TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN FRANCE

From the last 20 years, France has topped the list of world’s most popular tourist destinations as it welcomes millions of tourists every year. Located in the Western Europe, France is a beautiful country famous for its culture, wines, cuisine, castles, and charming countryside. The French people call their country as a ‘Hexagon’ as it is roughly six sided. It shares its borders with Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium and has the United Kingdom across the straits of Dover.

As a leading travel destination, France has Europe’s second busiest airport – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, in addition to dozens of other airports with international connectivity. The tourism industry of France has managed to sustain and develop because of its tourism infrastructure. With numerous hotels, campsites, holiday cottages, modern rail network and a fine system of motorways that links all the towns and cities in France makes the stay of its visitors very pleasurable and convenient.

In addition to the famous capital city of Paris, there are various other cultured cities and best places to explore in the diverse country of France. Here is the list of top 10 such places.

1. PARIS

Paris is the capital city of France and attracts the largest concentration of tourists in the country. Nicknamed as the City of Fashion, City of Lights, and City of Love, Paris is home to some of the most famous monuments, museums, and finest designer names. Eiffel Tower is the city’s most iconic landmarks along with Disneyland, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Versailles Palace. The incredible architecture, unparalleled shopping and dining scenes, and one of the most famous nightlife experiences pull tourists from around the world and have made it one of the most famous places in the entire Europe.

2. MARSEILLE

Europe’s oldest and France’s second largest city Marseille was the former European capital of culture. It is a working city with several industries and universities and hosts the largest number of opera houses and theatres, the most famous one being Theatre Toursky. As a thriving regional centre of arts and culture, Marseille is a home to various art galleries, historic buildings and museums including Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, La Vielle Charite, Abbaye Saint-Victor, and MuCEM. Swimming, boating and hiking around the rocky cliffs and secluded beaches of Marseille are some of the activities that visitors can engage in.

3. BORDEAUX

Bordeaux is a great port city that is a popular stop-over for cruise liners. It is considered as one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world. The city is also famous for its 18th century architecture and street culture at the riverside. Visitors are attracted towards Bordeaux because of the exceptional museums, art galleries, vintage mansions, spectacular cafes, fine dining scenes with incredible wine, and enthralling food trucks. Some of the key tourist attractions are Le Grand Theatre, Cathedrale Saint-Andre, Place de la Bourse, and Basilique Saint-Michel. It is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate one’s soul by experiencing the beauty of nature and stunning sunset.

4. FRENCH RIVIERA

Beginning from the Saint-Tropez and extending all the way to the Menton, French Riviera is a glamorous stretch located on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most crowded summer vacation destinations because of the deep azure-blue waters and clear skies with summer weather most of the year. In addition to various well-known tourist destinations such as Eze, Saint-Paul de Vence, and La Colline du Chateau, the Riviera is also famous for the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, St. Tropez, and Monaco.

5. MONT SAINT-MICHEL

Located in Normandy, the beautiful island of Mont Saint-Michel is rising above the sea and looks like a castle in the fairy tale. It was built by devoted monks in 708 AD since then, it has been an important religious and educational site for European intellectuals and Christian pilgrims. It is popularly known as ‘The Heavenly Jerusalem’ and ‘The Pyramid of the Seas’. Mont Saint-Michel is one of the first monuments to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can experience breath-taking scenic views by touring around and wandering its surrounding streets.

6. STRASBOURG

Strasbourg is the jewel of Alsace and is one of the most historic cities of Europe. It offers the perfect mix of German and French cultures as it is located on the border of Germany and France. This city serves as seat for the European Parliament. The Gothic-style Strasbourg Cathedral is the centre of attraction in the city as it features intricate cravings, pink sandstone, and a 300-year old astrological clock. Some other tourist attractions are Museum of Modern Art, Quartier des Tanneurs, and Maison Kammerzell. Strasbourg is a must-visit for food lovers as it offers great beer, wine and cuisine with flavours of both Germany and France.

7. TOULOUSE

Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ of France, Toulouse is located in the heart of southwest France. It is a compact city that stands between Canal du Midi and the river Garonne. Museums, historic churches, canal banks and river banks, old streets, cafes, restaurant, and boutiques offer plenty of opportunities to its visitors for spending quality time in the city. Foundation Bemberg, Museum d’histoire Naturelle, Basilique Saint Sernin, and Pont Neuf are some of the best tourist attractions in the city of Toulouse.

8. LOIRE VALLEY

Situated along the Loire River in the Central France, the Loire Valley is a lush green forested landscape filled with magnificent castles. It offers fairy tale like scenery views and is the perfect destination to escape for a romantic vacation. Stretching for 280 kilometres, the Loire Valley is the UNESCO listed site in France and showcases an incredibly rich culture and heritage. Parc Mini-Châteaux comprising of kid-sized castles is the perfect destination for families and kids. In addition to this, Château de Chambord is also a famous tourist attraction in the Valley.

9. CHAMPAGNE

Champagne is one of the most iconic spots in France and is the region from which the delicious wines, that are famous worldwide, have derived their name from.  Apart from this, the region also has some beautiful villages and towns that give the experience of medieval past to visitors. Troyes is a key attraction that comprises of traditional timbered buildings, medieval architecture, and historic churches. Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, is famous for the breath-taking Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims that witnessed the crowning of Kings of France. For those who wish to spend their vacation with peace and calmness, Champagne is the perfect destination for them.

10. FRENCH ALPS

French Alps is the perfect location for nature-lovers as visitors can witness the scenic beauty of awe-aspiring mountains, crystal clear lakes, pristine dense forests, and rushing waterfalls. At the base of the Alps sit various charming villages that add to its beauty and offer places for tourists to unwind after spending the day on the slopes and trails. Skiing, hiking, biking, and snowboarding are some of the outdoor activities that can be experienced at the Alps. Chamonix, Portes du Soleil, and Val d’lsere are some of the ski resorts that offer a lively ambiance to its guests.

The beauty and diversity of France has undoubtedly attracted the attention of tourists around the world. With millions of tourists visiting France every year, the tourism industry has emerged as a major industry in France that puts extreme efforts to ensure a welcoming and comfortable experience for its visitors. If you also want to spend your vacation in France, contact us for hassle-free visa approvals.