Honeymoon in France: 17 Best Romantic Cities in France to Visit
France oozes romance pretty much everywhere, making it one of the favorable honeymoon destinations for many. With so many gorgeous cities, rich history, and beautiful architecture, there are many reasons to spend your honeymoon in France. Whether you are looking for idyllic romantic cities in France or popular destinations, this post gives you a list of all the cities visited by my friend travel bloggers.
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Most romantic cities in France
Paris
Paris is the world’s most romantic city in northern France, the perfect place for a romantic getaway or even spending your entire honeymoon in France.
Bisected by the Seine River, Paris is a cultural city full of history and iconic landmarks, plus the food and wine are good too!
You can travel to the French capital by train from Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK. Alternatively, you will find direct flights to Paris from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
For a top romantic getaway in Paris, book one of the hotels with an Eiffel Tower view, alternatively opt-in for charming boutique hotels found everywhere in the city.
The list of romantic things to do in Paris can quickly get very long. For the best experience, combine some of the city’s iconic landmarks with some hidden gems. The perfect romantic vacation in Paris should include wine or Champagne tastings and great food.
Don’t miss a boat cruise through the Seine River, lovely at night when the city is lit up. A climb up to the Eiffel Tower and a stroll in the picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre are also highly recommended. Game lovers can even enjoy a romantic Montmartre exploration game.
The list of lesser-known romantic activities in Paris includes visiting the Rodin Museum or a stroll through the Coulée Verte.
Suppose you plan your honeymoon in Paris in the summer. In that case, a cocktail in one of the best rooftop bars in Paris is highly recommended as they offer great city views and are usually the start of a memorable night in Paris. Then you can continue the soirée in a traditional bistro, or a Michelin-starred restaurant before enjoying one of the city’s fun cabaret shows.
Recommended by World in Paris
Lyon
One of the most romantic cities in France is, without a doubt, Lyon. This historic city will enchant you with its charming little streets, cozy restaurants, and impressive cathedral giving you a perfect view of the whole city!
During your honeymoon in France, you should take a stroll along the riverside and find a nice restaurant there at night, get lost in the many traboules in the little streets, taste some delicious local wine, and go for a romantic walk in Tête D’Or park or Parc des Hauteurs. Plus, what you absolutely cannot miss is a visit to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Fourvière.
Getting to Lyon is relatively easy. You can fly into the city’s airport and take a taxi to the center, drive and park your car in one of the underground parking lots just outside the old center (which might be a bit expensive) or arrive by train directly in the heart of the city center!
Ideally, you’ll spend at least 2 days in Lyon, exploring this historic city.
Recommended by Emma’s Roadmap
Toulouse
Known as La Ville Rose, Toulouse is one of France’s most charming and romantic cities to spend your honeymoon. The fourth-largest city in France is way more intimate than its larger cousins – Paris, Marseille, and Lyon – and enjoys an enviable position between the Canal du Midi and the river Garonne in the southwest, a perfect stop on any French road trip.
The soft red of the brick used to build Toulouse brings warmth and color to the twisting maze of streets of the old town. Crossed by several grand boulevards, there are many interesting independent shops and many bars, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a stroll through the cobbled alleys and elegant squares before finding a spot in which to while away a few hours together and soak up the joie de vivre that is baked into this city.
Must-sees are the majestic Basilique Saint-Sernin, one of the religious icons of the city. A visit to Pont Neuf will reward you with a romantic sunset, followed by the bridge being lit for the night.
With a rich local gastronomic scene, there are plenty of restaurants to sample traditional cassoulet and the region’s delicious wines. For the best dining experience, find your passion in a guinguette, an open-air restaurant with a dance floor.
Recommended by The Gap Decaders
Champagne
A glass of Champagne is often known to make a date night perfect. Now imagine having that glass in the romantic city of Champagne-Ardenne during your honeymoon in France. It will be an experience more significant than any other.
This beautiful region in the northeast is known for its vineyards and signature wine Champagne named after the area. It has a picturesque landscape adorned with houses and buildings of typical French architecture.
The city of Reims houses the magnificent Reims Cathedral and connects with Paris via TGV trains. The commune of Epernay is another famous travel spot among tourists. It’s home to some of the most prominent champagne brands globally, like Moet & Chandon, Mercier, etc.
Going on a long drive to explore the entire region is probably the most romantic activity to do here. All the villages are known for their abundance of floral varieties. Head to any local vineyard to see the winemaking procedure and it’s also incredible scenery. Indulge in wine tasting while on this tour.
A tour of Moet vineyard costs 24 Euros, while a tour of any local vineyard costs about one-fourth of that price. Some of the well-known local champagne houses are Champagne Lahaye-Berthelot and Champagne P. Louis Martin.
Alternatively, you can also visit the Verzy Forest, known for its unique dwarf trees. For a great dining experience, head to Epernay for authentic French cuisine.
Recommended by The Holiday Story
Nice
The whole French Riviera is a beautiful area ideal for spending your honeymoon in France as it’s a lively city with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe.
The seaside Promenade des Anglais offers lovely coastal views; you can walk it for 8 kilometers! It runs along a Nice city beach too, which gets busy and has some rough rocks to lie on.
The most romantic dinners by candlelight happen in the Old Town. If you prefer an exceptional gourmet experience on the pricier side, go to the Chantecler restaurant in Negresco Hotel. It currently holds one Michelin star.
After enjoying the city center of Nice, which gets understandably busy, you can seek some quieter time at one of Nice’s highest points and hike to the top of Castle Hill (Colline du Château). It’s located in a hilltop park, where you can even find remnants of the former Château de Nice. The views from there are mesmerizing – not just the stunning coastline but also the bustling city and the old port.
One of the romantic things to do in Nice is to rent a scooter and ride around Nice. There are so many beautiful destinations you can visit on day trips from Nice, such as Villefranche sur Mer with a lovely pebble beach, Monaco, Monte Carlo, or Cannes are all easily accessible on a scooter and includes a ride along the coast.
Recommended by Travel Geekery
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is another romantic destination for a honeymoon in France. It is a little bit German and a lot of French. Over the years, Strasbourg has belonged to both Germany and France. And the influence of both countries runs deep in the city.
The amazing food and wine of the region make for many romantic dinners in traditional restaurants around the city. Dine on the Alsacian specialties such as knuckle of pork with sauerkraut, Flamkussen, choucroute, or cordon bleu and wash it down with a glass of the regional Gewurztraminer wine.
A hand-in-hand walk through the old town and the La Petite France district is a must, with its old-world timber houses shining in their bright colors. The old-world charm of Strasbourg is on show here. And to learn more about the city, visit some of its many museums such as the Palace Rohan.
Day trips from Strasbourg can easily access the cross-country ski trails in the nearby mountains and the picture-perfect Chateau Haut Konigsburg. A day trip through the region on the Alsace wine trail is a must as you see fairytale towns and vineyards dating back to the middle ages. Strasbourg is easily reached from Paris by the TGV in under 2 hours. It also has an international airport for visitors. You will find plenty of boutique hotels in the old town city center,
Recommended by Wyld Family Travel
Charming & cute romantic cities in France
Reims
Reims, a city in the east of France, is the capital of the world-famous Champagne region. Whether planned as a weekend away from Paris, a short trip from Paris, or a stand-alone vacation, Reims is an excellent destination for a romantic honeymoon in France.
Most of the exclusive Champagne houses have their headquarters in Reims: Pommery, G.H.Mumm, and Veuve Cliquot, to name a few. Hence, the best activity for couples is to descend the miles-long wine cellars and sample some of the most bubbly and delicious champagnes in the world.
Watch out not to test too much – one gets easily carried away in their gift shops to stock up on too many vintage bottles and special editions.
En par with exclusive wines, Reims is known for some Michelin-star restaurants that qualify as the highlight of every romantic trip.
Restaurant Racine provides a special treat. Their Japanese-French fusion creations are outstanding, the ambiance is modern, and the service is excellent.
But even without the exclusivity of Champagne and Michelin-star restaurants, Reims is an excellent destination for a romantic getaway with many sightseeing options. The cathedral of Reims is one of the oldest in France and was the traditional coronation location of the French Kings. But the city also has a solid Roman background, and some of the ruins can still be seen today.
Recommended by Salut from Paris
Ribeauvillé
Ribeauvillé is another ideal spot to spend part of your honeymoon in France. Located on the famous Route des Vins in Alsace, this medieval town is ideally situated between the vineyards and the mountains.
Here majestic castles surround the village, and buildings from the 15th century are adorned with beautiful bouquets. There’s even a market in front of the Hôtel de Ville every Saturday morning.
It’s the perfect setting to stroll arm-in-arm, indulge in fresh-baked croissants, and take in the city’s beauty. And for that extra touch of romance, take a free self-guided tour of Château de Saint-Ulrich. It’s a 40-minute uphill hike, but this fairytale-like experience is what storybooks are made of!
Ribeauvillé also hosts some of the best festivals in eastern France. In summer, the famous Fiddler’s Festival offers a glimpse of life during the Middle Ages. And, in winter, it’s home to one of the most enchanting Christmas Markets. No matter the season, the small-town atmosphere is sure to inspire romance!
To reach Ribeauvillé, you must either drive or take the bus from Sélestat. From the Sélestat train station, the PostBus runs regularly and takes about 30 minutes.
Recommended by Dabbling in Jet Lag
Colmar
One of the most romantic places in France lies just east of the Rhine River, near the border with Germany and Switzerland. It’s surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, a medieval town center, and picturesque cobblestone streets. It’s Colmar, France, and it’s a must-visit romantic city when planning your honeymoon in France.
Many travelers reach Colmar as a stop on the southern wine road of the French Alsace. For couples that enjoy wine, it’s the perfect place to tour wine purveyors and do a tasting or two. You can also visit nearby vineyards as well as the neighboring wine-producing villages.
The beauty of Colmar is in its half-timber houses and provincial buildings. It’s the perfect backdrop for a lover’s stroll through winding cobblestone streets and stone bridges. Little Venice is a famous spot in the city where pastel half-timber buildings line a tranquil canal. You can even get cozy as you take a gondola ride through the waterway.
Colmar is also home to a romantic carousel in the quaint Parc de Champ du Mars, an excellent backdrop for a picnic in the park or even to go for a ride.
For a more sophisticated dinner, date head to any fine dining gastronomy option like L’atelier du peintre, an exquisite French restaurant.
Recommended by Robe Trotting
Saint-Émilion
If you’re looking for romantic cities in France, add Saint-Émilion to your list. This beautiful village makes an excellent place for the Bordeaux honeymoon with its well-known fabulous vineyards and Chateaux around the area. Visiting a Chateau or two to enjoy a wine tour is a must-do activity here.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best cities to visit in France. The Saint-Emilion area was significant on the main pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and many religious buildings and hospices were built here from the 11th century onwards.
Apart from exploring the local history, be sure to spend some time enjoying the local delicacies. Many restaurants serve local dishes and plenty of beautiful squares to sit and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner while people watch and wait for sunset.
There are also plenty of fantastic boutique shops and delicatessens to treat your loved one and plenty of places to stay for all budgets.
For an even more romantic vibe, stay overnight in a Chateau and book in advance. In summer, book your tours well in advance to avoid disappointment- spaces go fast.
Recommended by Wandering-Bird
→ Find accommodation options in Saint-Emillion on Booking.com
Annecy
Annecy is one of the perfect romantic cities in France. Considered one of the most beautiful French cities, Annecy will likely steal your heart too.
Annecy is located in the French Alps, in Eastern France, by the lake of the same name and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is bisected by the Thiou River, which flows into the lake.
Annecy is well connected by train with the main cities in Eastern France. Count on it taking 2 hours from Dijon or Lyon. There are also direct train connections with Paris (3 hours one way), plus it is also a popular destination for a day or weekend getaway from Geneva in Switzerland.
A romantic vacation in Annecy involves walking around its medieval city center. The old town has picturesque narrow streets, colorful architecture, and pretty canals, always decorated with flowers.
Take the time to explore the city, visit the château and a couple of its museums, and browse the shops. The walk around the lake is also enjoyable, but you can also explore it by bike or on a boat tour. Today, Lake Annecy is one of the purest lakes in Europe, with waters reaching up to 24C during the hottest days of the year.
The park between the lake and the city has some pretty corners for a romantic picnic for two, while the perfect soirée in Annecy starts with a romantic dinner in one of the small restaurants by the canals.
Recommended by France Bucket List
Menton
Menton surely tops as one of the most romantic places in France. Boasting little French streets with a certain charm makes it a city to add to your itinerary when planning your honeymoon in France.
Walk down the Promenade du Soleil to enjoy spectacular city views along the beachfront. A seashore is a great place for a romantic walk during the day or night. Visit the 17th-century Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange and explore Menton’s botanical garden with its gorgeous flowers and Serre de la Madone with its rare plants and unique design.
The city also features many hotels with beautiful sea views to start your day with a delicious breakfast together with your partner.
It’s straightforward to get to Menton. From Nice, the train journey takes about 40 minutes; from Monaco, you can be here in 10 minutes. If you decide to fly in, the nearest airport is in Nice.
Recommended by Dymabroad
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is the best-hidden gem on the French Riviera. You can stroll hand in hand through the charming winding streets of Villefranche’s small Old Town.
You can enjoy romantic meals with a gorgeous backdrop landscape. Whether you dine in the historical center or along the promenade with the view of Villefranche Bay, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to order house wine, which every restaurant takes pride in, to set the mood.
Beach-loving couples can enjoy miles and miles of sandy and pebble beaches. The beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer are way superior to the neighboring Nice. Many Nice residents travel every weekend on the short 20-minute journey to enjoy the beaches here and the peace.
For the most romantic moments, spend at least a night or two in the town. The evenings have the best atmosphere since the day-trippers have left, and the only noise you can hear is of cheerful locals.
You can reach Villefranche by train, bus, car, or even on a scooter, as the locals do it.
Recommended by Travel Geekery
→ Find accommodation options in Villefranche-sur-Mer on Booking.com
Kaysersberg
Nestled in the valley of the Vosges mountains lies the ever-quaint Kaysersberg. This hidden gem is ideal for spending your honeymoon in France, from intricate alleyways to scenic overlooks and intimate restaurants.
Wander down the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colorful architecture. The most vibrant of which can be seen from the fortified bridge. It’s not hard to see why Kaysersberg has been voted one of the prettiest villages in France. And while there are several cozy restaurants throughout the city, nothing is more romantic than sharing a delicious flammekueche next to Fontaine Constantin. It’s a moment you’ll want to capture on camera.
Of course, no trip to Kaysersberg is complete without trying the local wine or touring the vineyards. Walking paths weave up and down the hills surrounding the village. But the best views can be seen from Château de Schlossberg. During the day, it can be crowded, but at sunrise, it offers the perfect romantic setting.
To reach Kaysersberg, you must drive or take a bus from one of the larger cities nearby. From Colmar, Fluo Grand Est Bus 145 runs regularly and takes less than one hour.
Recommended by Dabbling in Jet Lag
Saint-Malo
The port city of Saint Malo in Brittany oozes romantic charm all around. Encapsulated by tall granite walls, the Intra Muros district of Saint-Malo takes you back in time with its cobbled streets and majestic houses.
Stroll hand-in-hand around the old city and wander into a crêperie for lunch. The must-try dish is the galette – a salty crepe traditionally served with ham, cheese, and egg.
After the meal, climb the steps to the ramparts, where you can make a loop around Intra Muros, with the sea on one side and Saint Malo’s iconic architecture on the other.
Keep an eye out for Bon Secours swimming pool; It fills with seawater during high tide and turns into a natural playground when the wave comes down.
It’s possible to continue your romantic walk down a long stretch of sandy beach but before leaving, drop by Musée de la Ville to learn about the city’s maritime history.
Recommended by Hey Explorer
Lourmarin
One of the most romantic places in France is the beautiful small village of Lourmarin to plan a Provence honeymoon. Surrounded by an area of olive and almond trees and vineyards, this quintessential hill-top Provencial village is known for traditional French terrace restaurants, Provencial shops, Patisseries, and winding cobblestone streets.
It is quaint and vibrant in the summer, with plenty to do and see in the area. It is one of the most known villages in the Luberon Nature Park.
Nearby excursions include visiting wineries, a day trip to Lac Du St. Croix, or visiting nearby towns like Bonnieux.
You can also visit the Marché de Lourmarin and the Château de Lourmarin and enjoy an outdoor adventure with Les Pastras for truffle hunting or learning to play the game of petanque, which is also one of the best things to do in Provence.
Lourmarin has many lovely beds and breakfasts and a campsite where you can stay, easily accessible from Avignon (about 69 kilometers) and Aix-en-Provence (39 kilometers.)
Recommended by Bon Voyage With Kids
Yport
This less-known, underrated town of Yport, found along the Alabaster coast between Dieppe and Le Havre, is a great spot to spend some time during your honeymoon in France.
The best way to get to Yport is with a car, where lots of little unique B&Bs have free parking. There are also many camping parks to stay at with reasonable prices to stay for a weekend or longer. The village is home to around 1000 residents in total, allowing you to enjoy a romantic break surrounded by mostly locals.
The first romantic thing to do is sit on the beach or take a walk along the coast. Yport beach is very much stony, so don’t expect to dip your toes in any sand. However, it still allows you to walk along the beach below the beautiful white cliffs. Here you can also sit, relax and watch local fishers catch some fresh treats. Otherwise, you can consider walking up the cliffs to look down.
Visit the pretty little church in the village, explore the nature areas (and some historical WWII ruins), and indulge in all the delicious fresh goods from the sea with a glass of local wine or cider. Make sure to visit Le Petit Saint Pierre restaurant, right on the seafront, with a gorgeous view at sunset!
For a day trip, find yourself driving the coastal route to Etretat, the white cliffs’ popular but beautiful viewing point. The place is quite touristic as it’s easily accessed by train but well worth a visit. Stop by for at least half a day to enjoy the location as much as Yport.
Recommended by Together In Transit
Glad I found this post! We are going to Paris for our honeymoon this fall. Great ideas and resources. Thank you for sharing this information.
Hi Alexandrea, I am happy you found it useful!