4 Incredible French-Speaking Destinations That Aren’t in France

If you’re planning an immersion getaway à la française and want to think outside Paris, there are many marvelous Francophone locales to visit outside of France any time of year. To help you whittle down your vacation list, we’re sharing our top four picks—from a mountain-fringed global city to a crystal water-lined Caribbean island, here are our favorite French-speaking destinations to visit.

Geneva, Switzerland

If you’re seeking a European location that blends old world charm with cosmopolitan luxury, Geneva is it. The city juts into France, so—unlike the rest of Switzerland, which favors German—French is Geneva’s official language. It’s a global hub, hosting the Palace of Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and you’ll inevitably encounter a high-profile conference being hosted while you visit. 

The city is only six square miles and very walkable, so you can easily enjoy the quaint cobblestone streets of its Rue du Rhône old town (iconic watches, jewelry, and chocolates await), upscale shopping and dining at Place du Molard, and cultural institutions (including the popular Patek Philippe Museum, Musée d’Art et d’Historie, and MAMCO) by foot. It’s also a lakeside locale surrounded by natural wonders, first and foremost Lake Geneva. Don’t miss the Flower Clock (L’horloge fleurie)—a tribute to the city’s rich watchmaking history—in Jardin Anglais park, take a day trip to the nearby Alps and Mont Blanc, or relax at the Bains des Pâquis beach and baths.

Fort-de-France, Martinique

Is a French region of the Caribbean more your style? Look no further than the capital city of the West Indies island of Martinique, a lively destination that boasts parks, markets, one of the world’s most beautiful bays, and plenty of history. The capital city, under French jurisdiction since the 1600s, blends the old and the new with both Creole and French influences. 

Enjoy breathtaking views at the Jardin de Balata botanical garden, visit the Romanesque Bibliotèque Schoelcher public library built in 1889, take in the panoramic views from the 17th-century stone Fort Saint-Louis, see how local rum is made at family-owned Distillerie la Favorite (housed in an 1842-era building), shop local produce, spices, and handmade crafts at the Grand Marché, stroll the central La Savane park, and venture further into Martinique to take a tropical rainforest hike.

Québec City, Québec

For those who prefer to stay in North America, this French-speaking destination is one of the oldest European settlements on the continent. The Canadian locale is such a popular spot for Francophiles that L’Alliance New York hosts regular culture and language voyages to the city—the most recent just this past July! Québec’s capital is a more intimate experience than Montreal, chock full of gorgeous old world architecture and deep history. It’s one of North America’s last walled cities, and the Saint Lawrence River runs through it, giving it a decidedly Parisian feel.

Take in almost 300 years of history while strolling the active military base La Citadelle de Québec, travel to Old Québec to learn about French history at Musée de la Civilisation, enjoy stunning views at the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, tour a bountiful bouquet of flora at Jardin Botanique Roger-Van den Hende, away to Île d’Orléans in the middle of the Saint Lawrence for local produce, farm-to-table food, and natural splendor, hike or kayak in the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, shop the boutiques in the quaint Quartier Petit Champlain district, and eat your heart out at the artisanal food-packed Le Grand Marché. 

Papeete, Tahiti

The tropical vacation of your dreams awaits at the capital of the largest French Polynesian island in the South Pacific. Tahiti is home to luxury resorts and overwater bungalows, palm tree-lined black sand beaches, and myriad natural wonders including three extinct volcanoes—and Papeete is a bustling harbor town with exciting nightlife, a gorgeous waterfront promenade, multicultural markets, and copious cultural experiences. 

Browse local wares, sample fresh produce, and purchase Tahitian staples including vanilla beans and monoi oil at the Marché de Papeete, attend a traditional Polynesian dance performance at the InterContinental Resort, learn about the island’s “gems” at the Robert WAN Pearl Museum, dine at Place Vai’ete’s beloved waterfront roulottes (food carts), and pair up with a local guide to explore hiking, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, boat tours, and much more.

If armchair traveling is all you can manage at the moment, L’Alliance New York delivers the French-speaking destinations to you by offering both in-person and online French classes for every age and level, programming incredible arts and culture events, curating one of the country’s largest private French libraries, and much more. 

Categories: Recommendations, Learn French, Travel