If you don't know by now, France is a great travel destination with so much to see and do. For solo travelers looking to traipse about this stunning country, you'll be glad to know that France is a solo traveler's paradise no matter the time of year. With an abundance of must-see attractions, boutique accommodations, and user-friendly public transportation, there's no reason why you shouldn’t check out France this year. That said, to assist you in your solo exploration, here are the 13 best solo travel destinations in France for 2023.

UPDATE: 2023/01/13 12:41 EST BY SERA PARRIS

13 Best Solo Travel Destinations In France For 2023

France is a beautiful country that wanderlusters should explore to the fullest extent. The original article covers several amazing solo travel destinations like Paris, Nice, and Normandy. A few more solo travel-friendly cities were added to this list for 2023 because it's a new year, and there are definitely new places to see.

13 Nice

Located just off the water, Nice is the perfect solo vacation spot. Here, California vibes meet European influence, making for a lively city filled with markets, shopping, boardwalks, beaches, and more. Another perk is that Nice is also conveniently located next to the airport, which makes getting around much easier for solo explorers. Plus, there's an abundance of amazing cities and attractions to check out in the South of France if you want to continue exploring this particular region. A recommended day trip from Nice to St. Tropez or a Mediterranean coastal sightseeing tour is a fantastic way to see more here this summer.

Related: Top 10 Places To Visit In The South Of France

12 Cannes

Cannes is another beautiful location in France for solo travel. In this resort town off the French Rivera, visitors can easily spend all day relaxing on stunning beaches and living the good life. In addition to lounging on the French Rivera, you can grab a delicious bite to eat at any of the fantastic restaurants in the area, indulge in world-renowned shopping, and then check out this city's legendary nightlife scene. Of course, for those who prefer something a little different, there is always something going on in Cannes, usually in the way of festivals, especially in late summer or the fall. So, if you’re more of a festival-goer than a beach-goer, Cannes is still a great option to consider.

11 Alsace

Alsace is a wonderful spot to check out for those planning a solo trip to France later in the year, especially during the holiday season. Not only are the Christmas Markets in this part of Europe a must-see, but Alsace itself feels like a winter wonderland in December. Yet another perk of Alsace is the wines. While visiting, solo wanders should also make it a point to stop by the local castle and nearby beautiful villages. This particular area of France is a real treat, especially during this time, so be sure to get in on the holiday fun. That said, if you opt to make the journey to Alsace before the Christmas season, you can still enjoy all the beauty this place offers and, of course, all the wine.

10 Paris

Who doesn't love the city of love and lights? Sure, you may think you need a travel buddy to truly enjoy Paris, but with delicious pastries, Michelin-star restaurants, cafés, and more, Paris is the perfect place for not sharing half of your food with someone. Besides, Paris is the must-see city in France, and you haven't truly traversed the globe if you haven't visited this marvel at least once or twice. So check out the cool cafés, the Louvre (plus all the other museums in Paris), or simply get lost walking around the city. Not only is Paris super easy to get around thanks to its public transportation, but you can also take the train into or out of this destination with ease.

Related: Paris Vs. Nice: Which French Destination Is Best For You?

9 Bordeaux

Wine lovers, especially red, can rejoice here. Bordeaux is essentially the heartland of good French red wine, and this city isn’t afraid to show it. While sampling your way through this delightful region, stop by La Cité du Vin, an actual museum entirely dedicated to the love and appreciation of wine. Of course, you don't have to be passionate about wine, or red wine for that matter, to enjoy a little me time in Bordeaux. Instead, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this French city any time of the year and admire the surrounding area/countryside.

8 Colmar

A staple on Conde Nast's list of the ten most beautiful towns in France, Colmar is a gorgeous solo destination that needs to be checked off your bucket list. Known as the likely inspiration for Belle's village in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Colmar is a little town and a quiet village that you can easily explore in a few days. While visiting, make sure you add these items to your itinerary: stop by Petite Venise, check out St. Martin's Church, see the works at Musee Bartholdi, marvel at the Pfister House paintings, and visit one of Colmar's unique attractions—a Statue of Liberty.

7 Lille

Only an hour's train ride from London, Lille is the perfect little spot for a day trip for solo travelers. This quaint little town is pedestrian-friendly, rather inviting, and an absolute treat to explore on your own. Lille also has a beautiful main square with a rich history, holiday markets, bookable activities, wonderful cafés, shops, galleries, and so much more. For Wanderers looking to spend more than a day in Lille, this cultural hub is a great destination with a superb overall selection of accommodations available.

6 Champagne

Who doesn't enjoy a good old-fashioned sip and see, right? Well, this is exactly what solo wanders can do here. Champagne is a gorgeous city in France that is known for — obviously, champagne. Thus, solo travelers can appreciate some of the world's best wines, get in a bubbly tasting or two, check out some of the high-end champagne house names, and enjoy their own company. Here, visitors can also partake in bike or walking tours, scenic train rides, historical sightseeing, delightful champagne picnics, and more.

5 Versailles

To see the Palace of Versailles in person in all its glory should be reason enough alone for any traveler to add this world-renowned city to their solo travel bucket list. With a rich and important history, stunning works of art, an abundance of museums, and fascinating facts about the French Revolution and King Louis XIV, Versailles is a city that is sure to keep you busy. But that's not all; Versailles has lovely accommodations, ample history tours, must-try cuisine, and a surprisingly fun nightlife scene.

4 Lyon

One of the bigger cities in France is Lyon. That said, solo visitors shouldn't be deterred so easily. This picture-perfect French town is home to some of the most world-famous attractions, including the ancient Roman Amphitheater and the breathtaking Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière — just to name a few. So for wanders who love history and snapping pictures, Lyon is an excellent option. There are quaint inns, cafés, great bars, rave-worthy eateries, and much more in Lyon. So, don't be afraid to carve out a few days so you can explore this incredible city.

3 Loire Valley

Fairy-tale and castle enthusiasts should also check out the town of Loire Valley while out and about in the beautiful country of France. Here, solo visitors can easily get lost in all the unbelievably stunning 15th and 16th-century French chateaus. Loire Valley also has more than a few castles and impressive architecture to marvel at, including Château d'Ussé, which is rumored to be the inspo for Sleeping Beauty. So, if this sounds like your cup of tea or glass of champagne, then Loire Valley awaits you.

2 Normandy

For history buffs, Normandy is an excellent choice. Here, solo travelers can learn all about this destination's history in World War II, D-Day, and the famous Mont Saint Michel. But that's not all; the one thing Normandy isn't short on is history. So visitors will have more than a few things to see and do. It is worth noting, however, that this excellent solo vaca spot is at its best during the summer months—so make sure you plan accordingly. Here, wanders can make this history having a day trip from Paris and getting the best of both worlds. Other activities to partake in while visiting include seeing Claude Monet's House and Garden and checking out the stunning view at the Etretat Cliffs.

1 Corsica

Finally, for solo travelers looking for it all and then some, Corsica offers something for everyone, including over 2,500+ native species of wildflowers. So if you want to spend all your time at the beach, sampling the best regional vintage, or simply want to know all there is about this country's past, Corsica won't disappoint. Not only is this famed city the birthplace of Napoleon, but it is also home to some of the world’s fanciest beach resorts with out-of-this-world cuisine plus free-flowing beachside cocktails and unctuous wines. Known as a French island with an Italian soul, foodies will feel right at home. Like so many islands, Corsica has an independent character and culture all to its own, which should speak to the solo traveler in all of us and definitely makes it worth exploring.