France, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a traveler’s paradise. From the romantic allure of Paris to the picturesque countryside and beautiful coastal regions, this European gem offers a diverse range of experiences.
Paris is a must-visit for any trip to France, with its large, wide boulevards and narrow alleys; modern state of the art buildings and beautiful antique palaces. Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre are just two of the many highlights.
In Provence, we love strolling around the hilltop village of Gourdon, where half-timbered medieval houses overlook picturesque views. The town also boasts a renowned museum, which showcases works by artists like Monet and Cezanne.
Here are the 10 best places to visit in France that should be on every traveler’s bucket list
1. Paris
If you’re going to France, Paris is a must-see. It’s a world-class city that has a unique character thanks to its cultural melting pot of people from all over the globe who have called it home.
You can’t visit Paris without climbing the Eiffel Tower for those iconic views of the city, strolling around Notre Dame (try to go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds), or taking a walk past Les Invalides where Napoleon Bonaparte lies in a massive monument.
You must also spend time wandering along Rue Mouffetard and Place Monge, visiting Shakespeare & Co (an English bookstore that was visited on the regular by Hemingway and Fitzgerald), or enjoying some wine at one of the many cute cafes around town. Paris also has a world-class public transportation network which is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Marseille
With its sometimes scary crime statistics and gritty exterior, Marseille has suffered a bad reputation for decades. But it’s also a lively, spirited city with a glittering turquoise sea and a blend of cultures to discover.
Take a walking tour to explore its winding pathways and stepped streets. Visit the oldest museum, Palais Longchamp (pl. 4)—a 17C poor house that now houses furniture, tapestries and 17C-19C paintings.
Get a great view of the Vieux Port, where 18,000 ships a year once berthed. See the huge Ombriere du Vieux Port, a shade that reflects passersby and mixes them with images of the water and sky around.
3. Nice
The southwestern corner of France has something to offer everyone. Stroll around a walled medieval city in Carcassonne or go hiking and kayaking in the Verdon Gorge. You can also visit a swanky resort in Nice or surf the cliffs of Biarritz.
Lille has a perfect historic center with amazing architecture, including the Grand-Place (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Or you could head to Tournai and see the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Tournai, which blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. And if you’re a wine lover, you should definitely check out Saint Emilion. It’s a beautiful spot that looks like it came out of a fairytale! It’s one of the best places to visit in France for wine lovers. Check out my full guide to visiting the region.
4. Cannes
One of the best places to visit in France, Cannes is a glamorous seaside city that hosts the annual Film Festival. Stroll along the famous La Croisette walkway or explore the glamorous villas that line the streets.
Take a walking tour of Le Suquet, the oldest district in Cannes. Located on the hill overlooking the bay, it features steep medieval streets and is home to a castle, which houses the Musee de la Castre.
Learn about the history of French cuisine on a food tour of Cannes. Taste ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and other traditional dishes while discovering the origins of some of France’s most popular foods! You can also book a tour that takes you to several different wineries in Provence. This region is known for its delicious wines!
5. Lyon
The city of Lyon is an interesting metropolis infused with history, culture, and entertainment. It was home to the brothers who created the very first cinema, is woven with hidden alleys and traboules, and has an amazing collection of mural art.
It’s impossible to visit Lyon without visiting its largest square, Place Bellecour. Here, you can see the gorgeous Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere and the Metallic Tower. Alternatively, you can have a drink on one of the many terraces while enjoying the Fountain made by the same artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty.
Another must-see attraction is Presqu’ile, a unique area in the heart of Lyon, that’s stuck between two rivers, the Saone and Rhone. It feels like an island in the center of the city and is also famous for its traboules, semi-secret passageways that were used for all kinds of purposes throughout the city’s history.
6. Chamonix
The vibrant mountain town of Chamonix offers a variety of things to do on your vacation, including hiking trails that scale the jagged peaks of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. The renowned Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you over 1000 meters above the mountains and provides breathtaking views!
Aiguille du Midi is a must do experience, especially for those with a bit of an adrenaline rush. Stepping into “the void” is an exhilarating way to look down from the dizzying heights!
Tours is a great base for exploring the Loire Valley, which offers stunning chateaux and rolling vineyards. The coastal city of Biarritz attracts surfers from all over the world, while Bordeaux’s upscale wine region is worth a visit. France’s capital, Paris, is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. Stroll the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre or follow in Hemingway’s literary footsteps in Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
7. Nimes
With one of the best preserved Roman monuments in continental Europe, Nimes is a city that seems untouched by time. It has a warm southern atmosphere and beautiful cobblestone pedestrian streets that are dotted with outdoor cafes.
The main attraction is the impressive Roman amphitheatre known as Les Arenes, which dates back 2000 years. It is a stunning example of Roman engineering and design, and has since been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another must see is the Pont du Gard, which is a Roman aqueduct that is an incredible feat of engineering. It is a short 30 minute drive away from Nimes and is another bucket list experience.
Overall, I found that the French are very kind and polite people. I also felt safe throughout my trip. However, like any big city, pickpockets do exist so be vigilant and take the usual safety precautions.
8. Brittany
The region is home to charming coastal towns, mystical Arthurian heritage, and some of France’s most spectacular natural sites. Stroll along the granite ramparts of Saint-Malo or explore the 12th century cathedral before heading out to discover medieval villages.
Make sure to stop in Cancale for oysters fit for a King (Louis XIV ordered the shellfish brought to Versailles twice a week). Then head to Lannion, where you can join’sea walking’ excursions or visit the Abbey de Beauport which combines the bones of a monastery with a grandiose mansion.
Throughout Brittany you can also find religious heritage with monasteries and churches that are impeccably maintained. If prehistoric Europe fascinates you then you can’t miss the Carnac Alignments where there are thousands of enigmatic standing stones. And if you’re looking for something unique, take part in a fest-noz – Breton for ‘night festival’.
9. Verdon Gorge
One of the best places to visit in France for adventurers is the stunning Verdon Gorge. Here, you can try canyoning – an exciting and extreme sport that involves jumping, swimming, sliding, and abseiling your way down the pristine, watery landscapes of the canyons.
You can also hike through the Gorges. Some of the most popular hiking trails in this region include the ten-kilometre Sentier Imbut and the six-kilometre Sentier des Pecheurs.
The Gorges are dotted with cute villages where you can savour the authentic charm of Provence. Bauduen-sur-Verdon is a lovely little town, while Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is another great place to spend some time. Lastly, you can visit Rougon, where you’ll find more beautiful views and a small village square. It’s also a great vantage point for birdwatching, especially since vultures have been reintroduced into the area.
10. Saint Emilion
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval village of Saint Emilion is famous for its prestigious red wine and magnificent chateaux. Take a tour by bicycle or by train to discover the vineyards surrounding this honey-colored town.
The Monolithic Church is one of the most striking attractions in the region as it was carved, or rather hewn, from the local limestone. It’s an impressive monument that displays Romanesque and Gothic styles.
For the best wine tasting experience head to a local family-run Château and learn about their traditional ways of making wines. They also offer a tasting of their wines which are very good and reasonably priced. Try some macarons too as the region is credited with creating these delicious sweet treats.
