Bonjour From France: Where to Stay for a Dose of Joie de Vivre

France is one of those places that seems to have it all: iconic cities, mouthwatering cuisine, rich cultural heritage and picture-perfect landscapes. Those looking for a city break can’t go wrong with a trip to Paris. But France is so much more than its famous capital. It has everything from serene countryside dotted with romantic castles to magnificent panoramas of towering snowy peaks. Choosing somewhere to base yourself can be difficult, but luckily our travel experts at Plum Guide have put together this guide to where to stay in France so that you don’t miss out on any of the experiences this country has to offer. Keep reading for our top recommendations.

Explore our collection of homes in France.

What would a list of where to stay in France be without Paris? Its capital is one of the most famous cities in the world, a bucket-list destination known for its striking architecture, rich history and romantic atmosphere. Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without taking snaps of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Champs-Elysees. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet away from the jostling tourist crowds, the city has plenty of stunning parks and gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuileries Gardens, which are ideal for taking a breather.

For culture vultures, nowhere else offers an incredible array of world-renowned museums and art galleries. Paris also has a rich theatre scene with top-class performance venues such as the Opéra Garnier, the Théâtre du Châtelet and the Comédie-Française. Meanwhile, gourmands will be in their element as the city is known for its culinary culture. It’s home to some of the best restaurants in the world, from Michelin-starred fine dining to cosy bistros serving traditional French classics.

In Paris for a romantic occasion? There are plenty of things for you and your other half to do. Get lost in the narrow lanes and charming courtyards of the Latin Quarter or the Marais, or take in the mesmerising views from Montmartre Hill. Sail down the Seine at sunset for an unforgettable way to see the city before raising a toast with a glass of red on a rooftop bar.

See more of this home.

Discover our range of Airbnb alternatives in France.

Also known as the Côte d’Azur, France’s south coast is one of the country’s most popular places. Stretching from the Cassis commune in the west to the town of Menton on the French-Italian border, its coastline is packed with lively towns and cities, each offering visitors something different. Want to rub shoulders with A-listers? Glamorous Cannes is the place to stay. For golden beaches and glittering blue waters, Nice is rather nice. Meanwhile, Antibes offers a lovely blend of history and modernity.

But the beaches aren’t the only attraction here, with plenty of things to keep you entertained when you’re not sunbathing on the sand. The Riviera’s scenery has long attracted artists like Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Van Gogh, and art lovers can spend time in attractions like the Musée Picasso, Musée Matisse and the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Those keen to get outdoors can make the most of the Mediterranean weather and take on the many hiking trails in the region. Mercantour National Park, the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, the Var Valley or the Vésubie Valley all offer countless walking, cycling and horse riding opportunities. This wonderful hinterland is also home to verdant vineyards which produce exquisite reds, whites and rosés from grapes ripened by the Mediterranean sun. Some of our favourite wineries to visit are Château de Brégançon, Château Paquette and the Clos des Roses Vineyard.

See more of this home.

Book a villa in France.

For a peaceful getaway in nature, look no further than Landes. This region in southwestern France comprises pristine forests, scenic lakes like Site d’Arjuzanx, over 100 kilometres of stunning coastline, and vibrant seaside resorts and heritage towns to stay in.

As well as water sports down at the beaches, there are also numerous opportunities for outdoor activities inland, with over 300 kilometres of cycle paths and endless walking trails. The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park is one of the best spots. Its diverse terrain covers pine-forested areas, sunny stretches of coastline and marshland teeming with wildlife – as you explore, keep an eye out for European badgers, pheasants, stags and otters.

If you can’t get enough of the awe-inspiring nature around you, another must-visit is the Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve, where the River Huchet flows from Lake Leon down to the coast through lush and tropical vegetation. Take a relaxing row boat tour along the river to admire the views of the surrounding marshes and sand-dune-covered coast.

Explore this home.

Find the perfect luxury vacation rental in France.

When it comes to where to stay in France for a unique getaway, it doesn’t get better than Corsica. This mountainous Mediterranean island is one of the most spectacular places on Earth, boasting pristine forests, idyllic beaches, azure waters, lush valleys and quaint villages. It may be part of France, but its local culture, cuisine, music and language sets it apart from the mainland.

All around the island are old towns so attractive that you’ll have difficulty deciding which one to stay in. Perched on a clifftop, Porto-Vecchio offers ancient streets, a 16th-century fortification and a bustling harbour. In Calvi, relax on the moon-shaped bay and dine in upmarket brasseries, while in Bonifacio, you can escape the crowds and get the sunset views all to yourself from the medieval clifftop citadel.

Whether you’re travelling solo, in a couple or with the family, there is no shortage of things to do on the island. Getting outdoors in nature is one of its main appeals, whether you’re seeking exciting days out hiking and canyoning or prefer to take it easy with snorkelling and sunbathing. Scandola Nature Reserve is home to some of the unique sights on the island. Take various mountain trails, or trek through lush forests and scenic coastlines. Celebrating a special occasion? Hop aboard a boat and sail along the coast, viewing the red granite cliffs that soar majestically above the sea.

Discover our range of monthly rentals in France.

Also known as Périgord, this region in south-west France doesn’t see as many international visitors as other parts of the country. It’s a surprise as the area has so much to offer, from medieval villages and castles to stunning caves and idyllic surroundings. With the River Dordogne running through it, the region’s natural landscapes are its main draw, and lush forests, rolling hills and dramatic cliffs characterise the surrounding valley. There are plenty of medieval clifftop villages to stay in, including Beynac-et-Cazenac, Rocamadour (just outside the Dordogne region) and La Roque-Gageac. Each has its unique charm and offers the perfect location to unwind and enjoy a slower pace while indulging in local specialities like truffles and foie gras.

With a nickname like ‘Land of 1001 Castles’, it wouldn’t be a trip to Dordogne without visiting its grand chateaus, which allow you to step back in time and discover the region’s fascinating history. One of the most famous is the Château de Beynac, home to ancient artefacts, including rare 15th-century frescoes – we recommend visiting at sunset for breathtaking views of the river at golden hour. Another famous attraction in the Dordogne is the Lascaux caves, home to some of the world’s most significant prehistoric art. Anyone interested in history should take a guided tour to see the intriguing paintings and learn about the region’s early inhabitants.

Explore this home.

Take a look at our selection of short-stay rentals in France.

Looking to escape to the mountains? On the border with Switzerland and Italy, the alpine wonderland of Haute-Savoie is a splendid place with jaw-dropping mountain scenery and picture-perfect towns and villages.

Haute-Savoie is an ideal year-round destination, where you can enjoy snow sports in the winter and hiking, cycling, rock climbing and watersports during the summer months. It’s a diverse region, with something different to experience in every corner. In the south-west you have the gorgeous town of Annecy with its picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Annecy. Elsewhere along the lake are the lovely villages of Talloires, Menthon Saint Bernard and Veyrier du Lac. Venture south, and you’ll arrive at the steep forested slopes of the northern part of the Natural Regional Park of the Massif des Bauges.

In the north of the region are the towns and villages along the southern shores of Lake Geneva, which partly lies within France. Some of the highlights here include Evian les Bains (famous for its bottled water), Thonon les Bains and the village of Yvoire, which is widely thought to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The centre, south and east of the Haute-Savoie are more mountainous, home to the region’s most famous landmark and the highest peak in the Alps, the majestic Mont Blanc. There are many ski resorts in the area, including Chamonix, Avoriaz, Morzine, Megeve and Saint Gervais, all of which offer excellent skiing and 360-degree views.

Explore our collection of homes in France.