France Beyond Paris: 5 Trending French Destinations to Explore This Summer

As the MOST visited country in the world, there is more to France than just Paris. I know Paris is fabulous, I love it as much as the next person. However, if you’re coming to France and staying in the capital, then it’s a sin not to add a few quick day trips to your itinerary. Or, even better, add a couple of days onto your trip to allow you to see more than just the City of Lights.

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I live in Southwest France and have travelled extensively through the country, and each region in France offers something different. Whether it’s exploring the rich history of the many chateaux, indulging in world-renowned cuisine and wines, or simply enjoying the beauty of the rural French countryside.

France has so many iconic landmarks, besides the ones in Paris, and is the scene of so many romantic movies. I could wax lyrical all day about where to go in France, but I won’t. Instead, I’m giving you five French destinations to explore this summer that are worth the trip.

A scenic view of traditional half-timbered houses along a calm river in Strasbourg. The facades display a range of earthy tones with white framing, and the river's surface reflects the buildings and bare winter trees. A few ducks are swimming in the water, and an overcast sky suggests a chilly, quiet winter day in this quaint historic district.

No. 1 Strasbourg

A woman is walking past a parked blue bicycle along a river in Strasbourg city centre. She is on a bridge with a green railing, looking towards traditional European buildings and a distant cathedral spire. The house in the foreground is covered with climbing plants with purple flowers, adding a splash of color to the urban scene.

Located in northeastern France, in the Alsace region, Strasbourg is on the borders of France and Germany, giving it a unique blend of French and German cultures, which is evident everywhere, from the architecture to the cuisine. Not only that, you have the stunning towns of Colmar, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, and Kaysersberg all within 30 minutes by train.

The city’s historical centre, Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is stunning, with its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and cobblestone streets.

The Strasbourg Cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, was built only 94 years after the one in Paris and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its towering spire dominating the skyline.

Strasbourg is known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, with 12+ Christmas markets around the city. It is the jewel in the French Christmas Market crown.

There are lots of gorgeous hotels bursting with character, and accommodation isn’t too pricey.

The restaurants and bistros serve regional specialities like Flammekueche or tarte flambée, a thin-crusted pizza, Choucroute Garnie, an Alsatian sauerkraut, and Baeckeoffe, a traditional Alsatian meat and potato stew. It certainly gives Paris a run for its money.

A close-up view of the intricate facade of Strasbourg Cathedral, showcasing its ornate Gothic architecture. The cathedral's large rose window and the detailed stone carvings are visible, contrasting with the blue sky. To the left, a half-timbered building with dark beams provides a stark architectural contrast to the cathedral's detailed masonry.

Explore Strasbourg’s Museums

The city is home to several museums, including the Palais Rohan, a historic palace. Inside, there are three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Fine Arts, each offering a glimpse into different facets of European history and art.

Cathedral Tour and Astronomical Clock Viewing

A visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral is a must. Not only does the intricate Gothic architecture take your breath away, but there is also the famed astronomical clock inside the cathedral. This clock is a Renaissance-era masterpiece that displays an array of astronomical data. And if you climb the steps to the top of the tower, the view of the city and the Rhine Valley from the cathedral’s platform is breathtaking.

Stroll through Petite France

It’s the most picturesque district of Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses and quaint canals. The houses, some of which date back to the 16th century, are brightly colored with steeply pitched roofs. Tanners historically used them to dry hides, as this district was the center for the tanner trade.

No. 2 Chamonix

A picturesque winter scene of the village Le Houches in the Chamonix valley, featuring a collection of traditional wooden chalets blanketed in snow. The chalets, with their sloping roofs and balconies, nestle amidst snow-covered trees, reflecting the serene and tranquil atmosphere of a snowy mountain retreat.

Located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, Chamonix is a popular ski resort. Its reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for winter sports and mountain adventures sees people flock there every winter.

As the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix’s legacy in winter sports is unparalleled. The town sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in Western Europe, offering breathtaking views and a range of outdoor activities.

Chamonix in summer is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Surrounded by soaring peaks and wildflower-strewn meadows, it’s the perfect base for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, with trails for all levels and views you won’t forget in a hurry.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try canyoning in the gorges around Chamonix. With a guide, you’ll navigate waterfalls, natural rock slides, and crystal-clear pools—jumping, sliding, and abseiling your way through some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s exhilarating and surprisingly doable, even for beginners.

But you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy Chamonix in summer. There’s paragliding over the valley, paddleboarding on nearby alpine lakes, and even golf with glacier views. Or, if you’re like me, you might just prefer relaxing at a terrace café with a chilled glass of Savoie wine and soaking it all in.

And yes, après-hike is a thing, with outdoor terraces, farm-to-table dining, and local cheeses and charcuterie served with crisp mountain air and golden hour light.

Popular Summer Activities in Chamonix

An indoor swimming pool with a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains of Courchevel through a large panoramic window. The interior is modern and sleek, with the calm water of the pool reflecting the natural light that floods in. The contrast between the warm indoor ambiance and the cold, majestic outdoor landscape encapsulates a luxurious winter resort experience.

Aiguille du Midi Cable Car Ride

A journey on the Aiguille du Midi cable car is a must-do in Chamonix. It takes visitors to an altitude of 3,842 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.

At the summit, the “Step into the Void” glass skywalk gives you a view over a 1000-metre drop, providing a unique perspective of the high mountain environment.

Montenvers Railway to the Mer de Glace

The Montenvers cog railway offers a scenic trip from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace glacier.

Once there, visitors can explore the Ice Cave (Grotte de Glace), which is carved into the glacier and contains ice sculptures and an exhibition about glaciology.

The site also hosts the Glaciorium, a museum dedicated to the history and science of glaciers.

Spa Experience at QC Terme Chamonix

For a luxurious spa experience, QC Terme Chamonix offers a range of services including thermal baths, saunas, relaxation areas, and a variety of spa treatments. Set against the backdrop of the Alps, it is the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

No. 3 Rouen

A sunny street scene in Rouen, France, featuring half-timbered houses with traditional architecture. The buildings have multiple stories with visible wooden beams and white fill. The ground floor of the closest building has a red storefront and outdoor seating arranged in front, suggesting a cafe or restaurant. There is a stone fountain in the foreground, and the clear blue sky suggests a pleasant day. Several potted plants add greenery to the scene, and a few cars are parked along the side of the street.

Only one word describes Rouen, and that’s stunning. Just an hour’s train ride outside of Paris, it is the capital of the Normandy region in northern France. Rouen is steeped in history, most famously known as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake in 1431.

This historical event is commemorated at the Joan of Arc Church and the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, a museum dedicated to her life and legacy.

The city’s architecture, with its well-preserved medieval quarter, is what draws in tourists, and I can see why.

The half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and gothic churches make you feel as though you’ve stepped into the pages of a history book.

The cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and has been the subject of numerous paintings by the impressionist artist Claude Monet. It’s also where you’ll find the Christmas Market in December. Can you think of a better backdrop?

And if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat because, in 2021, Rouen was recognised for its outstanding cuisine by UNESCO, joining its ‘Creative Cities Network’ in the field of gastronomy.

This prestigious distinction marked Rouen as the first and only French city to be awarded the title of “Creative City” by UNESCO in the gastronomy field.

Calvados, a local apple brandy, is a must-try along with Canard à la Rouennaise (Rouen Duck), a traditional dish where the duck is prepared with a rich, spiced sauce and Teurgoule a traditional Norman rice pudding, flavoured with cinnamon.

Popular Activities in Rouen

The image captures a vibrant stained-glass window inside the Historial Jeanne d'Arc in Rouen. The window depicts colorful scenes with figures in medieval attire, casting vivid reflections onto the ancient stone floor and vaulted Gothic arches of the interior. The warm illumination contrasts with the dark, rustic stonework, creating a dramatic and immersive atmosphere.

Historical Tours of the Old Town

Exploring Rouen’s old town, with its well-preserved medieval streets and historical buildings, was the thing I enjoyed the most when I visited.

My favorite places were the Rouen Cathedral, Gros Horloge (an astronomical clock), and the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred.

Museum Visits

The Museum of Fine Arts has an impressive collection of paintings from the Renaissance to the present day, including works by Monet, who famously painted the Rouen Cathedral series. And, you can visit 12 of Rouen’s museums for free, 7 days a week.

Summer Boat Trip on the Seine

A boat trip along the Seine River provides a unique vantage point of Rouen’s historical architecture and scenic landscapes. These cruises offer a serene and picturesque view of the city’s riverside, which is particularly beautiful in the summer

No. 4 Reims

A night-time view of the vibrant Reims Christmas Market in the foreground, with illuminated stalls and festive lights adorning the trees. The Reims Cathedral stands majestically in the background, bathed in colorful lights that highlight its Gothic architectural details and grand rose window. The market's lively atmosphere and the cathedral's illuminated presence combine to create a festive winter scene.

If you’re a fan of champagne, you’ll have heard of Reims. Located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, under an hour from Paris, Reims is the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region.

One of Reims’ most significant historical sites is the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the traditional coronation site for French kings.

The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its remarkable façade and detailed stained glass windows, including works by Marc Chagall.

At Christmas, it’s transformed by a stunning sound and light show. Projected imagery lights up the cathedral and tells a different story each year. It’s quite something to see.

Apart from its historical and gastronomic attractions, Reims offers a variety of cultural experiences. The Palace of Tau, another UNESCO World Heritage site adjacent to the cathedral, houses museum collections related to the coronation of French kings and religious artefacts.

Popular Summer Activities in Reims

Inside a traditional Champagne cellar in Reims, with rows of aging bottles nestled into white chalk walls. The alcoves of the cellar are filled with bottles covered in dust, indicating the aging process, with labels marking different vintages such as 'Brut 1934'. The curved ceiling of the cellar and the softly lit ambiance create an atmosphere of historical wine-making tradition.

Champagne House Tours and Tastings

Visiting the famous Champagne houses is a must-do activity. Winter is a great time for tours and tastings at renowned houses, like Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, and Pommery.

These tours often include exploring the vast cellars and learning about the process of making Champagne.

Exploring the Basilica of Saint-Remi

This Romanesque-Gothic basilica, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is the resting place of Saint Remi, the bishop who baptised Clovis, the first King of the Franks.

The Saint-Remi museum, located nearby, houses an extensive collection of local history and artefacts.

Visiting the Palace of Tau

The Palace of Tau, adjacent to the cathedral, offers a rich collection of artefacts related to the French monarchy and religious history.

No. 5 Bordeaux

The Pont de Pierre bridge in Bordeaux illuminated at twilight, with its arches casting reflections on the Garonne River. In the backdrop, the steeple of the Saint-Michel Basilica pierces the sky, lit against the dusky evening hues. Streetlights along the bridge add a warm glow to the scene, complementing the natural end-of-day light.

Finally, we have the wine capital of France. Not far from where I live, in Southwest France, is Bordeaux, one of the largest and oldest wine-producing areas in the world.

The city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has undergone a huge upgrade in the last decade and showcases some beautiful 18th-century architecture, particularly along the Quais, a series of promenades along the Garonne River.

The Place de la Bourse, with its reflective water mirror (Miroir d’eau), is a must-see, especially in the summer evenings when it’s beautifully lit.

One of the city’s most iconic and photographed landmarks reflects the surrounding 18th-century buildings.

Culturally, Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and galleries. The Musée d’Aquitaine provides insights into the region’s history from prehistoric times to the present, while the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art hosts modern and contemporary exhibitions.

Bordeaux is another foodie city with lots of great culinary treats, from pastries and chocolate shops to more gastronomic menus.

One of my favourite local delicacies, which you’ll find in most markets in Bordeaux, is the canelé (small pastries with a caramelized crust and soft custard center).

And the entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak cooked in a red wine sauce) is sublime.

Popular Summer Activities in Bordeaux

A modern art installation inside La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, featuring a large, metallic wine opener sculpture at the center, with its shadow casting on the floor. In the background, a wooden structure holds multiple screens displaying portraits, adding an interactive element to the spacious, contemporary interior.

Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours

Exploring the surrounding wine regions like the Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Graves is a must-do in Bordeaux.

Many vineyards and châteaux offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the winemaking process and a chance to sample world-renowned Bordeaux wines.

Visiting the Cité du Vin

The Cité du Vin is an innovative museum dedicated to the culture and history of wine. Its interactive exhibits take visitors on a journey through the world of wine, with a special focus on the Bordeaux region.

The museum also offers wine tastings and panoramic views of the city from its belvedere.

Having done this myself, I can highly recommend it, and you’ll need to set aside at least 3 hours to appreciate everything it has to offer.

Bassins de Lumières

As Europe’s largest digital art centre, the Bassins de Lumières sits within a former submarine base.

Lasting just over an hour, it’s a unique fusion of digital art and music, with projections covering the walls and water surfaces.

Everywhere you look is a mesmerising visual display. There is also a room where you can sit and immerse yourself in a 360-degree panorama of a variety of different art. It was such a relaxing thing to do that I almost fell asleep.

Final Thoughts: Going Beyond Paris This Summer

When talking about a vacation in France, everyone immediately thinks of Paris, but there is so much more to discover.

France is a country made up of 18 administrative regions, each with its own unique cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics.

For wine culture, try Bordeaux; for architecture, it’s Strasbourg; for history, it’s Rouen; for champagne, it’s Reims; and for summer mountains, it’s Chamonix.

Go beyond the obvious and immerse yourself in the beauty of France this summer, exploring somewhere other than Paris.