France, a country that needs no introduction. Known for its romantic allure and almost enviable lifestyle, this European gem offers a feast for the senses. From the snow-capped Alps to its sprawling 4000+ km coastline, France serves up diverse landscapes that rival its vibrant cities. Often dubbed l'héxagone for its distinct shape, it's a land where culinary delights, world-class wines, and heavenly pastries reign supreme.
Whether you're wandering through quaint villages or soaking in the Parisian atmosphere, France never fails to impress. It's no wonder that for many, visiting France is the ultimate European dream. While one trip barely scratches the surface, let's explore the must-see spots for your French adventure!
Why you must visit France
1. Culinary Excellence
France's culinary scene is a UNESCO-recognized treasure. From Michelin-starred restaurants like Jules Verne to cozy bistros, French cuisine celebrates fresh, local ingredients and stunning presentation.
2. Iconic Châteaux and historical tours
France boasts an impressive array of castles and palaces, each telling a unique story of the country's rich history. From the majestic Château de Versailles to the fairytale-like Château de Chambord, these castles offer a glimpse into France's royal past.
3. Stunning natural landscape
France's diverse landscapes offer something for every nature lover. From the rugged cliffs of Normandy to the lavender fields of Provence, the country's natural beauty is simply breathtaking. The French Alps provide world-class skiing and hiking opportunities, while the Mediterranean coast boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
4. Rich Artistic Heritage
France has long been a haven for artists, inspiring countless masterpieces. From the Louvre's vast collection to Monet's gardens in Giverny, art enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise. As the birthplace of Impressionism and home to countless renowned artists, the country's museums, galleries, and historic sites showcase works from various periods and styles.
5. Love and Romance
France, particularly Paris, is synonymous with romance. The City of Love offers countless opportunities for couples to create unforgettable memories, from intimate dinners in charming bistros to moonlit walks along the Seine. Beyond Paris, the picturesque villages of Provence and the enchanting castles of the Loire Valley offer idyllic settings for couples.
Popular places to visit in France
1. Paris
Best for: couples, art, fashion
Paris, the City of Light, dazzles with its iconic landmarks and artistic soul. Stroll along the Seine, marvel at the Eiffel Tower's iron lace, and lose yourself in the Louvre's treasure trove of masterpieces. From the bohemian charm of Montmartre to the chic boutiques of Le Marais, Paris is a feast for the senses. Indulge in flaky croissants at corner boulangeries, sip espresso at sidewalk cafés, and savor haute cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants. Art lovers can trace the footsteps of Picasso and Monet, while fashionistas can splurge on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Don't miss the opulent Palace of Versailles, where history whispers through gilded halls. As Audrey Hepburn once said, "Paris is always a good idea" – and we couldn't agree more!
Must-visit attractions: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, Arc du Triomphe
How long to spend here: Plan to spend 5 days to truly savor Paris’ essence. However, if the City of Light is just one stop on your French adventure then 3 days will suffice to marvel at its iconic sights.
2. Lyon
Best for: family, food market
Lyon is a gastronomic wonderland that boasts over 4,300 eateries, including 21 Michelin-starred gems. Wander through Vieux Lyon's secret passageways that once protected silk workers from prying eyes. Ascending to the top of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a popular activity here just for the views. The city's Roman roots and medieval charm come alive in Renaissance-era neighborhoods, their cobblestone streets whispering tales of bygone eras. Make sure you try some Lyonnaise specialties at a cozy bouchon – trust us, your taste buds will thank you. For a family adventure, a visit to the vast Parc de la Tête d'Or is a must or explore European art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. And if you're lucky enough to visit in December, prepare to be dazzled by the magical Festival of Lights.
Must-visit attractions: Golden Head Park, Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Théâtre Gallo Romain
How long to spend here: Lyon has a lot of attractions to see so plan for at least 3-4 days to fully experience the city.
3. Toulouse
Best for: beaches, outdoor activities
Toulouse, the "Pink City," is known for its rosy terracotta buildings and aerospace prowess. It’s also the Aerospace capital of Europe and home to the Cité de l'Espace where you can explore interactive exhibits and full-scale spacecraft models. Canal du Midi is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll among centuries-old plane trees. Being a university town you’ll see a vibrant atmosphere with affordable dining options and lively bars. You must try the cassoulet at one of its many bustling bistros and then join locals for an apéro at Place Saint-Georges. Don't miss the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin, its octagonal bell tower a beacon of Toulouse's rich history.
Must-visit attractions: Pont Neuf, Halle de la Machine, Pierre-Baudis Japanese Garden
How long to spend here: Two to three days is generally ideal if you are on the go exploring the charm of Southern France. The city is quite underrated so you might find yourself wanting to stay longer.
4. Nice
Best for: architecture, gastronomy
Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, is a blend of old-world charm and Mediterranean allure. The famed Promenade des Anglais stretches along the azure coastline, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's glamorous past. In the heart of Nice, the Old Town (Vieux Nice) is a maze of narrow streets and vibrant markets, where the scent of socca and lavender wafts through the air. Art enthusiasts flock to the hillside Matisse Museum, while foodies savor Niçoise specialties in cozy bistros. The city's unique character shines through in quirky traditions like the daily noon cannon, fired since 1861. With its balmy climate and rich cultural tapestry, Nice is a promising year-round destination and often the gateway to exploring the French Riviera.
Must-visit attractions: Marc Chagall National Museum, Promenade des Anglais, Parc Phœnix
How long to spend here: Four days is more than enough to fully experience Nice's highlights. However, if you're looking to use it as a base for exploring the French Riviera, consider extending your stay to a week. And it’s even more fun during the Nice Carnival in February.
5. Loire Valley
Best for: art, history
The Loire Valley, a fairytale landscape sprinkled with over 3,000 châteaux, is France's royal playground. This UNESCO-listed wonderland, featured in "Emily in Paris," whispers tales of kings and queens through its turreted castles and manicured gardens. Wander through Amboise's cobbled streets or sip Saumur's sparkling wines in a troglodyte cave-home. At Château de Villandry you’ll see geometric gardens that would make even Claude Monet swoon. For a quirky adventure, sail the Loire on a traditional 'toue' boat, channeling your inner Renaissance explorer.
Must-visit attractions: Château de Chambord, Château Royal d'Amboise, Château de Chenonceau
How long to spend here: Loire Valley is usually a day trip from Paris , but to truly immerse yourself in its atmosphere, consider spending 2 days exploring the region. This allows time to visit multiple châteaux, savor local cuisine, and explore charming villages.
6. Strasbourg
Best for: Christmas market, couples
Strasbourg, where France meets Germany, is a fairytale come to life. This Alsatian gem enchants with its UNESCO-listed Grande Île. You’ll be wandering through a labyrinth of half-timbered houses and canals in La Petite, France, where time seems to stand still. The Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame, once the world's tallest building, still dominates the skyline with its 142-meter spire. While you are here, catch the 16th-century astronomical clock's daily show at 12:30pm. As the seat of the European Parliament, you’ll find a cosmopolitan energy here. But it's during the festive season that the city truly sparkles, hosting one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets.
Must-visit attractions: Parc de l'Orangerie, Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Barrage Vauban
How long to spend here: Strasbourg is on the eastern end of France so if you are visiting might as well spend 2 to 3 days here exploring the charming Alsatian villages nearby.
7. Bordeaux
Best for: wine, food
Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, is a sensory overload. This place produces 700 million bottles produced annually and 6,300 winemakers craft liquid gold across 65 appellations. Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Sauternes – names that make oenophiles swoon. But it's not just about the vino. Sink your teeth into duck confit or slurp oysters fresh from Arcachon Bay. Stroll along the Garonne River, where the 18th-century façades of the UNESCO-listed old town reflect in the water. The Place de la Bourse, with its mist-shrouded mirror d'eau, is pure magic at twilight. Fancy a side trip? Climb Europe's tallest sand dune at Pilat or wander Saint-Émilion's medieval lanes.
Must-visit attractions: Place de la Bourse, Cité du Vin, Marché des Capucins
How long to spend here: Allocate 2-3 days for Bordeaux because you'll want to explore the city's rich history, indulge in wine tastings, and venture into the surrounding vineyards.
Visit these places before they get too crowded
1. Aix-en-Provence
What not to miss:
- Explore the sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the famous artist Paul Cézanne.
- Wander through a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and hidden squares in this intimate Provençal jewel
- Cours Mirabeau, the city's grand artery, bustling with café life and adorned with numerous fountains is a must-visit.
- Admire Baroque facades and ancient Roman ruins scattered throughout the city
- You’ll find colorful local markets filled with Mediterranean aromas and flavors that will tantalize your senses.
Getting there: Aix-en-Provence is easily accessible by train from major French cities. The TGV high-speed rail connects Paris to Aix in just over 3 hours. From Marseille, it's a quick 30-minute ride. The nearest airport is Marseille Provence, about 25 km away, with regular shuttle services to Aix.
2. Avignon
What not to miss:
- The Palais des Papes: A massive, awe-inspiring palace that served as the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, dominating Avignon's skyline.
- Perfect for a bike ride, the Ancient City Walls offer a panoramic view of the old city and its historical landmarks.
- Les Halles market is a food lover's paradise, brimming with fresh local produce and Provençal specialties.
- Explore the Musée du Petit Palais, home to an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, providing a cultural feast for art enthusiasts.
Getting there: Avignon has its own airport, Avignon-Provence, though it mainly serves domestic and seasonal flights. For international travelers, Marseille Provence Airport is a larger option, about an hour's drive away. It’s well-connected by rail as well with high-speed TGV trains from Paris taking just over 2.5 hours
3. Montpellier
What not to miss:
- l'Écusson is the medieval heart of the city with hidden cafés and music venues.
- Explore the neighborhood of Place de la Comédie where the iconic Three Graces fountain stands as a centerpiece.
- For a dash of intrigue, visit the University of Montpellier, where Nostradamus once studied the healing arts.
- As night falls, join the locals for an apéro in a bustling square and experience the city's vibrant nightlife.
Getting there: Montpellier Airport serves both domestic and international flights. The city is also well-connected by rail, with high-speed TGV trains from Paris taking about 3.5 hours. For a more scenic route, consider taking a regional train along the Mediterranean coast.
4. Rennes
What not to miss:
- Explore the old town's cobblestone streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses that seem frozen in time.
- Experience local life at the Saturday Marché des Lices, one of France's largest markets.
- Relax in Parc du Thabor, Rennes' most beloved green space.
- Enjoy year-round festivals and events, lively cafés and bars, and use Rennes as a base to explore Brittany's rugged coastline and picturesque towns like Saint-Malo.
Getting there: Rennes Airport has both domestic and some international flights. For a wider range of options, Nantes Atlantique Airport is about 1.5 hours away by car. Regional trains also connect Rennes to other parts of Brittany, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. If you're driving, Rennes is about 3.5 hours from Paris.
