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Escape for the weekend to a beautiful vineyard, quaint medieval village, glamourous seaside resort, or a country retreat - France offers it all! Check out these 21 wonderful weekend breaks to plan your getaway.
- 8 Great Places to Visit in Eastern France
A visit to eastern France offers a paradise for those who...
- 8 Great Places to Visit in Eastern France
- Honfleur
- Reims
- Strasbourg
- Beaune
- Annecy
- Carcassonne
- Avignon
- Arcachon
- Antibes
- Paris
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 a...
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 délicewith 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.
SEE & DO
Champagneis 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 Champ...
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 Palaiswith 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).
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 astronomi...
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 Binchstubwith 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.
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 Bea...
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 Colombierfor 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.
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....
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 gelatoat 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.
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 an...
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.
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...
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 Potardsells 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.
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 Bo...
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 Pierreat 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).
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 Nomadesculpture on top of them. Along the Antibes seafront you’ll find the Med’s largest m...
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 Vaubanuses 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.
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 attractionslike the ornate cemeteries, Promenade Plantée railway line-turned-park and quirky museums dedi...
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 Pigallefor 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.
City Breaks in France. Looking for great France city breaks? We have discounts on worldwide city breaks, short breaks and getaways that are available to book now!
- Strasbourg. Strasbourg is without doubt one of the coziest and most romantic destinations of France. Discovering its historical town is the perfect weekend activity and you can easily spend more than a weekend exploring this magical city.
- Lyon. Lyon is the perfect destination for a sunny city trip within France! Its rich history has enough to offer to spend at least a weekend in the city, if not more.
- Luberon. Recommended by Leyla at Offbeat France. A weekend in the heart of central Provence is a weekend to remember and is just long enough to visit the best hilltop villages of the Luberon and the glorious lavender fields you’ll cross as you drive from one village to the next – because yes, distances are not huge but you will need a car, as this is not a region that can boast any reliable public transport.
- Dijon. Contributed by Kat from France Voyager. Dijon is easily one of the best weekend breaks in France, especially from Paris. Located only about 1.5 hours southeast of Paris via the TGV, not only is Dijon instantly charming with its Medieval palaces and amazing culinary scene, but it is the capital of Burgundy!
Jun 14, 2019 · And there's plenty to fill a weekend: France's fourth-largest city has an exquisite old town filled with ornate French and Flemish architecture, unique cuisine that incorporates the area's renowned beer, sublime art museums, and cutting-edge cultural centres.
Feb 17, 2024 · Based in Paris, we take every opportunity to explore different corners of France, and yet our France bucket list seems to keep getting longer instead of shorter! Here are our favorite things to do and things to see in France – from the obvious to the unusual – for when you visit this great country.
Sep 6, 2024 · Read our Telegraph Travel expert guide to a weekend in Paris, including the best places to stay, eat, and drink as well as the top things to do.
