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 places 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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Paris
In northern France, Paris is the world’s most romantic city, the perfect place for a romantic getaway in Europe 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 Paris by train from many cities in Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK. Alternatively, you will find direct flights to Paris from many cities in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
For a top romantic getaway in Paris, book one of the hotels with 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 easily get very long. For the best experience, combine some of the city’s iconic landmarks with a couple of 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 a visit to the Rodin Museum or a stroll through the Coulée Verte.
If you plan your honeymoon in Paris in the summer, a cocktail in one of the best rooftop bars in Paris is highly recommended as they offer great views of the city, and they 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.
By World in Paris
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 and rolling hills with a medieval town center and picturesque cobblestone streets. It’s Colmar, France, and it’s a must-visit romantic destination when planning your honeymoon in France.
Many travelers reach Colmar as a stop on the southern wine road of the French Alsace. It’s the perfect place for couples that enjoy wine 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 the 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 de Mars, a great 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 options like L’atelier du Peintre, an exquisite French restaurant.
From wine tastings to boat rides, picnics, and dinner dates – love is in the air when you’re visiting Colmar.
By Robe Trotting
Saint-Émilion
If you’re looking for romantic places in France, add Saint-Émilion to your list. This beautiful village in the Bordeaux region is well-known for the 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 many romantic cities in Europe. The Saint-Emilion area was important on the main pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and many religious buildings and hospices were built here from the 11th century onwards. It also makes an idyllic town if you feel adventurous to travel around France with a motorhome.
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 whilst people-watching and waiting for the sunset.
There are also plenty of fantastic boutique shops and delicatessens to treat your loved one, as well as 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.
By Wandering-Bird
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 wonderful seaside views, and you can walk it for 8 kilometers! It runs along Nice city beach, which gets busy and has some rough rocks.
The most romantic dinners by candlelight happen in the Old Town. If you prefer a prime gourmet experience on the pricier side, go to the Chantecler restaurant in the 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 of the stunning coastline, but also of 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. You can visit so many wonderful destinations 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 include a ride along the coast.
By Travel Geekery
Annecy
Annecy is one of the perfect romantic places 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 necessarily involves a walk around its medieval city center. The old town has picturesque narrow streets, colorful architecture, and some 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 decide to explore it by bike or on a boat tour. Today, Lake Annecy is one of the purest lakes in Europe, with waters that can reach 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.
By France Bucket List
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is another romantic destination for honeymoon in France. It is a little bit of 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 capital of the Alsace Region of France.
The region’s amazing food and wine 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.
Hand in hand walk through the old town and to 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 Alsace wine trail region 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 its own international airport for visitors. You will find plenty of boutique hotels in the old town city center.
By Wyld Family Travel
Menton
Menton surely tops as one of the most romantic places in France. Boasting with little French streets that have a certain charm easily makes it a city to add to your itinerary when planning the honeymoon in France.
Walk down the Promenade du Soleil to enjoy spectacular views of the city 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 effortless to get to Menton. From Nice, the train journey takes about 40 minutes, and from Monaco, you can be here in 10 minutes. If you decide to fly in, the nearest airport is in Nice.
By Dymabroad
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