Top 10 Best Places to Visit in France
See the UNESCO-listed prehistoric caves of Lascaux, or admire Monet’s water lily pond at his garden in Giverny. Normandy’s time-traveling masterpiece is the Bayeux tapestry, and its craggy coastline and historic sights are best explored on foot or by bike (wear a windbreaker).
1. Paris
A dazzling destination in its own right, Paris dazzles with monumental grandeur around every corner. Stroll shop-lined Champs-Elysees, ogle the glass pyramid at Louvre, and marvel at obelisk-pierced Place de la Concorde.
Skip the habitual daytime crowds zig-zagging up Eiffel Tower’s southern-pillar staircase or cruising by lift to its top-floor champagne bar and visit after dark. Better still, linger in medieval Quartier des Tanneurs (“La Petite France”) with its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-painted half-timbered houses.
Pause at the Pantheon to honor France’s most famous dead, then wander the leafy Jardin du Luxembourg to relax with a freshly roasted cup of coffee. And don’t miss a show at the iconic Moulin Rouge for a classic look at French cabaret. It goes without saying that the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is also worth seeing. A mystical sight rising dramatically from its rocky islet, it’s a must-see for any architecture buff.
2. Chantilly
Just north of Paris, Chantilly is the home to one of France’s most glorious chateaus, and a great day trip from Paris. Get a head start by booking skip-the-line tickets to explore the opulent interiors and vast gardens. If you want to learn more, visit the Pavillon de Manse, where you can find out how the chateau’s water displays were operated in its heyday and see some of the original machinery.
Avignon’s ancient city walls are saved thanks to remarkable preservation and its impressive Gothic landmarks include the Palais des Papes, where nine popes lived. The awe-inspiring Mont Saint-Michel, perched on a rocky islet in the Bay of Saint-Michel, is also a must-see.
3. Versailles
The dazzling palace of Versailles is one of the best places to visit in France. It was once the seat of French royalty and is now a popular tourist destination. You can tour the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Trianon, and more at Versailles.
Marseille is a cultural gem with North African influences and historic streets that can be traced back more than 2600 years. You can stroll around the old town and savor local seafood dishes in this warm, charming city.
Lyon is a gastronomic wonderland with more than its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants. It also boasts a Unesco-protected city centre and river views. This diverse city is home to many historic landmarks as well as a lively ambiance that makes it stand out from other cities in France.
4. Normandy
No list of places to visit in France would be complete without Normandy, a region that is known for its sweeping coastal scenery, charming villages and magnificent history. While its World War II history is well-known, Normandy also boasts picturesque cliffs, beautiful beaches and fascinating castles.
One of the region’s top attractions is UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island that looks like a medieval abbey. To avoid long lines, it is best to visit the attraction early or late in the day when it is not as crowded.
Another highlight is the Bayeux Tapestry Museum where visitors can see a carefully preserved handwoven masterpiece that details the history of William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. Other regional highlights include Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Honfleur and the gothic church of Le Havre, which features a remarkable astronomical clock.
5. Bay of Somme
Despite its turbulent history, the Bay of Somme is still an amazing place to visit. Its powerful tides and mesmerizing vistas of the sea, sky, and land have inspired painters like Delacroix and Degas. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is also home to salt marsh lambs and Henson horses.
A highlight is the awe-inspiring abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. Rising dramatically from an islet in the bay, this mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the destination of pilgrims on the Way of St James and remains a spirit-lifting experience today. Its soaring Gothic spires are a delight to behold, and its harmonious church will fill you with wonder. To see more of the bay’s surprising landscape, take a ride on the small steam train from Le Crotoy to Cayeux-sur-Mer. It passes through villages and dune areas where meadows, mudflats, and the bay itself are revealed.
6. Nice Observatory
The French Alps draw visitors for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, and skiing. A trip to this beautiful region also includes exploring historic villages and monuments.
The city of Nice is famous for its Promenade des Anglais, which stretches along the beachfront. The observatory is located nearby and features a stunning panoramic view of the coastline.
Reims is the site of many of France’s coronations. It is also known for its champagne.
Lyon is a foodie’s paradise and a place with an amazing combination of culture and history. You can enjoy the best French cuisine in its restaurants and admire various artworks in its museums. It is also home to a 2,100-year-old three-tiered aqueduct. The village of Saint Paul de Vence is another top attraction, thanks to its narrow streets and ancient architecture. There are also numerous vineyards in the area.
7. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
For art lovers, the museums of Paris boast a wide variety of collections. The Musée Rodin and the Musée Picasso feature world-class paintings by masters like Van Gogh and Cézanne. The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral dazzles visitors with its magnificent medieval architecture and soaring Gothic spires.
The French Riviera’s narrow streets and beautiful architecture are also a draw, as are its marvelous beaches. The prestigious Promenade des Anglais is the best place to take in the stunning scenery, and its incredible art collections are another selling point.
Champagne is the region’s most famous drink, and Reims offers tours of its many iconic champagne houses. Colmar, in Alsace, is like a blend of Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam with its quaint architecture and remarkable preservation. The UNESCO-listed walled medieval city of Carcassonne seems straight out of a fairy tale with its 52 turreted towers and crenelated ramparts.
8. Cimiez Monastery
The hilltop neighborhood of Cimiez is home to a Franciscan monastery with a church, cemetery and garden. The monastery’s cloister has a number of important 15th century retables by Louis Brea that showcase art’s move from Gothic to Renaissance style. It’s also a great place to visit the tombs of Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy, as well as a beautiful olive grove park.
Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital, but it’s also a historic city with plenty to explore beyond its Michelin-starred restaurants. Its city walls, UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon are all worth seeing on a guided tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city.
Alsace is a wine lover’s dream, with a picturesque village called Colmar that looks like a combination of Paris, Venice and Amsterdam thanks to its half-timbered houses.
9. Mont Blanc
From awe-inspiring natural scenery to storied historical sites, France offers an array of dazzling tourist attractions. Appreciated for its joie de vivre, Paris is a grand European capital with architectural masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Louvre museum and Musee d'Orsay house incredible art collections.
Reims is considered "The City of Kings," and its 13th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral hosts royal coronations. The UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes in Avignon is another impressive historic site.
The charming mountain village of Chamonix is another top place to visit in France. The gondola lift at Le Brevent, which first stops at Plan Praz, offers stunning views of Mont Blanc. You can also dine at the La Bergerie restaurant at this mountaintop locale.
10. Alignments of Carnac
The Alignments of Carnac in Brittany are a mind-blowing sight. These prehistoric grave mounds are made of stone slabs arranged in a grid and standing as tall as six and a half meters. The Maison des Megalithes provides information about the site and offers guided visits.
The Provence region enchants visitors with its sunny atmosphere and old-world charm. Amble through pleasant town squares and soak up the rosy-toned hue of its buildings.
Champagne lovers should visit the city of Reims, where they can tour iconic champagne houses like Ruinart, Veuve Cliquot, and Dom Perignon. Other notable attractions include the Cathedral of Reims and the Notre Dame de Reims. The Cirque de Gavarnie is another breathtaking sight. Its amphitheater-like shape is surrounded by mountain peaks and waterfalls. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more adventure, try white-water rafting.
