France
Whether you dream of romantic streets in Paris, sun-soaked beaches along the Riviera and Corsica, vineyards around Bordeaux or mountain adventures in the Alps, France offers something for every traveller.
Here you can enjoy world-famous gastronomy, explore medieval castles and outstanding art, or simply relax with a glass of wine at a pavement café. France has played a central role in European history – from the Middle Ages and the Revolution of 1789 to today’s modern democracy.
With a well-developed transport network and strong regional variety, it is easy to experience a great deal in a short time. From charming villages and lively cities to coastline, mountains and rolling wine landscapes, France is truly a journey for the senses. This guide is designed to help you plan a clearer France itinerary, compare regions and choose destinations that match your interests.
Featured destinations
Discover some of our featured destinations in France – from iconic cities and Riviera favourites to island escapes, wine regions and vibrant harbour towns.
Paris is France’s most iconic city and a natural starting point for a holiday in France. Between the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and the Seine, the capital combines world-class sights with small cafés, markets and elegant neighbourhoods. Paris is ideal for culture, food, shopping and romantic city breaks, and it also works well as a base for day trips to Versailles, Champagne and the Loire Valley.
Nice is one of the best travel bases on the French Riviera, with sea views, beaches, colourful markets and easy access to Monaco, Antibes, Cannes and hill villages above the coast. The Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice and museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall make the city rewarding beyond summer. Nice suits travellers looking for Mediterranean food, sunshine, culture, hotels by the sea and a relaxed South of France atmosphere.
Corsica is one of France’s most spectacular island destinations, combining clear Mediterranean water, mountain roads, beaches, old citadels and villages with a strong local identity. From Bonifacio and Calvi to Cap Corse and the interior, the island is perfect for road trips, hiking, swimming and scenic coastal stays. Corsica is ideal for travellers who want nature, character, good food and a holiday in France that feels wonderfully different.
Bordeaux is a classic destination for wine lovers, city breaks and elegant holidays in southwest France. The historic centre, the Garonne riverfront, Place de la Bourse and the Cité du Vin give the city strong appeal, while nearby vineyards in Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Pessac-Léognan make day trips easy. Bordeaux is also known for restaurants, shopping, architecture and a relaxed urban rhythm that works well all year.
Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose, is one of southern France’s most characterful cities, with pink brick architecture, lively squares, markets and walks along the Garonne and Canal du Midi. The city offers culture, aviation history, museums, restaurants and a warm Occitan atmosphere. Toulouse is a good base for exploring Albi, Carcassonne, the Pyrenees and the wider southwest, making it a rewarding choice for a varied France holiday.
Cannes is a stylish French Riviera destination known for La Croisette, sandy beaches, the film festival and a glamorous seafront atmosphere, but the city also has a more local side in Le Suquet, the old port and the food markets. Cannes is well placed for boat trips to the Lérins Islands, coastal drives and visits to Antibes, Nice and Saint-Tropez. It suits travellers seeking sun, restaurants, hotels, shopping and Riviera elegance.
Marseille is France’s oldest city and one of the Mediterranean’s most atmospheric harbour destinations. Around the Vieux-Port, Le Panier, Notre-Dame de la Garde and the MuCEM, the city mixes history, seafood, markets and strong local identity. Marseille is also a gateway to the Calanques, beaches, islands and Provence, making it a strong choice for travellers who want culture, coastline, restaurants and a more vibrant side of France.
Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous destinations on the French Riviera, blending marina life, beaches, luxury hotels and Provençal charm. Beyond the yachts and beach clubs, visitors find old lanes, markets, art history, coastal walks and warm evenings around the harbour. Saint-Tropez suits travellers who want sunshine, restaurants, shopping, style and scenic day trips to Ramatuelle, Pampelonne and the villages of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Explore France's wine regions
Explore our complete wine guide to France for inspiration on wine trips, regions and tasting experiences in some of the country's most exciting wine areas.
Here you will find both classic names and more local favourites, whether you dream of wine estates, small producers, beautiful villages or long lunches among the vines.
From Bordeaux and Burgundy to Provence, the Rhône, the Loire and Corsica, France offers striking contrasts and endless variety.
Activities in France
France offers a wide range of activities all year round – from hiking, cycling and golf to diving, wine tours and ski holidays. It is easy to combine nature, experiences and time away in some of Europe's most varied landscapes.
Whether you dream of green vineyards, Alpine mountains, quiet village roads or Mediterranean coastline with clear water, you will find activities that suit both relaxed days and more active holidays.
Many of these experiences can also be combined with food, culture and local sights, making the journey more than just a single activity. You can hike in national parks by day, visit wineries in the afternoon and end with memorable meals in small French towns and villages.
Below you will find some of the activities for which we have gathered guides, tips and inspiration on Frankrike.no.
Hiking
Explore mountain trails, coastal routes, green valleys and beautiful natural areas with rewarding walks and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Cycling
Experience quiet country roads, rolling vineyards and charming villages on routes that suit both shorter rides and longer stages.
Diving
Dive in clear Mediterranean waters with vibrant marine life, good visibility and dive sites suited to different levels of experience.
Golf
Play on beautiful courses by the coast, in green valleys and near elegant small towns with scenic surroundings and strong facilities.
Wine tours
Visit famous wine regions, taste local wines and combine the experience with good food, culture, village life and beautiful landscapes.
Ski
Find winter destinations in the Alps with wide slopes, high mountains, family-friendly areas and reliable conditions throughout the season.
8 recommended articles to read
Here you will find inspiring guides and articles from Frankrike.no – perfect if you want to plan your next trip, discover new experiences, or simply keep dreaming about France and Corsica.