- Bordeaux tops the list of the most romantic French honeymoon destinations
- The study reveals France’s top honeymoon cities based on reviews, Google searches, and luxury experiences
- Paris ranks second with the highest honeymoon-related Google searches
Travel experts at Seine River Cruises analysed data from TripAdvisor and Google Keyword Planner to identify the top honeymoon destinations in France.
Researchers ranked the 30 largest French cities based on factors such as monthly honeymoon-related Google searches, the distance from the city centre to the nearest airport, and whether the destination is coastal or not.
The study also considered the number of tourist attractions for couples, the availability of luxury hotels with romantic keywords in reviews such as ‘intimate’ and ‘romantic,’ as well as the presence of Michelin-starred and romantic restaurants with reviews mentioning words like ‘dreamy’ and ‘secluded’ in each city.
To ensure fairness between cities of different sizes, the results were adjusted per 100,000 people, highlighting the best spots for newlyweds and providing a curated guide of must-visit locations for unforgettable experiences.
The study revealed Bordeaux as the most romantic honeymoon destination in France. Known as the wine capital, Bordeaux records an impressive 40.62 honeymoon-related Google searches per 100,000 people each month.
The city is conveniently located just five kilometres from the nearest airport. While not a coastal destination, Bordeaux offers 42 attractions designed for couples and 46 luxury or romantic hotels, with reviews that include words like ‘romantic,’ ‘intimate,’ and ‘passionate’.
With an impressive 98 Michelin-starred or romantic restaurants per 100,000 people, it is a top choice for newlyweds seeking a charming and unforgettable experience.
Paris ranks as the second most romantic honeymoon destination in France. A highly popular choice for honeymooners, the French capital sees 120.02 honeymoon-related searches per 100,000 people each month.
The city’s proximity to the nearest airport—just one kilometre from the centre—makes it incredibly convenient for newlyweds to reach their accommodation. While Paris is inland and lacks a beach, its global status as a hub for art, gastronomy, and culture more than compensates.
Couples can enjoy 28 tourist attractions per 100,000 people, 33 luxury or romantic hotels, and 93 Michelin-starred or romantic restaurants, with reviews including words such as ‘dreamy’ or ‘secluded,’ offering unforgettable experiences.
Aix-en-Provence, a charming university city in the south of France, takes third place as the most romantic honeymoon destination. Although relatively unknown among newlyweds, with no monthly honeymoon-related Google searches, it remains a hidden gem.
The nearest airport is 15 kilometres from the city centre, making the journey slightly longer. While Aix-en-Provence is also inland, it offers plenty for couples, including 31 tourist attractions, 53 luxury or romantic hotels, and 77 Michelin-starred or romantic restaurants — all per 100,000 people.
Based on reviews and data, this underrated destination deserves more attention from honeymooners.
Nice, the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast, ranks fourth. With 59.06 monthly honeymoon-related searches per 100,000 people, it is a popular and convenient destination just two kilometres from the nearest airport.
As a coastal town, Nice is ideal for couples who enjoy relaxing on the beach. Additionally, it offers 35 tourist attractions, 21 luxury or romantic hotels, and 73 Michelin-starred or romantic restaurants per 100,000 people, making it a top choice for honeymooners seeking coastal charm and rich amenities.
Montpellier ranks as the fifth most romantic honeymoon destination in France. Although it registers only 1.34 honeymoon-related Google searches per 100,000 people each month, newlyweds should not overlook this southern French city.
Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea makes it an appealing beach destination, and the nearest airport is just three kilometres away, making it easily accessible.
For couples, Montpellier offers 13 tourist attractions, 17 luxury or romantic hotels, and 60 Michelin-starred or romantic restaurants per 100,000 people, making it a highly romantic yet underappreciated choice for honeymooners.
The most romantic French honeymoon destinations
| Rank | City | Monthly honeymoon Google searches | Airport distance (in kilometres) | Coastal or not | Tourist attractions for couples | Luxury and romantic hotels | Michelin-star and romantic restaurants | |
| 1 | Bordeaux | 40.62 | 5 | no | 42 | 46 | 98 | |
| 2 | Paris | 120.02 | 1 | no | 28 | 33 | 93 | |
| 3 | Aix-en-Provence | 0.00 | 15 | no | 31 | 53 | 77 | |
| 4 | Nice | 59.06 | 2 | yes | 35 | 21 | 73 | |
| 5 | Montpellier | 1.34 | 3 | yes | 13 | 17 | 60 | |
| 6 | Clermont-Ferrand | 0.00 | 71 | no | 10 | 5 | 48 | |
| 7 | Dijon | 0.00 | 29 | no | 18 | 11 | 46 | |
| 8 | Strasbourg | 0.00 | 4 | no | 14 | 18 | 52 | |
| 9 | Lyon | 2.65 | 2 | no | 15 | 11 | 60 | |
| 10 | Marseille | 8.60 | 3 | yes | 10 | 6 | 26 | |
Commenting on the results, Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Seine River Cruises, said:
“When most people think of a honeymoon in France, Paris, the ‘City of Love,’ is usually the first city that comes to mind.
“However, research shows that lesser-known cities like Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence are just as perfect, if not better, for a romantic escape. These cities have many luxury hotels and restaurants where couples can unwind and enjoy their honeymoon in a more peaceful environment.
“With fewer tourists, couples can truly soak in the atmosphere and explore the local attractions without long queues, and their photos will also be free from strangers in the background.”
