France is a country that is known for its beauty, culture, and history. It attracts millions of tourists every year who come to experience its charming cities, picturesque landscapes, and famous landmarks. If you are planning a trip to France and wondering where to go, this article will guide you through the best places to visit in France. From top cities to famous landmarks, we have got you covered.
Facts About France
Before we delve into the details of the best places to visit in France, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about France:
- France is the largest country in the European Union and the third-largest in Europe.
- French is the official language of France, and French cuisine is world-famous.
- France is home to some of the most famous museums and art galleries, including the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay.
- The Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited landmarks in the world, is located in Paris, France.
- France is also known for its wine, fashion, and architecture.
Now that we have covered some interesting facts about France, let’s dive into the details of the best places to visit in France.
France Top Cities
France is home to some of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. Here are the top cities you should consider visiting on your trip to France:
Aix-en-Provence
Located in the south of France, Aix-en-Provence is a picturesque city known for its beautiful architecture, historical sites, and outdoor markets. Some of the must-visit attractions in Aix-en-Provence include:
- Cours Mirabeau: A tree-lined boulevard that is home to many cafes, shops, and restaurants.
- Atelier Paul Cézanne: A museum dedicated to the life and work of the French painter Paul Cézanne.
- Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur: A 5th-century cathedral known for its beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows.
Bordeaux
Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a city that is famous for its wine. It is home to many vineyards and chateaus that produce some of the finest wines in the world. Some of the must-visit attractions in Bordeaux include:
- Place de la Bourse: A beautiful square located on the bank of the Garonne River.
- Musée d’Aquitaine: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Aquitaine region.
- Saint-André Cathedral: A magnificent Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.
Cannes
Located on the French Riviera, Cannes is a glamorous city known for its film festival, luxurious hotels, and beautiful beaches. Some of the must-visit attractions in Cannes include:
- Promenade de la Croisette: A scenic promenade that runs along the beach and is lined with palm trees and luxury hotels.
- Le Suquet: The old town of Cannes that is home to narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming cafes.
- Île Sainte-Marguerite: An island located off the coast of Cannes that is known for its beautiful beaches and historic fortress.
Chamonix
Located in the French Alps, Chamonix is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. It is home to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. Some of the must-visit attractions in Chamonix include:
- Aiguille du Midi: A cable car that takes you to a height of 3,842 meters, offering stunning views of the mountains and glaciers.
- Mer de Glace: A glacier that is one of the largest in the Alps and can be reached by a scenic train ride.
- Les Grands Montets: A ski area that is known for its challenging slopes and off-piste skiing.
Lyon
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Located in eastern France, Lyon is a city known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It is home to many museums, art galleries, and restaurants. Some of the must-visit attractions in Lyon include:
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: A beautiful basilica located on a hill that offers stunning views of the city.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: A museum that houses one of the largest collections of fine arts in France.
- Vieux Lyon: The old town of Lyon that is home to many historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming cafes.
Marseille
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Located on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is a vibrant port city known for its cultural diversity, seafood, and architecture. Some of the must-visit attractions in Marseille include:
- Vieux-Port: The old port of Marseille that is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: A beautiful basilica located on a hill that offers panoramic views of Marseille and the sea.
- Calanques: A national park located on the outskirts of Marseille that is known for its stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden coves.
Nice
Located on the French Riviera, Nice is a city that is famous for its beaches, museums, and art galleries. It is also known for its colorful buildings and vibrant nightlife. Some of the must-visit attractions in Nice include:
- Promenade des Anglais: A scenic promenade that runs along the beach and is lined with palm trees and luxury hotels.
- Musée Matisse: A museum dedicated to the life and work of the French painter Henri Matisse.
- Vieux-Nice: The old town of Nice that is home to many historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming cafes.
Paris
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Paris, the capital of France, is a city that needs no introduction. It is known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and romantic atmosphere. Some of the must-visit attractions in Paris include:
- Eiffel Tower: A landmark that needs no introduction and offers stunning views of Paris from its top level.
- Louvre Museum: One of the largest and most famous museums in the world that houses some of the most iconic artworks, such as the Mona Lisa.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral that is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and was heavily damaged in a fire in 2019.
St Tropez
Located on the French Riviera, St Tropez is a glamorous seaside resort that is known for its luxurious yachts, designer boutiques, and lively nightlife. Some of the must-visit attractions in St Tropez include:
- Plage de Pampelonne: A beautiful beach that is popular among celebrities and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Musée de l’Annonciade: A museum dedicated to the modern art of the region that showcases works by some of the most famous artists, such as Matisse and Signac.
- Citadel of St Tropez: A historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Toulouse
Located in southwestern France, Toulouse is a city known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Some of the must-visit attractions in Toulouse include:
- Musée des Augustins: A museum that houses one of the largest collections of medieval art in France.
- Canal du Midi: A historic canal that dates back to the 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Place du Capitole: A beautiful square located in the heart of Toulouse that is home to many cafes, shops, and restaurants.
France Famous Landmarks
France is home to many famous landmarks that attract millions of tourists every year. Here are some of the most iconic landmarks that you should consider visiting on your trip to France:
Amiens Cathedral
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Located in northern France, Amiens Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe and is known for its stunning architecture and stained-glass windows.
Arc De Triomphe
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Located in Paris, the Arc De Triomphe is a famous monument that was built in honor of those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
Beaubourg
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Located in Paris, Beaubourg is a modern art museum that is known for its unique architecture and collection of contemporary artworks.
Bonifacio
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Located on the island of Corsica, Bonifacio is a picturesque town that is famous for its old citadel, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Chartres Cathedral
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Located in central France, Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral that is known for its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate sculptures.
Château de Chambord
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Located in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a 16th-century castle that is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Château de Chenonceau
Also located in the Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau is a Renaissance castle that is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning location on the Cher River.
Dordogne Noir
Located in southwestern France, the Dordogne Noir region is known for its stunning landscapes, medieval towns, and prehistoric caves.
Eiffel Tower
As mentioned earlier, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in France and offers stunning views of Paris from its top level.
Fontainebleau
Located near Paris, Fontainebleau is a historic town that is known for its royal palace, beautiful gardens, and forest that is popular among hikers and climbers.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Located in eastern France, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Historic Centre ofAvignon
Located in southern France, the historic center of Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and charming cafes.
Honfleur Harbor
Located in northern France, Honfleur Harbor is a picturesque harbor that is known for its colorful buildings, seafood restaurants, and art galleries.
La Sainte-Chapelle
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Located in Paris, La Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel that is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes.
Le Puy-en-Velay
Located in central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is a town that is known for its religious heritage, including the Notre-Dame-de-France statue that overlooks the town.
Lourdes
Located in southwestern France, Lourdes is a town that is known for its religious pilgrimage site, where it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl in 1858.
Louvre Museum
As mentioned earlier, the Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and houses some of the most iconic artworks, such as the Mona Lisa.
Millau Viaduct
Located in southern France, the Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge that is the tallest in the world and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Mont Saint-Michel
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Located on the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its medieval abbey, narrow streets, and stunning views of the sea.
Musée d’Orsay
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Located in Paris, the Musée d’Orsay is a museum that is dedicated to the art and culture of the 19th and early 20th centuries and houses works by famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
Nîmes Amphitheatre
Located in southern France, the Nîmes Amphitheatre is a well-preserved Roman arena that dates back to the 1st century AD and is still used for events today.
Normandy Beaches
Located on the coast of Normandy, the Normandy Beaches are a series of beaches that were the site of the D-Day landings during World War II and are now a popular destination for history buffs and beachgoers alike.
Notre Dame Cathedral
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As mentioned earlier, Notre Dame Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral located in Paris that was heavily damaged in a fire in 2019.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg
Located in northeastern France, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg is a Gothic cathedral that is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and astronomical clock.
Opéra Garnier
Located in Paris, the Opéra Garnier is an opera house that is known for its stunning architecture and elaborate decor.
Orange Roman Theatre
Located in southern France, the Orange Roman Theatre is a well-preserved Roman theater that dates back to the 1st century AD and is still used for performances today.
Palace of Versailles
Located near Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a royal palace that was the residence of the French kings from the 17th to the 18th centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pont du Gard
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Located in southern France, the Pont du Gard is a well-preserved Roman aqueduct that dates back to the 1st century AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riquewihr
Located in northeastern France, Riquewihr is a picturesque town that is known for its colorful buildings, quaint shops, and wine cellars.
The Gorges du Verdon
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Located in southeastern France, the Gorges du Verdon is a river canyon that is known for its stunning turquoise waters, towering cliffs, and outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking.
Conclusion
France is a country that offers something for everyone, from beautiful cities to iconic landmarks, charming towns, and stunning natural landscapes. We hope this article has given you a better idea of the best places to visit in France and has inspired you to plan your next trip to this beautiful country.
