6 must-visit cities in France

France is, without a doubt, one of the most visited countries in Europe! Brazilians love Paris, and for good reason, the French capital is incredibly charming! However, the country has many other interesting destinations. With that in mind, I decided to write this post listing 6 must-visit cities in France!

Before I tell you which cities are unmissable to visit in France, here's some good news: Brazilians do not need a visa to travel in the country and can stay for up to 90 days. You just need to have a few mandatory documents on hand, such as a return flight ticket, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, proof of accommodation, and financial means.

Must-visit cities in France

If you’re thinking about dedicating a few days to exploring only France, know that it’s an excellent idea! Below, you’ll see how France is much more than just Paris and start falling in love with the rest of the country!

Biarritz

Biarritz is a charming city! It’s a seaside resort frequented by people from various social classes and nationalities, it’s common to hear people speaking French, Spanish, Basque, and English.

Location: Southwest France (very close to the Spanish border). It’s located 780 km from Paris and 500 km from Madrid, and is easily accessible by land transport.

Reasons to visit: Its beautiful beaches; the tranquility of a small town; and the charm of a destination that blends French and Spanish characteristics.

How many days to stay: It depends on the time of year. If visiting in the summer and you enjoy water sports, I suggest 4 days. In cooler seasons, 2 days will suffice.

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third most visited tourist attraction in France, behind only the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.

Location: Located in the Normandy region, 365 km from Paris.

Reasons to visit: The main reason to visit is Mont Saint Michel itself, which was built on rocks at the edge of the bay.

How many days to stay: 2 days is enough. If you’re in Paris, you can spend one night there! I don’t recommend doing it as a day trip, as it’s very rushed and the location is even more charming at night.

Chamonix

Third on my list of 6 must-visit cities in France is Chamonix! A charming and romantic destination that attracts tourists all year round.

Where it is located: situated in the southeast of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right on the border with Italy. It is 680 km from Paris, 300 km from Zurich, and 240 km from Milan.

Reasons to visit: the main attraction is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Those who visit Chamonix go to enjoy the snow and the charm of the French Alps.

How many days to stay: at least 2 days. But if you visit during the months of December to March and want to practice snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding, I suggest staying longer.

Loire Valley

It’s not a city, but rather a region known as the “Garden of France.” Like Mont Saint Michel, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cities that make up the Loire Valley are Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Nantes, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours.

Where it is located: located in the central region of France, 200 km south of Paris.

Reasons to visit: Château de Chambord and Château d'Amboise (the region has numerous castles), delicious wines, beautiful historic cities, and proximity to Paris.

How many days to stay: at least 3 days to see the basics.

Annecy

It is known as the "Little Venice," being a very picturesque town. It is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the countryside and visit a place without many Brazilian tourists.

Where it is: located in the southeast of the country and, just like Chamonix, very close to the Italian border. In fact, if you want to visit Chamonix on the same trip, it’s a great idea, since it's only 100 km from Annecy.

Reasons to visit: the charm and beauty of the countryside, its little houses built along the canals. Peace and tranquility.

How many days to stay: the town is small, and it’s possible to explore it in one day. But to enjoy all its charm, I recommend spending a night there, especially if it's a romantic trip.

Paris

Of course, Paris couldn’t be left out of the list of 6 must-visit cities in France! The city is one of the most important in Europe! It’s a financial and gastronomic hub, in addition to being charming and romantic!

Where it is: located in the northern part of France, it’s easily accessible, including direct flights from Brazil! From Paris to Brussels it's 315km, and from Paris to London it's 460km, which can be traveled by car, bus, or train.

Reasons to visit: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Euro Disney, among others! There are so many reasons that it’s hard to sum them all up! But generally, those who choose to visit Paris do so for the city's fame and charm!

How many days to stay: the city is huge and has many attractions! I suggest setting aside at least 4 days to see the basics of Paris. These 4 days already include time to visit the beautiful Palace of Versailles. If you want to visit Disneyland Paris, I suggest adding one more day to your itinerary.

These are my suggestions of 6 must-visit cities in France! I hope you enjoyed it and feel inspired to visit at least two of them! If you have any suggestions, tips, or questions, leave your comment below! It will be a pleasure to read and respond to you!

See you soon!