The best romantic destinations in France

A mere mention of France evokes romance and love. There are many perfect destinations to choose for your France Honeymoon Packages. Here are just a few of ideas to inspire you.

Paris

Is there any other city in the world that is as romantic as Paris? It is often called the City of Love – and for good reason: charming cafes, grand boulevards, elegant bridges across the Seine River, intimate boutique hotels – all these are perfect settings for an unforgettable honeymoon. On a sunny day, you can pick up fragrant French cheeses, fresh baguette, wine, some delicious pastries and head to a quiet spot in the Bois de Boulogne park or Champ de Mars with views of the Eiffel Tower. In the evening stroll along the Canal St. Martin, hop on a boat cruising the Seine River or sit in corner of a small bistro for a candlelit dinner. Before you leave the city, make sure you visit the "I love you" wall in Montmartre where the phrase is written over 1000 times in 300 languages

Paris

Cahors

Nestled in the curved of the Lot River, the historic town of Cahors undoubtedly has one of the most dramatic setting in the entire country. Cahors’ beautiful streets lined with trees and charming cafes are picture-perfect. Relax on the grassy riverbanks, admire the stunning Valentré Bridge with its Gothic arches, take a boat around the town, or hop on a hot air balloon for a bird’s view of Cahors. The town is famous for its “black wine” produce here from medieval times. You can visit many vineyards in the area for wine tastings in ancient cellars.

Cahors

Nice

Dubbed the Queen of the Riviera, Nice has always an aristocratic feel about it. Loved by British aristocracy, writers and artists for many centuries the city has an undeniable romantic charm with its old quarter, magnificent churches, famous grand hotels, the colourful Cours Saleya market and elegant Promenade des Anglais. 

Annecy

Annecy

Hidden away in the French Alps, this small village lives up to its name of the Venice of France with romantic cobblestoned streets, dreamy canals and the Pont des Amours. Locals say that those who his on the picturesque bridge will remain together for life. The fairytale-like Annecy is beautiful in any season.

Photos via Flickr by: Jean-Louis Zimmermann, Marcel Musil, Jonas Smith.

The most famous restaurants in Paris

A foodies’ paradise, Paris offers exciting dining experiences for any budget. However, to fully appreciate the city’s food scene, it is worth, at least once in a life time, splashing out on a special meal in some of the top gourmet establishments. Here is our quick pick of the most famous restaurants in Paris.

A masterpiece by Alain Ducasse

Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athénée

This three-star Michelin restaurant is run by the famous chef Alain Ducasse who offers a sumptuous seasonal menu with delicacies like Brittany langoustines with golden caviar, Cotentin blue lobster, with baked sea potatoes, roasted chestnuts consommé. The interior is fittingly lavish with futuristic looking solid oak tables, gilded wall decor and crystal chandeliers. Be prepared to pay about $400 per head without wine.

Courgette flower with caviar at Guy Savoy

Restaurant Guy Savoy

Another eatery for big spenders, the three-star Michelin Guy Savoy is located a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe and is famous for excellent modern Haute French cuisine. Their artichoke soup dressed with black truffle shavings is sublime and the chocolate fondant with layered praline and chicory cream is to die for. Lunch here costs about $120, dinner at least $450.

Lasserre

For classic French cuisine head to the refined two-star Michelin Old World-style Lasserre. The restaurant is famous for classic dishes such as Beef Rossini, spiced duck with roasted figs that are served in a magnificent dining room with a frescoed ceiling which opens up on warm summer evening.

Lasserre

Le Meurice

A bastion of ultra-fine dining, Le Meurice is located in a 19^th century palace and aims to offer gastronomic grandeur at its best. You will be surrounded by crystal chandeliers, heavy damask curtains, mosaic floors and spoilt with attentive and friendly service. Try to get a table by a window, so you can devour a young partridge pie, scallops with truffles and snails fricassee while admiring the Tuileries Gardens across the street.

Photos by: Alain Ducasse/Facebook, Guy Savoy/Facebook, Lasserre/Facebook.

Saint Tropez, the jewel of the Western Riviera

A magnet for the rich and famous, Saint Tropez miraculously has managed to retain its small village atmosphere. Although multi-million dollar yachts flock in the harbour, the quays are lined up with achingly expensive restaurants and chic bars, you do not need to be super-rich to enjoy the glamour of Saint Tropez. 

Saint Tropez

Take a walk along Quai Jean Jaurès and stop for a cocktail at Café Sénéquier if you want to rub your shoulders with international celebrities. Prepare to pay around $10 for a coffee but star spotting is free of charge. In the old part of town, you will find tiny grocery shops flanked by high-end boutiques which only adds to the town’s charm. At the central square, Place des Lices, you can watch old local men playing pétanque. Every Tuesday and Saturday a local market sprawls across the square where you can buy anything from seasonal fruit to antiques. If you do not feel like wondering around the crowded stalls, take a sit in the famous old Le Café, sip a coffee and watch the bustling crowd. Another authentic Saint Tropez experience is shopping for fish at the daily morning fish market on Place aux Herbes.

Harbour

Climb up to the 17th-century citadel for the stunning vistas over the Mediterranean, surrounding hills and the town roofs. Inside the fortress houses a pleasant maritime History Museum. Another museum that is worth a look is Musée de l’Annonciade with some great works by Matisse, Utrillo, Seurat. 

No visit to Saint Tropez would be complete without an apéritif at sunset. Check out the glitzy Le Quai (Quai Jean Jaures, 22) or, for less vertiginous prices, head to Pan Dei Palais Hotel (rue Gambetta, 52) to sip a cocktail at the pool bar.

Saint Tropez

To get away from Maseratis, Bentleys and billionaires’ helicopters put your walking shoes on and head to “Le Sentier du Littoral”, a well-maintained coastal track with breathtaking views that will bring you to less crowded beaches. 

Photos via Flickr by: Frédérique Voisin-Demery, Chris Robinson, Jos Dielis