Ask soon-to-be honeymooners around the world to reveal their dream destinations for getting away together, and the chances are many would be in France. The settings for vacationing newlyweds do not get much more iconically romantic than a view of Paris, the ‘city of love’ from atop the Eiffel Tower, a sip of champagne in the region where the drink is exclusively produced or a stroll through ornamental gardens depicting four different sorts of love in the Loire Valley. From a very long and lovely list, here we select the best destinations in France for a honeymoon and what to do in each.
## An Extended Exploration of Romance: Honeymooning in France
France, a land celebrated for its beauty, history, and undeniable charm, offers an array of destinations perfect for a honeymoon. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, France provides a backdrop for unforgettable memories. Forget fleeting moments; immerse yourselves in the essence of “l’amour” as we delve deeper into the most romantic corners of this captivating country.
**Paris: The Epitome of Romantic Elegance**
Nowhere encapsulates the spirit of romance in France quite like **Paris**, the globally renowned “city of love.” Every corner of this magnificent metropolis seems imbued with an amorous aura. Of course, experiencing the iconic **Eiffel Tower**, a symbol of love and commitment, is practically mandatory. Ascending this majestic structure hand-in-hand offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, creating a moment etched forever in your memories. But the romantic allure of **Paris** extends far beyond this celebrated landmark.
A leisurely wander around the lavish palace and gardens of **Versailles** is another essential experience. Imagine strolling through the meticulously manicured gardens, the fountains cascading with water, and the opulent palace halls whispering tales of royal romance. Each vista presents an opportunity for a shared moment of wonder and enchantment.
However, newlyweds seeking unique and especially ardent-themed activities should not overlook the opportunity to discover the array of hidden romantic gems that **Paris** has to offer. Visit the heartwarming **’I Love You’ Wall**, where the phrase “I love you” is inscribed in countless languages, a testament to the universality of love. Then, seek out the legendary lovers’ rendezvous, **Pont des Arts**. While the tradition of attaching love locks has been discontinued, the bridge still resonates with the echoes of countless declarations of affection.
Beyond the sights, **Parisian** restaurants are renowned for their culinary excellence and romantic ambiance. With over 100 Michelin-starred establishments gracing the city, finding the perfect venue for a special romantic meal is almost guaranteed. Savor exquisite cuisine, indulge in fine wine, and revel in each other’s company as you create a culinary memory to cherish. The gentle murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the delectable flavors will all contribute to an unforgettable dining experience.
**Beyond Paris: Embracing the Diversity of French Romance**
France offers a rich tapestry of romantic destinations beyond the captivating allure of **Paris**. Each region presents a unique ambiance and opportunities for couples to create lasting memories.
**Champagne: A Celebration of Love and Bubbly**
What better way to toast a honeymoon than with a glass of bubbly? Consider a visit to the charming **Champagne** region, the very birthplace of this celebratory drink. Journey through rolling vineyards, delve into the history of champagne production, and indulge in tastings at prestigious cellars. The **Champagne** region offers a blend of elegance, tradition, and effervescent joy. The crisp air, the picturesque landscapes, and the delightful taste of champagne will surely set the mood for romance.
**Loire Valley: A Fairytale Landscape of Chateaux and Vineyards**
If you were to pick a picture-perfect embodiment of the French countryside, then the **Loire Valley**, crowned by magnificent chateaux and lined by vineyards producing some of the country’s best-regarded wines, would undoubtedly be the place to go. Explore the majestic castles, steeped in history and surrounded by enchanting gardens. Take leisurely strolls through the vineyards, hand-in-hand, and savor the fruits of the region’s labor with a wine tasting. The **Loire Valley** is a fairytale setting where love stories seem destined to unfold.
**West Coast: A Symphony of Flavors and Seaside Serenity**
You might plump for drinking in France’s big and beautiful **west coast**, where a diverse range of experiences awaits. In **Bordeaux**, immerse yourselves in the world of wine, visiting renowned wineries and sampling exceptional vintages. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, savoring fresh seafood and regional specialties. Then, escape to the peaceful beach-rich island of **Ile de Ré**, where bicycles are the preferred mode of transport. Cycle along the scenic paths, explore the charming villages, and relax on the pristine beaches. The **west coast** offers a harmonious blend of culture, gastronomy, and relaxation.
**Provence: A Sensory Awakening of Lavender and Flavors**
For a honeymoon that fires all your senses, **Provence** should be your port of call. Imagine walking hand-in-hand through fields of fragrant lavender, the air filled with its calming aroma. Participate in a perfume-making workshop together, creating your own unique scent that will forever remind you of your honeymoon. And, of course, indulge in the region’s exceptional natural ingredients with a memorable meal or a hands-on cookery course. **Provence** is a sensory paradise where love blossoms amidst vibrant colors, intoxicating aromas, and exquisite tastes.
| Destination | Reasons to go |
| Paris | Iconic romantic attractions like Eiffel Tower, Excellent restaurants, World-class museums and art galleries, Charming cafes and bistros, Beautiful parks and gardens, Rich history and culture |
| Champagne | Touring champagne vineyards and cellars, Indulging in champagne tastings, Discovering the history of champagne production, Enjoying the picturesque countryside, Relaxing in luxurious hotels and spas, Celebrating your love with bubbly |
| Loire Valley | Chateaux, vineyards, Exploring magnificent castles, Strolling through enchanting gardens, Sampling regional wines, Discovering the history of French royalty, Enjoying the bucolic countryside, Experiencing a fairytale setting |
| West Coast | Wineries in Bordeaux, Seaside peace and sophistication on Ile de Ré, Exploring vineyards and sampling wines in Bordeaux, Indulging in fresh oysters in Arcachon, Cycling along scenic paths on Ile de Ré, Relaxing on pristine beaches, Discovering charming villages, Enjoying the diverse landscapes |
| Provence | Perfume-making, cuisine, Walking through lavender fields, Participating in perfume-making workshops, Taking a cooking class to learn about regional dishes, Visiting local markets to experience Provençal life, Exploring charming villages, Enjoying the vibrant colors and aromas of the region |
**Crafting Your Dream Honeymoon: Planning and Considerations**
Whether you end up selecting one or more than one of these destinations for your honeymoon, remember that France (and any true honeymoon, indeed!) is all about savouring sensations−the scent of lavender, the taste of champagne, the warmth of the sun on your skin−so do not pack too much into your trip. Allow yourselves ample time to relax, explore, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
**Paris: A Must-Include on Any Itinerary**
**Paris** almost demands to be included on any itinerary, given its wealth of attractions which almost all seem custom-made for those who have just declared their love for each other. And the French capital is also extremely well-connected to the other honeymoon hotspots on this list.
**Accessibility and Connectivity**
**Provence**, the region furthest from **Paris**, is still only three hours away by high-speed train. **Champagne**, meanwhile, is close enough to **Paris** to experience in a day trip. With ten days to spare, it would be possible to visit every destination mentioned here and see its highlights. Consider the ease of travel between destinations when planning your itinerary. France’s efficient transportation system allows you to seamlessly explore multiple regions without sacrificing valuable honeymoon time.
**Paris: A Symphony of Love and Iconic Landmarks**
If you are feeling in the mood for love and love travel, **Paris** is probably the planet’s best city to visit. So famous is the ‘city of love’ for amorous goings-on that almost every single sight seems powerfully romantic. Along the central curve of the River Seine, you and your partner should climb the **Eiffel Tower** to get a birds-eye view of the city, let the gaze of the world’s most famous painting, Da Vinci’s *Mona Lisa*, follow you around the Louvre Museum and marvel at the marble-sculpted passion of Rodin’s *The Kiss* at the **Rodin Museum**. The Louvre, a treasure trove of art and history, offers a captivating experience for art enthusiasts. Wander through the grand halls, admire masterpieces from around the world, and lose yourselves in the beauty and creativity that surround you.
It was also under the shadow of the currently closed **Notre Dame Cathedral** that one of the most famous couples in the history of love, Héloïse and Abelard, first met. Though currently undergoing restoration, the cathedral remains a poignant symbol of enduring love and historical significance.
But there are plenty more sights for those on loved-up vacations beyond the blockbuster attractions. Outside the Louvre, pause on the bridge of **Pont des Arts**, once a famous spot for meeting lovers, and where lovers used to be able to declare their affection for each other by literally fastening their love to the bridge with lovelocks (the weight of the lovelocks threatened to bring the bridge down, so the tradition was stopped).
And in artsy cafe district Montmartre, check out the **’I Love You’ Wall** (Le mur des je t’aime), a wall of enamelled lava tiles on which the phrase ‘I love you’ is written in over 300 different languages and dialects of the world. This heartwarming display is a testament to the universality of love and a perfect photo opportunity for honeymooners.
Finally, with sight-seeing done, do not forget to treat your loved one to a lovely meal: **Paris** is one of the few cities in the world blessed with over 100 Michelin stars! The culinary scene in **Paris** is a gastronomic delight, offering a diverse range of options to suit every taste and budget. From charming bistros to elegant fine-dining establishments, **Paris** provides a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories.
On your day trip list should be a visit to **Versailles**, to see one of the world’s most lavish palaces and wander its stately grounds, to **Giverny** to see the lush water garden that inspired Monet’s *Water Lilies* series of paintings as well as the artist’s former home. Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Monet’s world, exploring the gardens that inspired his masterpieces and gaining insight into the life and work of this iconic artist. A visit to **Giverny** is a sensory experience that will leave you feeling inspired and refreshed. And of course, don’t miss the chance to visit **Champagne** to try the world’s finest sparkling wine at the source (although we recommend a longer visit to Champagne, see below).
**Champagne: Uncorking the Essence of Celebration**
As everyone knows, champagne is not a drink to guzzle quickly, and the same goes for the region. Whilst it is possible to see the place that produces the planet’s finest sparkling wine in a day trip from **Paris**, it is far better to savour the area over two or three days. The jump-off point for a foray into the wonderful world of **Champagne** is the city of **Reims** (pronounced “Rance,” rhyming with how a French speaker says “France”). **Reims** is a city steeped in history and culture, boasting a magnificent cathedral and charming streets. It is an easy walk from the center to the champagne cellar of **Taittinger,** where champagne matures down in former Roman chalk quarries. Delve into the fascinating process of champagne production, from the vineyards to the cellars, and learn about the dedication and expertise that goes into creating this iconic beverage.
**Epernay** is another special location in the champagne story, home to the **Avenue of Champagne**, a thoroughfare of lavish buildings where famed Champagne houses like **Moët & Chandon**, **Perrier Jouët**, **Pol Roger**, and **De Venoge** all have their addresses here. Stroll along this prestigious avenue, admiring the grand architecture and soaking up the atmosphere of champagne royalty.
In the vicinity you can also stay amongst the vineyards to soak up the special atmosphere of champagne country at a hotel like **Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa** in Champillon. Indulge in luxurious accommodations, savor exquisite cuisine, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. There will be opportunities at every turn to toast your love for each other over a glass of bubbly, with the vineyard-flanked countryside as your backdrop.
**Loire Valley: Where Flowers Bloom and Fortresses Stand Tall**
The **Loire Valley** enfolds you in its bucolic embrace and immediately beguiles you – this is picture postcard French countryside, after all, where the grand chateaux of erstwhile monarchs and nobles pepper a rich, green, vineyard-clad landscape threaded by a winsome portion of France’s longest river, the Loire. The largest and most popular chateau to visit is 426-room **Chateau de Chambord**, a Renaissance masterpiece of turreted opulence where you and your partner will be able to play king and queen for the day to your heart’s content. Explore the grand halls, climb the intricate staircases, and imagine yourselves transported back in time to the era of kings and queens.
But the most romantic of the Loire’s chateaux is **Chateau de Villandry**, and not for any architectural flourish, but for being surrounded by some of France’s most exquisite landscaped gardens, encompassing a water garden, a labyrinth edged by hornbeams and an ornamental garden depicting not one but four different aspects of love−the fickle, the tender, the passionate and the tragic−achieved through topiary and flashes of different colored flowerbeds. Stroll hand-in-hand through these meticulously manicured gardens, each section offering a unique and symbolic representation of love.
With the love theme in the Loire already blazing, you should add the region’s ‘love village’ of **Saint Valentin** onto the itinerary. This little settlement has taken advantage of its name and decorated its houses and public spaces with phrases and motifs of love. Explore the charming streets, adorned with hearts, flowers, and declarations of affection.
**Saint Valentin’s** ‘Lover’s Garden’ has a gazebo where you can get married, a place to plant a tree in honour of your marriage or anniversary and a ‘Tree of Vows’ to which the amorous can affix messages of love. These romantic gestures will solidify your commitment and create lasting memories of your honeymoon.
**West Coast: Wine, Oysters, and Cycling into the Sunset**
France’s western seaboard is huge by European standards, but one area in particular on the central west coast should flash on lovers’ radars for a honeymoon. **Bordeaux** – both the vibrant city and its surrounding countryside – should be your base if the two of you believe that love and wine go well together. This is probably the most famous wine region in the world (besides Champagne, above) and **vineyard tours and tastings** are a beautiful way to enjoy the area’s culture and time together simultaneously. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, pairing exquisite wines with delectable local dishes.
Try **Bordeaux’s** **Wine in the City Tour** for more on wine within the city, or travel out to nearby villages like Unesco World Heritage Site **Saint Emilion**, where you can rent bicycles to pedal through the rolling vineyards, stopping off at wineries to discover their heritage and sample their wines. The charming village of **Saint Emilion** offers a picturesque setting for a romantic escape, with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and of course, its exceptional wines.
When you do get hungry, the seaside resort of **Arcachon** near Bordeaux is also France’s capital of oysters – the ultimate aphrodisiac seafood. The many oyster farms in the area host an **oyster festival** every year, and there are many **oyster restaurants and bars** to partake of. Savor the taste of the sea with these fresh and flavorful delicacies.
Work up your appetites with a climb up Europe’s highest sand dune, **Dune du Pilat**, beforehand. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, offering a perfect spot to capture a romantic moment and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
And for a peaceful conclusion to your honeymoon, try a day or two **cycling** around the **Ile de Ré**. Getting around by bike is the de facto mode of transport here, and so the lanes and paths see little vehicular traffic. Explore the island’s charming villages, discover hidden beaches, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The island is known for its expanses of **sandy beaches**, but cycle paths also take you through pockets of pine forest and sleepy agricultural landscapes. Relax on the pristine shores, soak up the sun, and listen to the gentle lapping of the waves. To guarantee your own crowd-free sweep of beach, come outside the popular months of July and August.
**Provence: An Ode to the Senses**
**Provence** is that dreamy kind of a place where what lingers in the memory are not just sights but also smells, tastes and other stimuli for the senses. **Avignon,** one-time ecclesiastical capital of the Roman Catholic world and with a legacy of beautiful architecture as a result, makes a good start for your honeymoon here. Explore the historic Palais des Papes, wander through the charming streets, and soak up the atmosphere of this culturally rich city.
**Aix-en-Provence**, with a fine market showcasing the region’s astonishing variety of produce, is another worthwhile stop, full of haughty architecture and refined pavement cafes. Stroll through the market, admire the colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other local delicacies, and sample the flavors of **Provence**. Either would be a great place to try a **cookery class** to learn about regional dishes. Immerse yourselves in the culinary traditions of the region, learn to prepare authentic Provençal dishes, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a romantic meal.
But nothing in **Provence** surpasses a foray into the delightful countryside that produces bounty from olives to cheeses to wines. **Rognes** is notable for its truffles, **Cavaillon** for its melons and **Vaison la Romain** for its goat cheese. A culinary adventure awaits in **Provence**, with each village offering unique and delicious specialties.
**Visiting a produce market** is a great way to fire your senses and experience local life in **Provence’s** villages. Interact with local vendors, sample regional products, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Provençal life.
And if scent is important to you or your partner, then what better way to end your honeymoon than with a gentle stroll through the lavender fields together: the most extensive fields of purple are located in the **Valensole Plateau**. The sight and scent of the lavender fields in full bloom are truly unforgettable.
Finish off with a trip to **Grasse,** capital of the world’s perfume industry. Here, the perfumeries offer **perfume-making workshops**: rather than showing off pictures of your honeymoon like everyone else, you will be able to tell everyone about your very own specially created fragrance! Create a unique and personalized scent that will forever remind you of your romantic honeymoon in **Provence**.
France, with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and undeniable romantic charm, offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable honeymoon. From the iconic landmarks of **Paris** to the lavender fields of **Provence**, each region provides a unique and memorable experience. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of “l’amour,” and prepare to embark on a journey of a lifetime in the enchanting country of France.
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