9 Most Colorful Places in France To Brighten Your Travel Itinerary

Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 01:39 pm

France is a country oozing with history, culture, and fabulous architecture. But it’s also home to some stunning, colorful villages that take your breath away. From the pastel shades of the Alsace to the brighter pops of color on the Mediterranean, you’re in for a treat.

These villages, with their cobblestone streets, hidden passageways, and half-timbered buildings, make you want to pack your bags and jump on a plane. It’s a side of France that sometimes gets overlooked in favor of the food, wine, and history.

So, here are 9 of the most colorful places in France to add to your travel bucket list.

Colmar

Colmar is the capital of the Alsatian wine route and sits on the German border in the northeast of France. It’s earned the nickname “Little Venice” due to the gorgeous canals and scenic waterways that wind through the town.

It comes alive at Christmas with its half-timbered buildings sparkling with lights, setting off the perfect chocolate box winter scene. During the Renaissance, it was an important center for art and learning, and its architecture is very reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

The Unterlinden Museum in the 13th-century Dominican Convent is worth a visit to see the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.

📌 Fun Fact: Colmar is the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty.

The best time to visit Colmar is during spring and early summer (May to June) or in September when the weather is mild and the town’s floral displays are at their peak. And, of course, December is magical when the town hosts is famous Christmas Market.

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Strasbourg

Sticking with the Alsace region, Strasbourg, the big brother of Colmar is known for its Christmas markets. Strasbourg’s historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a stunning array of colorful, half-timbered houses, particularly in the La Petite France district. The canals that wind through this area are stunning.

Strasbourg’s history pre-dates the Romans. It became a free city within the Holy Roman Empire and later a prominent center of humanism and the Protestant Reformation. During the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars, Strasbourg’s strategic location led to periods of German control, which significantly influenced its cultural landscape.

📌 Fun Fact: In addition to being the Capital of Christmas, it’s home to the European Parliament, making it a significant city for international diplomacy and governance.

The best time to visit Strasbourg is in late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom. 

But, just like Colmar, December is one of the most popular tourist months due to the 12+ Christmas markets.

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Riquewihr

Another Alsace treasure, Riquewihr, is a stunning medieval village with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. It was the inspiration for the village in Disney’s animated film “Beauty and the Beast” due to its timeless fairy-tale appearance.

Riquewihr’s history is deeply intertwined with the wine trade, which has been its economic backbone for centuries. The village is part of the Alsace wine route and is famous for its Riesling and other Alsatian wines. Historical sites like the Dolder Tower, a 13th-century defensive gate, and the Thieves’ Tower, which served as a prison, highlight its medieval heritage and offer a glimpse into its past.

📌 Fun Fact: Riquewihr has a unique underground cellar that houses the Historical Museum of Alsace Winegrowers, showcasing ancient wine presses, barrels, and other tools used by vintners over the centuries.

The best time to visit Riquewihr is from May to October when the weather is warm, and the vineyards are lush. This period also includes the grape harvest season, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts.

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Eguisheim

Eguisheim is like stepping into the pages of a storybook. It’s not far from Colmar, and you can visit both on the same day without a problem. Its cobblestone streets wind around the central Château Saint-Léon, creating a unique circular layout.

The half-timbered houses are all different colors, with flowers almost bursting out of their boxes adorning most of the windows and balconies. The village was significantly influenced by the Counts of Eguisheim, particularly Bruno of Eguisheim-Dagsburg, who became Pope Leo IX in the 11th century. 

Another village with a Disney claim. The fountain in the middle of the square is said to be the inspiration for the fountain Belle danced around in Beauty and the Beast.

📌 Fun Fact: Eguisheim was voted “France’s Favorite Village” in a national competition in 2013. And I can absolutely see why.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, with the village’s flower displays at their peak. 

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Villefranche-sur-Mer

From the Alsace in the northeast, we’re moving to the warmth of the French Riviera and the seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Sitting between Nice and Monaco, you’ll have seen the harbor and jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean on plenty of Instagram feeds.

Its pastel-colored buildings run along the waterfront and go up into the old town, where they line the narrow streets and steep stairways. 

Founded in 1295 by Charles II of Anjou, it was an important military and naval base for many centuries. The Citadel of Villefranche, built in the 16th century, is a significant historical landmark that now houses museums and the town’s Chapel of Saint-Pierre, decorated by artist Jean Cocteau.

📌 Fun Fact: Its deep natural harbor is one of the few in the world capable of accommodating large cruise ships, making it a frequent stop for Mediterranean cruises.

The best time to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer is from May to September when the weather is warm and ideal for beach activities and exploring the town.

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Menton

Staying on the French Riviera, Menton sits on the Italian border and is known as the “Pearl of France.” Founded in the 13th century, the town was once under the control of the Republic of Genoa and later the Grimaldi family of Monaco. 

Due to its mild climate and scenic beauty, it became a popular destination for European aristocracy in the 19th century. In February, the town comes alive with tourists as it celebrates the famous Lemon Festival. It’s quite a sight, with elaborate citrus-themed displays and parades.

📌 Fun Fact: Menton has its own unique microclimate, making it one of the warmest places on the French Riviera and perfect for growing citrus fruits.

The best time to visit Menton is in the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and the town is less crowded. 

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Annecy

We’re leaving the Mediterranean behind and moving to the French Alps and the beautiful town of Annecy, which is on the Swiss border. It is famous for its stunning lake, Lake Annecy, which is one of the cleanest in Europe.

The fairytale village is filled with colorful houses, narrow cobbled streets, canals, and medieval arcades. It was once the seat of the counts of Geneva in the 13th century and later integrated into the Duchy of Savoy. 

Everywhere you look is a building just waiting to tell you a story of the town’s history. Landmarks such as the Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century building that has served as a prison and courthouse, and the Château d’Annecy, a restored castle offering spectacular views, are places to look out for.

📌 Fun Fact: The town hosts a Venetian Carnival in February, during which participants don elaborate costumes and masks reminiscent of the famous carnival in Venice.

The best time to visit Annecy is from May to September when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities like boating, swimming, and cycling around the lake. Although the lake is stunning in the winter, too.

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Honfleur

Next on the list is the town of Honfleur in the Normandy region of Northern France. It’s located on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, where the river meets the English Channel. The old port, Vieux-Bassin, is famous for its colorful slate-covered houses that line the waterfront. 

These buildings reflect in the water, creating a picturesque scene that has inspired many artists, including Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin. In the 11th century, it served as a strategic port for the Duchy of Normandy. Over the centuries, it played significant roles in trade, exploration, and naval battles. 

The Sainte-Catherine Church is worth a look as it was built entirely of wood by shipbuilders in the 15th century.

📌 Fun Fact: The town hosts the Festival of the Sea (Fête des Marins) every Pentecost weekend, celebrating its maritime heritage with boat parades, music, and traditional ceremonies.

The best time to visit Honfleur is in the summer when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities, and the town is alive with events.

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Toulouse

We’re finishing our tour of colorful places with the city of Toulouse in southwest France. Due to its distinctive terracotta brick buildings, it’s often called “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City). The best places to see these are in the Capitole de Toulouse, the city’s main square, and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In Roman times, the city was known as Tolosa but really flourished during the Middle Ages as a center of commerce and learning.

But where Toulouse has really made a name for itself is in the aerospace industry, as it’s home to the headquarters of Airbus and the Cité de l’Espace, a space museum and theme park.

As the fourth largest city in France, it has a significant student population, lively markets, and lots of great events, including the annual Piano aux Jacobins festival. 

📌 Fun Fact: Toulouse is home to the oldest operating university in France, the University of Toulouse, which was founded in 1229.

The best time to visit is in the summer months when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoying its lively street festivals. 

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