According to many foreign travelers, France is the land of romance. With its culture, gastronomy, wines and great diversity of landscapes, the country offers many opportunities for a romantic weekend getaway. And to say the least, there's something for everyone! Walks on the beach, in the woods, vineyards or mountains, visits to historic monuments and charming villages, candlelit dinners in renowned restaurants... There's no doubt that France is the perfect place to create beautiful memories during a romantic weekend. Here are 11 must-see destinations.
1. Ile de Ré, for the pleasure of slowing down time
Saint-Martin-de-Re?© © dudlajzov - stock.adobe.com
The Charente-Maritime island of Ré is the perfect destination for a romantic weekend away. It boasts superb beaches where you can stroll and swim in fine weather, as well as picturesque villages with white houses and green shutters. There's no big infrastructure here, just narrow streets to wander through hand in hand. A trip to Saint-Martin-de-Ré is an opportunity to grab an ice cream in the harbor, before climbing the steps of the Baleines lighthouse and enjoying an incredible panorama of the island. A cycling breakaway for two is also an opportunity to marvel at the unspoilt landscapes of the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve. End the day with a seafood platter and a glass of white wine. For a rejuvenating calm, opt for the off-season!
Read more: What to do on the Ile de Ré The 11 must-sees
2. The Loire Valley, heritage and nature
Cha?teau de Chenonceau© © Antoine2K - Shutterstock.Com
In the Loire Valley, romance is in the air. And you only have to take a stroll for two along the royal river at sunrise or sunset to realize this. For the perfect romantic weekend, the ideal is to spend a night or two in a château. Château de Brou, near Chinon, or Château de Rochecotte, near Saumur. For a memorable moment with your other half, there's nothing like climbing aboard a hot-air balloon and flying over the verdant landscapes of the Garden of France. You'll also have the chance to admire the region's heritage from above, with a special place in your heart for the Château de Chenonceau, and to enjoy a glass of fine Loire Valley wine. In the state forests of Loches and Orléans, autumn is the season for romantic strolls as the leaves change color.
Read more: Which Loire châteaux to visit? The 15 most beautiful
3. Kaysersberg, timber-framed houses and vineyards
Kaysersberg© (c) S.Moebs - Shutterstock.com
With their colorful, timber-framed facades, Alsace's villages offer an idyllic backdrop for a romantic getaway. Kaysersberg is one of them. To make the most of it, you can put your bags down in a bed & breakfast, before discovering the town's jewels: picturesque narrow streets, a fortified bridge over the Weiss River, the Invention-de-la-Sainte-Croix de Kaysersberg church and many other heritage gems. The climb to the castle reveals a pleasant surprise once you've reached the top: an unobstructed view of the village, which blends into the green vineyards. The latter offer romantic walks in one of the most beautiful areas of the Grand-Est, on foot along the Schlossberg wine trail, or by bike along a section of the Alsace Wine Route. The perfect opportunity to toast love with a local producer.
Read more: Top 15 of Alsace's most beautiful villages (and towns) to visit
4. Annecy, lakeside fusion
Annecy© (c) Leonid Andronov
Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy is brimming with charm and is a magnet for lovers. It's the perfect setting for a romantic weekend. In the old town, the colorful houses lining the canals create a timeless atmosphere. Annecy is also home to the famous Pont des Amours, located between the Jardins de l'Europe and the Esplanade du Pâquier, an ideal spot to exchange a kiss. The lake, with its crystal-clear waters, invites long walks or bike rides, and a boat trip is a must-do in Annecy. For a romantic getaway, there's nothing better than escaping to the surrounding mountains and stopping at the most beautiful viewpoints to embrace and admire the scenery.
See also: Weekend in Annecy: what can you visit in 2 or 3 days?
5. Enjoy the view in Èze, one of our top destinations for a romantic weekend in France
E?ze© © Moti Meiri - stock.adobe.com
In the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, between Nice and Menton, Èze is clearly one ofthe most beautiful spots on the Côte d'Azur. Situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, the village boasts breathtaking views. For lovers, it's a pure delight to lose oneself in the steep streets of the old town, with its ochre facades, abundant greenery and old signs. And of course, there's the opportunity to lunch or dine in one of the many restaurants and enjoy Provencal gastronomy. The Jardin Exotique is also an ideal place for a romantic stroll. Here you'll discover plants from every continent, with the added bonus of an exceptional panorama of the Riviera.
Read more: The 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region
6. Calvi, the irrefutable beauty of Corsica
Calvi© © pkazmierczak - stock.adobe.com
Flying to Corsica for a weekend? A great idea for a romantic getaway. One of the must-do activities starts with an early-morning coffee in the marina, to the sound of boats lapping at the water's edge. Then it's off to explore the town's heritage, strolling along the narrow streets of the citadel, stopping to admire the Cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Sampiero barracks. With its mild climate for a large part of the year, a stay in Calvi is always a good time for bucolic strolls. They lead to the Revellata lighthouse, which offers the sensation of being alone in the world. Not forgetting the heavenly cove of Sainte-Restitude and the Bonifatu forest, where suspended walkways add to the magic of the setting.
7. Paris, because it's the city of love
Montmartre district© (c) tianalima - Shutterstock.com
It's hard to talk about a romantic getaway in France without mentioning the French capital, the city of love par excellence! The Parc Monceau, the Luxembourg Gardens and the Ile de la Cité breathe romanticism. And let's not forget Montmartre, with its village-in-the-city atmosphere. In the evening, you can take your other half to the Opéra Garnier, or dine on a barge on the Seine. The next morning, we plan a brunch in the Marais, before enjoying a final stroll along the Seine and crossing one of Paris's most beautiful bridges, the Pont des Arts.
Read more: Visiting Paris for the first time: must-dos
8. Giverny, love made in Normandy in one of the best destinations for a romantic weekend in France
Claude Monet Gardens © aterrom - stock.adobe.com
In Giverny, the master of Impressionism Claude Monet said that the light is like nowhere else. A visit to the painter's house and gardens is bound to be the highlight of this romantic weekend, especially as you pass by the water lily pond. Giverny is also a superb village to stroll around, whatever the season. We pass by the church of Sainte-Radegonde, the former Hôtel Baudy, where many American painters stayed, then take time to enter the art galleries. Finally, of course, there's the Musée des Impressionnistes, where the history of the Impressionist movement and the colors of the canvases are also tinged with romanticism.
Read more: What to do in Giverny The 11 most beautiful places to visit
9. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, medieval atmosphere and hiking
Saint-Guilhem-Le-Desert © Picturereflex - Shutterstock.com
For a romantic weekend away, it's easy to imagine yourself heading for a charming village surrounded by magnificent scenery. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, in the Hérault region of France, is one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France. Take the time to wander through the medieval streets, enter the craftsmen's stores, then stop at the foot of one of the many fountains to embrace yourself. A visit to Gellone Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another highlight of a weekend dedicated to love. It's a masterpiece of Languedoc Romanesque art. Around the town, the Hérault gorges invite you to lose yourself in the heart of this sumptuous landscape. The 11th-century Pont du Diable is the ideal spot to take a selfie.
Read more: What to do in the Hérault? 19 must-sees
10. La Roque-Gageac, for a kiss on a cliffside
La Roque-Gageac© © antoine2k - stock.adobe.com
Located in the Dordogne department, La Roque-Gageac is classified as one of France's most beautiful villages. It's also one of the most beautiful villages to visit in the Dordogne, and one of the most beautiful in Europe. The atmosphere is romantic as you gaze at the golden houses with their lauze roofs reflected in the waters of the river. The little church of Notre-Dame, the château de La Malartrie, the fortified manor house of La Tarde - all these heritage features catch the eye of lovers. The romantic stroll continues with a tour of the impressive cliff face , home to the remains of a 12th-century fortress. The panorama over the Dordogne Valley is majestic. And because La Roque-Gageanc never ceases to amaze, the town also boasts a superb exotic garden with palm, banana, bamboo, cactus and fig trees.
Read more: Top 25 most beautiful villages in France
11. Staring into each other's eyes in Avignon, one of the most beautiful destinations for a romantic weekend in France
One of the most beautiful destinations for a romantic weekend in France... Welcome to Avignon! This historic city will appeal to history lovers and plunge you into a rich and fascinating past. The Palais des Papes, a majestic example of Gothic architecture, is a must-see. The 14th-century ramparts, meanwhile, offer the perfect opportunity for a romantic stroll while immersing yourself in medieval history. Avignon is not only a historic city, it's also a dynamic cultural center, famous for its performing arts festival. Avignon is sure to seduce you with its gentle, pleasant atmosphere, ideal for a romantic getaway.
Read more: Visit Avignon in 2 or 3 days: what can you do in a weekend?
12. Rocamadour... which also rhymes with love!
Looking for a romantic weekend in France? Rocamadour is a not-to-be-missed destination in the Lot department. Perched on a steep cliff, this village offers breathtaking panoramic views, culminating at 1,502 meters above the Alzou canyon. Its picturesque streets and white stone buildings will immerse you in a legendary medieval atmosphere. The discovery of the remains of Saint Amadour in 1166 marked the beginning of a series of miracles, making Rocamadour an important place of pilgrimage. Don't miss the 216 steps leading up to the medieval town, where you can admire the Notre-Dame church, the Saint-Sauveur basilica and the Saint-Michel chapel. An enchanting setting steeped in history, ideal for an unforgettable romantic break!
Tempted? See our article What to do and see in Rocamadour The 11 must-sees
13. Collioure: a true Mediterranean gem
Located on the Côte Vermeille, Collioure is a charming coastal town in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France, where you'll be seduced by its picturesque charm and heritage treasures. The colorful alleyways invite you to stroll along as a couple, while the small beaches offer moments of relaxation for two. At the end of the day, take the time to enjoy an ice cream in front of the pretty port, at Parad'ice for example! Collioure, much more than just a fishing village, is a true cultural and artistic gem. Don't miss out on discovering its historic monuments and artistic heritage, which make this town a unique and romantic place, deserving its place in our top destinations for a romantic weekend in France.
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares and book now!
