France, a country known for its incredible food, wine, and art, as well as its stunning natural landscapes and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a foreigner planning your first visit or a local looking to explore more of your own country, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations to discover. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with 82 million visitors from different parts of the world each year.
In this blog post, we’re going to take you on a journey through 30 of the best places to visit in France. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling cities, from the historic landmarks to the modern cultural hubs, we’ve curated a list of French destinations that offer something for everyone.
France is a country steeped in history and culture, and each of the 30 destinations we’ve chosen has a unique story to tell. You’ll learn about the rich history and heritage of France, as well as its vibrant contemporary culture.
Throughout this blog post, we’ll also share tips and advice on how to make the most of your visit, including transportation options, local customs, and must-see attractions. We’ll help you navigate the busy streets of Paris, order a café au lait at a French café, and explore the hidden gems off the beaten path.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in France. We hope that this blog post will inspire you to explore more of this incredible country, to learn about its fascinating history, and to immerse yourself in its rich culture.
So join us as we journey through 30 of the best places to visit in France. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and amazed by the wonders that await you in this beautiful country.
30 Best Places To Visit In France As A Foreigner Or Local
1. Eiffel Tower
One of France’s most popular tourist destinations and the icon of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most popular paid tourist destinations, with more than 200,000,000 visitors since it was built.
2. St Tropez
On the French Riviera, it is a resort area. Formerly a military stronghold, fishing community, and artist colony, it is today a haven for jet setters, billionaires, and models. Many visit the beaches to windsurf, sail, participate in motorized water activities, or sunbathe in minimal clothing.
3. Chamonix Valley
One of the first ski areas in France was established in Chamonix Valley. It is situated in the French Alps, close to Mont Blanc. Summertime is a beautiful time to go around the mountains on a cable car.
4. Palace of Versailles
The French queen Marie Antoinette, beheaded during the French Revolution, is commonly linked to the Palace of Versailles. Versailles, a palace outside of Paris, and is renowned for its stunning gardens and Hall of Mirrors. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and one of the best places to visit in France.
5. Saint Michel Mountain
A little tidal island called Mont Saint Michel is off the coast of Normandy. The rocky island’s highest point is topped by the magnificent and well-preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St. Michel, surrounded by the old town’s twisting streets and complex architecture. A causeway connects the island and the mainland.
6. Gorge du Verdon
It is one of Europe’s most stunning river canyons in southeast France. Between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where it is at its deepest (about 2,300 feet or 700 meters deep), are the most incredible places to watch the Verdon River winding through the canyon. It is the best place to visit in France as a foreigner or local.
7. Chateau de Chambord
It is a superb example of French Renaissance art. King François began building the Chateau de Chambord in 1519, so he could hunt in the surrounding woodlands.
8. Palais des Papes
The Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s biggest and most significant medieval Gothic structures, is Avignon’s main attraction. When the Papacy was split, the Popes of Avignon reigned from this palace. The palace has a castle-like appearance.
9. Dune of Pyla
The Dune of Pyla is the highest dune in all of Europe and is situated near Arcachon Bay. It is expanding eastward at a rate of around 4.5 meters per year. The view from the top of the dune is breathtaking.
10. Chartres Cathedral
The Chartres Cathedral is situated in a little town close to Paris that doesn’t appear big enough to house the building. It is one of the best examples of French High Gothic architecture.
11. Carcassonne
In the Languedoc-Roussillon area, Cite de Carcassonne is an ancient fortified city. The city has a history of roughly 2,500 years and joined France in the middle of the thirteenth century. Carcassonne was transformed into the well-liked tourist attraction it is now because of a Cité renovation effort in the nineteenth century.
12. Pont du Gard
In southern France, the River Gardon traverses the historic Roman aqueduct/bridge, the Pont du Gard. It was part of a long waterway constructed around 40 to carry water from a spring in Uzes to the Roman city of Nimes. Of all the Roman aqueduct bridges, it is the tallest.
13. Palace of Fontainebleau
It is one of the most prominent French royal chateaux and is around 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Paris. It is the best place to visit in France as a foreigner or local.
14. Bordeaux Wine Regions
Wine lovers should visit Bordeaux, which produces some of the best red wines in the world. Regions and sub-regions make up the Bordeaux region. From grapes planted here, white wines and dessert wines are produced.
15. Annecy
It is located in the Rhone Alps at the northernmost point of Lake Annecy. This charming Haute-Savoie city was a part of Switzerland and Sardinia until joining France in 1860. The Palais de l’Isle, located in the center of a canal, is a popular destination.
16. Promenade des Anglais
Perhaps Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is the most well-known boardwalk along the Mediterranean. Le Prom, as it is now called, is a favorite spot for skateboarders and in-line skaters in addition to summer sunbathers.
17. Strasbourg Old City
Alsace’s capital is a historic city called Strasbourg. Narrow cobblestone alleyways surrounded by timbered houses define the Old Town. According to visitors, the best way to see Strasbourg Old Town is on foot or by bicycle.
18. Reims Cathedral
The French monarchy values the Reims Cathedral since there is where the nation’s rulers were crowned. French Gothic architecture was used to create the magnificent buildings. Every year, the cathedral receives roughly 1 million visitors. Because of its history and popularity this is why the Reims Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in France.
19. Étretat Cliffs
The French equivalent of England’s White Cliffs of Dover is Étretat Cliffs. In Upper Normandy, towering, white cliffs with arches project into the English Channel. In the past, artists like novelist Guy de Maupassant and painter Claude Monet were drawn to this farming community.
20. Millau Bridge
The highest bridge in the world is a cable-stayed structure called the Millau Bridge or Viaduct. In southern France, the four-lane bridge crosses the River Tarn valley.
21. Bonifacio
On the island of Corsica’s southwest coast sits the city of Bonifacio. Chalk white limestone cliffs in the area have been sculpted into odd patterns by the water. It is the best place to visit in France as a foreigner or local.
22. Vieux Lyon
The largest Renaissance area in Lyon, if not all of Europe, is known as Vieux Lyon, and it was the first in France to be protected by French legislation governing cultural landmarks.
23. Camargue
The Camargue is the most significant river delta in Western Europe, and it is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhone River delta.
24. Nimes Roman Monuments
The city of Nîmes, now in southern France, was formerly one of Roman Gaul’s most significant cities.
25. Val d’Isere
The famous ski area Val d’Isère is located in southeast France, not far from the Italian border. Visitors outnumber the attractive village’s 1,800 people by 15 to 1 throughout the winter.
26. Champagne Epernay
Visitors who appreciate drinking champagne will enjoy a trip to Epernay, a little town south of Reims that is well-known for producing champagne. Champagne producers surround the Avenue du Champagne, making it the ideal location for tastings.
27. Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival takes place in this city on the French Riviera every May, drawing the elite of the global filmmaking community there.
28. Le Puy-en-Velay
Three things make the southern French town of Le Puy-en-Velay famous: its cathedral, lentils, and lacemaking. The most well-liked tourist destination is Notre Dame Cathedral. Visitors might also wish to taste the verbena-flavored green liqueur Verveine.
29. Chateau de Chenonceau
Perhaps the most well-known château in the Loire Valley is Chenonceau. It is the second-most visited chateau in France after Versailles and is renowned for its beautiful grounds. After being attacked during World War II, it was repaired. It is one of the best places to visit in France as a foreigner or local.
30. Lille
Given that this region of France is in the extreme north, it seems to sense that the local cuisine has a strong Flemish influence, as seen by the frequent appearance of beer and hops on the ingredient lists of numerous meals.
As we come to the end of our journey through the 30 best places to visit in France, we hope that you’ve been inspired to start planning your own adventure in this beautiful country. Whether you’re a foreigner or a local, there’s always something new to discover and explore in France.
We’ve covered a wide range of destinations in this blog post, from the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, from the ancient historical sites to the modern cultural hubs. But one thing that all of these places have in common is their unique and captivating charm.
France is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the stunning coastline of the Côte d’Azur to the rolling hills of the Loire Valley, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
We’ve also highlighted the importance of respecting local customs and traditions during your visit. Whether it’s ordering a café au lait at a French café or navigating the busy streets of Paris, showing respect for local customs is a key part of being a responsible and respectful traveler.
We hope that this blog post has given you a glimpse into the incredible diversity and richness of France, and that it has inspired you to explore more of this beautiful country. From the world-famous attractions to the hidden gems off the beaten path, France has something for everyone.
As you plan your trip, remember to keep an open mind and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new food or exploring a new part of town, taking a few risks and embracing new experiences is what travel is all about.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the 30 best places to visit in France. We hope that you’ve found this blog post informative and inspiring, and we look forward to hearing about your own adventures in this beautiful country. Bon voyage!
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