Tourist Attractions in France – France is a gorgeous country with many beautiful sights. You can see fairy-tale castles and glorious cathedrals, or modern buildings and fast train transit. France offers visitors the best of both worlds.
The U.N. World Tourism Organization’s data shows that France is the No. 1 country in the world for tourism. It attracts 81 million foreign visitors every year. In France, there are many world-class attractions, including Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, Bordeaux, and many others. France is also known for its climate and beaches. The most popular attractions in France are as follows:
Tourist Attractions in France
As you travel to France, you will be able to see and do some of the best things. This list of top attractions in France shows you the most exciting things to do while there.
Read also:
1. Millau Bridge
In 2004, the Millau bridge opened, becoming the tallest bridge in the world. It spans the River Tarn in southern France and is considered one of France’s greatest engineering feats. The bridge has four lanes and is 343 meters (1,125 feet) tall.
2. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a masterpiece of engineering. Gustave Eiffel created the structure to be used as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair in 1889. The original design was to tear it down in 1909, but it has since become a beloved and irreplaceable part of the Paris skyline.
The Eiffel Tower is a marvel of structural engineering. Visitors are wowed by its gracefulness, which earned it the nickname “Iron Lady.” The tower’s airiness and the breathtaking panoramas at each level amaze even the most jaded tourist.
There are two levels of dining at the Eiffel Tower. At the first level, you can eat with a view. On the second level, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant. The top level is the most thrilling and offers a panoramic view of Paris from a height of 276 meters (906 feet). On a clear day, you can see as far as 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.
3. Etretat Cliffs
Étretat Cliffs is just like England’s White Cliffs of Dover — except in France. In Upper Normandy, Étretat Cliffs are tall and white with arches that jut into the English Channel. This village has been a draw for artists for centuries, including Claude Monet and Guy de Maupassant.
4. Mont Saint-Michel
A rocky islet in the middle of the sea, Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO heritage site. It’s known for its beauty, as well as the imposing walls and bastions that surround it. Rising dramatically from the Normandy coast, this “Pyramid of the Seas” is one of France’s most striking landmarks.
The most popular tourist attraction in France, Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is a Gothic masterpiece that boasts soaring spires. The church is a sight to behold with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.
The Abbey Church at Mont Saint-Michel has been a pilgrimage destination since the 11th century. It is a symbol of Christianity and the Heavenly Jerusalem, representing the link between Heaven and Earth. Millions of tourists still come to Mont Saint-Michel every year to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who crossed the bay by foot in the Middle Ages.
5. Provence
Provence is a magical place that attracts many tourists. It is a dreamy landscape with rolling hills, olive groves, deep purple lavender fields, and little villages perched on rocky outcrops. Famous artists have been inspired by this vibrant scenery, such as Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.
Provence is a region in the south of France with a long history. The countryside is dotted with small villages, each with its own charm. A particular attraction of Provence is the promenades that wind between flowery meadows and vineyards, leading to gourmet restaurants. The region’s life revolves around leisurely activities; people go out for walks and spend time on sunny terraces.
Provence is famous for its Mediterranean cuisine, which is based on olives, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. However, tourists must choose wisely when eating out in Provence. There are a variety of establishments to choose from, from family-run bistros to Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants.
Aix-en-Provence is a quintessential Provençal town, with colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France. Avignon is a medieval city home to the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes. And Arles has fascinating ancient ruins and traditional festivals.
Even tiny villages are filled with amazing history. No matter where you live, you can find places with a quaint ambience that will give you a true taste of French culture.
6. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The French Alps are home to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. At 4,810 meters, this is one of the best places to view the Alps’ snowy peaks. If you’re looking for a truly memorable sight, you must see Mont Blanc.
In the shadow of a majestic peak lies the traditional alpine village of Chamonix. The quaint little town is filled with historic churches and traditional Swiss restaurants.
The charming village of Chamonix is a great base for an array of outdoor activities. It is one of the best places to visit in France for its natural scenery and alpine accommodations. Luxuriant mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.
Savoyard restaurants serve traditional French dishes and international cuisine. Savoyard specialties include charcuterie, fondue, and raclette (melted cheese served with boiled potatoes).
7. Le Puy-en-Velay
A famous city in southern France is Le Puy-en-Velay. The cathedral, a shrine to the Virgin Mary atop Mons Anicius, has attracted pilgrims from before the Middle Ages. Notre Dame Cathedral is the most popular tourist attraction. The visitors might also want to try Verveine, green liquor flavored with verbena.
8. St Tropez
St. Tropez is a resort town on the French Riviera. It once was a military stronghold, fishing village, and artist colony. Now it is a playground for the rich and famous. There are lots of famous people who visit St-Tropez, but it’s also popular with average people who come for the beaches and water sports. This place is a great place to relax, even when there aren’t many celebrities around. If you visit outside of peak season, you can appreciate how this place attracts artists, writers and filmmakers.
9. Dune of Pyla
The Dune of Pyla is the tallest sand dune in Europe and is located in a picturesque bay near Bordeaux. It is moving 4.5 meters per year, swallowing trees, roads, and even a hotel. When you reach the top of the dune, you will see the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a forest on the other.
10. Palace of Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a royal chateau located less than 40 miles (65 km) from central Paris. Built in the 12th century, it was the former hunting lodge of French kings. It was here that Napoleon abdicated his emperorship before being exiled to Elba. Stuffed with ornate buildings and ornate interiors, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. Carcassonne
One of the world’s most beautiful cities is Carcassonne, a fortified city in Languedoc-Roussillon, France. It dates back roughly 2,500 years. At first it was an independent city, then it became part of France in the 1300s. In the 19th century it was restored to become a popular tourist attraction.
12. Brittany
Brittany is a beautiful historic region in France. This ancient region is famous for its traditional festivals and wonderful seaports. It is a rugged coastline with adorable fishing villages.
Brittany is a mystical land and a place of Celtic legend. It’s home to a local dialect related to Gaelic and delicious cuisine that’s best known for its buckwheat crêpes and dessert crêpes.
The most classic Breton port is Saint-Malo, surrounded by ancient walls. Quimper is a picture-perfect town with handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a stunning château and is where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants.
Brittany has a lot of beautiful islands. One is called Belle-Île-en-Mer. It’s famous for its serene beaches and tiny, remote islands. It’s connected to the mainland by ferry boats that run from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes.
13. Musée du Louvre
In a magnificent palace, the Louvre Museum is home to some of the most famous artworks in Western civilization. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the Venus de Milo sculpture by Praxiteles are just three of the many famous works found here.
The Louvre is a museum that houses many famous pieces of art. The most famous of these are pieces that were donated by various kings. Other works were acquired via treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I.
The Louvre contains over 35,000 pieces of art. You won’t be able to see everything in a day or even a week. Don’t just walk through the museum. Talk to an expert who can give you a personalized tour of the most important or interesting artworks.
14. Côte d’Azur
The most fashionable stretch of coastline in France is the Côte d’Azur. It extends from Saint-Tropez to Menton, near the border with Italy. The name translates to “Coast of Blue,” a fitting description for the Mediterranean’s mesmerizing cerulean waters.
This glamorous seaside destination is known as the French Riviera to English-speaking tourists. The sun-drenched decadence of this place is immediately evoked by the words “French Riviera.”
During the summer, the seaside resorts are packed with people from all over the world. The rich and famous also flock to these luxury locations, staying in their extravagant residences or cruising on their luxurious yachts. I particularly love Nice because it has a stunning coastline and many beautiful museums. Cannes is famous for its film festival and glitzy boutiques.
The best sandy beaches are in Antibes, which also has an atmospheric Old Town and superb museums. Saint-Tropez is a beautiful fishing village in southern France. It offers public and private beaches, which are famous for their white sand and turquoise water. Monaco is a tiny independent city-state in the south of France. It’s famous for its exclusive atmosphere and stunning scenery.
15. Disneyland, Paris
Disneyland is an entertainment resort in Paris that opened in 1992. It has been visited more than 275 million times, making it one of the most popular attractions in Paris. Disneyland covers 4800 acres and includes two theme parks, a shopping and entertainment section, and many resorts.
More than 60 rides, shops, and restaurants. There are 5,800 hotel rooms and 57 rides in this park. The most popular ride is Pirates of the Caribbean. Based on the movie of the same name, it attracted 6.7 million visitors in 2011.