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From the popular boulevards of Paris to the stunning seaside resorts of Côte d'Azur, France indeed offers some of the most must-see sights in the world. Indulge yourself and savor the irresistible charm of France with its picturesque Village, traditional French gastronomy which has been included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and soaring cathedrals that blends perfectly into its progressive and contemporary style. You can even rent a castle in France and turn your dream vacation into reality. Here’s the list of the top-rated tourist attractions that you may visit when in France.
1. Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris. It is one of the world’s famous landmarks. This structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the World Fair in 1889. Now, it has been an irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline. Due to the structure’s exceptional gratefulness, it has earned the nickname of Iron Lady. You’ll be impressed of the tower’s size standing at 320-meter high and the stunning panoramic views at each levels has to offer. If you want, you can dine at the first level or the second level to indulge yourself on a sumptuous meal of the Michelin-starred Jules Verne.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre is one of the most incomparable museums in Europe where collections of fine arts can be seen. Famous masterpieces from some of the Western Civilization such as Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci, the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture and the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese can also be found here. Up to date, it has a collection of 30,000 artworks. It is impossible to see everything inside in a day or even in a week. It is suggested that you focus on a shortlist of artworks for you to have a lucrative experience.
3. Palace of Versailles
It is not just a royal residence. It was designed to show the glory of the French monarchy. It has also became Louis XIV’s symbol of power and has been the key indicator for the princely courts in Europe. Architect Jules Hardouin- Mansart is the one who created the Baroque façade and interior. You’ll spot here the famous Hall of Mirrors, it is where courtiers waited for an audience with the king. Beyond the formal French gardens is Marie-Antoinette's hamlet, it is said to be the pastoral village where the queen dressed up to become a peasant in order to escape court life.
4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
This UNESCO-listed cathedral has been standing for more than eight centuries and exemplifies a medieval Gothic architecture. There is a special light show that will mesmerize you from April to October. What’s inspiring here is the stained-glass windows that allow colorful life to filter that resulted to an ethereal effect. Numerous windows have been crafted and depict biblical stories. The most noteworthy of all of the windows is the rose one due to its size and details. Other highlights are the Blue Virgin window and the Passion window.
5. Côte d'Azur
Here you’ll see the most fashionable stretch of coastline in France. The word Côte d'Azur is synonymous with glamour and is translated to Coast of Blue which was coined due to the mesmerizing deep blue color of the Mediterranean Sea. Every summer, the resorts are being visited by those beach lovers and sun-worshippers. You can spot the rich and famous personalities here in their lavish villas and luxury yachts. Don’t forget to visit the town of Nice which offers great panoramic views and art museums. Cannes is known for its celebrity film festivals and legendary hotels. If you’re looking for the best sandy beaches, head to Antibes and Saint-Tropez plus the charm of the Provençal fishing village. Lastly, Monaco offers stunning scenery and exclusive ambience.
6. Mont Saint-Michel
It is located dramatically out of the sea on the coast of Normandy. It is also known as the Pyramid of the Seas being a mystical sight rested on a rocky islet and surrounded by walls and fortresses. During high tide, Mont-Saint-Michel is an island but at low tide, it is possible to cross to Mont. Abbaye de Saint-Michel is the main tourist attraction in the area. It is founded by Archbishop Aubert of Avranches in after the Archangel Michael appeared to him in a vision. It is also an important pilgrimage destination due to its soul-inspiring serenity. With that, Mont Saint-Michel is coined as The Heavenly Jerusalem.
7. Provence
Provence is known for its gorgeous landscape of rolling hills plus the iconic lavender fields with the little villages suspended on the valleys and rocky outcrops. The overwhelming scenery has inspired famous artists like Matisse, Chagall, Cézanne and even Picasso. Allow yourself to experience the art de vivre as you stroll along the cobblestone streets. Here you’ll find open-air markets and indulge yourself on a sumptuous cuisine. The most important market town is the Aix-en-Provence. Arles, on the other hand, is known for its ancient ruins and festivals. The medieval city of popes is known as Avignon.
8. Loire Valley Châteaux
Loire Valley is also known as the Garden of France and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the lush area feels like you’re scanning through the pages of a children’s storybook. The setting here is a captivating countryside of woodlands inclusive of river valleys and fairy-tale castles. The most famous châteaux that you can see here is the Renaissance castles designed with the ideas of enjoyment and entertainment. It is coined as an extension of the court life outside of Paris. Other châteaux that you can see in the area is the Château de Chambord which was built for King Francis I, a feminine style châteaux
9. Alsace Villages
Here you’ll be in awe of the beautiful villages in France that are tucked away in the rolling green hills of Alsace wherein the Vosges Mountains is the border to the famous Rhine River of Germany. Alsace villages are known for its pastel-painted and half-timbered houses that were clustered around the small church. In addition, the flowering balconies and cobblestone streets add to its good ambiance. Many of the villages here have won France’s Villages Fleuris award due to their charming floral decorations. If you’re planning for your Alsace vacation itinerary, choose Colmar. It is a good pick to explore the Alsatian villages and even the surrounding nature trails.
10. Carcassonne
Be fascinated by its fairy-tale scenery. This well-preserved destination allows the visitors to enter into the world of Middle Ages. This walled-town features narrow, winding cobblestone lanes and old houses. The streets and building have retained its medieval character. The must-see attractions in the area are the 14th-century old Cathedral of Saint-Nazaire and the double-circuited ramparts with 54 towers. You can also schedule your visit here during the Bastille Day fireworks happening every 14th of July.
11. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The awe-inspiring Mont Blanc is located in the French Alps and is known as the highest mountain peak in Europe. It serves as a part of the French border with Italy. Mont Blanc or White Mountain is blanketed in snow. Beneath the peak, you’ll find the traditional alpine village of Chamonix. This little town is filled with historic churches, cozy restaurants, and enchanting auberges. Chamonix is a great place for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, outdoor adventures and even a perfect place to relax.
12. Brittany
Brittany is a historic region that can be found on the northeastern coast of France. It features fishing villages, rocky seaside scenery, and costumed religious festivals. The local cuisine is something that you should try especially the savory buckwheat crepes. Be sure to visit the Breton port, Quimper and even Nantes known for its ancient walls, historic towns and impressive Gothic cathedral and the place when the freedom of Religious belief to Protestants has been granted, respectively. Other things to do can be visiting the pristine beaches, remote islands, and ancient castles.
