France is one of those countries offering the perfect setting for luxury travel. Many towns and cities in France stand out by providing exceptional services luring upscale visitors who would not mind splurging.
Related: Five of the best hotels to stay in Paris
From the bustling capital city of Paris to the sophisticated resort town of Cannes, check out the top destinations in France, perfect for luxury travel.
Travel to France: Paris
As the capital of France, Paris has so much to offer for all travellers, especially those looking to indulge in some luxury. Dubbed the City of Love, it has a reputation for being a romantic city and a top choice for couples on a romantic getaway. But whether you’re travelling with a partner or not, Paris will delight you with its sophistication and glamour.
Getting around Paris is easy, and even easier if you rent a car. Having a car also allows you to visit places outside of the city. For a truly luxurious experience, book a vintage convertible with a chauffeur to drive you around the bustling streets of Paris.
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Even if you prefer to experience the local life, don’t worry about looking like a tourist. The sights of Paris are so wonderful that you should see them at least once. Visit Arc de Triomphe, an iconic monument built in the early 1800, a symbol for those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Next, check out the picturesque Champs Élysées and the most iconic of all – the Eiffel Tower.
Of course, the museums of Paris are not to be missed. Visit The Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and one of the most impressive museums in Europe. Other attractions you should take the time to visit are the Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay.
Provence
Provence is an incredibly stunning region in France, inspiring many famous books and films. Located in the South of France, Provence stretches from the Rhône River to the Italian border. It offers a fantastic diversity of culture and landscapes, luring visitors who want to enjoy the good life. Best of all, you’ll find some luxury villa rentals in Provence, an ideal choice for those seeking a lavish break in France.
As with any rural region, life in Provence moves slowly. But amidst its slowness, Provence has a vibrant cultural life. There are festivals and events throughout the year, including the art-focused Festival d’Avignon, lavender festivals, flower parades, and bustling weekend markets.
Luxury travel in Provence has to involve delectable food, whether visiting the coastal area in the south or the hilly north. Never miss the opportunity to sample authentic bouillabaisse, an aromatic stew of seafood, fish, and vegetables cooked in olive oil, capers, olives, and anchovies. Aside from bouillabaisse, the other local specialities to try in Provence are the niçoise salad and ratatouille, a savoury stew of courgettes, aubergines, peppers, and herbs.
Nice
Nice is a gateway to Cote d’Azur, a lively city offering an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera. There are glamorous hotels overlooking the views of the Mediterranean and lovely promenades that are a joy to walk around.
When sightseeing around Nice, the Opéra de Nice should be first on your list. Featuring the finest examples of 19th-century architecture, the opera offers top-notch performances of ballets, opera, and symphonies. From the opera, visit L’Atelier Soardi, once the workshop of Henri Matisse, and is now a private gallery with seasonal shows.
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Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, soak up the sweeping ocean views and the belle Epoque architecture. Check out the Cathedral Sainte Reparate, a fantastic example of Gothic architecture, showcasing lovely paintings in its ornate chapels.
If you’ve built an appetite after a day of exploring Nice, it’s time for a gastronomic feast. Thankfully, Nice is home to several fantastic restaurants, with some having Michelin stars. You’ll find them along the promenade, with some in luxury hotels.
Travel to France: St Tropez
St Tropez is a small fishing port that has become a favourite holiday destination for the rich and the famous. Because of this, there are plenty of places to stay in St Tropez, perfect for those looking for several accommodation options in this glamorous destination.
St Tropez gained popularity when Brigitte Bardot fell in love with a beautiful seaside house called La Madrague. Since then, St Tropez has gained popularity among celebrities and the elites and is now one of France’s best destinations for luxury travel.
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The best way to take advantage of the sparkling clear currents of St Tropez is to book a yacht charter. Luxury yachts are available for a sophisticated boating experience, whether partying or simply lounging around. Day cruises are ideal for sightseeing, which stops at the city’s trendiest locations.
As with any popular tourist destination, the dining scene in St Tropez is thriving. You’ll find excellent beachside restaurants to feast on delectable local and international cuisines. Popular dishes on the menu include grilled langoustine tops, vegetable platters, asparagus mousseline, and fresh oysters. Of course, there are delectable wines to go with your meal.
Cannes
Cannes may be famous for its film festivals, but it has more to offer than these. It’s a fascinating city considered one of France’s most luxurious summer holiday spots. Cannes has exceptional harbours welcoming the most prestigious yachts. This yachting spirit is celebrated annually during the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Famous for its sandy beaches, expect to spend most of your time relaxing by the water. If you’re staying in one of the city’s luxury hotels, you’ll likely have private access to the beach. Otherwise, you can take advantage of public beaches like Plage de la Bocca, famous for young families.
If partying is your thing, you’ll find fantastic beach clubs to party with like-minded visitors while enjoying refreshing cocktails. These places are also known for serving delectable seafood. When you’ve wrapped up the day but don’t feel like going to bed, you can take a scenic stroll along the Promenade de la Croisette.
Top photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash
Photo by Ioana Baciu on Unsplash
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
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