3 regions to visit — Brittany, Provence, Alsace

France is often discovered through its big cities, but it’s the regions that make it unforgettable. Between wild coastlines, sun-soaked villages and wine roads lined with half-timbered houses, there are a thousand ways to fall in love with the country. Here I’m sharing 3 regions to visit in France that complement each other perfectly: Brittany, Provence and Alsace.

The goal is simple: give you a clear feel for each region’s vibe, strengths, must-do experiences (walks, local moments, foods to try), and above all practical tips to choose based on your preferences if you’re coming from abroad.

Brittany (french bretagne): the call of the ocean, the moors, and a world full of life

The advantages

Brittany has a raw, genuine charm: a spectacular coastline, granite villages, a strong cultural identity, and nature everywhere. It’s one of the regions to visit in France if you love breathing deeply, walking, smelling the sea air, and feeling like the elements (wind, sea, light) are part of the trip.

Another advantage, often underestimated: Brittany works beautifully without an overly rigid “plan”. You can improvise by following the coast, stopping in a harbor, taking a trail, and ending up in a crêperie.

The vibe

Here, the atmosphere swings between maritime energy and calm. Landscapes change fast: cliffs, beaches, dunes, forests, islands, marshes… You can go from a dramatic coastline to a peaceful estuary in an hour’s drive. Brittany is also a land of stories: legends, standing stones, chapels, local traditions.

Things to do (and food to try)

• Unmissable walks

  • Hike the Customs Officers’ Path (GR34): one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal routes.
  • Explore the headlands and points: cliffs, coves, sunset viewpoints.

• Signature experiences

  • Take a boat trip to an island (depending on your area: Breton islands, archipelagos).
  • Local markets: perfect for tasting and chatting with producers.

• Must-try bites

  • Crêpes and galettes (buckwheat), with a bowl of cider.
  • Seafood (oysters, mussels, shellfish).
  • Kouign-amann (very rich… and very good).

Personal note: the exceptional biodiversity of Mont-Saint-Michel

I was lucky to spend quite a bit of time near Mont-Saint-Michel thanks to my work as an ecological engineer. In the field, a large part of my days was spent observing, identifying and photographing the birds that inhabit the wetlands and the coastline.
This place left a deep impression on me. Between the endless mudflats, the wind-swept salt meadows, the shifting estuaries and the bocage landscape in the background, you feel a living, moving nature—almost untamable.
Every outing came with surprises, and I never stopped being amazed by the richness and the fragile balance of this unique territory.

— Erwan de Itinerary France

Provence: light, slow living, and Mediterranean scents

The advantages

Provence is the promise of a sunlit trip: golden light, perched villages, colorful markets, olive groves, hills, and that slower rhythm that makes you feel like you can breathe better. Among the regions to visit in France, it’s often the first to win over international travelers: it embodies the Mediterranean dream.

Another advantage: it offers a rare balance between nature and the art of living. You can hike in the morning, have lunch at the market, visit a village, then end the day on a terrace.

The vibe

Here, everything feels more sensory: smells (thyme, rosemary, lavender), warmth, cicadas singing, the pale stone of villages. The atmosphere is friendly, food-focused, and outdoor-oriented.

Things to do (and food to try)

• Walks and scenery

  • Perched villages and panoramic roads (perfect for a road trip).
  • Fields and plateaus (especially in season).
  • Hikes in mountain ranges, gorges, or natural parks depending on your itinerary.

• Signature experiences

  • Provençal markets: an activity in its own right (photos, tastings, local products).
  • Estate visits: olive oil, wines depending on the area.

• What to taste

  • Mediterranean cuisine: sun-grown vegetables, herbs, olive oil.
  • Specialties like ratatouille, tapenade, pissaladière, bouillabaisse (depending on the coast).
  • Cheeses, rosé wines, ripe fruit, almond desserts.

Alsace: storybook villages, traditions, and the wine route

The advantages

Alsace stands out with its unique identity: half-timbered architecture, strong traditions, hearty food, and a culture blending French and Germanic influences. It’s one of the regions to visit in France if you like structured itineraries, villages close together, and the idea of “seeing a lot” in just a few kilometers.

Another advantage: Alsace is beautiful year-round. In summer it’s green and blooming; in autumn the vineyards blaze; in winter it turns magical thanks to Christmas markets.

The vibe

You quickly feel transported: colorful houses, crafted signs, squares, cellars, local festivals. The atmosphere is warm and deeply rooted in the local terroir.

Things to do (and food to try)

• Walks

  • The Alsace Wine Route: villages, viewpoints, tastings.
  • Stroll through historic centers: lanes, canals, squares.
  • Forest walks or trips to the Vosges if you want nature.

• Signature experiences

  • Taste white wines (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, etc., depending on your preferences).
  • Visit cellars and meet winemakers.

• What to taste

  • Tarte flambée (flammekueche), choucroute, baeckeoffe.
  • Pretzels, gingerbread, regional pastries.
  • Food-and-wine pairings: Alsace is paradise for that.

How to choose among these 3 regions to visit in France

• You love raw nature, the ocean, hiking, and ever-changing scenery → Brittany
• You’re looking for sunshine, Mediterranean food, markets, and a gentle pace of life → Provence
• You want typical villages, wine, traditions, and an easy-to-organize route → Alsace