15 Most Romantic Places In France For Couples (2024)

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, you’re probably wondering where the most romantic places in France are. 

France is known as one of the most romantic countries to visit, but not every corner of France is picturesque or romantic. 

I live in France and I’ve traveled extensively around the country looking for the most romantic towns in France. 

The country is dotted with charming villages, hidden restaurants, and picturesque landscapes, ideal for couples looking for something special for their next getaway.

With so many places to choose from it might seem impossible to decide where to go first!

So, here are the best romantic getaways in France for your next adventure!

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1. Strasbourg

Picture cobblestone streets, historic bridges over charming canals, and sipping local wine in a restaurant tucked away in a little alley, or touring the vineyards of Alsace – that’s Strasbourg.

After visiting hundreds of towns in France, I’d still say that Strasbourg is one of the most romantic places in France – and not just because I met my partner here!

Strasbourg is best known as a Christmas Market destination, but you should also visit in spring, summer, or autumn for a romantic getaway without crowds. 

The entire historic center is lovely, but my favorite is the Petite France neighborhood. 

You get to stroll the cobblestone streets, sit along the river, or enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner while listening to the distant chatter of people passing by.

2. Annecy

The mountain town of Annecy feels like stepping into a fairytale. Nicknamed the “Venice of the North” it is best known for its charming canals with flower-lined bridges, pastel houses, and the pristine Lake Annecy.

The city even has a Bridge of Love, overlooking Lake Annecy! 

The Lake is a fantastic place for a romantic stroll, bike ride, or renting a paddle boat for a romantic cruise on the lake. The views of Annecy Lake surrounded by mountain peaks are incredible year-round!

The Old Town of Annecy, with its narrow streets, small shops, and local restaurants, is a perfect place to wander and admire the architecture. 

I visited Annecy in the summer, but the city is also magical in winter when the surrounding mountaintops are covered in snow.

3. Aix-en-Provence

It doesn’t get much more romantic than endless lavender fields of Provence and romantic dinners in local restaurants in medieval towns.

Aix-en-Provence is one of the best destinations in France for couples, as it has everything you need for a romantic getaway.

You can stroll the cobblestone streets and admire picturesque stone houses, taste local wines from the nearby vineyards, or take a day trip to the iconic lavender fields.

You can visit the lavender fields even if you’re traveling in France without a car! Just take a bus from Aix-en-Provence to Terre Ugo, the bus runs every day during summer.

Also, Aix-en-Provence is still a great place to visit in February for Valentine’s Day in France, as the weather is much milder in the South of France.

4. Paris

Nicknamed the “City of Love”, you can’t make a list of the most romantic places in France without mentioning Paris.

While Paris certainly has its perks and fair share of romantic things to do, it’s hard to say that the entire city is romantic. Paris is a huge city, and most of it is busy, fast-paced, and loud. 

So, if you’re planning a romantic getaway to Paris, you need to know where to go.

Montmartre is my favorite neighborhood in Paris for couples. This hilltop neighborhood looks like a tiny charming village within the city.

To truly experience the charm of the cobblestone streets, picturesque corners, and artists painting in the main square, you’ll need to visit early in the morning or during the low season.

Also, I don’t care what some people say, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle with the person you love is one of the France bucket list activities!

Paris has fully embraced its romantic reputation, offering experiences like a romantic photoshoot, a dinner cruise along the Seine, candlelit dinners, and much more.

5. Saint Emilion

Saint Emilion is one of the most romantic villages in France. It is best known for its vineyards and castles where you can taste local wine, and enjoy a picnic in a garden while overlooking vineyards.

I love the unique architecture of this village, with stone houses and winding cobblestone streets hiding charming little corners around every turn.

I visited Saint Emilion in early April, but you can explore the village year-round. It is especially lively if you visit France in autumn for the harvest!

A fun couple’s activity is a wine-tasting and castle bike tour! Bikes are electric, so you don’t have to worry about the hills.

6. La Rochelle

La Rochelle was recently voted the most romantic city in France, and I can certainly see why!

This seafront town boasts a well-preserved medieval city center, with impressive historic houses and a lively city center dotted with local restaurants.

I loved strolling the cobblestone streets of La Rochelle and going for a seafront walk along the coastline.

La Rochelle is not as popular with foreign tourists as other French coastal towns, so you still have the privacy and luxury of exploring a city without fighting the crowds. 

7. Bordeaux

Bordeaux has been my home for over three years now, and I still think it’s one of the most romantic cities in France! 

While the city is famous for its world-class wine, Bordeaux also boasts beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine.

The entire city center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stunning 18th-century buildings, grand squares, and impressive landmarks like the Place de la Bourse and the Mirror d’Eau. 

Bordeaux sunsets are some of the most magical I’ve seen in France, so take a stroll along the river and admire how the sun paints the sky with the most vibrant colors.

Bordeaux is also a great base from which you can visit some of France’s most famous wine regions! 

Take a romantic day trip to the nearby vineyards of Saint-Émilion or Médoc, where you can enjoy wine tastings, picnic in the vineyards, and explore picturesque villages. 

8. Pyrenees

If you’re looking for romantic getaways in winter, do as the French do and head to the Pyrenees hot springs!

There isn’t just one place to go to, as the area has several hot springs and mountain spas.

I don’t ski, but you don’t even have to! Grab your partner and spend days enjoying the fresh mountain air on casual walks in nature, and evenings splashing in thermal waters.

So, if your idea of a couple’s holiday is hiking, skiing, and soaking in hot springs, the Pyrenees are the place to go!

9. Colmar

Colmar is another picturesque town in the Alsace region, known for its colorful half-timbered houses, picturesque canals lined with flower beds, and winding cobblestone streets.

Most people visit Colmar in winter, which is fair because the town looks like it belongs to a Christmas storybook, but I suggest spring or summer for a more cozy couple’s experience. 

From Colmar, you have easy access to the region’s best vineyards and some of the most beautiful villages in France. My favorites are Riquewihr and Eguisheim!

10. Tours

Tours is a small town in the Loire Valley, a region known for its stunning châteaux, charming villages, and beautiful countryside. 

I love the Old Town of Tours, with its half-timbered houses and lively squares lined with cafes. 

You can spend a day wandering the medieval streets, stopping for coffee at a sidewalk cafe, or enjoying a glass of local wine and people-watch on the main Square.

Tours is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby Loire Valley châteaux! 

Spend your days visiting fairytale castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, and your evenings enjoying romantic dinners in cozy local restaurants. 

11. Giverny

Giverny is a small village best known for its connection with the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet. 

If you love art and nature, Giverny is the perfect romantic escape, and it is just a short train ride from Paris! 

The main tourist attraction is Monet’s house and gardens, where he painted some of his most famous works. 

Walking through Monet’s gardens feels like stepping into one of his paintings, especially in spring and summer when flowers are in full bloom.

While you could visit Giverny on a day trip from Paris, consider spending the night to enjoy the village once the day trippers have left. Stay in one of the charming historic houses to experience the French countryside. 

12. Gordes

The hilltop village of Gordes is one of the most dramatic French villages. With its stone houses perched on the side of the cliff overlooking the countryside, it makes for a perfect romantic getaway.

Like other small French towns on this list, the best thing to do in Gordes is to wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy a delicious meal in a local restaurant, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. 

You can also visit Gordes on a day trip from Avignon if you prefer to spend the night in a larger town. 

13. Mont Saint Michel

The iconic Mont Saint Michel is one of the most recognizable French landmarks. 

This medieval island castle built on a tiny island that rises from the sea, looks like it comes straight out of a fairytale. 

And you know what is the best part? You can even stay on the island and feel like a real-life princess (or prince!)! 

There are several accommodation options, but you’ll have to book well in advance as they fill up quickly. 

14. Èze

If you’re looking for romantic places in the South of France, it doesn’t get much better than the hilltop village of Èze.

This famous village is situated halfway between Nice and Monaco and makes for a fantastic day trip from both cities.

You don’t need a car to visit Èze! You can visit many picturesque villages in France by bus, and Èze is just a short drive from Nice.

You can do a tour of the French Riviera even with just 5 days in France!

15. Belle Île En Mer

Finally, I have an unusual suggestion for you, a small island in Brittany that you’ve probably never heard of!

Belle Île En Mer is a perfect example that France is not overrated and has many hidden gems. It is the largest Breton island and it packs a punch when it comes to romantic things to do.

If you visit in summer, the island has some of the most beautiful beaches in France or you can even hike or bike around the island if you’re looking for a more active getaway.

My favorite thing about this island is that it is still kind of a hidden gem outside of France, especially if you visit outside the peak summer months. 

FAQ:

Summary: Romantic Places In France

France is one of the most popular destinations for couples for a reason! 

Paris is the most popular place to visit in France, but you’ll have a more intimate experience if you venture outside the capital.

Strasbourg and Bordeaux are my favorite big French cities for couples, with plenty of things to do, charming hidden corners, and day trip opportunities. 

You should also check out smaller towns like Saint Emilion, Annecy, or Giverny. Sometimes the charm is in the fact they are secluded and you feel like you’re the only one there.

You can easily visit several places on this list if you have a week in France!