Top 11 French Getaways Ranked by Popularity

The results are in! We polled a community of avid travelers to find out where they would spend a single day in France if they had to leave the capital behind. From the sun-drenched coast of the Riviera to the somber history of the North, we have ranked the most popular suggestions based on real traveler feedback.

If you are looking to escape the city, these 11 destinations are the absolute best way to spend 24 hours in the French countryside.

1. Giverny

Giverny crushed the poll, mostly because people are obsessed with Monet’s gardens. One traveler admitted they “couldn’t get enough” and basically had to be dragged away from the property.

The pro tip here is to get there early – like, “waiting at the gates” early – to see the water lilies before the crowds ruin the vibe.

Just a heads-up: if you are going in early spring, check the calendar. The gardens often stay closed until 3/31, and missing it by 2 days is a common heartbreak in the comments.

2. Mont Saint-Michel

This island is a heavy hitter, with people describing it as “awe-inspiring” and “amazing.” But it is a logistical beast. Travelers warned that the schedule is “a little bit tight” for a single day, so you have to be disciplined with your train times.

If you are coming from the west, some suggest using Rennes as a jumping-off point since it is only 2 hours away. It is steep, it is crowded, but the consensus is that the view from the abbey is worth the leg workout.

3. Normandy Beaches

Normandy is a “must” for a specific reason: paying homage. Many American travelers in the poll mentioned a deep sense of duty to visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery to honor the “Greatest Generation.”

If you have extra time, skip the gift shops and head to Bayeux for the tapestry or Caen for the memorial museum. One voter suggested that if you want a different coastal feel, the cliffs at Etretat are the way to go.

4. Reims

If you want to spend your day drinking, Reims is your winner. It is a quick 45-minute zip on the train, and you are in the heart of Champagne. The poll was full of specific food cravings: oysters, Mille-feuille, and “foisted grass” (foie gras).

While the Reims Cathedral is a major draw, one person specifically recommended the Mercier Champagne House in Epernay for a “magical” cellar tour.

5. Versailles

Versailles is polarizing. Some people in the poll were over it (“damn sure ain’t Versailles”), but most still swear by it – if you do it right. The pro move is to skip the stuffy palace interior and head for the grounds.

Grab a baguette and a bottle of wine, shove them in a backpack, and rent a bike. Pedaling out to the Grand Canal is the only way to make the massive estate feel manageable.

6. Chartres

Chartres is the choice for people who want a quiet, medieval atmosphere. The cathedral is the main event, specifically for the labyrinth and the blue-toned stained glass.

The feedback suggests the town itself is the real prize. It’s walkable, less chaotic than Paris, and the local restaurants are actually a treat rather than a tourist trap.

7. Honfleur

The “light” in Honfleur is something people kept bringing up – it’s what captivated all those famous painters.

If you are relying on the train, you’ll likely end up in Deauville, but the poll suggests you really need a car to link Honfleur, Trouville-sur-Mer, and Deauville in one afternoon. It is a great loop for people who want harbor views and fresh seafood markets.

8. Lyon

Lyon is for the eaters. It is a longer haul on the TGV, but you can be there in 2 hours. Travelers recommend skipping the fancy hotels and heading straight to a “bouchon” (a traditional Lyon restaurant) in the old town.

One person even suggested driving 36 miles north to Vonnas specifically to eat at Chez La Mère Blanc, which tells you everything you need to know about the food quality here.

9. Loire Valley

This is the “castle crawl” option. The poll favorites were Chenonceau and Chambord. Most people suggest taking the train to Tours and then grabbing a shuttle or a bike.

If you want something slightly different, one traveler pointed toward the “Valley du Tarn” or the forest of Fontainebleau as a solid alternative for history buffs who hate long lines.

10. Strasbourg

It is 2 hours away, but the feedback says it feels like a different country. The timber-framed houses make it look like a movie set.

While it is the “Capital of Christmas” in December, people in the poll pushed for it year-round. If you make it this far east, some suggest sneaking over to Colmar or Riquewihr to see the “real” Alsace.

11. Auvers-sur-Oise

This is the “insider” pick for art nerds. It is where Van Gogh spent his final 70 days and where he is buried next to his brother Theo. You can walk through the wheat fields he painted and see the church that looks exactly like his canvas.

It is a somber, quiet trip that is way more intimate than fighting the crowds at the Musée d’Orsay.