Bonjour! Are you planning to visit France soon? With its picturesque countryside, romantic cities, historical landmarks, and world-famous culinary scene, France is undoubtedly one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. From the stunning coastline of the French Riviera, the majestic chateaux of the Loire Valley, to the urban chic of Paris, there are countless destinations waiting to be explored. In this travel guide, we have curated the best 20 must-see France destinations that will convince you to book your next trip to this enchanting country.
- Paris: No France travel itinerary is complete without visiting the city of love and lights – Paris. From the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre Museum to Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris is filled with iconic landmarks, galleries, museums, and delicious cuisine.
- Nice: Nestled along the French Riviera, Nice is a picturesque coastal city that offers a refreshing mix of sandy beaches, charming old town, museums, and art galleries.
- Versailles Palace: The Palace of Versailles is a grandiose symbol of French royalty and power, offering a glimpse into its opulent lifestyle and culture. Explore its exquisite gardens, fountains and outdoor sculptures that depict various Greek mythology stories.
- French Riviera: The French Riviera offers glamorous resorts like St. Tropez, Cannes and Monaco where you can relish in the Mediterranean experience. The French Riviera, with mesmerizing villas, luxury yachts and white sandy beaches is sure to fascinate you.
- Bordeaux: Known worldwide for their mouth-watering wines, this city has plenty of exceptional vineyards and wineries to explore. The city’s downtown districts are also attractive and magnificent, with beautifully restored 18th-century mansions and public gardens.
- Mont Saint Michel: This UNESCO world heritage site located in Normandy, is undoubtedly a France symbol. Located on an island, Mont Saint Michel has a rich history dating back to the 8th century and is a must-visit landmark when you’re in France.
- Lyon: Located in the south-east region of France, Lyon is a city of gastronomic delight. It’s a great place to experience culture, with a plethora of museums, galleries and cultural activities, while offering an authentic French vibe and a truly historic backdrop.
- Champagne: The Champagne region is home to some of France’s most celebrated vineyards. Experience the authentic bubbly flavorexplore the champagne cellars and enjoy the scenic drive across the region.
- Toulouse: Known as the Pink City due to the red-brick buildings, Toulouse offers a blend of historic and modern vibes, with a rich artistic culture via landmarks, theaters and cinemas. Taste Toulouse’s trademark dish, cassoulet – a hearty bean and meat casserole.
- Carcassonne: Located in the south of France, this iconic medieval fortress town offers a unique glimpse into the past. Don’t miss it as you leave the region of Toulouse.
- Loire Valley: The Loire Valley has a remarkable collection of grand castles, historic estates, and enchanting gardens. This is an area known for wine production and also has striking landscapes, with countryside settings, rivers, charming towns, and picturesque alleyways.
- Burgundy: Burgundy is an exquisitely preserved region of sophisticated history, which has famously been associated with wine and gastronomy for centuries. Home to fields of lavender, mustard, and sunflowers, Burgundy offers a rich experience of dramatic landscapes and charming countryside settings.
- Strasbourg: Located near the German border, Strasbourg is one of the most attractive cities in France. The city features a unique blend of German and French architecture and traditions, with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire.
- Marseille: France’s second-largest city, Marseille offers a unique blend of ancient history, culture and stunning coastal views. The Old Port is a lively hub, with countless bars and restaurants serving delicious seafood.
- Annecy: Positioned in the southeast corner of France, Annecy is a charming lakeside town on the edge of the French Alps offering a picturesque setting with dramatic snow-capped mountainous scenery, castles, and historic buildings.
- Dordogne: Dordogne is known for its prehistoric painted caves and ancient castles, and is an idyllic area for sightseeing. The slow pace of the French countryside with delicacy and culinary delights celebrated among both locals and tourists.
- Île de Ré: The Island of Ré is a picturesque location off the west coast of France, known for its fine beaches and quiet little villages with pastel colored houses which make for a vibrant photography opportunity. It’s also a great cycling destination, with a network of bike paths around the island.
- Biarritz: Located along the Atlantic coast, Biarritz is a vibrant city with a unique blend of French and Basque cultures. Famous for its surf scene and sandy beaches, Biarritz is a fun destination to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
- Normandy: Normandy offers a diverse range of experiences, including unique history, extraordinary fine dining, and art galleries worth exploring. It’s also home to several World War II historical landmarks and memorials.
- Rouen: Rouen is a city rich in history, with an impressive and well-preserved medieval center with a famous half-timbered architecture. The city has many iconic landmarks, including the famous cathedral, museums, and galleries.
Conclusion:
Undoubtedly, France is a cultural treasure trove of endless destinations. From iconic cities filled with art, history, fashion and food, to scenic rural villages with incredible landscapes, the combination of French style, history and charm is sure to leave you with lifelong memories. This list of the 20 must-see destinations will give you a glimpse of what France has to offer, but there is so much more to see and experience in this captivating country. So pack your bags, and let’s hit the road to discover these unforgettable destinations. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!