So, you’re ready to pop the question and want to do so in one of the world’s most beautiful countries? But given the many romantic sites in France, it can be daunting to decide and plan a heartfelt proposal to the love of your life. While most wedding proposals take place in Paris, with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the backdrop, you will find many other destinations in France that offer the best setting for the most romantic wedding proposal.
From Normandy to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, here are some of the most incredible places to propose in France.
1.Normandy
Normandy is oozing with romance, making it an ideal destination for a marriage proposal. From the majestic abbeys and castles to picturesque villages and sparkling seas, there are a lot of incredible places to propose in this stunning French region.
Honfleur, a picturesque town along the Seine estuary, is an ideal base for your trip to Normandy. It’s renowned for its charming architecture, pretty cobblestone streets, and colourful half-timbered houses. After your proposal, walk hand in hand towards the wooden church of Saint Catherine and marvel at the beautiful half-timbered houses along the way.
Étretat, a charming town along the Alabaster coast, can make for an ideal background for a proposal, with its tall white cliffs surrounded by the vast ocean. It’s a truly romantic place that has inspired many artists, including the famous author Maurice Leblanc in his character of Arsène Lupin.
The seaside town of Cabourg is one of the most picturesque places along the Normandy Coast. It’s home to private mansions from the 19th century and a waterfront promenade that offers the perfect place to propose to the love of your life. Better yet, take your loved one on a romantic walk on the dune to marvel at the estuary, and when you’re ready, get down on one knee!
2.Val d’Isere
If you want a proposal with the snowy Alps as the backdrop, consider going to Val d’Isere. It’s one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, home to picturesque villages brimming with fantastic restaurants and luxury accommodations. Sno has some luxurious accommodations on offer, perfect for your proposal trip. And staying in one of the luxury chalets of Val d’Isere will provide you with some of the most romantic landscape views, perfect for your unforgettable getaway with your loved one.
Val d’Isere sits in the majestic Tarentaise Valley in the Rhone-Alps region of France. It’s right at the end of the valley, often cut off in winter because of extreme snow. The town consists of the main village of Val d’Isere and two small villages, Le Fornet and La Daille.
The remarkably stunning views of Val d’Isere will make your proposal extra special. It’s one of France’s most beautiful ski resorts, sitting in a majestic valley at the foot of the mountains and home to chocolate-box villages and high-end chalets spread between the central town and its outlying villages. Almost every corner of Val d’Isere offers an ideal setting to propose to the love of your life.
After a successful proposal, celebrate by booking a table at one of the resort’s fancy restaurants overlooking the views. Feast on mouth-watering French cuisine with a glass of local wine.
3.Bordeaux
Bordeaux is one of France’s most popular destinations for couples on a romantic break. The city offers a world of romance and adventure, from discovering historic sites to indulging in delectable cuisine and wine and going for a romantic cruise. Indeed, Bordeaux presents you with many opportunities to propose to the love of your life.
The Jardin Public is one of the most beautiful places to propose in Bordeaux. It’s a vast urban park with endless green spaces, scenic walking trails, and a large scenic lake. You can share a sumptuous lunch over a picnic or go for a romantic stroll, and when the time is right, get down on one knee to present the ring!
The stunning Bordeaux Cathedral is another interesting setting for a proposal. Built around the 12th and 15th centuries, the historic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring magnificent Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
4.Paris
Often considered one of the world’s most romantic cities, Paris offers plenty of opportunities to propose to the love of your life. And while many would choose somewhere near the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find many other fascinating places in the city perfect for a proposal.
While in Paris, take the opportunity to enjoy one of the enchanting private tours on offer in France. These tours will take you to some of Paris’ most beautiful places to propose to the love of your life, from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Place des Vosges and the Louvre Pyramid.
For an even more romantic way to propose, book a private cruise along the river Seine. Your cruise can include a sumptuous dinner with wine, offering a more romantic experience. As your boat glides along the scenic river, take the opportunity to get down on one knee and ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.
5.The Loire Valley
If you want a fairy-tale proposal setting, the Loire Valley is the place to be. Home to some of the world’s most magnificent and romantic chateaux, the region has the ideal atmosphere to ask your partner’s hand in marriage.
While most of the chateaux are often full of tourists, some places, such as the legendary Chateau de Chambord, exude a quieter atmosphere and offer a more intimate setting for a proposal. Many other prestigious and lesser-known chateaux in the region also offer a perfect setting for a romantic proposal, away from the tourist crowds.
Many chateaux have a private balcony or terrace with the sparkling Loire River and the sprawling lush green hills in the background. They are the perfect spots to get down on one knee to pop the question. After a successful proposal, celebrate with a toast of sparkling wine or book a fancy dinner in one of the Loire Valley’s top restaurants.
Given the breathtaking views of the Loire Valley, it’s not a surprise that it’s considered one of the best places to propose in France.
Written by: Penny Martinelli