8 Florida Spots That Feel Like a Tiny Trip to France
Florida might be famous for beaches and theme parks, but hidden throughout the Sunshine State are charming corners that feel surprisingly European. From cobblestone streets to authentic French bakeries, these spots deliver a taste of France without the overseas flight.
Whether you’re craving croissants, strolling elegant boulevards, or sipping café au lait under palm trees, Florida’s got you covered.
1. St. Augustine’s Historic District
Wandering through St. Augustine feels like stepping into a centuries-old European village. Narrow cobblestone lanes wind between weathered stone buildings, cozy cafés spill onto sidewalks, and glowing plazas come alive at night.
During the famous Nights of Lights festival, millions of twinkling bulbs transform the historic district into a magical wonderland. The architecture, the pace, the charm—it all whispers old-world elegance.
Grab a pastry, stroll the squares, and let the oldest city in America remind you of a slow afternoon in provincial France.
2. Coral Gables and The Biltmore Hotel
Coral Gables is where Miami trades neon for elegance. Tree-lined boulevards, grand Mediterranean estates, and manicured plazas give the neighborhood a refined, almost Riviera-like sophistication.
At the heart of it all stands the Biltmore Hotel—a towering masterpiece of Old World luxury. Walking through its grand lobby feels like checking into a coastal château on the French coast.
The chandeliers, the courtyards, the timeless glamour—it’s all here. Whether you stay the night or just stop for brunch, the Biltmore transports you across the Atlantic.
3. Worth Avenue and Café Boulud in Palm Beach
Palm Beach does French Riviera better than just about anywhere in America. Worth Avenue is a polished promenade of designer shops, hidden courtyards, and sun-drenched elegance that rivals Cannes or Nice.
Cap off your stroll with a meal at Café Boulud, tucked inside The Brazilian Court hotel. The menu is classically French, the atmosphere is refined, and the whole experience feels imported straight from Paris.
Order the croque monsieur, sip a glass of rosé, and pretend you’re lunching on the Côte d’Azur.
4. Seaside on 30A
Seaside is a postcard come to life. Pastel cottages line quiet lanes, white picket fences frame blooming gardens, and bike paths meander through a town that feels plucked from a storybook.
The vibe is equal parts French Riviera and Southern charm—especially in the off-season when the crowds thin out. Everything here moves slower, softer, sweeter.
Rent a bike, grab an ice cream, and pedal through streets that could easily double as a village in Provence. It’s coastal calm with a European twist.
5. Winter Park’s Park Avenue
Just north of Orlando, Park Avenue offers a slower, more refined pace. Brick-paved streets are shaded by towering oaks, sidewalk cafés invite you to linger, and boutique shops line both sides of the boulevard.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a whole morning with a croissant and coffee, watching the world go by. The Left Bank energy is real here—minus the Seine.
6. Le Petit Paris Bakery in Winter Garden
Hidden in Winter Garden, Le Petit Paris is the real deal. This artisan bakery is run with classic French technique—every baguette is golden and crusty, every croissant is buttery and layered to perfection.
Walk in and the smell alone will teleport you. Pain au chocolat, tarts, eclairs—it’s all here, made fresh daily with care and tradition.
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast or stocking up for a picnic, this little bakery is your shortcut to France. No plane ticket required.
7. Bettant Bakery in Miami Beach
Bettant Bakery brings three generations of French baking tradition to the heart of South Beach. This family-run spot serves up real-deal breads, croissants, and pastries that taste like they were baked in a Parisian boulangerie.
The vibe is casual and welcoming—grab a coffee, pick a pastry, and settle in. Outside, palm trees sway and Art Deco buildings frame the scene.
It’s a delicious collision of old-world France and modern Miami. One bite and you’ll be planning your next visit.
8. Le Fournil Bakery in Miami
Le Fournil is a neighborhood gem where everything feels authentically French. The baguettes are crusty and warm, the croissants are flaky and golden, and the café staples—espresso, quiche, tarts—are all on point.
It’s the kind of place locals come back to again and again. No fuss, no frills, just honest, delicious baking done the traditional way.
Stop by for breakfast or lunch and let the flavors transport you. This little bakery is proof that great French food doesn’t need a fancy address.
