The tourism industry is back and 2023 has seen numbers steadily rising again post-pandemic. After being denied travel for so long, travelers are looking for the crème de la crème of world travel.
Whilst the options for countries to visit are endless, from sunny beaches and stunning coastlines to historical villages and architectural gems, there is one Country outperforming them all.
According to recent data from The United Nations World Tourism Organization, the most Visited Country in the world right now is France.
France, the #1 Most Visited Country in the World Right Now
In 2022, 79.4 million people visited France, as per a report from Statista, and tourism in France grew by 12.3% in the first quarter of 2023.
What makes France such a popular tourist destination, and how does it hold onto the coveted title of the most visited country on the planet? You’re about to find out.
No 1 – French Cuisine
France is renowned for its cordon bleu food, with delectable pastries, bread that makes your mouth water and some of the best cheese you’ll ever find.
The very French habit of buying bread daily from the boulangerie, along with the weekly visits to the local markets to buy fresh seasonal food, adds another level to the experience.
From Boeuf Bourguignon to Tarte Tatin, every famous food dish in France has a story to tell, cementing its place in the French cookery books.
So whether it is a dinner for two in a Parisian Bistro, or relaxing with a picnic in the French countryside, food is always up front and centre in France.
No 2 – Wine & Cognac
Second only to Italy, France is the largest wine-producing country in the world. The website World Population Review recorded production at 3,641,900 litres each year. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace and Provence are amongst some of the biggest wine regions where you can visit the wineries for tasting and learn more about how the wine is produced.
And then of course there is Cognac, the barrel-aged brandy France is famous for. If you’ve never been to Cognac before, it’s a beautiful town in the Charente department of the Nouvelle Aquitaine with cobbled streets and beautiful half-timbered buildings.
You’ll find some of the well-known Cognac houses, such as Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin and Courvoisier here.
No 3 – Romance and Movies
From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, Paris, as the capital of France, is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Many of these have been featured in countless movies and musicals, including Moulin Rouge, Amélie, Midnight in Paris, and Julie Julia, to name but a few.
And that’s just Paris. France is a country with a reputation for romance, whether it’s running hand in hand through the lavender fields in Provence or walking in Paris in the rain, it is a country filled with romantic fantasies.
No 4 – Fairytale Chateaux
France is a very old country, steeped in history, and they’ve preserved their heritage in many of the pretty little villages around the country.
From the wars of religion and the Hundred Years’ War to the French Revolution and the final days of the monarchy, it’s like stepping into the pages of a history book.
Everywhere you look, there are Rapunzelesque chateaux just waiting to be discovered going back years and years. So many battles won and lost from the battlements of these castles.Carccassonne is home to one the best preserved medieval citadels and is like a movie set of the 12th century France.
But it’s the Loire Valley that is known as the home of the Chateaux, with approximately 300 along the 175-mile stretch of the river.
No 5 – The Accommodation
Whether it’s a 5-star hotel, B&B, self-catering gite, camping or even a grand chateau, in France, you’ll find every type of accommodation possible.
There is something for every budget, and the figures don’t lie as bookings have risen steadily, and are now above the pre-pandemic levels.
Exploring the great outdoors is easy as campsites in France are second to none, which is why you see so many campervans in high season.
And if camping isn’t your thing, Paris has the reputation for the best hotels in Europe with new hotels opening their doors every year.
No 6 – Art and Culture
France takes culture seriously and has even created their own art classification system. The city of Angouleme in the Charente is the home of the 9th Art in France, the Comic.
It’s the European capital of cartoons and the Comic Strip Festival is held there annually in January.
Every big city in France has an abundance of museums, with Bordeaux housing the extraordinary La Cité du Vin, as well as the digital art museum, Les Bassins de Lumieres.
No 7 – The French Alps
The French Alps are renowned as one of the premier skiing destinations in the world. The region offers a vast network of ski resorts with excellent facilities, challenging slopes, and reliable snow conditions. Resorts like Chamonix, Courchevel, and Val d’Isère are famous for their winter sports offerings.
They also boast some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. The towering, snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, lush valleys, and picturesque alpine villages create a breathtaking setting that draws visitors from around the globe.
Chamonix was also the home of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
The 3 Most Popular Cities In France
Paris
The City of Lights needs no introduction. Adding to it’s accolades, it’s also hit the top spot again, as the #1 World’s Best Places to Visit for 2023 according to the U.S. News & World Report travel rankings.
Bordeaux
It’s the wine capital of France and has been dubbed the ‘new Paris’. And with almost half the city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you need to book in advance to get the best accommodation.
Strasbourg
As the ‘Capital of Christmas’ and home of the oldest Christmas Market in France, Strasbourg receives more than two million visitors during December. It’s Instagram heaven with a photo opportunity around every corner.
The post The # 1 Most Visited Country In The World Right Now appeared first on Life in Rural France.
