France is one of the favorite tourist destinations of the world, with more than 85 million tourists from around the world drawn to its sophisticated culture, romantic chateaux, and exquisite cuisines every year. Each corner of France has its own unique character, from the rugged French Alps to idyllic Alsace, and sun-drenched Land of Lavender, and the charming Provence to the glamorous Côte d’ Azure coastline.
Many people immediately picture Paris as the top tourist destination in France. This most widely known capital city is characterized by neoclassical architecture, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower. While Paris is a must-see destination for the first trip to France, the country has many classic itineraries to enjoy. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten best places to discover and experience in France.
French Riviera
This summer retreat of the jet-set is one of France’s most popular destinations for the international crowd and celebrities. This part of the French coastline is a natural paradise, filled with stunning hidden villages that offer an exceptional view of the coast. Port Grimaud, nicknamed as the Venice of Rivera, is characterized by its serpentine waterways, canals, and vibrantly painted houses. The charming village of Èze is perched on a high, rocky outcrop that offers a fabulous view of the Mediterranean. Beech forests and gardens of the olive clock the hillside. Visit the region in quieter months to enjoy its turquoise seas, empty beaches, and warm sunshine.
Normandy
This place apart is a verdant region that offers a rugged charm to the tourists. Long stretches of golden sand offer plenty of opportunities for those looking to bathed holidays. The coastline is dotted with beautiful fishing towns, including Honfleur, the prettiest one in the country. The jewel of the region is Mont-Saint-Michel, the craggy rock that soars high over the shimmering sands of the Couesnon estuary. The sublime Gothic churches of Rouen, Caen, and Coutances offer a perfect tribute to Normandy’s glorious and weighted history.
Alsace
This quintessential frontier hinterland zone is forged in its own unique and distinct gastronomic culture. Stretching from the Rhine to the dramatic hills of the Vosges, this natural treasure with a luscious green landscape has plenty to keep nature lovers mesmerized. The region is known for its long history of winemaking. The Alsace wine route boasts over 800 vineyards. It’s here that you will find the oldest barrel of wine in a dark cellar beneath the Hospice of Strasbourg. Throughout the summers, a swathe of festivals and food markets crop along the wine route.
Gorges du Verdon
Soaring over 700 meters into the air, these limestone flanks offer a striking view to the onlookers. This largest canyon in Europe is carved by the Verdon River that empties into lake Lac de Sainte-Croix. The sight of the turquoise-green hue of the flowing water is like no other on the earth. This gargantuan river canyon draws kayakers, swimmers, and hikers from all over. This gem of idea crosses the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and the Var in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Strasbourg
This richly endowed city on the very cusp of Alsace is known for its Germanic homes and Rhineland-style half-timbered buildings that offer a curious mixture of cultures to the visitors. Strasbourg is a stone’s throw from the Route des Vins, the Alsatian wine trail. This petite French district is booming with choucroute cabbage platters Gewürztraminer and Reisling wines, where you can also savor flammekuche pizza bread. European Parliament and showcases the city’s uber-modern side to the visitors. The reflections of half-timbered houses with sloping roofs and brightly colored flowers hanging over the balconies are reminiscent of those seen in fairytales. You will certainly want to take photographs at every turn!
Cathédrale Notre-Dam de Chartres
This UNESCO-listed cathedral is renowned for its marvelous stained-glass windows that allow colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an otherworldly effect. This magnificent medieval Gothic architecture covers 2500 square meters of area. The intricately detailed rose windows of the cathedral are especially noteworthy for their incredible craftsmanship. Creative presentations that tourists can enjoy here include Art-Nouveau-inspired light shows, and Chartres en Lumières light shows that illuminate the cathedral and over 20 other monuments.
Cote d’ Azure
This most fashionable stretch of France’s coastline nears the border of Italy. Literally meaning the Coast of Blue, the region is known for its Mediterranean’s mesmerizing cerulean waters. Its seaside resorts are packed with beach lovers during summers. Saint-Tropez offers public and private beaches, luxury yachts, and the charm of the Provençal fishing village.
Biarittz & Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This upscale seaside resort with fabulous beaches offers a blend of Parisian-style elegance, and the untamed natural beauty of the Atlantic coast. This Second Empire Palace has been converted into luxury accommodations with exquisitely decorated guest rooms and an oceanfront gastronomic restaurant. The sheltered beach of Plague du Miramar has striped cabanas and the delightful ambiance of an old-fashioned seaside resort.
Marseille
Loire Valley
Also called the Garden of France due to the abundance of flower gardens, picturesque vineyards, and fruit orchards, Loire Valley is known for its spectacular scenery, and splendid chateaux. Stretching 175 miles along the Loire River, the valley twists and turns through some of the most beautiful villages of the country, such as Amboise, a place recognized with Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent the last few years of his life. The other historic villages in the region include Saumur, Chinon, and Orleans. The biggest attractions of the valley include chateaux and luxurious palaces built by the nobility, such as Rivau, Chenonceau, and Amboise. The valley is home to many wineries, offering wine tasting tours. The entire area of Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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