France and romance have always belonged together. Begin, of course, with Paris — then venture beyond the obvious to discover fairy-tale villages, Alpine hideaways, sun-kissed vineyards and storybook towns made for two.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Paris: Where the love story begins
For a honeymoon in France, Paris is the first and most obvious choice — and deservedly so. Few cities turn everyday moments into romance quite as effortlessly. Walk hand-in-hand along the Seine, linger over breakfast at a pavement café, watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle after dark or steal away to Montmartre for cobbled lanes, artists’ corners and sweeping city views.
There are grand museums and Michelin-starred dinners for those who want them, but Paris is equally magical in its quieter moments — a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, browsing little bookshops, sharing pastries in Saint-Germain or simply getting lost together in a beautiful neighbourhood.
Spend a few days soaking in the quintessential Parisian romance before setting off to discover a France that is quieter, less predictable and every bit as seductive.
Alsace: A fairy tale for two
If honeymoon dreams involve flower-filled windows, cobbled streets and villages that seem lifted from the pages of a storybook, Alsace delivers beautifully.
Begin in Colmar, with its colourful half-timbered houses and enchanting Petite Venise quarter. A boat ride along its canals is perhaps the most romantic introduction to the town. Culture-loving couples can visit the Unterlinden Museum and the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to Colmar-born sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty.
Then rent a car and follow the celebrated Alsace Wine Route, linking a string of vineyards and picture-perfect villages between Strasbourg and Colmar. Make time for Riquewihr, where medieval streets, colourful façades and surrounding vineyards create an irresistibly old-world setting.
It is the kind of place where there is very little to “do” — and that is precisely its charm. Walk, taste wine, eat well and enjoy being together.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Love at a higher altitude
For couples whose idea of romance includes snow-covered peaks, roaring fireplaces and dramatic mountain views, the French Alps make a spectacular honeymoon setting.
For sheer indulgence, Courchevel and Megève are difficult to beat. Think luxurious mountain hotels, sophisticated spas, exceptional restaurants and days spent on pristine ski slopes. Couples looking for adventure can add sledging, tobogganing and other Alpine experiences to their itinerary before retreating to the warmth of their hotel.
Not quite ready to ski your way through the honeymoon? Head to Annecy, an idyllic town at the foot of the Alps. Often called the Venice of the Alps, it has canals, pastel-coloured buildings, winding lanes and one of France’s most beautiful lakes.
Spend a lazy afternoon beside Lake Annecy, take a boat ride or simply wander through the Old Town. Honeymooners should make a special stop at the Pont des Amours — the Lovers’ Bridge. Local legend says that couples who kiss here will remain together forever. Whether or not you believe the tale, with the lake and mountains as your backdrop, it is certainly worth putting the theory to the test.
The French Riviera & Provence: Sunshine, art and slow romance
The French Riviera may conjure images of glamorous beaches and fashionable crowds, but there is another, gentler side to the Côte d’Azur.
Escape to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a beautiful hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean countryside. Its stone lanes, little cafés, art galleries and tranquil atmosphere make it ideal for couples who would rather slow down than be seen at the season’s hottest beach club.
Art lovers should visit the Fondation Maeght, while everyone else can happily spend an afternoon wandering through the village, lingering over lunch and perhaps choosing a piece of art as a honeymoon keepsake.
Continue into Provence, where romance takes the form of vineyards, lavender landscapes, sun-drenched villages and long lunches that somehow stretch into evening.
The Luberon is particularly lovely for honeymooners, with its hilltop settlements and landscape that has inspired generations of artists. Among its most beautiful villages is Gordes, dramatically perched above the countryside and filled with stone houses, winding lanes and irresistible old-world charm.
Explore its castle, stop at a café with a view and visit the nearby Sénanque Abbey, whose serene setting makes it one of Provence’s most memorable sights.
This is honeymoon territory for couples who appreciate the pleasure of doing absolutely nothing in a hurry.
Dordogne à Deux
And then there is the Dordogne Valley, one of those corners of France that deserves far more attention than it receives.
Here, romance comes wrapped in medieval castles, historic villages, prehistoric caves, beautiful countryside and the unmistakable French art de vivre. It is ideal for couples looking for a honeymoon that combines history, gastronomy and slow travel.
Explore Périgueux, where traces of ancient Rome sit alongside elegant French streets, before travelling onwards to Sarlat-la-Canéda, celebrated for its remarkably preserved architecture and atmospheric historic centre.
Food is an essential part of the Dordogne experience. Browse local markets, sample regional cheeses and foie gras, and, if you are travelling between December and March, look out for the region’s prized black truffles — affectionately known as black diamonds.
Add castles, countryside drives and long dinners for two, and you have a honeymoon that feels authentically French without ever feeling predictable.
