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20 Beautiful Places to Visit in France — From Normandy to the French Riviera

The best places to visit in France range from iconic landmarks to charming villages.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Many things entice travelers to visit France — food, wine, fashion, architecture, and natural beauty among them. There’s something wonderful to eat, drink, see, and do in every corner of this Western European nation. It’s hard not to fall in love with Paris . The glamorous beaches along the Côte d'Azur are legendary. Provence also packs a punch with fragrant lavender fields, the hilltop villages of the Luberon , and vineyards. Vines and grand chateaux mix in the Loire Valley . Truth be told, the number of dazzling places within the country is actually quite dizzying, but we’re more than happy to help point you in some of the most photogenic directions. Scroll on for 20 of the best places to visit in France.

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Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Gordes draws heaps of tourists who descend upon this idyllic Luberon village in the hopes of capturing the perfect shot of its cobbled lanes, time-worn churches, and 12th-century Sénanque Abbey framed by lavender fields.

Palace of Versailles

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Whether you’re a film buff, love history, or simply want to tick one of France’s most famous landmarks off your sightseeing list, the grandeur of Versailles never fails to impress. The palace is home to the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and many other opulent rooms. Outside are the magnificent gardens, fountains, and sprawling park.

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Camargue doesn’t look or feel like anywhere else in southern France. This wild region between the Mediterranean Sea and the two branches of the Rhône River delta brims with the untamed natural beauty of salt marshes, reed beds, free-roaming white horses, and hundreds of bird species — most notably, pink flamingos.

Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower is an enduring symbol of Paris. It’s one thing to see the famous landmark in films, television shows, and photographs, but it’s quite another to get a close-up look at this incredible feat of ingenuity in real life. The twinkly lights at night only add to the romance of it all.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

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Located about half a mile offshore from tourist-laden Cannes, Île Sainte-Marguerite reflects a more low-key side of the French Riviera with lovely scenery at every turn. The largest of the Lérins Islands has beautiful rocky beaches, turquoise waters, and a eucalyptus forest, plus an underwater sculpture museum.

Châteaux of the Loire Valley

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Part of the historical and architectural fabric of the country, the châteaux of the Loire Valley are an enduring reminder of Renaissance resplendence. Impressive from both a design and landscaping perspective, these regal landmarks range from palaces with sprawling gardens (like Château de Chambord) to smaller castles.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

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Tucked on the eastern side of a forested peninsula, the exclusive commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has long captivated artists such as Henri Matisse, writers, and well-heeled holiday-goers with its spellbinding beauty. Expect exquisite villas hidden by lush vegetation, breathtaking beaches with clear waters for snorkeling, hiking trails, and a yacht-filled harbor.

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Situated just south of Colmar in the Alsace region of France, Eguisheim looks like a medieval village you’d see on the cover of a storybook with a concentric plan of narrow streets, half-timbered houses, bubbling fountains, centuries-old castles, and wine caves.

Louvre Museum

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No list of the best places to visit in France would be complete without mentioning the Louvre. The most patronized museum in the world is a historic landmark in its own right with an eye-catching exterior and rooms filled with priceless works of art including the "Mona Lisa" and the Venus de Milo.

Strasbourg Cathedral

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Strasbourg Cathedral is widely regarded as one the most outstanding examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture (though, for accuracy, the remaining parts of the original structure are Romanesque). It’s a beautiful landmark with heaps of history and visual appeal that’s well worth visiting while in the Alsace region.

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Straddling the French-Italian border and extending into Switzerland, Mont Blanc (which translates to “White Mountain”) rises 15,771 feet, making it the highest mountain in the Alps and the second most prominent peak in Europe. People come from near and far to go skiing, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and even attempt to climb to the summit.

Valensole Plateau Lavender Fields

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Lavender fields have come to define Provence. This purple-hued visual is splashed across the front of virtually every postcard in the region. Many of those photos were taken on the Valensole Plateau, which erupts in a fragrant and vibrant bloom each summer.

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The charming hilltop district of Montmartre in Paris’s 18th arrondissement feels more like a small village than a big city. Cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, windmills, and performances from local musicians give it a quaint atmosphere. Its crown jewel, the iconic white-domed Sacré-Cœur commands attention.

Saint-Tropez

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Few places shine quite like Saint-Tropez. Celebrities, artists, and jet setters have been flocking to this cinematic holiday hotspot on the French Riveria since the 1960s. The glamorous beach clubs, mega yachts, and charming old fishing quarter keep the crowds thick every summer. 

Belle-Île-en-Mer

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The largest of the islands off the coast of Brittany in northwest France, the aptly named Belle-Île-en-Mer is a beautiful destination with uncrowded beaches, enchanting villages, and rugged cliffs. The jagged rock formation known as Les Aiguilles de Port Coton even inspired Monet to pick up his paintbrush.

Porquerolles

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While it’s impossible to pick a favorite spot along the French Riveria, there’s a lot to love about Porquerolles. The largest of the Îles d'Hyères offers peaceful beaches, calm waters, rolling vineyards, cycling paths through the countryside, old forts, and an off-the-beaten-path vibe.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne House

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For fans of bubbly, few things are as fabulous as a trip to the Champagne region of France. Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot tops the list of the most significant and celebrated producers. A visit to this world-famous house in Reims entails touring the historic cellars and, of course, sipping the finest sparkling wine.

Arc De Triomphe

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Everyone who visits France’s capital for the first time heads over to the Arc De Triomphe for that “I went to Paris" photo. It’s worth joining the masses in admiring this famous monument that stands tall at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Courtesy of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Admittedly, an overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc at the tip of Cap d’Antibes isn’t in the budget for most travelers. But that shouldn’t preclude you from visiting. Reserve a terrace table at the restaurant to savor Mediterranean cuisine alongside stunning views of the sea and the rock-framed infinity pool.

D-Day Landing Beaches

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Normandy is closely associated with WWII — specifically, the fateful day the Allied troops made landfall at the D-Day beaches, an operation that ultimately led to the liberation of France (and eventually Western Europe) from Nazi occupation. Today, travelers can visit the many museums and memorials along the 50-mile stretch of coastline.

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Best places to visit in france.

France is home to some of the most lively cities, bucolic villages and renowned wine regions on the globe. U.S. News considered factors like variety of attractions, lodging, weather and culinary scenes to create this ranking of the best places to visit in France. Whether you're seeking an action-packed sightseeing adventure or a relaxing wine retreat, you'll find a fun French vacation here. To influence next year's ranking, vote below for your favorite destinations in France.

Mont Saint-Michel

Montpellier, french alps, chamonix-mont-blanc, aix-en-provence, loire valley.

As the world's best place to visit , it's no surprise that the electrifying City of Light tops this list. France's capital city is a year-round tourist destination with iconic attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and incredible architecture (think: the dazzling Basilique du Sacré-Coeur). Not to mention, Paris offers unparalleled dining and shopping scenes and more museums than you could hope to visit in one trip. Keep in mind, Paris is often flooded with tourists and room rates can be pricey. If you're looking for a deal, travel in winter or early spring.

The capital of the Alsace region offers the perfect mix of French and German culture thanks to its location on the France-Germany border. While here, travelers should see Strasbourg's Gothic-style cathedral and stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petite France quarter with its half-timbered houses and postcard-worthy waterways. Plus, those with an interest in politics can tour several important European institutions during their visit, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. For an extra dose of charm, arrive in December to see one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets.

Rising above the sea like a castle in a fairy tale, Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy is one of France's most-visited sights. Legend says the archangel Michael, the island's namesake, repeatedly appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in dreams, telling him to build a church on top of the island in A.D. 708. Since its completion, it has become an important pilgrimage site for Christians and European intellectuals. Visitors can tour the picturesque abbey and admire its incredible medieval architecture or wander its surrounding streets, which are lined with tiny shops and quaint cafes.

Dubbed La Ville Rose due to the prominence of distinctive clay bricks in its architecture, Toulouse is a feast for the eyes. Throughout this city, which is located in the South of France, you'll find marvels like the neoclassical Le Capitole on the main square, the stately Basilica of Saint-Sernin (an 11th-century UNESCO site) and the Hôtel d’Assézat, which houses a noteworthy art gallery. What's more, several canals with shady footpaths pass through the city, including the idyllic Canal du Midi. For some of the best views of Toulouse, take a cruise on the River Garonne, or just sunbathe on its banks.

Sunny Montpellier glows with a combination of old world charm and a trendy university lifestyle. This city in the south of France evokes Parisian appeal with Haussmann architecture and stylish promenades. And like Paris, adornment is everywhere in Montpellier, from fashionable boutiques to street art to France's oldest botanical garden. Plus, since Montpellier is located 7 miles from the coast of the Mediterranean, a beach break is close at hand. Once the sun sets, take part in the city's youthful nightlife scene, which includes everything from music halls to dance clubs.

It's easy to see why Colmar, located in the heart of Alsace's wine region, is considered one of France's most beautiful cities. Colorful houses that look as if they belong in a fairy tale line the Little Venice district, where you can take a boat tour through Colmar's canals or reach boutiques and eateries on foot. The setting is picturesque regardless of when you vacation here, but for even more charm, visit Colmar at night when lights illuminate the city during annual events like the Colmar International Festival, Alsace's wine fair and Colmar's Christmas market.

To see some of France's most spectacular art and architecture, head to Avignon. This city in southeastern France is full of stunning structures, including the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, and the arched bridge, Pont d'Avignon. A number of can't-miss museums are spread throughout Avignon as well, such as the Musée Angladon, which houses works by highly regarded artists like Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. Visit in July to attend the Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's largest performing arts festivals.

If your ideal French vacation involves a little more nature and a little less city, head to the French Alps . Here, you'll find some of the best ski slopes in Europe, as well as beautiful scenery that rivals any work of art or architecture. In summer, the typically snow-covered mountains thaw just enough to create perfect conditions for hiking and biking. Enchanting villages sit at the base of the range, offering several places to unwind when you've had enough fun on the slopes or trails.

Despite its war-filled past, this region in northern France is also a place of great beauty and culture. Étretat's white cliffs are a great place to take in the area's natural scenery. Then, visit the region's capital city, Rouen, to admire works of art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and stroll past the quaint half-timbered houses. Be sure to sample some of the city's culinary specialties to see why it is now a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Or, see some of the remnants of Normandy's heavy history at the D-Day Landing Beaches and The Bayeux Tapestry.

Glamorous Nice occupies a picturesque spot along the French Riviera. Beach bums and culture hounds alike will enjoy the city's pebbly shores, engaging museums, boutique shops and Baroque-style palaces. Be sure to stroll along the coastline's Promenade des Anglais and pick up some fresh flowers and produce at the vibrant Cours Saleya market, located in old town. You'll likely spend a pretty penny on lodging and beach access, but experiencing Nice is worth it. To save some coin, travel between mid-March and April or from September to October, the area's shoulder seasons.

Often called "France's Isle of Beauty," Corsica features diverse landscapes and a unique culture that make it seem like a miniature continent. The Mediterranean island's clear blue water and white sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and kayaking, while its mountainous terrain and dense forests provide ample opportunities to hike trails like the highly regarded (albeit challenging) GR20. Those looking to take in some history can visit the Maison Bonaparte museum to see Napoleon's birthplace. What's more, Corsica offers a one-of-a-kind food scene that showcases various local delicacies, such as lonzu (dry-cured ham) and brocciu (cheese).

While it may not be as well known as big-name cities like Paris, Lyon competes with the best of them. Despite being the third-largest city in France, Lyon is much calmer and less touristy than other similarly sized destinations. The streets are filled with public art, including the city's famous trompe l'oeil murals, and there are museums that focus on everything from movies to history. Plus, it's surrounded by hundreds of wineries and home to 4,000-plus restaurants, several of which boast Michelin stars, making it especially appealing to oenophiles and foodies.

If you love to ski, chances are you'll enjoy shredding powder at Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. In the bustling Chamonix (the main place to stay if you want to ski at Mont Blanc), you'll have easy access to the longest off-piste run in the world (Vallée Blanche) and rugged, challenging slopes. But this destination, which hosted the 1924 Winter Olympics, offers more than just top-notch skiing. Chamonix is also a great place to go hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. For some family-friendly fun, visit the town's adventure park to zip down its Alpine coaster and various slides.

Quaint, charming Aix-en-Provence is a university city known for its tree-lined boulevards, cute cafes and lively markets. Life moves at a more leisurely pace here than in other French cities, meaning it's the perfect place for travelers to get lost in the scenic streets. Make sure to add Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and Le Grand Marché – two of the city's top attractions – to your itinerary. You can also see where artist Paul Cézanne (an Aix-en-Provence native) painted some of his masterpieces at Atelier de Cezanne, or venture outside of the city to see the Provencal scenes that inspired him.

Vincent Van Gogh fans may recognize the streetscapes of Arles: This small city in Provence inspired some of the artist's best-known works with its bright colors and rustic feel. Art aficionados can walk in Van Gogh's footsteps and explore his favorite haunts on a walking tour through this romantic city or visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles. Beyond this noteworthy connection, Arles is renowned for its Roman ruins, including a two-tiered amphitheater, the Alyscamps necropolis and the Constantine Baths. And as the gateway to the Camargue region, Arles is a great base for visitors looking to explore this marshy, flamingo-filled area.

Another popular wine region, Burgundy is home to rolling hills, superior cuisine and an array of vineyards. Those visiting Burgundy must spend time exploring the medieval villages, historical abbeys and museums that call this area home. Dijon, the region's history-rich capital, makes a great home base for touring the area. And, of course, you can't leave without trying the region's wine, which mainly uses the pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and dining on some of its rich cuisine.

Northwestern France's Brittany region stands out from the rest of the country in more ways than one. Locals are proud and protective of their Celtic heritage, including their unique language, traditions and festivals. As a result, visitors will find many well-preserved historical sites throughout the area, including prehistoric megaliths and medieval towns like Saint-Malo, a popular port town with a 12th-century citadel. Brittany also features breathtaking coastlines with fantastic beaches that are known for their phenomenal waves for surfing, dive spots and dolphin-spotting opportunities. 

As the capital of France's Champagne region, Reims is a must-visit destination for both history buffs and those who love bubbly. The city offers many Champagne cellars where visitors can learn about how the popular wine is produced before tasting it. Additionally, Reims features breathtaking Gothic architecture at attractions like the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, where 25 French monarchs were crowned between 1223 and 1825, and the adjacent Palace of Tau, the former residence of France's archbishops. No visit would be complete without perusing the exhibits in one of Reims' museums, which cover a range of topics from war history to art and automobiles.

The gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is perfectly situated for touring the region's wineries. But with Tours' historical elements and prime location along the Loire River, you may just want to stay in town. Place Plumereau, a medieval marketplace that remains one of the city's oldest squares, exudes irresistible charm with half-timbered houses, while churches like the Saint-Gatien Cathedral stun with their stately façades. Visitors will also have their pick of green spaces, from parks like Prébendes d’Oé Garden to riverside guinguettes (open-air cafes) at Tours sur Loire. What's more, several of the region's famed châteaux (including the Château de Villandry) sit just outside the city.

For a romantic escape, visit the Loire Valley in central France. Situated along the Loire River, the area is peppered with châteaux, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, farms and wineries renowned for their sauvignon blanc. The region itself is even a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beauty and historical villages. Plan to spend some time in a few of the valley's laid-back cities and towns, such as Orléans and Saumur, and you can't miss the emblematic Château de Chambord.

This wine-producing hub woos travelers with its riverbank location and surrounding countryside. With nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards, Bordeaux offers ample choices for those looking to sip some of the best (typically bold red) wines in the world. In the city center, marvel at the Gothic-style Basilique Saint Michel, walk across the Pont de Pierre (a beautiful stone bridge), snap a photo of the iconic Place de la Bourse and enjoy the Jardin Public's pathways and flora.

Located on the French Riviera just 8 miles from Nice, the tiny hilltop village of Èze makes for an excellent daytrip. The best way to spend your time in this medieval town is meandering through its cobbled streets that look as though they've been pulled from a postcard. In doing so, you'll find picturesque views of the coast, as well as luxury hotels and shops from another era. Top sights include the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and Jardin Exotique d'Èze, as well as the walking path of Nietzsche, who was inspired to write here. Before leaving town, stop by the Fragonard Parfumeur factory for a fragrant tour.

Located 35 miles northeast of Montpellier, Nîmes delights history buffs with some of the world's best-preserved Roman treasures like its emblematic arena and La Maison Carrée, a temple dating back to 10 B.C. Museums throughout Nîmes also cover its past. But lest you get the wrong impression, Nîmes is anything but stuffy. The city embraces the joie de vivre of the South of France with countless festivals, from structured events like the concert lineups of the Festival de Nîmes to lively Ferias de Nîmes – multi-day celebrations that occur twice a year at Pentecost and in September, and center around bullfighting, dancing and music.

France's oldest and second-largest city has become an exciting, up-and-coming tourist destination. Marseille has a number of sights to see, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Château d'If, the ominous prison made famous by Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." When the weather is nice, the rocky cliffs and secluded beaches of the Calanques are excellent for swimming, boating and hiking. No trip to Marseille would be complete without a stop by the Mucem, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization. Plus, its rooftop terrace makes the perfect vantage point to admire the city.

Famous for its annual film festival in May, Cannes is just as impressive (and much less congested) other times of the year. Cannes is another French Riviera hot spot that welcomes travelers looking for a little relaxation (think: sun-soaked beaches and meandering walks through the steep streets of Le Suquet, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods). Visitors can sightsee as they stroll along La Croisette, a 2-mile-long promenade, or sit down for an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Feeling lucky? Stop by one of Cannes' casinos.

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Travel ideas in France

Inspiration

Normandy Northern France Loire Valley Food and Wine Cultural Heritage Shopping and French Savoir Faire

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 24 April 2024

Bateaux Mouches Go with the flow

The panache of Paris, seen from a new perspective is ever possible, over a lunch or dinner cruise on the Seine with the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches. With departures every 30 minutes and insightful audio tours, the secrets of The Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower and beyond are within easy reach. See Paris come alive at night as you dine on exceptional dishes, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Those who prefer to pair their boat cruise with a bus trip and a dash of cabaret may wish to choose a Crazy Horse dinner cruise. From Tuesday to Sunday, diners can experience local cuisine at Le Club, seconds from the Eiffel Tower.

www. bateaux-mouches.fr/en

Hotel Lutetia New take on old-world

Paris Is there a more delightful place for travellers and locals to have an intimate tête-à-tête and a refreshing champagne than at Bar Joséphine? In the heart of the elegant Saint- Germain area is where diners and drinkers can gaze skyward and marvel at the lovingly restored fresco by Adrien Karbowsky, savour Benjamin Brial’s elegant, flavourful dishes, and cocktails that pay tribute to entertainer Joséphine Baker. Bar Joséphine cocktails are the artistry of masterful mixologist Nicola Battafarano. Finish the week with live jazz. There’s no better way to be immersed in the spirit and history of Saint-Germain-des-Prés than at Hotel Lutetia.

www.hotellutetia.com/bar-josephine

Le Bristol Paris A sweet treat that’s heaven sent

Lovers of fine chocolate are sure to be captivated by the latest creation from Le Bristol Paris: a cocoa pod sculpture crafted from grand cru cocoa sourced from tropical Belize. Responsible for the fine artistry behind this limited edition chocolate masterpiece is Le Bristol Paris pastry chef Julien Álvarez. This moreish 600g limited edition holds chocolate roasted Provence almonds coated in chocolate, delicately lifted with fleur de sel. It was made from 75 per cent Tulakalum cocoa, grown on protected Central American mountain slopes and nurtured in heat and tropical rain. There is little doubt that 75 per cent Tulakalum pure Belize cocoa tastes like heaven.

www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris/

Caen Say cheese in Caen

The charming city of Caen, just two hours north-west of Paris, is where medieval history is never in short supply – Mémorial de Caen, Caen Castle and the 11th century Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, anyone? There are lively café terraces aplenty and of course cheese! A trip to Caen is incomplete without pulling up a chair inside a cheese bar. Over melt-in-yourmouth Camembert, Pont-l’Evêque, or Livarot, visitors will love lively chats with fellow foodies and savour a glass of local wine. Planning a November trip? That’s when the annual Novembre Gourmand festival dominates the city. Promising to tantalise the tastebuds of travellers from across France and around the globe, this delectable event is when Caen celebrates its culinary excellence with food tastings, inspiring workshops and exhibitions.

www.caenlamer-tourisme.fr

Somme Tourisme Soar high in an Amiens

Autumn Autumn in Amiens, anyone? Inspired travellers may wish to consider these top six fun ideas from Somme Tourisme: 1) Climb the towers of Amiens Cathedral, a Gothic architectural icon. 2) Wander through the Hortillonnages, 300 hectares of floating gardens on the city’s edge. 3) Be immersed in the world of Jules Verne by visiting his home of 18 years. 4) Relax with a drink in picturesque Quai Belu or Place du Don, in the Saint-Leu district. 5) Head underground, with a tour of Naours’ 30 metre-deep tunnels. 6) Experience the festive atmosphere of Amiens’ traditional autumn réderie (flea market), the secondbiggest of its kind in France. Australia has held a special place in the Somme’s heart ever since World War One, when the young nation fought alongside France on the Western Front. Last year’s bushfires prompted one of many events held year-round in honour of Australia. Full details and exclusive travel offers can be found online at Somme Tourisme

www.visit-somme.com

Studio Harcourt In support of koalas

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Clos Lucé Cultural tribute to da Vinci

Visitors eager to explore the multifaceted story of Leonardo da Vinci can now attend an immersive ‘virtual gallery’ of da Vinci’s work at a new cultural facility at Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, Loire Valley. The stories behind the painter, architect and engineer’s paintings and drawings are featured on interactive tables, through models and 3D animation, inside a 500 square metre interactive cultural centre and museum. The Château du Clos Lucé is proud to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death with this new cultural facility.

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50 Best Things to Do in France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

What to Do in France?

Looking for some epic ideas to help you decide what to do in France? Look no further.

With so many interesting regions , beautiful landscapes, and endless landmarks scattered throughout the land, France is an excellent travel destination, and discovering the best things to do in France (and write about it!) is a lifelong project for us.

Based in Paris, we take every opportunity to explore different corners of France, and yet our France bucket list seems to keep getting longer instead of shorter!

Here are our favorite things to do and things to see in France – from the obvious to the unusual – for when you visit this great country. Some we’ve done, some we haven’t, and some we like to do again and again. Now, how many have you ticked off your list?

TIP: Start planning your next French adventure; check out our France Travel Planner !

Best Things to Do in Northern France

1. be moved by mont saint-michel.

Be moved by  Mont Saint-Michel , the wonder of the Western World and one of the best places to visit in Northern France . This superb Benedictine abbey and renowned center of pilgrimage is set on a rocky island at the mouth of the Couesnon River, where the regions of Normandy and Brittany meet.

The area is known for its high tides, which leave the abbey inaccessible for some hours and give Mont Saint-Michel a picturesque setting.

MONT SAINT-MICHEL TRIP PLANNING

• Quick Guide to Mont Saint-Michel
• Best Hotels in Mont Saint-Michel
• Buy your Tickets to Mont Saint-Michel

2. A Royal Day in Versailles

The Château of Versailles is a wonder of French baroque architecture and one of the top things to see in France on any holiday to Paris.

Visit the fabulous rooms and halls inside the Château, which was home to three French kings and their courts. Then explore the magnificent French-style gardens , with beautiful fountains and grooves, and the grounds around the Grand Canal, perhaps on two wheels or on a rowboat.

VERSAILLES TRIP PLANNING

• Quick Guide to Versailles Palace and Gardens
• Best Hotels near the Palace of Versailles
• Buy your Tickets to Versailles

3. Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches

The Normandy Landing Operations was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The invasion took place on the beaches of Normandy (Omaha, Utah, Sword Gold, and Juno Beach) on Tuesday, 6 June 1944, by the Allies, and it was the beginning of the liberation of German-occupied France (and later Europe) from Nazi control.

The Normandy D-day Landing Beaches is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. However, if you have the time, explore the area on a multi-day road trip to visit the beaches and some war cemeteries and memorials.

D-DAY LANDING BEACHES TRIP PLANNING

• Normandy WW2 Sites Road Trip
• Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour from Paris

4. Spend a Night (or Two) in a French Château

Spending a night in a French château is one of the unique things to do in France. France is home to more than 40,000 châteaux of all periods and styles. Some of these French châteaux are home to nobles or rich people, while others have been beautifully restored and turned into boutique hotels, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway in France.

Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu (in the picture above) and Château d’Ermenonville are two beautiful examples near Paris, but there are many more!

• Best Château-hotels in the Loire Valley
• Best Château-hotels in Burgundy
• Best Château-hotels in the Champagne region

5. Climb Up the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic monument in Paris (and France), and the climb up to the summit is always on the top of any Paris bucket list .

The views from the top of the Eiffel Tower are amazing, especially at sunset. On the second floor, there’s also an interesting exhibition about the history of the Eiffel Tower and its construction – Click here to buy your tickets to the Eiffel Tower

6. Visit the Burial Place of the Kings of France at Saint-Denis

The Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis is the burial place of the Kings of France from the 12th century to the 19th century. This magnificent building also represents the birth of Gothic architecture in France.

Indeed, this is the first French cathedral rebuilt using new techniques like the pointed arch, the pointed ribbed vault, or the use of stained glass windows to get more light inside.

Located in the city of Saint-Denis, a few kilometers north of Paris, the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis makes for an easy half-day trip from the French capital – Click here to Buy your Tickets to the Basilica of Saint-Denis

7. A Day at the Louvre Museum

Visit the Louvre, the world’s best museum, and admire some of the greatest masterworks of all time!

Also, take the time to learn the history of this former Royal Palace. For many centuries, the Louvre was the seat of the French Kings until King Louis XIV moved to Versailles. Explore the Louvre’s medieval moats and walls, Napoleon iii’s apartments, the royal galleries, and more!

LOUVRE MUSEUM TRIP PLANNING

• Buy your Tickets to the Louvre Museum
• How to Visit the Louvre in 2 hours or Less

8. Follow the Cider Route in Normandy

If you are looking for fun things to do in France, take the Cider Trail in Normandy . Here, apples abound, and the region is famous for its cider and other famous French drinks like Calvados or Pommeau.

Get ready to unfold the journey of apples from farms to your glasses by following the Cider Trail – a well-marked 40km tourist circuit through the region of Pays d’Auge in Lower Normandy.

The Pays d’Auge is popular for typical half-timbered houses, stud farms, apple orchards, and distillers who open their cellars and pressing sheds to visitors to taste their products.

9. A Night of Can Can Dance and Bubbles in a Parisian Cabaret

Parisian cabarets are a fun way to enjoy Paris at night in style and a popular option for special celebrations.

Today, the most famous cabaret shows in Paris, like the Moulin Rouge or the Paradis Latin , are a mix of music hall and burlesque shows offering lavish musical and theatrical productions with elaborate costumes, singing, and dancing.

In Paris, a cabaret show is traditionally served with dinner, paired with some of the best French wines and champagne into an all-evening extravaganza. It is an evening of entertainment, fun, and lots of bubbles.

CABARET SHOW PLANNING

• Quick Guide to the Best Cabarets in Paris
• Buy your Tickets to the Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show
• Buy your Tickets to the Paradis Latin Cabaret Show
• Buy your Tickets to the Crazy Horse Cabaret Show

10. Admire the Spectacular Cliffs of Etretat

Our France Bucket List is also full of natural wonders. Etretat is a small town on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, famous for its spectacular vertical cliffs and other rock formations that inspired some of Monet’s masterworks. There are arches, sea stacks, and tunnels cut into the 50 to 80 m high chalk walls.

Etretat also has beautiful architecture built in the Anglo-Norman style and some interesting sites. It is possible to visit Etretat on a weekend trip from Paris – or even better – as part of a Normandy road trip .

11. Feel the Divine at the Grandes Cathédrales

The historical region of Picardy , in Hauts-de-France , is probably the region with the most awesome Gothic cathedrals per square meter in the world!

From  Laon , one of the first Grandes Cathédrales inspired by this new Gothic art, to the cathedrals of  Amiens  or  Beauvais , visitors can witness the main steps of the evolution of Gothic architecture in France, extraordinary buildings, all listed UNESCO heritage and usually surrounded by charming old towns.

12. Nature as its Best at the Bay of Somme

The Bay of Somme  is the largest estuary in Northern France, an unspoiled place composed of dunes, marshes, and salt meadows.

Situated on the route of migrating birds, the Bay of Somme is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 250 different species of birds spending a part of the year in the area. It is also home to the largest colony of French seals, which can be spotted resting on sandbanks that emerge as the tide recedes.

Enjoy the Bay of Somme and its wildlife from the water, on foot, or by bike. The Belle Époque steam train ( Le Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme ) is also fun to discover these beautiful landscapes.

13. Look for the Water Lilies at Monet’s Garden

Explore Monet’s Gardens in Giverny , the object of some of Monet’s masterworks. Admire the water lily pond, where Monet painted his world-famous water lilies series.

The artist’s house and the attached workshop are also worth the visit, and they are an excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of Monet’s life and work in Giverny – Click here to book a Giverny day trip from Paris

Best Things to Do in Central France

14. fly over the valley of the kings on a hot-air balloon.

A hot air balloon flight , wherever it is in the world, is a truly magical experience. But it is even more magical if you can fly over some of the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley .

Glide through the sky in a massive floating vessel while enjoying sunrise or sunset — and perhaps a glass of champagne — over magnificent Renaissance châteaux and their beautiful grounds in the Loire Valley – Book your Hot Air Balloon Experience over the Loire Valley

LOIRE VALLEY TRIP PLANNING

• Loire Valley Trip Planner
• Loire Valley Road Trip Itinerary

15. The Loire Valley by Bike

La Loire à Vélo is one of the top activities in France for bike lovers. The Loire by Bike is a unique 800 km cycle route that links Nevers to Saint Brevin-Les-Pins in the Atlantic Ocean. Follow France’s last great wild river on two wheels while exploring the Loire Valley with its beautiful Renaissance châteaux, medieval towns, and good wines!

Best Things to Do in Southern France

16. go in search of the blue gold of provence.

The lavender fields in Provence are some of the most striking landscapes in Southern France. From mid-June to late August, explore the Valensole Plateau , the Luberon Valley , and the Sault Plateau , well known for its “blue gold,” lavender distilleries, and pretty small towns.

A trip to the lavender fields in Provence is one of the unique things to do in France. For the best pictures, plan your trip carefully around the blooming periods in each area.

LAVENDER FIELDS TRIP PLANNING

• Quick Guide to the Lavender Fields in Provence
• Lavender Season in Provence
• The Ultimate Lavender Route Road Trip

17. Explore the World of Perfumes in Grasse

Worldwide known as the perfume capital, Grasse is a small town in Provence where the perfume industry has prospered since the end of the 18th century.

Today, Grasse attracts visitors worldwide willing to learn about the art of perfumes in France at the Musée International de la Parfumerie (2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon). Grasse is also the last stop of the Route du Mimosa , which is especially beautiful to drive in wintertime.

Grasse has several perfume factories, but Fragonard’s Historical Factory (20 Boulevard Fragonard, free entrance) is the most famous. There are also many perfume workshops where you can learn the art of perfume making and create your own essence – Click here to design your own Fragrance in Grasse

18. The Gorges du Verdon by Kayak

Set in the Verdon Regional Park, Gorges du Verdon is one of Europe’s most fabulous natural settings and one of the most beautiful places to see in France. This limestone canyon with turquoise waters runs for 25 kilometers through the Park, and at points, it reaches depths of more than 700 meters.

Among the different ways to explore the Gorges du Verdon, kayaking is the most popular. Rent a kayak for half a day and paddle through the canyon alone or in two. There are some spots where you can tie the kayak to take a refreshing bath.

The list of outdoor activities around the Gorges du Verdon includes canyoning, rafting, hiking, via ferrata, paragliding, and rock climbing. Click here to browse all outdoor activities in Gorges du Verdon .

TIP: This Gorges du Verdon Road Trip covers the Gorges and some pretty neighboring villages.

19. Explore the Magnificent Palace of the Popes in Avignon

If you are wondering what to see in France for great architecture and history, Avignon is a good place to visit. Avignon , in Southern France, was in the 14th century the heart of Christendom and home to six Catholic Popes. Standing high above the city, visitors will find the Palais des Papes , the magnificent 14th-century building where the Popes lived and celebrated the most important religious events.

Listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is also the world’s largest and most important civil construction built in Gothic style, with more than 15,000 square meters of living space – Click here to buy your Tickets to the Palace of the Popes

20. A Breath of Fresh Air at the Calanques of Marseille

The National Park Calanques of Marseille–Cassis , in Southern France, offers spectacular landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and endless outdoor activities. This National Park includes coastal ranges of creeks, a vast marine area of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the richest submarine canyons in the world.

The best way to explore the Calanques is by walking one of the hiking trails that follow the coast, but you can also book a catamaran tour and explore this wonderful area from the water.

21. Explore the Hilltop Villages of Provence

The region of Provence is dotted with many hilltop villages, a world of winding roads, beautiful stone houses, stunning panoramas, and silence. These villages were usually built on the top of the hills to protect their population from different threads.

If the Luberon Villages  ( Roussillon , Gordes, Menerbes , and more) are the most popular villages of Provence , there are still many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

22. Corsica Island by Car

The best way to explore the beautiful Corsica Island is on a road trip. This is also the only way to reach Corsica’s best beaches.

For short stays, we suggest staying in one of the biggest cities and exploring its surroundings on day trips by car. For more extended holidays, go off the beaten path, inland, and also visit the smaller islands nearby – Check out our Best Tips for Renting a Car in France

23. Whisper to Horses at the Camargue Nature Reserve

A trip to the Camargue is one of the top things to do in France for nature lovers. This protected area in Southern France, mostly made of marshlands, is famous for its herd of horses and pink flamingos. The Camargue is also an excellent place for bird watching or just for a relaxing mini-holiday among great nature.

TIP: This Road Trip in Southern France covers the Camargue and much more!

24. Explore the Cathar Region of France

The Cathar Route takes you to some of the most incredible fortresses, intriguing abbeys, and medieval towns in Southern France. These sites are related to the Cathars, a Christian dualist movement in the Languedoc region between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Cathars were considered heretics by the Catholic Church, and they were the main target of some of the most violent crusades.

A Cathar Country road trip with your own car is the best way to explore the Cathar sites like the Cité de Carcassonne , Château de Montségur, or Fontfroide.

25. Walk the Ochre Trail in Roussillon

Le Sentier des Ochres (the Ochre Trail) in Roussillon is a beautiful hike through Roussillon’s remains of the ochre quarries. Walk between the cliffs and the red tints, surrounded by a lush forest, and learn about the ochre exploitation in Provence.

There are two different trails of 30 and 50 minutes. Although it is not adapted for people in wheelchairs, the first 50 meters are accessible (and free to visit for them) and end with a panoramic view.

The site is closed to the public from 1 January to 9 February. Out of these dates, Le Sentier des Ochres is open every day.

26. Winter Fun at Menton’s Lemon Festival

If you are looking for fun things to do in France in wintertime, don’t miss Menton in February. The picturesque town of Menton , close to the Italian border, is famous for its lemons: very bright, yellow, and elongated fruits prized by chefs for their rich essential oil.

Menton is one of the best places to visit in France in winter . Every February since 1934, the  Fête du Citron (Menton’s Lemon Festival) takes place. This unique event that celebrates lemons involves giant sculptures of lemons and other citrus fruits. The displays are also accompanied by parades, shows, music, and dances.

27. A Journey to the Center of the Earth at Gouffrede Padirac

The Gouffre de Padirac (Padirac Chasm) is another of the best things to see in France. This is the monumental entrance to a natural cavity 53 meters wide and 103 meters deep located in the Lot department in Occitanie.

After a vertiginous descent, embark on a boat trip along the underground river to explore one of the most interesting geological sites in France,

The best part of the visit comes after the boat trip, where the caves are stunningly brilliant. Book your tickets well in advance!

28. Dreamy Days in the French Riviera

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is one of the most beautiful parts of southern France, which always seems to be bathed in sunshine.  Nice  is the French Riviera’s capital and a convenient place to stay to explore the surroundings.

Clustered around  Nice , there are some compelling destinations like  Antibes , the hilltop villages ,  Cannes ,  Menton,  or  Saint Tropez , perfect for exploring on day trips from Nice. You can really spend some dreamy days on the French Riviera!

FRENCH RIVIERA TRIP PLANNING

• Best Places to Visit in the French Riviera
• Best Beaches in the French Riviera
• Best Resorts on the French Riviera
• French Riviera Road Trip

29. Canal du Midi on a Boat Barge or by Bike

Stretching from Toulouse to Sète, the Canal du Midi is a feat of architectural genius that links the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This 17th-century construction required the work of 12,000 men over fifteen years.

The Canal du Midi is listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is an unmissable tourist destination in Southern France. Visitors can explore the Canal du Midi by boat, hotel barge, and bike.

30. Get Lost in the Markets of Provence

The markets of Provence are lovely and a ritual that is truly part of living in Provence. Just about every village in Provence has a weekly market, usually in one of the main squares, while markets in bigger towns occur twice a week or even daily.

The markets of Provence sell prepared foods and fresh produce but not only. There are also stalls with flowers and provençal goods such as lavender, tablecloths, clothes, and more.

We have some favorites, like the markets of Saint-Rémy, Lourmarin, Apt (voted one of the most beautiful markets in France), and Aix-en-Provence market (the most famous). You can easily spend a day wandering through the colorful stalls and people-watching, or you can sit at a wonky table with a coffee or a glass of rosé.

Best Things to Do in Eastern France

31. follow the alsace wine route.

The Wine Route of Alsace is one of the best road trips in France . The legendary 170-kilometer stretch along the historic region of Alsace in Grand Est takes you through a string of picturesque villages, well-known wine-producing towns, and exceptional landscapes.

To get the most out of the Alsace Wine Route, consider a minimum of three days, but of course, you can take more time! Be sure to include places like Strasbourg , Colmar , and perhaps a short hike through the vineyards.

ALSACE WINE ROUTE TRIP PLANNING

• Alsace Wine Route Road Trip
• Things to Do in Strasbourg
• Things to Do in Colmar
• Most Beautiful Villages in Alsace

32. Join a Food Tour in Lyon

If you are wondering what to do in France to enjoy great food, head to Vieux Lyon. Generally acknowledged to be the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is the ideal place to discover French cuisine and fall in love with it .  

Lyon is a city with more restaurants per head and where food is taken to another level and people, it’s a way of life!

Join this top-rated food tour to discover the secrets of Lyon’s traditional cuisine . This tour visits a traditional bouillon Lyonnais, a cheese shop, a chocolate shop, and other shops selling local products.

33. Explore the Lakes and Waterfalls of the Jura

In the region of Bourgogne-Franche Comté, the department of Jura offers a magnificent succession of forests and lakes with wooded banks. Some belvederes are perfect for admiring the lakes and getting some fresh air.

The Jura is also land to many waterfalls, usually linked through beautiful hikes.

The Jura and its natural wonders are best explored by car. Have a look at this  road trip through the Jura , one of the best road trips for nature lovers.

34. Stunning Modern Architecture by Le Corbusier

This France things to do list also has space for iconic architecture. The Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier is the father of Modern Architecture, and he designed many iconic buildings all around France.

Villa Savoye near Paris is Le Corbusier’s most famous work, the first project to which he applied the five pillars of Modern Architecture. Other famous buildings by Le Corbusier include Ronchamp Chapel (in the picture above), L’ Unité d’Habitation in Marseille, and La Tourette Convent.

35. Enjoy Some of the World’s Best Wines along the Route des Grands Crus

The Route des Grands Crus is the most famous wine trail in Bourgogne. This Burgundy wine trail from Beaune to Dijon is an ideal road trip for wine lovers who also enjoy picturesque small towns and beautiful landscapes.

Explore the beautiful region of Burgundy and learn about its winemakers’ savoir-faire while enjoying some of the world’s best reds and whites.

36. Winter Getaway at Les Trois Vallées

The French Alps are an excellent destination for a winter getaway in France, home to iconic snow-capped peaks, charming old towns, and endless ski slopes.

Les Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world, with 600 kilometers of pistes and some of the best ski resorts in the French Alps . Enjoy a ski holiday in one of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe, as well as other thrilling activities guaranteed to keep dedicated skiers and non-skiers alike happy all holiday.

37. Lyon’s Festival of Lights Awaits

In Lyon , the coldest season kicks off with the Festival of Lights ,  one of the best things to do in France in wintertime.

The  Fête des Lumières (usually the first weekend of December) began as a spontaneous celebration of the Virgin Mary when her bronze statue was erected, and all the Lyonnais placed candles in their windows to honor Her.

Today, different artists light up buildings, streets, squares, and parks all over the city. The city has a magical atmosphere with more than forty light installations to discover.

38. Admire the Top of Europe from Aiguille du Midi

The Aiguille du Midi is a 3,842-metre-tall mountain in the Mont Blanc massif within the French Alps. It can be directly accessed by cable car from Chamonix for a closer view of the Mont Blanc (4,810m).

Once up, several terraces offer panoramic views of beautiful glaciers and the Alps. Don’t miss The Vertical Space , a museum dedicated to the adventure of ascending Mont Blanc throughout history.

Chamonix is also home to many fun outdoor activities all year round. Click here for the full list of fun things to do in Chamonix .

39. Champagne Tasting in Epernay

Epernay , in the region of Grand Est, is the capital of the Champagne region, where the most important champagne houses succeed one another along its famous Avenue de Champagne .

Visit the city with its beautiful 19th-century private mansions and join a tour of one of the best Champagne houses in Epernay to learn about the history and production of champagne wine . Most of the time, these tours end with some champagne tastings.

40. Hike the Volcanoes of Auvergne

Auvergne , in the Massif Central, is one of the most beautiful things to see in France, a land of 450 dormant volcanoes spread in the Chaîne des Puys, Monts Dore, Artense, Cézallier, and Monts du Cantal. The Volcanoes of Auvergne are a paradise for hikers, with long and short trails that suit all levels.

The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park is the largest French regional natural park, home to the famous Puy-de-Dome and other stunning volcanos. It has unique landscapes but also a beautiful heritage built with volcanic stones and remarkable biodiversity.

The city of Clermont Ferrand is a good base to explore the Volcanoes of Auvergne. From here, you can do many fun activities like paragliding, quad bike, canyoning, and karting – Click here for the full list

41. A Spa Day in Vichy

Thanks to the richness of its volcanic soil, the region of Auvergne contains a variety of thermal sources to treat many conditions, also perfect for a quick recovery after a long hike.

Among the Auvergne’s spa towns, Vichy is the spa resort par excellence, well known for its springs’ healing and therapeutic properties and its beautiful Art-Déco architecture.

Enjoy Vichy Thermal Spa , one of the biggest spas in Europe, but also be sure to explore Vichy’s rich Art-Déco heritage, its Opera House, eclectic villas, grand hotels, and two casinos.

42. Christmas Wonderland in Alsace

Alsace’s Christmas Markets are the best Christmas Markets in France to visit. As Alsace sits on the border with Germany, some of the German traditions of Christmas have become part of the culture in Alsace.

From mid-November to December, the Christmas Markets of Alsace are a must-do in France. There are huge Christmas trees, many lights, and many Christmas decorations in the different old towns, and it truly feels like a Christmas wonderland.

Wander around the different wooden chalets, do your last Christmas shopping, and eat some sweets or gingerbread. When it gets too cold, you can always keep yourself warm with a hot chocolate or a jar of mulled wine.

ALSACE CHRISTMAS MARKETS TRIP PLANNING

• Best Christmas Markets in Alsace
• Quick Guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market
• Quick Guide to the Colmar Christmas Market
• Where to Sleep in Strasbourg
• Where to Sleep in Colmar

Best Things to Do in Western France

43. surf the waves in biarritz.

In the French Basque Country, Biarritz is a surfing haven, the undisputed epicenter of surfing in France.

In the beginning, only foreigners came to surf in Biarritz. Soon, the locals adopted the sport and promoted it to the point that today, Biarritz is at the top of anyone’s places-to-surf bucket list, the place where some of the biggest international surfing competitions take place.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, we are sure that you will find your sweet surfing spot in Biarritz. Check out this list of places in Biarritz where you can learn or improve your surfing skills . 

44. Hike the Sentier des Douaniers (GR34)

The GR34 , also known as  Le Sentier des Douaniers , is one of the top hikes in France. This path borders the coastline of Brittany for over 2,000 kilometers, and it was originally used by customs officers to prevent smuggling.

Walk the whole hike (or only a part of it) and explore Brittany’s impressive cliffs, lonely beaches, and picturesque coastal towns.

45. Visit the Quirky Machines de l’Ile in Nantes

Les Machines de l’Ile , is the must-attraction in Nantes and one of the quirkiest things to do in France. Located on an isle in the middle of the Loire River, in the city’s former shipyards, this artistic project brings together a set of crazy machines that seem straight out of Jules Verne’s imagination and Leonardo Da Vinci’s invention.

Ride the  Sea World Carousel  on the back of the strangest marine creatures. Wander around the island on a  crazy elephant  who likes to shower all the kids he finds on his way! Visit the  Galerie des Machines , where a team of crazy inventors and machinists are working on new projects and machines.

46. Get Mystic at the Alignments of Carnac

The Alignments of Carnac , in Bretagne, Western France, is an exceptional site of megalithic alignments with more than 3,000 menhirs over more than 4 kilometers. These menhirs were erected between 6,000 and 2,000 AD, and even if we still don’t know the purpose of these alignments, they are just amazing.

Carnac is one of the unique places to see in France. Start with an introductory video and exhibition at the Maison des Mégalithes . Then take the time to wander around the stones and soak up the special atmosphere of this unique site.

47. Run the Quirky Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc  

If you are looking for fun things to do in France, don’t miss the Marathon du Médoc . This unique event takes place every year in September through the world-famous vineyards of Médoc, near Bordeaux . Here, participants run with fun costumes on, and wine tastings and other activities are organized along the course.   

This marathon race is considered “the longest marathon in the world” because of the numerous activities for runners scattered around the course. The various wine tastings do not help either!

The Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc attracts every year around 8,500 participants, representing more than 50 nations, as well as many spectators. The marathon is organized by a volunteer association with more than 2,800 volunteers, and it’s a joyful event that we suggest to try at least once in your life.

48. Climb up the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s Largest Sand Dune

Dune du Pilat is an impressive sight, spanning around 3 km in length, 600 m in width, and a lofty 100 or so meters high. It is located in the Arcachon Basin, and it is one of the best places to visit near Bordeaux .

Dune du Pilat is one of the most unique things to do in Western France . Climb up to the top of the dune to admire the nature on offer, or book in for a paraglide over the dune to gain a bird’s eye view of the nearby forest and the Atlantic Ocean – Click here to book a Dune du Pilat day tour from Bordeaux

49. Enjoy Amazing Prehistoric Art At Lascaux IV

Lascaux , near Sarlat-la-Canéda , is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world! A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cave features over 600 parietal paintings, considered to be masterpieces of Stone Age art.

Lascaux was discovered in 1940 by a group of local young boys and opened to the public in 1963. Unfortunately, human breath started to make the paintings deteriorate, so the original site was permanently closed in the 80s.

The current site is a perfect replica of the original. It is called  Lascaux IV , being Lascaux II and Lascaux III partial replicas that you can also visit. Don’t miss Lascaux IV’s great guided visit, which starts with an emotional approach to the discovery. You can visit Lascaux IV on a day trip from Sarlat or as part of a Dordogne road trip . Book your tickets well in advance!

50. The Sweet Life in the Gulf of Morbihan

The best things to do in France list ends on the Brittany coast. With its many islands and islets, its microclimate that warms the sea, and its sweet life, the Gulf of Morbihan is one of the most beautiful landscapes in western Frane to discover all year.

Morbihan means little sea in the local language, and it is the perfect place for sailing on a catamaran, hiking, or exploring the little islands protected from the vagaries of the ocean. Among the fifty or so islands in Morbihan,  Île aux Moines  and Île d’ Arz  are locals’ favorites.

More France Bucket List Ideas

• Things to Do in Northern France
• Things to Do in Southern France
• Things to Do in Eastern France
• Things to Do in Western France

And there you have it, our France Bucket List, the list of what to do in France for a unique French holiday. Do you have any favorites not included in this list? Let us know in the France Travel Facebook Group ; we will be happy to enlarge the list!

Click here for more Travel Inspiration .

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Visiting France

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With more than 90 million foreign visitors recorded in 2018 (including overseas destinations), France remains the world’s leading tourist destination (ahead of Spain, the United States, China and Italy). This continued success can be explained by the richness and diversity of France’s tourism offer.

A multi-faceted destination

Coming to France means having the chance to discover a variety of destinations and themed offers. Whether you are an urban tourist, a hiking or cycling enthusiast, an art lover, a wine and food lover or a beach lover, France is for you!

France is a sporting country

France also hosts many international sporting events. Some are regular fixtures, such as the French Open tennis tournament, the Tour de France or the 24-hour race in Le Mans. Others are exceptional events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2024…

How to prepare your visit?

To prepare your stay, the France.fr website (available in 15 languages) allows you to discover the treasures of mainland France and its overseas territories. The information is classified by destination, by theme and also covers the practical organisation of your trip (visas, transport, climate, etc.).

This site is developed by Atout France, the national tourism operator under the supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

(Update: July 2023)

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in France

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in Paris after college, enjoys returning to France as often as possible, and most recently visited France in March 2023.

Take a dream vacation in a country that's full of dreamy destinations. Fairy-tale castles, storybook country villages, fashionable seaside resorts, snowcapped mountains, and of course Paris , the elegant City of Light.

Begin with the Eiffel Tower, the modern emblem of France. Then discover famous masterpieces of art at the Louvre Museum. Spend a day pretending to be royalty at the elegant Palace of Versailles. Save time for leisurely gourmet meals. Traditional French gastronomy has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Each region of France boasts its own distinctive cuisine and culture. The coastal region of Brittany offers the old-world charm of quaint fishing villages and ancient seaports, while the French Alps boasts a hearty cuisine of cheese fondue and charcuterie served in cozy chalets near ski slopes.

Every corner of the country has a certain magic. Discover the wonders of travelers' favorite places and learn about the best things to do with my list of the top attractions in France.

1. Eiffel Tower

2. musée du louvre, 3. château de versailles, 4. côte d'azur, 5. mont saint-michel, 6. castles of the loire valley, 7. cathédrale notre-dame de chartres, 8. provence, 9. chamonix-mont-blanc, 10. alsace villages, 11. carcassonne, 12. brittany, 13. biarritz, 14. rocamadour, 15. prehistoric cave paintings in lascaux, best time to visit france.

The Eiffel Tower is a feat of ingenuity as much as it is a famous landmark. This structure of 8,000 metallic parts was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair of 1889. Originally loathed by critics, the 330-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline.

Upon the first glimpse, you'll be impressed by the tower's delicate airiness despite its monumental size. Next, the panoramas at each of the three levels will take your breath away.

You can dine with a view on the 1st floor or indulge at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the 2nd floor. At the exhilarating height of 276 meters, the top floor offers a sweeping outlook over the city of Paris and beyond. Vistas extend as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day.

The most prestigious museum in Paris, the Louvre ranks among the top European collections of fine arts. Many of Western Civilization's most famous works are found here, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture.

The collection owes its wealth to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre, in centuries past when it was a royal palace. Other pieces were added as a result of France's treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I.

The Louvre displays around 35,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces. It's impossible to see it all in a day or even in a week. Take a private guided tour or focus on a shortlist of key artworks for the most rewarding experience.

The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles immerses you in France's glorious regal history. Step back in time to the era of the ancien régime , when Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), Louis XV, and Louis XVI ruled France. During that period, the Palace of Versailles set the standard for princely courts in Europe.

The most spectacular space in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors , where courtiers waited for an audience with His Majesty. This dazzling gallery sparkles with sunlight that enters through the windows and is reflected off hundreds of ornamental mirrors, while dozens of glittering chandeliers and gilded details make the overall impression even more marvelous.

Versailles is equally renowned for Les Jardins , formal French gardens featuring decorative pools, perfectly trimmed shrubbery, numerous statues, and magnificent fountains. The gardens were created in the 17th century by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre and are surrounded by 800 hectares of lush parkland.

Beyond the formal gardens is the Domaine de Trianon , which includes Le Grand Trianon palace; Le Petit Trianon château; and Le Hameau de la Reine (The Queen's Hamlet), Marie-Antoinette's fabricated pastoral village featuring quaint cottages set around a lake.

The buildings of Marie-Antoinette's hamlet were inspired by the rural architecture of the Normandy region. (Faux pastoral hamlets were a typical feature of aristocratic estates during the 18th century.) The "farmhouse" and "cottage" buildings have a weathered finish that was intentionally rendered to lend a rustic look (although the interiors were exquisitely furnished).

Marie-Antoinette's hamlet originally had a working dairy and farm, which served educational purposes for her children. This idyllic spot was designed as a place for Marie-Antoinette to escape from the formality of court life, take walks, and visit with friends. Le Hameau de la Reine provides a rare glimpse of Marie-Antoinette's private world.

The most fashionable stretch of coastline in France, the Côte d'Azur extends from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. Côte d'Azur translates to "Coast of Blue," a fitting name to describe the Mediterranean's mesmerizing cerulean waters.

To English speakers, this glamorous seaside destination is known as the French Riviera , words that have a ring of sun-drenched decadence.

During summer, the seaside resorts cater to beach lovers and sun-worshippers. The rich and famous are also found here in their lavish villas and luxury yachts.

The town of Nice has panoramic sea views and stellar art museums but nothing beats the views from the hilltop village of Eze . Cannes is famous for its celebrity film festival and legendary Belle Epoque hotels.

The best sandy beaches are in Antibes , which also has an atmospheric Old Town and superb museums. Saint-Tropez offers fabulous public and private beaches plus the charm of a Provençal fishing village, while Monaco seduces with its exclusive ambiance and stunning scenery.

Rising dramatically from a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most striking landmarks. This "Pyramid of the Seas" is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by imposing defensive walls and bastions.

The main tourist attraction, the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture with soaring Gothic spires. You will be awed by the serene beauty of the Abbey Church, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.

Since it was built in the 11th century, the Abbey Church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, known as "The Heavenly Jerusalem." Modern-day pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay by foot as it was done in the Middle Ages.

Traveling through the Loire Valley gives the impression of stepping into a children's storybook. Turreted fairy-tale castles grace a luxuriant countryside of dense woodlands and gently flowing rivers. The entire Loire Valley, an area known as the "Garden of France," is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Some of the Loire castles are medieval fortresses built on hilltops and surrounded by ramparts. However, the most famous Loire châteaux are sumptuous Renaissance palaces that were designed purely for enjoyment and entertainment, as an extension of court life outside of Paris.

The Château de Chambord , built for King Francis I, is the most magnificent château; the Château de Chenonceau has a distinctive feminine style; and the Château de Cheverny is a Neoclassical-style manor house estate that includes a Tintin exhibition, English gardens, and a forest.

It is also worth visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges as well as the city of Orléans , where Joan of Arc helped defeat the English army in 1429, and the Château Royal d'Amboise , the residence of French kings for five hundred years.

For more than eight centuries, the magnificence of Chartres Cathedral has inspired the faithful, and some say this sublime sanctuary has restored belief in the doubtful.

The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture, renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows. Covering 2,500 square meters, the brilliant windows allow colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The intricately detailed windows reveal the incredible craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.

The rose windows are especially noteworthy for their incredible size and details. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window which dates from the 12th century.

On the third Saturday of September, the city of Chartres presents Chartres en Lumières (Festival of Light) during European Heritage Days . The festival includes street art, music, and guided tours. During this annual event, the Chartres Cathedral dazzles crowds with its colorful multimedia show featuring illuminations and sound. The illumination show also takes place at the cathedral in July and August every evening after 10pm.

Escape into a bucolic landscape of olive groves, sun-drenched rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with little villages nestled in the valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scenery has enchanted many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.

The rustic natural beauty, country charm, and laid-back atmosphere of Provence allow the region's art de vivre (art of living) to flourish. Sultry weather encourages leisurely strolls along cobblestone streets and afternoons spent on sunny terraces of outdoor cafés.

Among the many attractions of Provence is its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. You can choose from a wide range of culinary establishments, from family-run bistros to Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants.

The quintessential Provençal town, Aix-en-Provence is famous for its colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France. Fascinating ancient ruins and traditional festivals distinguish Arles , while the medieval city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes.

Even tiny villages, like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Rémy, and Gordes, have amazing historic sites, fantastic museums, and an irresistibly quaint ambiance.

The awesome spectacle of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an unforgettable sight. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc soars to 4,810 meters. Thanks to its elevation, Mont Blanc ("White Mountain") is always blanketed in snow.

Beneath its majestic peak is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix , nestled in a high-mountain valley. This delightful little town is filled with historic churches, traditional alpine restaurants, and charming auberges.

Chamonix is a great base for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing. The village is one of the best places to visit in France for inspiring natural scenery and alpine accommodations. Upscale mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.

Catering to diners with good appetites, local restaurants serve hearty meals typical of the Savoie region, as well as international cuisine. To sample the Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue , and raclette (melted Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler cheese served with boiled potatoes).

Some of the prettiest villages in France are tucked away in the green, rolling hills of Alsace, where the Vosges Mountains border the Rhine River of Germany. These picturesque Alsatian villages feature pastel-painted, half-timbered houses clustered around small parish churches. Cheerful flowering balconies and pedestrian cobblestone streets add to the appeal.

Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaux Villages de France

Many of the villages have won France's Villages Fleuris award for their lovely floral decorations, such as Obernai , with its characteristic burghers' houses; the charming little village of Ribeauvillé , where many homes are adorned with potted flowers; the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Region of Art and History) of Guebwiller ; and the captivating medieval village of Bergheim .

Some of the flower-bedecked Alsatian villages are so pretty that they have been designated as both Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), including the storybook hamlet of Riquewihr and the enchanting village of Eguisheim , nestled in a valley. Another of the Plus Beaux Villages is Mittelbergheim , known for its gastronomy and gorgeous pastoral landscape, at the foot of the verdant Mont Saint-Odile.

If you're planning an Alsace vacation itinerary, Colmar is a good base to explore the Alsatian villages and surrounding nature trails.

With its turreted towers and crenelated ramparts, Carcassonne seems straight out of a fairy-tale scene. This well-preserved (and renovated) fortified city offers a total immersion into the world of the Middle Ages.

Known as La Cité , the UNESCO-listed walled medieval town of Carcassonne is a warren of narrow, winding cobblestone lanes and quaint old houses. Nearly every street, square, and building has retained its historic character. Within la Cité, the 12th-century Château Comtal reveals the Cathar heritage of the Languedoc region .

Must-see tourist attractions are the double-circuited ramparts with 52 towers and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse , which features splendid 13th-century stained-glass windows.

Carcassonne draws many visitors on July 14th for its fireworks show, to celebrate Bastille Day , a national holiday (Fête Nationale). Despite being a small town, Carcassonne presents one of the most dazzling July 14th fireworks displays in France.

The Brittany region in northeastern France brims with natural beauty and historic charm. A rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and weathered seaports characterize this region. The distinctive local culture is steeped in ancient traditions and famous for its costumed religious festivals.

A mystical land of myths and legends, Brittany has a Celtic influence and a dialect related to Gaelic. The local cuisine is based on seafood and is renowned for its savory buckwheat crêpes and sweet dessert crêpes.

The quintessential Breton port is Saint-Malo surrounded by 17th-century fortifications. Quimper is a picture-postcard town with handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a spectacular château and is where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants.

Other highlights of Brittany are the pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles. Belle-Île-en-Mer , the largest of the Breton islands, appeals to vacationers in search of a peaceful seaside setting. Ferry boats run from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes to Belle-Île-en-Mer.

This fashionable seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic air; it was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie , wife of Napoleon III. Empress Eugénie loved the beautiful setting on the Bay of Biscay in France's Basque country.

The imperial couple's grandiose Second Empire palace has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz , a luxury hotel featuring a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant and sensational views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its broad seafront promenade, has attracted high-society vacation goers since the Belle Epoque.

Other must-see sights of Biarritz are related to the ocean: the Biarritz Aquarium ; the Lighthouse ; and the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock) which stands along the coastline on an immense rock beaten by the Atlantic's wild waves.

For a taste of the town's regal past, visit the chic Miremont tearoom that has served exceptional pastries since 1872.

Rocamadour resides between heaven and earth, suspended on a sheer limestone cliff as if providing a medium for spiritual wonders.

In the 11th century, this pilgrimage destination was the third most important in Christendom after Jerusalem and Rome. Rocamadour was on the medieval Chemin de Saint-Jacques (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The village has seven ancient sanctuaries, but pilgrims flock to the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which possesses the venerated Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour). This precious Virgin Mary figure was carved from walnut wood that naturally darkened over the centuries and is associated with miracles.

Another must-see sight is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur , the largest church of Rocamadour built in Romanesque and Gothic styles between the 11th and 13th centuries. For a challenging spiritual experience, pilgrims can ascend the steep flight of steps, with 12 Stations of the Cross, leading up to the château at the highest point in the village.

About 145 kilometers from Limoges in the Limousin , Rocamadour is surrounded by the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy , a natural park in the Dordogne region.

Discover the fascinating world of prehistoric art in Lascaux, the finest example of Paleolithic art in the world. This UNESCO-listed site is in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne region . Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux Cave contains exquisite prehistoric paintings, but in 1963 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 faithful reproduction of the Lascaux Cave and its paintings. The Paleolithic art has been carefully recreated, including every detail of the animal paintings in authentic ochre hues.

Opened in 2016, the sleek ultra-modern International Centre for Cave Art (also in Montignac) presents a complete replica ( Lascaux IV ) of the original Lascaux Cave along with museum exhibits that provide context for the prehistoric artworks. Virtual reality exhibits and a 3-D film help bring the prehistoric period to life.

Highlights of the Lascaux prehistoric cave paintings are the Salle des Taureaux (Hall of the Bulls) with panels featuring unicorns and bears and the Diverticule Axial , a narrow 30-meter-long hall with impressive drawings of bulls, cows, and horses. The art reproductions of the replica caves are so accurate that visitors would not be able to tell the difference from the original.

France appeals to travelers through the four seasons. For most tourists, the best seasons to visit are in the late spring, summer, and early autumn . Summertime is the most popular season because of school vacations and warm weather. Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant, mild weather and less crowds.

For those who appreciate beautiful gardens, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit France and especially Paris. One of the top day trips from Paris, Monet's Garden in Giverny is spectacular when tulips bloom in April, in May when wisterias bud, and in June when roses blossom. By July, the famous water lilies of Monet's paintings appear in the garden's pond.

In terms of warm weather and long days, summer is the best season to visit. The months of July and August are great for beach vacations on the French Riviera or the elegant resort of Biarritz on the Atlantic Coast. Outdoor sports enthusiasts enjoy the countryside of Provence, the Auvergne region , and the French Alps during summertime, when the sunshine and comfortable temperatures make hiking and boating enjoyable.

For budget travelers, the winter is a good time to visit France because hotel prices are reduced. However, from December through February the weather can be very chilly (low 40s to mid 40s Fahrenheit in Paris and northern France), as well as rainy.

Many travelers enjoy visiting during the holiday season (end of November through January 1st) since Paris and other cities feature lovely Christmas decorations. In addition, the holidays are the time for Christmas music concerts and traditional Marchés de Noël (Christmas markets) especially in the small towns of Provence, Annecy in the French Alps, and the quaint villages of the Alsace region .

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For all the millions of French people that live in its many vibrant cities, the idea persists that theirs is a rural country. The importance of the land reverberates throughout French culture, something you will truly understand when you travel to France.

Where to go in France

Best time to travel to france, itinerary for when you travel to france, culture in france, cuisine in france, alsace and lorraine, alsatian food, four fabulous alsace fortresses, the route des vins, the wines of alsace, “la grand boucle”.

France boasts metropolitan powerhouse cities that represent the countries accumulation of wealth, evident in the astonishing variety of places to visit, from the Dordogne's prehistoric cave paintings and the Roman monuments of the south, to the Gothic cathedrals of the north, the chateaux of the Loire, and the cutting-edge architecture of the grands projets in Paris. This legacy of history and culture - le patrimoine - is so widely dispersed across the land that even the briefest of stays will leave you with a powerful sense of France's past. After reading this region-by-region overview, you might want to arm yourself with 20 fun facts about France.

Travelling around France is easy. Restaurants and hotels proliferate, many of them relatively inexpensive when compared with other developed Western European countries. Train services are admirably efficient, as is the road network – especially the (toll-paying) autoroutes – and cyclists are much admired and encouraged. Information is highly organized and available from tourist offices across the country, as well as from specialist organizations for walkers, cyclists, campers and so on.

As for where to go in France, Paris, of course, is the outstanding cultural centre, with its impressive buildings – not least Frank Gehry’s stunning new Fondation Louis Vuitton – and unparalleled art, nightlife and ethnic diversity, though the great provincial cities – Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille – all now vie with the capital and each other for prestige in the arts, ascendancy in sport and innovation in attracting visitors. Marseille, in particular, has a host of exciting new cultural institutions, a legacy of its year as European Capital of Culture in 2013.

For most people, however, it’s the unique characters of the regions that will define a trip. Few holiday-makers stay long in the largely flat, industrial north, but there are some fine cathedrals and energetic cities to leaven the mix. The picture is similar in Alsace-Lorraine where Germanic influences are strong, notably in the food. On the northern Atlantic coast, Normandy has a rich heritage of cathedrals, castles, battlefields and beaches – and, with its cream-based sauces, an equally rich cuisine. To the west, Brittany is renowned for its Celtic links, beautiful coastline, prehistoric sites and seafood, while the Loire valley, extending inland towards Paris, is famed for soft, fertile countryside and a marvellous parade of châteaux. Further east, the green valleys of Burgundy shelter a wealth of Romanesque churches, and their wines and food are among the finest in France. More Romanesque churches follow the pilgrim routes through rural Poitou-Charentes and down the Atlantic coast to Bordeaux, where the wines rival those of Burgundy. Inland from Bordeaux, visitors flock to the gorges, prehistoric sites and picturesque fortified villages of the Dordogne and neighbouring Limousin, drawn too by the truffles and duck and goose dishes of Périgord cuisine. To the south, the great mountain chain of the Pyrenees rears up along the Spanish border, running from the Basque country on the Atlantic to the Catalan lands of Roussillon on the Mediterranean; there’s fine walking and skiing, as well as beaches at either end. Further along the Mediterranean coast, Languedoc offers dramatic landscapes, medieval towns and Cathar castles, as well as more beaches, while the Massif Central, in the centre of the country, is undeveloped and little visited, but beautiful nonetheless, with its rivers, forests and the wild volcanic uplands of the Auvergne. The Alps, of course, are prime skiing territory, but a network of signposted paths makes for great walking too; to the north, the wooded mountains of the Jura provide further scope for outdoor adventures. Stretching down from the Alps to the Mediterranean is Provence, which, as generations of travellers have discovered, seems to have everything: Roman ruins, charming villages, vineyards and lavender fields – and legions of visitors. Its cuisine is similarly diverse, encompassing fruit, olives, herbs, seafood and lamb. Along the Provençal coast, the beaches, towns and chic resorts of the Côte d’Azur form a giant smile extending from the vibrant city of Marseille to the super-rich Riviera hotspots of Nice and Monaco. For truly fabulous beaches, however, head for the rugged island of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon and home to an Italian-leaning culture and cuisine and some fascinating Neolithic sculptures.

Discover more places in France

• Languedoc Travel Guide
• The Limousin, Dordogne and the Lot Travel Guide
• The Loire Travel Guide
• The Massif Central Travel Guide
• Normandy Travel Guide
• The north Travel Guide
• Paris Travel Guide
• Poitou-Charentes and the Atlantic coast Travel Guide
• Provence Travel Guide
• The Alps and Franche-Comté Travel Guide
• The Côte d’Azur Travel Guide
• The Rhône valley Travel Guide
• The Pyrenees Travel Guide

The climate in France can be tricky to navigate when deciding the best time to visit. The north experiences similar weather to the UK, often being wet and moderately unpredictable. The south is significantly warmer, particularly behind the Mediterranean coastline. Briefly speaking, the best time to visit is during late spring to early autumn, when the temperature is warm and crowds are not swarmed with tourists.

If visiting for the first time, or as a returning traveller, planning an itinerary ensures you experience as much of the country as possible, particularly if driving. The diversity of France's beautiful landscape means there are many routes to choose from, so if you have a particular mission in mind, check out our range of itineraries , or alternatively plan a tailor-made trip with one of our experts. For inspiration, we've created an itinerary below.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for France, created by local experts

14 days  / from 3829 USD

An active walking tour out of the way in France

Your trip starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards continue south to start a few days walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

10 days  / from 2392 USD

Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

12 days  / from 2924 USD

Tasting Eastern France

A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

Days 1 - 3: Paris

Your travels to France would not be complete without visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris. Tick of the main sites on the checklist; the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy exploring the charming streets, stopping off for macarons in delightful little cafes.

Days 3 - 5: Epernay, Champagne

Take a trip to Epernay, the birthplace of Champagne. Enjoy a glass of authentic bubbly whilst taking in the beautiful landscape of rolling green hills. Go wine tasting, cycle along the vineyards, take morning walks, and explore the charm of the small town. Simply enjoy the countryside of France.

Days 5 - 7: Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a place of fairy tales, explore the many Chateaux and immerse yourself into feeling like you have stepped back in time. Chateaux of the Loire Valley is an impressive example of French Renaissance architecture and is a good starting point. Other monumental castles to look out for include those at Ambroise and Nantes. Take part in a tour, also possible along the Loire River, and explore the historical towns and get a real feeling for French history and culture.

The importance of these traditions is felt deeply by the French state, which fights to preserve and develop its culture perhaps harder than any other country in the world. Private companies, which also strive to maintain French traditions in arenas as diverse as haute couture, pottery and, of course, food, are perfect examples of this. The fruits of these efforts are evident in the subsidized arts , notably the film industry, and in the lavishly endowed and innovative museums and galleries. From colonial history to fishing techniques, aeroplane design to textiles, and migrant shepherds to manicure, an array of impressive collections can be found across the nation. Inevitably, however, first place must go to the fabulous displays of fine art in Paris, a city which has nurtured more than its fair share of the finest creative artists of the last century and a half, both French – Monet and Matisse for example – and foreign, such as Picasso and Van Gogh.

French cuisine is as varied as it's landscape, as the creator of the Michelin Star, France takes its food reputation seriously. Dive in deep to France's food and drink culture, that will have you eager to travel to France as soon as you can.

From traditional village boulangeries cooking fresh bread and croissants to high-class restaurants, you'll notice the always pleasant aroma of delicious dishes being cooked. Popular recipes to look out for include ratatouille, bourguignon and crepes. Drink-wise, France boasts some of the best wines, and of course, there is Champagne.

Top image: Le Mont Saint-Michel, France © canadastock / Shutterstock

Disputed for centuries by French kings and the princes of the Holy Roman Empire, and subsequently embroiled in a bloody tug-of-war between France and Germany, France’s easternmost provinces, Alsace and Lorraine , share a tumultuous history. It’s no surprise then that almost everything, from the architecture to the cuisine and the language, is an enticing mixture of French and German – so much so that you might begin to wonder which country you’re actually in.

Cute Hansel-and-Gretel-type houses – higgledy-piggledy creations with oriel windows, carved timberwork, toy-town gables and geranium-filled window boxes – are a common feature in Alsace, especially along the winding Route des Vins , which traces the eastern margin of the forests of the Vosges mountains. This road also represents the region’s chief tourist raison d’être – wine – best accompanied with a regional cuisine that’s more Germanic than French, although you’ll find plenty of creativity in modern Alsatian cooking. Ruined medieval castles are scattered about, while outstanding churches and museums are concentrated in the handsome regional capital of Strasbourg and in smaller, quirkier Colmar . Bustling Mulhouse stands out for its industrial heritage and entertaining nightlife. A noticeably wealthy province, Alsace has historically churned out cars and textiles, not to mention half the beer in France.

Alsace’s less prosperous and less scenic neighbour, Lorraine, shares borders with Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium. The graceful former capital, Nancy , is home to a major school of Art Nouveau and is well worth a visit, as is leafy Metz , with its sparkling new contemporary art gallery. The bloody World War I battlefields around Verdun attract a large number of visitors, as does the zoo in Amnéville , one of the largest in France. Gastronomically no less renowned than other French provinces, Lorraine has bequeathed to the world one of its favourite savoury pies, the quiche lorraine , and an alcoholic sorbet, the coupe lorraine .

Top image: Cathedral of Our Lady, Strasbourg © Travelerpix/Shutterstock

Alsatians are hearty eaters, with their local cuisine characterized by generous helpings of pork, potatoes and spaetzle (a type of pasta usually fried in butter). But the region also has an international reputation for gastronomy, with exciting, new and well-established Michelin-starred restaurants dotted across its towns and villages.

The classic dish is choucroute , the aromatic pickled cabbage known in German as sauerkraut . The difference here is the inclusion of juniper berries in the pickling stage and the addition of goose grease or lard. Traditionally it’s served with large helpings of smoked pork, ham and sausages, but some restaurants offer a succulent variant replacing the meat with fish ( choucroute aux poissons ), usually salmon and monkfish. The qualification à l’alsacienne after the name of a dish means “with choucroute ”. Baeckoffe , a three-meat hotpot, comprising layers of potato, pork, mutton and beef marinated in wine and baked for several hours, is a speciality. Onions , too, crop up frequently on menus, either in the guise of a tart ( tarte à l’oignon ), made with a béchamel sauce, or as flammeküche ( tarte flambée ), a mixture of onion, cream and pieces of chopped smoked pork breast, baked on a thin, pizza-like base.

Alsatians are fond of their pastries . In almost every patisserie, you’ll find a mouthwatering array of fruit tarts made with rhubarb (topped with meringue), wild blueberries, red cherries or yellow mirabelle plums. Cake-lovers should try kugelhopf , a dome-shaped cake with a hollow in the middle made with raisins and almonds.

For the classic Alsatian eating experience, you should go to a winstub , loosely translated as a “wine bar”, a cosy establishment with bare beams, wood wall panels and benches and a convivial atmosphere. The food revolves around Alsatian classics, such as choucroute , all accompanied by local wines (or, in a bierstub , beer).

A thirty-minute drive north of Metz lies Amnéville , an easy-to-overlook town off the A31 motorway. But, just outside, in the Parc Amnéville-Les-Thermes , there is a gigantic tourist site with a conglomeration of attractions, cinemas, restaurants, spas and hotels you'd expect to see in North America rather than Europe. There are three large spas , Centre Thermal St Eloy (with a more therapeutic-medical orientation), Thermapolis (relaxation for all the family) and Villa Pompéi (offering massage and beauty treatments), which have been built over natural thermal springs; there are also sports arenas that include France’s only indoor ski slope, an 18-hole golf and mini-golf course, a “Fitnessium”, an ice-skating rink and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

But the main attraction is the zoo – one of the largest in France. You need a car to get there – and to move around the site. The zoo holds a large number of rare species; many of them are photogenic mammals, such as snow leopards, Siberian tigers, dwarf hippos and a big number of monkey species. In 2015, a new arena was opened to host a choreographed tiger show (1–3 times daily). Feeding of animals takes place several times a day; the wolf-pack feed is the biggest draw.

Alsace is dotted with medieval fortresses, heirlooms from a quarrelsome past. Here’s a rundown of the very best castles in the region:

Bernstein Explore the marvellous ruins of this castle perched 562m up on a rock overlooking Dambach-la-Ville. It’s a 45-minute walk from the village past the chapel of St-Sébastien or a drive up the D35, turning left at Blienschwiller towards Villé on the D203 and then following the sign to Bernstein on the GR5 until the Schulwaldplatz car park. From there it’s a gentle 20min walk uphill through a spruce forest. Free access.

Haut Koenigsbourg A massive pile of honey-coloured sandstone that sits astride a 757m bluff, this castle dates from the twelfth century. It was heavily restored in the twentieth century under the tenacious management of Kaiser Wilhelm II and is today one of the most visited monuments in France – try to come midweek or out of season to avoid the crowds. It is a stunning spot with fantastic views on a clear day.

Château Hohlandsbourg Six kilometres outside Eguisheim, this enormous castle surrounded by massive walls is the largest in the region. It was extensively damaged during the Thirty Years’ War but there’s still plenty to see, including beautiful gardens. The castle is also a venue for cultural activities, music concerts and children’s workshops – check the website for events.

Château Kintzheim Small but wonderful ruined castle built around a cylindrical refuge-tower and located just south of Haut Koenigsbourg. Today Kintzheim is an aviary for birds of prey – the Volerie des Aigles – and puts on magnificent displays of aerial prowess by resident eagles and vultures.

Metz (pronounced “Mess”), the capital of Lorraine, lies on the east bank of the River Moselle, close to the autoroute de l’Est linking Paris and Strasbourg. Today the city has another connection to the capital in the much-lauded satellite branch of the Centre Pompidou . Along with its rather splendid cathedral , a strong dining scene (inspired by the Renaissance writer and famous gourmand, Rabelais, who lived here for two years), large and beautiful flower-lined public spaces and riverside setting, the honey-coloured city of Metz is something of an undiscovered gem.

The city’s origins go back at least to Roman times, when, as now, it stood astride major trade routes. On the death of Charlemagne it became the capital of Lothar’s portion of his empire. By the Middle Ages it had sufficient wealth and strength to proclaim itself an independent republic, which it remained until its absorption into France in 1552. Caught between warring influences, Metz has endured more than its share of historical hand-changing; reluctantly ceded to Germany in 1870, it recovered its liberty at the end of World War I, only to be re-annexed by Hitler until the Liberation.

Metz is, in effect, two towns: the original French quarters of the vieille ville , gathered round the cathedral and encompassing the Île de la Comédie , and the Quartier Impérial , undertaken as part of a once-and-for-all process of Germanification after the Prussian occupation in 1870. Developing with speed and panache is a third section: the Quartier de l’Amphithéâtre , south of the train station, heralded by the Centre Pompidou and the adjacent sports stadium – shops and offices are slowly following.

Centre Pompidou-Metz

The Centre Pompidou-Metz , the first decentralized branch of the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris, opened with much pomp and ceremony in Metz’s Quartier de l’Amphithéâtre in May 2010. Designed by architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, it’s a curious, bright white building resembling a swimming stingray and, with its huge glass windows and wooden scaffolding, is extremely light and inviting. The same spirit reigns here as in Paris: showing off a varying percentage of the Parisian stock, the aim of the museum is to bring modern art to the masses, and judging by the queues it’s working. Expect to spend around two hours here; there’s a café, as well as workshops for children (ask at reception for details).

A large, sprawling, industrial city 35km south of Colmar, Mulhouse was Swiss until 1798 when, at the peak of its prosperity (founded on printed textiles), it voted to become part of France. Today it bills itself as a “museum town”, with at least four that might grab your interest. It’s much cheaper to stay here than in neighbouring Colmar (or Basel), plus it offers the best nightlife in Alsace should you find yourself there over a weekend. The hôtel de ville on the central place de la Réunion contains a beautifully presented history of the city in the Musée Historique . The Neo-Gothic cathedral opposite the museum was built in 1866, replacing a twelfth-century church, yet its fourteenth-century stained glass is considered the most beautiful in the Upper Rhine; this is the only Protestant cathedral standing in a main square in France.

Cité de l’Automobile, Musée National-Collection Schlumpf

The city of Nancy , on the River Meurthe, is renowned for the magnificent place Stanislas, cited as a paragon of eighteenth-century urban planning and today the finest in France. For its spectacularly grand centre, Nancy has the last of the independent dukes of Lorraine to thank: the dethroned king of Poland and father-in-law of Louis XV, Stanislas Leszczynski. During the twenty-odd years of his office in the mid-eighteenth century, he ordered some of the most successful construction of the period in all France. The city is also home to some impressive examples of Art Nouveau furniture and glassware hailing from the days of the École de Nancy , founded at the end of the nineteenth century by glass-master and furniture-maker, Émile Gallé.

From the gare SNCF , walk through Porte Stanislas , straight down rue Stanislas to reach the Rococo place Stanislas . Both this gate and Porte St-Catherine opposite are meticulously aligned with place Stanislas’s solitary statue – that of the portly Stanislas Leszczynski , who commissioned architect Emmanuel Héré to design the square in the 1750s. On the south side of the square stands the imposing hôtel de ville , its roof topped by a balustrade ornamented with florid urns and winged cupids. Along its walls, lozenge-shaped lanterns dangle from the beaks of gilded cockerels; similar motifs adorn the other buildings on the square – look out for the fake, two-dimensional replacements. The square’s entrances are enclosed by magnificent wrought-iron gates; the impressive railings on the northern corners frame fountains dominated by statues of Neptune and Amphitrite.

Stanislas Leszczynski

Stanislas Leszczynski , born in the Polish–Ukrainian city of Lemberg (now Lviv) in 1677, lasted just five years as the king of Poland before being forced into exile by Tsar Peter the Great. For the next twenty-odd years he lived on a French pension in northern Alsace, but after fifteen years Stanislas’s luck changed when he managed, against all odds, to get his daughter, Marie, betrothed to the 15-year-old king of France, Louis XV . Marie was not so fortunate: married by proxy in Strasbourg Cathedral, having never set eyes on the groom, she gave birth to ten children, only to be rejected by Louis, who preferred the company of his mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. Bolstered by his daughter’s marriage, Stanislas had another spell on the Polish throne from 1733 to 1736, but gave it up in favour of the comfortable dukedom of Barr and Lorraine. He lived out his final years in aristocratic style in the capital, Nancy, which he transformed into one of France’s most beautiful towns.

Flanked to the west by the rising forests of the southern Vosges, which stretch all the way down to Belfort, Alsace’s picturesque Route des Vins (“Wine Route”) follows the foot of the mountains along the western edge of the wide and flat Rhine valley. Beginning in Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg, the route, on or around the D35, snakes its way over 180km to Thann, near Mulhouse, through exquisitely preserved medieval towns and villages characterized by half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets and neighbouring ancient ruined castles – testimony to the province’s turbulent past. The route is blanketed with neat terraces of vines, which produce the famous white wines. Tasting opportunities are plentiful, particularly during the region’s countless wine festivals that mainly coincide with the October harvest.

The old centre of Colmar , a thirty-minute train ride south of Strasbourg and lying east of the main Route des Vins villages, is echt Alsatian, with crooked half-timbered and painted houses. Its small canals and picturesque narrow streets are a flaneur’s paradise. This is prime Elsässisch-speaking country, a German dialect known to philologists as Alemannic, which has waxed and waned during the province’s chequered history. As the proud home of Mathias Grünewald’s magnificent Issenheim altarpiece – on display in the Musée d’Unterlinden –the town is a magnet for tourists all year round.

Musée d’Unterlinden

Colmar’s foremost attraction, the Musée d’Unterlinden is an even richer experience after a lengthy period of renovation and extension. The core of the collection is housed in a former Dominican convent with a peaceful cloistered garden; it includes the museum’s biggest draw, the Issenheim altarpiece , which is thought to have been made between 1512 and 1516 for the monastic order of St Anthony at Issenheim, whose members cared for those afflicted by ergotism and other nasty skin diseases. The extraordinary painted panels are the work of Mathias Grünewald (1480–1528). The luridly expressive centre panel depicts the Crucifixion: a tortured Christ turns his outsize hands upwards, fingers splayed in pain, flanked by his pale, fainting mother and saints John and Mary Magdalene. The face of St Sebastian, on the right wing, is believed to have been modelled on Grünewald’s own likeness. The reverse panels depict the annunciation, Christ’s resurrection, the nativity and a flamboyant orchestra of angels, all splendidly bathed in transcendental light. On the rest of the panels, you’ll find a truly disturbing representation of the temptation of St Anthony, who is engulfed by a grotesque pack of demons; note the figure afflicted with the alarming symptoms of ergotism.

The renovated convent is now linked via an underground gallery of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century art to a brand-new wing, which houses modern and contemporary works, and to the town’s former municipal baths, re-imagined as a venue for cultural events. Highlights include Impressionist paintings by Monet and Bonnard, plus a couple of Picassos.

Verdun lies in a bend of the River Meuse, some 70km west of Metz. Of no great interest in itself, what makes this sleepy provincial town remarkable is its association with the horrific battle that took place on the bleak uplands to the north between 1916 and 1918. In 1916, aiming to break the stalemate of trench warfare, the German General Erich von Falkenhayn chose Verdun as the target for an offensive that ranked among the most devastating ever launched in the annals of war. His troops advanced to within 5km of Verdun, but never captured the town. Gradually the French clawed back the lost ground, but final victory came only in the last months of the war with the aid of US troops. The price was high: hundreds of thousands of men died on both sides. To this day, memorials in every village, hamlet and town of France are inscribed with the names of men slaughtered at Verdun. Not far from Verdun’s railway station, the Rodin memorial , a disturbing statue of winged Victory, stands beside a handsome eighteenth-century gateway at the northern end of rue St-Paul where it joins avenue Garibaldi. Nearby, a simple engraving lists all the years between 450 and 1916 that Verdun has been involved in conflict. The fourteenth-century Porte Chaussée guards the river-crossing in the middle of town. Beyond it, further along rue Mazel, a flight of steps climbs up to the towering Monument de la Victoire , where a helmeted warrior leans on his sword in commemoration of the 1916 battle, while in the crypt below a roll is kept of all the soldiers, French and American, who took part.

The battlefields

The Battle of Verdun opened on the morning of February 21, 1916, with a German artillery barrage that lasted ten hours and expended two million shells. The battle concentrated on the forts of Vaux and Douaumont, built by the French after the 1870 Franco–Prussian War. By the time the main battle ended ten months later, nine villages had been pounded into oblivion.

The most visited part of the battlefield extends along the hills north of Verdun, but the fighting also spread to the west of the Meuse, to the hills of Mort-Homme and Hill 304, to Vauquois and the Argonne, and south along the Meuse to St-Mihiel, where the Germans held an important salient until dislodged by US forces in 1918. Unless you take an organized tour the only viable way to explore the area is with your own transport. The main sights are reached via two minor roads that snake through the battlefields: the D913 and D112.

Despite the long, tall bottles and Germanic names, Alsatian wines are unmistakably French in their ability to complement the region’s traditional cuisine. This is white wine country – if you do spot a local red, it will invariably be a Pinot Noir. Winemakers take advantage of the long, dry autumns to pick extremely ripe grapes producing wines with a little more sweetness than elsewhere in France, but good wines will have a refreshing natural acidity, too. Each of the three main grape varieties listed below can be made with a sweetness level ranging from off-dry right through to “Séléction des Grains Nobles” for the most highly prized dessert wines ( vendages tardives being the label for the slightly less sweet late-harvested wines). Grand Cru labelled wines come from the best vineyard sites.

Riesling The ultimate thirst-quencher, limey, often peachy, excellent with fish dishes and choucroute .

Gewurztraminer Alsace’s most aromatic grape, with roses, lychees, honey, spices and all manner of exotic flavours. Try with pungent Munster cheese or rich pâté.

Pinot Gris Rich, fruity, smoky and more understated than Gewurztraminer. A versatile food wine; try with white meat in creamy sauces and milder cheeses.

Other wines you’re likely to come across include the grapey Muscat , straightforward Sylvaner , and delicate Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois , which also forms the base of the region’s excellent sparkling Crémant d’Alsace . Pinot Noir is used for light, fruity reds and rosés.

• With a land area of 547,000 square kilometres, France is the largest country in the EU; its population of 66 million is second only to that of Germany.

• France has a long secular republican tradition dating back to the revolution of 1789. Yet the majority of its population is Roman Catholic – nominally, at least – and there’s a substantial Muslim minority of around 8 to 10 percent.

• Annual GDP per capita is around $44,000, making France one of the world’s richest countries, but unemployment is a persistent problem, at around 10 percent. Taxes are high, at around 43 percent, but so is social spending, at almost 30 percent.

• France remains by far the world's most popular tourist destination, with some 82 million visitors annually.

• The French film industry is the world’s third most prolific, after the US and India, with around 215 million tickets sold annually.

• Contrary to its self-image as a bastion of gastronomy, the country is also the second largest consumer of McDonalds’ burgers after the US, flipping more than a million Big Macs daily.

• A great source of confusion when meeting and greeting French people is the double kiss, or bise . When it is appropriate, and how many times to do it, which cheek to start with, whether to touch or air kiss, what to do with your hands, or whether it’s better to shake hands instead, are all matters that vex the French just as much as foreign visitors – not least because norms vary between regions, social situations and age groups. When in doubt, hang back, copy what everyone else does, and go left for the first one.

• In 1910, a law was passed in France forbidding couples from kissing on train platforms to avoid delayed departures. The law is still in place, though no longer enforced.

Each year, in the sweltering heat of July, millions of people take up positions on roadsides around France to cheer, shout and bellow cries of encouragement to a pelaton of nearly 200 cyclists as they speed past in a stream of day-glo lycra. Millions more watch on television – though few of them are cycling aficionados. Because the Tour de France is far more than a mere bike race. For the French, it’s a national institution; a symbol of unity; a chance, as the riders pit themselves against the toughest terrain the mighty héxagone can throw at them, to admire the scenic splendour of the country in all its summer glory, with the fields of the Garonne’s sun flowers in full bloom, the Côte d’Azur at its most sleek, and the craggy Alps basking under boundless blue skies.

Started in 1903, the Tour was born out of the rivalry between two sporting papers, L’Auto and Le Vélo , as a ruse to boost sales. The passion it incited nearly scuppered the event in its second year, when riders were beaten up by rival fans and cheating was rife (racers were spotted jumping into cars and taking trains). These days, in the wake of a series of high-profile doping scandals, performance-enhancing drugs pose the main threat to the survival of the 3600-km (2200-mile) race, though La Grand Boucle (the “Great Loop”), as it’s known, still casts a powerful spell over the nation. And it’s not just an obsession for the French; in 2012, Britain’s own Bradley Wiggins clinched the title – the Tour’s first British winner – successfully ensuring a new and ardent fan base just across the Channel.

For your average Frenchman, any recipe for a relaxing summer’s evening would have to include the three Ps: plane trees (or palms at a pinch); pastis ; and that most quintessentially French of games, pétanque . You’ll see this Gallic version of bowls played on countless squares across the country, where groups of mostly middle-aged men in baggy shorts congregate around gravel-and-dirt boulodromes to lob heavy metal boules at diminutive wooden ones called cochonnets (literally “piglets”). Pétanque matches played after work and on weekends are part and parcel of the daily rhythm of life, especially in the south.

The game was invented in 1907 in the town of La Ciotat on the Côte d’Azur by an enthusiastic bowler whose rheumatism prevented him from making the usual extended run up. Instead, he devised a version of his favourite sport in which the bowler’s feet stayed planted firmly on the ground ( pieds tanqués ). The pitch was shortened accordingly, and after the local bar owner firmed up a set of rules, the new game quickly caught on. A whole lexicon has evolved around pétanque to describe different throws and scenarios. Each team, for example, has a mix of “pointeurs” (pointers), players who place the ball as closely as possible to the jack, and “tireurs” (shooters), whose job it is to displace the opposition’s balls with spectacular lobs. If the throw falls short, it’s a “palouf”. If it nudges one of the other team’s balls, it’s made a “biberon”, or “baby’s bottle”. “Faire la Micheline” means to turn up for a game without your own set of boules. “Faire la chanson” refers to attempts to distract the opposition by chatting between points. And, most insulting of all for wannabe pétanque players from the UK, “faire de l’anglais” describes a totally hopeless throw.

Finally, if you’re lucky enough to spectate at a complete whitewash, you’ll experience the most ribald of all pétanque traditions, “Kissing the Fanny”. When a team or individual player loses by 13 points to zero they have to kiss the bare buttocks of a statue or framed picture of a lady named “Fanny”, usually kept in the nearest bar expressly for the purpose.

Travel advice for France

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• Eating and drinking in France
• Getting around France: Transportation Tips
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29 Top Tourist Attractions in France

When the mind ponders a trip to France, Paris quickly makes an appearance. Its storied streets are the very definition of romanticism. But beyond the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées is a sprawling country with the rugged Normandy coast on one side and the French Riviera on the other.


Day trips from Paris to Champagne and Versailles are easy to add to the list of things to do in France. But one needs to make use of the country’s efficient (and fun) train network to venture beyond to such memorable towns as Strasbourg, Lyon, Cannes, and St. Tropez.


Beyond glamour, the turquoise Mediterranean and ancient old towns, the French Alps harbor spectacular scenery where skiing, hiking, and climbing come to the fore.

But perhaps the biggest tourist attractions in France are found among its rich culture with food and wines that are among the most celebrated in the world.

29. Chateau de Chenonceau

The Loire Valley is home to countless spectacular castles. At the top of your list should be the Chateau de Chenonceau. Dating back to the early 1500s, the castle has seen multiple iterations, each an improvement on the last.


Over time, the bridge spanning the Cher grows in length. But as it crosses the water, the arch bridge becomes the pillar that holds up an expanded castle. Showcasing a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the Chateau de Chenonceau reflects off the water below, offering brilliant photography.


Travelers can make their way into the castle where they’ll find the ornate chapel, the King Louis XIV Drawing Room, and bedrooms fixed with period furniture. Beyond the castle are expansive gardens that stretch into the French countryside.

28. Le Puy-en-Velay

Thousands of years ago, volcanic eruptions carved the landscapes surrounding Le Puy-en-Velay. Today, dormant volcanoes and basalt spires are within constant sight. Yet, perhaps what brings Le Puy the most notoriety is its position along the Camino de Santiago.


For many, the 800km journey along the Way of St. James begins right here. The town has a storied connection to the pilgrimage and religion. One of the first sights you’ll see as you make your way into Le Puy-en-Velay is Our Lady of France statue which showcases the Virgin Mary. It’s almost 23 meters tall.


Beyond the Camino, visitors can experience the town’s traditional lacemaking industry.

27. Epernay Champagne

Alongside Reims, Epernay is the best town to visit in Champagne to experience the local delicacy. A simple day trip from Paris , Epernay, is a wonderful place to sample a wide range of world class champagne. After all, if it’s not from around here, then it isn’t really champagne.


Surrounded by rolling green hills, Epernay is the home of the famous Moet & Chandon. Arguably the world’s most sampled champagne, Moet & Chandon offer a range of tours where you can wander through the cellars and try their beloved drink within a sightly tasting room.


After visiting a range of other champagne houses, make your way to Hautvillers, where you can enjoy expansive views across multiple vineyards.

26. Cannes Film Festival

Along the Cote d’Azur, Cannes is lined with high-end hotels, glamorous boutiques, fine dining and plenty of sunshine. At the center of its fame is the Cannes Film Festival, which attracts the biggest movie stars from across the globe.


Although Cannes is a year-round destination with plenty of things to do, the film festival is one to mark on your calendar. Held in May, it’s a chaotic yet rewarding time to visit the stunning seaside town. You’ll find stars dotting the red carpet outside of the Lumiere Theater at the Palais. The 18 on-site auditoriums host many of the year’s top films.


Sans tux or ball gown and a hefty check, the best way to see movies (for free!) is the Cinema de la Plage, an open-air cinema steps from the Med.

25. Val d’Isere

Alongside Chamonix, Val d’Isere is a destination not to be missed among snowbirds. This world-class skiing and snowboarding destination offers guaranteed snow cover, fun for beginners through to expert, and thrilling après-ski.


On the edge of the Tarentaise Valley, minutes from the Italian border, reaching the high alpine village is a trek. A forty-minute drive up from the valley is immediately rewarded with an exciting destination that harbors enough history to rival its sea-level compatriots.


Beyond the chalets, chairlifts take you up into the heavens. The run awaits, yet you’ll want to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding Alps. Once the day is done, change boots and experience Val d’Isere’s vibrant nightlife.

24. Nîmes Roman Monuments

Around 2,000 years ago, the Romans made their mark upon the town of Nimes in southern France. Today, it’s the most Roman city to exist outside Italy. At the heart of this are the Nimes Roman Monuments that showcase an incredible city at its peak.


Once a major regional capital, Nîmes was where engineers and architects pushed boundaries to create the Pont du Gard, the Maison Carree, Temple of Diana and the Arena of Nîmes.


The Maison Carrée was built around the same time as the birth of Christ. It translates to square house and, incredibly, is almost completely intact. The Arena of Nîmes is another highlight. Similar in age to the Roman Coliseum, it remains in use today.

23. Camargue

Beneath the city of Arles in southern France, the Parc Regional de Camargue is a protected landscape. France is teeming with old town and glamorous coastal enclaves. This sets Camargue apart.


UNESCO has listed this as a Biosphere Reserve, a place where wild horse saunter along the golden sands, at times venturing into the Med. Elsewhere, the park’s famous pink flamingos go about their daily lives.


There are over 300 bird species, both local and migrating within Camargue. This makes the reserve one of the best spots for birdwatching in France. Beyond hiking, you can explore on riverboats, kayaks, or horseback.


22. Vieux Lyon

On the precipice of Fourviere Hill, Vieux Lyon ( Lyon Old Town ) is home to vibrant facades, old communes, churches, and business all reached along paved streets that have been worn smooth by the passage of time.


Thanks to a movement in the 1960s, the Vieux Lyon has remained much as it was going back hundreds of years. It has also been revitalized to the point it’s as prominent a part of local life as the popular Presqu’ile.


Now a World Heritage Site, Vieux Lyon’s three districts are waiting for your footsteps. Within them are three distinct churches, each with an important chapter in Middle Age religion.

21. Bonifacio

Known as the City of Cliffs, Bonifacio is one of France’s best-kept secrets. Clinging to the edge of white limestone cliffs, this seaside town along the Corsica coast is relaxing to visit, even at the height of summer.


Back from the cliffs that fall quickly to the kaleidoscopic Mediterranean Sea, is a medieval town that was once a part of Sardinia, an Italian island. Volcanic activity put an end to the connection leading to waters that are now littered with infamous pirate ships.


The vibe of the oft-chaotic sea is left behind once you step inside the coastline’s oldest town. The fortified Bonifacio is an ancient citadel, with colorful homes, and a culture that is a fascinating mix of Italian and French.

20. Millau Bridge

Touring around southern France is on the bucket list of many travelers. As such, it’s nice to know that such a journey can take you across one of the most incredible bridges in the world. The Millau Bridge stands at 343 meters tall, a world record. Add on stunning panoramas and you’ll quickly be changing course.


The Millau Bridge stretches across the stunning Tarn Valley, connecting a duo of limestone plateaus otherwise known as the Causse du Larzac and Causse Rouge across 2.5 kilometers. The cable-stayed bridge is as visually appealing as the surrounding landscape featuring white towers that often poke through the clouds above.


19. Ètretat Cliffs

Along the hauntingly beautiful Normandy coast, stands the towering white rock known as the Étretat Cliffs. Looking out across the English Channel, the cliffs are home to two famous natural arches that jut into the water, showcasing both its strength and fragility.


The white cliffs are encased in thick greenery, providing a beautiful breadth of colors on a sunny day. It’s easy to scale up the Étretat Cliffs to enjoy vast views of the coast and the ghost white sand below. But it’s from the beach that you can best appreciate the scale of the cliffs and the arches which were initially carved by a rolling river.

18. Reims Cathedral

For eight centuries until 1825, French kings received their coronation within the walls of the Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral. All up there were 29 such kings, which include the famous names of Francois I and Louis XIV. Such was the esteem of the cathedral’s coronations that led Joan of Arc to its doorstep in 1429.


Today, the Reims Cathedral is a brilliant example of High Gothic architecture and is one of the most stunning attractions in France. Despite enduring heavy artillery fire and bombings in the Second World War, it has returned to its former glory. Its front facade features more statues than any equivalent on each and comes with a trio of towering entrances, known as portals.


Like other French cathedrals, Reims also has an enormous rose window which leads to the Gallery of Kings.

17. Strasbourg Old Town

In northeast France, Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est Region. Minutes from the German border, Strasbourg’s entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encased in picturesque half-timbered houses and the canals of Petite France, it’s a destination that oozes history.


The wider Strasbourg is a town driven by youthfulness, but its historic interior tells the tale of a city that has lived under many kingdoms and within multiple nations. The narrow passageways act as a maze, guiding you by the pastel homes half covered in wood, past medieval churches and onto vibrant town squares where locals gather in droves on the cafe patios.


Within the Old Town are a number of unique quarters, such as La Petite France and the Quartier Krutenau, each with their own story to tell.


16. Promenade des Anglais

Set along Nice ’s spectacular waterfront, the Promenade des Anglais spans seven kilometers. It splits Nice’s beloved Baroque palaces, historic museums, and high-end shops with its pebbly shores home to scantily clad travelers soaking up as many rays as possible.


While there’s much to do on the city-side of the promenade, it’s along this path that you can best participate in local culture. The Promenade des Anglais boasts a series of cafe terraces, offering gorgeous views of the Med. Festivals are consistently set upon the smooth path and in the center is the Jardin Albert 1er, one of Nice’s original parks.


After a lengthy stroll, the Promenade delivers you to the doorstep of Nice’s memorable Old Town.

See also: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels in Nice

In southeastern France, Annecy is surrounded by giant snow-capped peaks. But little time is spent marveling at the mountains as Lake Annecy steals the show. Known as the Venice of the Alps, Annecy features pastel-colored homes, narrow alleys, and an abundance of old churches. All set upon the waterfront or the town’s series of slim canals.


Between the memorable man-made creations is a town that preserves its natural beauty. Almost 30,000 trees are spread across the locale, a historic town that refuses to grow much beyond its original design. Here, pedestrians are king and getting about on foot is the best way to admire not just the buildings, but each garden and the alpine lake that reflects the surrounding mountains.

14. Bordeaux Wine Regions

Broken up into 38 sub-regions, the Bordeaux Wine Regions are not to be missed. Though enjoying a good wine is one of the most popular things to do in France, you may not enjoy sampling the local tipple in Bordeaux . If that’s the case, you’ll have no problem falling in love with the countryside home to such quaint towns as Pomerol, Graves, and Saint-Emilion.


Set between each charming village is a collection of 7,000 vineyards split by the Gironde Estuary. Mesmerizing views are found around each passing corner, whether it be the lush rolling hills or the sight of the spire rising above a town as old as time.


The Gironde Estuary separates the region along the Left and Right banks. The former is famous for its cabernet sauvignon, while the latter provides sumptuous merlot and white wines.

13. Palace of Fontainebleau

It was here, within the walls of the Palace of Fontainebleau, that Napoleon abdicated the throne and was exiled to Elba. Unsurprisingly, the palace, which dates back to the 1130s, is lathered in history.

Older than the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, Fontainebleau was once the home of Marie Antoinette, among other famous (and infamous) royal characters. Inside, you’ll find the horseshoe staircase which was created for Louis XIII and where Napoleon saluted his guards for the last time.


Decorated hallways lead you to the renowned Throne Room where Napoleon once sat. It’s the only one of its kind in France to remain exactly as it was. Each part of Fontainebleau has much to say. However, as most travelers choose Versailles, this palace remains easy to explore.


12. Pont du Gard

In the south of France, the River Gardon snakes its way through the surrounded landscapes. As it reaches the Occitanie region, it passes under Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that was built in the heart of the first century.


The aqueduct, which at its height was as long as 50km, is one of the most impressive Roman creations. Built by the ancient Nemausus, a Roman colony, the three-story creation supplied the city of Nimes with water from Uzes. Pont du Gard was pivotal, as it allowed the water to cross over the River Gardon.


In 1985, it joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing the preservation and celebration of this historic and vital work of art.

11. Carcassonne

Once you set foot within the town limits of Carcassonne, you’ll understand how it came to inspire the strategic board game that harbors the same name. The ancient town has been impeccably preserved over the centuries, so each step along the cobblestone streets feels like another step back in time.


Among the lush green trees are fortified walls eclipsed by towers that sparkle under the French sun. Also known as La Cite, it’s a fascinating journey back to the Middle Ages, where the streets guide you to historic sites such as the Chateau Comtal, constructed in the 1100s, and the 52 towers that belong to the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Sainte-Celse.

10. Chartres Cathedral

The story of France’s connection with religion is as old as time, as ancient even as the medieval Gothic architecture strewn across the provinces. Each is a prominent reminder of culture within the middle ages and the endurance of spirituality. Standing at the forefront of this is the Chartres Cathedral.


For over 800 years, the spectacular cathedral, with its twin spires, has inspired the masses and provided a sanctuary. The UNESCO-listed cathedral features impressive stained-glass windows that you can admire from several blocks away.


Two windows are particularly beloved. They are the Blue Virgin and the Passion windows that are almost as old as the structure itself. They both come to life during the annual light show.

9. Dune of Pyla

An hour southwest of Bordeaux, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is a soaring sand dune. The Dune of Pyla is the tallest in Europe and grows further eastward every year. On its edges is a vast forest creating eye-catching contrast that only enhances the dune’s beauty.


The Dune of Pyla stretches along the Arcachon Bay for three kilometers, holding off the pounding Atlantic surf while thousands of trees rustle on the other side. At its highest, the Dune of Pyla stands 100 meters above sea level, providing epic west-facing sunsets as the sun dances along the glistening sands.


Whatever the time of day, a quick stroll down to the Arcachon Bay for a refreshing dip will be a traveler’s reward.


8. Palais des Papes

Within the medieval city of Avignon , is the equally medieval Palais des Papes. The remarkable gothic architecture dates back to the 14th century and is the largest of its kind on earth. From then until now, it’s been a constant symbol of Christendom.


At first glimpse, you’ll notice just how imposing the fortress is. Yet it’s equally luxurious within the fortified walls. A visit to the gothic palace will provide you with a look into the immaculate staterooms, ornate chapels lined with historic decor and private apartments where a series of nine popes resided in the 1300s.


Within, you’ll spot countless works of art while the onsite museum dives into the story behind Palais de Papes. Before departing, admire the views of Avignon from the terraces.

7. Chateau de Chambord

Set in the romantic Loire Valley, the Chateau de Chambord is a veritable masterpiece that owes its origins to the French Renaissance. Ordered under the rule of King Francois I in the early 1500s, the chateau features over 400 rooms, 282 fireplaces (naturally) and even 83 staircases.


It’s enough to fill the stats book, yet Francois I, who had planned to use it as a hunting escape, spent only a handful of nights staying within its four walls. It was maintained over the centuries, yet recently it received rejuvenation. The colorful surrounding gardens are now just as much a reason to visit.


The Chateau de Chambord is just one of the numerous incredible castles within the valley. Others include the neoclassical Chateau de Cheverny and the Chateau de Chenonceau. 


6. Gorge du Verdon

One of Europe’s largest canyon, Gorge du Verdon, brings together the strength and might of ancient rock and the turquoise beauty of the Mediterranean. Set between Marseilles and Nice, north of the French Riviera , Gorge du Verdon was carved by glaciers creating cliffs as tall as 700 meters that soar about the milky blue water illuminated by glacial till.


It’s the Grand Canyon, but with a river far more relaxing. The canyon walls are littered with lush vegetation, seeming holding on for dear life as the canyons rise sharply upwards and sometimes over the Verdon River.


Beginning at the Pont du Galetas bridge in the Provence, you can kayak along the river admiring the sheer scale of the canyon with each stroke.

5. Mont Saint-Michel

Surrounded by the chilling waters of the English Channel, along France’s memorable Normandy coast, is the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel. It’s the castle of dreams known as the Pyramid of the Seas that rises out of the encompassing landscape to provide one of the world’s great vistas.


The castle’s story begins in the 11th century, its awe-inspiring architecture home to Abbey Church (Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel) draws pilgrims in large numbers a 1000 years later. From the beginning, pilgrims crossed the surrounding bay by foot, a tradition that has not lost steam.


Viewing the castle from a distance will only inspire you to come closer. The aforementioned church is the main attraction, boasting inspiring high-vaulted choirs, ancient naves and striking gothic spires.

4. Palace of Versailles

France has no shortage of groundbreaking architecture. Perhaps the most prominent is the Palace of Versailles. Originally constructed in the 1600s as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, such was the beauty of the building that the country’s royal court was moved from Paris to Versailles, up until the infamous French Revolution.


Under an hour from downtown Paris, the Palace of Versailles continues to capture the imaginations of all visitors into the 21st century and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Within is five centuries of untouched history and stunning works of art splashed across the ornate walls.

Yet the palace itself, which boasts an incredible 2,300 rooms is the true work of art. The highlight of the palace is the Hall of Mirrors featuring over 350 mirrors that reflect the surrounding gardens.


3. Chamonix

A year-round destination, Chamonix is one of the more famous alpine villages in Europe. Nestled in the foothills of France’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, Chamonix captures all that is good about nature and humanity.


The picture-perfect village provides access to a lively local culture where locals and travelers mix within the storied buildings from alpine churches to rustic auberges. But steps from the quaint cobblestone streets bring you to the marvels of the French Alps, from world class skiing and hiking to towering rock walls made for fearless climbers.


One could indulge in only the human or natural aspect of Chamonix and still walk away with an unforgettable experience. Regardless, a mouthwatering, traditional cuisine awaits every evening.

2. St Tropez

In the 1950s, St Tropez was a simple fishing village harboring an eye-catching secret. As tourists ventured elsewhere, locals went about their daily lives surrounded by striking beauty. Upon the release of the film And God Created Woman, the coastal town was forever changed.


Today, it’s a gorgeous hot spot along the famed French Riviera. In the distance the Alps rise across southeastern France, but for visitors’ eyes are firmly fixed on the arresting architecture and the glistening sea.


Eyes dart from spot to spot with the possibility of spotting a celebrity in a town that has now become a hallmark for glitz and glamour. Elsewhere, the calm sea breeze laps the sand as windsurfers and sailors play on the water mere yards from million-dollar yachts.

1. Eiffel Tower

Such is the modern-day popularity of the Eiffel Tower. It’s hard to imagine that it was once despised among local Parisians. Built in 1889, the famous tower which harbors the bulk of Paris ’ romantic sensibilities has come a long way.

No trip to France’s biggest city is complete without a closeup view of the Eiffel Tower’s 8,000 parts. Once you’ve admired the marvelous architecture, wander up the staircase to restaurants across multiple levels, plus wondrous views of the city itself.

Within the tower, you can enjoy fine dining at the Michelin starred Le Jules Verne. Later, venture to the highest level almost 280 meters (905ft). From the jaw-dropping height, appreciate the beauty of the River Seine, Notre Dame, and the Trocadero.

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Reader interactions.

January 25, 2024 at 5:57 am

Brilliant list! I’ve been to most of these places and enjoyed them massively. Calanques National Park in Marseille is another one that isn’t featured. There are so many picturesque hikes and fun activities for a busy day out.

November 28, 2016 at 10:14 am

Very good list but Lyon is missing! There is so much to discover…Vieux Lyon, Traboules, Fouviere and its Basilica but mostly lyonnais cuisine as Lyon is the Capital of Gastronomy.

July 14, 2016 at 11:34 pm

Pity that Lourdes is not mention….especially in these times of such unrest….many prayers have gone forth from that Holy Place…much unity and peace has gone forth from there to the world. Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us.

February 2, 2016 at 3:18 am

You’ve listed two of my favourite places in France! First is the Gorges du Verdon. I doubt if there’s anywhere in France that’s more spectacular. The second is the Chateau de Chambord. Certainly my most favourite Chateau in the Loire if not France!

January 25, 2016 at 10:34 am

I think it’s a “pity” that Val d’Isère always comes up as the best ski resort in France. Ok maybe it is not usurped, but many others “genuine” and wonderful villages deserve to be visited in the Alps.

June 23, 2015 at 3:10 am

I ve been to all of that places and if i could go back to one of them i would choose the Gorges du Verdon. Clearly one of the most beautiful canyon in the world. Perfect place for canoeing, swimming, and it’s not really far from the french riviera if your staying there for holiday (around 1 hour by car !)

January 16, 2015 at 5:07 am

Have been up the Dune du Pyla near Arcachon – remarkable ! but take food and drink with you! Have been next to the Eiffel Tower and have skied in Les Contamines but only see Mont Blanc from there – does that count ?!? Yes as someone says surely the Louvre as I think it had something like 7 or 8 million visitors last year!

August 7, 2014 at 6:37 am

I love these places. It makes me feel like I want to visit France and explore these places. This site is soooo useful for my project，wayyyy tooo useful， haha…..Thanks to the writer or blogger of this site/page. Thanks so much !

March 19, 2014 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for the tips. I´m planning a 20 day tour in France next month and certainly I´ll use your informations. I want to include Bordeaux and some other places. Mercy.

March 5, 2014 at 11:36 am

This website really helped with my French homework, it made it quick, easy and enjoyable and I loved learning these facts on these stunning attractions!

February 12, 2014 at 1:43 pm

This really helped me out to giv a wonderfull project on tourism in college thanks to one who wrote tis

January 30, 2013 at 4:34 am

The Pyrenees National Park is just one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty to be found on this planet!

January 14, 2012 at 8:49 am

Hi this is really helping me on my speech. thnx to whoever wrote this

October 12, 2011 at 6:51 pm

Would love to visit the Chamonix – mountain biking is something I recently took up and this place just seems perfect………

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The essential guide to France’s best regions

Sep 2, 2022 • 10 min read

Every corner of France is rich in culture and things to do © Hernandez & Sorokina / Stocksy United

Rich with culture, cuisine, ancient architecture and glorious countryside, France is one of the world’s most rewarding places to travel. 

Every corner of this picturesque country has its own unique character and charm that will influence where you ultimately decide to go and how to allocate your time. Piece together the jigsaw with our introduction to France’s best regions to visit. 

Stroll the monument-lined streets and magnificent gardens of Paris

The French capital is likely to be one of your most unforgettable memories of France. Defined by icons like the Eiffel Tower glittering by night, Arc de Triomphe straddling the Champs-Élysées and Sacré-Cœur crowning hilltop Montmartre, Paris is crammed with megastar museums like the Louvre and impressionist-filled Musée d’Orsay; the mansion-housed Musée Carnavalet brings the city’s history to life.

Paris’ boulevards and backstreets are made for flânerie (walking without any particular destination), with cafe terraces, cocktail bars, jazz clubs and cinemas, specialized boutiques, street art and innovative cultural spaces at every turn. Parisian parks like the chestnut-shaded Jardin du Luxembourg provide peaceful oases.

In the surrounding Île-de-France region, spectacular châteaux ( Versailles , Fontainebleau and Chantilly , among others) and family favorite Disneyland Paris are an easy day trip away.

Delve into the sparkling cities and vineyards of Champagne

The world’s finest fizz is produced in the beautiful region of Champagne , east of Paris, with prestigious Champagne houses offering cellar tours and tastings, dedicated museums and Champagne routes through its vineyards and villages.   

At the heart of Champagne’s viticultural activity is graceful Épernay . The region’s largest city, Reims , is topped by the sublime Gothic Cathédrale Notre Dame and is renowned for fine dining. A medieval treasure of a town, Troyes has a magical half-timbered center. Renoir took artistic inspiration from the vineyards around pretty Essoyes .

Fall under the spell of enchanting Alsace and Lorraine

East of Champagne, Lorraine is famously associated with its namesake quiche – a must-try while you’re here. Beyond the WWI battlefields of Verdun , fascinating cities include Metz , showcasing modern and contemporary art at the striking Centre-Pompidou-Metz; and refined Nancy .

East again, Alsace runs along the German border to Switzerland in the south. This fairy-tale region of mountains, forests and chocolate-box-pretty half-timbered buildings trailing geraniums in summer retains its Germanic influence in its hearty food such as choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with charcuterie) and white wines, best sampled along the Alsace Wine Route . Medieval architecture is splendidly preserved in the cities of Strasbourg and Colmar .

See battlefields, beaches and beautiful cities in Northern France

North of Paris is Hauts-de-France (Upper France). Its chalk-cliff-framed Côte d'Opale , beaches and wildlife-rich Baie de Somme estuaries are well worth exploration, along with the Somme’s sobering WWI memorials.

On the Belgian border, industrial-center-turned-design-hub Lille is the biggest city with outstanding museums (one is even set in an art-deco swimming pool ) and a strong Flemish influence in its historic center, as well as its beer, which is used in local dishes like a Welsh (cheese melted in beer smothering ham-topped toast). Smaller cities such as Arras and Amiens have Gothic treasures, while Napoléon III's Second Empire reigns in Compiègne .

  Soak up centuries of history in Normandy

Northwest of Paris, Normandy is steeped in history: the   Bayeux Tapestry  that weaves together the story of William the Conqueror's 1066 invasion of England; the offshore abbey-island of Mont St-Michel , which was fortified during the Middle Ages; the medieval city of Rouen ;  Monet’s former home and flower-filled gardens in Giverny ;  and haunting D-Day beaches near Caen, with its imposing 11th-century castle .

Normandy’s coastline gifts the region with seafood (idyllically savored in boat-filled Honfleur ) while inland, lush pastures produce butter, cream and cheese – including in the village of Camembert  –  and orchards producing Calvados apple brandy and corked bottles of cider.

Connect with Celtic culture in Brittany

To the west of Normandy,  Brittany breaks away to the Atlantic. Its earliest neolithic tribes left what’s now the world’s greatest concentration of megalithic standing stones around Carnac , followed by the Celts.

Celtic influence endures in the Breton language, music and identity. Brittany retains the sense of a mystical land, from Josselin’s turreted castle in the forest to the lively capital Rennes . A round the lighthouse-dotted coastline from the walled port town of St-Malo , in  far-flung Finistère ,  and out on islands like Belle Île scattered offshore, the seafood is superb (especially petit bleu Breton lobsters and oysters from Cancale ). But the region is best known for savory galettes and sweet crêpes with salted-butter caramel, accompanied by local Breton cider.

Marvel at the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley

France’s longest river winds through the fertile Loire Valley southwest of Paris, where royalty and aristocracy built defensive castles and palaces so grand that the entire area is now a Unesco World Heritage site.

From Orléans (saved by Joan of Arc in 1429), the Loire meanders west, with resplendent châteaux including Chambord , regal Royal de Blois , drawbridge-accessed Chaumont-sur-Loire , Italian Rennaissance–style Gaillard   and, astride an arched   bridge, Chenonceau . Past the university town of Tours, châteaux include stately gardens at Villandry , moated Azay-le-Rideau , equestrian-famed Saumur  and medieval Angers . Valley vineyards produce exquisite wines (especially whites) paired with sophisticated cuisine.

Further west, the river reaches the Atlantic near Nantes , the former capital of Brittany (with legacies including the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and crêperies galore), which is now one of France’s most creative cities.

Savor the flavors and famous abbeys of Burgundy

To Paris’ southeast, Burgundy is a patchwork of stone-walled vineyards, medieval towns and villages, and extraordinary ecclesiastical sights, including Cluny , Christendom’s one-time grandest abbey, former Roman stronghold Autun’s colossal medieval cathedral , early 12th-century Abbaye de Fontenay and Vézelay’s hilltop basilica .

In Burgundy’s atmospheric capital of   Dijon , the Duke of Burgundy’s palace now houses a fine-arts museum, while the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin   (International City of Gastronomy and Wine) schools visitors in the region’s culinary specialties (such as sharp mustard, garlicky snails and red-wine-rich bœuf bourguignon) and its revered wines. In Grand Cru country, Beaune has a subterranean maze of wine cellars and medieval architectural gems with multicolored glazed roof tiles.

Ascend the peaks of the French Alps and Jura Mountains

East of Burgundy, the sub-alpine Jura Mountains along the Swiss border formed during the Jurassic period (hence their name). The terrain is ripe for mountain cheeses and wine (including distinctive, golden-hued vin jaune). U rban cultural centers include citadel-guarded Besançon .

Traveling south of Lake Geneva, the higher, mightier French Alps reach their apex at Mont Blanc. Exhilarating   Chamonix , along with Val d'Isère and the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées , are magnets for snowy winter sports and high-altitude summer hiking, fortified by melted cheese dishes like bubbling fondue.

Sample epicurean treats and outdoor pursuits in the Rhône Valley

Directly south of Burgundy, France’s third-largest city, Lyon , sits at the confluence of the rivers Saône and Rhône. Grand squares, outstanding museums and long-standing traditions, including convivial bouchons (bistros serving rustic Lyonnaise cuisine), entice visitors to stay longer than planned.

Renowned vineyards ribbon across the valley as the Rhône flows south. En route, Gallo-Roman ruins in Vienne include a Corinthian-columned temple. Canoeing is the best way to see the dramatic scenery and natural stone bridge of the Gorges de l'Ardèche .

Rejuvenate in the volcanic landscapes and spas of the Auvergne

In central France, west of the Rhône is the Auvergne . Nature’s heavy machinery is still apparent in the volcanic cinder cones of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne , and lava pinnacles topped by a 10th-century church in pilgrimage town Le Puy-en-Velay .

Black lava stone is used in the construction of buildings, including the mighty cathedral in the largest city, Clermont-Ferrand , the hometown of tire and travel giant Michelin (with an interesting museum ). Natural springs include those in Belle Époque spa town Vichy . Auvergne specialties, including Le Puy lentils and some outstanding cheeses, sustain hiking in one of France’s least-explored regions.

Discover the different facets of southwestern France

France’s southwest spans a vast corner of the country. Along the Atlantic Coast , it stretches south of Nantes past the sunny island Île de Ré and historic port La Rochelle to the red-wine country around Bordeaux  and surfing mecca Biarritz in the French Basque Country , where pintxos (bite-sized Basque tapas) are the order of the day.

Inland are the river-threaded regions of Limousin , with its porcelain-famed city of Limoges . Visit  the Dordogne (aka Périgord), where Vézère Valley caverns shelter rock art, truffles hide beneath the forest canopy, and markets such as those in medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda sell local specialties including geese, pâtés, walnuts, wine and cheeses. The Lot flows past charming villages and the lovely town of Cahors . Southwards, the city of Toulouse , with its rose-tinged buildings and energetic student population, is France’s fourth largest. To Toulouse’s south, the Pyrenees climb to the Spanish border.

Explore Roman ruins and sandy beaches in Languedoc-Roussillon

The southern region of Roussillon is also known as French Catalonia and isn’t far from the border crossing into Spain, especially around Mediterranean resort towns like Collioure . Perpignan is the main city here.

Inland in the Languedoc are the wild, highland areas of Grands Causses and Cévennes ; walled Carcassonne with its witches-hat turrets and restaurants serving its local twist on white-bean and meat stew cassoulet . The engineering marvel Canal du Midi runs 150 miles (240km) from Toulouse to the Étang de Thau lagoon, adjacent to the Languedoc fishing port of Sète .

Around the coast is appealing Montpellier ’s historic core and broad beaches. Roman Nîmes has an incredibly well-preserved amphitheater and handy access to the enormous aqueduct, Pont du Gard .

Traverse the romantic landscapes of Provence

Provence ’s honey-hued stone villages tumble down hillsides to lavender-striped plateaus. Olive groves and rosé-producing vineyards, open-air markets bursting with freshly picked tomatoes, melons, cherries and other seasonal produce, and translucent turquoise coves along the rocky Mediterranean coast are the stuff of postcards.

Along with rural charms, Provence has well-heeled cities and towns like walled Avignon , with its famous bridge, arts festival and papal history; the splashing fountains and tree canopies of elegant Aix-en-Provence ; and Arles , famously painted by Van Gogh. By contrast, Provence’s biggest city (and France’s second largest), Marseille , is a fascinating multicultural metropolis set around its ancient Vieux Port (old port) with fantastic museums and restaurants specializing in its famous fish stew, bouillabaisse .

Find beachside bliss on the French Riviera

Southeast of Provence, the French Riviera is known in France as the Côte d'Azur for the azure-blue color of the Mediterranean glittering in the bright sun.

Glamorous beach resorts are strung along the coastline like pearls, among them the quaint former fishing village and sizzling-hot clubs of St-Tropez , film-festival-famed Cannes , Picasso’s one-time residence Antibes , the colorful seaside city of Nice with its sweeping promenade and sun-lounger-lined pebbled beach, sweet little harbor Villefranche-sur-Mer , and – past the principality of Monaco , with its Formula 1 Grand Prix and high-rolling Monte Carlo casino – old-world Menton by the Italian border. High up in the hinterland, Grasse grows fragrant flowers for French perfumeries.

Set sail for Corsica

Wild, rugged and mountainous, the Mediterranean island of Corsica is an outdoor paradise laced with epic hiking trails. Linked to the French mainland by ferries (and flights), it has been part of France for over two centuries but retains a strong independence in its language, culture and cuisine that includes bread made from ground-down chestnut flour, charcuterie (such as seasonal chestnut-wood-smoked pork liver sausage and wild-boar pâté) and distinctive cheeses (many made from the milk of goats, which roam the island’s steep hillsides).

Around Corsica’s coastline, striking sights stretch from the winding roads of Cap Corse peninsula in the north to Les Calanques de Piana’s fiery red rock formations, Napoléon Bonaparte’s sophisticated home town of   Ajaccio  and, at the island’s southern tip, fortified Bonifacio ’s breathtaking white limestone cliffs plunging into the sea.

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France Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth France travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

There’s a reason why France is consistently ranked as the most visited country in the world:

Beyond the Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, there is so much to see in this Western European nation.

From the beaches of Southern France to the wine country to the Alps in the east, this country offers a little bit of everything. Whether you want to explore centuries-old cities or have an epic outdoor adventure, you can do it in France.

No trip to France is complete without a few days in the City of Lights — Paris!

Paris is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including historic spots like Château de Versailles and more modern architectural works like Le Corbusier’s Maison La Roche.

That blend of old and new is present throughout Paris, where fashionable, modern shops and cafes exist among buildings that were constructed nearly 1,000 years ago.

And of course, the culture of Paris is one of its biggest draws; see some of the greatest works of art at the Musée du Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay or see the Paris Opera at the Palais Garnier.

You can’t talk about France without mentioning the food! There are so many delicious dishes to try throughout the country, as each region has a cuisine all its own.

Sample seafood dishes like mussels in white wine sauce in the Normandy region, enjoy a quiche in Lorraine, and pair a glass of red with some escargot in Burgundy.

Wine is a big part of French culture, of course, and there are many vineyards you can visit throughout the country to get a taste for one of France’s biggest exports. Don’t forget the cheese!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to France in western Europe.

Note: This guide to France travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Use this France travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

France Travel Itineraries

Discover where to go in France including top things to do!

Paris Travel Guide

Use this Paris city guide section to plan the perfect trip!

Solo Travel In Paris: A Romantic Guide For One

How To Enjoy Paris On A Budget

6 Amazing Apps For Cultural Immersion In Paris, France

Taking In The Best View Of Paris From Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Cheap Travel: Exploring Paris For Less Than €25 Per Day

Lyon Travel Guide

Plan a memorable trip to Lyon with the help of these ultimate guides to the city:

2 Days In Lyon: The Ultimate Itinerary + Tips

Nice Travel Guide

This Nice tourist guide section shares fun things to do in this beautiful city!

3 Stunning Day Trips From Nice, France

France Fun: Exploring Nice Beyond The Promenade

Marseille Travel Guide

Looking for a fun Marseille tourist guide ? The following resources have you covered!

How To Hike Calanques National Park In Marseille, France

Provence Travel Guide

This guide to Provence section will show you the best this region has to offer!

5 Must-Eat Dishes In Provence, France (Beautiful Illustrations Included!)

5 Epic Adventures You Didn’t Know You Could Have In Provence

An Authentic Calisson Cooking Class In Aix-en-Provence

South Of France Travel Guide

Explore fun things to do in one of the best French holiday destinations ! You can also peruse the above sections on travel in Nice, Marseille, and Provence for bonus South of France trip inspiration.

How To Have An Epic South Of France Road Trip (With Video!)

How To Enjoy Epic Wine, Hiking & Skinny Dipping Near Cannes, France

Is The Verdon Gorge France’s Most Beautiful Attraction?

These 5 Unique Accommodations Will Make You Crave A South of France Getaway

15 Best Beach Clubs On The French Riviera

France Travel Tips

Important advice for traveling in France !

How Not To Get Treated Rudely By The French

France Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide

Top Guided Tours In France

Explore local culture with a France tour guide through these unique excursions:

• French Baking Class: Baguettes and Croissants in a Parisian Bakery (Paris, France)
• Off the Beaten Track: Guided Bike Tour of Paris Local Districts and Stories (Paris, France)
• Paris in One Day: Eiffel Tower with Summit, Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise (Paris, France)
• Nice Local Vineyards Small Group Half Day E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting (Nice, France)
• French Riviera Day Trip with Monaco Cannes & Perfumery Visit (Nice, France)
• Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Castle of Chenonceau (Loire Valley, France)

Renting A Car In France

Need a rental car for your France trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

France Train Travel

Getting around France by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe .

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

France Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in France!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

France Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a France tour. When visiting France — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your France itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

France Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in France .

Q: What is the best way to book travel in France?

As you start planning your trip to France, be sure to check flight search engines like Skyscanner . This site can help you find the best times to fly for your budget or the most convenient flights for your travel dates.

If you’re flying to France from somewhere else in Europe (or planning to fly to different locations within the country), check out some of the European budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair for the best prices.

Busses and trains are also ubiquitous throughout the country and are an easy way to get from one city to the next. Be sure to book in advance, though; generally speaking, the further out you book, the less you’ll pay. You can use a site like Omio to book in advance and find great deals!

Q: How much should I budget for a trip to France?

France isn’t known for being particularly inexpensive for tourists, but it is absolutely possible to see the country on a budget . The average traveler spends about $216 USD per day in France on accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and other expenses.

If you’re traveling backpacker-style by staying in hostels, buying your own food, and using public transportation, you can expect to spend about $72 USD per day.

Q: What can you see in France in 10 days?

You can see a great deal of France in just 10 days!

Any travel itinerary will depend on your personal priorities and preferences, but if you’re looking to see the entire country in this amount of time, you’ll want to budget your days accordingly.

To make the most of your trip, you’ll want to spend about two to three days in Paris, a day or two in the Loire Valley, two days in Lyon, a day in Aix-en-Provence , and two days on the French Riviera in a city like Nice or Cannes .

The food in Strasbourg is also a draw and is reason enough to spend some time in France’s Alsace region.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in France?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in France for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need a France travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries , and several other countries do not need a visa to visit France for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s France International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the French Embassy.

Q: Is France safe?

France is considered to be quite safe, and violent crime against tourists is rare. That being said, before visiting a particular French destination you should look up common scams and issues to be aware of. Additionally, have a strategy for how to avoid pickpockets , especially in big cities.

Are you solo female traveler ? Feel good knowing this is a popular destination for women traveling alone!

Q: What is the best time to visit France?

If you don’t mind the crowds, visiting France in summer brings loads of events, consistently sunny weather, and more daylight hours for exploration; however, for fewer crowds, mild weather, and better deals opt for late spring and fall.

Q: Where is France?

France is located in western Europe and is bordered by Spain (South); Italy and Switzerland (East); Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany (Northeast); the English Channel (Northwest); and the Bay of Biscay (Southwest),

Q: Are credit cards accepted in France?

Credit cards are widely accepted in France, though it’s always wise to carry some cash on you, especially when frequenting smaller mom and pop type establishments and street stalls.

Q: Can you drink tap water in France?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in France.

Q: Do they speak English in France?

In tourist areas and big cities, you’ll typically find people who speak English, though not everyone does, and even fewer people do in more rural areas.

If possible, it’s smart to learn some common French phrases and to brush up on French social etiquette .

Q: What is the local currency in France?

The local currency in France is the Euro (€).

What would you add to this France travel guide?

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The 16 best places to visit in France

From buzzing cities to gorgeous countryside escapes, these are the essential places in France to visit at least once in your life

France   is one of the most visited places on the planet – and you better believe that it lives up to every bit of the hype. This famous country has been at the cultural heart of western Europe for millennia, and you can see signs of its complex and fascinating past all over the place. But it’s not all   grand old châteaux : France is also blessed with some exceptionally beautiful natural wonders   and   some of Europe’s coolest city-break destinations .

So, from heavenly beach destinations and   picturesque rural villages   to grand old cities like   Paris ,   Lyon   and   Marseille , these are the best places to visit in France – and some of the world’s most essential destinations.

Discover France:

📍 The best   things to do in France 🌳 The prettiest   villages in France 🏖 The best   beaches in France 🏰 Spectacular  French châteaux you can rent 😋 The best   restaurants in France 🌊  The best places to stay on the French Riviera

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Best places to visit in France

Where do you start with a city like Paris? The French capital is one of the great global cities, as renowned for its world-class museums, magnificent grub and lavish shopping options as it is for its mere vibe . From the Louvre to the Jardin de Luxembourg, the place oozes history, beauty and, yes, romance. There is, quite plainly, nowhere quite like it.

Discover Paris:

📍 The best things to do in Paris 🧑 ‍🍳 The best restaurants in Paris 🎨 The best museums in Paris 🥐 The best cafés in Paris

The port city of Marseille has been one great big melting pot of cultures ever since it was founded by the Greeks a whopping 2,600 years ago. Having thrown off its rep as a town of sailors and gangsters, these days Marseille is a dazzlingly multicultural city with galleries and rooftop bars galore – and all within easy reach of marvellous spectacles of nature in the form of calanques and coves. 

Discover Marseille:

📍 The best things to do in Marseille 😋 The best restaurants in Marseille 🥾 The essential guide to Marseille’s calanques 🚤 The best boat trips from Marseille

Nice by name, nice by... alright, that’s a bit too cheesy. But it’s true. With its lavish beachside promenade, throngs of established museums and hearty wine bars, Nice is a rather exceptionally lovely coastal city. It’s the former residence of Henri Matisse, with an entire museum dedicated to the legendary artist – and with skies this vibrant, it’s not hard to see where he found the inspiration for his bold blues.

Discover Nice:

📍 The best things to do in Nice 🏖 The best beaches in Nice 😋 The best restaurants in Nice 🛍 The best shops in Nice

Lyonnais are known for being particularly proud of their city – and they’ve every right to be. This place is a gastronomic wonderland and (disputedly, we admit) France’s food capital, with each of its Michelin-starred abodes matched by dozens of under-the-radar culinary masters. And with its Unesco-protected city centre, Rhône and Saône river views and its history as a silk centre, Lyon has loads of non-foodie stuff to do, too.

Discover Lyon:

🍴 The best restaurants in Lyon

Not just the greatest winemaking hub in the world, Bordeaux is also a full-blown dream of a city: packed with characterful medieval architecture, a top-tier dining scene and sprawling green open spaces, and within touching distance of some of the mightiest (and warmest) beaches on France’s Atlantic coast. Even teetotallers will find a shedload to do here.

Nîmes, Arles and Orange

For history buffs, there are few regions of France more worth a week’s visit than the lower reaches of the River Rhône. Impressively preserved Roman amphitheatres, arches, temples and baths draw as many visitors to the cities of Nîmes, Arles and Orange as the laidback lifestyle, local wines and year-round sunshine. But the highlight is the spectacular Pont du Gard: the 2,100-year-old three-tiered aqueduct that straddles the Gardon river. It’s one of the most impressive Roman monuments surviving anywhere – Rome included.

French Riviera

Stretching for more than 100 miles along France’s southeastern coast, the Riviera is best appreciated as a whole: as a series of delightful places rather than any one in particular. From perfume capital Grasse and rocky Èze to legendarily-glitzy Saint-Tropez and film-tastic Cannes, the Côte d'Azur is everything it claims to be and more.

Discover the French Riviera:

😎 The best places to stay on the French Riviera

Inland from the bustle of the Riviera, the vast and ancient rural region of Provence is the place for a slower pace of life. If you don’t like the smell of lavender, best avoid the Valensole plateau, with its fields of purple stretching into the distance – 300 square miles’ worth of the fragrant stuff. We recommend renting a mountain bike and cycling the yellow dirt paths, with a charming stopover in a village such as Riez or Esparron-de-Verdon. Not far away, the gravity-defying limestone flanks and dazzling turquoise-green waters of the Gorges du Verdon draw hikers, swimmers and kayakers from far and wide.

Named after the river that runs through it, the Dordogne region is almost surreally picturesque. Vines as far as the eye can see, endless rolling hills, impossibly pretty hamlets… from the seventeenth-century Chateau de Marqueyssac and its hypnotic gardens to the oak forests of the Périgord noir, it’s so beautiful it can feel like the stuff of dreams.

On the Upper Rhine plain between France and Germany, Alsace has changed hands several times. Start in regional capital Strasbourg for a taste of Alsace’s culture, architecture and food – a distinctive blend of French and German – then  head to half-timbered Colmar for shades of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (plus  one of Europe’s best Christmas markets ). And whatever you do, stop off at  the twelfth-century Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: an epic complex with views all the way to the Black Forest.

Lake Annecy

Bordered by snow-capped mountains in the Haute-Savoie region, Annecy is known as ‘Europe’s cleanest lake’ thanks to strict local environmental regulations. It’s also very beautiful. The third-largest lake within France’s borders, its ten square miles draw bathers, sailors, divers and sunbathers alike to its grassy ‘beaches’ in summer. Rich with flora and fauna, the area’s hills are ideal for hiking, and the town of Annecy itself brims with brilliant restaurants, delis and canals.

Canal du Midi

Connecting the Garonne river at Toulouse with the Étang de Thau basin on the Mediterranean, the 150-mile-long Midi makes for the dreamiest of waterside cycle adventures in summer. Built under the patronage of Louis XIV’s first minister Colbert in the seventeenth century, it is now connected to the Canal de Garonne, and together the two canals allow for barges to travel from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. For the full canal experience, you should rent one. A barge, that is, not a canal.

Loire Valley

Two things make a trip here essential: castles and wine. The Loire is France’s longest river, and the stretch between Orléans and Angers is home to more than 300 grand châteaux dating back to the age when France had kings, as well as 185,000 acres of vineyards. Follow the river past woods and fields and through the medieval towns of Blois, Amboise and Saumur – each crowned by an unmissable royal castle. And don’t miss a chance to sample the local specialities: white wine, rillettes, goat’s cheese and Chambord – the latter named after one of the province’s most spectacular châteaux.

French Basque Country

Although most of the historic Basque Country lies over the border in modern-day Spain, the French part is well worth a visit – especially if you’re partial to a gnarly surf trip. A classy bathing retreat since the nineteenth century, Biarritz became the home of European surfing in the ’50s, with the Atlantic regularly chucking ten-metre waves up its  Grande Plage.  Once you’ve dried off, refuel with a plate of the signature cured ham from Bayonne, just up the road. And further down the coast, the beach towns of St Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye have miles of golden sand and eye-popping summer sunsets over the ocean.

With its sweeping cliffs and capes and proud Celtic heritage, France’s rugged northwest region— aka ‘Little Britain’ — is rightly likened to Cornwall. The coastline gets top billing, from the romantic Pink Granite Coast via quaint fishing villages to walkers’ magnet the Crozon peninsula. History fans should make for Carnac, Brittany’s Stonehenge, while gourmands will love plundering the local larder: crêpes, savoury galettes, and seafood, with France’s oyster capital, Cancale, just east of the picture-perfect walled town of Saint-Malo.

Normandy’s stirring white-chalk cliffs – from picturesque port Honfleur to chic weekend getaway Étretat – gave birth to no less than the entire art movement of Impressionism. New bike route  La Seine à Vélo  reunites many of the area’s joys, especially at Monet’s home and lilypad-lined gardens at Giverny, before taking in Rouen (tied to Joan of Arc lore) and seaside Deauville. Keep on coasting for three more musts: the D-Day landing sites, Bayeux’s famously ornate tapestry, and ‘Wonder of the West’ the Mont-Saint-Michel, an island topped by a gravity-defying abbey.

Discover more in Europe

The best places to visit in Italy

I conic cities, gorgeous towns and villages, incredible islands and all the rest

The best places to visit in Greece

From Athens to the islands, there’s so much to fall in love with here

The best places to visit in Spain

Sure, the beaches and big cities are incredible – but there’s much, much more to Spain

The best places to visit in France

It’s one of the most visited places on the planet, but France always lives up to the hype

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Travel and tourism in France - statistics & facts

What are the leading inbound and outbound travel markets in france, paris’ contribution to travel and tourism in france, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in France 2019-2022

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in France 2019-2022

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in France 2019-2022, by tourist type

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

International tourism spending in France 2019-2022

International tourist arrivals in France 2010-2022

Related topics

• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Travel and tourism in Italy
• Travel and tourism in Spain
• Travel and tourism in the United Kingdom (UK)

City tourism in Europe

• Tourism in Paris
• Tourism in London
• Tourism in Italian cities
• Tourism in Amsterdam

Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in France 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in France 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in France 2019-2022, by tourist type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in France 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Countries with the highest inbound tourism receipts worldwide 2019-2022

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in France 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in France in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in France 2019-2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in France in 2019 and 2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in France in 2019 and 2022, by type of tourist

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in France 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in France in 2019 and 2022 (in million jobs)

Countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022

Countries with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2019 to 2022 (in millions)

Countries with the highest inbound tourism receipts worldwide 2019-2022

Countries with the highest international tourism receipts worldwide from 2019 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Inbound tourism

• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in France 2010-2022
• Basic Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in France 2019-2022, by share of arrivals
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in France 2023, by Google travel demand growth
• Premium Statistic Monthly overnight stays in hotels in France 2019-2023, by guest type
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in France 2019-2022, by hotel overnight stays
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts in France 2006-2022

Number of international tourist arrivals in France from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Leading inbound travel markets in France 2019-2022, by share of arrivals

Distribution of international tourist arrivals in France in 2019 and 2022, by country

Leading inbound travel markets in France 2023, by Google travel demand growth

Leading inbound travel markets in France over the previous 30 and 90 days as of October 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Monthly overnight stays in hotels in France 2019-2023, by guest type

Number of monthly overnight stays in hotels in France from January 2019 to December 2023, by type of guest (in 1,000s)

Leading inbound travel markets in France 2019-2022, by hotel overnight stays

Number of international overnight stays in hotels in France in 2019 and 2022, by country (in millions)

International tourism receipts in France 2006-2022

International tourism receipts in France from 2006 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Outbound tourism

• Basic Statistic Number of outbound tourist trips from France 2012-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of outbound tourist trips from France 2012-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourist trips from France 2012-2022, by mode of transport
• Basic Statistic Leading outbound travel markets in France 2019-2022, by share of departures
• Premium Statistic Leading outbound travel markets in France 2023, by Google travel demand growth
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism spending in France 2011-2022

Number of outbound tourist trips from France 2012-2022

Number of outbound tourist trips from France from 2012 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of outbound tourist trips from France 2012-2022, by purpose

Number of outbound tourist trips from France from 2012 to 2022, by purpose (in millions)

Number of outbound tourist trips from France 2012-2022, by mode of transport

Number of outbound tourist trips from France from 2012 to 2022, by mode of transport (in millions)

Leading outbound travel markets in France 2019-2022, by share of departures

Distribution of outbound tourist departures from France in 2019 and 2022, by destination

Leading outbound travel markets in France 2023, by Google travel demand growth

Leading outbound travel markets in France over the previous 30 and 90 days as of October 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Outbound tourism spending in France 2011-2022

Outbound tourism expenditure in France from 2011 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Domestic tourism

• Basic Statistic Number of domestic arrivals in tourist accommodation in France 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in France 2009-2021
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in France 2009-2021, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in France 2008-2021, by mode of transport
• Premium Statistic Domestic same-day trips in France 2009-2021
• Basic Statistic Domestic tourism spending in France 2019-2022

Number of domestic arrivals in tourist accommodation in France 2013-2022

Number of domestic arrivals in tourist accommodation establishments in France from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Domestic overnight trips in France 2009-2021

Number of domestic overnight trips in France from 2009 to 2021 (in millions)

Domestic overnight trips in France 2009-2021, by purpose

Number of domestic overnight trips in France from 2009 to 2021, by purpose (in millions)

Domestic overnight trips in France 2008-2021, by mode of transport

Number of domestic overnight trips in France from 2008 to 2021, by mode of transport (in millions)

Domestic same-day trips in France 2009-2021

Number of domestic same-day trips in France from 2009 to 2021 (in millions)

Domestic tourism spending in France 2019-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure in France in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

Accommodation

• Basic Statistic Number of tourist accommodation establishments in France 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Tourist accommodation establishments in France 2024, by type
• Basic Statistic Number of hotels and similar accommodation in France 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Hotels in France 2024, by region
• Premium Statistic Monthly hotel occupancy rate in France 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotel industry in France 2019-2028
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in France 2019-2028

Number of tourist accommodation establishments in France 2010-2023

Number of tourist accommodation establishments in France from 2010 to 2023

Tourist accommodation establishments in France 2024, by type

Number of tourist accommodation establishments in France as of February 2024, by type

Number of hotels and similar accommodation in France 2010-2023

Number of hotels and similar accommodation establishments in France from 2010 to 2023

Hotels in France 2024, by region

Number of hotels in France as of February 2024, by region

Monthly hotel occupancy rate in France 2019-2023

Occupancy rate in hotels in France from January 2019 to December 2023

Revenue of the hotel industry in France 2019-2028

Revenue of the hotel market in France from 2019 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in France 2019-2028

Revenue of the vacation rentals market in France from 2019 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Underrated Tourist Destinations To Visit On Your Next Trip To France

F rance has been the most visited country in the world for decades now, so if you want to avoid the crowds it's best to check out the more underrated tourist destinations. Luckily, despite being about the same size as some U.S. states, France is diverse in landscape, cities, food, and sites. 

You have a bounty of options when it comes to planning your trip. This can be intimidating, which is why it's easy to fall into the pattern of flying into Paris , taking a few day trips , and maybe visiting one other major city. However, if it isn't your first visit, one of the best things you can do is expand your itinerary. There is so much to offer in this beautiful part of the world! From the ocean to the mountains, towns small and large — and everything in between. Here are some top recommendations of off-the-beaten-path places to visit in France.

The Beaches Of Bretagne

Everyone pictures the South of France and especially the Cote d'Azur for beach vacations in France. But those in the know head north. The shores of Bretagne, or Brittany in English are actually home to the best beaches in France, even if they aren't as mythical or home to a popular film festival like their Mediterranean counterparts. Unlike those down south, which are primarily pebble or rock beaches (and thus require water footwear or hardy feet), the northwest is all white sand and turquoise waters whose shades change in the sunlight. And while towns like Rennes and Le Havre are popular getaways with Parisiens, you likely won't meet too many fellow international travelers. If you want to ensure even fewer crowds, rent a car and drive to quaint and sleepy villages like Dinan, Saint-Malo, and Brest.

The beaches are what you come for but Breton cuisine is why you'll stay. From the best moules frites (mussels and fries) on the coast to the unique savory crepes made exclusively with buckwheat called Gallete Bretonne and amazing cider, you'll leave with a whole new favorite regional cuisine. Direct trains to Rennes, St-Malo, and Le Havre leave Paris Montparnasse station daily. The journey from Paris by train lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the final destination.

Metz Christmas Markets And Mirabelle Festival

Strasbourg might be the most famous city for markets during the holiday season, but Metz is the best-kept secret if you want fewer crowds and an equally adorable city. Sure, Alsace has all the French-German history that gives it a year-round Christmas vibe, but Lorraine (where Metz is located) is special in its own way. The compact city center hosts impressive Christmas Markets every year from late November until the 25th of December. You'll find an ice rink at Place de la République, a large Ferris wheel (that rivals the one in Paris in December) at Place d'Armes, and numerous food vendors at Place de Chambre and Place Saint-Louis. And Metz is only an hour and a half high-speed train ride away from Strasbourg, so you could easily combine the two on a Christmas Market trip .

Then, in summer return to the northeast's cutest city and check out the Mirabelle Festival. This celebration of plums (popular throughout the region) runs for a few weeks every August and is an absolute delight. Enjoy activities like parades, shows, and markets with samples, all dedicated to this delicious purple fruit. Additionally, since late summer is when most of northern Europe flocks to the beaches, you'll enjoy fewer crowds in this already-under-the-radar town. Metz is just under 2 hours by train from Paris and just under an hour from Luxembourg City.

The Lyon Basilica

Paris' Notre Dame might be the most famous church in the country but Lyon's Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvièreis much less crowded and has a better view. Built in the late 1800s, the church is a kaleidoscope of colorful mosaics, stained glass, and icons. You might need to visit the chiropractor or a yoga class after craning your neck to examine every square inch of this magnificent structure. However, the best part isn't the interior (a rarity for European churches) but the outside, where you are rewarded with the most stunning panoramic views in all of Lyon. There is no entrance fee .

If you fancy a bit of exercise and love discovering different views from various vantage points around cities, walk up the hill from the Old Town to reach the basilica. Fouvière Hill was the original center of the city when it was founded back in 43 BC by the Romans. While the Lyon center has now migrated south to the islands and banks of the Saône River, the mini-peak is still well-populated by homes, walking paths, parks, and of course the church. Different paths and stairways from the lower city are well-signposted up to the basilica. Alternatively, you can take the metro D-line to Vieux-Lyon and transfer to the funicular. The gardens just below the building make for a nice walk back down to the city, there is also an archeological site nearby.

Avignon Old City And Saint Bénézet Bridge

"Sur le Pont d'Avignon" is a popular French song about this famous bridge whose existence is truly a miracle. Due to a very strong current in the Rhône River and frequent flooding, a bridge across the water proved difficult to construct for centuries. The Saint Bénézet bridge initially opened in 1185 and consisted of 22 arches. After a battle in 1226 that destroyed most of the Passerelle, residents pulled money and resources together to reconstruct the bridge. However, maintenance proved expensive and difficult, so after centuries of flooding and battering by the weather, the city of Avignon decided to abandon what was left of the structure. Today, only four arches remain, along with a small museum.

The entry fee is only 5 euros, however, you can buy a combination ticket for the bridge and Popes' Palace or for the palace, bridge, and gardens. You'll access Saint Bénézet through Avignon's Old City anyways so the multi-site passes are definitely worth a few extra euros. And nearby Arles, Nimes, and Montpellier make great additions to an itinerary if you'll be in the area.

Alsace Wine Country

Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy might be the most famous wine regions in France, but if you're looking for something a bit different, head to Alsace. The area is best known as a fantastic Christmas destination, but its' climate and topography also mean certain grapes thrive here. Similar to Germany (which occupied the region in WWII), Alsace primarily produces white wine due to the location and weather. The main varietals are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. However, don't avoid the Riesling even if it's not usually your cup of tea (er — glass of wine.) Alsace's version is much drier than the sweet white wine that is usually associated with the varietal. You might find you enjoy Riesling quite a bit here.

The crémant made in the region is a sparkling white wine comprised of a blend of the different grapes grown in the area. It makes for a nice, budget-conscious alternative to champagne and many people prefer it to its bougier cousin. The only red really produced in Alsace is Pinot Noir which also makes up 100% of the Rosé. The best way to visit the wineries is to fly or take the train to Strasbourg and rent a car. Alternatively, numerous companies run wine-tasting tours, including active ones via bike in the summer months. And of course, you'll find Alsacien wine on every restaurant and bar menu in the region.

Toulouse is known as "La Ville Rose" or "The Pink City" because pink bricks are used for most buildings in the city center. This gives the town a unique look that is best enjoyed at sunset or golden hour as the light bathes the rose-colored material beautifully, a photographer's dream. The best place to enjoy the light and snap amazing pics are Place du Capitole , in front of the town hall and the old mansion that is the Bemberg Foundation. Additionally, if you find yourself along the banks of the Garonne, the sunset is especially spectacular.

The city is also home to numerous churches and gardens that are free to wander into and if you're lucky you might pass by an old manor with an open door that allows you to peer in. On the banks of the Garonne River, you can take a river cruise that is arguably better (and cheaper) than those along the Seine, and check out the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toulouse is a one-hour high-speed train ride from Bordeaux or a four to six-hour journey from Paris.

Palace Fontainebleau

Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris as well as the most famous palace in France, and while it is certainly beautiful, you should consider alternatives. This is particularly true during peak season and Fontainebleau is the perfect solution! Napoleon's former imperial palace is located just 40 minutes from the capital city by train and is a great place to spend the day. It is by far less crowded than its' more-frequented neighbor, is no less beautiful and since it wasn't raided during the Revolution, there are actually more treasures inside than in Versailles .

 In fact, the Château de  Fontainebleau is known as the "most furnished" castle in France due to the volume still inside the building. There are also often art exhibitions and concerts held at the chateau. It is open most days besides major holidays like January 1st, December 25th, and May 1st. Admission costs 14 euros, but the surrounding parks and gardens can be visited at no charge.

Les Baux De Provence

This UNESCO World Heritage site is an old medieval village that sits upon a hill inland from the Mediterranean. The centuries-old walls still surround the town which is listed as one of the most beautiful in all of France. Follow winding cobblestone alleys through grey-washed stone buildings with vibrant blue shutters and shops that can be touristy, but still maintain small-town charm. One of the best parts is the elevated location which provides sweeping views of the surrounding French countryside.

Beyond strolling the streets, make sure to visit the Chateau de Baux, long destroyed but the ruins make for an interesting walk. It cost 6 euros to visit. Additionally, the Carrières de Lumières is a great little art gallery with mind-boggling light shows and installations. Admission is 14.50 euros. And while Les Baux de Provence certainly receives visitors, It is definitely a quieter, different side of Provence than most people experience. It is located about a 30-minute drive from Arles or an hour bus ride.

Menton Lemon Festival

Menton is a wonderful little town in the south to spend a few days and you won't experience the crowds of nearby Nice and Cannes. Like most of southern France and Italy, lemons grow in abundance in the area around Menton. And every year from mid-February to early March, the city comes alive in yellow colors and citrus flavors during the annual Fête du Citron or Lemon Festival. Back in 1928, the city boasted the title of the top lemon-growing region in all of Europe and a hotelier had an idea to build an event around the popular fruit and ingredient. Then in 1934, the municipality held the first official festival which has taken place ever since!

Parades of lemon-themed floats and performers take place throughout the day and night. And the street is full of lemon-themed art exhibitions and crafts fairs. You'll need to purchase tickets to the parades ahead of time, but all other events are free to attend. Menton is located on the French Riviera, right next door to Italy, and about a 35-minute train ride from Nice.

The Camargue Horse

The Camargue region in the south of France is located along the coast, between the Mediterranean and the Rhône River. It is home to stunning scenery, from wetlands to dunes and salt flats, there's a bit of everything. Additionally, the wildlife is quite different from the rest of France, flamingoes fly overhead, long-horned cows wander the marsh, and the famous Camargue horse gallops mostly free. The small white breed hasn't changed much from ancient times as depicted in cave paintings and it is considered one of the oldest in the world. You can even ride one in the Camargue Regional Nature Park. Additionally, if you fancy a longer holiday, numerous ranches offer vacation packages not unlike Dude Ranches in the West of the U.S.

The main towns in the Camargue are Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Arles. Both are located about an hour to an hour-and-a-half from Montpellier and Marseille by train. Although you'll likely want a rental car to explore the area and visit the ranches. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer also hosts the annual Féria du Cheval every July, a festival dedicated to the region's special horse.

The Calanques

The Calanques National Park is located just a short bus, car, or bike ride away from Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat in southern France. It is known as a unique retreat in the country as it is the only one in the country that consists of the sea, land, and cities (technically the aforementioned urban areas are a part of the park.) "Calanque" in French roughly translates to "cove" or where the ocean cuts into the land. Thus, the national park is a series of small calanques along the Mediterranean. The beauty of the area makes it high in demand amongst holiday-goers and there is a bit of something for everyone.

You can hike inland or along the water and even into the park from Cassis via the Calanques de Cassis route which follows the coast all the way to the Port Pin beach. Additionally, another popular trek is the Calanque de Callelongue which ends at a shallow swimming beach perfect for kids. If you prefer water activities, you're in luck, boat tours run daily from Cassis in the summer or alternatively, you can rent kayaks for a guided or self-guided tour of the coastline. The clear calanques are also perfect for diving should you want to spend your visit underwater.

The best base for travelers who don't want to choose between the Alps and the South of France, the nature around this small town is a haven for outdoor lovers of all types. You can hike, bike, or just enjoy the year-round sunshine. However, the real draw is the sweets. As the birthplace of nougat, you'll have the opportunity to sample some unlike anything else you've ever tried. In the 17th century, the almond trees that now surround the area were planted in and around town. At some point, someone got the idea to combine it with honey and other ingredients to create the now-famous sweet made from sugar, egg whites, almonds, honey, and often pistachio or vanilla flavors as well. Even if you're not usually a fan of the treat, you have to try it while visiting -- you might just change your mind.

Today, you can visit confectionaries and museums to learn more about the town's famous sugary delight. Additionally, the main square is home to many cafes, restaurants, and art deco buildings that make for a nice feast for the eyes along with your desserts. The Palais des Bonbons du Nougat, is home to the old arcade, most of the museums, and numerous places to sample sweets. Montélimar is about an hour and forty minutes from Lyon by train or just under an hour from Avignon.

This island next to Italy is set to become the next big destination in France. The beaches are some of the least crowded in Europe, with green-blue water and many of its' own "calanques" that are also nice for diving, it's a wonder this Mediterranean gem has flown mostly under the radar for so long. Corsica is also a trekkers', cyclists', and horse riders' dream with many routes crisscrossing the island and numerous top destinations accessible by means other than a car. 

Hilltop villages such as Pigna and La Balagne make for spectacular views over the ocean. Additionally, the wine and cuisine of Corsica are unique to France, thanks to the island's isolation over centuries from the mainland. A plane is the easiest mode of arrival, with many carriers, including Air Corsica serving the island from cities across the continent. If you prefer not to fly, ferries run from French and Italian ports year-round.

Read this next: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

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N.B. tourism minister defends pricey trip to United Kingdom, France

Tammy scott-wallace says new brunswick can learn ‘best practices’ from windsor castle, palace of versailles.

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New Brunswick's tourism minister is defending a trip she and her top officials took to the United Kingdom and France that helped her deputy minister rack up a $77,000 travel bill last year.

Tammy Scott-Wallace said the trip last September included meetings with a number of tour operators and public relations firms in London and Paris that have contracts to market the province to potential visitors from the two countries.

"That's incredibly important. It's a good day's work and it's a good seven days' work for me, I'll tell you that," Scott-Wallace said.

Her deputy, Yennah Hurley, sat next to her as she spent more than an hour responding to questions about the trip from Liberal MLA and tourism critic Isabelle Thériault during a meeting of the legislature committee studying budget estimates. 

As first reported by CBC News, Hurley's expenses for the trip totalled $12,328, part of the $77,710 overall she claimed last year.

Scott-Wallace's trip cost $10,199.

"What did it give the taxpayers of New Brunswick, that you went there for eight days?" Thériault asked.

"It's really not clear what you did, except visit some places. Like, you have to face the music."

Two other officials from the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture also made the trip.

Scott-Wallace acknowledged that no travel conferences or tourism trade shows were part of her schedule.

But she said it was important to meet with the tour operators and public relations firms hired to represent the province in the U.K. and France to rebuild connections frayed during COVID-19 travel restrictions.

"These are key markets for our province," she said.

Departmental staff then "built an itinerary," Scott-Wallace said, that included visits to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the British Museum, the London Eye and the Palace of Versailles — all of them expensed to taxpayers.

N.B. tourism minister defends pricey European trip

The visits by her officials to the Palace of Versailles and Windsor Palace — which she pointed out she did not visit herself — provided insights into managing "built heritage," the minister said.

New Brunswick has "similar sites, but on a smaller scale, absolutely," Scott-Wallace argued.

"There are best practices all over the country, all over the world, and when we are there having meetings with stakeholders, it's important we learn those best practices while we're there." 

She also said 45-minute tours offered at the British Museum in London could be a model for an abbreviated tour of the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John offered to cruise ship visitors.

She called the London facility "truly a new, modern-age museum, and I think the people of New Brunswick deserve to have a modern, state-of-the-art museum." 

No one from the New Brunswick Museum was part of the London visit but it was set up at the suggestion of the Saint John museum's staff, Scott-Wallace said.

Thériault told CBC News she wasn't satisfied with Scott-Wallace's responses.

"I didn't get clear answers," she said.

Scott-Wallace said New Brunswick recorded 122,600 "visit nights" from French tourists in 2023, worth $11.6 million in revenue, and 121,000 from U.K. visitors, worth $18.2 million.

Trips to the province from the U.K. were up 23 per cent last year, compared to 2022, while trips from France were up 12 per cent. 

Asked if Premier Blaine Higgs or someone else approved the trip in advance, Scott-Wallace said such trips are normal for the department.

"It is budgeted for. It is part of the work that we do," she said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

UK travellers warned over ‘unrest’ in popular holiday spot

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The UK Foreign Office has warned those travelling to Tunisia , in the wake of Iranian military activity against Israel .

UK tourists have been issued with a serious warning against travelling to the North African holiday spot, due to ‘unrest’ facing parts of the country.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) this week updated its travel advice for Tunisia , urging anyone with a trip booked to ‘Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.’

According to Jamel Bouzid, the tourist office’s deputy director general, up to 425,000 UK arrivals are expected in the country over the coming year, but an increasingly turbulent political climate could disrupt plans.

In a previous statement, the authority explained: ‘Since July 1, the city of Sfax has witnessed several days of civil unrest, including reports of injuries, arrests, and one death, related to heightened tensions between residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

‘Further disturbances could occur with little or no warning and impact other Black people perceived to be of sub-Saharan African origin. Terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out further attacks in Tunisia, including against UK and Western interests.’

It continued: ‘Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places,’ and warned: ‘You should be vigilant at all times.’

Brits were advised to exercise caution when visiting Tunisia, particularly around religious sites and festivals, crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.

Protests have typically taken place on weekends or around prominent national anniversary dates, but could erupt at other times too.

If you are caught up in a disturbance, the advice states: ‘Avoid all protests, and move away from gathered crowds. Keep up to date with developments through the media and follow the instructions given by the Tunisian authorities as well as your hotel and tour operator, if you have one.’

Where is safe to travel in Tunisia right now?

The FCDO advises against all travel to

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

The FCDO recommends travellers follow and contact them on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for email notifications when advice is updated.

‘Read FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas,’ it said. ‘Before you travel, check the “Entry requirements” section for Tunisia’s current entry restrictions and requirements.’

The organisation highlighted that these rules ‘may change with little warning,’ so tourists should monitor FCDO channels and stay in contact with travel providers.

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‘It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover,’ it added. 

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