Are you looking to spend a long luxurious weekend in France? Then you’re in for a treat! We covered great places to visit in France before, but this post is a bit different, as it focuses more on luxury getaways. Thanks to its varied landscapes and rich history, France offers endless options for luxury weekend getaways. Whether you love romance, historic sites, lavender fields, or snowy peaks, France will have something to delight you.
Below, check out our list of the best destinations in France for long luxury weekend getaways.
1. Normandy
Normandy boasts diverse landscapes and fun activities, making it an excellent destination for a long weekend getaway in France. Easily accessible by train, it’s a fantastic spot to spend a long weekend with family and friends. You can visit the famous Mont Saint-Michel, explore the D-Day beaches, or venture into the rolling countryside.
Consider spending a day in the picturesque city of Le Havre. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique city is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Malraux Museum, which houses an impressive collection of works by Boudin and other Impressionists.
No visit to Normandy is complete without stopping by the famous Mont Saint Michel. Receiving close to 2.5 million visitors yearly, it is one of France’s most visited sights, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by the glistening sea, it was a place of pilgrimage around the 9th century.
For a taste of history, check out the D-Day beaches, which still have visible traces of the conflict that took place in June of 1944, when Allied forces came to these beaches to liberate France from Nazi occupation. Many sites allow you to travel back in time and learn more about this significant event in world history.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of Mont Saint Michel:
2. Provence-Alpes
Renowned for its scenic lavender fields, delicious wine, and charming storybook villages, Provence-Alpes is one of the most beautiful regions in the South of France. It’s an incredibly fascinating place to explore on a long weekend, especially since it’s only a quick jaunt from Paris. In addition, there are many beautiful places to stay in Provence-Alpes, perfect for those who want to enjoy luxury while spending a long weekend in France.
Since the Provence-Alpes is a vast region, consider renting a car and plan each day to visit numerous villages and some attractions. Check out the Musée Granet, a small art museum showcasing an impressive art collection, including works by Cezanne, who lived in the area. You should also include Château des Baux on your itinerary, a magnificent castle overlooking the picturesque village of Baux-de-Provence.
The highlight of your weekend trip to Provence-Alpes would be the seemingly endless lavender fields. You’ll have a higher chance of seeing them in full bloom in July. However, the Lavender Museum in Luberon Valley is open all year round. It’s a great place to learn more about lavender and how they are harvested and prepared.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
3. The Loire Valley
Also called the “Garden of France,” the lush Loire Valley is a stunning place to spend a luxury weekend in France. With its spectacular views, it’s no surprise why the French Royalty around the 15th to 16th centuries considered it their favourite retreat place.
The charming town of Chartres is an ideal base for your weekend getaway in the Loire Valley. It’s home to the famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres and is only a short trip from Paris.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chartres Cathedral is considered one of Europe’s most well-preserved Gothic cathedrals. Aside from the cathedral, Chartres is also home to fantastic museums, such as the Museé des Beaux-Arts, a fine art museum housed in a former Bishop’s palace.
While in the Loire Valley, don’t miss the chance to go wine tasting. As one of the world’s top wine-producing regions, a wine-tasting tour is popular in the Loire. It offers a chance to learn more about the region’s wine industry and sample the tastiest local wine.
Watch this video for some more tips:
4. Paris
For many tourists, spending a weekend in Paris is their primary objective. The city is especially well-suited for people who want to take a luxury tour of France and a great way to see more in a long weekend trip. With a luxury tour, you’ll visit all the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
The best way to start your trip is to visit the city’s highlights, including the famous Eiffel Tower. Book your ticket early if you plan to climb up the tower to marvel at the city’s stunning views from above since queues can be huge. Don’t miss Esplanade du Trocadero, the square along the river Seine, from where you can enjoy the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
Another famous place you should not miss on a luxury weekend trip to Paris is the Louvre Museum. Avoid the queue by booking a private guided tour, a great way to make the most of your visit to this world-famous museum.
It’s also worth spending some time in one of the city’s food markets, where you can indulge in authentic French delicacies and immerse yourself in the local culture. Head to Marché des Enfants Rouges, a historic market home to stalls and restaurants specialising in delectable French specialities.
If you’re looking for a really exclusive hotel in Paris – watch this:
5. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a vibrant city renowned for its stunning vineyards, producing some of the world’s most delectable wines. It’s also home to a UNESCO-listed medieval village and some beautiful beaches. With so much to see and do in Bordeaux, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on your weekend trip.
Begin your day at Place de la Victoire, which sits along the southern end of Rue Sainte Catherine, Bordeaux’s shopping street. The impressive square features an 18th-century arc and a marble obelisk. Next, stroll through the charming neighbourhood of Saint Michel. Check out attractions like the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint Michel and the Saint Michel bell tower.
If you’ve built up an appetite after strolling around, head to The Capucins, the city’s busiest food market, which offers everything, from stalls of fruits and vegetables to restaurants and cafes. The market is the best place to sample local delicacies, such as oysters, sheep cheeses, and duck products.
Watch this video to learn more tips:
To Conclude…
Looking for a luxurious and fun-filled long weekend in France? Look no further! France’s diverse landscapes offer an array of choices for your getaway. Whether you’re drawn to romantic escapades or historic sites, lavender fields or snowy peaks, France has something to captivate you. So, pack your bags and prepare for a fabulous journey through our selection of France’s best destinations for a long luxury weekend. From Normandy’s diverse terrains to Bordeaux’s vineyards and beaches, France invites you to indulge in a whirlwind of beauty, history, and exquisite experiences!
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