The Most Popular Region in France: Ranking the Coveted Destination
Voting rules: Choose the region you think is the most popular!
Updated on Sep 17, 2023 10:29
Discover France's hidden gems and join the ultimate French showdown by participating in our latest ranking – "What is the most popular region in France?"! Here at StrawPoll, we've gathered the crème de la crème of French regions, from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed vineyards of Bordeaux, and everything in between. Will it be the breathtaking landscapes of Provence, or the irresistible charm of Brittany that takes the crown? You decide! Cast your vote for your favorite region or suggest a missing jewel to help us uncover the true essence of France. Dive into the rich tapestry of French culture, gastronomy, and history, and let your voice be heard in this exciting quest for the most beloved French destination! So, allez-y and vote now to reveal the best of France!
What Is the Most Popular Region in France? (September 2023)
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174votesThis region includes Paris, the city of love and the most visited city in the world. It is known for its art, culture, and history.DescriptionÎle-de-France is the most populous and highly urbanized region in France. It encompasses the metropolitan area of Paris, the capital city of France, and its surrounding suburban areas. It is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant lifestyle.
- Area: 12,012 square kilometers
- Population: 12.2 million (as of 2020)
- Density: 1,016 inhabitants per square kilometer
- Major Cities: Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Denis, Argenteuil
- Landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral
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231votes
Marc Wabnitz (= Macrowab on fr.wikipedia) · CC BY-SA 2.0 frThis region is popular for its beautiful Mediterranean coast, picturesque villages, and lavender fields. It is also known for its cuisine, wine, and outdoor activities.DescriptionProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a region located in the southeastern part of France. It is known for its diverse landscapes, picturesque coastline, and rich cultural heritage. The region encompasses the French Riviera, the Alps, and the Provence countryside, offering a mix of Mediterranean beaches, snow-capped mountains, and charming villages. This makes it a popular destination for tourists who seek a range of experiences, from relaxing beach vacations to outdoor adventures in the mountains. With its pleasant climate, vibrant cities, and historical sites, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur attracts millions of visitors each year.- Area: 31,400 square kilometers
- Population: About 5 million people
- Main Cities: Marseille, Nice, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence
- Coastline Length: Approximately 700 kilometers
- Famous Attractions: French Riviera, Calanques National Park, Mont Ventoux, Luberon
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325votes
Xhark · CC BY-SA 4.0Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French governmentThis region is popular for its stunning natural beauty, including the French Alps and the Mont Blanc massif. It is also known for its gastronomy, wines, and historic cities such as Lyon.DescriptionAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a region in southeastern France, known for its stunning natural landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities. It is the result of the merger of two former regions, Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes.- Location: Southeastern France
- Capital: Lyon
- Area: 69,711 square kilometers
- Population: 7,850,778 (as of 2017)
- Major Cities: Lyon, Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Clermont-Ferrand
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48votes
GilPe · CC BY-SA 3.0This region is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and stunning countryside. It is also home to the famous city of Toulouse and the world-renowned wine region of Languedoc.DescriptionOccitanie is a region located in the southwestern part of France. It was created on January 1, 2016, following the merger of the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées. Occitanie is a diverse and vibrant region known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.- Area: 72,724 square kilometers
- Population: approximately 5.8 million
- Capital: Toulouse
- Major Cities: Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan
- Language: Occitan, French
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516votes
Cobber17 · CC BY 3.0Nouvelle-Aquitaine
French governmentThis region is popular for its beautiful coastline, charming towns, and world-famous wine regions such as Bordeaux. It also has a rich cultural heritage, including prehistoric cave paintings and historic cities such as La Rochelle.DescriptionNouvelle-Aquitaine is a region located in southwestern France. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. The region was created on January 1, 2016, through the merger of three former regions: Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes.- Tourism: Stunning coastal towns, vineyards, cultural festivals
- Economy: Agriculture, manufacturing, services
- Capital: Bordeaux
- Area: 84,061 square kilometers
- Population: 5,807,433
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68votes
Brittany
N/AThis region is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque towns, and unique cultural identity. It is also famous for its seafood and traditional Breton crepes.DescriptionBrittany, also known as Bretagne, is a picturesque region located in the northwest corner of France. It features stunning coastlines, charming medieval towns, and a rich Celtic heritage. The region is famous for its rugged cliffs, rocky coves, and beautiful sandy beaches that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean. With its lush green landscapes, quaint fishing villages, and enchanting islands, Brittany offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural allure.- Coastline: 1,700 kilometers
- Capital: Rennes
- Population: Approximately 3.3 million
- Language: Breton (traditional Celtic language) and French
- Historic Sites: Over 4,000 prehistoric monuments and numerous medieval castles
Brittany in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Chipmunk
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful area in France
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77votes
Myrabella · CC BY-SA 3.0This region is popular for its rich history, including the D-Day landings and the Bayeux Tapestry. It is also known for its beautiful coastline, charming towns, and delicious cuisine, including Camembert cheese and cider.DescriptionNormandy is a picturesque region located in the northwestern part of France, known for its captivating landscapes, rich history, and charming coastal towns. The region offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, architectural wonders, and a vibrant cultural heritage.- Impressive Cliffs: Normandy is famous for its dramatic cliffs, most notably the iconic white cliffs of Étretat.
- Beautiful Beaches: Normandy boasts a long coastline adorned with beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing, walking, or enjoying various water activities.
- Historic Sites: Normandy is home to significant historic sites, including the D-Day landing beaches, Bayeux Tapestry, and the medieval abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Charming Towns: The region is dotted with charming towns and villages, such as Honfleur, Deauville, and Rouen, each offering unique architecture, local cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Gastronomic Delights: Normandy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, particularly its dairy products, like Camembert and Calvados, a popular apple brandy.
Normandy in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful area in France
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85votes
Grand Est
French governmentThis region is known for its stunning architecture, including the Gothic cathedral of Strasbourg and the fortified city of Nancy. It is also home to the famous Champagne region and beautiful forests such as the Ardennes.DescriptionThe Grand Est is a region in northeastern France. It was created through the merger of three former regions - Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. With its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes, the Grand Est is a popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of traditional charm and modern vibrancy.- Capital: Strasbourg
- Area: 57,433 square kilometers
- Population: 5,550,404
- Major Cities: Strasbourg, Reims, Nancy, Metz, Mulhouse, Colmar
- Languages: French, German
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92votes
Neige19 · CC BY-SA 3.0Pays de la Loire
French governmentThis region is popular for its beautiful chateaux, including the famous Chateau de Chambord. It also has a rich maritime culture, including the historic port city of Nantes and the beautiful beaches of La Baule.DescriptionPays de la Loire is a region located in western France, named after the Loire River that meanders through its picturesque landscapes. Known for its rich history, diverse natural beauty, and vibrant culture, the region offers a charming blend of historical sites, coastal retreats, and rural countryside.- Capital: Nantes
- Population: 3.8 million
- Area: 32,082 square kilometers
- Departments: 5 (Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe, Vendée)
- Coastline: 368 kilometers
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102votesThis region is known for its stunning castles, including the beautiful Chateau de Chenonceau. It is also famous for its wines, such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, and its beautiful countryside, including the Loire Valley.DescriptionCentre-Val de Loire is a region in north-central France, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming châteaux, and rich cultural heritage. It is located in the heart of the country, stretching along the majestic Loire River. The region's idyllic countryside, vineyards, and historic towns make it a popular destination for tourists.
- Capital: Orléans
- Departments: 6 (Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret)
- Area: 39,151 square kilometers
- Population: 2,570,872 (as of 2020)
- Major Cities: Tours, Orléans, Bourges
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Ranking factors for popular region
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Cultural and historical significanceRegions with a rich cultural and historical significance attract more tourists and are considered more popular. This would include the presence of UNESCO World Heritage sites, castles, museums, and historical landmarks.
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Natural landscapes and attractionsThe presence of diverse and stunning natural landscapes, such as beaches, mountains, national parks, wine regions, and scenic countryside, can draw more tourists, making a region more popular.
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Accessibility and transportationThe ease of getting to a region, as well as ease of travel within the region, should be considered too. Regions with better transportation options such as high-speed trains, highways, and airports may be deemed more popular due to their accessibility.
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Food and gastronomyThe regional cuisine and famous food specialties can attract tourists and make a region more popular. Regions with renowned gastronomy and wine traditions may rank higher.
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Events and festivalsRegions that host popular events and festivals, such as film festivals, music events, or cultural celebrations, can draw larger crowds, making them more popular.
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Local infrastructure and accommodationsRegions with a good selection of accommodations, such as hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, and vacation rentals, can accommodate higher visitor numbers, contributing to its popularity.
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Climate and weatherThe overall climate, as well as seasonal weather patterns, can affect a region's popularity. Regions with a pleasant climate that is conducive to outdoor activities year-round may be ranked higher in popularity.
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Leisure and outdoor activitiesThe availability of leisure and outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, water sports, and adventure sports, can make a region more popular among tourists.
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Safety and securityTourist attractions with a reputation for being safe and secure for visitors can make a region more popular. Crime rates, political stability, and the overall safety situation in a region can affect its popularity ranking.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular region in France. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite region is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.
Statistics
- 1596 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each region once every 24 hours. The rank of each region is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular region in france
France is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling cities of Paris and Marseille to the charming countryside of Provence and Brittany, France has something to offer for every traveler. One of the most fascinating aspects of France is its distinct regions, each with its own unique character, cuisine, and customs. From the glamour of the French Riviera to the rugged beauty of the Alps, the regions of France are as diverse as they are enchanting. In this article, we will explore the most popular region in France, as voted by our users on StrawPoll.
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