Paris may be famous for being the "City of Love," but many other dreamy destinations in France are also suitable for a honeymoon. From the charming region of Provence to the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux, France boasts many romantic destinations for a truly unforgettable honeymoon. To help you choose the best places for a romantic rendezvous, here's our list of the perfect honeymoon destinations in France.
1. Provence
Provence has a rich and diverse landscape that charms all kinds of honeymooners. From bountiful vineyards to scenic lavender fields and the dazzling waters of Côte D'Azur, Provence will make your honeymoon extra special. The region is also home to picturesque coastal towns, rich countryside, and iconic landmarks.
Provence very much epitomises a typical Mediterranean honeymoon. The region has a delightful Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winter weather. Stretching from the Rhone River on the west to the Italian border on the east, Provence has plenty to offer for your honeymoon. Marseille, the capital city, has a good choice of things for couples to enjoy. Soak up Marseille's charm by going for a romantic stroll along the Corniche Kennedy. This coastal boulevard stretches to about 4 km and is lined with restaurants, bars, and hotels. The city is also home to some historical sites, including the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde.
Avignon, the historical capital of the Vaucluse region, is another place to visit on your honeymoon in Provence. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its Roman ruins and medieval architecture. Set on the Rhône River, Avignon is a beautiful city full of cultural and historical attractions. Check out the Pont d'Avignon, one of the city's top attractions. Built around the 12th Century, the bridge was hit by the floods of the Rhone several times and finally abandoned in the 17th Century.
2. The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is one of the most popular destinations for a honeymoon in France. Home to lovely chateaux, stunning vineyards, and beautiful medieval towns, there's plenty to do here for couples. The romantic nature of the Loire Valley captivates couples who are into history, nature, and wine. Those who are fond of adventures will also find it a joy to explore. And if you're into road trips, the best way to discover this region of France is to book one of the self-drive tours throughout the Loire Valley.
Sitting beautifully along the banks of the majestic Loire River, the valley is dubbed the "Garden of France," thanks to its fertile lands, producing ingredients that fill up the kitchen and cellars of some of the best restaurants in France. For couples who are into fine wines, you will not find a better place to visit since the area is renowned for its thriving wine culture, producing an incredible variety of wines, from Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc.
Historically, the Loire Valley was a holiday destination for French nobles, and this has left its mark in the abundance of castles and chateaux featuring fine architecture. The valley has more than a hundred chateaux with spectacular gardens and magnificent interiors that visitors can explore. Set amongst beautiful meadows and ancient forests, the picturesque towns of the Loire Valley are famous for their unique charm and rich history. Amboise, which used to house the French royal court, is renowned for the Château d'Amboise, the 15th Century residence of King Charles VIII and Leonardo da Vinci's resting place.
3. Bordeaux
Oozing with sophistication, Queen Elizabeth II describes Bordeaux as the "very essence of elegance". Your honeymoon in Bordeaux will be stunning, unforgettable, and filled with romantic memories. With its magnificent 18th-century architecture, colossal Gothic Cathedral, marvellous Grand Theatre, and the shimmering Garonne River, the city has everything you would expect in a romantic getaway.
As a port city along the river Garonne, one of the best things to do on your honeymoon is to invest in a France culture riverboat cruise in Bordeaux. On your Bordeaux River Cruise, you'll be cruising on three waterways - the Garonne River, the Dordogne River, and the Gironde Estuary. You'll make stops to discover beautiful wineries, charming gardens, and stately homes of French nobles.
Most visitors would come to Bordeaux for its wine. The region has been producing different wine varieties since Roman times and is now one of the world's major producers of wine. Its countryside is covered in vineyards and dotted with picturesque chateaux. Blessed with fertile lands that produce some of the best varieties of grapes in the world, Bordeaux is the perfect destination for wine lovers.
Go for a day trip to Versailles, where you'll find lavish palaces. Wander hand in hand in its stately grounds and learn about the history behind these palaces. Venture into Giverny to admire the lush water gardens, the inspiration for the water lilies paintings of Claude Monet.
4. Paris
No honeymoon in France will be complete without a visit to Paris, the "City of Love". Dazzling visitors with its romantic ambience and stunning architecture, Paris offers plenty of romantic things to do, from strolling hand in hand along Champs-Élysées to sharing a kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower and indulging in freshly baked pastries at a local boulangerie.
Chic and trendy boutiques and haute couture labels dot every arrondissement of the city, making Paris an ideal place for fashionable couples. As the world's fashion capital, Parisians are known for their effortless fashion statement. It's also a haven for art lovers, home to dynamic art galleries and fascinating museums.
Couples who love to indulge in delicious food will find Paris a perfect place for gastronomic adventures. Dining and wining are taken seriously in the city, where you'll find Michelin-starred restaurants and dining places run by world-class chefs. Local cafes and bars are the best places to chill out and people-watch while soaking up the fascinating Parisian culture. Given its variety of excellent hotels, great restaurants, and extensive activities for couples, Paris is the perfect place to enjoy a typical French honeymoon.
France is also the perfect destination for weddings abroad! With reasonable flight prices from the UK, beautiful backdrops and more predictable weather what's not to love! Find out more about planning a French wedding here!