From late June until early August, the fields in parts of Provence (found in the south-eastern corner of France) burst into dazzling shades of purple, as lavender season comes into bloom. While the swathes of lavender flowers are a truly magical sight, their heady aroma – which will hit you as soon as you arrive – is just as magnificent. The areas of Luberon, Sault and Valensole are key spots to see this seasonal spectacle and you can reach them via a 1 hour and 40 minute scenic drive from the city of Marseille.

A quintessential image of France, the island of Mont Saint-Michel and the small commune perched on top of it will stop you in your tracks as you approach. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich historical story, having been originally founded by an Irish hermit and then owned by the Romans, Franks and the French over the past 16 centuries. Mont Saint-Michel looks just as captivating surrounded by calm waters as it does when the tide’s out, which reveals sandy, seaweed-strewn paths that beg to be wandered. Visit via a Princess day trip from the port of Le Havre.

Yes, it’s a big, bustling, capital city, but you don’t have to look too far to find Paris’ indisputable beauty. From Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur basilica and the surrounding area to the green and tropical expanse of Jardin du Luxembourg, to the countless gorgeous buildings that defy their urban surroundings (Palais Garnier, Arc de Triomphe to Cathédrale Notre-Dame), Paris is a visual feast. See some of the many highlights on a Princess day trip and forget your camera at your peril.

This quiet city is home to 362 historical monuments, second only to Paris! While it would take weeks to see them all, a few must-see spots are the 15th century bell tower Grosse Cloche that pilgrims walking to Spain have passed under for hundreds of years and the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, which is a national French monument.  

For a taste of the charming French atmosphere, walk through the Saint Pierre neighborhood or along the Rue Saint James to see charming coffee cafes, quaint bookstores and chic boutiques. If you want to shop more, explore Rue Sainte-Catherine — the longest pedestrian street in France — where you can find everything from luxury cosmetics to thrift stores. 

Visit Bordeaux with Princess to see all the highlights in one day — the Médoc Wine Region, Rue Saint-Catherine and Le Verdon.

Seas the day by heading to this coastal region of France for jagged coastline views, turquoise seas and Celtic culture. Head to Ploumanac’h Natural Site to see the pink granite coast and climb up the Mean Ruz Lighthouse where you can see the rocky shorelines and villages along the sea. For sandier beaches, try Batz Island where you can wade in the ocean and sink your toes in the sand before exploring the Exotic Garden Georges Delaselle, which has ruins of the 11th-century chapel and a 19th-century lighthouse. 

To really step into the area’s history, visit Carnac, a fishing village that has megalith sites, containing 3,000 standing stones and dolmens from 5,000 years ago! Spend the day in Brittany with Princess and see Brest, Concarneau and Pont Aven — home to the legacy Paul Gauguin.

Another of France’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this marvelous medieval village, less than an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, has a lot going for it. You’ll be won over as soon as you start exploring the winding, cobbled lanes; snapping photos of the pretty, golden-washed townhouses and leafy trees around every corner. And did we mention it’s also in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine country, surrounded by the sweeping vineyards of some of France’s finest wineries? You’re guaranteed to fall head-over-heels for this utterly charming place.

The renowned French Riviera is awash with glitz, glamor and stunning scenery, and while it’s difficult to pick just one place to visit there, the stylish town of Menton is often favored by those in the know. Its multicolored houses, golden beaches, boat-lined harbor and impeccable sea views provide all the best bits of the Riviera, without the hustle and bustle of flashier locales like Cannes and St. Tropez. Adding to its beauty and appeal, Menton has discernible Italian influence too, thanks to its position on the France-Italy border. Add this gem to your France itinerary by stopping in when your cruise ports in Nice — Menton is only a 30 minute drive away.

Soak in the Mediterranean sun as you stroll along the palm-tree studded promenade in the heart of the French Riviera. This city combines the charm of small quintessential French villages with the glamor of the Côte d'Azur. Wander through the free museums — like the Marc Chagall National Museum that houses some of this legendary artist’s best work — and the rambling Old Town that will make you feel like you’re in a storybook. 

To get a little R&R, head down to the white sand beaches and turquoise seas. The perfect blue water in the bay has attracted visitors for years and is part of what made this city a hub for European vacationers a hundred years ago. Sip your favorite French wine and watch the sunset across the Mediterranean Sea before heading to dinner to try the Salade Niçoise — a regional dish that makes use of the local produce growing in the surrounding hills.

Art and French countryside culture come together in this charming city in the foothills of the Alps. It’s the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, and you can walk in his footsteps, see the places he painted and visit his studio. While none of his paintings are in the city, you can see the tools, landscapes and quaint cafes that inspired him to create the art he’s known for. 

Don’t forget to stroll down the Cours Mirabeau, a wide promenade similar to the Champs-Elysées, lined with 17th and 18th century mansions. The sidewalks are wide with massive trees overhead with postcard-worthy squares and fountains popping up now and again. There’s nowhere better to enjoy a quiet day in a French city or a delicious macaron and coffee at an outdoor cafe. This idyllic spot is only a 30 minute drive from the port in Marseille.

Wild horses, flamingos and bulls, oh my! Camargue has Europe’s largest river delta and a UNESCO wildlife reserve that’s home to wild white horses, pink flamingos, black bulls and 400 species of birds. Take a horseback riding tour through the reserve to see the beauty of the marshlands and the herds of bulls grazing in the fields. 

Or watch one of the time-honored sporting events of the Camargue region: bull racing. Unlike with Spanish bullfighting, bulls are revered here, and they’re not injured in the process. Instead during course Camarguaise, athletes will race the bulls and try to pull tassels off their horns. The best place to see these races is in Arles, a town where you can also find Roman ruins and the five-generation family butcher shop Maison Genin where you can sample saucisson d’Arles, a sausage made with local pork and beef. 

You can reach Camargue by taking a 45 minute train from the Princess port in Marseille — and then spend the day spotting wildlife.

The unassuming and quietly gorgeous coastal city of La Rochelle is a fine place to watch the world go by. To really get a feel for the atmosphere and desirable aesthetic, stroll through the grand old town and admire the architecture, before heading to the main attraction: the pretty harbor, where you’ll find La Rochelle’s three imposing medieval towers and several lighthouses. Once you’ve taken in La Rochelle’s main sights, consider a trip out to another visually rich spot, Cognac, where you can combine sightseeing with brandy-sipping, getting to know the drink that made the town famous. Stop in at La Rochelle with a 2.5 hour train ride from Paris or a 2 hour drive from Bordeaux before or after your French cruise.

France may be blessed with some sublime coastal locations, but who needs the sea when you’ve got this vast, impossibly gorgeous lake instead? Located in the east of France, Lac d’Annecy is claimed to be ‘Europe’s purest lake’, which isn’t hard to believe once you see its crystal-clear waters. But it’s not just the lake that makes this location a must-visit: the surrounding mountains and forest are equally beautiful and provide a luscious, natural backdrop to the water. There are all kinds of outdoor activities to try both on and around the lake if you’re feeling energetic, but you’ll be forgiven if you prefer to sit and gaze at the views, pondering why you haven’t heard of this incredible place before. Lac d’Annecy is about a 4 hour drive from Paris — which makes it a great place to visit before or after your cruise.

Make your life a fairytale by visiting this picturesque city in the Alsace region of France. The half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets and flower-lined railings along the canal in La Petite France will feel like stepping straight into your favorite fable — and show you the unique mix of French and German cultures you can find only on the border. 

Climb to the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg to see the city sprawling beneath you and to enjoy the architecture and stained glass windows that date back to the 1400s. Then check out the Barrage Vauban, a medieval wall, where you can get some of the best views of the old sections of town. You can visit Strasbourg — and the nearby fairytale village Colmar — after a 2 hour train ride from Paris for a day trip before or after your European cruise.

Roman ruins in France? That’s right! In Lyon you can step even further into the past than you imagined by visiting a well-preserved Roman amphitheater right in the heart of this bustling French city. If you’re looking for more Roman Empire history, visit the Lugdunum Museum where you can see ancient pottery, intricately tiled mosaics and towering statues. 

Lyon is also considered the gastronomic capital of France — and in a country famous for its cuisine, that is quite the title to hold! Make sure to try coq au vin, a stew made with wine and mushrooms; quenelles de brochet, fluffy dumplings in a cream sauce; and tete de veau, calf’s head cooked in a rich sauce. After you’ve had your fill of French dishes, stroll into a local bakery to taste tarte aux pralines, a pink dessert made from praline cream and almond pastry. Lyon is only an hour and 40 minutes from Marseilles, so it’s a great city to extend your vacation for.

Wine, anyone? Burgundy is a region famous for its wine production, making it similar to the Tuscany region of Italy or Napa in California but with a French twist. Tour a vineyard or do a wine tasting to sample the region’s best — like the Patriarche Cellars which are the largest in Burgundy and span over 3 miles of vaulted galleries. 

Dive into the area’s medieval history with a visit to three abbeys. Climb to a hilltop church where the centuries-old Voie de Vézelay pilgrimage route to Spain begins, see the preserved Abbaye de Fontenay that dates back to 1118 and is a UNESCO world heritage site or visit the ruined Cluny abbey that used to be the largest church in Christendom before the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. 

Burgundy is a 3 hour train ride from Marseille, so after your French cruise, stop in and soak in this scenic countryside.

Welcome to the “Garden of France” full of rolling hills of vineyards, fields of asparagus and cherry orchards. Besides the obvious natural beauty, the Loire Valley is also home to one of France’s most famous landmarks: Château de Chenonceau. This beautiful white stone castle sits directly on a river and connects the chateau’s gardens and a sprawling forest — and used to be the countryside playground of French royalty. Haven’t gotten your fill of beautiful châteaus yet? Visit the grandest, Château de Chambord, to see the luxury of pre-revolutionary French royalty or Château de Villandry to see over 14 acres of gardens and cascading flowers. 

If you’re interested in visiting a city in the area, consider Orléans, the largest in the Loire Valley and the site of Joan of Arc’s legendary lifting of a medieval siege in the 1400s. You can find a statue dedicated to the Maid of Orléans in the city square as well as a towering cathedral and Hôtel Groslot where royalty used to stay while traveling through the area. 

If you’re extending your trip and adding more time in Paris, the Loire Valley is only an hour away by train!

Fans of castles, knights and board games unite! Carcassonne — which you might recognize from the game — is a medieval fortified city where you can see the massive wall that has encircled the castle since the 12th century. Wander the narrow streets and tour the Comtal Castle that used to be the home of powerful feudal lords. Don’t forget to visit the 9 towers to get jaw-dropping views of the entire city! 

Hungry after exploring the fortress? Try duck and goose confit to get a sample of the local cuisine or the Languedoc-style snails to try France’s famous delicacy. 

See this unforgettable city by taking a 3 hour train ride from the port in Marseilles.