Happy Bastille Day! France has something for every style of honeymoon couple whether it’s gorgeous scenery, skiing, a little glitz and glamour, or a chic city break you’re after! To celebrate Bastille Day, we’ve rounded up some of the best honeymoon options in France for couples looking for a romantic break not too far from home…
Perfect Paris
Could there be a more romantic honeymoon destination than Paris?! The ‘City of Love’ is pretty much the ideal destination for newlyweds, whether you want to take things at a slow pace and simply amble the streets and feast on exquisite food, red wine and each other or explore all this picturesque city has to offer. Fill up on the most divine croissants and pastries every morning, fresh from the Boulangeries, wander the romantic cobblestone streets hand in hand, stop by the Eiffel Tower for some iconic and romantic snaps, visit the idyllic Montmartre district and perhaps even pick up a souvenir painting or portrait along the way. See Paris by night on a Seine cruise, get your culture fix with a trip to the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, spend a day admiring the impressive Versailles, stop by Luxembourg Gardens for romantic strolls, pack a gourmet picnic and head to Place des Vosges, and enjoy loved up lunches, coffee breaks and evenings swilling wine in the city’s many amazing bistros. Paris is full of gorgeous shops, sights and potential outings and is the perfect backdrop for a romantic few days with your new hubby or wife.
Photo via House Beautiful
Live the High Life in the French Riviera
If like us, you’re hooked on new TV show Riviera, a trip to the Mediterranean coast of south-eastern France is probably on your lust list. Glitzy and oh-so-glamorous, Côte d’Azur (The French Riviera) has it all and is the perfect playground for newlyweds looking for some serious luxury on their trip of a lifetime. We love the idea of renting a car and hitting the road – start off in Nice – and take in a beach trip, some galleries and the awesome art deco style architecture while you’re there – before heading to the infamous Monaco. This incredible strip of Riviera coast is actually a separate country, the second smallest in the world. It’s known for its party lifestyle and swanky Casinos but its stunning cliff backdrop and scenery will leave you swooning as well. Next up is the glam French Riviera town of Cannes. It is of course known for its international film festival but is also the holiday destination of choice for lots of jet-setting celebs (make sure to stroll the trendy palm-lined La Croisette promenade that runs along the Cannes seashore). If you fancy taking in some romantic sights along the way, the pretty beach town of Antibes is nestled between Nice and Cannes. From Cannes, head on to Saint Tropez, a former fishing village, now known for its lively nightlife. Spend an afternoon on one if its stunning beaches, taking in the yacht filled coastline and glamorous surroundings or even take a trip out to sea yourself. And if you fancy getting behind the wheel some more and taking in the beautiful coastal scenery and sights along the way, you can finish off your trip with a stint in the bustling port of Marseille.
Photo via Telegraph.co.uk
Chateau Experience in the Countryside
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale, while away some lazy days at a French château with your new hubby or wife. If you’re looking for an authentic spot for your honeymoon getaway, Château Raysse is a romantic medieval castle in the Dordogne valley that can be hired on a weekly basis (there are several parts you can choose from). It’s just a 5 minute drive from the tiny village of Cazoules with its exceptional bakery and is close to the River Dordogne. The Dordogne is a picturesque region in the south west of France with charming medieval villages with bastides (fortified towns) and fortresses, lush green meadows, vineyards, rustic cottages and swoon-worthy châteaux dotted across the countryside. It’s also a bit of a foodie paradise with some gorgeous gourmet options for honeymooners. Spend days at the markets sampling local delights like truffles and magret de canard (duck breast), visit its renowned ancients caves with their prehistoric art – the cave paintings in Vézère Valley come highly recommended – or hire a car and drink in all this gorgeous region has to offer on the scenery front.
Loved Up in the Loire Valley
Ski the Alps
If you’re not sun-worshipers and like the idea of cosying up in a romantic chalet (or luxury hotel), hot chocolates by day and warming up by a fire with vats of wine by night, France has some spectacular ski resorts for snow bunnies. The French Alps are home to some excellent ski trails for the adventurous as well as some luxurious resorts for those after some total indulgence. Take your pick of amazing resorts – the mountain village of Les Praz-de-Chamonix has awesome skiing come winter time and beautiful trails and hikes if you fancy a mountain adventure come summer. The glamorous village of Megève is another gorgeous spot for skiing and has some opulent 5 star hotels, tons of fab foodie hotspots including a Michelin star restaurant as well as spas galore for couples after some pampering. And of course if you want to go all out, Courchevel (which has 4 separate resorts of which Courchevel 1850 is the most exclusive) in Les Trois Vallées has some seriously luxurious resorts, ideal for couples that want an experience of a lifetime as well as some fun on the slopes.
Photo via SkiWorld
Main photo via Chateau de Jalesnes
