The top 5 places to visit in the French countryside [Updated 2023]
Do you want to get out of the bustling French cities and explore the countryside? If yes, don’t forget to visit these five natural places. Experience the beauty and charm of France with a visit to any one of these five unforgettable places. From its spectacular countryside landscapes to its charming villages and vibrant cities, the French countryside is sure to provide you with plenty of opportunities for exploration.
From quaint towns nestled deep in vineyards to picturesque castles perched on hillsides – each destination promises an authentic experience brimming with the history of centuries past. Whether it’s hiking, fascinating culture, or simply relaxation that you crave – here are some suggestions for five truly special destinations in the enchanting French countryside. Read here!
5 Places to Visit in The French Countryside
France is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world. Every year, millions of foreign citizens come to enjoy its beauty. The extraordinary life of the French, stunning sights, delicious food, gourmet cheeses and drinks, Gothic romance, medieval art, picturesque landscapes, and the charm of French nature will leave you in awe.
When people talk about this great country, they certainly remember only Paris. However, France is much more than just Paris. The country has many mansions, museums, restaurants, and gardens. Here are the top five places to visit in the French countryside.
1. Dordogne
If you are heading to France and don’t have enough time to spend your holiday, we recommend going to the quiet Dordogne. In the Dordogne, you can safely start the journey without any preparation. This place is located in the heart of France and offers breathtaking landscapes, castles, and amazing villages.
You will always find something to see, from the beautiful Banyak Castle on the hill itself to many picturesque natural landscapes. In addition, It is also home to the most beautiful villages in France, rich in nature and cultural heritage. It is definitely a must-visit destination in the French countryside. Also, you should try the local food, which is known as “the most delicious in France.”
The Dordogne is also sometimes called the cradle of humanity because of the discovered mobile sites of ancient people. Dordogne is a land where you can study the prehistoric drawings of our ancestors in the depths of the caves. Moreover, beautiful villages, natural parks, and castles are waiting for you here. So if you want to explore France off the beaten path, visit Dordogne.
2. Luberon
Luberon is a place where you can enjoy communication with ordinary people from French society. It is located in the south of France. The Luberon is also an ideal place to live among the humble French and feel the nature and mountain air. This place is full of green parks, hills, and mountains. It is also rich in culture and tradition, which can be seen through its historical buildings.
In the summer months, many visitors come here, mainly the British, who adore this place. People come to experience the charm of local villages’ peace. Enjoying the Luberon’s lush forests, stunning lilac lavender fields, local farmers’ markets, and colorful fairytale houses, you will quickly realize what makes the Luberon so alluring and inviting.
3. Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is also a well-known countryside destination for tourists and travelers. The Loire Valley is a region in France famous for its indescribable beauty of landscapes, an abundance of chic royal palaces, cozy vineyards, and picturesque villages with lush green spaces. It is a region of France with many castles and gardens. You can spend your days taking a tour of the many fantastic castles and marveling at the beauty of their architecture.
The Loire Valley is located along the Loire River, curving and passing through the old French villages. The Loire Valley is full of the scenic beauty of castles. It is also full of various wineries, giving those who wish extensive tours of the vineyards that have been preserved here since the time of the Roman Empire. Besides, the vineyards will invite you for some tasting.
4. The Ochre of Roussillon
In the south of France, in Provence, there is the Luberon Valley, in the center of which lies the town of Roussillon with red, yellow, pink, and orange houses. From all sides, it is surrounded by red cliffs, which arose in the 18th century, when there was the largest ocher canyon in Europe. This is an unusual valley, which is an open-air art gallery. Moreover, the Ochre of Roussillon is also home to a giant wine cellar where you can taste locally produced wines.
Moreover, in the 20th century, the quarry turned into an ocher reserve with a 40-minute walking route through the outwardly Martian landscapes. We advise you to come to the canyon in the morning or sunset when the ocher shines in hundreds of shades. If you want to relish the French Countryside, visiting the Ochre of Roussillon is worth your time and money.
5. Mont Saint-Michel
The bay of Mont Saint-Michel is considered the most beautiful in France, and the island lies in the middle of the bay, with the medieval abbey included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Moreover, it is one of the most visited places in France. It is a small town that is romantic, mysterious, and special.
Twice a day, the strongest tides in Europe occur in the bay. At low tide, tourists get to the island, inspect the abbey, and watch from its walls how the water floods 15 kilometers of the bay with great speed. It is an unforgettable sight and a unique phenomenon of nature. Thus, if you want to witness this natural wonder and enjoy the beauty of the French countryside, come to Mont Saint-Michel, and you will not regret your decision.
Why France Is a Great Destination for A Trip to The Countryside?
France is a unique travel destination that boasts some of the most beautiful countryside scenery in Europe. With its lush green pastureland and picturesque villages, France offers travelers a chance to experience tranquil moments away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether it’s exploring quaint medieval towns or admiring châteaux built centuries ago, visitors can immerse themselves in each region’s culture and traditions.
A trip to one of the many fishing ports on the coast gives a delicious glimpse into the coastal lifestyle, while cycling in rural areas provides an opportunity to fully appreciate nature’s offerings. Provence alone contains dozens of breathtaking trails ranging from easy walks to serious hikes in mountain passes. Altogether, France’s countryside offers something for every type of traveler who desires to escape their everyday life and explore nature at its finest.
Final Words
Mountains, seas, and oceans surround France. In some regions, eternal summer reigns, while in others, even in summer, the breeze blows, and it rains. The natural attractions of this country are famous and popular. This makes France a wonderful place for traveling and exploring its countryside. Whether you are looking for an authentic French experience or just want to enjoy the beautiful nature, you will definitely find the best places to visit in France by taking into account its diversity and geographical features.
Mountain peaks and volcanoes, waterfalls and caves, rocky coastlines, beaches, and nature reserves attract thousands of tourists is impossible to see all the natural wonders of France. Still, these five countryside destinations are worth a visit for everyone. Until Next Time!