When you think of romantic Europe, one of the first countries to come to mind is France, with true romance present in many cities, towns, and villages. When you visit one of the eight most romantic destinations in the country, you can make your related dreams come true.
From the lights of Paris to the regal feel of Versailles and the castle of St. Malo in the north, or the passionate scenery along the French Riviera, romance is yours to discover, no matter where you visit across the country.
With so many choices for your trip, the right destinations and their highlights can make your romantic getaway as easy and enjoyable as possible, ensuring all your expectations are met.
Fashion meets fusion food, art meets aesthetic charm, and music suits the mood in Paris, undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in France, if not the world.
Stroll down the charming Champs Elysée or past the captivating Eiffel Tower at night, enjoy a sunset cruise down the Seine or a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Visit romantic spots such as Montmartre’s Wall of Love or the famous Lock Bridge, Pont des Arts, or just take in the ambiance in the city of love.
Romantic Highlights: Eiffel Tower • Pont des Arts • Eiffel Tower • Arc de Triomphe • Louvre • Champs Elysée
Learn more: Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris and France for Couples
Castles and cathedrals set in a picturesque town in the southeast of France make Annecy a truly romantic destination in France, and also one of the best places to visit in winter.
Winding waterways replace paved roads in the old part of town and colorful, quaint buildings stand side by side, making Annecy one of the most charming destinations in the world. A city of bridges, discover the L’Ecluse Fleurie, or Bridge of Flowers, or the Pont des Amours, which offers stunning views of Lake Annecy.
Surrounded by the beautiful French Alps, escaping to romantic Annecy should be high on any couple’s list.
Romantic Highlights: Pont des Amours Bridge • Lake Annecy Boat Rides • Château D’Annecy • Colorful buildings of Old Town • Gardens of Europe
Bustling streets, mesmerizing fountains, and stunning architecture make Aix-en-Provence, or just Aix, a popular romantic destination in France.
The city is set in the south of France overlooking the Arc River and paints a picture recreated by French impressionists, with color and textures brought to life.
Trees and fountains line the Cours Mirabeau separating the old town from the new. Besides exploring local monuments, shrines, and chapels, Aix-en-Provence is a gateway to even more beautiful and charming escapes in the surrounding areas.
Romantic Highlights: Cours Mirabeau thoroughfare • Fontaine de la Rotonde • Aix Cathedral • Old Aix • Musée Granet
Impressive from the moment you set eyes upon its 18th-century iconic cityscape, Bordeaux, one of France’s top destinations, brims with charm and rich history, with palaces, castles, and bridges completing the fairytale romantic picture.
Bordeaux lies perfectly positioned on the River Garonne and offers romance and intrigue in the city and on the outskirts of the famous wine region.
From chateaus to chardonnays, the Bordeaux region is breathtaking, has a wealth of history, and defines romantic destinations.
Romantic Highlights: Cité du Vin Wine Museum • Bordeaux Cathedral • Place de la Bourse • Port Cailhau • Palais Gallien • Pont de Pierre
Steeped in rich French history and said to be one of the most beautiful towns in France, La Rochelle, in the Bay of Biscay on the coast of western France, is the perfect place for a romantic escape.
Pale, stone-clad buildings and walkways take you back in time as you weave in and out of lanes and discover key landmarks, such as the city’s Chain and Lantern Towers, while learning about their significance.
Known today as one of Europe’s biggest marinas, drama unfolds as new blends with old to create the perfect backdrop for capturing romance.
Romantic Highlights: Vieux Port • Towers of La Rochelle • Port de la Grosse Horloge • Chain and Lantern Towers of old Ramparts
A castle-like experience in Normandy, picturesque and bursting with timeless romantic touches, Mont St. Michel has to be one of the most romantic destinations in northern France.
Dating back to the ninth century, the magical village lies on an island, accessible by a causeway, that comprises cobbled lanes, quaint shops, restaurants, and accommodations, and is flanked by the impressive and breathtaking abbey.
With 20 rooms to explore, stained-glass windows, and beautiful pillars encasing a garden with incredible views from the top, this is a fairytale destination.
Romantic Highlights: Mont St. Michel Abbey • La Porte du Roy • Eglise Saint-Pierre
A colorful gem along the French Riviera in southern France, the small harbor area of Villefranche is a charming village perfect for romantic travelers looking to escape to a seaside haven.
Visit the citadel at night for spectacular views, spend time lazing on a sun-kissed beach, and swim in the warm Mediterranean waters. Nestled between Nice and Monaco, this picturesque village, set against a green hillside, offers an authentic medieval and charming experience.
Enjoy romantic restaurants and take a walk hand-in-hand as you watch the sun set.
Romantic Highlights: Citadel • Local Market • Inviting Beaches • Fort du Mont Alban • Rue Obscure
Nice is one of the French Riviera’s most famous cities, boasting one of the best beaches in France and filled with sites and scenery to captivate visitors looking for something special on their romantic getaway.
Quaint streets give way to a captivating coastline and your table for two at a Michelin-star restaurant sustains you before you venture to the top of the hill to take in impressive views or wander through the outdoor markets.
French museums, art galleries, and cathedrals abound, and at the end of the day, take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais.
Romantic Highlights: Walk the Promenade des Anglais • St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral • Tour the Chagall and Matisse Museums • Explore the streets of Old Town • Enjoy the views from Castle Hill
When thinking about France with romance in mind, music, charming cities, quaint towns, and vineyard-filled countryside immediately come to mind. Mountain wonders, seaside escapes, cities filled with art, and charming lanes make France the ultimate romantic destination.
Explore our featured France tours for couples and France honeymoon packages to find a trip that suits your travel style, or explore our France travel guide for more inspiration and information.
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