Considering a honeymoon in France? Get your tickets because France has it all – romance, style, fabulous scenery, great things to do and the best food and drink. Keep reading for Travel Honey’s guide for honeymooning in France.
Why is a honeymoon in France an awesome idea?
France has so much more to offer than a traditional beach-only destination. It’s the perfect spot for a post wedding trip if you’re looking for great culture, an easy flight and a place with solid infrastructure. Other noteworthy places for culture focused honeymoons include Sri Lanka, Morocco and Bhutan but these spots are a bit trickier to get to and involve more logistics (so we’ll leave them for another day).
Where are the best places to visit during your honeymoon in France?
Paris. You will likely arrive and depart France from Paris. Paris is one of the world’s greatest cities and you could have the best time spending your whole honeymoon here.
See this: Take in views of the Eiffel Tower or take lifts to the top for bird’s eye views of Paris. Walk up the Sacre Coeur Bascilica church and spend the evening watching the Moulin Rouge cabaret. Hit up the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay museums for classic art or stop by the Pompidou Center for contemporary art.
Stay here: Full on glamour @ Shangri La, contemporary cool @ Royal Monceau.
Feast here: Creative meal @ Septime, Michelin stars @ Arpege.
South of France: St. Tropez. The south of France is legendary for its beaches, sunny weather and style.
See this: Stroll around the St. Tropez harbor, peoplewatch and admire the yachts. Drive up to the cliffside village of Ramatuelle to explore its views and quaint, cobble-stone streets. Go to the beach! Or check out the Museum of Butterflies.
Stay here: Grand dame @ Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez, laid back digs @ Pastis.
Feast here: Come for the dinner, stay for the nightclub @ L’Opera, farmers market eats @ Place de Lices.
*We’ve written extensively about honeymooning in the South of France, so download our itinerary and interactive map here.
Corisca. Quiet island retreat with amazing hiking, tasty food and relaxing beaches.
See this: Lounge on some of the Med’s most pristine beaches, like Plage de Palombaggia. Hike winding trails on rocky mountains – if you have 15 days, considering hiking the iconic GR20 trail, which bisects the island. If you’re keen on history, tour Napoleon Bonaparte’s old home.
Stay here: Sleek, understated style @ Casadelmar, beachfront posh @ Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa.
Feast here: Michelin stars @ Le Pirate, the best ocean views and fish @ Le Pain de Sucre or Matahari.
Bordeaux Wine Country. Come here to go on long bike rides, walks, drink all the wine and eat all the cheese.
See this: The world’s most renown French vineyards are located in Bordeaux – Chateau Lafite Rotschild, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Angelus, Chateau Figeac and Chateau Haut-Brion. Of these, not all are open to the public so you’ll need to make special arrangements to visit. Otherwise, visit the many other vineyards that produce outstanding wine and welcome the public.
Stay here: Contemporary design @ Le Boutique Hotel, over the top old school @ Le Grand Maison.
Feast here: The best French @ Miles, rustic feast @ Les Sources de Caudalie.
Skiing the Alps: Val Thorens. The Three Valleys have some of the best skiing in all of Europe. Come here for winter sports and stay for the summer-time hiking.
See this: Ski and snowshoe the Three Valleys. Val Thorens has the highest elevation, incredible views and best runs. Venture to Courchevel for the best restaurants and party scene. Or Meribel for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Stay here: Alpine chic @ Altapura, cozier digs @ Pashmina Le Refuge.
Feast here: EDM and champagne @ Nammos, traditional cheese fondu @ Au Mezot.
Keen to read more? Check out our France country overview page here.
What time of year should you go?
Paris can be done year-round. If you’re heading for the beach in the south of France, go in the summer. If you want to ski the Alps, go in the winter. Wine country is best during the harvest season in the fall. If you want to watch the budget after you wedding, go in the off season as there is still amazing hiking in the French Alps in the summer and you can still go on long walks on the beach/in the countryside during winter.
How long do you need for your honeymoon in France?
Well, it depends on how much time you can take off work and what you’re keen to do. Either way, go for at least a week. Do Paris for a few days and tack on another part of France such as the beach, wine country or winter sports in the Alps. Happy wedding and bon voyage ?
And brownie points ? if you tag #travelhoneymoons during your French adventure. We’ll repost the love.