Top 10 Destinations for A Weekend Getaway in France | Most Read Blog

If you’re thinking about spending a weekend in France, you’re in the right spot!

France has many wonderful places to visit. You can enjoy romantic cities, historic sites, lavender fields, or even ski resorts. So, picking where to go for a weekend can be tricky.

Don’t worry!!!

We have gathered some top recommendations from travel bloggers who believe these spots are perfect for a weekend getaway.

We are sure you’ll find a destination that makes you want to go on vacation right away!

1. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming and romantic city in France. It’s a great place for a weekend visit, and you might even want to stay longer to explore more of its beauty.

Strasbourg is in the Alsace region, near the German border, so you can see both French and German influences here. In the old town, there are cute houses with wooden beams, while the Neustadt area has a mix of German-style buildings.

The best time to visit is around Christmas, in December, when the city hosts one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe. Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas because of its magical decorations, mulled wine, and local treats throughout the city.

Besides the Christmas market, Strasbourg is a great place to visit any time of the year. You should see the Gothic Cathedral, which is one of the most impressive buildings you’ll ever see. You can also enjoy a romantic walk around the Grande Île, visit museums, go up the Barrage Vauban for great views, and try local dishes like crêpes and Flammkuchen.

It is a must-visit destination for a weekend getaway. A good place to stay is Okko Hotels Strasbourg, which is close to the city center and located at the renovated old harbor.

2. Lyon

Lyon is a great place to visit in France, especially if you like sunny weather. It has a lot of history and interesting things to see, so a weekend trip would be perfect.

One must-see is the Basilique Notre Dame de la Fourvière. This beautiful white church is on a hill and gives you an amazing view of the city.

Another fun activity is exploring Vieux Lyon. There are hidden passages called traboules behind some doors. They are secret pathways that take you away from the busy streets.

You can also check out some Roman ruins, like the ancient theatre of Lugdunum and its museum. If history isn’t your thing, look for the amazing murals around the city. These paintings look so real, they might surprise you!

Lyon is a fantastic place to visit, especially in warmer seasons. A great hotel to stay at is Okko Hotels Lyon. This hotel makes you feel special and is conveniently located in the city center.

3. Luberon

A weekend in central Provence is unforgettable. It’s the perfect amount of time to see the beautiful hilltop villages of the Luberon and the lovely lavender fields you’ll pass by while driving from one village to another. You’ll need a car because public transportation isn’t reliable here. Avignon, a city 45 minutes away, has a TGV train station and car rental options.

The Luberon is beautiful all year. Winter can be cold and windy, but there are fewer people. Summer has many activities and more tourists. June is the best time to see lavender in full bloom and enjoy pleasant weather. Autumn is great too, though the lavender is not at its best.

Some popular villages to visit are:

Ansouis: Known for its famous château.

Gordes: Famous for its hilltop view and stone buildings.

Lourmarin: Has quirky streets and shops.

Ménerbes: Popular with artists and known from Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence.

Roussillon: Famous for its colorful ochre hills and houses.

Each village is a great base for exploring. Gordes is a favorite, especially with its Tuesday morning market and hotels ranging from luxury to affordable Airbnbs.

Food in Gordes can be expensive, with many top chefs living there. Enjoy a drink with a view at the Cercle Républicain on Place du Château, then consider dining at a smaller village or countryside restaurant for better prices.

4. Dijon

Dijon is a great place for a weekend trip from Paris. It’s about 1.5 hours southeast of Paris by train. Dijon is charming with its old buildings and delicious food, and it’s the capital of Burgundy.

Burgundy is famous for its wine, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You can visit the city of Beaune nearby and take a fun bike tour with wine tastings.

In Dijon, follow the bronze owls on the streets to see 22 different sights, including Les Halles Market and Notre Dame.

Try Dijon’s famous mustard, beef bourguignon, and coq au vin. Don’t miss Mulot et Petitjean for their special gingerbread, which is actually a kind of bread.

Dijon has many Michelin-starred restaurants that are cheaper than in Paris. Consider trying a tasting menu at Parapluie or L’Essential, which cost under €100 per person.

The best time to visit is in the fall during the harvest season. For a nice stay, choose Hotel Oceania Le Jura Dijon.

Dijon is a wonderful and often missed city in France, perfect for a weekend trip!

5. Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is a great place to visit if you are near Paris. It’s about 45 minutes by train from Paris. You can also rent a car to explore the beautiful countryside around the town.

Fontainebleau is known for the Château de Fontainebleau, a historic palace that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This palace has many beautiful artworks and a lovely Italian Renaissance garden.

The palace was home to many French kings and queens, from Louis VII to Napoleon III. You should definitely visit the Gallery of Francis I, the impressive chapels, and the Turkish boudoir, which was made for Marie Antoinette.

Fontainebleau is surrounded by a natural forest, making it a lovely place for a walk. Summer is the best time to visit. You can enjoy a scenic walk, go on a hot air balloon ride, or have a picnic with champagne.

In July, Fontainebleau hosts the Django Reinhardt Festival, a famous jazz music festival. It has a long history and now features a variety of music genres. At night, you can enjoy good food and wine, dance, and watch performances on different stages set up around the city.

6. Loire Valley

The Loire Valley in France is a great place for a weekend trip. It’s easy to get to, just an hour south of Paris, and you can reach it by train. To explore the best spots, you might need a car or you can join a tour if you don’t want to drive.

During your visit, you can explore beautiful castles that feel like something out of a fairy tale. The Loire Valley has over a thousand castles, though not all are open to visitors.

The most famous ones include Chambord and Chenonceau, which were royal residences, and Ussé, known as Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Some castles, like Villandry, also have stunning gardens you shouldn’t miss.

Besides castles, the Loire Valley is known for its excellent wineries, traditional food (like the “foué” bread in Chinon), and charming small towns and villages.

You can stay overnight in historic towns like Amboise, Blois, or Tours. For a special experience, you could even spend the night in a castle, such as Chateau des Arpentis or Chateau de Chissay.

The Loire Valley is nice to visit all year, but it’s especially popular in the summer (July and August). For fewer crowds and lovely weather, consider going in the spring (May and June) or autumn (September).

7. Corsica

Corsica is a beautiful French island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s easy to reach from Europe, including cities like London and Paris. If you need a quick getaway or a longer 14-day trip, Corsica is a great choice.

The best time to visit Corsica is during the summer (June to September) when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, this is also when it’s most expensive. If you’re looking to save money, visit outside of these peak months. Even in cooler weather, Corsica is still wonderful with plenty to do.

Corsica has amazing beaches like Santa Giulia Beach, where you can enjoy the clear water, golden sand, and beautiful views. It’s perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, or relaxing.

If you visit outside the summer season and it’s too cool for the beach, use the cooler weather to explore Corsica’s countryside and mountains. A popular hike is the GR 20 trail, which crosses the island from north to south, though many people only hike parts of it. Other great activities include hiking to Melo Lake or visiting the Agriates Desert.

8. Metz

Metz is a lovely place to visit for a weekend. It’s a charming city in northeastern France, close to Germany and Luxembourg. The historic old town is very pretty and has a lot of character.

In Metz, you can enjoy many great sights. The old town is especially beautiful with its flowers and the view along the Moselle River. There are also many excellent restaurants, bakeries, and ice cream shops where you can try delicious desserts.

The area along the Moselle River is perfect for walks, especially in the summer when it’s lively. You can have a picnic, rent a pedal boat, or just walk along the promenade. From here, you can see the Temple Neuf, a stunning church on a small island.

Another must-see in Metz is Saint-Étienne Cathedral. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France. The huge stained-glass windows inside are amazing and create beautiful light effects.

9. Annecy

Annecy is a great place for a weekend getaway! It’s a small town in southeastern France, surrounded by the French Alps, and it’s only a 45-minute drive from Geneva International Airport.

The best times to visit are in spring or summer when many flowers are blooming. You can walk through the old town and enjoy the colorful buildings.

In summer, you can swim or do water sports in Lake Annecy. If you like biking, you can ride around the lake in a few hours. There are also many hiking trails in the nearby hills.

For a more relaxed visit, you can take a peaceful walk by the lake or enjoy a scenic boat ride. The old town has lots of shops for souvenirs, and it’s nice to stroll through the cobblestone streets and over the canal footbridges. Don’t miss the Palais de l’Île, a 12th-century building on a small island in the Canal du Thiou.

If you have a car, you might like staying at Christine Chalet, a cozy cottage with a great view of Lake Annecy. It’s in Talloires, a small town just 20 minutes from central Annecy.

10. Toulouse

If you want a fun and sunny weekend in a city, Toulouse is a great choice.

Toulouse is in the South West of France and is called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City” because many buildings are made of pink bricks. This gives the city a unique and pretty look.

It’s smaller than big cities like Paris or Marseille, so it feels more personal and easy to explore. You can walk around the city center because it’s compact.

In Toulouse, you can visit interesting places like the Capitole (the city hall), walk along the river Garonne at La Daurade, see museums, and explore the Jacobins Convent. You can also enjoy the parks and green spaces.

For nightlife, Esquirol is a great place with many bars and dance spots. If you like clubbing, head to Jean Jaurès.

The food in Toulouse is delicious. The city is famous for Cassoulet (a type of stew) and violet sweets. Rue du Taur has many restaurants offering both local and international dishes.

Toulouse is nice to visit any time of year, but it’s especially pleasant in May, June, and September. Summers can be very hot, so coming a bit before or after summer is better.

For staying in Toulouse, look for a hotel or Airbnb in the city center. Public transport is good, but walking is often more convenient. The best areas to stay are Capitole, St Georges, Esquirol, Carmes, and Jeanne D’arc.