10 Beautiful Places to Visit in France

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

10 Beautiful Places to Visit in France—With Princess, Avalon Waterways & Globus

France has long been one of my favorite countries to visit—and I’ve been lucky to explore it by land and by river! Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in the South of France, exploring medieval villages along the Rhône, or taking in the sparkle of Paris, France has a way of capturing the heart.

What makes a trip to France even more unforgettable? Traveling with trusted companies that truly deliver exceptional experiences. For me, that means cruising with Princess Cruises, sailing the rivers with Avalon Waterways, or joining an expertly guided tour with Globus. These three are my go-to travel partners because I’ve experienced their quality firsthand—and I trust them completely to take care of my clients.

Here are 10 of the most beautiful places in France—and how Princess, Avalon, or Globus can take you there with ease and style:

  1. Paris
    The City of Light is always a good idea.
    With its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame, Paris is the perfect beginning—or ending—to any French adventure.

Globus: Their Paris, Normandy & Châteaux Country tour spends quality time in the city and includes guided sightseeing.

Avalon Waterways: Many river cruises include a pre- or post-cruise stay in Paris.

Princess Cruises: Some Northern Europe itineraries offer shore excursions from the port of Le Havre that bring you into Paris for the day.

Sunset Eiffle Tower. Paris. France
  1. Normandy
    Rich in history, peaceful countryside, and moving WWII memorials.
    This region is a must for history buffs and those who want to pay their respects at the D-Day landing beaches.

Globus: Their escorted tours through Normandy are incredibly moving and thoughtfully curated.

Avalon: Certain Seine River cruises include a visit to Normandy.

Princess: Shore excursions from Le Havre can take you to Normandy’s beaches and villages.

  1. Avignon
    Medieval charm and papal history along the Rhône.
    Known for its famous bridge and the Palace of the Popes, Avignon is a cultural treasure.

Avalon: This is a highlight on the Burgundy & Provence river cruise.

Globus: You’ll find it included on several France and Provence escorted tours.

Saint Benezet bridge in Avignon in a beautiful summer day
  1. Nice & the French Riviera
    Glamour, sunshine, and Mediterranean flair.
    Nice, Monaco, Cannes… this coastline feels like a dream.

Princess Cruises: Their Mediterranean itineraries often stop in Villefranche-sur-Mer, the perfect port for exploring the Riviera.

Globus: Some tours include a few nights in Nice for a relaxed land-based experience.

  1. Arles
    Van Gogh’s muse and Roman ruins galore.
    This sun-drenched Provençal town is an art lover’s dream.

Avalon: You’ll dock here on Rhône River cruises. I loved my time here!

Globus: Often paired with Avignon and the Camargue region.

  1. Strasbourg
    Where France meets Germany—beautifully.
    Half-timbered houses, canals, and a stunning cathedral make this Alsatian gem a favorite.

Avalon: Rhine River cruises often visit here. The Old Town is just magical. I absolutely loved Strasbourg when I visited with Avalon Waterways during “The Romantic Rhine” itinerary I took last summer.

Globus: Some Switzerland-France combo tours include Strasbourg.

Picturesque district Petite France in Strasbourg, houses on river
  1. Lyon
    The culinary capital of France.
    Foodies, rejoice! Lyon is known for its bouchons, vibrant markets, and Renaissance architecture.

Avalon: You’ll visit Lyon on Burgundy & Provence cruises—it’s a true highlight.

Globus: Lyon is frequently a stop on southern France itineraries.

  1. Château Country (Loire Valley)
    Fairy-tale castles and rolling vineyards.
    This region is perfect for travelers who love beautiful landscapes and rich history.

Globus: Their Paris, Normandy & Châteaux Country tour includes visits to several storybook châteaux.

Avalon: Some packages offer pre- or post-cruise extensions into this region.

  1. Bordeaux
    Wine country at its finest.
    This elegant city is surrounded by world-class vineyards and riverside charm.

Globus: They offer escorted tours through Bordeaux and the surrounding countryside.

Avalon: While not as commonly included as the Rhône or Seine, select itineraries or extensions may bring you here.

  1. Provence Countryside (Gordes, Roussillon, etc.)
    Hilltop villages, lavender fields, and Provençal beauty.
    This is the France of postcards—and dreams.

Globus: Their Provence tours often venture into this region, giving you time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Avalon: Optional excursions from Avignon or Arles may take you into these villages.

Why I Trust These Travel Companies:
Princess Cruises:
Elegant ships, well-planned itineraries, and truly wonderful onboard experiences. Their Princess Plus package makes cruising even more carefree, with Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities all bundled in. I cruised to Norway with Princess during the summer solstice—and it was one of the most breathtaking cruises I’ve ever taken (and I’ve taken 50!). Their European itineraries let you wake up in a new country almost every day.

Avalon Waterways:
I’ve sailed with Avalon twice (soon to be three times!) and the experience is just magical. Their Panorama Suites are brilliant—the beds face the river, so you never miss a moment of the scenery. The food, the service, the excursions… all top-notch. River cruising with Avalon feels like a luxurious, floating boutique hotel.

Globus Journeys:
If you’d rather see France by land, Globus is my favorite option. Their tours are well-paced, include must-see sights with skip-the-line access, and stay at centrally located hotels. What I love most is that their guides are full of personality and insight—you’ll learn so much, but in a way that feels fun and engaging.

Final Thoughts

France is full of moments that take your breath away—whether you’re floating past vineyards, standing in awe before a Gothic cathedral, or sharing a bottle of wine with new friends. The key is to travel with companies that know how to do France right—and Princess, Avalon, and Globus absolutely do.

If you’re dreaming of France but aren’t sure where to begin, I’d love to help match you with the right itinerary. Whether it’s a river cruise, an ocean cruise, or an escorted land tour—I can help you experience France in the most beautiful (and stress-free) way possible.

Let’s start planning your French adventure…

Avec un verre de vin à la main et la France devant moi
(With a glass of wine in hand and France before me)
— Kenneth

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Published by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Hi, I’m Kenneth Reece — and I help make unforgettable vacations feel effortless. With 50 cruises under my belt (and more in the works!), I specialize in bucket-list travel experiences for grown-up travelers who want something a little more meaningful, a little more personal, and a lot more fun. Whether you're cruising the blue waters of the Caribbean, exploring the stunning coastlines of Alaska, or soaking in the magic of Europe one cobblestone street at a time — I’m here to help you plan a trip you’ll always remember. Lately, river cruising has completely captured my heart. There’s just something special about waking up each morning in a new European town, with your floating boutique hotel waiting to take you to the next charming stop. I love pairing these river cruises with guided land tours for a perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Princess Cruises has long been one of my favorites at sea, but I’ve sailed with many cruise lines and know how to match each client with the right one for them. I’ve also experienced the Disney magic around the world — from Disneyland and Walt Disney World to Tokyo and Paris — and I bring that same sense of wonder and thoughtful planning into everything I do. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling solo, or just need help making sense of all the choices out there, I’m here to be your guide. I love helping clients as much — or as little — as they prefer. From the first conversation to the moment you return home, you’ll know someone has your back. Let’s make your next trip easy, exciting, and completely tailored to you.