12 Charming French Weekend Getaways You’ll Want To Book Right Now
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Looking to spice up your weekends in France? This country offers a wide variety of weekend getaways that promise both relaxation and adventure.
From medieval hilltop villages and coastal gems to historical cities, each destination offers a unique experience. But which French destinations are great for a weekend getaway? This is what we show you in this article.
Our goal is to save you from the boredom of spending your weekend on the couch binge-watching or partying in the same city over and over. We want you to go out there and experience the other side of France. This is why we show you French destinations you can easily access and explore in just two days.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic getaway, a cultural exploration, or a scenic retreat, these 12 locations are perfect for a refreshing weekend. So, pack light and get ready to discover the best of France in just a couple of days.
Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Annecy is a picturesque city known for Lake Annecy and the surrounding French Alps. The canals winding through its medieval old town make it even more beautiful. Annecy is an ideal weekend destination offering a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.
Besides, it is a pretty compact city that you can easily explore on foot. You will also like the fact that Annecy is well connected by train and road from other major cities like Geneva, Lyon or Paris.
You can walk around, swim or boat to Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. Then, explore Old Town for a dose of the city’s rich history. Don’t miss out on the 12th-century Annecy Castle. You could also head out to the Alps for hiking adventures. Whether you want to relax or get active, Annecy delivers.
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Strasbourg, Alsace
In less than two hours on a train from Paris, you will be in Strasbourg for a weekend full of beautiful scenery and rich history. This city, the capital of the Alsace region, is known for its unique blend of French and German influences, including architecture, culture, and cuisine. Lying on the French-German border is truly an amazing way to get a dose of both worlds.
Some unmissable points of interest include the medieval half-timbered houses, the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral, and the picturesque La Petite neighborhood in France. Strasbourg is also pretty compact, so you can easily explore on foot or bike for an active weekend.
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Avignon, Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur
Avignon is a historical city in southeastern France famous for being the seat of the Catholic popes in the 14th century. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where the popes resided, is one of Europe’s largest Gothic buildings and the main attraction in Avignon.
Beyond the Palace of the Popes, you will also like the city’s scenic setting along the Rhone. You can just walk along the river’s promenade, soaking in the peaceful vibes.
Other unmissable landmarks in this city include Pont d’Avignon, a half-standing bridge which floods have washed much of over the centuries; the 12th century Avignon Cathedral, which is adjacent to the Palace of the Popes; and Place de l’Horloge, the city’s main square, perfect for sampling cafes and local eateries.
Avignon has something to offer, whether you are a history buff or a lover of arts and culture.
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Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Wine lovers looking for a quick getaway in France would love Bordeaux. This city is known for its elegant 18th-century architecture and its historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can visit Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux’s main square, known for its classical architecture; La Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to the city’s wine heritage; and the 12th-century Saint-André Cathedral, a massive cathedral known for its unique Gothic design.
You can cruise on the Garonne River or head out to the vineyards and wineries for some adventures.
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Saint-Malo, Brittany
Consider Saint-Malo for a weekend of seaside relaxation. This port city is known for its walled citadel, rich maritime heritage, and stunning location along the English Channel. It is also a great destination for beach and seafood lovers. Besides, Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic landmarks, is not far from Saint-Malo. You could quickly drive or take a bus to this remarkable site.
Make time for the Walled City (Intra-Muros), Saint Vincent Cathedral, and Fort National in Saint-Malo. The city is also home to several lovely beaches. The most famous, Plage du Sillon, is a vast stretch of golden sand perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
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Nimes, Occitanie
Dubbed “the French Rome,” Nimes is a historical city that boasts some of the best ancient Roman monuments outside Italy. Some of the most notable Roman architecture in the town include Nîmes Arena and the Maison Carrée.
With its compact size, you can easily explore its Roman monuments, stroll through charming streets, and enjoy the local cuisine within a couple of days. Also, from Nimes, you could quickly head out to explore Pont du Gard, one of the best-standing Roman aqueducts. You can visit the site, hike in the surrounding area, and even swim in the river below the aqueduct.
If you have the time and the opportunity, attend a concert in the arena, climb the Tour Magne for panoramic views of the city, or sample local specialties like brandade de morue (salt cod and olive oil spread) and gardiane de taureau (bull stew).
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Carcassonne, Occitanie
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Visiting Carcassonne feels like stepping into a medieval storybook. This city is known for its medieval fortifications, which are some of the best preserved in Europe. The star attraction is the Cité de Carcassonne, a breathtaking medieval fortress with 52 towers and a double-walled rampart.
When visiting, explore the Château Comtal, Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and Portes Narbonnaises, all of which are parts of the Cité de Carcassonne. You could also stroll along River Aude and soak in its serenity or head out to the nearby Canal du Midi, one of the most picturesque waterways in France.
With its historical and fairytale experiences, Carasaconne draws millions of tourists every year. Luckily, Carcassonne is also very compact. In two days, you can explore the fortress, enjoy the stunning views, and immerse yourself in medieval history. The city also offers great food, charming accommodations, and nearby attractions such as vineyards and the Canal du Midi.
Lastly, make sure to stroll around the city at night. Seeing the ancient walls and towers beautifully illuminated makes for a memorable experience.
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Reims, Grand Est
For a relaxing and culturally enriching weekend, head out to Reims. This city perfectly blends history, scenic beauty, and leisure. Known as the “City of Kings,” Reims has long been associated with the French monarchy, as it was the traditional coronation site for French kings. The city is also famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, notably the Notre Dame Cathedral of Reims, recognized as one of the country’s most magnificent cathedrals. This cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where 33 of the French Kings were crowned.
Beyond the cathedral, you can explore the Palace of Tau and Saint-Remi Basilica, other amazing places to soak in Reims’s rich history. Don’t miss out on the Gallo-Roman Cryptoporticus. This underground gallery dates back to the Roman era and was also part of the Roman forum that once stood in Reims.
Being part of the Champagne wine region means endless wine-tasting opportunities in Reims. If you are a wine lover, make some time for the cellars scattered throughout the city and the surrounding countryside. The best part is, you can drive or take a train to Reims in under 2 hours from Paris.
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Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is another perfect weekend getaway destination. Often referred to as the culinary capital of France, Lyon is home to some of the country’s finest restaurants, known for offering a taste of authentic French cuisine.
This city is also notable for its stunning architecture, with two of its districts, Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) and Presqu’île, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
When in Lyon, you can explore ancient Roman ruins, marvel at Renaissance architecture, and indulge in world-class cuisine. Some notable landmarks worth your time in this city include Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, Place des Terreaux, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, and Parc de la Tête d’Or.
It is important to note that Lyon is beautifully situated between the Rhône and the Saône. You can take a relaxing boat cruise along the rivers to see the city differently. The best part? You can access Geneva and Paris within 2 hours from Lyon.
It is a great destination for a weekend, but don’t be surprised if you decide to stay a little longer.
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Castellane, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Castellane, nestled along the banks of the Verdon River, is the perfect gateway to the Verdon Gorge. If you are a nature enthusiast, your trip to France is never complete without visiting Verdon Gorge.
Castellane is a charming medieval town with narrow streets, old stone buildings, and a stunning natural backdrop. The city is dominated by the dramatic Notre-Dame du Roc, a chapel perched on a rock offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The combination of Castellane’s historic charm and proximity to Verdon Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Europe.”, makes this destination irresistible. You can head out to the gorge for hiking, kayaking, rafting, and rock climbing. You can also relax in the town and enjoy the beautiful and calm surroundings.
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Colmar, Alsace
Colmar holds a solid spot in any list of the most beautiful towns in France. It is known for its beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, charming half-timbered houses, and flower-lined canals. Come ready with your camera, as every turn you take in Colmar will be picture-perfect.
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Start by exploring La Petite Venise (Little Venice), a network of canals lined with colorful half-timbered houses reminiscent of Venice. You can take a boat ride or walk along the narrow streets. Other noteworthy spots in the city include the Unterlinden Museum, Saint Martin’s Church, and Maison Pfister. You could also just walk around Old Town (Vieille Ville), marveling at the 16th-century buildings; it is an experience in itself.
Colmar is also known for producing Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. If you have more time, you can visit some wineries to sample the wines directly from the source.
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Èze, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Èze is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the irresistible charm of beautiful French villages. Luckily, it is located less than 30 minutes from Nice, so you can easily drive there or take a short train ride to visit Nice. This medieval village is located on a hilltop, nearly 1,410 feet (430 meters) above sea level, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The village is famous for its well-preserved medieval buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. For your exploration, explore the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, Èze Old Town, Nietzsche’s Path (Chemin de Nietzsche) and Èze Church (Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption). Whether you are looking for stunning scenery, historic charm, or relaxation opportunities, Èze will not disappoint you.
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