TOP 10 destinations to visit in France

Why travel to the other side of the world when there are so many breathtaking sites just around the corner in France? Pack your bags and hit the road with your Europcar rental car! Believe us, there is so much to see! Stunning landscapes and idyllic locations await you across the Hexagon. Not sure where to go this summer? Fine sandy beaches, bustling cities, spectacular mountains, and historic landmarks are all on the agenda for your vacation! Explore our top 10 classic and must-see destinations in France.

1 – Paris, “the City of Light” with endless splendors

Ok, we all know Paris is the capital of France. But do you know why it captivates so many tourists? Thanks to its enchanting charm! The romantic cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter invite you to wander. The Eiffel Tower is the centerpiece of your stay. Even if you’ve visited before, the “Iron Lady” remains iconic and dazzling. Need a break? Head to the Sacré-Cœur hill, retracing the steps of Amélie Poulain. Kids will love the beautiful Montmartre carousel with its wooden horses and Venetian carriages. Want to treat them further? Take them to Disneyland to meet Mickey—they’ll love it! Get ready for a fascinating family trip in the heart of “the City of Light”!

2 – Mont-Saint-Michel, a magical abbey between sky and tides

If there’s one landscape that never ceases to amaze, it’s Mont-Saint-Michel! This masterpiece of medieval architecture is worthy of the finest postcards. Imagine a rocky island at the heart of a stunning bay, sometimes surrounded by sandbanks, sometimes cut off by an impassable sea. This architectural treasure defies gravity! Your partner will be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery in this natural wonder. Kids can play knights climbing the grand abbey at the top while you admire the charming village below. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont-Saint-Michel is a gem that never gets old.

3 – Étretat cliffs, chalk sculptures shaped by sea and wind

Looking for grandiose landscapes? Along the Alabaster Coast in Seine-Maritime, the atmosphere is magical! This long stretch of immaculate white chalk cliffs plunges dramatically into the greenish-blue waters of the English Channel. The highlight? The famous Étretat cliff, radiating surprising wild power. Facing the massive flint arch carved by the waves, which defines the mythical landscape, you’ll feel like Arsène Lupin. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the adventures of the famous gentleman thief! The needle rock, known worldwide, has inspired many painters and writers. Without a doubt, this exceptional natural site, between sea and countryside, will continue to dazzle us with its graceful beauty.

4 – Calanques National Park, a stunning gem near Marseille

Ah, the Calanques! This name promises breathtaking landscapes and refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters. The Calanques massif is a unique and exceptional site located between Marseille and Cassis. Here, you and your loved ones will quickly fall under the spell of a laid-back spirit. The rugged coastline of the Blue Coast is an incredible destination. Can’t resist the call of the Mediterranean? Why not take the kids to explore the underwater world in the shelter of large rocky coves. Fancy a hike? A walk on the limestone rocks will reveal the best viewpoints. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun and the gentle way of life between cliffs and fine sand!

5 – Les Baux-de-Provence, a perched citadel steeped in poetry

Dreaming of discovering exceptional panoramas but lacking inspiration? Let yourself be guided to one of France’s most beautiful villages! Perched on a rocky outcrop within the Alpilles National Park, Les Baux-de-Provence is a true architectural treasure. It’s a dream opportunity to immerse your family in the medieval era! You’ll love strolling through the cobblestone streets, ancient houses, arcades, and charming squares. At the edge of the village stand the ruins of a superb stone fortress. If your kids enjoy tales of kings and knights, use this mineral setting, a vestige of a tumultuous past, to tell them stories of princesses and dragons.

6 – Lake Annecy, turquoise waters reflecting alpine peaks

Dreaming of mountains and fresh air but not ready to skip swimming? We know exactly what you need. Head to Lake Annecy! Located in Haute-Savoie, this vast turquoise blue expanse, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the French Alps, is a true natural treasure. Kids can enjoy all kinds of water activities in the pure, clear water. A romantic lakeside tour to explore charming villages and secluded beaches sounds like a perfect escape. Along the many canals of Annecy, your partner will fall under the timeless charm of the old town. Believe us, Lake Annecy promises an enchanting atmosphere!

7 – Loire Valley castles, a dive into France’s historic heritage

Looking for a road trip as bucolic as it is historical? Just 1.5 hours from Paris, along the Loire River, a series of castles preserves the memories of France’s kings and queens. Take a trip with friends to discover their fairy-tale beauty in an exceptional setting of river, vineyards, and hillside villages. Wine enthusiasts? You’ll be thrilled! Expect great memories with your buddies. Medieval fortresses, classical facades, French gardens, and Renaissance mansions thrive in a royal atmosphere listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Want to impress your partner? Fly over the Loire Valley castles in a hot-air balloon!

8 – Dune of Pilat, one of France’s most beautiful destinations

Rolling in the sand to the sea, anyone? At the entrance to Arcachon Bay, in La Teste-de-Buch, stands a colossal natural monument—a dune of extraordinary dimensions! Constantly shifting, it slowly encroaches on the Landes de Gascogne forest in a dreamlike landscape. How about an awe-inspiring panoramic view for your Instagram? Relive your childhood on Europe’s tallest dune! A real playground over 100 meters high and 3 kilometers long awaits you. Below, Corniche Beach invites you to swim. Your family will savor the gentle lifestyle of Arcachon. A romantic oyster and white wine aperitif promises a delightful moment. Seeking adventure and freedom? Take a sea kayak with friends to discover the stilted cabins of Bird Island. From oyster-farming villages to salt marshes, you’ll breathe in the salty sea air!

9 – Crozon Peninsula, a Breton tip with a world’s-end feel

Need a breath of salty air? We have the perfect spot for you: the desolate landscapes at the edge of Brittany! At the tip of Finistère, Crozon Peninsula is made up of jagged rocks, steep cliffs, and valleys extending triumphantly into the Iroise Sea. This magnificent place, part of the Armorique National Park, will not leave you indifferent. Want to feel like you’re at the edge of the world? Pen Hir Point, with its numerous trails, is perfect for family exploration. Kids will have fun between swimming and crab fishing in the beautiful Virgin Island cove. For a romantic getaway, a couple’s walk on Cape Goat will immerse you in an exceptional panorama between land and sea. Crozon Peninsula, with its powerful character, has so many stories to tell!

10 – Nice and the French Riviera, an enchanting window onto the Mediterranean

The city of Nice is a must-visit and a perfect base for exploring the French Riviera. What a joy to stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town! The yellow, ochre, and orange facades invite you to wander. At nightfall, nightlife takes over. It’s the ideal occasion to go out with friends in the festive atmosphere of bars. How about a road trip? The French Riviera is famous for its stunning landscapes and iconic cities like Cannes or Saint-Tropez. This region in the south of France promises perfect sunny vacations!

Spectacular landscapes, architectural gems, and cultural treasures await you throughout France. Craving dazzling getaways? The most beautiful regions of France are waiting to be rediscovered for a weekend or a vacation.