Planning a trip to France with friends? You’re in for a treat! France is brimming with exciting places waiting for you to explore, from sophisticated cities like Paris to the charming countryside of the Loire Valley. Whatever you and your friends want, there’s something for you to enjoy in France. In this article, we’ll share the coolest places in France to visit with friends.
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Bordeaux
Bordeaux is absolutely one of the coolest places to take your friends for a holiday in France. There are plenty of ways to bond and have fun here. Since it’s best known for its world-class wine, the best way to jumpstart your trip to Bordeaux is by exploring the vineyards of the nearby wine regions of Saint-Émilion or Médoc. Book a private tour of the wine estates to learn more about wine – with a chance to enjoy free tastings at the end of your tour!
Take your friends on a lovely stroll through the historic center of Bordeaux. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of ancient architecture and historic landmarks, such as the Place de la Bourse. Enjoy a lovely stroll along the scenic Garonne River – a perfect place to catch up with friends over fun conversations while admiring the views!
Stop by the city’s top museums, such as the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art and the Musée d’Aquitaine. These places are a haven for art lovers! Now, if you’re looking for something more active, rent a bike and cycle along the city! Better yet, book a boat ride to explore the river!
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The Loire Valley
You’ll surely have a great time uncovering historic châteaux set amidst the stunning landscapes of The Loire Valley. Being one of the coolest places in France, Loire Valley has everything to fascinate you and your friends! Commonly known as the “Garden of France,” this is a fun place for group trips where one can explore sprawling castles or cycle down scenic routes.
Start by visiting some of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley: Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. You will truly feel like transporting into another era as you walk around such magnificent architecture. Be sure to stop by the beautiful gardens-the scenery here is so spectacular and peaceful!
For a more leisurely day, rent bicycles and cycle together over the Loire a Velo path, leading you through vineyards, forests, and towns. Wine tasting is also not to be missed while in The Loire Valley. This area produces acclaimed wines, and you’ll learn more about this on a visit to the local wineries. You’ll also taste delectable varieties afterward, including crisp whites, such as Sancerre, or a fruity red such as Chinon.
Those planning to stay in France for a long period of time should plan for expat travel insurance. With this insurance, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered for any unexpected events.
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Normandy
With its rich history, amazing coastline, and pretty landscapes, Normandy is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to visit in France with your friends. Take some time to learn about its history by visiting the D-Day beaches, then head over to pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery. Nature lovers should explore the cliffs of Étretat. Hike around the dramatic cliffs and be rewarded with some great views!
While in Normandy, take the chance to see Mont Saint-Michel. This medieval abbey sits on a tiny island and feels like something out of a fairytale. The causeway can be crossed on foot at low tide or by shuttle.
If you are feeling hungry after a whole day of sightseeing, then try the small local restaurants in Normandy. Enjoy fresh seafood and order some cider and Camembert cheese. And, of course, it is also worth visiting some cider farms to try some apple drinks.
If you and your friends are into the arts, Giverny is for you; it is the home of the famous painter Claude Monet. Take a stroll around his gardens, which became an inspiration for his famous water lily paintings. This is a really great place to spend time bonding and relaxing with friends!
Paris
Paris is a great place to visit when looking for the perfect luxury tours in France with friends. Home to trendy neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and Montmartre, Paris seamlessly combines rich history with modern elegance.
Start at the Eiffel Tower – it’s one of the must-see spots and will be perfect for photo ops with friends! Those looking to splurge should book private dinner cruises along the scenic Seine River. The amazing view of the city at night will be the highlight!
During the day, head to Champs-Élysées for some high-class shopping. Browse through high-end brands and stop at nice cafes to rest. Do not forget to visit the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay – they are great places for art lovers to check out!
When the sun sets, hit the Marais district. It’s a bustling place, full of chic bars and sophisticated clubs. It is a lively area perfect for treating yourselves to delectable cocktails or to dance the night away.
Cote d’Azur
With its fabulous beaches, sophisticated ambiance, and sun-kissed weather, the Cote d’Azur is just about the coolest spot to chill with friends. If you and your friends love the beach, then head over to Cannes or Nice. Swim in the crystal-clear waters or lounge on the soft sands along the shore. Want to do more? Rent a boat and do some adventuring along the coast!
A must-visit for art lovers, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a pretty village famous for art galleries and sightseeing. While here, drop by the Musée Picasso in Antibes for a dose of culture.
There’s also a vibrant nightlife to enjoy in Cote d’Azur. Hit the clubs and beach bars in Saint-Tropez, the most famous party spot on the Riviera. Go for a scenic drive along the coastal roads-the views are out of this world, especially around the Corniche d’Or.
Image by Aart Beijeman from Pixabay
I hope that this article gave you a good overview of the coolest places to visit in France with your friends. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Thank you for reading,
Bilyana
*This post has been contributed to Owl Over The World
