France
Romance, culture, history, iconic landmarks, cafes, patisseries, exquisite food and wine, shopping, fashion, skiing, hiking, beautiful beaches
Popular POIs
View AllThe most popular places to visit across France right now
Top reasons to visit France
1. Exquisite Cuisine and Wine
France is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and world-class wines. Each region offers its own culinary specialties, from the buttery croissants and pastries of Paris to the hearty cassoulet of the Southwest and the bouillabaisse of Provence. France's wine regions, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, are famous for their vineyards and wine production. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours at renowned wineries and vineyards, experiencing the best of French gastronomy and viticulture.
2. Beautiful Beaches and Coastal Towns
France offers a diverse range of coastal experiences, from the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera to the rugged coastlines of Brittany and Normandy. Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are famous for their sun-soaked beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. The picturesque towns of Honfleur and Étretat in Normandy offer stunning coastal views and charming harbors. The Atlantic coast, including destinations like Biarritz and La Rochelle, provides great opportunities for surfing, sailing, and beach relaxation.
3. Iconic Landmarks and Architecture
France is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks and architectural marvels. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral are must-see sites that offer a glimpse into the country's rich history and artistic heritage. The stunning châteaux of the Loire Valley, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, showcase Renaissance architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
4. Charming Villages and Countryside
France's picturesque villages and stunning countryside are perfect for a leisurely escape. The Provence region is known for its lavender fields, olive groves, and charming towns like Gordes and Roussillon. The Alsace region, with its half-timbered houses and vineyards, offers quaint villages such as Colmar and Eguisheim. The Dordogne and Normandy regions are also home to beautiful landscapes, historic castles, and charming villages that transport visitors to another time.
5. Leading Arts Museums
France boasts an unparalleled collection of art and museums. The Louvre Museum in Paris, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, is the world's largest art museum. The Musée d'Orsay features an extensive collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist works by artists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. The Centre Pompidou offers a vast array of modern and contemporary art. Art lovers can also explore the Picasso Museum and the Rodin Museum for more specialized collections.
6. History and Cultural Heritage
France's rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its many historic sites and traditions. The D-Day landing beaches in Normandy offer a poignant reminder of World War II, while the medieval city of Carcassonne and the ancient Roman amphitheater in Nîmes highlight the country's historical depth. France's festivals and cultural events, such as Bastille Day, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Avignon Theatre Festival, provide a vibrant celebration of its artistic and cultural achievements.
It's hard not to have a love affair with France. It seduces with its intricate culture, architecture, fashion scenes, and stunning landscapes. Romantic cafe terraces where excellent coffee and wines are enjoyed all day, and then there is the food. Breakfast on warm fresh croissants from the boulangerie (bakery), and if you are ever invited to a lunch with a French family, accept. Be prepared for a very, very long lunch, much laughter, food, and plenty of clinking of glasses as the French love to toast almost anything.
France welcomes more than 89 million people each year from around the globe. Paris, with its iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Palace Of Versailles, is where most sightseeing starts. Take in the sunset at the Eiffel Tower, maybe dining at one of its restaurants. A hop-on hop-off boat cruise along the French Rivera or the double-decker bus is a great way to take in all cultural sites. Wander along the Champs-Élysées, a majestic avenue running almost two kilometres in length with monuments, plenty of shopping, dining options and a vibrant nightlife with some of the most exclusive nightclubs in the city. Paris Élysées Club, Paris's only casino, is also along this fun-filled avenue. Pigalle, once the central sex district of Paris, is now an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, and yes, there are still strip shows but also great thrift stores.
Step out of Paris, and the love affair continues. Stroll through picturesque lily-clad gardens once painted by Monet, walk on a beach in Brittany or swim in the creeks of Marseille. Surf the beaches of Biarritz, escape to Champagne in the northeast, and taste the golden bubbles.
Take a hike, ride a bike or watch as the Tour de France passes your county-side farmhouse. Les Vieilles Charrues is the biggest music festival in France where more than 200,00 music-loving fans descend to Carhaix. Abbaye du Mont St-Michel, where Benedictine monks still hold age-old services, is worthy of a day out. Mont Blanc, towering at 4,808m, is the highest mountain in the Alps and lies near the Italian border, and this is the region for skiers. Learn to cook classic French cuisine in Burgundy: escargots with white wine, local cheese, and garlic are delicious.
There is much more in this delightful Western European country to enjoy. You'll find yourself saying "merci" (thank you) time and time again.
Best time to visit France
Spring (April to June) is magical, and love is in the air, and so is fall (September to November). Summer months may be hot, busy, and expensive, while winters are often grey, wet, and cold though with fewer visitors and perfect for not so long lines waiting to enter some of Paris's major attractions. The temperatures vary significantly from the seaside to the alps.
