Famously known as one of the oldest nations on Earth, France has many things to offer its dear visitors. It is a country that holds the heart of every traveler who visits it.
17 Best Places in France To Explore
This list of the 18 best places in France will help you explore this beautiful and diverse nation.
1. The Loire Valley
One of France’s most stunning regions, the Loire Valley is a well-liked travel destination. The Loire Valley is home to attractive villages, wineries, and rolling vineyards. Stunning castles like the Chateau de Chambord and the Chateau de Chenonceau are other of its well-known attractions. Take a guided tour to learn more about the valley while you are there.
If you’re in France, you should definitely visit the Loire Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a lot to see and do in the French region, which is a lovely location.
Visits to wineries, town exploration, and castle tours are some of the top things to do. There are numerous fantastic eateries in the valley where you can savor the regional fare.
The Loire River Valley is the ideal location for a romantic weekend away. Wine tasting, picnics in the vineyards, and castle tours are just romantic things you can do together. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
2. Côte d’Azur or French Riviera
The French Riviera, often known as the opulent Côte d’Azur on the Mediterranean, is famous for its intensely blue waters.
Monaco, a small royal principality known for its wealth and decadence, and Cannes, which has a glistening beachfront promenade and a quaint Old Town, are the two most visited tourist destinations on the French Riviera. Cannes and Monaco both have yacht marinas, five-star hotels, and world-class dining options.
3. In the French Alps, Mont-Blanc, and Annecy
Some of the world’s most breathtaking natural vistas can be found in the French Alps. The picturesque Mont Blanc, a famous snow-capped summit that rises to a height of 4,810 meters, is the tallest mountain in Western Europe.
At this elevation, the air is clean, and the scenery is breathtaking, featuring glistening lakes, thunderous waterfalls, serene valleys, and revitalizing pine forests.
Visitors swarm to the Alps in the summer to go hiking, biking, and mountain climbing. The French Alps are a popular winter destination for those who enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and Alpine skiing. The region is home to many of France’s best ski resorts.
In addition to the breathtaking mountain scenery, the area has a rich cultural history connected to both the historical Dauphiné region and the ancestors of the Italian royal House of Savoy.
While Annecy has an old château, lakeside views, and a fairytale atmosphere, the charming mountain resort of Chamonix offers a traditional alpine ambiance. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
When visiting France, you really must visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. On the Île de la Cité, in the center of Paris, is where you’ll find the Notre Dame Cathedral.
One of the oldest areas of Paris is this island on the river Seine, and the cathedral has been there since the 12th century.
One of the most well-known landmarks in the French city is Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral is well-known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and gorgeous architecture.
The Notre Dame Cathedral typically draws millions of tourists each year and is the most well-liked tourist attraction in France. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
The French government spent a significant amount of money restoring Notre Dame because of its historical and cultural importance; work is expected to be finished in 2024.
5. Bordeaux
On the western coast of France, close to the Spanish border, sits the city of Bordeaux. Due to its exquisite architecture and historical buildings, the city is frequently called the “Paris of the West.”
The area is home to a large number of castles, forts, and other historical structures, including 350 national heritage sites in or close to the city.
The “old” parts of the historic city will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to another era or a sizable open-air museum. The Place de la Bourse, Les Allees de Touny, and the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux are a few of the city’s most beautiful historic structures.
The wine industry is by far the most significant industry in the Bordeaux region. The city is frequently referred to as the “capital of wine” because of the abundance of enormous vineyards that surround it. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
6. Eiffel Tower, Paris
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is the Eiffel Tower, a famous landmark in Paris. French engineer Gustave Eiffel created the Eiffel Tower. He was born in 1832 and pursued his education at Paris’ esteemed École Polytechnique.
He worked for a number of organizations after receiving his degree, including the railroad corporation Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans.
Although the tower was initially intended to be a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was maintained because of its popularity and is now a well-known landmark in Paris. Visitors can use the elevator to get to the tower’s summit for breathtaking city views.
It is a prominent landmark that is recognized all over the world. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
7. Cirque de Gavarnie in Pyrenees Mountains
The Cirque de Gavarnie, a magnificent sight, is located in the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a huge waterfall-filled limestone amphitheatre that is classified as a World Heritage Site.
The park is a breathtaking area that crosses France and Spain and is filled with valleys and verdant trees. Because there are so many walking paths available, it is a popular location for both pilgrims and those who love the outdoors.
There are many amazing things to do close to the Cirque de Gavarnie. One of the most popular pastimes is hiking, and you can embark on a hiking excursion. Several excellent pathways run through the forest and climb up into the mountains.
Furthermore, several adjacent villages offer the chance to experience traditional French culture. Naturally, the nearby spa towns offer a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
8. Chantilly Palace
In the Hauts-de-France area of northern France, the commune of Chantilly is located in the Oise department. 25 kilometers to the north of Paris is where it is.
The Château was constructed in 1528 by Pierre Bontemps, François I’s secretary, and in 1602 it passed to Louis II de Bourbon, Prince of Condé.
In 1766, the estate went to the Duke of Orleans, and in 1775, it went to the Duke of Chartres. The Duke of Orleans sold the property to Henri d’Orléans, duc d’Aumale, in 1837. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
9. Lyon: One of the Best Places in France
It makes sense why Lyon is frequently referred to be France’s culinary capital. In addition to a wide variety of traditional bouchons, this fantastic tourist destination is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.
When viewed from a high structure or hill, the festival’s illumination of the entire city with shimmering lights creates one of the most breathtaking visual displays on the entire globe. Your tour will be easier if you have your own Lyon City Pass.
There is no doubt that Lyon’s Roman ruins, among the best preserved in all of Europe, are worth visiting. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
10. The Alsace Region
The historic cities of Strasbourg and Colmar, along with the numerous towns in the Alsace region, have an exceptional old-world charm unrivaled by the rest of France.
Alsace’s historical Gothic churches and vibrantly painted half-timbered homes are indications that the region’s architecture and ambiance have been influenced over time by adjacent Germany.
11. Nice: One of the Best Places in France
The Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Place Masséna, and Castle Hill are a few of the prominent attractions of Nice, a city on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France.
Additionally, Nice offers a variety of activities, including shopping, dining out, swimming, and sunbathing.
Nice has a rich history that goes back to the Roman Empire. In 15 BC, the emperor Augustus constructed the city, which was then known as Nikaia. Nice had fast growth and developed into a significant trading hub.
Additionally, it was a well-liked vacation destination that drew lots of tourists, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Victoria. It is a well-liked vacation spot recognized for its beaches, nightlife, and historic architecture.
There are many things to do and see in Nice, a wonderful city to visit in France. Nice Nice is undoubtedly worth considering if you’re looking for a fun-filled city break or a calm beach vacation. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
12. Strasbourg
Strasbourg, located in the heart of the Alsace region, is a historic city with a significant cultural history. The city offers the “best of both worlds” because of its location on the border between France and Germany.
13. Saint Tropez
Another popular French Riviera location is Saint-Tropez. Since the 1950s, this posh town has served as a playground for the affluent and famous and continues to be one of the most exclusive holiday spots in the world. Saint-Tropez has a wide variety of beaches to choose from.
If you’re searching for a quiet place to unwind, beaches like plage des Granier’s and plage de la Bouillabaisse are both excellent options.
Check out plage de Pampelonne for a busier beach scene. There are several beach clubs on this well-known beach, including Club 55.
Saint-Tropez is a fantastic option if you’re seeking an opulent vacation destination with lots of celebrity sightings. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
14. Château de Versailles
Another popular tourist destination in France is the Palace of Versailles. French Kings and Queens resided at this historic royal home for more than a century.
The palace is now accessible to the general public, who can explore the opulent interiors, meticulously maintained gardens, and magnificent architecture. On-site exhibits and historical relics from the palace are also displayed in a museum.
Just outside of Paris is where you’ll find the Palace of Versailles. From the heart of Paris, travelers can travel on the RER C line.
Visitors are met at the palace gates after an approximately 30-minute train ride. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
15. The Louvre Museum, Paris
The largest and possibly most well-known museum in the world is The Louvre. Some of the world’s most well-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa, are housed in this museum, which is situated in Paris, France.
The Louvre Museum was originally a palace that King Philip II constructed on the site in the late 12th century. This palace was expanded over the years, and in 1793, the Louvre was converted into a public museum.
More than 380,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, are presently housed in the museum.
The Louvre Museum tickets should be purchased in advance because the place might get very busy. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
16. Marseille
The city of Marseille sits on the Mediterranean Sea’s coast in Southern France. The city is distinct from other French cities due to its distinctive blend of North African and French culture.
From little cafés with breathtaking vistas to photo ops and various events, Marseilles has it all. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
Most visitors come to Marseilles for its exquisite white beaches, which are among the best in all of Europe.
17. Reims
Given its historical significance as the location of most of France’s coronations, Reims is occasionally called “The City of Kings.” It is home to some of the most exquisite examples of French royal architecture in the nation.
The best celebratory beverage in the world is produced in the Champagne region of France, which includes Reims.
According to Wayne’s World, only champagne originates from the Champagne area of France; the rest is just sparkling white wine. It is not shocking that tourists from all over the world swarm to this city to sample some of that authentic bubbly.
In addition, Reims is a great place for families to travel because it is home to many of France’s most renowned museums, many of which are focused on the nation’s past royal dynasties. It is one of the best places in France to visit.
Final Remark
There are many wonderful places to explore in France. From the picturesque streets of Paris to the stunning coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur, there is much to see and do.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in France to explore. So whether you’re looking for culture, history, or just a beautiful place to relax, be sure to add these spots to your wishlist.
