We deserve a nice vacation after hustling all day and getting that bag, aren’t we? Then, we have a fantastic idea for you! Turn off your gadgets, take a deep breath, and fly to France. No, we are not talking about Paris or Strasbourg. Instead, head to the untouched French countryside and immerse in its exceptional beauty. From a landscape of verdant vineyards to fairytale-esque villages, the French countryside is your go-to getaway. Then, here are the 12 best places to visit in the French countryside for your next adventure.
Best Places to Visit in the French Countryside – Summary
- Colmar
- Chinon
- Annecy
- Kaysersberg
- Nancy
- Reims
- Lourmarin
- Domme
- Perouges
- Saint-Cirq Lapopie
- Saint Guilhem-le-Desert
- Castelnou
Colmar
Walking along Colmar’s cobblestoned streets will make you feel like you are in the set of Beauty and the Beast. Half-timbered houses, dating back from the medieval era, line the city’s famous Little Venice. With lovely canals and blooming flowers, the spot brings a real-life fairytale.
Colmar is a life-sized museum displaying the wonders of the medieval era. A myriad of 16th-century cottages, churches, and buildings are scattered throughout the city. You can find the unique Maison Psifter, a two-story house with an octagonal turret. Another one worthy visiting is Unterlinden Museum, which boasts an exquisite art collection from medieval times. With all it has to offer, Colmar is one of the best places to visit in the French countryside.
Chinon
Tucked along the Vienne River, Chinon stuns everyone who visits with its antique wonders. The city shows off the magnificence of the kings and royalties of 16th-century France. Castles, fortresses, and towers dominate Chinon’s regal facade. Whether you are a history buff or a casual traveler, Chinon will sweep you off your feet.
Chinon is one of the best places to visit in the French countryside, especially considering its historical richness. Thus, the star of Chinon is the Chateau de Chinon. The royal fortress features three castles, including the fascinating Clock Tower. Besides that, you can see Chateau de Grille. It is the benchmark of Chinon’s long-reigning wine culture. Furthermore, stop by Fort Courdray that keeps the memory of Joan of Arc. At the end of the day, you can sip some Chinon specialty wine with a cheese platter on side.
Annecy
Get a glance of France’s marvelous southeastern area in Annecy. Walled by the winding French Alps, the town will take your breath away. Annecy offers the perfect mix between natural beauty and manmade wonders. The best example is the Annecy Castle, which features an enchanting medieval architecture. It stands with the backdrop of snow-coated mountains, becoming the town’s wow-factor.
Annecy invites you to unwind with its endless choice of recreational activities. You can head to Lake Annecy and adore its glimmering waters. Alternatively, you can hop on a canoe to explore the lake, which is a favorite summertime activity. Moreover, make sure to stroll around Annecy Old Town. Take pictures of the medieval buildings, stop by the museums, and savor on classic French dishes in local restaurants. Therefore, Annecy is one of the best places to visit in the French countryside.
Kaysersberg
The French countryside spoils us with a never-ending line of fairytale-esque places. Then, Kaysersberg is the perfect example. The village stuns with its half-timbered houses, stone bridges, and cobblestone streets. Moreover, Kaysersberg is a part of the Alsatian Wine Route. You can see a refreshing splash of green from the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Thus, Kaysersberg is the place for you to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the dreamy atmosphere.
Nancy
Staying off the radar, Nancy keeps a collection of architectural treasures that will leave you stunned. Nancy is a town in the Alsace-Moselle region of Northwestern France. It is home to magnificent UNESCO-listed structures and artistic buildings. In a nutshell, Nancy is a life-sized museum.
Visiting Nancy means marveling at the art-noveau buildings. Some of the must-visits include Place Stanislas and Porte de la Craffe. Place Stanislas is the city square that boasts sumptuous architectural structures, including the glorious triumphal arc. Meanwhile, Porte de la Craffe takes you to Nancy’s 16th-century glory. Also, don’t miss visiting the museums. For example, Musee de l’Ecole de Nancy displays a beautiful collection of stained glasses.
Reims
Everything corner of Reims whispers luxury and indulgence. Although it is a part of the French countryside, Reims offers a different experience. The town is the unofficial champagne capital of France, offering years of exquisite liquor-making traditions and high-quality champagne. Moreover, Reims stuns with its magnificent architecture. The most notable one is the Notre Dame de Reis, which features stunning stained glass windows and breathtaking carved portals. Therefore, traveling to Reims allow you to savor a different side of France’s glory. Of course, with one or two glasses of champagne!
Lourmarin
Escape your bustling everyday life to the untouched village of Lourmarin. Tucked in the southeast of the Avignon region, Lourmarin is truly a hidden gem of France. The walled village dates back to the 15th century. It is dotted with medieval-styled buildings tinted in sand-colored walls. The elegant Chateau de Lourmarin stands on the top of a hill, beckoning visitors to stop by.
After strolling around the historical area, wander to the heart of Lourmarin. Laidback restaurants and dreamy neighborhoods await, offering a relaxing atmosphere and a plate of authentic crepe. Therefore, Lourmarin is one of the best places to visit in the French countryside.
The French countryside is a treasure trove of beauty, culture, and history waiting to be explored. Whether you’re sipping Champagne in Reims or strolling along the canals of Annecy, each village offers a unique blend of charm and authenticity.
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