Beyond Paris: Exploring the Enchanting Countryside Places In France

Arooba Haqqani
3 min readJul 13, 2023

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Paris, the epitome of the city of lights, immediately springs to mind, whenever you think of places in France. But what about experiencing the beauty of France that lies beyond Paris, such as the enchanting wonders of the French countryside?

French towns, with their tantalizing landscape and quaint terrains, have unravelled their hidden secrets to domestic tourists. Alas! Its beauty remains unappreciated as it could not make it to the destination list of many foreign tourists.

Use this article as an inspirational guide for your forthcoming adventure through the breathtaking French towns. Herein, I will unveil a curated selection of the four extraordinary destinations in the French countryside that you should definitely include in your itinerary.

Nancy

Renowned for its rich heritage, Nancy is one of the most famous places in France. Owing to its historical significance, UNESCO has included three of its squares; Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrere, and Place de Alliance, in the World Heritage Sites since 1983.

You can wander through its rich tapestry of heritage sites, nearby churches, winding medieval streets, and museums dedicated to art and history. Then, freeze the essence of Saint Epvr’s picturesque view by taking pictures, while devouring the aesthetic moment of your life.

Annecy, French Town

Annecy is situated in the southern part of France, encompassing breathtaking landscapes, beautiful gardens and parks. Moreover, it has an abundance of waterways which spread across the city, adding charm to its beauty.

Annecy is also best known for its nearby lake; Lake Annecy, which is famous for its crystal clear and purest lake water in Europe. In autumn, the yellow trees alongside the lake make it a perfect gateway for your family vacation.

Colmar

When it comes to exploring the best places to visit in France, particularly in the countryside, Colmar shines as an unrivalled gem. Its hypnotic landscapes are akin to those found in the Disney fairytales. For you, it would be Beauty and The Beast’s landscape coming to life, particularly if you are a Disney fan.

Its adjacent border with Germany brings a colourful blend of both France and German in its architecture with vivid half-timbered buildings. You can wander around its colourful streets, or choose to take a boat ride on its famous lake Little Venice as well.

Eze

Eze is a mesmerizing medieval village, perched on the hilltop that provides you with a panoramic view of the renowned French Riviera. By walking around the narrow medieval streets of this charming village, you can immerse yourself in the ambience of the medieval period.

Moreover, its open terrace hotels, amazing architecture, and stunning landscapes will take your breath away as soon as you stroll around the city.

On a Final Note

Woah! Even imagining these picturesque landscapes is an exhilarating experience. Right?

Now it’s your turn! Among these countryside places in France, which will be included in the list of your next dream destinations? Tell me in the comment section below.

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Arooba Haqqani

Pakistani/ Graduated in English Language and Literature/ Writes about the social issues and current affairs of the world, more often about Pakistan.