When dreaming of France it is hard to think of any other city but Paris. Beautiful, magnificent, historic and elegant - these are probably a few and very modest words to define its charm. With a capital like that, it is not surprising that France is full of magnificent smaller towns and villages perfect for couples and romantic breaks. Check out our Top-10 list of the most romantic towns in France ranging from chic Côte d'Azur to the North of the country. Let Airinme inspire you and take care of travel arrangements by comparing cheap flights to France, trains or hotels in France. We hope that whatever city you choose, you have a wonderful romantic getaway.
#10 Josselin
This lovely town in Brittany should most certainly be on every romantic bucket list. Perfectly sized, this town has all a couple needs on a romantic holiday - streets, squares and open spaces for strolling together, wondering about and lots of cafes where time simply stops. On top of that, especially for the cherry pickers, there is a 12th century castle, on the river Oust, which is simply breathtaking.
#9 Albi
Known as the Red Town thanks to its brick foundations, this medieval town, that is situated between Toulouse and Montpellier, is a home to a famous UNESCO World Heritage site, called the Cathedral of Sainte Cécile. Surrounding streets and bridges with calm and peaceful views make Albi one of the most romantic destination.
#8 Aix en Provence
About 1.5 hours away from Cannes there is a beautiful and less busy city - Aix en Provence, or simply Aix, called by the locals. A place to fall in love with. Cosy squares and streets with their own unique life, rhythm and charm. The choice of eateries, boulangers and brasseries everywhere is truly amazing and comes handy when you feel peckish. Enjoy the moment, take a seat in one of the cafes and have a glass of wine together with your loved one. Places to visit in Aix: Place des Cardeurs, Fontaine de la Rotonde, Musée Granet with Picasso paintings on display.
#7 Mont Saint Michel
We couldn’t have skipped Mont Saint-Michel in this selection as this island village seems to have been taken straight from a Walt Disney cartoon. You will certainly find it one of the most romantic places on Earth. For the best views of the castle and a selfie together with your loved one just use the promenade from the pier. If you are lucky, the sky colours on a summer evening will add up to your experience. This place is perfect for cycling around and ocean view walks. Just as any place in France - Mont Saint Michel offers many romantic restaurants as dining out options.
#6 Valbonne
We are back to the South of France again. Yes, a few miles away from the sea, this time, is a breathtaking village of Valbonne, one of the most beautiful hidden gems in French Riviera. Its narrow streets around the square are perfect for strolling, hand in hand. Local arts and crafts shops and antique traders worth a stop by and coffee tables full of good food and local wine almost all year round will please all tastes. Art lovers will enjoy a free exhibition at the local modern art gallery next to the village church.
#5 Annecy
Right on the Lake Annecy there is an alpine town of Annecy, east of Lyon, where mountains set a majestic atmosphere to one of the most visited old cities in Europe. Very popular among French, but also German and Swiss tourists for romantic getaways the town offers plenty of picturesque scenes from canals, historic and colorful buildings, paved bridges and simply great outdoors. Driving around the lake, if you get a chance to hire a convertible car, will make your romantic trip to Annecy truly unforgettable.
#4 Cassis
Located between La Ciotat and Marseille the port city of Cassis is a romantic delight for any couple. Find your romance in the Calanques National Park town, with dozens of waterside restaurants in the harbour area, quite pebble beach and Mediterranean breeze.
#3 Blois
The Loire Valley is famous for setting the scene for many romantic towns and French countryside villages, but Blois is the one that stand out the most. The town itself sits nearby the hill and is quite high above the sea level; it therefore offers stunning views of the Loire, with its distinct royal chateau. About 30-minute drive from Blois will get you to Chambord Castle, which is claimed to be the most romantic castle in the country.
#2 Cannes
With stunning sea views of the Mediterranean that you could contemplate for hours and hours, magnificent façades of the Boulevard Croisette, it is surely one of the most romantic places to be in France. It also helps if you stay in one of the most romantic luxury hotels in the South of France - Intercontinental Carlton or Hotel Martinez, the choice of world class celebrities and film stars.
#1 Biarritz
And, finally, our number one choice - Biarritz. Formerly known as French royalty resort, today’s Biarritz is a very cosmopolitan city, open to visitors from all over the world all year round. Loved by Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, Biarritz has lots to offer for a romantic holiday. Enjoy the beach stroll or a Rock of the Virgin bridge walk, ocean view restaurants and famous Hôtel du Palais. Finish the day by chilling by the lighthouse of Biarritz and watching the sunset over the bay. Weather here is more comfortable that the hot spots in the South. The best time to enjoy Biarritz May and September when the weather is nice and dry and air temperature just hit twenties, making it very comfortable.
