France Beyond Paris: A Love Letter to the Most Beautiful Country in Europe

I spent four years living abroad, and France was one of the countries I returned to again and again. There is something about France — the food, the architecture, the art, the sheer beauty of the landscape — that never loses its magic.

Most Americans visit Paris and call it France. Paris is magnificent, but it's just the beginning. Here's my guide to experiencing France in all its glory.

Paris: The City That Never Disappoints

I know, I know — everyone goes to Paris. But there's a reason for that. Paris is one of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and endlessly fascinating cities on earth. Even after multiple visits, I always find something new.

The classics are classics for a reason:

• The Eiffel Tower at night, when it sparkles on the hour
• The Louvre (go early, focus on what you actually want to see — you cannot see everything)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently being restored after the 2019 fire — check the status before your visit)
• The Musée d'Orsay — My favorite museum in Paris, with the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art

Beyond the tourist trail:

• Le Marais — The most charming neighborhood in Paris, with beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants, and the Place des Vosges
• Montmartre — The artists' neighborhood, with the stunning Sacré-Cœur basilica and the best views of the city
• Canal Saint-Martin — A hip, local neighborhood with indie boutiques, cafes, and a beautiful tree-lined canal
• The covered passages — 19th-century shopping arcades that feel like stepping back in time

Food in Paris:

• Breakfast at a proper French café (café au lait and a croissant)
• Lunch at a brasserie (steak frites, croque monsieur, or a salade niçoise)
• Dinner at a bistro (duck confit, coq au vin, or whatever the chef recommends)
• Cheese and wine at any hour

Provence: Lavender, Light, and the Good Life

Provence is my favorite region of France, and I think it might be the most beautiful place in Europe. The landscape is extraordinary — rolling hills covered in lavender and sunflowers, ancient Roman ruins, perched medieval villages, and a quality of light that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh.

The lavender season (late June through early August) is one of the most spectacular natural events in Europe. The fields around Valensole and the Luberon are breathtaking.

Don't miss:

• Gordes — A stunning hilltop village with views over the Luberon valley
• Les Baux-de-Provence — A dramatic ruined castle perched on a rocky outcrop
• Roussillon — A village built from ochre rock, with streets in shades of red, orange, and yellow
• The Pont du Gard — A perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct that is one of the most impressive ancient structures in the world

Aix-en-Provence is my base of choice for exploring the region — a beautiful university city with excellent markets, restaurants, and a vibrant cultural life.

The Côte d'Azur: Glamour and Sun

The French Riviera — Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Tropez — is one of the most glamorous stretches of coastline in the world. The combination of Mediterranean beauty, world-class cuisine, and jet-set atmosphere is intoxicating.

Nice is my favorite base on the Riviera. The Old Town (Vieux-Nice) is gorgeous, the Promenade des Anglais is iconic, and the food market on Cours Saleya is one of the best in France.

Monaco is technically a separate country, but it's a 20-minute train ride from Nice and absolutely worth a visit. The casino, the palace, the Formula 1 circuit — it's a fascinating place.

Cannes is most famous for its film festival, but it's beautiful year-round. The old port, the Croisette, and the Îles de Lérins (accessible by boat) are all wonderful.

The Loire Valley: Châteaux and Wine

The Loire Valley is France's garden — a gentle, beautiful landscape of rivers, forests, and vineyards, dotted with over 300 châteaux. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most romantic destinations in France.

Must-see châteaux:

• Château de Chambord — The largest château in the Loire Valley, with a famous double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci
• Château de Chenonceau — Built over the Cher River, this is the most visited château in France after Versailles
• Château de Villandry — Famous for its extraordinary Renaissance gardens

The Loire Valley is also one of France's most important wine regions, producing excellent Muscadet, Sancerre, and Vouvray.

Practical France Tips

Language — French people genuinely appreciate when you try to speak French, even badly. Learn "Bonjour," "Merci," "S'il vous plaît," and "Parlez-vous anglais?" and you'll be received warmly.

Dining — Lunch is often the main meal of the day in France, and many restaurants offer excellent prix-fixe lunch menus at a fraction of the dinner price.

Transportation — France's TGV high-speed train network is excellent. Paris to Lyon takes 2 hours; Paris to Marseille takes 3 hours. Renting a car is the best way to explore Provence and the Loire Valley.

When to go — May through June and September through October are ideal. July and August are beautiful but crowded and expensive.

France rewards the curious traveler. The more you explore beyond Paris, the more you'll fall in love with this extraordinary country.