From the streets of Paris to the trendy seaside resorts of the Cote d'Azur, France offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Fairytale castles, magnificent cathedrals, and picture-perfect villages delight romantics.
At the same time, the country's contemporary landmarks and a rapid transit train rock visitors from the setting of a storybook into a 21st-century atmosphere.
Start with the Eiffel Tower, the modern emblem of France. Then discover the famous masterpieces of art in the Louvre. Spend a day pretending to be a member of the royal family at the elegant Palace of Versailles. Save time for leisurely meals. Traditional French gastronomy is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Each region has its own distinct cuisine and culture. The coastal region of Brittany offers old-world charm to quaint fishing villages and old seaports, while the French Alps boast hearty cheese fondue and charcuterie served in cozy chalets near the ski slopes.
Enjoy the country's irresistible charm and learn the best things to do with our list of the top attractions in France.
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1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, is as much a masterful achievement as it is a famous landmark. This 8,000-metal structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair. Originally hated by critics, the 320-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture on the Paris skyline.
The gracefulness of the Eiffel Tower earned him the nickname "The Iron Lady". Visitors are dazzled by the tower's delicate atmosphere despite its massive size and stunning panoramic views on each of the three levels.
Tourists can dine with a view on the first level or indulge in the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jules Verne on the second level. At a height of 276 metres, the top floor offers a sweeping view of the city of Paris and beyond. The horizons stretch for up to 70 kilometers on a clear day.
2. Musée du Louvre
In a palatial palace that was once a royal residence, the Louvre ranks among the best European collections of fine arts.
Many of the most famous works of Western civilization have been found here, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st century BC sculpture of Venus de Milo.
The collection owes its fortune to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre. Other pieces were added as a result of France's agreements with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoleon I.
The Louvre displays about 35,000 works of art, including countless masterpieces. It's impossible to see all of that in a day or even in a week. Take a private guided tour or focus on a short list of key artworks for the most rewarding experience.
3. Château de Versailles
The Château de Versailles symbolizes the grandeur of the French monarchy before the fall of the Ancien Régime.
This UNESCO-listed monument represents a glorious moment in France's history, during the reign of Louis XIV (known as the "Sun King"), when the palace set standards for the princely courts of Europe.
Beginning in 1661, Louis XIV transformed his father's hunting lodge (small château) into a stately royal palace. To realize the vision of Louis XIV, the esteemed architect Louis Le Vaux renovated the Palais Louis XIII in an elegant manner in the neoclassical style. Later in the 17th century, Jules Hardouin-Mansart created lavish Baroque interiors, including the Hall of Mirrors.
The most magnificent space in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors, where courtiers were waiting to meet His Majesty. This dazzling gallery sparkles with sunlight entering through windows and reflecting off hundreds of vanity mirrors, while dozens of twinkling chandeliers and gilded details make the overall impression even more impressive.
Versailles is equally well known for Les Jardins, formal French gardens that feature ornate pools, perfectly trimmed shrubs, and many wonderful statues and fountains. The gardens were created in the 17th century by famous landscape designer André Le Nôtre and surrounded by 800 hectares of lush gardens.
Beyond the formal gardens is the Domaine de Trianon, which houses Le Grand Trianon; Le Petit Trianon Palace; and Le Hameau de la Reine (The Queen's Hamlet), a fabricated pastoral village for Marie Antoinette featuring quaint cottages set around a lake. Inspired by rustic architecture, the buildings feature frosted finishes that were intentionally rendered to give a rustic look (although the interiors were nicely furnished).
Marie Antoinette's small village originally had a dairy farm and a working farm, which served educational purposes for her children. This idyllic spot was designed as a place for Marie Antoinette to escape the formalities of life at the court, walk and visit friends. The village offers a rare glimpse into the private world of Marie Antoinette.
4. Côte d'Azur
France's most elegant Côte d'Azur coast stretches from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. The Cote d'Azur translates to "Coast of the Blue," a name apt to describe the luscious waters of the Mediterranean.
For English speakers, this charming coastal destination is known as the French Riviera, words that have a ring of sunny decadence.
During the summer, the seaside resorts are filled with beach lovers and sun-goers. The rich and famous are also here in their luxury villas and luxury yachts. Nice has panoramic sea views and great art museums. Cannes is famous for its celebrity film festival and legendary hotels.
The best sandy beaches are in Antibes, which also has an old town with a great atmosphere and great museums. Saint-Tropez offers great public and private beaches combined with the charm of a Provençal fishing village, while Monaco entices with its exclusive atmosphere and stunning views.
5. Mont Saint-Michel
One of France's iconic landmarks, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel rises dramatically from a small rocky island off the coast of Normandy. The "Pyramid of the Seas" is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by walls and defensive forts.
The main tourist attraction is the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, a marvel of medieval architecture with towering Gothic spiers. Visitors are amazed by the serene beauty of the abbey's chapel, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate, high-vaulted choir.
Since it was built in the 11th century, the monastery church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, and is known as "Heavenly Jerusalem". Contemporary pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay on foot as it did in the Middle Ages.
6. Loire Valley Châteaux
Traveling through the Loire Valley gives the impression that you are stepping into a children's storybook.
Fairy-tale castles adorn the enchanting countryside of dense forests and gently flowing rivers. The entire Loire Valley region, a lush area known as the "Garden of France", is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the Loire castles are medieval castles built on hilltops and surrounded by ramparts. However, the Loire's most famous are opulent Renaissance mansions that were designed purely for enjoyment and amusement, as an extension of court life outside of Paris.
The Château de Chambord, built for King Francis I, is one of the finest palaces; The Château de Chenonceau has a distinctly feminine style; The Château de Cheverny is a neoclassical manor house in a idyllic setting.
Also worth visiting are the UNESCO-listed cathedrals of Chartres and Bourges as well as Orleans, where Joan of Arc helped defeat the English army in 1429, and the Château Royale d'Amboise, the residence of French kings for five hundred. Years.
7. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
For more than eight centuries, the splendor of Chartres Cathedral has inspired believers, and some say this refined sanctuary has reinstated belief in the doubtful. The UNESCO-listed cathedral exemplifies the glory of medieval Gothic architecture.
Chartres Cathedral is famous for its impressive stained glass windows, most of which date from the 12th and 13th centuries. Glossy glass windows cover 2,500 square metres, allowing colored light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The windows with intricate detailing reveal the astonishing craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.
The rose windows are particularly noteworthy for their stunning size and detail. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window dating from the 12th century.
Every evening from April through December, the city of Chartres presents Chartres en Lumiere, light shows that illuminate the cathedral and more than 20 other monuments in the city. Creative presentations include Art Nouveau-inspired light shows and illuminations that replicate the cathedral's colorful medieval facade.
This free public event begins at dusk (around 9pm) and ends at 1am each evening during the festival.
8. Provence
Provence invites visitors to escape into the dreamy rural landscape of olive groves, sunny rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with small villages nestled in valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scene has charmed many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.
The rustic natural beauty, the charm of the countryside and the laid-back atmosphere of Provence allow the region's art of living (art of living) to flourish. Severe weather encourages leisurely strolls along cobbled streets and afternoons on sunny balconies in outdoor cafés.
Among the many attractions of Provence is the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables and aromatic herbs. Tourists can choose from a wide range of culinary establishments, from family-run bistros to Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants.
An idyllic Provencal city, Aix-en-Provence is known for its colorful open-air markets and hundreds of fountains typical of southern France. Arles is distinguished by its wonderful ancient ruins and traditional festivals. The medieval city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes.
Even small villages, such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Rémy, and Gordes, have amazing historical sites, great museums, and an irresistibly attractive atmosphere.
9. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The magnificent scenery of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an unforgettable sight. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc, rises to 4,810 meters. Thanks to its height, Mont Blanc ("White Mountain") is always covered with snow.
Under its majestic summit is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix, located in a high mountain valley. This quaint little town is filled with historic churches, traditional Alpine restaurants, and charming operas.
Chamonix is a great base for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing. This delightful village is one of the best places to visit in France for its alpine landscape inspiration and accommodations. Upscale mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.
The local restaurants serve delicacies typical of the Savoie region, as well as international cuisine, catering to diners with a good appetite. For a taste of local Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue and raclette (melted Gruyère cheese, Comté or Emmentaler served with boiled potatoes).
10. Alsace Villages
Some of France's most beautiful villages lie tucked away in the rolling green hills of Alsace, with the Vosges Mountains bordering Germany's Rhine River. These picturesque Alsatian villages feature pastel-painted half-timbered houses and are clustered around small parish churches. Cheerful flowering balconies and cobbled pedestrian streets add to the allure.
Several villages have won the French "Villages Fleuris" for their beautiful floral motifs, such as Obernai, with their characteristic houses. The charming little village of Ribeauvillé, where many houses are adorned with potted flowers; "City of Art and History" Guebwiller; And the captivating medieval village of Bergheim.
Some of the flower-adorned Alsatian villages are so beautiful that they have been categorized as "Villages of Flores" and "Plus Beau Village de France" (France's Most Beautiful Villages), including the storybook village of Riquewihr and the charming village of Eguisheim nestled in a valley. Another village is Mittelbergheim, known for its gastronomy and wonderful pastoral landscape, at the foot of the green Saint-Odile mountain.
For those planning an Alsace vacation itinerary, Colmar is a good base for exploring the Alsatian villages and surrounding nature trails.
11. Carcassonne
With its spiers and hanging ramparts, Carcassonne looks like it's out of a fairytale scene. This well-preserved (and restored) fortified city offers a complete immersion into the medieval world.
Known as La Cité, the UNESCO-listed medieval walled city of Carcassonne is made of narrow, winding cobbled lanes and quaint old houses. Almost every street, square, and building has retained its historic character. Inside la Cité, the 12th-century Château Comtal reveals Cathar's heritage in the Languedoc region.
Must-see tourist attractions are the double-circled ramparts with 52 towers and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse, which features impressive 13th-century stained-glass windows.
Carcassonne attracts many visitors on July 14 for a fireworks display, to celebrate Bastille Day, a national holiday (Fête Nationale). Despite being a small city, Carcassonne presents one of the most impressive fireworks displays on July 14th in France.
12. Brittany
Brittany is a beautiful historical region on the northeastern coast of France. Boasting rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and elaborate seaports, this region is steeped in ancient traditions and is known for its costume-packed religious festivals.
A land of myths and mystical legends, Brittany has a Celtic influence and a dialect associated with Gaelic. The local cuisine is delicious, famous for its delicious buckwheat crepes and sweet crepes.
Breton's quintessential port is Saint Malo surrounded by ancient walls. Quimper is a historic, postcard town with beautiful half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a stunning palace where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting Protestants freedom of religious belief.
Other highlights of Brittany are pristine sandy beaches, small remote islands, and ancient castles. Belle-Île-en-Mer, the largest of the Breton Islands, appeals to vacationers looking for a serene seaside setting. Ferries depart from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes to Belle-Île-en-Mer.
13. Biarritz
Biarritz is a trendy beach town located on the beautiful Bay of Biscay in the French Basque Country. This popular seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic atmosphere. It was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.
The imperial couple's opulent Second Empire-style mansion has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, a luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant and great views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its expansive waterfront promenade, has attracted high-society holiday goers since the Belle Epoque.
Other must-see attractions in Biarritz are related to the ocean: Biarritz Aquarium; Lighthouse; and the figure of the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock), which stands along the coast on an enormous boulder battered by the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
For a taste of the city's royal past, visit the elegant Miremont Tearoom that has been serving exceptional pastries since 1872.
14. Rocamadour
Rocamadour is an unforgettable sacred site, suspended between heaven and earth on a limestone cliff. In the eleventh century, this pilgrimage destination was the third most important destination in the Christian world after Jerusalem and Rome. Rocamadour was also a stop on the medieval Route of St. James's Pilgrimage to Santiago de la Compostela in Spain.
The village has seven ancient sanctuaries, but pilgrims flock to Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which owns the revered Virgin of the Black (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour). This precious Virgin Mary statue is carved from walnut wood that has naturally darkened over the centuries and is associated with miracles.
Another must-see is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur, the largest church in Rocamadour built in Romanesque and Gothic styles between the 11th and 13th centuries. For a challenging spiritual experience, pilgrims can climb steep steps, with 12 stations of the cross, that lead to the palace at the highest point in the village.
Located about 145 kilometers from Limoges in Limousin, Rocamadour is surrounded by the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy, a natural park in the Dordogne region.
15. Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux
Visitors can delve into the fascinating world of prehistoric art at Lascaux, the best example of Paleolithic art in the world. This UNESCO-listed site is located in the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne region. Discovered in 1940, Lascaux Cave contains impressive prehistoric paintings, but in 1963 it was closed to the public to prevent damage.
A replica of the cave was created at the nearby Lascaux II site in Montignac, 200 meters from the actual cave. Opened in 1983, Lascaux II is a replica of Lascaux Cave and its paintings. Paleolithic art has been carefully recreated, including every detail of animal paintings in original ocher colours. Lascaux II accounts for 90 percent of the paintings depicted in the prehistoric cave. Tourists should take a guided tour to visit Lascaux II.
The elegant ultra-modern International Center for Cave Art (also in Montignac) that opened in 2016, presents a complete (Lascaux IV) replica of the original Lascaux Cave along with museum exhibits that provide context for artworks dating back to the ages Prehistoric. Virtual reality and 3D movie exhibits help bring prehistoric life back to life. To visit Lascaux IV Cave, tourists must go on a guided tour. The museum portion of the visit is self-directed.
Highlights of the prehistoric Lascaux Cave paintings are the Salle des Taureaux (Hall of the Bulls) with paintings featuring unicorns and bears, and the Diverticule Axial, a narrow 30-meter hall with impressive drawings of bulls, cows, and horses. Artistic reproductions of replica caves are so accurate that visitors will not be able to tell the difference from the original.