When thinking of where to go on holiday, we’re all a little guilty of sticking to what we know. However, branch out a little and get off the beaten track, you’ll find beautiful places in France you’d have never known existed. From jagged cliff faces to marvellous feats of engineering and building, we’ve selected 6 of the best views in France, which you have to see in person!
The Cliffs of Etretat, Etretat, Normandy
Take a trip to France’s beautiful north east coastline and you’ll be treated to gorgeous views, but the real highlight is the Cliffs of Etretat. Erosion has formed a magnificent arch and stack, while the cliffs detail a clear cross section of the layers of their build up. Stunning whether windy and turbulent, calm and serene, or lit up at night, these cliffs are gorgeous, and provide a rugged beauty.
Our property nearby: Les Terrasses de la Plage
Distance from Cayeux sur Mer to Cliffs of Etretat: 2 hours
Price for a week’s stay: From €169
Verdon Gorge, Avignon, Provence
Known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, the Verdon Gorge sweeps through the Provence landscape for 25km. At it’s deepest, it reaches 700m deep, and it’s glacial sources and mineral composite create stunning turquoise waters. This gorge is ideal for tourists, and there are many trails to hike around it, but the best way to explore has to be by boat. Rent a kayak and meander through the gorge, ending with a refreshing swim in the natural Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Our property nearby: Provence Country Club
Distance from Isle sur la Sorgue to Verdon Gorge: 2 hours 45 mins.
Price for a week’s stay: From €179
Millau Viaduct, Millau, Midi-Pyrenees
Did you know that the world’s highest bridge is in France? Visit the Millau Viaduct and you’ll see this masterpiece of engineering standing 340m tall – taller than the Eiffel Tower! Completed in 2004, this beauty stretches over the River Tarn, and makes for a spectacular view, whether from the base or from the bridge itself.
Our property nearby: Les Consuls de la Mer
Distance from Montpellier to Millau Viaduct: 1h37
Price for a week’s stay: From €389
Plouzané, Brittany
Visit Brittany in the north west of France for pretty beaches, lovely food, and active holidays. For a stunning, lesser known view, visit Plouzané, perched on the most north western point of France. The Phare du Petit Minou is a lighthouse that stands on the end of the rocky coastline, with a dramatic pathway leading down to it, ideal for capturing the spectacular drama of this outpost.
Our property nearby: Les Terrasses de Pentrez
Distance from Pentrez to Plouzané: 1 hour
Price for a week’s stay: From €139
Rocamadour, Dordogne
Head to our charming Dordogne region, and you can’t miss the village of Rocamadour. With buildings and houses scrambling up the mountainside, and dug deep into the rocks, this village presents an imposing yet beautiful view. The village is a pilgrimage location, and is built around one paved street, with medieval houses branching off it. The village has 216 steps, which used to be climbed by pilgrims on their knees, is well worth the journey for the vistas and views.
Our property nearby: Le Clos du Rocher
Distance from Les Eyzies de Tayac to Rocamadour: 1 hour 20 mins
Price for a week’s stay: From €149
Cassis, Côte d’Azur
‘Qu’a vist Paris, se noun a vist Cassis, pou dire: n’ai rén vist.’ So went the words of Federique Mistral; Nobel prize-winning author. It simply means: Who has seen Paris but not Cassis, can say ‘I have seen nothing.’
Well-known for sharing its name with the blackcurrant liqueur (Creme de Cassis doesn’t actually originate from Cassis), Cassis is less well-known in England for it’s beauty. Cassis offers beautiful beaches, back dropped by jagged cliffs, deliciously tempting water, and the delectable food of Southern France to boot!
Our property nearby: Provence Country Club
Distance from to Rocamadour: 1 hour 20 mins
Price for a week’s stay: From €179
Have you snapped a photo of a glorious French view? Comment in the box below to tell us!