Plan a fantastic short break in France with our guide to 10 of the best tried-and-tested French weekend break ideas, from city breaks to beach escapes, historic castles to wine regions.
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I’ve spent more holidays in France than anywhere else – from childhood trips to Normandy to a winter skiing in the Alps. And one of the things I love most about the country is its diversity. Whatever trip you fancy you can find it in France – museum hop around a city, laze on a beach, taste wine at a vineyard, live it up in a luxury château.
So if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip to France, here are 10 of my favourite, tried-and-tested French weekend break ideas, with all the details you need, from what to do and where to eat, drink and stay to how to get there – and there’s a downloadable PDF version of the guide the end so you can save them for later.
10 of the best French weekend break ideas
1. Honfleur
A Normandy harbour town that could be straight out of an Impressionist painting, Honfleur was the haunt of artists like Monet and Cézanne in the 1850s, and doesn’t look like it’s changed much since.
SEE & DO
With its narrow, tall merchants’ houses and old stone salt stores, the Vieux Bassin (historic port) is the old heart of Honfleur and its most picture-perfect spot. Visit the France’s largest wooden church, the Église Sainte Catherine, with its unique ships’ hull-inspired ceiling.
Honfleur has museums honouring two local heroes, composer Erik Satie and Impressionist painter Eugène Boudin. If you’re inspired by the artistic atmosphere you can join a painting class – or leave it to the experts and browse Honfleur’s galleries and studios.
Take a boat trip around the port and out to the Pont de Normandie cable bridge, which stretches over 2000 metres across the River Seine. Or head along the coast to the pretty 19th-century seaside resorts of Deauville and Trouville for a day on their sandy beaches.
EAT & DRINK
Have a drink on the harbourside, then head into Honfleur’s side streets for better food at lower prices. Normandy’s apples feature in everything from tarte tatin to Calvados liqueur, and there’s great seafood, cheese and butter. La Tortue is a cosy restaurant with good set menu deals using local produce – don’t miss their scallops and apple délice with Calvados. Or try Cidrerie Crêperie for paper-thin pancakes and cloudy cider.
THE DETAILS
Spend the night in Monet’s old pad, the Ferme Saint Simeon*. This five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa in a converted farmhouse was a hostel for artists in its previous life. Honfleur is near cross-Channel ferry ports at Le Havre (25km) and Caen (75km), and ferries to Portsmouth take 5.5 hours. The nearest major airport is in Paris, where you can catch a train to nearby Trouville-Deauville (2 hours 10 mins) then a bus or taxi to Honfleur.
Read more: Ports and painters: The best things to do in Honfleur
2. Reims
The capital of France’s Champagne region is home to some of the most famous names in Champagne, and has some great restaurants and historic sights if you need a break from the bubbles.
SEE & DO
Champagne is everywhere in Reims – from the world’s best-known Champagne houses to the miles of tunnels in the cellars beneath your feet. Taittinger, Mumm, Pommery and Lanson are all within walking distance of the city centre and run tours and tastings.
Or you can head out into the countryside surrounding Reims to discover other famous names or some of the area’s smaller boutique producers. A guided day tour* includes visits to Moët & Chandon, Dom Perignon’s abbey and Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne.
Once you’ve had your fill of bubbles, you can check out Reims’ Roman Porte Mars gate, the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral (and its next-door neighbour the Palace of Tau) and explore the city’s museums dedicated to art and Second World War history.
EAT & DRINK
Relax with a glass of your favourite vintage and watch the world go by in Place Drouet d’Erlon’s cafés. Le Foch is the place for a special meal in Reims, with fine-dining French food and an epic wine list. Or try the 1930s-style Café du Palais with its Art Deco décor and hearty bistro food to help soak up the bubbly. Or for something different, head 15 minutes outside of Reims to Perching Bar in Verzy, a Champagne bar in the treetops.
THE DETAILS
The Hôtel de la Paix* is right in the centre of Reims, an easy walk (or stagger) to its Champagne houses, bars and restaurants. Inside it’s smart and modern with an indoor pool, bar and restaurant. Reims’ nearest airport is in Paris, then it’s 45 mins by train from the Gare d’Est (a short walk from the Eurostar terminal or airport train at Gare du Nord).
3. Strasbourg
France meets Germany in one of the country’s most unique regions – the Alsace. Strasbourg is a real city of two halves with postcard-pretty canalside scenes and a contemporary European political district.
SEE & DO
Wander through the canalside streets of Strasbourg’s historic Petite-France district with its picturesque network of bridges, towers and half-timbered houses decked with baskets of flowers. You can also take a sightseeing boat trip through the canals, which sails out to the ultra-modern European Parliament district to see a totally different side to the city.
There’s a great view over Strasbourg from the top of the 15th-century cathedral, where you can also watch the world’s largest astronomical clock strike ‘noon’ (at, er, 12.30pm).
On summer evenings catch the sound and light show which transforms the front of the Barrage Vauban bridge and the cathedral into a work of art. Or in winter Petite-France turns into a winter wonderland with Christmas market stalls and steaming vin chaud.
EAT & DRINK
There’s a taste of Germany in Alsace’s food, with things like choucroûte garnie (sauerkraut with pork and potatoes) on the menu. Au Pont Corbeau has some of the best choucroûte in town, though go hungry as the portions are huge. Or try a flammekueche (thin-crust pizza with crème fraîche, bacon and onion) at Binchstub with a glass of Alsace wine – the area produces good Riesling, Gewürztraminer and sparkling Crémant d’Alsace.
THE DETAILS
The Hotel D Strasbourg* is a mix of old and new, with a historic exterior and sleek boutique hotel interior. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the old town with sauna, spa and gym. Strasbourg has a small airport with flights from various French and central European destinations. Or by train it’s 2 hours 15 mins to Strasbourg from Paris Gare de l’Est.
Read more: Canals and cathedrals: The best things to do in Strasbourg
4. Beaune
A historic city in the heart of Burgundy, one of France’s most well-known – and pricey – wine regions, Beaune is the perfect place to feast on fantastic food and drink in the midst of its beautiful surroundings.
SEE & DO
Beaune is surrounded by some of France’s most famous vineyards, but Burgundy’s appellation system takes some getting your head around. Start at the Marché au Vins for an introduction to the region’s wine-making history. Then head to one of the town’s caves (wine cellars), like family-owned Bouchard Aîné et Fils, for a wine-tasting session.
You can also follow the 60km-long Routes des Grands Crus (aka ‘route of great wines’) by bike or on a guided tour* to discover the Côte d’Or and Côte de Beaune wine-growing areas.
And visit the ornate Hôtel Dieu des Hospices de Beaune, a hospital-turned-museum where you can see how its former patients lived (four-poster beds and velvet curtains included). They now host an annual charity wine auction and festival each November.
EAT & DRINK
In Beaune you can eat your wine as well as drink it, with everything from beef to eggs cooked à la Bourguignonne (in Burgundy wine). Try traditional dishes at Ma Cuisine, a cosy bistro that’s a favourite of local winemakers with dishes like magnet de canard and over 800 wines. Or try the Maison du Colombier for Burgundy-style tapas, with a curated wine list, cheese and charcuterie sharing plates and a lovely terrace.
THE DETAILS
The Abbaye de Maizières* is a real a trip back in time – a converted 12th-century abbey packed with character, with vaulted ceilings, arched doorways and spiral staircases (though pack light as there are lots of stairs). Beaune’s nearest airports are in Paris or Lyon, then it’s 2 hours by train from Paris Gare de Lyon or 2 hours 45 mins from Lyon airport.
5. Annecy
Canals, castles, a clear blue lake and snow-capped mountains – Annecy has a bit of everything. Sail, ski and hike if you’re feeling energetic, or just get lost in the old town and find your perfect canalside gelato spot.
SEE & DO
Annecy’s old town has more waterways than roads, with tiny islands linked by covered bridges and narrow passageways. The triangular Palais de l’Île is the city’s most photographed building, set between two forks of the river. Over the years it’s been used as a mint, courthouse and prison, but it’s now a museum and is lit up beautifully at night.
Up the hill at the Château d’Annecy there’s another museum with information on city history and lake ecology, with a panoramic view from the terrace.
In summer, set sail on Lake Annecy for a boat trip or dinner cruise, or catch the shuttle boat to a neighbouring villages then walk or cycle back along the lakefront path. Or head up into the nearby Aravis mountains in winter where you’ll find four ski resorts.
EAT & DRINK
Stock up on salami and reblochon cheese at the old town market on Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends. Being close to the Swiss border means Annecy’s food has a mountain feel, with cheesey classics like fondue and tartiflette as well as fish from the lake. L’Etage is the place to go for raclette (melted cheese with potatoes and charcuterie). Leave room for gelato at Glacier des Alpes, with 60 delicious flavours (chocolate orange was my favourite).
THE DETAILS
For old-style glamour try the Impérial Palace* hotel in a stunning location on the edge of the lake, which has bars, restaurants, a casino and spa. Annecy’s nearest airports are in Geneva (1 hour 30 mins) or Chambery (45 mins), both with bus connections. Or it’s 3.5 hours by train from Paris Gare de Lyon, or 1 hour 40 mins from Geneva.
Read more: Castles and canals: The best things to do in Annecy
6. Carcassonne
With its pointed towers, drawbridges, portcullises and moat, Carcassonne’s UNESCO World Heritage Site medieval walled city is like a fairytale castle – or a film set – come to life.
SEE & DO
Towering over the city from a hilltop, you can’t miss Carcassonne’s ancient walled city. La Cité was built in the 4th century and its 53 watchtowers and two layers of walls protected it from invaders until it fell into disrepair. It was saved from destruction and rebuilt by architect Viollet-de-Luc in the 19th century, who added a few extra flourishes.
Today’s invaders are tourists, with millions visiting each year. Come in spring or autumn, or stay after sunset when the day-trippers leave and the city’s most magical. Away from the citadel you’ll find the city’s best cafés and shops in the newer Ville Basse lower town.
Or for a change of pace, take a trip out of the city to the nearby Canal du Midi where you can take a boat ride or walk or cycle along the leafy towpath.
EAT & DRINK
Carcassonne is in France’s Languedoc region, known for dishes like cassoulet and Spanish-inspired crème Catalane, as well as great wines. Within the city walls, La Barbacane restaurant serves high-end cuisine in an opulent dining room with wood panels and stained glass. For something more casual, Creperie Le Ble Noir does delicious sweet and savoury crepes – though you’ll need to book in advance or brave the queue.
THE DETAILS
For a fairytale French weekend break, splash out on a stay at the Hôtel de la Cité*, one of just a few hotels inside La Cité. This luxurious medieval-style chateau has a terrace with stunning views, outdoor pool and spa. Carcassonne has a small airport, or larger Toulouse airport is 2 hours away. Carcassonne is 5.5 hours by train from Paris Gare de Lyon.
7. Avignon
Those Popes had good taste – packed with impressive art and architecture, Avignon has big city-style history, culture and food in a small package, with gorgeous Provençal countryside on its doorstep.
SEE & DO
Avignon was the home of the Popes in the 14th century, and they left their legacy in the Palais des Papes. This giant fortress palace has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and towers over Avignon with fantastic views from its rooftop terrace and café.
Wander around the walled old town and explore its museums and boutiques, then people-watch with a coffee or glass of wine in the Place de l’Horloge outside the city’s opera house.
Take a walk (or should that be dance?) Sur le Pont d’Avignon – a bridge was made famous by a catchy French kids’ song. Though it only goes halfway over the river so don’t try to cross it. Or you can sail past the bridge on a boat trip along the Rhône river, with hour-long circular routes or longer trips to Arles or the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region.
EAT & DRINK
Provençal food is packed with fresh produce, and you can pick up your own at Avignon’s Les Halles food market. For a special meal, Restaurant Sevin serves Michelin-starred fine-dining dishes on a terrace overlooking the Palais des Papes. Or for something a bit more casual, Le Potard sells juicy burgers in a converted chapel with a blues soundtrack.
THE DETAILS
La Banasterie* is an arty B&B with just six rooms in a historic building that dates back to 1521, located close to the Palace des Papes. Avignon has a small airport, or it’s less than a hour from Nimes or Marseille airports. By train there’s a direct Eurostar from London to Avignon in 5 hours 49 mins, or it’s 2 hours 40 mins from Paris Gare de Lyon.
Read more: Ponts and palaces: The best things to do in Avignon
8. Arcachon
A hidden gem on France’s Atlantic coast just south of the Medoc wine region, Arcachon is surrounded by unspoilt beaches, pine forests and sprawling dunes, and is home to some fantastic seafood.
SEE & DO
For a French weekend break by the sea, Arcachon is a resort town in southwest France on a stretch of coastline known as the Côte D’Argent – or silver coast – with over 200km of unspoilt sandy beaches. See the historic grand villas on Arcachon’s seafront, try some of the area’s famous oysters or take a boat trip out into the bay or to the bird sanctuary.
Hire a car to explore some of the surrounding area – there’s the Caribbean-style white-sand beaches of Cap Ferret, the famous vineyards of Bordeaux’s Haut Medoc wine region, and the surfing beaches and sailing lakes of Carcans and Lacanau.
Or clamber to the top of Europe’s largest sand dune, the Dune du Pyla, which towers 107 metres high with panoramic views along the Atlantic coastline.
EAT & DRINK
Oysters are the star attraction in Arcachon – eat them freshly plucked from the Bassin d’Arcachon at L’Oyster Bar in Arcachon’s market, or try a local speciality of oysters steamed over pine needles. Chez Pierre at the Café de la Plage has a fantastic location on the beach and serves oysters (of course) as well as mussels, clams and lobster. Try their seafood platter with a glass of crisp white Bordeaux for the perfect summer evening.
THE DETAILS
The Hotel Le B d’Arcachon* is right on the seafront with bright, modern, good value rooms, many with sea view balconies. The nearest airport is in Bordeaux, 2 hours 15 mins away by train. Or it’s 5 hours by train from Paris Montparnasse to Arcachon (change in Bordeaux).
9. Antibes
The glitz and glamour of the Côte d’Azur meets 16th-century historic walled town, with a side order of golden Mediterranean beaches. If you think you know the South of France, Antibes might surprise you.
SEE & DO
Vieil Antibes is a maze of cobbled streets and pastel buildings hidden away inside the old city walls. Get lost in its narrow streets which are full of boutique shops and cafés.
Antibes has inspired artists from Monet to Picasso. The Musée Picasso has some of his works on show in the château where he lived. And the city is is still an artists’ haunt, with studios inside the city walls and Jaume Plensa’s Nomade sculpture on top of them.
Along the Antibes seafront you’ll find the Med’s largest marina – a millionaires’ playground that’s perfect for a spot of fantasy yacht shopping. The Plage de la Gravette is right in town, or if you walk south you’ll find a string of golden sandy beaches. Or take a walk across the headland to neighbouring Juan-les-Pins, an art-deco style beach resort.
EAT & DRINK
Stock up on cheeses, olives and charcuterie at the Marché Provençal then grab a bottle of local rosé for a beach picnic. Try local seafood at L’Oursin, which has fresh fish and seafood pastas and risottos on the menu. Or Le Vauban uses seasonal ingredients to create French classics with a twist – including a good-value, six-course tasting menu for €48.
THE DETAILS
The Mas Djoliba* hotel, a villa a few minutes’ walk from the beach, is set in a lush park with outdoor pool and terrace. The 13 rooms are spread over three floors, some with terrace and sea view. The nearest airport to Antibes is in Nice, 15 mins by train or taxi, and Monaco airport is 50 mins by train. Or its 5 hours 15 mins by train from Paris Gare de Lyon.
Read more: Boats and beaches: The best things to do in Antibes
10. Paris
Because Paris is always a good idea. Whether you’re an old romantic or more of a food-lover, history-lover, art-lover, shopping-lover or culture-lover, you could never get bored in the French capital.
SEE & DO
Paris has something for everyone. You can focus on the classic Parisian experiences and climb the Eiffel Tower, watch the painters in Montmartre, visit the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and take a boat trip on the Seine. You can watch the 14th July fireworks and picnic in the park in summer or ice skate and shop the Christmas markets in winter.
Or you can uncover some of the city’s more unusual attractions like the ornate cemeteries, Promenade Plantée railway line-turned-park and quirky museums dedicated to everything from the sewers to fairground rides. And there’s always the city’s huge array of world-class boutiques, restaurants and bars to eat, drink and shop your way around.
EAT & DRINK
Each Parisian neighbourhood has it’s own character, but one of my favourites is Bohemian Montmartre. Set under a windmill, the Moulin de la Galette gets its name from a cabaret on the site visited by artists like Renoir and Van Gogh. Now it’s an upscale restaurant serving modern French food. Or try Les Apotres de Pigalle for tapas-style South American comfort food with sharing plates like truffle mac and cheese or chicken quesadillas.
THE DETAILS
I’m lucky to have friends with an apartment in Paris to stay in – and there are lots of rentals available around Montmartre. Or if you’re looking for a hotel, Le Relais Montmartre* has lots of character, really good service and a central location. Paris has two main international airports – Charles de Gaulle and Orly – with flights from across the world. Or it’s 2 hours 20 mins by direct Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.
Read more: Visiting Paris on a budget
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Annette Collins
Tuesday 11th of August 2020
Sarlat.... another lovely place, but there I so many. I used to live in a village called Castelnou in the Pyrenees Orientales... 9th century cobbled streets... an hour from the beaches of the med yet only an hour from the mountains where you can visit the walled town of Villefranche de Conlflent and there get the little yellow train through the mountains or a jeep to the summit of the Canigou.