The Most Romantic Destinations in France in 2023

For the eternally nostalgic, nothing says romance like a fairy tale kingdom. Mont-Saint-Michel technically isn’t from a storybook, but it would inspire the castle of Corona in “Tangled.” So, if one half of the couple wants to visit Disney World and the other half wants to see Europe, Mont-Saint-Michel is a dreamy compromise. What are we saying, “compromise?” The second anyone lays eyes on this isolated island surrounded by walls and topped with a towering abbey, they’ll be in love. Mont-Saint-Michel is painted with romantic venues to hold hands, including St. Peter Church, La Tour Gabriel, and the neighboring bay. If you want to go full Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, a boat tour of the area might be up your alley. You might not see any lanterns, but Mont-Saint-Michel does light up at night.

Tell us if you’ve ever had this steamy fantasy: you’re on the beach with the sun setting and from beyond the horizon, a long-haired beauty comes riding over on a white horse. The mysterious beauty leaps off the horse into your arms and the two of you roll around in the sand until the sun comes up. We’re not going to lie and say that a very specific fantasy is going to come true at Camargue. However, this southern France region does offer several elements of this fantasy, including angelic shorelines and a rare breed of white horses called Camarguais. If that wasn’t enough to make your fantasy a reality, the splendor is intensified by the flora, fauna, and over 400 bird species, most notably flamingos. All you need now is somebody to share the experience with, be it your partner of several years or a mysterious stranger who you fall for on the beach.

Going back to storybook locales, Annecy is probably the closest you’ll come to recreating the little town from “Beauty and the Beast.” Although we associate France with grand cities and sweeping landscapes, there’s a humble intimacy to Annecy that’s arguably more romantic than a trip to the Eiffel Tower. It’s the ideal place to cuddle up with a loved one, be it on a boat during the summer or lounging in bed when snow starts falling. Since Annecy has been called the “Pearl of French Alps,” it’s also a fitting place to pop the question. Of course, the pearl can always be substituted for a diamond. But where to get down on one knee? While there isn’t a right or wrong place in Annecy, the Bridge of Love, aka Pont des Amours, provides an intoxicating view of the lake and hills for a picture-perfect proposal.

Château de Chambord

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For many, royalty and romance are cut from the same cloth. You and your significant other can feel like royalty at the Château de Chambord, which was originally intended to be a hunting lodge before evolving into something much grander. The châteaux technically never finished construction, but you’d never realize it exploring this masterstroke of French Renaissance architecture. You might not be able to rent the whole châteaux (unless maybe you’re extremely rich and eccentric). However, you can stay at Relais de Chambord, which French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte renovated into a boutique hotel in 2018. While the hotel offers modern luxuries, Wilmotte strived to maintain the history that surrounds the châteaux. If the hotel is out of your price range, there are various other cozy spots to check in within distance to the châteaux, which provides guided tours of the castle and gardens.

Watching the sunrise is one of the most romantic activities that a couple can partake in. Of course, if neither of you are morning people, it’s hard to experience the grandeur of a sunrise without feeling haggard. In Roussillon, Vaucluse, though, it feels like the sun is always rising, working around your sleep schedule. With a blend of red, yellow, and orange pigments adoring the ochres, Roussillon is one of France’s most distinct and romantic sites for a day out. If you and your loved one have a passion for outdoor exploration, the Sentier des Ocres provides the more alluring hike with the most rewarding views. Equally charming is the area’s lavender field, which is ideal for stopping to smell the roses. Well, not roses, but love is in the air.

Sénanque Abbey in Gordes possesses another ravishing lavender field that’s sure to ignite romantic hormones. If this commune is known for one thing, though, it’s the stone structures that rise into the sky. Ascending up the hilltop village, you’ll be treated to quaint little shops, restaurants, and scenic alleyways lined with cobblestone. Among the most striking sites is the castle, Château de Gordes, which provides a venue for art exhibits. That said, the castle itself is a work of art, as is the rest of this cliffside paradise. Gazing from the highest points, it feels as if you're hanging off the edge of the earth. As all-encompassing as it can be, there’s a refreshing simplicity to Gordes as well. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Village des Bories. Sneak inside a dry-stone hut for a smooch.

If you and your companion are looking to spend the holidays in France, we can’t think of a more magical city than Colmar. With six Christmas markets, light displays adorning the old-fashioned houses, and trees of every size, it sizes Santa’s village a run for its milk and cookies. Even if you visit during another season, Colmar is decorated with such colorful buildings that every day feels like a special occasion. In addition to absorbing French culture, you’ll notice a clear German influence as well. That’s because Colmar is just around the German border with the Rhine running through. Speaking of rivers, Colmar also hosts a delightful canal known as little Venice. So, with nods to France, Germany, and Italy, it’s like a European tour condensed into one enchanted city.

Once again, you can see how a seaside medieval fantasy land like Èze impacted Walt Disney, who stayed at the village for an extended period. In an inspired twist, Disney also influenced Èze. During his visit, Disney suggested that Robert Wolf transform Château de La Chèvre d’Or into a hotel. Whether or not Wolf actually got the idea from Walt, the cottage turned restaurant is now one of Èze’s most luxurious places to stay. Being part of the French Riviera, couples can’t go wrong with a day at the beach or relaxing on a boat. To get to the center of what makes Èze such a romantic facet of the Riviera, though, you’ll need to stroll through the streets hand-in-hand, take in the captivating cacti of the Exotic Garden, and declare your love at Notre Dame de l’Assomption.

It’s practically a cliché to say that Paris is a romantic city, if not the most romantic city in Europe. There’s really no arguing with simple facts, however. The question is, “What’s the most romantic part of Paris?” While there’s love around every corner, Montmartre provides the idealistic backdrop for lovers. That’s largely because of the hillside views overlooking Paris. Climbing to the top of the hill, couples can take selfies against the Sacré-Cœur, which entrances visitors with its massive dome. It’s far from the only legendary landmark that gives Montmartre its starry-eyed essence. Among the most famous in the area is the Moulin Rouge, which provided the setting for every hopeless romantic’s favorite tear-jerker musical. Montmartre has been described as the heart of Paris, and its aura will certainly open up your heart as well. Leave a little of yourself in Montmartre with a love lock, which’ll forever perverse this romantic getaway.

Nothing screams romance quite like an island for two. Corsica may be the largest island under France’s jurisdiction with a population of almost 350,000. Upon arriving, however, you and your love will feel worlds apart from everyone else. There are numerous infatuating sites along the coastline to escape to, from remote beaches to dramatic cliffs. For couples with an adventurous side, many of those cliffs are ideal for diving. Who better to take a leap of faith with? There are more romantic expeditions to be had driving along the coast, hiking up the trails, and snorkeling under the sea. For couples looking to take it easy, Corsica isn’t lacking in hotels or spas either, guaranteeing you’ll leave rejuvenated. Whether you’re looking to bring a bit more excitement or tranquility into your relationship, Corsica was custom made for couples.