Staying in France by Region
Best Regions to Visit in France (and Stay a While)
France isn’t just a wonderful country to visit, it’s also an incredible place to stay for a while. Whether you’re planning a trip, dreaming about slow travel, or wondering what it might be like to live here for a season, understanding the different regions of France can help you decide where to explore first.
When I first started travelling through France, I quickly realised the magic of this country lies in its diversity. No two regions feel the same. Each has its own pace of life, landscapes, food traditions, and culture, which is why choosing the best regions to visit in France can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming.
Map of the Regions of France
France is divided into 13 mainland regions, each with its own landscapes, culture, and food traditions. From the Atlantic coast to the Alps and the Mediterranean, understanding where each region sits on the map makes planning your trip much easier.
If you want to dive deeper into the geography and culture of each region, the official France tourism guide offers helpful overviews and travel resources.
Regions of France
Each region of France has its own personality. Some are famous for wine and food, others for coastlines, mountains, or storybook villages. Below you’ll find a quick introduction to several of the regions that travellers and long-stay visitors often fall in love with.
Normandy, France
From the windswept cliffs of Étretat to the half-timbered towns of Honfleur and Rouen, Normandy, France is a region steeped in history and charm. It’s a place where medieval streets meet Impressionist landscapes and bustling markets sit just a short drive from peaceful beaches. Whether you come for the food, the art, or the stories etched into its coastline, Normandy invites you to linger.
Brittany, France
With its Celtic soul, rugged coastline, and legends whispered by the sea, Brittany, France feels like a world apart. Think colourful fishing villages, dramatic lighthouses and galettes washed down with cider in a harbour café. It’s wild, welcoming and a little untamed – perfect for travellers who love their adventures with a touch of ruggedness.
Centre-Val de Loire (Loire Valley), France
Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is where fairy-tale castles, manicured gardens and rolling riverside villages create pure storybook magic. Wander through Renaissance châteaux, sip crisp white wines, and cycle along leafy riverbanks, every turn feels timeless. This region is perfect if you dream of mixing a little grandeur with your slow travel.
Uncover de Loire →
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
From the medieval lanes of Dordogne to the elegance of Bordeaux, France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a region that offers both rustic charm and cosmopolitan flair. It’s a vast and wonderfully varied region.You’ll find vibrant markets, Romanesque villages, and vineyards stretching to the horizon, not to mention the Atlantic coast just waiting for a seaside stroll. It’s France at its most abundant – and delightfully varied.
Occitanie, France
Sun-soaked and full of contrasts, Occitanie, France stretches from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees. Here you can wander Roman amphitheatres in Nîmes, stroll medieval streets in Carcassonne, or sip wine in a sleepy village square. And don’t forget its capital city, Toulouse, one of my personal favourite cities in France. It’s a region where history, mountains, and sea all meet – and it rewards travellers who like to explore at their own pace.
COMING SOON Discover Occitanie →
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Sun-drenched and effortlessly cinematic, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur blends sea, stone, and sophistication. Explore the vibrant port of Marseille, swim beneath the cliffs of Cassis, linger over coffee in elegant Aix-en-Provence, or wander the dramatic hilltop lanes of Les Baux-de-Provence. It’s a region of Mediterranean light and timeless villages, perfect for travellers who like their days warm, beautiful, and a little bit indulgent.
COMING SOON Discover Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Grand Est, France
Bordering Germany and Switzerland, the Grand Est blends French elegance with a touch of Germanic charm. Think half-timbered Alsace villages, Champagne houses, and Christmas markets that sparkle through the winter. Whether you’re sipping bubbly in Reims or wandering cobbled streets in Colmar, this region feels festive year-round and endlessly inviting.
Coming Soon Explore Grand Est
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
For lovers of wine, abbeys, and pastoral charm, the Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) countryside is a dream. Don’t forget to explore cities such as Dijon and Besançon which are so charming and authentic. Smaller towns like Dole, the Little Venice of Jura, are so worth visiting and are only a couple hours from Paris by a TGV train ride.
COMING SOON Explore Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Stretching from the volcanic hills of Auvergne to the snow-capped Alps, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France is a region of dramatic landscapes and vibrant cities. Its capital, Lyon, is celebrated for exceptional food, lively markets, and a beautifully preserved old town. Between mountain villages, alpine lakes, and world-class cuisine, this region blends outdoor adventure with rich French culture.
COMING SOON Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Île-de-France
At the heart of the country, Île-de-France, France is home to Paris and some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Beyond the capital’s grand boulevards and museums, the region offers elegant châteaux, historic towns, and peaceful countryside just a short train ride away. It’s a place where royal history, art, and everyday French life intertwine, making it a fascinating region to explore beyond the city itself.
Coming Soon Île-de-France
Hauts-de-France
Often overlooked by international travellers, Hauts-de-France, France quietly charms with its windswept coastline, historic towns, and warm northern spirit. From the elegant squares of Lille to the dramatic cliffs along the Opal Coast, this region blends Flemish architecture, rich history, and hearty cuisine. It’s a place where culture, countryside, and sea meet, rewarding those who venture a little further north.
COMING SOON Hauts-de-France
Corsica
Rising from the Mediterranean like a mountain in the sea, Corsica, France is one of the country’s most striking and distinctive regions. Rugged peaks, turquoise coves, and hilltop villages create landscapes that feel both wild and timeless. With its strong local identity and endless coastal views, Corsica offers a slower island rhythm perfect for travellers who love nature and beauty.
Coming Soon Corsica
How to Choose Your Perfect French Region
One of the joys of travelling in France is that every region has its own rhythm of life. Choosing where to go isn’t about finding the “best” place, it’s about discovering the places that feel right to you. If you are wondering how to find the perfect town fo ryou
Luckily, many regions are easily reached by France’s high-speed TGV train network, which connects cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, and Strasbourg to Paris in just a few hours.
Some travellers fall in love with lively historic cities or vineyard landscapes and others with seaside villages. If you’re considering spending more than a few days somewhere, even a week or two, the region you choose will shape your experience.
Think of it like pairing wine with food, every option is good, but some will suit you perfectly.
Here’s a little inspiration to help you decide:
- Food & Wine Lovers
- Sip your way through Bordeaux, France in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, savour vintages in Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), or taste crisp whites in the Loire Valley.
- History Buffs
- Walk the D-Day beaches of Normandy, explore medieval castles in the Centre-Val de Loire, or wander Roman ruins in Occitanie.
- Nature Seekers
- Hike the cliffs of Brittany, drift along the Dordogne in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, or lose yourself in the colourful landscapes of Alsace in Grand Est.
- Slow Travel Enthusiasts
- Spend mornings in Provençal markets, summer afternoons in Dordogne exploring medieval villages and evenings with a glass of Champagne in Reims.
Looking for a special town to call home for longer than a few days?
Take a look at my article The Most Beautiful Towns in France to Experience Real Life, where staying longer lets you see a completely different side of France.
FAQ – France by Region
What are the regions of France?
France is divided into 13 mainland regions and 5 overseas regions. Each has its own character, traditions, and landscapes.
Mainland regions:
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (Burgundy)
Brittany (Bretagne)
Centre-Val de Loire (Loire Valley)
Corsica (Corse)
Grand Est (Alsace, Champagne, Lorraine)
Hauts-de-France
Île-de-France (Paris region)
Normandy (Normandie)
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (includes Bordeaux & Dordogne)
Occitanie (Mediterranean & Pyrenees)
Pays de la Loire
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Provence, French Riviera)
Overseas regions:
Guadeloupe
Martinique
French Guiana (Guyane)
Réunion
Mayotte
Together, they showcase the incredible diversity of France — from Alpine peaks to Atlantic beaches, Provençal markets to Parisian boulevards.
Which region of France is best to visit first?
That depends on how you’re planning to get around. If you’re renting a car, then France is your oyster – you’ll have the freedom to wander into villages, countryside lanes and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains don’t reach.
But if you’re sticking with public transportation and flying into Paris, the Loire Valley is a wonderful first choice, with castles and gardens just a few hours away by train and the different cities and towns are easy to visit from each other by public transportation. You could also start in one of the bigger cities easily reached by the TGV high-speed train — places like Bordeaux, Lyon, or Strasbourg are perfect gateways for a first trip beyond Paris.
What is the most beautiful region in France?
Beauty in France is wonderfully subjective – it really depends on what makes your heart skip a beat. If you love colourful half-timbered villages, then Alsace in Grand Est will sweep you away. For rolling hills, vineyards, and a golden countryside glow, Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) is hard to beat. Prefer dramatic coastlines? Head to Brittany or Normandy. And if sunshine, lavender and olive groves are your idea of beauty, then Provence, France will feel like paradise. In truth, every region has its own kind of magic – which is why I can never pick just one… well maybe Alsace stole my heart a bit ;).
Which regions are best for slow travel in France?
To be honest all of France is well suited to slow travel, as it’s just a way of life here. For me though, slow travel is all about mornings at the market, afternoons wandering cobblestone streets and evenings lingering over a glass of wine and some regions are made for that rhythm more than others. In Provence, France, time seems to stretch with lavender fields and long lunches. Nouvelle-Aquitaine invites you to drift between Dordogne villages and the vineyards of Bordeaux. In Occitanie, you can balance Roman ruins with Mediterranean sunsets. And in Alsace (Grand Est), half-timbered towns and vineyard walks make it easy to wander without rushing. These are places where the joy is in the lingering, not the ticking off.
Which region of France is best for expats or long stays?
It really depends on the kind of life you’re hoping to create. Some people prefer regions with established expat communities, while others are drawn to places where everyday French life unfolds more quietly. You might be dreaming of city living with culture and cafés at every corner, or a slower pace in the countryside. Mountains, coastline, vineyards, or rolling farmland all offer very different lifestyles. The best region for you will come down to the rhythm of life that feels most like home.
Looking for the perfect town for yourself. Read my choose your own adventure style article “Why the Most Beautiful Towns in France Feel So Captivating (And How to Find Your Perfect One)” to find out what kind of town suits you.