Top Places in France to Visit This Summer

France is one of those places that feels like a dream in the summer. From sun-soaked beaches to charming countryside villages, it offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into history, food, art, or just relaxing with a good view, this beautiful country has it all. Summer is the perfect time to explore its lively cities, peaceful coastlines, and scenic mountain spots.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the top places in France to visit this summer, so you can plan a trip filled with memorable experiences, local flavors, and postcard-perfect views at every turn.

Iconic French Destinations: Must-Visit Classics

France offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to iconic destinations. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, these classic spots continue to enchant visitors year after year.

Paris: Beyond the Tourist Trails

The City of Light remains an essential stop on any French itinerary. While the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-see attractions, summer in Paris offers unique opportunities to explore beyond the obvious.

Summer transforms Paris into an outdoor paradise with pop-up beaches along the Seine River and outdoor cafés buzzing with locals. Using an esim france for smooth connectivity allows you to navigate Paris like a local, discovering hidden gardens and lesser-known neighborhoods away from the tourist crowds.

For a truly memorable experience, time your visit during the Paris Plages festival when artificial beaches appear along the riverbanks, or catch an outdoor film screening at Parc de la Villette.

French Riviera: Sun-Soaked Luxury

The French Riviera beckons with its azure waters and glamorous beach clubs. This sun-drenched coastline offers some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches and vibrant summer scenes.

Nice serves as the perfect base for exploring, with its gorgeous Promenade des Anglais and colorful Old Town. Venture to Saint-Tropez for celebrity spotting or discover quieter gems like Villefranche-sur-Mer for a more authentic experience.

Don’t miss the chance to visit smaller coastal villages like Èze, perched dramatically on a hilltop with breathtaking Mediterranean views that will fill your social media feeds with envy-inducing content.

Mont Saint-Michel: Tidal Wonder

This medieval abbey rising dramatically from a rocky islet creates one of France’s most unforgettable silhouettes. Mont Saint-Michel is particularly magical during summer when longer daylight hours showcase its beauty.

Visit early morning or evening to avoid the crowds that flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site. The changing tides around the mount create an ever-shifting landscape that photographers dream about.

The summer months bring special evening light shows that illuminate the abbey, creating a mystical atmosphere you won’t experience any other time of year.

Regional Gems: Explore France’s Diverse Landscapes

Beyond the famous destinations, France’s true character emerges through its diverse regions, each with distinct culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

Normandy’s Cultural Heritage

Normandy combines stirring D-Day landing beaches with picturesque coastal towns and rolling countryside. This northern region offers a perfect summer escape with moderate temperatures.

The dramatic white cliffs of Étretat provide stunning coastal walks, while the charming harbor of Honfleur inspired generations of Impressionist painters. History buffs will appreciate summer travel to France itineraries that include the moving D-Day museums and memorials along the coast.

Don’t forget to sample Normandy’s famous culinary delights, apple cider, Calvados, and butter-rich Camembert cheese make for perfect picnic supplies as you explore the region’s scenic beauty.

Loire Valley: Castle Country

The Loire Valley’s fairy-tale châteaux stand as testament to French Renaissance splendor. This lush region becomes even more enchanting in summer when the castle gardens reach full bloom.

Cycling between châteaux makes for a perfect summer activity, with flat terrain and well-marked routes connecting popular destinations in France like Chambord, Chenonceau, and Villandry. Many castles host special summer events, from historical reenactments to sound and light shows.

Wine enthusiasts will delight in touring local vineyards producing crisp white wines that perfectly complement summer dining. Try Vouvray or Sancerre varieties for a true taste of the region.

Provence: Lavender Dreams

Provence reaches peak beauty in summer when its famous lavender fields bloom, creating purple landscapes that have inspired countless artists and photographers.

The charming villages of Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux offer quintessential Provençal experiences with their stone houses and bustling markets. Summer visitors can explore fragrant lavender farms or time their visit around local festivals celebrating the harvest.

For those seeking active adventures, the dramatic Verdon Gorge offers hiking, kayaking, and swimming opportunities in stunning turquoise waters, a perfect natural playground during warm summer months.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Havens

While iconic destinations draw the crowds, savvy travelers know that some of France’s best tourist attractions lie away from the well-trodden paths.

Corsica: Mediterranean Island Paradise

This mountainous island combines spectacular beaches with rugged interior landscapes, making it one of the best places to visit in France for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The pristine beaches around Porto-Vecchio rival any in the Mediterranean, while the red granite Calanches de Piana create otherworldly coastal scenery. Hikers will appreciate the famous GR20 trail crossing the island’s spine, challenging but rewarding, with unforgettable views.

Corsican cuisine blends French and Italian influences with local specialties like charcuterie and chestnuts. The island’s distinct cultural identity adds another fascinating layer to your summer exploration.

Dordogne: France’s Timeless Countryside

The Dordogne Valley offers a vision of rural France at its most enchanting, with medieval villages, prehistoric caves, and a gentle pace of life.

Castle-topped villages like Beynac and La Roque-Gageac cling dramatically to limestone cliffs above the meandering river. Summer evenings bring vibrant night markets where you can sample regional specialties like duck confit and walnut cake alongside locals.

The prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux and Font-de-Gaume provide glimpses into humanity’s ancient past, a thought-provoking contrast to the region’s medieval architecture and timeless landscape.

Alsace: Fairy-Tale Villages

Alsace’s distinctive blend of French and German influences creates one of Europe’s most charming regions. Its colorful half-timbered villages seem lifted straight from storybooks.

The Alsace Wine Route threads through picturesque towns like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg, all surrounded by vine-covered hills. Summer is perfect for wine tastings and exploring the region’s exceptional cultural experiences in France.

The region’s capital, Strasbourg, balances medieval charm with modern European sophistication. Don’t miss its magnificent cathedral and the picturesque Petite France quarter with its canals and flower-draped buildings.

Creating Your Perfect French Summer

France’s rich variety offers something for every kind of traveler this summer. Whether you’re exploring iconic spots like Paris and Provence or uncovering quiet villages far from the usual tourist path, each moment holds the potential for something unforgettable. The best France summer vacations blend famous sights with spontaneous detours, those small, unplanned experiences that often become the most memorable. More than monuments or scenery, it’s the French way of savoring life that stays with you long after your trip ends.

FAQs on Visit to France in Summer

1. What is the #1 tourist attraction in France?

The most visited tourist attraction in France is Disneyland Paris, drawing an estimated 16 million visitors annually. The Eiffel Tower is also a very popular attraction, attracting 6.3 million visitors per year. The Louvre Museum is the third most visited, with approximately 9.5 million visitors annually.

2. What Makes France Special in Summer?

Summer brings France to life with longer days, perfect for exploration. The French themselves embrace the vacation season, creating authentic local experiences. Outdoor dining becomes the norm, with village squares and city sidewalks transforming into vibrant restaurant terraces. Festivals happen almost everywhere, from major music events to tiny village celebrations of local traditions.

3. What is the best region of France to visit in July?The 

The South of France is great in July and really shouldn’t be affected by the Olympics. Nice is ok as a hub, but we recommend checking out Menton, St. Tropez, Cannes & Antibes. Aix-en-Provence, if you can make it that far. Have a great trip!