14 towns in France that are perfect to visit in winter
Evie Burrows-Taylor - [email protected]
Published: 15 Jan, 2019 CET.
Updated: Fri 8 Jan 2021 11:21 CET
International travel is heavily restricted but for the moment travel within France is allowed - so why not shake off the winter blues with a trip to one of these lovely towns?
1. Annecy, French Alps
This beautiful Alpine town in the south east of France is stunning all-year-round, with its medieval buildings, cobbled streets and quaint canals and bridges.
The spectacular fairy tale landscape which includes a crystal clear lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains is the perfect setting for a winter break.
The old town is the ideal spot for wandering around as you explore the picturesque pedestrian streets.
And for real romantics don't forget to visit the Pont des Amours (lovers' bridge). Local legend has it that if you share just one kiss here, you'll remain together for life - the legend doesn't specify whether this still works if you're wearing a mask, but we're pretty sure it's the thought that count.
Photo: Kosala Bandara/Flickr
2. Cassis, Provence
While Cassis might be on your list of must-visit French towns for summer, a winter getaway to this beautiful town on the Mediterranean coast is a great way to avoid the crowds.
After all, you'll have the stunning harbour views and forest walks practically all to yourselves. Not to mention the town's charming colourful port.
Photo: Amanda Snyder/Flickr
3. Blois, Loire River
This hillside city overlooking the Loire River provides the perfect backdrop for a winter getaway.
Explore the atmospheric late Gothic cathedral and its surrounding cobbled streets, and (when it reopens) don't miss the Château Royal de Blois, a former royal palace with ornate chambers, paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 19th century.
(Photo: Niko Kaptur/Flickr)
Photo: Niko Kaptur/Flickr
4. Beaune, Burgundy
A stunning walled town in the heart of Burgundy's winemaking country.
Get into the spirit of the town and sample some of France's finest reds accompanied by the area's most famous hearty dishes perfect for chilly winter nights: Beef Bourginon and Coq au Vin.
And don't miss out on the stunning architectural jewel that is the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu.
Photo: Allie_Caulfield/Flickr
Photo: Paul Arps/Flickr
5. Colmar, Alsace
Winding streets, bridge canals and a patchwork quilt of colourful buildings make Colmar a wonderful town to explore.
Offering up a stunning variety of half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings, the town is the perfect spot for a pair of culture vultures.
And don't forget to sample the local produce - you are in the capital of the Alsace wine region.
Photo: Christina/Flickr
6. Etretat, Normandy
This pretty coastal town has a lovely long beach for brisk winter walks and an attractive town centre with bustling markets of local produce.
You can climb to the top of the cliffs above the town to visit the church and the distinctive 'spike' sculpture (L'Oiseau blanc) that commemorates two daredevil French airmen who died while attempting the first transatlantic air corssing.
7. Honfleur, Normandy
There's a reason why Honfleur was a big draw for one of the world's most famous painters, Claude Monet.
The light in this coastal town is beautiful throughout the year and while it's a big draw for Paris day trippers in the summer, you'll find there's a lot more of it to go around in the colder months.
Visit the picturesque old harbour and enjoy the windswept coast.
Photo: tetedelart1855/Flickr
8. Josselin, Brittany
The magnetism of this picture perfect French town is so hard to deny its charm doesn't fade away in winter.
Overlooking the River Oust, Josselin's cone-turreted castle has been home to members of the Rohan family for centuries.
The main hub of activity is the town square next to the Basilica Notre Dame du Roncier. For the best views around, climb to the top of the bell tower and enjoy the stunning panorama.
Photo: Uwe Brodrecht/Flickr
9. St Malo, Brittany
Another gem in Brittany.
The walled city of St Malo, built in the 12th century, offers views across the sea which take the breath away even when the waters are stormy and icy cold in winter.
Aside from the beautiful scenery, there are historical sightseeing opportunities aplenty, including the stunning Château de St Malo and St Malo cathedral.
And not that it's all about food but be sure to sample some oysters and white wine for a perfect winter's evening.
Photo: Paul Stephenson.Flickr
10. Troyes, Grand Est
A city that amounts to a warren of cobbled streets, and excellent caves stocked full with Champagne is just the place for a winter break.
The city centre has one of the country's most impressive collections of brightly coloured half-timbered houses and Gothic churches and it's often undeservedly overlooked by tourists.
As you stroll through its cobbled streets, once home to the rich and powerful Counts of Champagne, a visit to Troyes feels like a trip back in time to a more romantic past.
Photo: Monnuage/Flickr
11. Eguisheim, Grand Est
Situated close to the German border and only a short drive from Colmar, Eguisheim is a colourful town at the heart of the Alsatian wine route.
Voted France's favourite village in 2013, its winding concentric streets overflow with fairytale spires, lively floral decorations and slanted half-timbered buildings mean it's perfect for winter strolls - as long as you wrap up, that is - followed by good glass of Alsace wine, of course.
Photo: AFP
12. Megeve, French Alps
What better place for winter time than the French Alps?
Megeve is a winter wonderland with its snow-capped mountains and although ski lifts are closed there's no reason you can't go for a wintery hike.
And as if that isn't enough, a trip here means that you're following in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty - Megeve is where Audrey Hepburn falls for the charms of Cary Grant in the classic movie Charade.
Photo: AFP
13. Chambery, French Alps
And just for good measure, here's another spot in the French Alps that's a winner.
This bustling Alpine town has a lot to offer but the old town is really where it's at. After strolling around the streets of brightly coloured houses, sit out with a takeaway drink and savour the atmosphere.
Photo: Chambery Tourism site
14. La Rochelle, Atlantic coast
Known for its distinctive limestone facades, La Rochelle is without a doubt one of France's most stunning cities and in winter you won't have to battle other tourists to appreciate it.
Appropriately named La Ville Blanche (the White City), the coastal city was one of the country's main ports from the 14th to 17th century and there are plenty of reminders of its maritime heritage.
Full of arcaded walkways, half-timbered houses and more than its fair share of lighthouses, there is plenty to discover in this historic seafaring city.
Photo: Eric Pouhier
Comments (5)
See Also
1. Annecy, French Alps
This beautiful Alpine town in the south east of France is stunning all-year-round, with its medieval buildings, cobbled streets and quaint canals and bridges.
The spectacular fairy tale landscape which includes a crystal clear lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains is the perfect setting for a winter break.
The old town is the ideal spot for wandering around as you explore the picturesque pedestrian streets.
And for real romantics don't forget to visit the Pont des Amours (lovers' bridge). Local legend has it that if you share just one kiss here, you'll remain together for life - the legend doesn't specify whether this still works if you're wearing a mask, but we're pretty sure it's the thought that count.
Photo: Kosala Bandara/Flickr
2. Cassis, Provence
While Cassis might be on your list of must-visit French towns for summer, a winter getaway to this beautiful town on the Mediterranean coast is a great way to avoid the crowds.
After all, you'll have the stunning harbour views and forest walks practically all to yourselves. Not to mention the town's charming colourful port.
Photo: Amanda Snyder/Flickr
3. Blois, Loire River
This hillside city overlooking the Loire River provides the perfect backdrop for a winter getaway.
Explore the atmospheric late Gothic cathedral and its surrounding cobbled streets, and (when it reopens) don't miss the Château Royal de Blois, a former royal palace with ornate chambers, paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 19th century.
(Photo: Niko Kaptur/Flickr)
Photo: Niko Kaptur/Flickr
4. Beaune, Burgundy
A stunning walled town in the heart of Burgundy's winemaking country.
Get into the spirit of the town and sample some of France's finest reds accompanied by the area's most famous hearty dishes perfect for chilly winter nights: Beef Bourginon and Coq au Vin.
And don't miss out on the stunning architectural jewel that is the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu.
Photo: Allie_Caulfield/Flickr
Photo: Paul Arps/Flickr
5. Colmar, Alsace
Winding streets, bridge canals and a patchwork quilt of colourful buildings make Colmar a wonderful town to explore.
Offering up a stunning variety of half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings, the town is the perfect spot for a pair of culture vultures.
And don't forget to sample the local produce - you are in the capital of the Alsace wine region.
Photo: Christina/Flickr
6. Etretat, Normandy
This pretty coastal town has a lovely long beach for brisk winter walks and an attractive town centre with bustling markets of local produce.
You can climb to the top of the cliffs above the town to visit the church and the distinctive 'spike' sculpture (L'Oiseau blanc) that commemorates two daredevil French airmen who died while attempting the first transatlantic air corssing.
7. Honfleur, Normandy
There's a reason why Honfleur was a big draw for one of the world's most famous painters, Claude Monet.
The light in this coastal town is beautiful throughout the year and while it's a big draw for Paris day trippers in the summer, you'll find there's a lot more of it to go around in the colder months.
Visit the picturesque old harbour and enjoy the windswept coast.
Photo: tetedelart1855/Flickr
8. Josselin, Brittany
The magnetism of this picture perfect French town is so hard to deny its charm doesn't fade away in winter.
Overlooking the River Oust, Josselin's cone-turreted castle has been home to members of the Rohan family for centuries.
The main hub of activity is the town square next to the Basilica Notre Dame du Roncier. For the best views around, climb to the top of the bell tower and enjoy the stunning panorama.
Photo: Uwe Brodrecht/Flickr
9. St Malo, Brittany
Another gem in Brittany.
The walled city of St Malo, built in the 12th century, offers views across the sea which take the breath away even when the waters are stormy and icy cold in winter.
Aside from the beautiful scenery, there are historical sightseeing opportunities aplenty, including the stunning Château de St Malo and St Malo cathedral.
And not that it's all about food but be sure to sample some oysters and white wine for a perfect winter's evening.
Photo: Paul Stephenson.Flickr
10. Troyes, Grand Est
A city that amounts to a warren of cobbled streets, and excellent caves stocked full with Champagne is just the place for a winter break.
The city centre has one of the country's most impressive collections of brightly coloured half-timbered houses and Gothic churches and it's often undeservedly overlooked by tourists.
As you stroll through its cobbled streets, once home to the rich and powerful Counts of Champagne, a visit to Troyes feels like a trip back in time to a more romantic past.
Photo: Monnuage/Flickr
11. Eguisheim, Grand Est
Situated close to the German border and only a short drive from Colmar, Eguisheim is a colourful town at the heart of the Alsatian wine route.
Voted France's favourite village in 2013, its winding concentric streets overflow with fairytale spires, lively floral decorations and slanted half-timbered buildings mean it's perfect for winter strolls - as long as you wrap up, that is - followed by good glass of Alsace wine, of course.
Photo: AFP
12. Megeve, French Alps
What better place for winter time than the French Alps?
Megeve is a winter wonderland with its snow-capped mountains and although ski lifts are closed there's no reason you can't go for a wintery hike.
And as if that isn't enough, a trip here means that you're following in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty - Megeve is where Audrey Hepburn falls for the charms of Cary Grant in the classic movie Charade.
Photo: AFP
13. Chambery, French Alps
And just for good measure, here's another spot in the French Alps that's a winner.
This bustling Alpine town has a lot to offer but the old town is really where it's at. After strolling around the streets of brightly coloured houses, sit out with a takeaway drink and savour the atmosphere.
Photo: Chambery Tourism site
14. La Rochelle, Atlantic coast
Known for its distinctive limestone facades, La Rochelle is without a doubt one of France's most stunning cities and in winter you won't have to battle other tourists to appreciate it.
Appropriately named La Ville Blanche (the White City), the coastal city was one of the country's main ports from the 14th to 17th century and there are plenty of reminders of its maritime heritage.
Full of arcaded walkways, half-timbered houses and more than its fair share of lighthouses, there is plenty to discover in this historic seafaring city.
Photo: Eric Pouhier
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.