OUR neighbour across the English Channel is officially the most-visited country in the world.
has everything, from top class in the mountainous Alps, to incredible campsites, beautiful beaches and glamorous seaside cities.
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire has found a St Tropez alternativeCredit: Alamy
Morzine in the Alps is a beautiful spot for skiing – or even husky sledgingCredit: Alamy
According to EuroNews , France has retained its title of being the ‘world’s most visited country’ – and even beat its own record.
In 2024, it recorded 100million visitors and in 2025 topped that with 102million travellers.
As seasoned travellers to , here’s where recommends for anyone heading over there.
Sainte Maxime
If you want an affordable alternative to , Head of Sun (Digital) has a must-visit spot.
She said: “The first time I holidayed in was 30 years ago and while it has grown in popularity since then, the seaside town retains its elegant and traditional charm.
“Known as the ‘low-key little sister’ to the world famous, mega bouji
St. Tropez (which can be reached via 15-minute ferry from the town’s
port), Sainte Maxime offers the same kind of relaxed, Provencal vibe
for considerably less .
“If you’re looking for a fun-filled family stay, Eurocamp’s five-star
Prairies De La Mer holiday park is just 15 minutes down the road by
bus.”
La Rochelle
Travel Reporter has a lot of memories from holidaying in France. She said: “As a child, a lot of my holidays consisted of taking the ferry from to Calais and then driving onwards.
“One of my most memorable breaks was in the coastal city of in southwestern France.
“Going in the height of summer, temperatures can be incredibly high and I remember cooling off and splashing about in the sea on Plage des Minimes.
“That was until it was time to leave and look for well-needed shade which we found within the historic city. There’s lots to see there too and plenty of little cafes to stop at by the waterfront.
“For those who are a fan of seafood, you can’t really go wrong here with plenty being caught off the and served up fresh in the local .”
Camp Du Domaine, Bormes Les Mimosas – Lisa
Head of Sun Travel has a firm favourite place when it comes to holidaying in France, she explained: “One seaside village on the holds such a special place in my heart I have returned nearly every year for 50 years!
“My parents first took us to when I was six years old. And I have returned to the site nearly every year since – bringing my own family too.
“The village of itself tumbles down the hills of the Massif des Maures – a maze of pretty medieval streets and stone alleyways.
“It is known as a ‘village fleurie’ for the gorgeous flowers that adorn the hamlet – particularly the yellow mimosa that blooms from January to March.
“And our campsite sits on the coast at La Faviere with its vast swathe of sandy beach. We bring our caravan but the site also features a host of bungalows that dot the pine-covered hills of the site.”
Lisa loves the Camp Du Domaine so much she and her family go back every year
At an alpine region recommended by Sophie – you can even go husky sleddingCredit: Supplied
Morzine
Assistant Travel Editor revealed her top town in the Alps: “is famed for its picturesque, powdery ski slopes, with a huddle of smaller mountains in the main town, overlooking cosy that dish up tartiflette by the bucket load.
“There’s so much more to it than this, though. The peaks are just as beautiful in the summer months, transforming into grassy trails for mountain bikers, while its waterways are great for rafting.
“If you’re not much of a skier or snowboarder, husky sledding is an experience that will blow you away.
“You’ll soar along untrodden paths in a fur-lined sled pulled by a galloping pack, taking in the sights at speed.
“The resort is so action-packed it can easily be described as an adventure playground for adrenaline junkies.
“But if you do want to take things at a more leisurely pace, take advantage of some of the serene spas or book onto a snowshoeing experience through the wintry woodland – keep your eyes peeled for including the golden eagle and buzzards.”
Brittany
Travel Reporter is a fan of northern France. She said: “The region in northwest France features a fairytale-like city called .
“When visiting you will be wowed by the amount of historic, quaint buildings. Meander around the medieval Old Town – you will find the Gothic Saint-Corentin Cathedral and streets lined with Breton Gothic architecture.
“Many of the houses are half-timbered with overhanging upper stories, making you feel as if you have stepped into the scenes of a princess movie.
“The name actually originates from the Breton term ‘kemper’, which means ‘confluence’, referring to the three rivers that meet in the city.
“For those who love gifts, independent makers and crafts, the city is a haven as it is full of pottery-making spots and even an artistic embroidery school.
“It’s full of charm, but not so many tourists making it the ideal alternative French destination.”
Quimper in northern France looks like a ‘fairytale’ townCredit: Alamy
La Rosiere is a lesser-known but great ski spot for snow sport enthusiastsCredit: Alamy
La Rosiere
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) revealed one of her favourite ski spots, and you might not have heard of it.
She said: “ isn’t one of the best-known French ski resorts, but its high altitude means that you are far more likely to get decent snow
than other locations.
“The lesser-known quality, and the lack of big , means that the
village has also retained much of its charm, with plenty of quaint
little cafes and restaurants.
“The best of the best being L’Ancolie, a log cabin-style restaurant
with open fires and red checked curtains that serves favourites like
fondue, raclette and a pudding with meringue, chocolate sauce and ice
cream that was so delicious it still makes its way into family
discussions, two years on.
“When it comes to skiing itself, I can think of no better destination
for a child to learn the ropes, with plenty of kid-friendly green
slopes and blue runs.
“La Rosiere is relatively small, but with 83 runs of varying
difficulty, it kept us very happy for a whole week.
“We stayed with Ski Beat, at a catered-chalet that was literal spitting
distance of the ski school (helpful when you’re trying to coax a
little one into their uncomfortable boots pre-9am.”
Paris
And of course, how can you take a trip to France without seeing the country’s capital, ?
Travel Reporter went to Paris and , and here’s what she got up to: “As someone who had never been to the city before, a day trip was a lovely introduction.
“I headed to the beautiful Musee d’Orsay to see impressionist artwork by the likes of Monet, Degas, Renoir and Vincent Van Gogh.
“Then I walked along the Left Bank of the Seine all the way towards Notre Dame, where I stopped by the famous Shakespeare And Company bookshop.
“There’s plenty of places to stop by with a food tour too – make sure to stop by the Jewish Quarter for a tasty pastrami sandwich.
“I’m sure I’ll go back to the city soon – and hopefully I’ll get to even spend more than one day exploring it.”
For more on Paris and how to spend a day there, hear more from our Sun Travel Editor (Digital) who and reveals her favourite cocktail bar.
The Musee d’Orsay is a must-see for anyone heading to ParisCredit: Alice Penwill
You can’t go to Chantilly without getting a sweet treatCredit: Getty
Chantilly
Assistant Travel Editor also visited Chantilly, a town famous for its whipped cream, she said: “It may be only a half an hour train ride from the chaotic capital city, but .
“Its cobblestone streets, which remain peacefully quiet in the peak months, have an old world feel to them.
“This may be partly down to its mighty chateau, which prides itself in its historic equestrian training with public demonstrations taking place regularly throughout the year.
“You’ll likely spot the horses in training if you take a stroll around its magnificent grounds, too. Don’t forget to poke your head inside if you’re a fan of art through the ages, because this grand building houses the second largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre.
“And let’s not forget what Chantilly is truly famous for: its special whipped cream, first created in the 17th century and still a much loved dessert today.
“Not only will you find Chantilly cream on every restaurant menu in the small town centre but you can also join masterclasses led by one of the “whipping knights” (essentially an expert), where you’ll learn the exact technique.
“Be prepared to return to your hotel with an aching arm, because tradition states that it must be whipped by hand.”
Lille
Deputy Travel Editor would recommend a trip to one destination you can easily get to from the Eurostar, she said: “The makes for the perfect weekend break or even a .
“Being just one stop on the Eurostar from the UK, it’s quicker for me to get to the French city than it is to commute to the office, in fact.
“Nicknamed Little Paris, it is certainly easier to get around than the capital as well.
“It even has its own ‘Arc de Triomphe,’ albeit in the form of the small 17th-century Porte de Paris in the middle of a roundabout.
“Otherwise hop in a retro Citroen 2CV for a car tour of the city, grab a famous vanilla cream waffle from Meert and end with drinks at the rooftop Nu before hopping on the train home.
“Don’t fancy a day trip? Spend the night at the city’s Mama Shelter, complete with vintage games consoles and fantastic on-site restaurant.”
The pretty seaside town of Trouville-sur-Mer has been popular since the 1800sCredit: Getty
Trouville-Sur-Mer
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) has a favourite seaside town too, she said: “is just 50 minutes from the ferry port at Caen, which can be reached via a six-hour ferry crossing from .
“The quaint seaside town has been popular with holidaymakers since the
1800s, thanks to its huge sandy beach and fabulous cuisine. But it has
resolutely kept its quaint charm.
“Yes, there’s a kids’ arcade but it’s tucked into the basement of the
glamorous casino. Yes, there’s crazy golf but it’s petite, just off the old-fashioned wooden boardwalk surrounded by grand 19th-century mansions.
“This particular area is famous for its crepes, so we made it our
mission to sample as many as possible — with chocolate, ice cream and
seafood.
“Given its Channel-front location, the town is also very big on moules
— we even spotted a pizza piled high with them.
“And you’re spoilt for choice for groceries, thanks to the town’s
twice-weekly street market, where verything from shucked oysters and
giant tomatoes to the stinkiest cheese and hot coq-au-vin is on sale.”
For even more on France, one .
Another visited the .
France is the most-visited country in the world for the second year in a rowCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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