Introduction
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-famous cuisine, historic cities, and beautiful countryside, France has something to offer every type of traveler. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Medieval city of Carcassonne in the south of France, the country is filled with iconic sights. Here is a list of the top 10 most popular places for you to visit when you travel to France.
- Eiffel Tower (Paris)
The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in Paris and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, this iron lattice tower stands 324 meters tall. You can take an elevator or stairs up to the three platforms for views overlooking Paris. At night, the tower illuminates with twinkling lights for five minutes at the top of each hour. Visiting this landmark is a quintessential Parisian experience.
- Louvre Museum (Paris)
The Louvre in Paris is the world’s largest and most-visited art museum. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, the Louvre now contains over 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art. Some of the most famous works of art here are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo statue, and the large-scale painting Consecration of Emperor Napoleon. You can spend days wandering the different wings and admiring pieces from Ancient Egyptian and Greek art to French, Italian, and Dutch masterpieces.
- Palace of Versailles (Versailles)
France’s historic royal palace, the Palace of Versailles located just outside of Paris, gives you a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of French royalty. The Hall of Mirrors with its 357 mirrored arches facing 17 arched windows overlooking the gardens is the main highlight. Other opulent rooms filled with artwork and artifacts as well as the vast formal gardens with fountains and sculptures transport you back in time. Visiting Versailles offers an immersive view into 18th-century French court life that shaped history.
- Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy)
Rising dramatically from the sea on the Normandy coast, Mont Saint-Michel is a fortified island with a rocky tidal island below. The Medieval abbey standing since the 11th century with its grand cloisters, stained glass windows, and coastal views looks like something from a fairy tale. In addition to exploring the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, you can wander through the quaint old village lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants on the island. It is one of France’s most stunning sights set against the dramatic tides.
- French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
The stunning Mediterranean coastline of the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur has been attracting artists, celebrities, and visitors to its picturesque beaches and resort towns since the 19th century. Stretching along France’s southeast coast from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the Italian border, this area is known for upscale coastal cities like Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez. You can sunbathe on pretty beaches, shop in elegant boutiques, dine at waterfront cafes, or take coastal road trips to experience the region’s beauty, glamour, and laidback culture.
- Château de Chambord (Loir-et-Cher)
Built as a lavish hunting lodge for King Francis I in the early 1500s, Château de Chambord showcases French Renaissance architecture and opulence. You can marvel at its grand double spiral staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, royal apartments, intricate facade of towers and spires, and the surrounding wooded park. With 426 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 77 staircases, Chambord gives you a glimpse into royal excess and imagination. Visiting this vast palace that blends Medieval and Renaissance styles is like something from a fairy tale.
- Provence (Southeast France)
Provence in southeast France enchants visitors with its sunny climate, vibrant lavender fields, charming hilltop villages, great food and wine, and relaxed way of life. Famous towns like Avignon with its medieval history and massive Palace of the Popes draw crowds. Other highlights include exploring Roman ruins in Orange and Nîmes, taking scenic drives through vineyards and lavender fields, discovering farmers’ markets and local crafts in villages like Gordes, or spending time in arty cities like Aix-en-Provence once home to Cézanne and Zola. With its vibrant culture and landscapes, Provence offers a delightful escape.
- Loire Valley (West-Central France)
Known as “The Garden of France,” the Loire Valley contains hundreds of castles and historical sites dating back to the French Renaissance. Spanning over 800 square kilometers along the Loire River, popular stops in the region include exploring Château de Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry, Chinon, Château Royal de Blois, Chambord, and more, each with spectacular architecture and grounds. Taking a road trip to see these castles lets you dive into French history and admire the natural beauty surrounding this valley.
- Mont Blanc (French Alps)
Located in the French Alps along the French-Italian border, Mont Blanc is the tallest mountain in Western Europe at 4,808 meters. You can take a high-altitude train ride up to Nid d’Aigle at 2372 meters for views of Mont Blanc’s snow-capped summit or hike scenic trails across alpine landscapes to different vantage points. The charming ski resort town of Chamonix in the valley below with its cozy mountain chalets, shops, and restaurants also serves as a popular basecamp for Mont Blanc explorations and other Alpine adventures.
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (Chartres)
The awe-inspiring Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres located southwest of Paris dates back to the 13th century and contains one of the world’s greatest displays of Medieval stained glass. Must-see highlights when visiting this Gothic cathedral include admiring its three contrasting spires, seeing the surviving original stained glass windows, wandering through the crypt, and viewing relics tied to the cathedral’s history as a pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Chartres Cathedral gives you a peek into French religious heritage and Gothic architecture.
Conclusion
With its many cultural sights, natural wonders, historic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, France entices visitors from across the globe. From iconic Paris and the French Riviera to charming Provence villages and Medieval castles in Loire Valley, France guarantees remarkable experiences. If you plan for a vacation in France, be sure to include some of these incredible top destinations on your travel itinerary for an unforgettable trip. The top sights give you a well-rounded impression of this captivating country that continues inspiring