- A new study identifies Aix-en-Provence as France’s best ‘hidden gem’ honeymoon destination, offering all the essentials for a romantic getaway but receiving minimal search interest on Google.
- In second place is the picturesque Clermont-Ferrand, nestled among the Chaîne des Puys mountains, followed by Dijon, a hub for wine and gastronomy.
- Completing the top four is Strasbourg, whose enchanting architecture and renowned Christmas markets make it a perfect winter honeymoon spot.
Travel experts at Seine River Cruises analysed data from TripAdvisor and Google Keyword Planner to identify the best honeymoon destinations in France.
Researchers ranked the 30 largest French cities based on the distance to the nearest airport, the number of tourist attractions for couples, the availability of luxury hotels with romantic keywords in reviews, and the presence of Michelin-starred and romantic restaurants with reviews mentioning words like ‘dreamy’ and ‘secluded’.
Following this, the best ‘hidden gem’ destinations were identified as those that rank in the top ten but garner no honeymoon-related searches on Google.
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.
Topping the ranking is Aix-en-Provence, a charming city in the south of France, featuring picturesque architecture and romantic lavender fields.
The nearest airport is 15 kilometres from the city centre, making the journey slightly longer. While Aix-en-Provence is 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.
In second place is Clermont-Ferrand, a university city bordered by the volcanic Chaîne des Puys mountains. It boasts stunning architecture, including the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral, constructed from lava rock.
This city features 10 couples tourist attractions, 5 luxury romantic hotels, and 48 Michelin-star and romantic restaurants, per 100,000 people.
Dijon placed third, with 18 tourist attractions for couples and 11 luxury romantic hotels.
Recognized as a global hub for gastronomy and wine and boasting 46 Michelin-star and romantic restaurants per 100,000 residents, Dijon is the perfect romantic destination for foodie couples.
Strasbourg comes in fourth place with 14 tourist attractions for couples, 18 romantic luxury hotels, and 52 Michelin-star and romantic restaurants, per 100,000 people. The airport is only 4 kilometres away from the city, making it easily accessible.
Famous for its Christmas markets and enchanting architecture, Strasbourg would make the perfect honeymoon destination for a winter wedding.
France’s Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Honeymoon Destinations, Ranked
| Rank | City | Monthly honeymoon Google searches | Airport distance (in kilometres) | Tourist attractions for couples | Luxury and romantic hotels | Michelin-star and romantic restaurants |
| 1 | Aix-en-Provence | 0 | 15 | 31 | 53 | 77 |
| 2 | Clermont-Ferrand | 0 | 71 | 10 | 5 | 48 |
| 3 | Dijon | 0 | 29 | 18 | 11 | 46 |
| 4 | Strasbourg | 0 | 4 | 14 | 18 | 52 |
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 Aix-en-Provence and Clermont-Ferrand 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.”
