France comprises 13 metropolitan regions and 5 overseas departments and regions. The culture, cuisine, landscapes, and lifestyles vary so greatly from one region to another that one could speak of 18 small states within a single country! In the North, South, East, and West, each claims a different, authentic France, full of unique qualities.
Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a wine aficionado, a mountain lover, a city dweller at heart, or a countryside admirer, you will undoubtedly find what you are looking for somewhere in France. It's up to you to explore the regions to find the one that suits you best!
.jpg)
As its name suggests, Hauts-de-France is the northernmost region of the country. It is known for its warm people, generous cuisine, and a coastline stretching from the English Channel to the North Sea, featuring the famous Opal Coast, which inspired many 20th-century painters! The region is not necessarily sought out for its sunshine but for its warm welcome and dynamic life, between land sailing and iodine-rich walks along the sea.
Brittany, a small but proud region located at the far west of France, boasts a unique culture, a preserved language, its gastronomy, and historic heritage. Considered the rainiest region in France, it is also said that there is sunshine at least once a day. Brittany features magnificent landscapes, especially along its rugged coast and numerous small islands. In terms of gastronomy, Brittany is famous for its crepes, Kouign Aman, and salted butter!
Located just across from England, along the oceanic coastline between Hauts de France and Brittany, this northern region is known for its chic and festive seaside resorts, half-timbered houses, and long blue-grey beaches. The region is ideal for those looking to live close to the sea but without excessive heat.
Île-de-France, the smallest yet most populated region with 12 million inhabitants, is home to Paris, the capital of the country, a dynamic city rich in culture. IDF is ideal for city dwellers who enjoy discovering new restaurants, visiting exhibitions, and engaging in various activities. Naturally, it is also the best-served region, with two international airports and seven TGV stations connecting to all French regions.
Located in northeastern France, the Grand Est is the region with the most borders! Bordering Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, this region is rich in culture. Its continental climate allows for snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Due to its geographical location, Grand Est is ideal for Belgian, German, and Swiss nationals wishing to establish themselves in France while staying close to their home countries!
Positioned at the boundary between northern and southern France, Pays de la Loire is a compact region bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Brittany. Famous for its illustrious châteaux and mild climate, Pays de la Loire is a dynamic region thanks to the city of Nantes. It's highly favored for secondary homes due to its accessibility to Paris, lush landscapes around Le Mans, and vibrant coastal areas.
Like its neighbor, Centre-Val de Loire is known for the châteaux along its river, including Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord. This tranquil region boasts other qualities: very affordable real estate, stunning landscapes, and notably, the white wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, among the French favorites!
Known for its famous Jura mountains, breathtaking plains, and hillside vineyards, this serene region is a haven for wine and cheese lovers. Similar to the Grand Est region discussed earlier, Bourgogne Franche-Comté enjoys a continental climate, which brings about distinctly marked four seasons!
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, located in the southeastern corner of France, bordering Italy, is one of the country's most famous regions. PACA is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, boasting an especially pleasant climate, a variety of landscapes, and lively, colorful towns and villages.
Situated in the south of France, between the PACA and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions, Occitanie has a Mediterranean coastline and a long border with Spain along the French Pyrenees. Occitanie is a vast region with a great variety of landscapes, from the fine sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the mountainous panoramas of the Pyrenees.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a vast region located in the southwest of France. The region starts in the Basque Country at the border with Spain, extends along the Atlantic coast up to Pays de la Loire, and spreads inland to the center of the country. The southwest is known for its mild but rainy climate, lush landscapes, and rough seas, making it the favorite surfing spot for the French!
This region marks the beginning of the French Alps, renowned for their world-famous ski slopes and melted cheese dishes. Lyon, one of France's major cities, famous for its traditional 'bouchons' and gentler lifestyle, is located here. Rhône-Alpes is also home to Annecy with its beautiful lake, a popular destination in both winter and summer. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes offers many qualities that attract tourists and individuals seeking a better quality of life every year.
Corsica, the largest French island, is nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, positioned between France and Italy. The island is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters, and insular lifestyle, highly influenced by close ties to Italian cuisine.
France extends beyond its mainland to include overseas departments and regions (DOM-TOM), each offering unique features, cultures, and landscapes. Here's an overview of these regions:
Located in the Caribbean, this archipelago of 7 islands off the coast of Venezuela epitomizes the Caribbean island experience with sunshine, turquoise beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Another gem in the Antilles, Martinique is synonymous with luxury vacations, sun, and endless beaches. Like Guadeloupe, it is famed for its paradisiacal beaches and Creole culture.
Situated in South America between Suriname and Brazil, French Guiana features long beaches lined with dense palm groves, and murky, turbulent waters. It’s a place to explore a remarkable mix of cultures!
Located off the African coast near Madagascar, Réunion Island is famous for its spectacular hiking on extinct volcanoes and Creole cuisine, including the famous rougaille saucisse.
Close to Réunion, Mayotte is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Known for its coral barrier, protected lagoon, and marine reserve, Mayotte is a haven for diving enthusiasts due to its stunning beaches and rich marine biodiversity.
