The most beautiful places to visit in France: 8 holiday destinations for 2022 - goodhousekeeping.com

Herbert Frei / 500pxGetty Images

With its sunny weather, gorgeous rural scenery, world-class wines, and sophisticated cooking, it's no wonder France is such a popular holiday destination.

FRANCE HOLIDAYS

And, now that fully vaccinated visitors from the UK won't have to take tests for entry, more than one in ten of us are planning a getaway there this year, according to research by travel insurer battleface.

It's the ideal destination for those looking to book their next trip to the European beauty spot and there are plenty of beautiful places to visit in France, whatever type of holiday you have in mind.

From cities brimming with culture and charming provincial towns full of historic buildings, to stunning valleys and vineyards and majestic chateaux, not forgetting the glitz and glamour of the Cote d'Azur, there's really something for everyone.

France's varied landscapes, from the Rhone to Corsica, and local specialities make it an unparalleled holiday destination, with many reasons to keep returning.

Our selection of unforgettable trips to the most beautiful places to visit in France brings you the very best that the country has to offer. These exclusive, financially protected getaways allow you to travel with other Good Housekeeping readers and soak up the wonders of France in 2022 – and you'll even be joined by some celebrity guests for unique events along the way.

1 Corsica

Corsica's beautiful beaches and rugged landscapes are sometimes overlooked by travellers going for the glamour of Sardinia or the allure of the Cote d'Azur, but you'll be well rewarded here with a unique holiday enjoying the best of land and sea.

The island's interior is great for hiking and excursions, and you won't find yourself fighting for space on the pristine beaches. The local cuisine is unique, with French and Italian influences, and the island makes some really delicious wines too. Corsica is proud of its heritage and has a very different culture from mainland France, but as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, its played a dramatic role in France's history and culture.

Good Housekeeping readers can visit Corsica as part of an eight-day cruise in the Mediterranean.

FIND OUT MORE

2 Rhone Valley

The Rhône River snakes from Lyon all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, and this region has it all: stunning landscapes, majestic architecture, sensational food and, of course, some of the world's best-loved wines.

Take in sweeping vineyards, medieval towns and stunning countryside. Enjoy a wine tasting in Beaune or Tournon-sur-Rhône and marvel at the view across the vineyards. For foodies, Lyon's streets hide endless gastronomic delights – be sure to stop off at famous food market Les Halles de Lyon – and for history buffs, the Papal Palace at Avignon and Roman ruins at Arles are fascinating places to explore.

Good Housekeeping readers can take an eight-day cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers in March. You'll travel through Burgundy and Provence with gourmet experts Marcus Wareing and Oz Clarke on luxurious ship, SS Catherine.

FIND OUT MORE

3 Bordeaux

Gourmet travellers needn't look further than Bordeaux, the ideal destination for a scenic break where you can sample exquisite dishes made from the rural region's fabulous produce, and sip some of Europe's finest wines.

Its famous Médoc region is the jewel in Bordeaux's crown, and is well-known for its lavish chateaux, such as Château de Malle and Château La Louvière. You'll be spoilt for pretty little towns and villages to tick off your list too, as you explore world-class appellations including Cadillac and Saint-Émilion, to name just two. Soak up the atmosphere of these picturesque locations and when it's time to quench your thirst, only the very best claret will do.

Good Housekeeping readers can enjoy a river cruise through the Médoc for eight days with cricketer and wine expert Ian Botham and chef Matt Tebbut, on board Uniworld's elegant ship Bon Voyage.

FIND OUT MORE

4 Giverny

Monet's gardens in Giverny provided him with endless inspiration for his paintings, and you'll feel inspired too with a visit to the lovingly restored grounds of his home and studio.

Explore the beautiful flower gardens, whose tulips, irises, poppies and peonies featured in many of Monet's canvases, and the water gardens, probably the most famous part, where you can admire the iconic Japanese bridge and waterlilies.

To experience all of this magical scenery, join former Country Living editor Suzy Smith on a tour of the gardens, together with a private talk and Q&A, on a four-day tour in July. You'll also take in Monet's works at the Musée de l'Orangerie des Tuileries, stroll through the pretty market town of Senlis and pay a visit to picturesque Château de Chantilly.

FIND OUT MORE

5 French Riviera

Spend some time on the stunning Cote d'Azur and enjoy the glitz and glamour of this well-known playground of the rich and famous. The charming streets of Nice are the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Lose yourself in the Old Town before enjoying some sundowners at a rooftop bar or catching a show at a jazz club.

The beach clubs of St Tropez hold glitzy appeal, and don't miss Monte Carlo – the pinnacle of old-school glamour. Retreat to the beautiful medieval town of St Paul de Vence when you're tired of being seen, and enjoy stunning views of the glittering Mediterranean.

Join an exclusive no-fly trip to the glamorous South of France with Good Housekeeping, for eight days with the picturesque town of St Raphaël as your base.

FIND OUT MORE

6 Pyrenees

Feel restored and refreshed by the cool mountain air with a trip to the stunning Pyrenees. Majestic scenery of rocky peaks and lush meadows await, as soaring bridges and viaducts give way to stunning valleys.

Step back in time as you board historic trains and marvel at the spectacular views across the impressive terrain. You'll venture into charming hill towns like Villefranche-de-Conflent and Axat, and along picturesque trails, enjoying guided walks as you take in the sights and sounds of the mountains.

Join an exclusive no-fly eight-day tour of the Pyrenees with accommodation in Roses on the Costa Brava this summer.

FIND OUT MORE

7 Paris

The City of Love has a timeless appeal, and will always top any list of the best places to visit in France for a chic city getaway. Stroll the romantic streets, dine at an authentic bistro and while away the afternoon at one of the city's many galleries.

A visit to the Sacre Coeur offers breathtaking views over the city, and while you're there you can linger in the quirky shops and cosmopolitan cafes of Montmartre.

One of the best parts of any trip away is choosing a luxurious hotel to return to after a busy day of sight-seeing, and we've rounded up 10 of Paris' most stylish places for a glamorous getaway.

BEST HOTELS IN PARIS

8 Lot Valley

This classic rural region of South West France is well worth a visit for lovers of the French countryside. Unspoilt and romantic views and a gentle pace of life make the Lot Valley the perfect place for a relaxing holiday where you can unwind and get away from the stresses of everyday life.

Explore medieval hilltop towns like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and marvel at the limestone cliffs that make the scenery so spectacular here. Satisfy your desire for delicious gastronomy in nearby Cahors – truffles are a local speciality – and visit the medieval abbey in Moissac, further south.

Discover the Lot Valley on an exclusive seven-day tour with Chocolat author Joanne Harris.

FIND OUT MORE

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io