Ditch Paris! 7 Breathtakingly Romantic Cities in France
Because romance in France isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower—discover these stunning destinations beyond Paris for an unforgettable getaway.
So, it’s the end of January, and you know what that means in France.
The galettes des rois are gone (farewell, flaky, buttery goodness), and now the shops are filling up with something else: red hearts, fancy chocolates, and those over-the-top Valentine’s Day displays.
It happens every year, like clockwork.
One minute, you're finishing off the last bite of almond frangipane, and the next—bam!—you're surrounded by pink balloons and roses.
Whether you love it or roll your eyes at the whole thing, there's no escaping it.
Anyway, it got me thinking.
Paris gets all the glory when it comes to romance, but honestly?
There are plenty of other places in France that can make your heart skip a beat.
And the best part? You don’t need to go on some complicated cross-country journey to reach them.
Just hop on a TGV, and in no time, you’re somewhere entirely different, somewhere just as romantic—if not more.
So, here we go: seven cities that might just steal your heart (or at least make for a pretty unforgettable trip).
1. Strasbourg – Straight Out of a Fairytale
Strasbourg is one of those places that almost feels too picturesque to be real.
Timber-framed houses leaning ever so slightly, canals reflecting golden lights, and the kind of little alleyways that seem designed for aimless strolling.
The Petite France district? Absolutely charming.
But if you’re there in winter, don’t just stick to the old town.
Walk over to the Neustadt district, where grand 19th-century boulevards make you feel like you've stepped into a different era.
And, of course, no trip is complete without stopping at a cosy winstub for a glass of Alsace wine. Trust me, you’ll want to linger.
2. Nancy – Okay, I’m Biased, But Hear Me Out
Full disclosure: Nancy is my birthplace.
So yeah, I might be a little sentimental about it.
But even if I weren’t, I’d still say this city deserves a spot on the list.
The pièce de résistance?
Place Stanislas—an absolute stunner of a square, complete with golden gates and grandiose architecture.
(Fun fact: it's a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with two other equally lovely 18th-century squares.)
Now, picture this: evening falls, the lights glow softly, and you’re walking across that square with someone special.
Pretty perfect, right?
Add in a visit to a local pâtisserie and a slow wander through the Parc de la Pépinière, and you’ve got yourself a romantic day out.
3. Annecy – The Kind of Place That Makes You Sigh
Annecy is one of those destinations that almost feels unfairly beautiful.
A turquoise lake, mountains rising in the background, and a medieval old town full of pastel-coloured buildings.
It’s no wonder people call it the ‘Venice of the Alps.’
If you’re there in summer, you can rent a pedal boat, have a lazy picnic by the water, and soak in the dreamy scenery.
But honestly? Even in winter, it’s breathtaking.
The air is crisp, the mountains feel even grander, and the reflections on the lake—just wow.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in.
4. Aix-en-Provence – Warmth, Wine, and Wandering
Aix-en-Provence is like a love letter to slow, sun-drenched afternoons.
Everything here feels effortlessly charming: the fountains, the tree-lined boulevards, the way the sunlight hits the ochre-coloured buildings.
You can spend hours just meandering down the Cours Mirabeau, stopping for a glass of rosé (because, of course), and letting the world pass by.
And if you ever wondered why painters fell in love with Provence—well, one afternoon here, and you’ll get it.
It’s a place made for couples who want to forget about schedules and just… exist.
5. Dijon – Where Romance Tastes Like Burgundy Wine
Let’s get this out of the way: yes, Dijon is famous for its mustard.
But it’s also a ridiculously pretty city, with winding medieval streets, timber-framed houses, and hidden courtyards that make you want to explore.
Follow the Owl Trail—it’s a self-guided walk that takes you through the best parts of the city.
And then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, settle in for some serious Burgundy cuisine.
Think rich, slow-cooked dishes paired with some of the world’s finest wines.
If good food and old-world charm sound like your kind of romance, you’ll love it here.
6. Bordeaux – Classic, Elegant, Effortlessly Romantic
Bordeaux just oozes sophistication.
The grand 18th-century buildings, the stately riverfront, the impossibly chic cafés—it’s all so effortlessly beautiful.
Walk along the Garonne, take a moment to admire the Miroir d’Eau (the world’s largest reflecting pool), and then, if you have time, head to the nearby vineyards of Saint-Émilion.
Wine tasting in a centuries-old cellar? That’s a memory in the making.
7. Lyon – A City of Hidden Passages and Gastronomic Love Affairs
Lyon is a city that loves to surprise you.
One minute you’re walking through a quiet riverside park, the next you’re ducking into a secret passageway (they're called traboules, and they’re everywhere in the old town).
And then there’s the food. Oh, the food.
If there’s one place where a romantic dinner turns into an experience, it’s here.
Find a traditional bouchon, order something rich and comforting, and let the evening unfold.
It’s a city made for getting a little lost—and loving every second of it.
Romance at High Speed
So there you have it—seven cities that prove Paris doesn’t have a monopoly on romance.
Whether you’re drawn to grand architecture, lakeside views, or just really, really good food, there’s a place for you.
And the best part? Thanks to the TGV, they’re all just a train ride away.
So, where’s your next romantic escape?
Thank you Lorraine for your comment!
I totally get what you mean. Valentine’s Day in France is a fairly recent thing—kind of like Halloween, actually.
I remember when Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating first started appearing in the late 1990s—it felt very much like a commercial import from the US.
And yet, over time, it found its place (even if it never reached the same level of enthusiasm as in Anglo-Saxon countries).
It’s interesting how traditions evolve.
Even the Santa Claus we know today—red suit, white beard, jolly laugh—wasn’t always part of French culture.
While Saint Nicolas had long been celebrated in certain regions, the American-style Père Noël only became mainstream in France around the 1950s, largely influenced by advertising and globalisation.
That said, I'm with you, Carnaval and Mardi Gras have much deeper roots in French and European traditions.
They bring a sense of joy, creativity, and festivity that is truly unique.
Anyway, thanks again for sharing your perspective—it’s always great to chat about how traditions shift and evolve! 😊🎭✨
Pierre
I've been to all of these except Nancy, and spent a month in Strasbourg for a training course (formation.) You are so right to point out these other great cities in France.