France is the world’s top tourist destination and for good reason. There’s a lot packed into just one country – artistic and architectural masterpieces, remarkable museums and natural landscapes, and a history harking back far beyond the Romans. You could spend a lifetime of holidays in France and still not come close to exhausting its riches. Landscapes range from the fretted coasts of Brittany and the limestone hills of Provence to the canyons of the Pyrenees and the half-moon bays of Corsica, and from the lushly wooded valleys of the Dordogne and the gentle meadows of the Loire valley to the glaciated peaks of the Alps.
Each region looks and feels different, has its own style of architecture, its own characteristic food and often its own dialect. France is about world-class art and architecture. It seduces with iconic landmarks known the world over and rising stars yet to be discovered. This country’s cultural repertoire is staggering – in volume and diversity. And this is where the beauty of la belle France lies: when superstars such as Mademoiselle Eiffel, royal Versailles and the celebrity-ridden French Riviera have been ticked off, there’s ample more to thrill. France is, after all, the world’s top destination with some 85 million visitors each year who flock to the land of the Gauls to feast on its extraordinary wealth of museums, galleries, ateliers (artist workshops) and hands-on cultural experiences.
Food is of enormous importance to the French and the daily culinary agenda takes no prisoners: breakfasting on warm croissants from the boulangerie, stopping off at Parisian bistros, and market shopping is second nature to the French – and it would be rude to refuse. But French gastronomy goes far deeper than just eating exceedingly well. Its experiential nature means there is always something tasty to observe, learn and try. Be it flipping crêpes in Brittany or clinking champagne flutes in ancient Reims cellars, the culinary opportunities are endless.
Top 10 Places to Visit in France
1. Paris – As if Paris needs any introduction or a reason to visit that is left unknown to the human race, but what would be a travelling list if the City of Love and Lights is not included, right? Paris is, indeed, one of the most popular cities on the planet, admired by millions, attracting over 45 million visitors annually and we are more than sure that each and every one of them is falling in love with this iconic city and all its charms dotted around.
2. French Riviera – Another part of France that does not need any introduction because it is a place millions of people are visiting every year and millions of them are dreaming to visit back, the French Riviera is definitely the epitome of the luxurious, elegant, and extra relaxed summer holiday destination, a place, where the sand is the finest, the sun is the brightest, the water is the most sparkly, and the summer is the most pleasurable.
3. Dordogne – The picturesque and scenic region of Dordogne of southwestern France definitely offers activities to do and things to enjoy for weeks and months ahead and unless you are not lucky enough to have all that time on your hand, then you should prioritize, which is definitely an easy thing right here. You can choose from visiting the picturesque and charming little villages and chateaus, the well-preserved Chateau de Baynac that is a hilltop castle, admiring the wonderful scenery of the Dordogne River running through lush valleys, visiting some of the best prehistoric caves in France, and so much more in this region that looks straight out of a fairytale.
4. Mont-Saint Michel – When it comes to travelling, there is hardly any traveller and tourist around the world that have never seen an image of Mont-Saint Michel… and the luckiest out of them have already visited this curious, unique, and one-of-a-kind rocky island located off France’s northwestern coast in Normandy and rising up from the midst of a vast mud flat. The medieval architecture dotted around this little tidal island add up on the overall feel that you are a guest of a fairytale story when visiting Mont-Saint Michel.
5. Luberon – Luberon is definitely a French region admired by the general populace of France as well as a number of tourists from all around the globe who come here every summer to enjoy the charming little villages of the area. This region is located in central Provence and offers all the little joys of the simple life – lush forests, endless lavender fields, farmers markets, colourfully painted charming houses, and Middle Age ambience.
6. Bordeaux – Just half an hour of the Atlantic Ocean and built upon the Garonne River, Bordeaux is yet another magnet for tourists from all around the world when in France. The city is not only a major port but also stuffed with beautiful architecture, historic sites, amazing shopping opportunities, and a world-class culture and art scene. The city centre houses more than 350 historical examples of intricate and ornate architecture including medieval churches, old bridges, several beautiful plazas.
7. Loire Valley – The Loire Valley is a central region of France and a popular destination among tourists because of its spectacular scenery, stunning chateaux, picturesque vineyards, and little historical villages. The Loire Valley stretches along the Loire River that ensures some of the most breath-taking and jaw-dropping views in the beautiful land of France.
8. Strasbourg – Strasbourg is located right on the border of France with Germany and serves as the seat of the European Parliament and a number of another important EU institutions. One of the best places to visit in France, Strasbourg features a lot of beauty and intricate architecture. The city’s historic centre is an interesting blend of French and German architecture, stuffed with a number of interesting museum, atmospheric restaurants, charming cafes, cute shops, and striking attractions.
9. Lyon – Lyon is a department capital located in the Rhone-Alpes region and the third largest city of France, boasting a long and interesting history and known for its beautiful historic architecture, gastronomy, and a lively and curious cultural scene.
10. Marseille – Marseille is not only the second largest city in France but also one of the oldest ones in Europe. It is a major Mediterranean seaport and promises a pleasurable climate, a lot of historical sites, medieval architecture, and distinguished cultural venues. Marseille is also a very dynamic and lively city that houses several universities and industries. At the core of Marseille is the old port lined with waterfront cafes, shops, and bars.
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