From its luscious chocolate mousse and buttery croissants to the warm romanticism that permeates the city, France begs the mind to think of amazing desserts. The nation also boasts spectacular sites that are above and above anything else, so this isn’t all it has to offer.
Each year, Europe welcomes millions of tourists from all over the world attracted by its delectable cuisines, cutting-edge fashion, lively culture, and several world-famous attractions.

Without a question, Paris, with its world-class museums, nightlife, and architecture, is the country’s cultural center.
Outside of the city, though, you’ll discover a variety of little villages, castles, illustrious sites, and other magnificent things that rightfully deserve on your bucket list as well.
Famous Landmarks In France That You Should Visit This Year
As you stroll through French streets, be amazed by the magnificent architecture. Let’s see 25 famous landmarks in France, from the man-made Mont Saint-Micheals to side wonders like the Pont du Gard and Mont Blanc.
1. Notre Dame de Paris
One of the most famous landmarks in the French city is Notre Dame de Paris. Originally constructed in the 12th century, the cathedral is renowned for its beautiful architecture and magnificent stained glass windows.
The cathedral was ultimately finished in the 13th century after more than two hundred years of construction. It is one of the famous landmarks in the French capital.
The veil of the Virgin Mary, also known as the “Sancta Camisa,” is revered by numerous pilgrims at the Cathedral. They hold that the Virgin Mary wore this veil while she was giving birth to Jesus Christ.

Millions of tourists visit Notre Dame Cathedral each year, which is often the most famous tourist attraction in France. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
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.
2. Monument Of Napoleon Bonaparte
The “Little Corporal,” or Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, was honored with a monument that was erected and dedicated on August 3, 1840, and is known as a famous landmark in France.

It is one of the famous French landmarks and a significant location in the history of French sculpture. It is dedicated to a man whose thirst for conquest rocked the world. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
3. Laon Citadel Gate
The Laon Citadel gate is a famous French site that is well worth visiting. The historic castle, which was built in the 11th century, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The medieval citadel entrance is a beautiful example of medieval architecture with breathtaking views from the tops of the walls. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Laon Citadel entrance. It is simple to spot the castle because it is situated in the town of Laon. You can quickly reach the citadel if you simply follow the directions.
4. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
On a little island off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint Michel is located. This famous landmark was built in the year 708, and in 1979, it was one of the first structures to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.
From a distance, it appears to be a single spectacular medieval edifice with the Abbey. But when you approach, you’ll see a whole town with preserved medieval architecture.

This amazing location, which is perched on a rock, transforms into an island as the tide comes in, making it an even more amazing sight. The majestic abbey has appeared on several postcards throughout history and is known for its French Gothic architecture.
Climbing to the Abbey is a fantastic opportunity to view this stunning example of medieval construction. You may also go around the ramparts and investigate Grand-Rue, the city’s only street. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
5. Abbey of Fontenay
The oldest Cistercian Abbey in Europe is Abbey de Fontenay, which is located in Burgundy on a canal. The 1118-founded abbey has an area of 1,200 hectares. Prior to being taken during the French Revolution, the Abbey enjoyed a largely tranquil past.
After then, the Abbey was transformed into a paper factory and subsequently a paper mill. The Abbey of Fontenay started the process of being restored to its former splendor in 1906 after industrial activities came to an end.

The location was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, and various films, notably Cyrano de Bergerac, were made there.
The Abbey now contains a modest museum, and daily guided tours are offered from mid-April to mid-November. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
6. Stanislas Gate of Nancy
Located at Place Stanislaus in the historic city of Nancy in Meurthe-et-Moselle, the Stanislas Gate of Nancy is a famous French landmark.
Stanislaus I, the final Polish king, was honoured with the naming of the gate. It is a wonderfully remarkable structure that was constructed in the 18th century.

The gate is built of wrought iron and supported by pillars of sandstone. The gate is interesting because of its exquisite, golden embellishments.
Visitors may look around the gates inside and discover more about its past. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
7. Pont du Gard
Historical significance is crucial for Pont du Gard. It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the whole world and was built between 40 and 60 AD. It is close to the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard in southern France.
The historic bridge serves as a monument to Roman technical excellence. It is 49 metres high and has three levels of arches.

40,000 m3 (8,800,000 imp gal) of water per day was transported by it to nearby residences, fountains, and baths when it served its intended purpose. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
One of the best things is that you can walk over this architectural marvel in addition to appreciating it. In addition to the Pont du Gard, there is an interactive museum on the property and a park where you may hike. The museum provides historical information and a 13-minute film on the Pont du Gard.
8. Arc de Triomphe
At the western end of the Champs-Elysee, at the Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is situated in the midst of one of the world’s most terrifying roundabouts.
This most famous landmark in Europe serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives defending France during the Napoleonic and American Revolutions.
On the arc are written the generals and the names of every French victory. Under the Arc de Triomphe is where the First World War’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located.

Napoleon had the Arc de Triomphe built in 1806. But it wasn’t finished until 1836. Napoleon had already been exiled to Elba at this point. While his remains travelled through the Arc de Triomphe on their route to Les Invalides, he was never able to view it.
The Tour de France ends here each year, and the Bastille Day procession on July 14 begins at its triumphal Arch of Arc de Triomphe. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
9. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, without a doubt France’s most recognizable building and the subject of the vast majority of photographs, leads the list of most famous French landmarks.
Paris’ tallest building is the amazing building that is tucked into the center of Champ de Mars. The height of the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters (1,063 feet).
The Eiffel Tower is built of iron rather than steel and was constructed between 1887 and 1889 by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. The Eiffel Tower was designed to be a focal point of the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.
More than 2 million people visited The Eiffel Tower in its first year of operation because Parisians fell in love with it so rapidly. The tower served as a representation of French innovation and know-how.

Today, The Eiffel Tower receives close to seven million visitors annually. At 276 metres, the Eiffel Tower’s summit is the highest point that may be reached. The second level, approximately 116 metres above, is where the other important vantage point is located.
A summit trip of the famous Eiffel Tower will allow you to go all the way to the top, where you’ll be greeted by sweeping views of the city. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
The Eiffel Tower is normally extremely busy throughout the year, although July and August are the busiest months. Prior to your trip to Paris, we strongly advise purchasing a skip-the-line ticket for the Eiffel Tower.
10. Centre Pompidou, Paris
Another renowned Parisian monument is the Centre Pompidou. It is one of those locations in Paris that you may explore using all sorts of contemporary art.
President Georges Pompidou established the Centre Pompidou as a repository for all forms of modern art. One of the most famous buildings housing contemporary and modern art is the Centre Pompidou.

The Centre Pompidou features a large collection of modern art inside, but one of its primary draws is its peculiar outside style. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
The wiring, plumbing, and other essential building components for the Centre Pompidou are entirely located outside. Because the architectural style is distinctive across the world, this serves to draw in a lot of tourists.
11. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is renowned for being the biggest and most well-known art museum in the entire world. In France’s capital city of Paris, the Musée du Louvre was first established as a palace in 1793.
The most well-known museum of its sort in France is The Louvre Museum, which opened in 1989. (and arguably the world). It records over 10 million visitors annually and the average daily traffic is close to 15,000 individuals.

The Mona Lisa, possibly the most well-known picture in the world, by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the most well-known items in the collection of the Louvre Museum.
One of the most popular pieces of art in the world, the painting has been on exhibit at the Louvre Museum since 1806. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
12. Place de La Concorde
Place de La Concorde, the biggest plaza in Paris is situated between the Champs Elysee and the Tuileries Gardens.
The Place de la Revolution was temporarily given to the plaza during the French Revolution. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were put to death here.

A 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk was erected at Place de La Concorde between 1836 and 1840. Two lovely fountains were erected in the area during this period.
Place de La Concorde, where the Tour de France is being completed, is also the location of the lovely Hotel Crillon. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
13. Chateau de Chenonceau
The Loire Valley is home to more than 300 castles, with Château de Chenonceau, perched on the Cher River, being one of the most stunning.
In addition to its stunning castle, Chenonceau is remarkable for its well-kept gardens and canals. Take a full-day tour to discover the 42 castles that are currently located around the Loire Valley and are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Between 1556 and 1559, the magnificent bridge spanning the Cher River was constructed. This French castle came under Catherine de Medici’s possession in 1559, and she made it her preferred home.
During World War II, the Germans occupied Chenonceau Castle, which both sides of the conflict attacked. 1951 saw the start of its rehabilitation. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
14. Cité de Carcassonne
A walled mediaeval city in southern France is called Cité de Carcassone. It is conveniently accessible by train from Paris and other major French towns. It is situated in the Occitanie area, close to the city of Toulouse.
The Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical monument.

Carcassonne may be visited in a single day, but for a truly memorable experience, you might want to stay the night there. Without the crowds of the day, Carcassonne at night is magnificent. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
The visit to the ramparts, which are dotted with 52 guard towers, is another must-do in Carcassonne. The panoramas are breathtaking from the ramparts’ highest point!
15. La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
When visiting the city of Lyon, make sure to view Pierre Bossan’s La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière.
The Basilica has come to represent Lyon due to its prominent position on a hill above the city. It brings in roughly 2 million visitors yearly.

Like the Sacré Coeur of Montmartre in Paris, the Basilica was built between 1872 and 1884 as a memorial to praise God for their victory over the socialists. This represents eradicating the sins of Modern France. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
The Rosary Gardens, which are located beneath the Basilica, are one of the famous attractions of the landmark. The prayer space was shielded from the city’s bustle by the manner the famous gardens were created.
16. Omaha Beach
The most noteworthy aspect of this beach in Normandy is that it served as the site of several of the pivotal fighting that took place during the renowned Normandy Landings in 1944. Unfortunately, there were a significant number of Allied casualties at the beach, which was in the American sector.
Today, Omaha Beach is home to a museum and military memorial. The Colleville Sur Mer American Cemetery is located behind the beach. The closest town, Bayeux, offers a war museum and further information about the conflict.

Omaha Beach has infrequent bus service. It is advisable to travel there on a tour or in your own vehicle. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
Visits to Normandy, Omaha Beach, and other nearby locations associated with the storied D-Day Normandy Landings are highly advised.
17. Strasbourg Cathedral
The Cathédrale Notre Dame de ( Strasbourg Cathedral ), located in the capital of the Alsace region, is another of France’s most well-known sites.
A great Gothic architectural masterpiece is the Strasbourg Cathedral. The first Romanesque cathedral was built in 1015, but it wasn’t until more than 400 years later that the last component of the current Gothic style was finished.

The facade of the church, which is embellished with embellishments, is one of its most amazing aspects. Its 142-meter spire is also a magnificent feat of architecture.
The cathedral was even the highest structure in the entire Christian world up until the 19th century. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
18. Parc de La Villette, Paris
The third-largest park in Paris, Parc de La Villette, boasts a 35-hectare area and encourages biodiversity. If you refer to the well-known site as a park, you are understating the case because it is more akin to a cultural complex.
The park’s amenities for arts and culture draw millions of visitors each year. One of the highlights of the park is its 26 red “follies,” which were created by architect Bernard Tschumi.
The park’s on-site Science & Industry Museum is another draw. The scientific museum displays exciting science-related exhibits and is the biggest of its kind in Europe. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
I suggest going to Parc de La Villette at night in the summer if you enjoy watching movies. Visitors are welcome to watch outdoor movies on the park’s grass which has a huge screen set up by management throughout the summer.
19. Monument to Human Rights
France’s Monument to Human Rights is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
It was created to honor the French Declaration of Human and Citizen Rights and is situated in the city of Paris.
This monument is a must-see for anybody visiting Paris as it is a significant representation of French history and culture. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
20. Mont Blanc
North-eastern France is home to Mont Blanc, which is a portion of the French and Italian Alps in Chamonix. The translation of the French name is “White Mountain.” It is one of the most famous natural landmarks in France.
With a summit elevation of 4809 meters, Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and one of the most picturesque locations in France, if not the entire globe.

To reach Mount Blanc’s summit, you can take a cable car and experience what it’s like to be in the clouds. As the peak can get quite chilly, make sure you are well dressed. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
The mountain is also ideal for mountaineering, hiking, and other severe activities. Depending on what you wish to do, a day trip to Mont Blanc is ideal. If you choose to hike to the top, guided trips can last anywhere between 8 and 11 days, while shorter climbs can be completed in a single day.
21. Palace of Versailles
One of the most famous landmarks in France is the Palace of Versailles.
It was initially constructed for King Louis XIII as a hunting lodge but was later enlarged and transformed into a palace by his son, King Louis XIV. The palace is renowned for its lavish design and imposing size.

The Palace of Versailles is now both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a well-liked tourist destination. Visitors can take a look at the palace’s numerous rooms and grounds or see performances in its renowned Hall of Mirrors.
The palace is most easily reached by car. The palace has a sizable parking area, and getting there from the Paris expressway is simple. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
22. Sainte-Chapelle, Paris
In the past, Sainte-Chapelle was a revered and significant location in the world. Louis IX gave instructions for its construction in the Gothic architectural style in the second half of the 13th century in an effort to elevate the church to the status of a religious icon in Paris.
In contrast to Notre Dame Cathedral, the chapel was constructed in just seven years. It has grown to be one of France’s most famous monuments, largely as a result of its stained glass collection.

The chapel’s stained glass collection is shown in 15 windows that together depict 1,113 scenes from the Bible’s new and old testaments.
When you have the chance to see an exceptional work of art, it is definitely overwhelming. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
23. Moulin Rouge
The most well-known cabaret in Paris, France, The Moulin Rouge, became well-known through literature and film.
It was founded in the city’s infamous red-light district, Pigalle, which is located in the neighbourhood.

The cabaret is renowned for being the home of the Moulin Rouge performances and the French can-can dance. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
The Moulin Rouge is a well-known tourist destination in Paris and is frequently recommended as a must-see for tourists. The cabaret offers a variety of performances that are likely to amuse guests of all ages.
24. Millau Viaduct
A well-known sight in the south of France is the Millau Viaduct. In the town of Millau, the astounding cable-supported bridge spans the Tarn Valley. Engineers Michel Virlogeux and Norman Foster created this 2.5 kilometre marvel of contemporary engineering in 2004.
Due to the village’s main route passing through the Mediterranean Sea, there has always been a lot of summertime traffic. On our previous visit, when travelling through the town, we were forced to spend hours in traffic.

But as soon as we crossed this magnificent bridge, time seemed to fly by far too rapidly. The views from the bridge and the bridge itself are some of the best in all of France.
You may reach the Millau Viaduct quickly by travelling along the A75 freeway. Take the exit for the bridge when you come to the Millau junction, then follow the directions. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
25. Palais des Papes
In Avignon, France, there is a lovely old palace called the Palais des Papes.
It was once a fortification and the papal residence, but by the 14th century, it had become the centre of Christianity in Europe.

During this time, there was a quick succession of popes, starting with Benedict XII, who was elected at the Palais des Papes in 1334, followed by Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, and Urban V in 1362. It is one of the famous landmarks in France.
Final Remark
There are plenty of additional famous landmarks in France that weren’t included on this list. From the Dune du Pilat, the Parc National des Calanques, to the Château de Fontainebleau, the City of Carcassonne, and the Arena of Nîmes.
https://youtu.be/dw8wZNFvCK8
France is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world due to its stunning landscape, which is rich in culture and history, as well as its abundance of incredible landmarks.
Last Updated on July 15, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty