- Bordeaux tops the list as the most romantic French getaway destination for couples – the perfect holiday spot for this Christmas
- The study reveals France’s top destinations for couples based on reviews, Google searches, and luxury experiences
- Paris ranks second, but tops the list for attracting the most Google searches among the romantic destinations
Travel experts Seine River Cruises analysed data from TripAdvisor and Google Keyword Planner to identify the top Christmas getaway destinations in France.
Researchers ranked the 30 largest French cities based on factors such as monthly 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 couples and providing a curated guide of must-visit locations for unforgettable experiences.
The study revealed Bordeaux as the most romantic getaway destination in France. Known as the wine capital, Bordeaux records an impressive 40.62 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 couples seeking a charming and unforgettable experience.
Paris ranks as the second most romantic getaway destination in France. A highly popular choice for couples, the French capital sees 120.02 Google 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 couples 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.
Third place goes to Aix-en-Provence, a charming university city in the south of France. Although relatively unknown among couples, with no monthly 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 holidaying couples.
Nice, the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast, ranks fourth. With 59.06 monthly Google 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 couples seeking coastal charm and rich amenities.
Montpellier ranks as the fifth most romantic getaway destination in France. Although it registers only 1.34 Google searches per 100,000 people each month, couples 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.
The most romantic French getaway destinations
| Rank | City | Monthly 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 romantic getaway destination 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 holiday 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.”
