There's no doubt that Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Some have even proclaimed as the undisputed “City of Love” too. And that's all well and good but what about the rest of the country? There are other romantic French cities out there, you know! There's Giverny, Mont Saint-Michel, Colmar, Annecy, and Corsica to name a few. Just like Paris, there's something about all of these destinations that couples will enjoy. For some, it's their beauty and vibe. While for others, it's all about the fun things that couples can do there.
Giverny
Let's start with a place that's fairly near Paris. Located only 50 miles away from the French capital is Giverny. It's a quaint and humble
village in the Normandy region that became famous due in large part to the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. The historic artist lived and worked here from 1883 up until his death in 1926 and his home has since become a popular tourist attraction in the area. The garden, in particular, will take your breath away. Monet often depicted his garden in his many works and the real-life place is just as beautiful.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Loire Valley
As its name says, Loire Valley isn't technically a French city. It's a valley located right by the Loire River in central France and is under the administrative regions of Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. With that said, there's no way Loire Valley won't make it onto this or any other list of the best places to visit in France during Spring. With its famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley as the main attraction, the valley is the fairytale-like escape you'd want to see come springtime. You'll feel as if you ventured into a
Disney film when you go here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mont Saint-Michel
Speaking of storybook-like destinations, you can't forget about Mont Saint-Michel in the Normandy region as well. Perched on its own tidal island in the middle of the bay of the same name, you won't find a place as fantastical as this. And while the place looks like one big Disneyland-worthy castle, it's actually a town. Bordered by its big stone walls, the Medieval town is just as other-worldly as you'd expect. The narrow cobbled streets and the centuries-old structures make it easier for you to imagine what life must have been like back in those days.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Colmar
Truth be told, Colmar is one of those French cities where it's beautiful all year round. As much as it is a great place to visit in spring, it's also just as magical in the winter. Located in the
French countryside, specifically in the beautiful Grand Est region of northeastern France, Colmar is a storybook town come to life. The timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and serene canals make for a perfect setting for a fairytale. Or even a fantasy game set in Medieval times. And you should really see it when the flowers have all bloomed. The entire place fills up with so much color, it's as pretty as a picture!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Annecy
Annecy is a lakeside town near the
French Alps. Located right beside its namesake lake, it's a peaceful provincial escape full of old-world charms. Arguably, Annecy is at its best in spring. When the flowers have all bloomed and their sweet scents fill the air, the entire place looks and feels more serene. Of course, since it's an alpine town, Annecy also looks just as enchanting in winter. But it has a special magic to it during springtime. When the sun is shining brightly and Lake Annecy is as pristine as ever, you feel as if you escaped the modern world and all its hassles.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bordeaux
Let's admit it: there's really only one main reason why you want to go to Bordeaux, right? The booze! Or more specifically, the wine! After all, Bordeaux is considered the world capital of wine. Located in the Aquitaine region, the city produces some of the finest bottles you'll ever get to drink. One sip will likely cost you an arm and a leg already! But rest assured that it'll be worth it. And even if you're not into wine, you can still enjoy the grandeur of the city. Bordeaux is also known for its opulent 18th and 19th-century mansions. The kinds that can put even the most
luxurious homes in Paris to shame.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Reims
Another of the many French cities known for wine-making is Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region. Knowing this, you've probably figured out what kind of drink they excel at here, haven't you? That's right, Reims is one of the many cities where you can taste the finest champagne in the world. And you should do it in spring when the vineyards are green and alive again. Moreover, you shouldn't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims as well. This is a historical site where thirty French kings were crowned.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ The Crazy Tourist
Marseille
Now, let's go to the
French Riviera. Specifically, in the beautiful port city of Marseille. Though it's a great place to visit no matter the season, you'd do well to check the place out during springtime. Why? For one thing, the weather is warmer but the air stays cool. Considering its location, Marseille can get pretty hot during summer. Sometimes, the temperature rises up to a peak that not a lot can endure. Those prone to getting heat stroke would benefit from going here in spring rather than summer. Also, you shouldn't miss the Calanques National Park too. It's a beautiful oasis of natural wonders worth seeing in real life.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Corsica
And finally, there's the beautiful French island of
Corsica. Known as one of the finest summer destinations in the Mediterranean, the place is just as beautiful in springtime too. At the very least, you won't have to contend with the summer tourist crowds if you go here around March or April. There might still be a lot of people here then, sure, but it's not as crowded as in the summer season. Also, the breezes are much cooler during springtime too. There are fewer risks of getting heatstroke and the temperature is just right for a sunny day outside. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Discover the best French cities to visit in spring. From the countryside to the Riviera, these are some of the most magical destinations in the country and their beauty truly blossoms during this time of the year!
