France, one of the world’s most visited travel destinations, offers endless tourist destinations that attract many, from cultured cities to pristine nature sites. For instance, Paris and Versailles are two must-see tourist destinations, especially for the first trip to France. Here is a list of the must-see places in France’s fascinating and diverse country.
Paris & Versaille
Paris, known for its elegance and joie de vivre, is a grand European capital filled with architectural masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Reflecting Paris’ rich heritage, the Louvre, one of the city’s best museums, contains an impressive fine arts collection, while the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie display gems of French Impressionist art.
Other charms of the city are its graceful boulevards and atmospheric medieval quarters. Take a short ride from Paris, and you will head to UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles. Built during the 17th century, the château’s splendid Baroque facade, dazzling Hall of Mirrors, and fountain-adorned formal gardens will give you the vibe of a scene from France’s ancient royal court.
The Charming Countryside of Provence
In contrast to the gray skies of Partis and northern France, the charming region of Provence basks in bright Mediterranean sunshine most of the year. This countryside area has a rugged, earthy appeal that feels untouched by the modern world.
Tourists are enchanted by the village’s perchés, which crown Provence’s hilltops. The most visited destinations are the picture-perfect walled medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Gordes, one of the top attractions in Luberon.
In the heart of Provence, find the traditional ambience at the festivals of Aries, on the tree-shaded streets and outdoor cafés of Aix-en-Provence, and by the old seaport of Marseilles.
The Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline named for its deep azure-blue waters. Stretching roughly from Saint-Tropez to Menton, less than 30 kilometers from the border with Italy, the Côte d’Azur has been a fashionable seaside resort destination since the early 19th century.
The Côte d’Azur has something for everyone. Nice is the perfect place to enjoy the good life, visit art museums, and stroll along cobblestone streets and palm-fringed boulevards. A short drive from Nice will bring you to areas with splendid waterfront villas and top-notch art museums.
Cannes, which has a dazzling beachfront promenade and an alluring Old Town, and Monaco, a tiny royal principality synonymous with luxury and decadence, are among the most famous French Riviera tourist attractions. Both feature five-star hotels, acclaimed restaurants, and yacht-filled marinas.
Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is another must-see destination in France and a highlight of the Normandy region. This tourist attraction ranks top one on the list of Normandy travel destinations.
The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the country. This UNESCO-listed abbey is considered a marvel of Gothic architecture. It is perched on the hilltop of an islet in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
The abbey church was an influential medieval pilgrimage site. Tourists will have a spirit-lifting experience when visiting Mont Saint-Michel.
The Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Majestic castles are scattered throughout the densely forested landscape of the Loire Valley. The UNESCO-listed site in France stretches 280 kilometers from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire in Anjou.
The emblematic Château de Chenonceau and the exquisite Château de Chambord, two extravagant châteaux, offer insight into the luxury of the Renaissance-era French court. The magnificent Château of Cheverny and the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, manor houses built by French nobles and elites, are in an idyllic setting with a water-filled moat.
