Regions of France – Map & Best Places to Visit

Article written by Elisa
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In this article, I invite you to explore the unique character of France’s regions and discover why the country is so much more than its famous capital.

This regions of France map does not include France’s overseas regions, which are located in the Caribbean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. These regions will be covered in a separate article about the French Overseas Territories.

The French regions are then divided into departments, which are administrative areas of France. There are 95 departments located in France Mainland, 2 in Corsica, and 5 departments Overseas. Next to the department names, I have included its department number (e.g., Ain (01)).

What are the best regions of France to Visit?

Rather than focusing on the “best regions”, I prefer to highlight the most popular areas of France to visit, since French regions are primarily administrative divisions. Some of these areas align with French departments or regions, while others reflect historical regions, each with its own unique culture, landscapes, and charm.

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur in French) is known particularly for glamour and glitz and is a picturesque stretch of coastline with stunning beaches and pretty villages. This luxury destination in Southern France includes St. Tropez, Nice, Cannes, and the Principality of Monaco.

Loire Valley:​ known as the Garden of France, this central region of France bisected by the Loire River is renowned for the Château de Chambord and other Renaissance Castles, incredible wine, as well as historic towns like Tours, Blois, and Amboise.

Normandy:​ this region in Northern France is home to the stunning island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, and many World War II sites. History abounds in the vibrant, cultural capital, Rouen – the Old Town is the best-preserved medieval center in France, and the Episcopal Palace is where Joan of Arc was tried and convicted.

Alsace:​ the culturally unique and historical region of Eastern France borders Germany and Switzerland and is filled with fairytale towns, chocolate-box villages, and magical Christmas markets. Alsatian wines are as exclusive and undiscovered by foreign visitors as the region.

Provence:​ from the glorious lavender fields to the UNESCO World Heritage walled city of Avignon, here you’ll find Roman history, stunning hilltop villages and landscapes that inspired Cezanne.

It’s impossible not to love the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Eastern France. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of the most varied regions in France, offering a wide range of different destinations to satisfy every traveler. This new region includes the pre-2016 regions of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. The capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is Lyon.

Auvergne is the land of volcanoes and hot spas but also the land of beautiful Romanesque churches and good cheese.

Rhône-Alpes is home to picturesque stone-built villages frozen in time. It is also the region of two of France’s most beautiful cities, Annecy and Lyon, and the snowy peaks of the French Alps.

Protected natural reserves, nearly a hundred volcanoes, scenic walking trails, Romanesque churches, and more than 20,000 kilometers of waterways—this and so much more await you in this blessed land. What are you waiting for to explore this remarkable corner of France?

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is divided into thirteen departments: Ain (01), Allier (03), Ardèche (07), Cantal (15), Drôme (26), Isère (38), Loire (42), Haute-Loire (43), Puy-de-Dôme (63), Rhône (69D), Métropole de Lyon (69M), Savoie (73), Haute-Savoie (74). The main cities in the region are Lyon, Grenoble, Saint-Etienne, Chambéry, Valence, Annecy, and Clermont-Ferrand.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourist Attractions: Lyon, the Puy de Dome volcano, famous ski resorts in the French Alps (Chamonix, Courchevel, Mérivel, Val d’Isère . .), Annecy and its lake, the spa town of Vichy, Clermont Ferrand, Puy-en-Velay (a major pilgrimage site), and more.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is the land of world-famous wines, picturesque small towns, and snails. This new French region comprises the former regions of Bourgogne (Burgundy) and Franche-Comté. The capital city of the Bourgogne-Franche Comté region is Dijon.

The former region of Bourgogne is famous for its Romanesque heritage, some of the best vineyards of France, good gastronomy, beautiful Rennaissance and Medieval castles, and river tourism. Actually, Bourgogne has the largest network of inland waterways in France!

Franche-Comté, conversely, is well known for its diverse landscapes and large open spaces thanks to the wealth of the Vosges Massif, the Jura Mountains, and its many lakes and forests.

Bourgogne-Franche Comté is definitely an excellent combination of heritage + gastronomy, and nature at its best!

The region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is divided into eight departments: Côte-d’Or (21), Doubs (25), Jura (39), Nièvre (58), Haute-Saône (70), Saône-et-Loire (71), Yonne (89), Territoire de Belfort (90). The main cities in the region are Dijon, Besançon, Montbéliard, and Belfort.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourist Attractions: Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges, the Jura, the picturesque villages of Burgundy, the Royal Salt Works at Arc-et-Senans, Route des Grands Crus, Cluny Abbey, Vézelay, Dijon, and Beaune.

I must admit that I have a crush on Bretagne; this region is so varied and beautiful!

The westernmost region of France is a region of tradition, character, Celtic roots, and legends. It is a land of wild and unique landscapes, from rocky coastlines and cliffs to moorland and medieval towns. The capital city of the Bretagne region is Rennes.

But of course, there is much more! Brittany is also a land of sailors, isolated lighthouses, oysters, fantastic coastal walks, and mysterious prehistoric alignments. Brittany is magical, culture, crêpes & cider, traditional festivals, and, most of all, true nature.

Brittany is divided into four departments: Côtes-d’Armor (22), Finistère (29), Ille-et-Vilaine (35), and Morbihan (56). The main cities in the region are Rennes, Brest, and Quimper.

Bretagne Tourist Attractions: Rennes, Saint Maló, the Islands, GR34 (coastal multi-day hike), Carnac Alignments, Gulf of Morbihan, Emerald Coast, and the Pink Granite Coast.

The region of Centre-Val de Loire gets its name from the Loire River, the longest river in France. Irrigated by the Loire and its many tributaries, this beautiful French region produces excellent wines perfectly complemented with savorous regional food. The capital city of the Centre-Val de Loire region is Orléans.

Beloved by Kings, Queens, and artists, the Loire Valley is also the cradle of the Renaissance in France and is world-famous thanks to its amazing Loire Valley castles and the remarkable gardens that line the river. The Loire Valley Castles are today one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Centre-Val de Loire is also one of the regions of France that attracts large numbers of bike tourists: it sees more than 1 million bikers per year! Indeed, La Loire à Vélo (the Loire by bike) is perhaps the best way to explore this beautiful region.

The region of Centre-Val-de-Loire is divided into six departments: Cher (18), Eure-et-Loir (28), Indre (36), Indre-et-Loire (37), Loir-et-Cher (41), and Loiret (45). The main cities in the region are Tours, Orléans, and Bourges.

Centre-Val-de-Loire Tourist Attractions: Loire Valley Castles, the Loire by bike, Chartres and Bourges Cathedrals, Loire Valley vineyards, the historical cities and towns of Tours, Chinon, Blois, and Anjou.

Lying 200 kilometers from the French Riviera, the homeland of Napoléon Bonaparte is one of the most beautiful French Islands, a mini-continent with hilltop villages and hiking trails, beaches, and idyllic turquoise waters.

Corsica is far away, but don’t hesitate to discover the extraordinary landscapes of this beautiful island! Corsica is best explored by car, and renting a car in Europe is very easy.

Corsica is divided into two departments: Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B).

Corsica Tourist Attractions: Calanques de Piana, Calvi Citadel, its beaches, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, water sports.

In Eastern France, Grand Est incorporates the former French regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardennes, and Lorraine. The capital city of the Grand Est region is Strasbourg.

Alsace is a land between the Germanic and Latin worlds, a mosaic of hills, mountains, and plains dotted with castles, vineyards, and picturesque villages. The Alsace Christmas Markets are some of the best Christmas Markets in France!

Champagne, on the other hand, is best known for its bubbles and historical cities like Reims and Troyes. Last but not least, Lorraine is world-known for its quiche, madeleines, and mirabelle plum.

Bordering Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, Grand Est is a place with many tourist attractions. It is also a land of memory, and it was the theater of some of the most important battles of WWI. In Grand Est, you are never far from the forest: the Vosges and the Regional Parks of Ardennes and Lorraine.

Grand Est is divided into ten departments: Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51), Haute-Marne (52), Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Bas-Rhin (67), Haut-Rhin (68), and Vosges (88). The main cities in Grand Est are Strasbourg, Metz, Nancy, Reims, Mulhouse, and Colmar.

Grand Est Tourist Attractions: the Alsace Wine Route, the villages of Alsace, Alsace’s Christmas Markets, Champagne’s vineyards, Reims Cathedral, Verdun and other WWI historical sites, Strasbourg, Colmar, Troyes, Nancy, the Vosges, and the Ardennes.

Hauts-de-France is one of the lesser-known regions of France. And it’s a pity because it is located just a stone’s throw from Paris. Stretching from the northern suburbs of the capital all the way to the English Channel coastline, this region was formed in 2016 by merging the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardie regions.The capital city of the Hauts-de-France region is Lille, a vibrant city full of history, culture, and charm.

The Hauts-de-France region is full of stunning cathedrals, historic belfries, and impressive citadels, while its plains tell the story of its mining past. It’s also home to charming Channel beach resorts and relaxing seaside escapes along the Opal Coast.

Don’t miss beautiful Lille, with its Lille Stock Exchange, and Notre Dame d’Amiens Cathedral, one of France’s Grandes Cathédrales and home to the tallest nave in the country.

Hauts-de-France is divided into five departments: Aisne (02), Nord (59), Oise (60), Pas-de-Calais (62), and Somme (80). The main cities in Hauts-de-France are Lille, Amiens, Roubaix, and the port cities of Dunkerque (Dunkirk) and Calais.

Hauts-de-France Tourist Attractions: Amiens Cathedral, Domaine de Chantilly, Dunkirk, the seaside resort of Le Touquet, Lille, the Somme Bay & WW1 battlefields.

Unlike its neighbor, the Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France is one of the most visited regions of France, mainly thanks to Paris. Its name means “Island of France” because, in Medieval times, the French Kingdom was not much bigger than this region.

After visiting the top sites in Paris, venture beyond the Boulevard Périphérique to explore what Ile-de-France has to offer. Some attractions like the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris are famous worldwide, but there’s so much more to discover in Ile-de-France.

Visitors can enjoy nature and relaxation in one of the four regional natural parks, while history buffs can learn about the Kings and Queens of France in amazing historical sites such as Château de Fontainebleau and Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral.

Picturesque villages are never far from the capital, and places like Auvers-Sur-Oise and Bougival were immortalized by Van Gogh, Renoir, and the Impressionists.

Ile-de-France is divided into eight departments: Paris (75), Seine-et-Marne (77), Yvelines (78), Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92), Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val-de-Marne (94), Val-d’Oise (95). The main cities in Ile-de-France are Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Denis, and Versailles.

Ile-de-France Tourist Attractions: Paris, Versailles, Château de Fontainebleau, Disneyland Paris, Château de Vincennes, Provins medieval city, and Saint-Denis Basilica Cathedral.

Normandy, in Northern France, is one of the most popular regions on the tourist map of France. And for a reason! Normandy offers the visitor a stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and idyllic countryside. Normandy is also famous for its rich history, tower bells, cows, and cheese. The capital city of Normandy is Caen.

Normandy is a popular weekend getaway from Paris, and many hotels and restaurants thrive along the Normandy coast, especially around the towns of Deauville and Honfleur.

Normandy is also a land of medieval towns, fabulous castles, and artists. The Impressionist movement was born in Normandy, inspired by Monet’s “Impression” of the sunrise at Le Havre.

Normandy is divided into five departments: Calvados (14), Eure (27), Manche (50), Orne (61), and Seine-Maritime (76). Normandy’s main cities are Le Havre, Caen, and Rouen.

Normandy Tourist Attractions: Mont Saint-Michel, the Bayeux Tapestry, D-Day Landing Sites, Honfleur harbor, Rouen and its Cathedral, chic Deauville, picturesque villages, the Seine Valley, the Cider Route, and Monet’s Gardens in Giverny.

It’s almost impossible to get bored in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Located in Western France, this is the French region of mountains and forests, prehistoric caves, beaches, medieval villages, and some of the most beautiful castles in France. The capital city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is Bordeaux.

Its 720 kilometers of coast are a paradise for surfers, while people looking for a quiet vacation can enjoy no less than 30 spa towns, including Dax, France’s premier spa destination.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is also a delight for foodies, with excellent wines and brandies and around twenty Michelin-starred restaurants.

Sun, history, dynamism, and gastronomy . . . there’s a perfect French getaway for everyone in Nouvelle Aquitaine!

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is divided into twelve departments: Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64), Deux-Sèvres (79), Vienne (86), and Haute-Vienne (87). The main cities in the region are Bordeaux, Limoges, and Poitiers.

Nouvelle Aquitaine Tourist Attractions: Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin, the Arcachon Bassin, Saint Emilion, the Landes Forest, the Ossau Valley, Lascaux Caves, the Dordogne region, La Rochelle, the Basque Country, and the Atlantic islands.

Traveling to Occitanie is like returning to the basics: the land, the sea, and the sky. Lesser-known than its chic neighbor, Occitanie in Southern France, is a fantastic region to explore, nestled between the Pyrénées and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city of the Occitanie region is Toulouse.

Less frenetic than Provence and the French Riviera but definitely more affordable, Occitanie is a land of sunny stone-built villages, vertiginous citadels, great mountain hikes, and fascinating history. A land where its inhabitants like to take their time and enjoy the small pleasures of this life.

Occitanie does not lack lively cities like Roussillon, Toulouse, and Montpellier. History buffs will want to head to Carcassonne, the gate to the fascinating Cathar Country, Albi, and Rocamadour.

Occitanie is divided into thirteen departments: Ariège (09), Aude (11), Aveyron (12), Gard (30), Haute-Garonne (31), Gers (32), Hérault (34), Lot (46), Lozère (48), Hautes-Pyrénées (65), Pyrénées-Orientales (66), Tarn (81), Tarn-et-Garonne (82). The main cities in Occitanie are Toulouse, Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan, and Béziers.

Occitanie Tourist Attractions: Carcassonne and the Cathar Country, Albi, Toulouse, the Pyrénées, the Camargue, Rocamadour, Nîmes, Pont du Gard, the Valleys of the Cévennes, and Canal de Midi.

Located in Western France, Pays de la Loire is a region of châteaux and vineyards, with Nantes as its capital.

Pays de la Loire is lesser known than the neighboring region Centre-Val de Loire, and perhaps it lacks top tourist attractions, but this does not mean that it is not an interesting region to be explored. Crossed from east to west by the Loire River and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Pays de La Loire showcases a stunning coastline, charming towns and villages, varied natural landscapes, and cultural cities.

Nantes, the Dukes of Brittany’s historic capital, is packed with interesting things to see and do, followed by the historic cities of Angers and Le Mans. The latter is best known for its legendary racetrack and prestigious 24-hour race.

History buffs will love to visit Fontevraud Abbey, the final resting place for a line of monarchs, starting with Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lionheart. Children will have a blast at Puy du Fou, one of the country’s most-visited theme parks, with medieval and fantasy-style shows.

Pays de la Loire is divided into five departments: Loire-Atlantique (44), Maine-et-Loire (49), Mayenne (53), Sarthe (72), and Vendée (85). The main cities in the region are Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, and Saint-Nazaire.

Pays de La Loire Tourist Attractions: the Atlantic Coast’s delightful landscapes, vineyards, 24 hours of Le Mans, Angers, Les Machines de l’Ile in Nantes, Puy du Fou, and Fontevraud Abbey.

The region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in Southern France, has everything to make visitors happy: French Riviera’s sunny beaches and chic resorts, the endless lavender fields and stone villages of Provence, picturesque marinas, secluded creeks with turquoise waters, great hikes and skiing in the wintertime, and excellent gastronomy. The capital city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is Marseille.

Bordering Monaco and Italy, cities like Nice and Cannes in Côte d’Azur are often the departure point of a French Riviera road trip or a stop on longer trips to Italy.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA between friends) is one of the best regions to visit in France. It gets hot and crowded in the summer, but it is an excellent travel destination in spring or fall when the crowds are gone and the temperatures are mild.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is divided into six departments: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Hautes-Alpes (05), Alpes-Maritimes (06), Bouches-du-Rhône (13), Var (83), Vaucluse (84). The main cities in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are Marseille, Nice, Toulon, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourist Attractions: Marseille, the Alpes Maritimes, French Riviera (St Tropez, Nice, Cannes, Antibes), villages of Provence, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, and the Calanques de Marseille-Cassis.

So there you have it, a quick tour around the France region’s map and its top attractions. What are your favorite French regions?

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