The country of beauty and myriad of experiences from busy city life to the tranquil countryside. While Paris brings romanticism with it; the French Riviera carries with it all sun-kissed beaches, whereas Normandy offers historical value. Hundreds of places invite tourists to experience the promise that France holds within its stores and cherish wonderful memories of life. In this travel guide, we will take you through the top 10 places to visit in France. We are going to give you the must-see attractions and provide you with some very helpful travel tips to make your trip truly extraordinary.
1. Paris – The Heart of French Culture
Paris is often called the "City of Lights," which happens to be the destination par excellence for art, culture, and romance. Being one of the most famous cities associated with its Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, Paris certainly does not need a description. Walking by the Seine, admiring this wondrous architecture, or sipping coffee at a corner café, you will quickly realize why it is among the best travel destinations to visit in France.
More than its prominent attractions, Paris is a city of neighborhoods. Montmartre with its artistic charm, the historical grandeur of Le Marais, and luxury shopping along the Champs-Élysées offers a lot for every tourist. From visiting some of the world-class museums, savoring delectable French cuisines, or just enjoying the ambiance, there are good reasons why tourists want to visit Paris during their France trip.
Things to do in Paris:
- Explore the Eiffel Tower
- Experience the Louvre Museum
- Wander through Montmartre
- Cruise down the Seine River
- Take a walk down the Champs-Élysées
Top Attractions in Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral or Sainte-Chapelle
Best Time to Visit Paris: April to May or September to October. The shoulder seasons have nice weather, fewer people, and you may enjoy cultural life after summer.
Travel Tip: Say "Bonjour" to merchants, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and go to small museums on the first Sunday of the month when they are free to get in.
2. French Riviera: Luxury and Mother Nature
French Riviera known as Côte d'Azur is one playground for the rich and the glamorous, but it does serve up breathtaking natural beauty with quaint little coastal towns and there's so much more that could be experienced by every traveler. Stretching from the wonderful city of Nice to the glamorous resort city of Saint-Tropez, the Mediterranean shoreline consists of turquoise waters, white beaches that stretch on for miles, and the fancy resort. This region offers every possibility: Cannes, of culture festivals; Antibes, of ancient sites; and the nightlife of Monaco.
While the glamour and attractiveness, the French Riviera has, is beyond countable, it's also interspersed by lovely villages such as Èze, which perches up the cliffs and affords some breathtaking views. Thus, many claim that it's one of the best destinations in France. This region would do absolutely for a relaxed, lavish holiday.
Things to do in French Riviera:
- Relax on the beaches of Nice
- Visit the luxury casinos of Monaco
- Take a walk along the Promenade de la Croisette of Cannes
- Explore the old town of Antibes
- Locate the village on a hill of Èze
Top Attractions in the French Riviera: Promenade des Anglais (Nice), La Croisette (Cannes), Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Best Time to Visit the French Riviera: Late spring (May–June) or early fall (September–October). The weather is mild, and there are festivities like Cannes and Nice Carnival without the throngs of summer.
Travel Tip: Go to the Nice Carnival (February to March) or Menton's Lemon Festival for a fun time on the Riviera.
Customize your France Tour Package by adding this Mediterranean yacht cruise for a luxurious coastal experience.
3. Provence – The land of fields of purple, eternal beauty
A place known for rolling lavender fields, vineyards, and ancient towns. Provence is as if one steps into a painting. Quaint villages meet luscious landscapes bathed under the warm Mediterranean sun, making it one of the best places to visit in France. The towns of Aix-en-Provence and Arles exude historical charm with Roman ruins and centuries-old architecture to fascinate history lovers. Famous for local markets, it is there that you will get to taste and buy regional delicacies such as olive oil, fresh herbs, and wine.
Things to do in Provence
- See Lavender Fields of Valensole
- Tour around the town of Arles with a Roman amphitheater
- Go for a promenade in the town streets of Aix-en-Provence
- Visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon
- Explore the beautiful Verdon Gorge
Best Time to Visit Provence: Mid-June to early July, when the lavender is in bloom. The shoulder seasons (May or September) are also good times to go because there are fewer people and the temperature is mild.
Top Attractions in Provence: Valensole Lavender Fields, Roman Amphitheatre of Arles, Palace of the Popes (Avignon)
Travel Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and don't miss the fresh produce markets to experience the greatest local foods.
Customize your France Tour Package by adding a lavender field photography tour for postcard-perfect memories
4. Loire Valley – Castles and Wine Country
Châteaux dot the Loire Valley, where beautiful vineyards and quaint villages make the region one of the prettiest areas in France. This "Garden of France" is home to some of Europe's most breathtaking castles. Among them, a few must-visit places include Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.
Loire Valley region is renowned for the finest quality wines produced, which can be found in large quantities in Sancerre and Vouvray. The place has something in it for everyone, either from its lavish interior of castles or a glass of wine at a vineyard.
Things To Do in the Loire Valley:
- Château de Chambord Tour
- Visit Château de Chenonceau
- Swishing through local vineyards for wine tasting
- Shopping around town Amboise
- Journey through Villandry gardens
Top Attractions in the Loire Valley: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Villandry Gardens
Best Time to Visit Loire Valley: May to June and from September to see the wine tours and gardens in full bloom.
Travel Tip: Rent a bike to see the vineyards and châteaux at your own leisure, especially near Amboise and Chinon.
5. Normandy – History and Coastal Beauty
Normandy is filled with history; no visit to France will bypass this place for an individual enthusiastic about World War II. Powerful reminders of war sacrifices are the region's D-Day beaches, such as Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery.
More than historical significance, Normandy has fantastic landscapes, like the cliffy Étretat and one of France's most famous landmarks: Mont Saint-Michel. Honfleur is also a beautiful port town and the medieval city of Rouen also gives a glimpse of Normandy's cultural past.
Top Things to Do in Normandy:
- Visit the D-Day Landing Beaches, such as Omaha Beach.
- Visit the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer to pay your respects.
- Visit Mont Saint-Michel and its abbey from the Middle Ages.
- Take a walk through the beautiful harbor town of Honfleur.
- Look at the white chalk cliffs of Étretat.
- A walking tour of Rouen, which has an old cathedral
Top Attractions in Normandy: Omaha Beach and American Cemetery, Mont Saint-Michel, Cliffs of Étretat.
Best Time to Visit Normandy: June to July, when the days are long and there are events to remember, or in early autumn, when the weather is calmer.
Travel Tip: Go to Mont Saint-Michel around sunrise for less people and better pictures. Make sure to arrange your stay ahead of time.
6. Lyon – The Gastronomic Capital of France
Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, and indeed one of the best places in France if you love food. This incredible past with a passion for the mouth makes it a spot for authentic Lyonnais from traditional Bouchons restaurants.
The city boasts also a UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon), with its cobblestone narrow streets, and its Renaissance architecture. The magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is the city's marvelous site, which gives you an aerial view of Lyon. The crowded food markets, such as Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, will be very helpful in relishing local delicacies.
Things to do in Lyon:
- For great views, go to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
- Take a walk through the old streets of Vieux Lyon
- Try some delicious meals at Les Halles de Lyon. Paul Bocuse
- One of France's biggest city parks, the Parc de la Tête d'Or, is a great place to relax.
- Find the traboules (secret passages) in Croix-Rousse.
Top Attractions in Lyon:Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Parc de la Tête d'Or
Best Time to Visit Lyon: September to November, when the weather is cooler and it's wine season.
Travel Tip: You can get better service and maybe even talk to the chefs if you eat a little earlier or later than peak restaurant hours. This is especially true at smaller bouchons where locals eat.
Customize your France Tour Package by adding a cooking class with a local chef to dive into authentic Lyonnaise cuisine
7. Bordeaux – Wine Paradise
Bordeaux is known all around the world for the wine which is produced there. It retains endless magic in both urban sophistication and in the charms of rustic vineyard landscapes. The city as such, is a World Heritage Site with grand places in town squares. Also within view are beautiful parts of 18th-century architecture. Beyond town, one will find some of the most renowned vineyards globally.
Bordeaux is an awesome destination to visit for oenophiles, but they'll find a myriad of explorations, right from Medoc and wine regions made famous by superior red wine, the history of wine streets of the city to the taste of glass from Bordeaux over a vineyard.
Things to do in Bordeaux:
- Explore the cellar of Medoc and Cité du Vin wine museum over wine-tasting tours
- Browse the Place de la Bourse
- Stroll along the Garonne River
- Visit the Pey-Berland Tower
Top Attractions in Bordeaux: Cité du Vin, Place de la Bourse, Saint-Émilion village.
Best Time to Visit Bordeaux: September to October, when the grapes are picked and the wine festivals take place.
Travel Tip: Use trams or bikes to get around the city and avoid traffic.
8. Alsace – Fairy Tale Villages and Vineyards
Alsace borders Germany, one of France's most unique regions. Alsatian villages are as if taken from a fairy tale: half-timbered houses, flower-lined streets, and quaint villages abound. The capital is the city of Strasbourg, with its towering cathedral and picturesque canals, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Alsace is also famous for wines, or rather white ones, to be found via the Alsace Wine Route. Besides wine yards, the two most picturesque towns in France are the cities of Colmar and Riquewihr - that make Alsace one of the best places to visit in France with an ideal combination of culture and nature.
Things to Do in Alsace
- Discover the city of Strasbourg
- Explore the streets of Colmar
- Drive along Alsace Wine Route
- Visit Riquewihr village
- Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle tour
Top Attractions in Alsace: Strasbourg Cathedral, Colmar’s Petite Venise, Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle.
Best Time to Visit: May to June, when the flowers are in bloom, or from September to October, when the wine is ready.
Travel Tip: Rent a car to drive the Alsace Wine Route and visit small towns like Eguisheim that aren't as well known.
Customize your France Tour Package by adding an Alsace Wine Route self-drive experience to explore charming vineyards.
9. Chamonix – Paradise of Adventure in a Mountain
Chamonix has been known to be among the top outdoor destinations across the world, especially in the French Alps. One can enjoy Chamonix if they love skiing, climb mountains, or simply spend time viewing nature's bounties.
Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain, the resort town of Chamonix boasts incredible scenery as well as plenty of action to go with it skiing and snowboarding in wintertime and mountaineering and hiking in summertime.
The breathtaking ride over Aiguille du Midi by cable car offers impressive views of all the surrounding peaks, and France's largest glacier, Mer de Glace, attracts most tourists here.
Top Activities in Chamonix:
- Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car
- Visit the Mer de Glace glacier
- Ski or snowboard on the Mont Blanc massif
- Hike the Lac Blanc trail
- Visit the Alpine Museum
Top Attractions in Chamonix: Aiguille du Midi cable car, Mer de Glace glacier, Lac Blanc trail.
Best Time to Visit Chamonix: December to March is the best time to go for snow activities, while June to September is the best time to go for hiking and great vistas.
Travel Tip: Take the cable car early in the day when the skies are clearer, and bring clothing even in the summer because the heights are so high.
10. Corsica – The Island of Beauty
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean that boasts varied landscapes-from pristine beaches to mountainous terrain. It is often referred to as the "Island of Beauty." For tourists, it is a beautiful mix of French and Italian culture. Ajaccio, the island's capital, is famous for being Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, and a town clinging to the edge of cliffs, Bonifacio, provides stunning vistas over the sea.
The naturalists will find the place heaven-like with hiking opportunities, snorkeling, and a look at the thick forests and beaches of this island, placing Corsica among the best places to visit in France. The GR20 is arguably one of the world's best-known hiking trails but a far from easy one. Scandola Nature Reserve offers extensive diving and other water activities in its clear blue waters.
Top Activities in Corsica:
- Town of Bonifacio
- Hiking the GR20
- Relaxing on beaches at Palombaggia
- Snorkeling at Scandola Nature Reserve
- Seeing Napoleon's birthplace at Ajaccio
Top Attractions in Corsica: Bonifacio Citadel, Palombaggia Beach, Scandola Nature Reserve.
Best Time to Visit Corsica: Late May to September, when the weather is good for trekking and the beach.
Travel Tip: Before you go hiking, download maps that you can use without an internet connection. To get to distant beaches and trails, use a ferry or drive.
Conclusion
France is an unforgettable place to travel: the cosmopolitan buzz of Paris or the quiet beauty of Provence. You will discover France's rich history, its culture, and all that makes France a dream destination for travelers by exploring the top 10 places to visit in France. Book your France Tour Packages with Best Value Tourism for customized itineraries that will make your dream a reality!