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Six Favorite Regions in France: What to See & Do

I'm Carol Cram, novelist and arts travel writer, and founder of Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2500+ novels inspired by the arts. Artsy Traveler contains affiliate links for products and services I personally use and recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the Disclosure for more information.

Last updated on April 1st, 2026 at 08:48 pm

France is one of those countries where the hardest part of planning a trip is deciding what to leave out.

I’ve been more than a dozen times and still haven’t exhausted it, which is either a testament to France’s inexhaustible variety or my own inability to stay home.

These are the six regions I recommend most often to artsy travelers, with links to more detailed posts on each one.

• Normandy: Gorgeous countryside & steeped in history
• Brittany: Rugged coastlines, ancient history & galettes
• Loire Valley: Fabulous châteaux and gourmet cuisine
• Dordogne: Prehistory rules in a storybook landscape
• Provence/Côte d’Azur: Heat, art, & sea: there’s nowhere like it
• Paris & Île-de-France: Top destination in the world for good reason

This post is part of my guide to artsy & independent travel in France, where I share my best tips for exploring France’s creative cities, historic sites, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

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Getting Around France

If you want to fully explore France, consider renting a car. My post on Driving in Europe gives you some pointers gleaned from our three decades of experience exploring Europe by car.

Another option is to link each region by train and then find tours in each destination, rent a car for just a few days, or even hire a private guide.

For point-to-point transfers between regions without the stress of driving, Daytrip offers private transfers across France with fixed pricing and no meter watching.

Here are some tour options:

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Normandy

Rolling fields, picture-perfect villages, and searing World War II history make Normandy in northern France an awesome destination.

I lived for two months as artist-in-residence in the Perche region of Normandy a few years ago. When my husband, artist Gregg Simpson, and I weren’t being artists/writers-in-residence, we spent several happy days exploring this undertouristed area.

Favorite Places in Normandy

These are a few of my favorite places in Normandy. Consider stitching them together over at least three or four days. You can homebase in Honfleur or Bayeux, or stay one night in Honfleur, another night in Bayeux and round out the trip with a night near Mont-St.-Michel.

Slow down and take your time. Normandy rewards you with plenty of gorgeous vistas, sobering recent history, and a stunning medieval tapestry. The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

The Perche Region

This far-off-the-beaten-track area has no big sites, but the countryside is lovely. Detour through it while driving up to the coast. The main towns are L’Aigle (#1 on the map) and Argentan (#2).

If you have roots in Canada, consider stopping and touring the Museum of French Immigration to Canada in Tourouvre (#3). Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, 328 people from the Perche region left their homeland and traveled to far-off Quebec. The museum tells their fascinating story.

World War II Beaches

As a Canadian, I was moved by the museum at Juno Beach (#4) where Canadian troops landed on D-Day. You should also visit the Caen Memorial Museum (#5), considered France’s best World War II museum. I found it fascinating.

Honfleur and the Satie Museum

Honfleur (#6) is a mecca for artists, with lots of galleries and beautiful architecture. Linger at a café in the harbor and don’t miss the quirky Satie Museum (#7), an artsy traveler must-see.

Bayeux and the Bayeux tapestry

The clever way in which the tapestry is exhibited at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (#8) is almost as captivating as the tapestry itself. And the town of Bayeux is just delightful. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring.

Étretat

The stunning white chalk cliffs at Étretat (#9) were a favorite of Monet and other Impressionists. Wander along the cliff tops of this incredible coastline and marvel at the fascinating shapes sculpted by the wind.

Mont-St.-Michel

Mont-St.-Michel (#10) is crowded and touristy. Avoid visiting during the day. Instead, plan to stay nearby and then wander over in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and dinner after the crowds leave.

Tours to Normandy

If you’re not driving, consider visiting Normandy on a guided tour from Paris. Tours include the Normandy D-Day Beaches and the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel.

For more details about what to see and do in Normandy, read Top Normandy Sights for Art & History Lovers. I also include Honfleur on the Normandy coast in my post 17 Awesome Places in France You Might Not Know.

Where to Stay in Normandy

Check the map below to find accommodation options in Normandy.

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Brittany

I adore Brittany. Every time I visit the area, I say We really ought to spend more time in Brittany.

I recommend visiting Brittany in the summer when the weather is pleasantly warm rather than torrid like it is farther south. Beautiful sandy beaches vie for your attention with craggy coves and spectacular rock formations.

You’ll need at least a week to explore Brittany, it’s that packed with interesting things to see and do. Consider at least a week’s stay in Brittany, or better still, three or four days on the north coast around Trégastel and three or four days on the south coast near Carnac.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Favorite Places in Brittany

Rennes

The charming town of Rennes (#1) with its half-timbered houses and walkable center is a delight. Stay the night and enjoy wandering around its virtually empty and picturesque streets.

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo (#2), recently made famous by All The Light We Cannot See, is a walled coastal city that will captivate you with its striking views, lively harbor, and dramatic tides. Stroll along the ramparts to enjoy coastal panoramas and medieval rooftops. There’s a lot of history here!

Côte de Granit-Rose

This rugged coastline near Trégastel (#3) in northern Brittany is a photographer’s dreamscape. Stay a few days to enjoy the seaside and the fabulously shaped rocks.

Huelgoat

For a real off-the-beaten-track experience, stop in Huelgoat (#4) and commune with some amazing rock formations. Explore the Chaos of Rocks, a jumble of hundreds of large boulders below the dammed lake and check out La Roche Tremblante (Trembling Rock), a 137-tonne rocking boulder, pivoted so it can be made to rock by a person pushing against one point.

Pont-Aven

A visit to Pont-Aven (#5) is a must for art lovers. In the 1880s, it was a mecca for such notable artists as Gauguin and Serusier. Walk in their footsteps in the Bois d’Amour (the Wood of Love) and see why they loved the area so much. I recently spent a week there; check out my post Savoring Life in Pont-Aven: City of Artists. 

Carnac and other prehistoric sites

Brittany is home to France’s most concentrated collection of Celtic and prehistoric sites, Carnac (#6) being the largest and most impressive. Standing stones abound in this history-steeped region. Check out my post on Prehistory Sites in Europe that includes several places in Brittany.

For more details about what to see and do in Brittany, see my post 17 Awesome Places in France You Might Not Know in which I include several locations in Brittany.

Where to Stay in Brittany

Check the map below to find accommodationoptions in Brittany.

Planning a trip to France? Artsy Traveler has you covered from Normandy to Provence. I publish new arts-focused travel posts every week covering cultural experiences, regional guides, and destinations across France and beyond. Subscribe to the Artsy Traveler weekly update and never miss a post. Subscribe here.

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The Loire Valley

Châteaux are exceedingly thick on the ground in the Loire Valley thanks to the Loire Atlantique region being the playground for the kings of France until kings rather suddenly went out of fashion in the 18th century.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Favorite Places in the Loire Valley

Spend a week here to tour not only the big (and crowded) blockbuster châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau, but also the more intimate, even quirky ones like Villandry and Azay-Le-Rideau.

Rochemenier Cave Village (Rochemenier Village Troglodytique)

Visit the cave dwelling village museum (#1 on the map above) to discover the underground houses inhabited for centuries. This place is amazing!

Château de Chenonceau

It’s hard to choose the most beautiful château in the Loire Valley, but Chenonceau (#2) with its graceful arches spanning the River Cher is definitely a contender.

Château de Chambord

This is the largest château in the Loire—and the most crowded. Chambord (#3) is impressive, but go early or late in the day. 

Château Azay-le-Rideau

This is one of my favorite châteaux in the Loire Valley. Azay-le-Rideau (#4) is incredibly photogenic!

Chinon

Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chinon (#5) makes a great home base for exploring the eastern Loire Valley, and it’s also famous for its wine, castle, and historic town. 

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral (#6) has incredible stained-glass windows. Visit on a day trip from Paris or en route to the châteaux in the Loire Valley.

In addition to châteaux-hopping, consider an extended stay in the Loire Valley because, let’s face it, the region is drop-dead gorgeous. Rent a bike or go on a walking tour to immerse yourself in the fairytale landscape. Also, the food in the Loire is exceptional (and that’s saying something!).

If your time is limited, consider a day trip from Paris to tour at least a few of the châteaux.

For more about my favorite Loire châteaux, check out my post Six of the Best Loire Valley Châteaux You Should Explore.

Where to Stay in the Loire

Check the map below to find accommodation options in the Loire.

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The Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne is an excellent choice for two reasons: prehistoric caves and amazing food. Spend at least a week exploring the beautiful towns and villages of this interesting region of France. 

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Favorite Places in the Dordogne Region

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

The charming little town of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil (#1 on the map above) is home to the National Museum of Prehistory, a must-see if you’re interested in the prehistoric history of the Dordogne.

Lascaux IV

Don’t miss the cave art sites scattered throughout the region, including the super-famous (and justifiably so) Caves of Lascaux (#2). I write about them in more depth in my post Prehistory Sites in Europe and Why Visit Lascaux in the Stunning Dordogne.

Montignac

The charming village of Montignac (#3) near Lascaux makes an excellent home base for exploring the area.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

This medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (#4) hosts an indoor food market, and a glass elevator in the bell tower offers city views. Wander around its ancient streets in the early morning to catch the sunshine bouncing off the yellow sandstone buildings.

Bergerac

Famous for its vineyards and old town center, Bergerac (#5) is close to fortified medieval towns called bastides, with Monpazier and Eymet being particularly noteworthy examples.

If you have a hankering for gorgeous scenery mixed with compelling prehistory sightseeing followed by long, slow dinners where duck often plays a role, then meander down to the Dordogne.

Where to Stay in the Dordogne

Check the map below to find accommodation options in the Dordogne.

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Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

I dare you to say Provence without sighing!

Ah, Provence! See?

Like Tuscany, Provence has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Settle in for a good long visit to discover why so many artists made their homes here (Picasso, van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Léger, Matisse, and a bunch of others I’m sure I’m forgetting).

I think it has a lot to do with the light. Every time Gregg and I visit Provence, Gregg is inspired by the unique way in which light floods a landscape of sharp contrasts—soft greens and lavenders, hard whites and ochers, startling blues.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Favorite Places in Provence

Luberon

This is one of my favorite regions of Provence. Don’t miss Roussillon (#1 on the map above)  with its ocher cliffs, along with the hill towns Bonnieux and Gordes. On a recent trip to Roussillon, I visited the Ochre Museum: Explore The Ochre Museum in Colorful Roussillon.

In recent years, the Luberon has become rather “chichi”, as in scores of well-heeled people driving nice cars and living in lavender-coated villas, but the food is still wonderful, the weather warm, and the landscape stunning.

Avignon

The Pope’s Palace in Avignon (#2) is a lot of fun to explore. The last time I was there, a Picasso exhibition was on. Before you go, check to see if any special art exhibitions are featured.

Arles

Van Gogh lived in Arles (#3) for only a few months but that was enough to put Arles on the map for art lovers. It’s a delightful town, worth a few days of your time to just kick back, relax, and enjoy the ambiance. Check out my post about three excellent museums to visit in Arles: Discover Three Unique Museums in Arles.

Aix-en-Provence

Home of Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence (#4) is a great place to kick back and spend a week.

Don’t miss the wonderful Hôtel de Caumont Art Center which almost always has excellent art exhibitions, drive out to Château La Coste to wander around the vineyards and forest paths looking at striking modern sculpture, and drop into the Fondation Vasarely to see Vasarely’s geometric masterpieces.

Gorges du Verdon

Provence is a region of mountains with many tiny, twisty roads leading up into the Alpes Maritimes and into the French Alps. Take some time to explore the rugged Gorges du Verdon (#5).

The French Riviera

Spend at least some of your time with the beautiful people. Cannes (#6) makes a goodhome base.

Another central option is Nice (#7), or my favorite, Menton (#8), very close to the Italian border.

And while you’re in the area, visit some of the many single-artist museums such as the Fondation Léger in Biot and the Matisse Museum in Nice.

Fondation Maeght

Nestled in the hills near Saint Paul-de-Vence above Cannes, the Fondation Maeght (#9) is one of my favorite small art museums in Europe. Read about it in my post Twelve of the Best Modern Art Museums in Europe. 

Provence is big enough to merit a two-week stay, or at least a week divided in two. I suggest enjoying the stunning countryside in the Luberon region for a week and then driving down to the French Riviera to hang with the beautiful people (and see a ton of art) while basking in the Mediterranean sun. 

Where to Stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Check the map below to find accommodation options in this beautiful area.

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Paris and the Île-de-France

If you’re planning your first visit to France, Paris will likely be on your itinerary. It’s a must-see city in Europe if you are in any way artsy inclined.

Paris is home to dozens of art museums and galleries in addition to the big-ticket sights like the Eiffel Tower (go early or late to avoid the crowds), the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées.

To truly appreciate Paris, rent an apartment and settle in for the long haul. For the entire month of March one year, Gregg and I stayed in an apartment in Montparnasse. He spent his mornings painting and I spent mine writing, and then we set out almost every afternoon to explore the artsy delights of Paris.

Favorite Places in Paris and the Île-de-France

Musée d’Orsay

With its world renowned collection of paintings from the late 19th century, the Musée d’Orsay is a who’s who of famous painters: van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Morisot, Renoir, Gauguin… you name it!

This museum is always on my must-see list every time I visit Paris.

L’Orangerie

Here’s where you’ll see Monet’s water lily paintings. The experience of walking through the two rooms surrounded by his tranquil and very large paintings is sublime. 

Luxembourg Gardens

This is Paris’s playground that many visitors never see. Go there to relax and people-watch. 

Musée Cluny

I adore medieval art and the collection at the Cluny AKA the Musée national du Moyen Âge is one of the world’s best. Don’t miss the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries. 

Île-de-France

There’s lots to see on a day trip from Paris including Versailles (the gardens go on forever and the Hall of Mirrors is jaw-dropping), Monet’s gardens at Giverney, and the château and forest of Fontainebleau where artists of the Barbizon school back in the 19th century did a lot of plein air painting.

I never run out of things to see in Paris. In fact, a stopover in Paris has been on my itinerary for almost all of our dozen-plus trips to Europe in recent years.

Here are some suggestions for things to see, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris

Check the map below to find accommodation options in Paris. My favorite area is the 6th arrondissement near the river or the 14th arrondissement in Montparnasse.

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Other Regions in France

I’ve limited myself to just six of the best regions to visit in France (in my opinion!), but if you have the time, there’s much more to explore. Every region in France has a great deal to offer.

In eastern France, tour the Alsace region, pop into lovely Strasbourg, take a canal trip in Burgundy (check out the wine route!), and visit Dijon with its half-timbered buildings and great food.

While touring southeast France, check out the Alps, with Mont Blanc a highlight.

In western France, don’t miss Bordeaux, Bayonne (the Basque Museum is marvelous), Biarritz, and Toulouse, then venture down to the Pyrenees.

Also check out the walled city of Carcassonne (go early or late to avoid crowds) and Albi, famous for the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.

And on your way to Provence, explore the Ardèche region (check out my post The Ardèche Gorge in France: Best One-Day Stay) and then stop by charming Lyon where you’ll discover lots to see as well as a wonderful culinary tradition. 

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Keep Exploring France with Artsy Traveler

Here are all the posts on France covering the regions I recommend exploring: