fbpx Skip to Content

Where To Spend Your Honeymoon In France

France is full of unique towns and cities to explore on a honeymoon in France. The good news is you do not have to choose just one! Spend a few days in the large cities, then explore the region by taking a few day trips or hopping from town to town, spending a day or more in the different areas. Here are our recommendations places to go during a honeymoon in France.

Paris

With swiping views and hidden corners; large boulevards as well as narrow streets; art galleries, shops and all sorts of restaurants, Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it makes for a perfect honeymoon destination.

The French capital is a fabulous destination, with an incredible range of activities and attractions. Needless to say, the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. Ride all the way to the summit for breathtaking views of the city, or enjoy a fine dining experience at Jules Verne while enjoying the views. The best views of the Eiffel Tower, on the other hand, are from the Tour Montparnasse.

Other places to visit in Paris include Louvre, one of the largest museums in the world with an expansive collection that includes the infamous Mona Lisa and the nearby Palais Royal; the Musee d’Orsay, which has an impressive collection of paintings of impressionist and post-impressionist artists; Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur Basilica.

Recommended by Claudia Tavani – MyAdventuresAcrossTheWorld.com

Nice 

Honeymoons don’t get much more romantic than the French Riviera. Coastal views, stunning sunsets, fine dining, elegant promenades – what more could you want?! The city of Nice is an excellent choice for a French honeymoon as it boasts lovely year-round temperatures, gorgeous vistas, amazing hotels, bars and eateries, and some interesting markets, shops and sights too. Whether you want to pack in a variety of different activities and attractions during your honeymoon or simply want to kick back and relax in a spectacular hotel, Nice has you covered.

Hotel La Perouse is a breathtakingly beautiful hotel located above the Promenade des Anglais that’s perfect for a honeymoon, with an outdoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna as well as rooms with private balconies and an on-site restaurant serving up delicious Provencal cuisine!

Summers in Nice allows for a romantic beach break, whereas spring and autumn honeymoons can be spent walking amongst vineyards and wildflowers, exploring museums or partaking in the Nice Carnival one of the city’s wildest weeks of the year!

Don’t forget to ascend Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) for impressive views over the city, have a wander around the Parc Phoenix botanical gardens and meander through the labyrinthine streets of Old Town.

Recommended by Chrisoula – TravelPassionate.com

Beaune

Beaune in Eastern France is the wine capital of Burgundy and a perfect place to spend a honeymoon for wine lovers, gastronomes and those seeking the “real” French experience. 

With dozens of vineyards in the surrounding countryside and many tasting cellars within the town, you will be spoilt for choice. Of course, food connoisseurs will also have their pick of Michelin starred restaurants as Beaune has more per capita than anywhere else in the world.

 Meander along the medieval cobbled streets, people watch from the quaint French cafes or shop like a local at the produce and antique markets that arrive each weekend. When your feet are ready for a break then relax at one of the luxury hotels that are dotted around this ancient town.

 For the more adventurous, venture out on a wine bike tour of the town and countryside, just one of the many fun things to do in Beaune or visit Hotel Dieu, the medieval hospital/museum that is one of France’s most prestigious landmarks.

 Beaune has so much to offer and with easy day trips to places such as Dijon and Grenoble it is a perfect location to spend time with your loved one.

Recommended by Angela Price – WhereAngieWanders.com

Lyon

Lyon is our favourite city in France. It’s where Sebastien was born/raised and also where we have spent many months holidaying together during our relationship. This is France’s gastronomic capital due to the rich local cuisine – featured in the ubiquitous “bouchon” restaurants. Lyon is also pretty – super picturesque, with a UNESCO listed old town (Vieux Lyon), set at the confluence of two major river – the Rhône and Saône. We can never get bored walking the streets of Lyon together. Then when the sun goes down, the city transforms as buildings are lit up and the nightlife of Lyon comes alive.

Beyond the city life of Lyon, the Beaujolais region offers the perfect getaway retreat for honeymooners, particularly wine lovers. Lying just 48km (30 miles) north of Lyon, you can either visit as part of a day trip or stay overnight in one of the many luxury hotels – recommended! The Beaujolais region is home to some of France’s best vineyards. There is a popular well-trodden 140km (87 miles) wine route circuit to follow, which takes you through the many cutesy picturesque Beaujolais villages such as Beaujou, Vaux-en-Beaujolais, Oingt, Ternand and Marcy. There are also cultural gems to discover like the Juliénas Castle, famous for its impressive vaulted cellars, and other castles like La Chaize Castle in Odenas and the Corcelles Castle.Photos attached for you to choose from (including one vertical).

Recommended by Stefan Arestis – NomadicBoys.com

Marseille

Marseille is a gorgeous city that sits on the southern end of France. With warm weather, easy access to the Calanques, and a laid-back atmosphere, this metropolitan serves as a unique honeymoon destination for those looking for some adventure.  

In addition to leisure walks along the lively Old Port, visits to the Basilique Notre-Dame and Chateau d’if are a must. Of course, the best thing to do in Marseille is a trek around the Massif des Calanques. The Calanques is a stretch of turquoise water and rocky hills between Marseille and Cassis. It serves as one of the most spectacular views in France and if you want to take it up a notch, a relaxing stay on a yacht near the shorelines will surely perfect your honeymoon! 

Recommended by Daisy – BeyondMyBorder.com

Le Plateau de Valensole

Lavender is synonymous with summer, sun, romance – and Provence. Throughout the region lavender products are sold in every market typically as oil or dried flowers, but nothing beats seeing the large seas of purple flowers in the South of France.

From mid-June to mid-July vast areas are flowering all over Provence but the most picturesque fields are located on the Valensole plateau. At sunset a golden light shines on the flowers making a truly unforgettable moment, perfect for a honeymoon.

If your honeymoon happens to be later in the summer this is still a good area to visit due to the sunflowers being in bloom. They start to blossom in July but many of the larger fields are best seen in the second half of the month and into August.

The lavender and sunflowers can be combined with visiting other nearby areas such as the pretty villages of the Luberon and the Cote d ’Azure which have all the ingredients to make a trip of a lifetime.

Recommended by Kristin – AdventuresWithEnsuite.com  

Chamonix

Chamonix in the Haute Savoie region of eastern France near the borders with Switzerland and Italy is a perfect honeymoon destination.

Home to the first Winter Olympics in 1924 Chamonix has for decades been Europe’s most elegant and famed winter sport destination. In recent years Chamonix has also become a popular summer resort, its rich natural environment ideal for mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering and paragliding enthusiasts.

In addition to such activities honeymooners can venture up the Aiguille du Midi. Adjacent Mont Blanc this cable car offers visitors some of the continent’s most stunning landscapes. From here the surrounding snow capped Alps stretch in to the horizon.

After such physical exertions and natural wonders Chamonix’s centre nestled in the Alps a charming town to stroll through hand in hand and browse in its many boutique stores. Unsurprisingly a town of such reputation also boasts several world class restaurants to enjoy a romantic meal and bottle of wine to start your married life.

Recommended by Paul – TheTwoThatDo.com

A River Cruise on the Seine

Paris is the undisputed romance capital of the world, making it the obvious choice for a honeymoon destination. And what better way to explore Paris than a river cruise on the Seine?

Take a seven-night river cruise on the Seine with a luxury river cruise line such as Uniworld, Scenic Tours or Amadeus and you’ll experience not just the beautiful city of Paris, but many quaint and interesting ports of call along the Seine.

On-board your river cruise ship, which accommodates around 100 to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy luxury accommodation, gourmet dining and relaxing entertainment. You’ll explore ashore each day, visiting places such as Rouen, Vernon and Versailles. In the evenings, you can sit back and admire the ever-changing scenery as your vessel makes its leisurely journey along the river.

Most French river cruise ships have facilities such as swimming pools and hot tubs on-board, as well as lots of sun loungers. This means that your honeymoon can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you like. You could even spend the day in bed, admiring the scenery from your Juliet balcony and ordering room service, should you prefer.

Recommended by Jenni Fielding – CruiseMummy.co.uk

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The tiny village of Saint-Remy is both charming and picturesque. In fact, it’s the very place that Vincent van Gogh painted many of his famous works, including Starry Night

It’s only a stone’s throw from Avignon and the perfect place to honeymoon in the French countryside. You’ll enjoy strolling through colorful cobblestone streets, browsing markets, and indulging in picnics of fine pastries and wine.

Statue of Vincent van Gogh at monastery Saint paul de mausole in France

My advice is to rent a car to cruise around the countryside—especially if it’s lavender or sunflower season. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Aérodrome de Romanin. It’s a small airfield outside of the city that offers private glider rides. It’s such a romantic experience gliding over the French countryside, especially at sunset.

If you’re both into art history, visiting The Saint Paul Monastery where Van Gogh was a patient is a must. They have a small museum dedicated to his time there. It also has the added bonus of lots of lavender fields nearby, which is exactly what you need for the ultimate Provence Instagram photo together. 

Although St. Remy is a bit off the beaten path it’s got plenty of culture and beautiful scenery. You’ll feel like you’re on a honeymoon in a Disney movie with how picturesque this little town is.
Attachments area.

Recommended by Ally – Ally Travels

Sarlat in the Dordogne Valley

With its glowing honey-coloured buildings and lamp-lit cobblestone lanes, the medieval town of Sarlat seems like it was designed for romance.

Located in southwestern France, about a 2.5 hour drive east of Bordeaux, Sarlat is the perfect base for exploring the Dordogne Valley.  

Enjoy getting lost in the narrow laneways and relax in one of the cafes on the main square, Place de la Liberté.  Savour local delicacies over leisurely meals.  Sarlat is foodie paradise, famous for its foie gras, truffles, cheese and wine.

Take a boat ride on the Dordogne river and visit storied castles in Beynac, Castlenaud and the Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker.  Another must-see is the Lascaux Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with mysterious stone age paintings.

In Sarlat, a romantic place to stay is Les Suites Sarladaises, a lovingly restored 17th century mansion

Recommended by Cindy Baker – TravelBlissNow.com

Ribeauville

Ribeauville is one of the small picturesque french villages that lie on the Alsace Wine Route. Ribeauvill has a population of just under 5,000 people and is highly popular with travellers exploring the Alsace. Ribeauvillenhas one of the oldest wine co-ops in France. Located just 16 kilometres from Colmar and 75 kilometres from Strasbourg. The main street is lined with restaurants, bakeries, cellar doors and medieval cobblestones. It is the perfect romantic setting for any honeymoon in France.

Sipping the region’s fine wine and eating the artisan foods of the region. On the weekends in December, the town holds a very popular Christmas market. On the hill directly behind the town, you will find  Castle Saint-Ulrich, Castle Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre. These Ribeauville landmarks can be accessed via a walking trail from the centre of town. You meander through the fields of wine grapes on your way to the castle. If you want experience Ribeauville like a local head off the main streets and find some local establishments such as Gorman Drinks

Recommended by Mark Wyld – WyldFamilyTravel.com

Epernay

What better location to celebrate a hone2ymoon in France than the proclaimed champagne capital of the world! The Epernay region, located east of Paris, is home to world-famous champagne houses including Moët & Chandon, Laurent-Perrier and Bollinger.

One of the best things to do in Epernay is to stroll its most famous street, Avenue de Champagne. This beautiful street is lined with historic mansions and villas belonging to some of the world’s greatest champagne houses. Visitors can explore many of the great houses, enjoying wine tastings and tours explaining the history of each of the wineries. Beneath the streets of Epernay, there over 200 million bottles of ageing champagne tucked away in the 110km of cellars.

The lush green rolling hills of the Epernay countryside house countless vineyards in an idyllic scene. One of the best ways to explore is to rent a bicycle and follow some of the designated Champagne trails.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Epernay is part of the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars listing and is the perfect spot to indulge in some bubbles and toast to a wonderful honeymoon in France!

Recommended by David – Your Ireland Vacation

The Loire Valley

The hunting ground of the French Kings is the beautiful Loire Valley. Close to Paris are the vineyards, forests and chateaux of this enchanting former royal playground. These grand royal estates lie outside sophisticated cities surrounded by wineries. Meandering from one spectacular château to another, picnicking, horse riding and sampling wines makes for a once in a lifetime experience!

The most visited château in France, apart from Versailles, is the Château Chenonceau. It is hard to envision a more fairytale setting for a French honeymoon. The château is built across the River Cher and surrounded by gardens designed by some of France’s most powerful women: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Set in dense forest only a few minutes from the village of Chenonceau, the château includes a long tree-lined entrance way, formal gardens, a maze and a gallery above the river.

Taking a boat tour to Château Chenonceau is perhaps the most romantic way to approach any castle in the whole of France.

Recommended by Monique at TripAnthropologist.com

Alsace Wine Route

Sandwiched between Rhine and Vosges Mountains, Alsace wine route spans  170 kms from Strasbourg in the north to Colmar in the south. Alsace region beautifully blends the German-french culture, which can be seen in their architecture, culture, food and festivals.  Dotted with colourful half timbered houses, flower filled windowsills, cobbled streets, punctuated with storybook villages and mile long vineyards,  Alsace Wine Route is one of the best road trips and romantic places in entire France.  Allow 3 to 4 days in the Alsace region so you get enough time to slow travel. Delve into Alsatian culture and savour their flavours, do day trip to the picturesque towns and go on wine tours. While there are many towns to visit, I am going to highlight top 10 of them including Colmar and Strasbourg where you should spend a little more time. Other must visit towns include Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Selestat, Dambach-La-Ville and Obernai. 

One of the best things about Alsace route is that they can be visited any time of the year. While the warm months make it comfortable, the Christmas in Alsace transport you into a truly magical destination. 

Recommended by Anuradha – CountryHoppingCouple.com

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a beautifully historical city in the Alsace region of France and its romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for inclusion on a French honeymoon. The Strasbourg Cathedral is easily one of the most striking sights in the city, which until 1874 was the tallest building in the world. A stroll through the charming neighborhood of La Petite France is essential, where half-timbered houses from the 1500s and 2600s line the cobblestone streets.

But what makes Strasbourg especially wonderful for a romantic honeymoon are the many wineries in the area.  Alsace is home to two types of wine, Riesling and Gewürtztraminer, the latter of which can be difficult to find overseas but has a unique sweet and spicy aroma to it. There are winery tours by car or bike, and some wineries even offer cooking classes where food is prepared to perfectly pair with the wines.

Recommended by Mikaela – Voyageur Tripper

Colmar

Located in the Alsace region of northeast France is a small town that looks right out of a fairytale. There’s no better way to spend your honeymoon than to visit the picture-perfect town of Colmar that has been rumored to be the inspiration for Belle’s hometown from the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast. Take a romantic stroll around the Old Town where the cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored half-timbered houses and geranium-decked balconies, flower-lined canals, as well as cute boutique cafes and shops. 

A visit to “Little Venice” is a must as it is the most picturesque district in Colmar. You can also explore the charm of this town by taking a lovely cruise on a flat bottom boat as you float along the Lauch river. In the heart of this district is the covered market of Colmar where you can find a variety of vendors selling cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, fresh-butchered meat, fruits, and vegetables. Grab a few items to enjoy and have a small picnic in one of the plazas while admiring a historic fountain. For a romantic dinner, you can visit one of the Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the river for a memorable night on your honeymoon.

As the capital of Alsatian wines, make sure to do some tasting at one of the local wineries. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a leisurely 30-minute bike ride through stunning Alsatian vineyards into the town of Eguisheim to discover some of the varietals that make this region so special.

Recommended by Kristel and Gabriel Glasier from Chef Travel Guide

Biarritz and the Pyrennees

If you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon in France, head to the south-west corner. 

Start your trip in the breathtaking Pyrenees. Here, you can explore jaw-dropping scenes like the Cirque de Gavarnie (complete with the second highest waterfall in France), go cycling, horseback riding, drive the Col du Tourmalet or just relax in one of the many spa resorts in the area. 

If you want more nightlife or people, head to the coast and the beautiful town of Biarritz, with its award-winning sandy beaches and a multitude of surf schools. There’s always something fun going on here. 

Whether you prefer beach or mountains, an active honeymoon or something more relaxed, this area is packed with things to do which will make it romantic and memorable for you both. 

Recommended by Kat – Wandering-Bird.com

Avignon

Avignon is a great destination for a honeymoon in Southern France. The city is pretty, the weather seems to be always good, and there’s a good choice of romantic boutique-hotels and restaurants.

Avignon is also an excellent base for exploring other sites in Provence on a day trip, like the lavender fields (from late June to August), the Gorges du Verdon, or pretty hilltop villages.

The city is small and you can explore all the main sights in one day in Avignon which leaves you time for more romantic activities like a bike ride along the river or a brunch in a romantic café – terrasse. Amongst the main sites, outstands the Palace of the Popes (the biggest and most beautiful civil Gothic building in the world), the famous Bridge of Avignon and the park of the Rocher des Doms, especially romantic at sunset.

Recommended by Elisa – TravelFranceBucketlist.com

Luberon

With its iconic hilltop villages, fragrant lavender fields, crumbling chateaux, and endless vineyards, the Luberon is one of the most romantic destinations in France. Spend your days idly, wandering the cobbled lanes and delighting in the history and beauty that surrounds you. Hit up the farmer’s markets for the freshest produce, plucked straight from the earth that morning, and fill a picnic basket with treats to enjoy in an ancient olive grove.

Drive around the various villages that are only minutes apart, yet each has its own distinct flavour. Gordes for its famous viewpoint, Roussillon for its Ochre canyons and unique colour palette, or Lacoste for its striking sculptures. They’ll all keep you spellbound for hours. Of course, with the exquisite offering of places to stay, you could spend all your time cooped up in the luxurious surroundings of your hotel too – swimming off an indulgent breakfast, or simply worshipping the South of France sunlight – renowned for inspiring artists such as Van Gogh and Cezanne.

Recommended by Nadine – LeLongWeekend.com

Cassis 

Cassis is a lovely town in Provence, nestled along side a harbor and dotted with colorful waterfront restaurants. It offers a stunning setting for couples to base themselves while on Honeymoon in the South of France

Enjoy fresh seafood, like the Bouillabaisse at Chez Gilbert, voted one of the best in France. Then grab a lavender flavored ice cream as you stroll through the town’s charming laneways.

Calanques National Park is just outside Cassis. The picturesque national park offers wonderful hiking opportunities and scenic overlooks of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also enjoy the park by taking a boat tour from Cassis. Most people should stay on the paved roads as driving the narrow dirt roads is very precarious – speaking from experience!

Aix-en-Provence, the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” is only a 45 minute drive from Cassis. The elegant town is home to cobbled streets, Aristocratic palaces and an exceptional food and wine scene. An especially romantic time to visit is mid-June to mid July, when the nearby lavender fields are in bloom. 

Cassis is just 33 km from Marseille, France’s second largest city. The region is best explored by car, but you can also arrive by train if you do not want to drive. 

Recommended by Alex & Bell Kallimanis – WanderlustMarriage.com

Corsica

Few destinations in the country compare to the beauty and romance of Corsica, making this one of the best honeymoon destinations. Famous for its landscapes, monuments and beautiful beaches, visitors are usually spoilt for choice. The beaches that span the 1000 km of coastline offer clear, turquoise blue waters and the seclusion afforded by many of these only adds to its appeal.

Other top sights include Porragia Island, Scandola Nature Reserve, and Calanques de Piana. Even though this laid-back Mediterranean island is found less than 200 kilometres from the south of France, it feels like it’s miles away from the mainland, providing a tropical vacation that is both unique and exclusive.

Recommended by Rai – ARaiofLight

Antibes

Antibes, a resort town located between Cannes and Nice in the French Riviera, is an absolute paradise for beach and culture lovers. Featuring a charming Old Town, visitors can stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the thousand years of history. Trendy boutique cafes line up these medievals streets, perfect for anyone that wants a delicious crepe and a cup of coffee when exploring.

Unlike many French Riviera destinations that have been overrun by tourists, Antibes still contains its small-town charm with a majority of Antibes locals. Visit the Marché Provençal (Provencal Market) and you will find locals going about their daily lives, shopping for local produce such as vegetables and fruits.

Honeymoon couples must not miss the Picasso Museum, where a collection of his best work can be seen. Formerly known as the Château Grimaldi, Picasso stayed and worked there in November 1946.

But what is a honeymoon without exotic beaches and refreshingly swims? Luckily for you, Antibes has a total of 25 kilometers of coastline, all looking into the pristine Mediterranean Sea. When newlyweds are not enjoying some of the sublime resorts in the area, there are plenty of things to do in Antibes to keep them excited!

Recommended by Sean – LivingOutLau