While Paris is known worldwide as the City of Love, for many, trekking around a crowded metropolis and waiting in endless queues to see the famous sites is anything but romantic.
In the first part of this series, we explored five gorgeous destinations to fall in love with outside the French capital. We covered cities in all corners of mainland France from the Mediterranean and the Alps to the wild Brittany coast and beyond.
However, with France’s incredibly varied landscape and history, we couldn’t limit this list to just five locations. There are many other charming places all over the country that will make you fall head over heels. Here are five more romantic cities outside of Paris for you to explore.
1. Honfleur
Up in Normandy where the Seine Estuary meets the English Channel is one of France’s prettiest port cities. Honfleur has long attracted artists to its picturesque harbour lined with colourful cafés, restaurants and shops. The harbour is surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses that will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Enjoy a glass of the famous Calvados and Honfleur is sure to become the apple of your eye.
2. Reims
We would be remiss to make a list about romantic destinations in France and not include the champagne capital of world. Reims is home to the headquarters of top champagne producers and despite being a short train ride away from Paris, Reims and the surrounding area in northeastern France is often overlooked. A tour of the champagne houses like Taittinger or Ruinart is a must to learn about the rich history of the bubbly beverage and to experience the kilometres of underground tunnels carved out by the gallo-romans that are used to store the bottles. Beyond the champagne houses and surrounding vineyards, there are many architectural sites to see around the city. The Reims cathedral is an impressive example of gothic architecture and was the site of 33 coronations. Inside the cathedral, it’s worth taking a moment to admire the detailed stained glass windows, which include both original works and more modern works by Brigitte Simon and Marc Chagall. The city centre of Reims also features several examples of art deco architecture, and in 2025, the City is celebrating 100 years of art deco and urbanism.
3. Arcachon
If you enjoy pairing your champagne with oysters, you may as well head straight to the source. Arcachon, located along the Bassin d’Arcachon in southwest France, is a seaside resort town known for its oyster production. All around the bay, you’ll find colourful oyster huts lining small ports, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or bubbly alongside a dozen local oysters. The City of Arcachon is split into four distinct areas named after each of the four seasons. The Winter Town neighbourhood is one of the most fascinating. Here you can enjoy a quiet romantic walk while admiring the grandeur of 19th century villas. For more picture perfect views, you can take a guided boat tour to l’Île aux Oiseaux to see the famous cabins on stilts and observe the 150 different species of birds that nest or hibernate there. Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Dune du Pilat, is just a short drive away. Not only will you get great views from the top of the dune, you’ll also benefit from a couples leg workout climbing to the top!
4. St-Jean-de-Luz
If you haven’t been to the Basque Coast yet, this is your sign to book a trip as soon as possible. It may just be love at first sight! Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the most charming Basque towns along the Atlantic coast in southwest France. This relaxed seaside town is lined with traditional Basque architecture, characterized by its sloped roofs and shutters painted in either red, green or blue. The town features a vibrant pedestrian street with a variety of shops, an active covered market and many cute restaurants. Pick up a cherry gateau basque and go for a stroll down the waterfront promenade where you’ll enjoy a scenic view of the sandy bay.
5. Collioure
Another seaside town guaranteed to take your breath away is Collioure. Located on along the “Côte Vermeille” in southwest France near Perpignan and the Spanish border, this former fishing village, famous for its anchovies, has inspired artists from Matisse to Picasso. And it’s not hard to see why. From its colourful buildings to its azure waters and imposing castles, it truly is a feast for the eyes. If anchovies aren’t your cup of tea, you can swing by the large outdoor market and have your fill of other local treats. The hilltop Fort Saint-Elme and the Chateau Royal, former home of the Catalan kings, both offer beautiful panoramic views, and dare we say, the perfect backdrop to pop the question.
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Which of these places would you love to see? Are there any other romantic French cities that should be on this list?
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