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As many French people like to say: France is not Paris. I couldn’t agree more. Besides the famous City of Light, France has a thousand and one other places where you can dream, enjoy, eat, drink, admire, and laugh.
In this article, I’ll share some unmissable spots in this country so rich in history, architecture, and art. And for the cover photo, I’m thrilled to present one of my favorite travelers, with whom I’ve been working for ten years now—and in a world full of coincidences, her name is the same as mine: Mónica. On this trip, she rediscovered Paris (perhaps for the fifth time), and for the first time, explored the beautiful French Provence with its vineyards and medieval villages.
Just as I love crafting experiences in my beautiful Peru—the country where I was born and lived for 36 years—it’s equally exciting to plan trips to my second home: lovely France, where I’ve now lived for over a year and where every place visited is a treat for the senses.
So, where shall we begin?
The marvelous castles of the Loire Valley.
They transported me straight into fairy tales full of knights, maidens, and dragons. We started with Villandry and its stunning gardens. I lost count of how many sighs they stole from me—just as Versailles and Giverny did too, both near Paris, where you can also visit Claude Monet’s house.
Chenonceau. As you approach, you’ll see its perfect arches rising over the river Cher, with the castle reflected in the water below… A masterpiece.
The jewel of Renaissance architecture: the magnificent Chambord. This castle didn’t need gardens or elegant arches to make a statement. I still remember the feeling I had when I first saw it: overwhelming in the best possible way. I can only imagine what it must have looked like centuries ago, deep in the forest, proclaiming the power of the French crown. That’s Chambord.
Leaving the Loire and heading further south, we arrive in the enchanting French Provence.
Just thinking about the trip makes me smile instantly. If the Loire Valley is all about the Renaissance, Provence transports you straight to the Middle Ages. That’s the magic of France: each region is ruled by an era that sweeps you back in time. There are countless little towns, and of course, the most famous ones will always be there—like Gordes, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Beautiful and magnificent, no doubt. But if I can give you one tip: don’t stick only to the best-known spots. Dare to explore the lesser-known corners—that’s where the true magic lies.
What I did was simply look at the map, and every time we neared a village, we made a stop to discover it at our own pace. I was always pleasantly surprised: empty little streets (even in high season), centuries-old solid wooden doors, stone arches and bridges surrounded by peaceful countryside.
Pro tip: If you go during lavender season (late June to late July), the experience will be even more special.
It’s impossible to talk about French Provence without mentioning the incomparable Arles. This city has it all: Roman ruins including an amphitheater, a coliseum, and underground galleries (cryptoporticus). Here you have the luxury of admiring the very same landscapes that inspired the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh. This was one of my dreams before visiting Arles: to walk the same paths he did. The garden of the hospital where he was admitted, or the banks of the Rhône imagining his magnificent Starry Night, or wandering through the Alyscamps (a Roman necropolis) trying to feel the peace and stillness he might have felt as he painted. If you’re a lover of art and history, Arles is a must.
Avignon: former Papal seat. With the Saint Bénezet bridge (famous from the children’s song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”), the city walls, and of course, the magnificent Gothic Palais des Papes.
Then there’s Aix-en-Provence, a small city with the charm of a village that happily remains intact. It has markets almost every day of the week: flower markets, flea markets, antiques, fresh produce, artisans… This is pure Provençal living—slow walks, shopping with your basket in hand, greeting neighbors with a cheerful Bonjour!
I can’t end this little travel tale without mentioning two wonderful Atlantic regions I also visited:
The rugged beauty of Brittany.
This strong, striking region is defined by its vivid seas, wild landscapes with stones, hills, and cliffs—a completely different kind of charm. And it makes sense: they are the proud descendants of the Celts.
Must-try! You simply have to taste the real crêpe here: caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel). Believe me, it’s paradise on earth. Eating one by the Atlantic, with a jacket shielding you from the breeze while the sun slowly warms you before nightfall… to me, it’s one of the most beautiful feelings of everyday life in Brittany.
Normandy, once home to the Vikings who came ashore in France.
This region also boasts breathtaking landscapes and deep historical significance. Take Omaha Beach, for instance, where the D-Day landings took place during World War II. Today, you’ll find museums, memorials, and remnants of fortifications—a deeply reflective experience.
If we go a bit further back in time (back to the medieval era), we arrive at the astounding abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. It’s a place you must see to feel its magic as you climb the narrow streets to the summit. Winding alleys, sun-dappled corners, shadowed paths—you truly feel like you’re traveling through time, imagining what it must have been like to live in those days and places.
And how could we not talk about the famous bubbles: Champagne and Picardy.
Yes, you read that right: the region of Picardy includes a small area officially authorized to produce Champagne. But even without that detail, it needs no introduction. Many of us are in love with this drink, which evokes history, tradition, celebration, and meticulous craftsmanship. Visiting the Champagne houses, touring their cellars and vineyards, learning about the methods and what makes each label unique—it’s an experience many overlook when visiting the land of Champagne.
I highly recommend adding this region to your trip, especially its magnificent capital, Reims, home to none other than the cathedral where 33 French kings were crowned.
And as a final anecdote, let’s remember what one of Louis XV’s lovers, Madame de Pompadour, once said: “Champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it.” Of course, nowadays—best enjoyed in moderation.
France is a country that never ceases to amaze me. I still have so much to discover. Next on the list: Bordeaux, Dijon, Toulouse, and Carcassonne. I’ll be sure to share more!
Warm regards,
Mónica