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and learn more about these wines as you go about the tour.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of Saint-Émilion, where 13th-century-style monuments and mystical landmarks like the underground monolithic church await.

Another one of the best places to go in France is Carcassonne, a city you may have heard of but don’t 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. Book your castle and ramparts ticket in Carcassonne on Klook so you can also explore the historic grounds of the Carcassonne castle and museum.

Whether you are enjoying a day trip out of or from Paris, a beach break on the Cote d’Azur, or a longer family trip, you can also check out must-see cities in France to get a fuller taste of the adventure ahead.

You can book your train tickets for France (and beyond!) directly on Klook.

For those planning to travel around Europe (not just France), this ultimate guide to the Eurail Global Pass / Eurail One Country Pass will be your best friend.

Additionally, we have this handy article that explains more about the Eurail Passes — what they are, how you can use them, whether it’s worth buying, and more.