With excellent cuisines, rich cultures, and many beautiful sceneries, France is a destination for travellers looking to indulge in luxury.
From the scenic wine regions of Champagne and Bordeaux to the picturesque Loire Valley and the bustling city of Paris, this is a country of sophistication and luxury.
Below, we’ve rounded up a list of the top luxury places to visit in France.
Provence
If your idea of luxury travel includes exploring picturesque countryside while enjoying sunny weather and indulging in delicious food and wine, Provence is where you should go. Its main attractions include the charming city of Avignon and the pretty little villages that you can best explore on a bike.
Explore Valensole, a pretty little village famous for its gorgeous valley covered in bright purple lavender flowers. And although the flowers will not bloom for the entire year, Valensole is still a great stop regardless of the season. It’s a beautiful place to soak up authentic Provencial culture as you stroll its charming streets. Another picturesque village worth a visit on your luxury trip to Provence is Oppede, a hilltop village home to beautiful vineyards and 15th-century stone houses.
For history lovers, check out the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, a 15th-century palace built by the Romans. Don’t miss the pretty streets and fountains of Aix en Provence, also called the “City of Thousand Fountains”. For the ultimate luxury France experience, book a large holiday home with a pool, in Provence.
Cote D’Azur
Another popular destination for a luxury trip to France is Côte d’Azur, famous for its vivid blue waters and golden sand beaches. It’s also renowned for hosting world-class events like the Cannes Film Festival. Its colourful villages and beautiful gardens give it a relaxing atmosphere.
When travelling to Côte d’Azur, you never have to decide between the city and the beach since the two are inseparable. Most cities always have a piece of sand where you can lie down and work on your tan. Stroll through the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 7-km-long promenade popular all year round. Head inland to Grasse and smell the scents of the fragrant plants. Visit an International Perfume Museum, which traced the history of prestigious perfume brands like Chanel and Dior.
Your luxury trip to Côte d’Azur won’t be complete without visiting Saint-Tropez, one of the world’s most beautiful ports. Here, you’ll see luxury yachts gleaming against pastel-coloured buildings. The port has been a popular playground for the rich and the famous since the 1960s. It stretches out into the beautiful beaches of Pampelonne. Here, you can have a picnic on the sand while admiring the panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Loire Valley
Straddling the scenic Loire River in central France, Loire Valley is famous for its wine industry, stunning chateaux, and vibrant culture. It features more than 200 km of natural landscapes classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And with Europe’s longest river as the backdrop, the Loire Valley is a picturesque destination for a luxury holiday in France.
Chartres, a charming town about 70 miles from Paris, is a wonderful introduction to the Loire Valley. Wander around its narrow streets, grab a lunch of delectable lamb paired with a glass of wine, and visit its famous cathedral, Chartres Cathedral. As one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, it is home to the famous Sancta Camisa, a prized relic believed to be the veil Virgin Mary wore during Christ’s birth. Head to Château de Chambord, the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. It was supposed to be a hunting lodge for King Francis I of France, but it was never completed. Tour the castle, stroll through its gorgeous gardens, and check out the outdoor market close to the palace.
For art lovers, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours is a great place to visit. It’s housed in the former bishop’s palace and is set right in the Old Town. The museum features some of the country’s most extensive art collections.
Brittany
Brittany has a fascinating mix of medieval towns, craggy granite coasts, imposing chateaus, and majestic landscapes. It’s a place unlike any other and a must-visit on your luxury holiday in France.
With a coastline of almost 2,500 km long, Brittany’s highlights include stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and hidden creeks. Whether you’re someone who prefers to lounge at the beach or take up water sports – from sailing to surfing and scuba diving, there’s a beach that’s perfect for you. If you’re into hiking, you should hike through Brittany’s coastal trails. The area is mostly flat, with hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels.
Step back in time and stroll through the historic centre of Dinan, a well-preserved walled town. Located between Rennes and Saint Malo, the town is home to half-timber houses, which you’ll find at Rue du Petit-Fort. Look out for the Clock Tower and climb to the top to soak up the panoramic views of the Old Town.
Paris
Paris exudes sophistication, so it’s no surprise why it’s a favourite of travellers seeking luxury. Inspirational, classy, and creative, Paris offers a dazzling array of luxury experiences and will satisfy your every whim if you’re willing to splurge.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or have been there many times, going for a private tour of the Eiffel Tower is something you should try. Instead of queueing along with other tourists, you’ll skip the line and ascend to the top of this iconic structure. At night, go to Palais Garnier to witness an opera. After the show, treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Fine dining is a serious affair in Paris and one of the most luxurious experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Make the most of your holiday in Paris by visiting the city’s top attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, which was built in honour of those who fought for France during the Napoleonic Wars. Other sites to visit are the Catacombs, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame. The best way to end your exploration is to go shopping at Champs-Élysées, a beautiful avenue lined with high-end shops and boutiques.
If you’re interested in the mobility lease and planning an extended stay in Paris, you can explore luxury accommodation options that cater to travelers seeking upscale experiences in this sophisticated city.
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