20 Best Places to Visit in France
France is one of the most visited countries in Europe. One of the reasons why tourists choose to visit this country is because there are several best places to visit in France. Many poets and artists have drawn inspiration from these stunning places and written about them.
These places they range from breathtaking cities to gorgeous landscapes. When exploring these places you will get t lean about France vibrant cultures, free-spirited citizens, and delicious food.
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Best Place to Visit in France
A visit to France cannot be complete without visit the places listed below. These are the best places to add in your itinerary for a memorable trip in France.
- Paris
In the top of list best places to visit in France is Paris. It is famous city in Europe and across the world and tourists visits this city to explore the attraction the major one being the Eiffel Tower.
Also travelers this city for shopping, you can find various brands in this city. Paris also serves as a significant hub of art and culture in France. When you viasit Paris you should get to visit the historic monuments, museums and bustling river bank.
Major attractions: Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dam Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre
- Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a stunning city and is preferred place to visit in France to relax and rejuvenate. The city is situated around 6 hours’ drive from Paris. This city is popular because it is wine-growing region.
Bordeaux is a port city and half of it is recognized by UNESCO and World Heritage Sites. When you visit this city you will get to explore amazing museums, churches, cathedrals, and vintage mansions. You should also get to taste different wines, local cuisines and coffee.
Major attractions: Cathédrale Saint-André, Le Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse, Basilique Saint-Michel, and Basilique Saint-Seurin.
- Mont Saint-Michel
Situated in Normandy France, Mont Saint-Michel is a spectacular island and among the best places to visit in France. The name of this Island was inspired by the age-old monastery.
It is a perfect destination for travelers visiting France for an extended holiday. At the Island you will get to enjoy stunning views. The Island is snuggled at the mouth of Couesnon River.
Major attractions: The Abbey, Tidal Island, Eglise Saint Pierre, The Parish Church and Museums of History, and Maritime.
- French Riviera
French Riviera is located on the Mediterranean Coast of France and is a popular tourist destination in France. Travelers visit this place to explore the mesmerizing shoreline and stroll around as you enjoy the charming scenic beauty.
It is an ideal place for a vacation because there are vacation retreats and health resorts. Also, this place is famous because of the Cannes Film Festival, quaint perched villages, amazing perfumeries, glass blowers, and potters.
Major attractions: Eze, Grasse, Monaco, Menton, and La Colline du Chateau.
- Arles
Situated on a hillside where the River Rhône splits to reach the sea, Arles is a historic city. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can learn about this city by reading the works written by eminent painter Vincent van Gogh
Vibrant sunbaked houses, lanes, and highways make up this old city’s amazing cityscape. In every way, the city exudes old-world charm, with its many stores and eateries.
Major attractions: Arles Amphitheatre, Alyscamps, Montmajour Abbey, Church of St. Trophimde, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Fondation Vincent van Gogh.
- Biarritz
Biarritz is one of the best places in France for perfect seaside experience. The city is situated along Basque coast and there is several an idyllic summer resorts where you can stay.
Tourists visit this city for water sport activities and the main one is surfing. There are several surfing training schools around for the beginner and where you can rent the surfing equipment’s.
When you visit this city you should get to experience the sizzling nightlife by visiting the pubs, clubs and Barrière beachfront Casino.
Major attractions: Musee Bonnat, Herri Urrats, Uhabia, Grande Plage, Musée de la Mer, Phare de Biarritz, and Rocher de la Vierge.
- Strasbourg
Strasbourg is an amazing city bordering Germany. It is the capital city of the Alsace region. This region is popular because it is the official seat of the European Parliament. The cityscape’s architecture and features reflect both French and German influences. You can consider this Travel guide to Strasbourg
There are many attraction which to explore in this city and on top of the list is the famous century-old Gothic church. Other includes spectacular Rhine River and Notre Dame.
Major attractions: Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg Museum, Palais Rohan Strasbourg, Quartier des Tanneurs, Maison Kammerzell.
- Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a thriving town on the outskirts of Paris, boasting a rich royal heritage. This magnificent town, located 55.5 kilometers from Paris, is a favorite holiday destination and one of the most well-known destinations to visit in France.
One of the reasons why this town is famous it is because of the Chateau. The city is bordered by lush green forests, providing excellent chances for trekking and rock climbing
Fontainebleau is surrounded by a protecting forest. Furthermore, it has provided a wide range of recreational activities, both sporting and cultural.
Major attractions: Chateau de Fontainebleau, Foret de Fontainebleau and Entrance to Chateau de Fontainebleau Grounds
- Lourdes
Lourdes is a historically prominent market town and magnificent pilgrimage destination. The town is a popular tourist attraction due to the Our Lady Shrine. The shire, located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, provides visitors with a unique experience.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is open all year and hosts a variety of festivals. The pilgrimage season runs from Easter to the end of October.
Major attractions: Rosary Basilica, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ossau Valley, Jardin Massey, and Chateau Fort de Lourdes
10. Lyon
Lyon is the 3rd largest city in France and is a popular tourist destination. It is the place to visit and see the beauty of France. Lyon city is located at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone Rivers.
Tourists flock in this city to visit the astonishing museums and palaces. Other wants to experience the nightlife by visiting the pubs and clubs. There are also travelers who visit this city for shopping experience and try different cuisines.
Major attractions: Museum of Fine Arts, Vieux, Lyon Cathedral, Parc de la Tete d’Or, Palace Bellecour, Fourviere, and Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere
11. Chambord
Chambord is renowned for its stunning architecture, historic building design, artwork, and lively aesthetic. The city is famous mainly because of the magnificent building which was built during the Renaissance era Chateau.
The King and Queen’s main chambers are located on the first floor. You may reach the rooftop, where you can take in a stunning view of the surrounds, via the double-helix stairway in the middle.
Major attractions: Château de Chambord, Eglise Saint Louis de Chambord, Domaine national de Chambord, and Maison des Vinas a Chambord
12. Burgundy
Burgundy formerly part of east-central France is one of France’s most gorgeous and well-known tourist destinations. Tourist visits this place to explore the museums, crisscrossing canals, wine tasting and verdant hill slopes.
It is the perfect place to visit in France for total peace and leisure is this breathtaking French countryside, which offers breathtaking and captivating views.
Major attractions: Dijon, Nevers, Beaune, Macon, Autun, Auxerre, Vezelay, Avallon and Cluny
13. Nice
Nice is fantastic coastal getaway well-known for its amazing sunshine, stunning landscapes, and the city’s profile’s flawless fusion of modern and medieval design.
Travelers choose to visit this place spend time at the beach and also try sea food at the lined restaurants. Have fun at the lively marketplace, and stunning architecture.
Major attractions: Promenade des Anglais, Vieille Ville, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Opera de Nice, Colline du Château, Musée Matisse, Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez, Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, and Jardin Albert
14. Noumea
Noumea is the capital of New Caledonia, a French territory on the Grande Terre mainland. It is among the best places to visit in France for a sunny and seaside experiences. You will get to admire the architecture of the building perfectly combines Kanak and French design elements.
This is place is well-known for its lively square, Place des Cocotiers, beautifully manicured gardens, lively shoreline, and happy residents. The breathtaking coastline makes it one of the top family vacation destinations in France.
Major attractions: Noumea Cathedral, Aquarium de Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie, Amedee Lighthouse Island, Tjibaou Cultural Centre and beaches like Anse Vata, and Plage de la Baie des Citrons
15. Louvre Museum
Louvre museum was at one time among the France king residence but today is a spectacular museum where you can visit to see fine arts works. Some of the arts works are work of famous artists from different parts of the world.
There are more the 30,000 works at the museum. These fine arts work are from different era all the way from the medieval. It is hard to complete see all of them in one visit.
Therefore, it is best to concentrate on one of the galleries, such as those that feature 16th-century French paintings, classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance paintings, and more.
Major Attractions: Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo sculpture, the Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese, Botticelli’s frescoes and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
16. Place de la Concorde
This place octagonal square was built between 1755 and 1775. During 18th century, it was the throbbing heart of Paris. Many historical moments took place in this place and among them is the execution of King Louis XVI.
The place is open for visitors where they get a chance to see amazing views of the route going towards the Arc de Triomphe and the Défense. Also visitors get to see the magnificent path leading to the Louvre, as well as the Madeleine and Palais Bourbon. The major attraction at the palace is the peculiar Egyptian obelisk, a gift from Egypt’s Viceroy to Charles X.
Major attractions: The Egyptian Obelisk, the panoramic 360°visions of the city.
17. The French Alps
The French Alps is one those best [places to visit in France for breathtaking scenery. The picturesque snowcapped peak of Mont Blank stands at 4810 meters. The high altitude air is refreshing, and the scenery is breathtaking, with crystal lakes, waterfalls, quiet valleys, and pine trees.
Tourist visits this place for hiking, cycling, and mountain climbing outdoor activities. It is also popular place to visit in winter season in France because of the skiing snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
Other outdoor activities which you can enjoy at this place during winter are ice skating, dog sled rides, and traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Major attraction: Mont Blanc, Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble and Écrins National Park
18. Corsica island
Corsica Island is a perfect getaway place to visit in France. The island draws touristy to visit explore the coastal landscapes, abundant forests, and snow-covered mountains. This beautiful island is surrounded by breathtaking beaches, hidden bays, charming fishing ports, and dynamic seaside cities.
Corsica’s unequaled natural sites entice people who want to spend their days in the sun on the beaches as well as those who prefer outdoor activities and hiking. The vast shoreline with crystal blue seas is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Major attractions: Calanques de Piana, Ajaccio, Scandola Nature Reserve, Cap Corse and Bonifacio.
19. Brittany
Brittany is a beautiful coastal region with a rich maritime past in its medieval port cities. Tourist visits this place to explore the unspoiled nature like quiet sandy beaches and a rocky shoreline.
You should get to try the local cuisine like fresh seafood and savory buckwheat crepes. Also should try the local dessert, known as “kouign-amann,” is a buttery pastry created from croissant dough that has a rich, cake-like center and a crispy, caramelized top. It is layered with sugar sprinkles.
Major attractions: Mont Saint-Michel, Carnac Stones, Saint-Malo, Brocéliande Forest and Quimper
20. French Riviera
The French Riviera is a gorgeous stretch of Mediterranean coastline famed for its glamor and elegance, as well as its deep azure blue ocean. It is one of the best places to visit in France for couples due to its stunning scenery and calm environment.
Given the beautiful weather most of the year, the skies mirror the cerulean color of the seas, allowing for the most breathtaking panoramas.
Major attractions: Nice Promenade des Anglais, Monaco and the Prince’s Palace, Cannes and the Croisette, Saint-Tropez Beaches and Antibes and the Picasso Museum.
FAQs
- Which is the most beautiful city in France?
It is not easy to be precise but on top is Paris. It is the largest city and the Eiffel Tower makes it beautiful.
- Why is France such a popular destination?
The main reason why France is popular destination is because it is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic places.
- What is France’s most famous food?
Most famous food is Onion Soup and Souffle. There are also other cuisines which you should try when you visit France such as crepes, French breads, ratatouille, Nicoise Salad, and more.
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