Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
If you picture southern France, you’re probably thinking of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Lavender fields roll into olive groves, sun-baked villages spill down hillsides, and the Mediterranean sparkles just beyond. Provence has a knack for charm, with villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Head to the coast, and the Côte d’Azur glitters with glitzy towns—Nice, Antibes, Saint-Tropez. Inland, the Verdon Gorge cuts a dramatic line through the landscape. There’s this seamless blend here: rustic beauty meets coastal glamour.
Normandy
Normandy is quieter but no less stirring. The coastline crashes against white cliffs at Étretat, then settles into long beaches and sleepy fishing villages. Inland, the countryside feels lush and calm—apple orchards, half-timbered houses, the works. Mont-Saint-Michel rises from the tidal flats like something out of a dream. The region’s gentle light and peaceful fields have pulled artists in for generations, and honestly, Normandy still casts that same spell today.
Brittany (Bretagne)
Brittany is wild at heart. The Atlantic pounds the rugged coastline, carving out dramatic cliffs and secret coves. Towns like Dinan take you back to medieval days, while Saint-Malo brings the sea right to your feet. Away from the coast, ancient forests and mysterious standing stones hint at something older, almost Celtic. The place just feels different—raw, proud, and absolutely unforgettable.
Loire Valley
People call the Loire Valley the “Garden of France” for a reason. Vineyards, fields of sunflowers, gentle rivers—it’s all so peaceful. Then there are the châteaux: Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise. They look like they’ve been lifted straight from a fairytale. But it’s not just castles. The wine is elegant, villages are cozy, and life here moves at a slower, more thoughtful pace. It’s easy to lose track of time, and honestly, you probably should.
Alsace
Alsace sits right on the German border, and it looks like something out of a storybook. Half-timbered houses, flowers everywhere, cobbled lanes—especially in places like Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim. Vineyards run along the Alsace Wine Route, with the Vosges Mountains in the distance. There’s this interesting blend of French and German influences, so it feels both homey and just a bit different.
French Alps (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
If you crave big landscapes, the French Alps deliver. Towering peaks, glassy alpine lakes, green valleys—the scenery barely lets up, no matter the season. Winter brings skiers to Chamonix and Megève. When the snow melts, hiking trails open up, Lake Annecy glows turquoise, and the views are just wild. Add in traditional chalets and crisp mountain air, and you’ve got a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Dordogne (Périgord)
The Dordogne is all about classic French countryside. Green hills roll along winding rivers, golden-stone villages pop up around every bend. Sarlat-la-Canéda feels frozen in time, and ancient castles perch above the river, watching over everything. Prehistoric caves like Lascaux add another layer—history runs deep here. If you want authenticity, peace, and a taste of real French heritage, this is the place.
Occitanie
Occitanie is huge and full of surprises. It spreads from the Mediterranean beaches up into the Pyrenees. You get sunny coastlines, old cities like Carcassonne and Toulouse, endless vineyards, and hilltop villages. Carcassonne’s medieval fortress is a showstopper. With fewer crowds and so much variety, Occitanie feels like a secret spot just waiting for you to dig in.
Corsica
Corsica’s got a wild streak. Mountains shoot up from the sea, creating a coastline that’s nothing short of breathtaking. Hidden beaches, rugged cliffs, forests deep in the island’s heart—adventurers love it here. Villages cling to rocky hillsides, and the sea is as blue as it gets. The island’s fierce beauty and strong sense of identity make it unforgettable.
Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Burgundy keeps things understated. The hills are gentle, vineyards stretch on forever, and canals wind through quiet fields. Medieval towns and Romanesque churches dot the landscape, giving the whole place a timeless feel. Wine is the headline act, but the food and the slower pace of life steal the show for travelers who like to take their time and really soak everything in.
