France has always been a favorite tourist destination and is now the most visited country in the world, with nearly 90 million international tourists in 2018 alone! While many know France for its fine wine and the Eiffel Tower, there’s so much more to explore.
France is a vast country with 18 regions and numerous sites of cultural interest. It boasts 37 sites listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. From stunning beaches and great resorts to mountains, rolling hills, vineyards, castles, and cathedrals, there’s something for everyone.
Since it’s nearly impossible to cover all the best places in France, we’ve picked some of our top favorites for you to consider.
Paris remains incredibly popular among tourists and is often seen as an elegant and romantic city. Despite being super touristy, it should undoubtedly be on your list. Paris has a certain magic with its cute cafes, the Seine River, and its fashion scene. The French capital is rich in monuments, art galleries, and museums, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, which are must-visit spots. Don’t miss Montmartre, an authentic neighborhood surrounding a hill, known for its cobbled streets, street artists, and beautiful basilica.
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is a sunny holiday destination in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It’s famous for its pristine beaches and yacht-filled harbors. Resorts like Saint-Tropez and Cannes, as well as Monaco, offer a glamorous experience. But there’s more to discover, like the picturesque coastal villages and historic monuments. Be sure to visit Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, and Menton, a charming seaside town. Explore the Old Town of Nice and see Antibes, the walled city by the sea.
Normandy, in northern France, offers diverse, unspoiled landscapes. It’s known for the medieval island of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of France’s most visited monuments. The region also showcases a breathtaking coastline with white chalk cliffs, such as those in Etretat. Don’t miss the rugged cliffs on the Cotentin Peninsula, with its long sandy beaches. Normandy is also famous for its cider, in contrast to the wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Bordeaux is renowned as the world’s largest fine wine region, particularly for its red wines. French winemaking dates back to pre-Roman times, and today France is the leading wine producer by volume. A guided winery tour and wine tasting in Bordeaux is a fantastic experience. The historic part of Bordeaux is also a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting.
Burgundy is another popular wine region known for its rolling hills and medieval castles, or chateaus. The peaceful villages here are perfect for a tranquil getaway. Renting a room in an old chateau can offer a serene experience away from the bustling cities.
The Loire Valley is one of France’s most beautiful regions, famous for its fairy tale chateaus and lush landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a favorite of French kings who built extravagant retreats here. Noteworthy chateaus include Chateau de Saumur, Chateau de Chambord, and Chateau de Chenonceau, among others.
For nature lovers, Chamonix is a must-visit. This resort town at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, is famous for its skiing and stunning mountain views. Throughout the year, cable cars take visitors to nearby peaks with breathtaking vistas. Besides skiing, Chamonix is great for hiking, rock climbing, and paragliding.