Travelling is one of the top reigning desirable experiences for adults, especially these days with social media showing us all the amazing things around the world. We simply can’t wait to satiate our #wanderlust! The world is full of incredible views and equally incredible adventures!
Some nations are well-known for their scenic appeal while others are more notable for their architecture. But there are only a few rare countries that offer a perfect balance of both natural and man-made enrichment.
France is one such epitome of rare beauty that you must visit at least once in your lifetime!
It’s more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; there is intrigue, history, art, and more hidden all across the breathtaking country of France.
As you will start learning about France's history and the French Empire, you will realize how the ancient rulers have left their mark on the design and architectural beauty of the nation. After all, there is a reason why France tourism is one of the most luxurious tourist attractions of all time!
What are the top places to visit in France in this modern age? Read on to find out!
#5: Alsace
This area of France showcases what happens when you mix two cultures together: French and German.
This overlooked region is actually an extremely charming area ready to welcome you into its quaint and inviting villages.
The capital of the region, Strasbourg, is host to the sixth-tallest church in the world: Cathédrale de Strasbourg. It began construction in 1015 and wasn’t completed until 1439!
Come by in December to see the picturesque towns filled with Christmas markets. Nearby, there are dozens of idyllic villages, including Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, which inspired the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast movie.
Not to mention, you can participate in a wine tour and sample local fare like flammeküeche and Mauricettes!
#4 Brittany
View breathtaking coastlines, marvel at incredible Carnac stones, and explore local lore in towns that look frozen in time.
The Brittany region of France (Bretagne in French) is one large peninsula, meaning it has over 2,860 km of coastline (about a third of France’s total coastline!).
In Brittany, you can find more adorable villages like Alsace, and you will also find unique things like Merlin’s Tomb in the Brocéliande Forest, interesting sea life, the Pink Granite Coast, and dozens of castles and churches.
Saint-Malo in particular is a great little seaside town to visit due to its local charm and scenic views.
You’ll also be quite close to the amazing Mont Saint-Michel castle!
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#3 Menton
Known as The Pearl of France, Menton is close to other well-known cities on the French Riviera but is off the beaten path enough to be a more enjoyable experience than overcrowded places like Monaco and Nice.
Here, you can find all the scenic beauty and weather of the Meditteranean mixed with the unique French/Italian architecture and atmosphere. The incredible views are only enhanced by the sight of the snow-capped Alps in the background!
It’s right on the border of Italy, so you’ll be able to enjoy aspects of both French and Italian culture.
Menton is known for its abundance of lemons, so make sure you check out all the local lemon products available, and if you’re visiting in February, you can even attend Fête du Citron!
Stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy the warm beaches in this lesser-known French vacation hotspot.
#2 Ax-le-Thermes
Situated in the Pyrenees, making it an ideal destination for getting in touch with nature and exploring the outdoors.
Ski in one of the nearby resorts in the winter, and check out the Natural Reserve of the Orlu Valley as well as other hiking trails to enjoy all the natural beauty in the region.
You can find dozens of lakes, waterfalls, and even caves at Grotte de Lombrives.
And of course, you can’t miss the hot springs spa! You can bathe in the open air ‘Bassin des Ladres’ and soak up the therapeutic water’s healing properties. The springs have been used as a medical treatment for at least 750 years. Historically, it was used to help lepers recover, but since the Crusades, the soothing waters have been used as a tool to help with respiratory issues and rheumatism. Plus, it just feels good!
The town itself is quiet and unassuming, the perfect getaway if you’re not into city life!
#1 Loire Valley
This region, known as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France is home to an abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards, and artichoke and asparagus fields.
The region is so full of history and agriculture that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
You’ll never run out of things to do in this fertile valley; it boasts 22 chateaux in just the UNESCO site and more than 300 in total! You can also find countless wine tours and tastings, museums galore, experience Da Vinci’s prototypes at Le Clos Lucé, dine inside of a cave at La Cave aux Fouées, and ride the 12-meter tall Grand Elephant of Nantes, among other exciting attractions.
Enjoy the quaint cities and towns as well as the natural beauty and solitude away from the hustle and bustle.
This region is so enormous, there is something for everyone, and you can spend a lot of time here without ever repeating the same activity twice.
The Val de Loire encompasses many towns, including:
- Nantes
- Angers
- Saumur
- Tours
- Amboise
- Blois
- Orleans
- Sully-sur-Loire
- Nevers
- Chinon
- Montreuil-Bellay
- Beaugency
- Langeais
- Loches
- Vendome
You’ll surely not be disappointed with a beautiful trip to the Loire Valley.
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Best Monuments to Visit in France
Looking for specific monuments to visit?
Here are the top interesting, fun, historical, and beautiful monuments you can find in France.
Eiffel Tower
Of course, you can’t miss La Tour Eiffel! Is there really much more that needs to be said about this iconic tower?
View it up close and take a ride up to any of the levels to see a bird’s eye view of the city. Take in the spectacle of the light show in the evenings from various viewpoints in the city. Overall, you can’t go wrong when you take the time to see this historic work of art.
Palace of Versailles
Home to royalty for about a century, this immaculate chateau gives you a bit of an idea of the pure opulence of French royalty in the 17th century. And, you can better understand why the people of France held their Revolution in 1789.
The exterior, interior, and gardens are sure to astound! The amount of history held in this one location is hard to comprehend, but when you walk the same route as countless past historical figures, you can feel the importance of the castle.
“How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?” ―
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a beautifully hand-carved monument that is in the middle of Place de l’Étoile. It was built to honor the French Imperial Army under the rule of Napoleon I.
Make sure you take the underground walkway if you plan on going to the Arc! You can’t safely cross the enormous traffic circle surrounding the site.
Palais du Louvre
Palais du Louvre is the world’s largest museum, and it also ranks as one of the most majestic and breathtaking palaces in Europe. In the French Empire, this palace was the home to the kings of France. As it turned into a museum, it displays as many as 38,000 pieces of art including the last remains of the medieval foundations.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the jewels of Gothic architecture. However, the unfortunate fire that occurred in April 2019 changed the face and structure of the church.
It has since been undergoing restoration and should be open for tourism on 8 December 2024!
“The French air cleans up the brain and does good – a world of good.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Sacré-Cœur Basilica is situated atop the Montmartre mountain in France. Some people claim that this church resembles the Taj Mahal in many ways, especially because of its Romanesque Byzantine style and white decor.
Bring a picnic lunch with you and lounge on the beautiful grassy hill overlooking the city as you dive into your baguette.
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Honorable Mentions
We don’t have time to go into detail on these particular attractions in France, however, no list would be complete if we didn’t at least mention them!
If you have the ability to visit any of these sites during your French voyage, you will surely be glad you did!
- Pont Neuf
- Pont des Arts
- Opera Garnier
- Palais du Luxembourg
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- Musée d’Orsay
- Provence
- Dune du Pilat
- Lyon
- Cliffs of Etretat
- Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
- Verdon Regional Park
- Corsica
- The Ochre Trail in Roussillon
- Gouffre de Padirac (Padirac Chasm)
- Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park
- Les Machines de l’Ile
- Lascaux IV
Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
Paris will host the XXXIII Olympic Summer Games, from 26 July to 11 August 2024. You can experience the city while it hosts the historic competition, it will be a spectacle as they host for the first time in 100 years.
Paris is also hosting the prestigious Paralympics Games in 2024. The historic city will get a chance to show its rich heritage to the rest of the world.
Olympic Torch Relay Route
The Olympic Torch Relay typically involves the torch being lit in Olympia, Greece and showcases the most historic sites in France.
Dates: 8th May to 26th July 2024.
Tips for Your Visit to France
Want to enjoy your trip to France as much as possible?
Ensure you consider these tips to have a fun, easy, and exciting getaway in l’Hexagone.
Brush up on History
Take some time to learn about the general history of the places you’re going to be visiting. It’s not crucial, but having a little context helps enhance your appreciation for the history that happened right beneath your feet!
Learn Essential Phrases
As with a trip to any country that speaks a language different from your own, you’ll need to arm yourself with at least the basics. Try to remember these vital phrases:
- Bonjour - Hello
- Merci - Thank you
- Je ne parle/comprends pas français - I do not speak/understand French
- Parle un peu plus lentement, s’il vous plaît - Please speak a little slower
- Répetez s'il-vous-plait - Please repeat what you said
- Pouvez-vous m'aider - Can you help me?
Another good thing to know is that anytime you see “SVP” written, it means “S’il vous plaît” aka “Please.”
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Have a Goal in Mind
Do you want to see manmade monuments? Natural wonders? Experience the city? Relax at the beach? Wander around to your heart’s content or stick to a strict schedule? Make sure your plans align with your goals for maximum enjoyment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
No matter where you go in your French adventures, you will likely be walking… a lot. Make sure you bring some comfortable walking shoes that don’t make you chafe!
Download Maps
Unless you have a SIM card on your phone that gives you access to the internet, you’ll likely be relying on the wifi you find at your hotel or restaurants. And if you’re exploring out of a dense city, you might have a hard time finding somewhere with wifi.
Download the maps of the places you will be before you get there to make sure you never get (too) lost.
Beware of Scams
Anytime there are tourists, there are scammers hoping to take advantage of them. Do your research about popular scams in the areas you’re going. In general, don’t allow anyone to tie a string on your wrist, and always keep your possessions in a zipped pocket in crowded places.
Are you ready to experience France? I hope you’ve got your route planned out and your bags packed! France is one of the most popular travel destinations for good reason! You will definitely have a fantastic trip!
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