Top 10 Places to Visit in France
France is a country where history, elegance, art, and natural beauty converge to create a tapestry of magical moments.
Whether sipping wine in a vineyard, wandering through medieval towns, admiring cutting-edge art, or basking in the Riviera sun, France offers something for every traveller. Here's a guide to some of the most captivating places to visit in France—and why they should be on your travel radar.
1. Paris for iconic landmarks, art, and romance in France’s capital
No list about France could start anywhere but Paris. The capital is a global symbol of style, creativity, and romance. Iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre are only the beginning. The Left Bank exudes bohemian charm, while neighbourhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre offer winding streets, cosy cafés, and a sense of history around every corner. Don’t forget the world-class cuisine—from Michelin-starred restaurants to the perfect baguette from a corner bakery.
Why go? For iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and an atmosphere that has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries.
2. Provence for lavender fields and French countryside charm
Provence is where the French countryside shows off its most cinematic side. Rolling lavender fields in bloom (typically June to July), olive groves, and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Hilltop towns like Gordes, Roussillon, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie look straight out of a storybook, while markets like Aix-en-Provence overflow with local produce, herbs, and antiques.
Why go? For idyllic landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a slower, more fragrant pace of life.
3. Loire Valley for enchanting castles and wine regions in France
Dubbed the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley is dotted with over 300 châteaux, from fairy-tale estates like Château de Chambord to elegant retreats like Château de Chenonceau. The region is also renowned for its vineyards and gentle countryside. Towns like Amboise and Saumur offer history with a side of fine wine and cheese.
Why go? To live out your castle fantasy and enjoy some of France’s best white wines in a serene, lush setting.
4. Normandy for D-Day landing sites and beautiful coastal towns
Normandy combines poignant history with natural beauty. The D-Day landing beaches and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer are deeply moving sites. Nearby, the picturesque port of Honfleur and the chalk cliffs of Étretat showcase Normandy’s artistic and maritime heritage. And then there's Mont-Saint-Michel, a gravity-defying medieval abbey rising from the tidal flats.
Why go? To explore a region rich in history and landscapes that inspired Monet and other Impressionists.
5. Bordeaux for world-class wine and elegant riverfront views
Bordeaux is a mecca for wine connoisseurs. The city itself has undergone a stunning transformation in recent decades, with revitalised quays, striking modern architecture like La Cité du Vin, and some of the best gastronomy in France. Just outside the city, the Médoc and Saint-Émilion regions offer winery tours and scenic countryside.
Why go? To sip some of the world’s finest wines while exploring a stylish, rejuvenated city.
6. Lyon for French cuisine in the heart of France’s gastronomic capital
Often dubbed the food capital of France, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich past stretching back to Roman times. Wander through traboules (hidden passageways), dine in authentic bouchons (traditional restaurants), and explore the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views. It’s also a hub for contemporary arts and digital festivals.
Why go? For an authentic blend of gastronomy, history, and local flair.
7. Nice and the French Riviera for the glamour on France’s Mediterranean coast
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, has attracted artists, aristocrats, and jet-setters for decades. Nice offers palm-lined promenades, pebble beaches, and a vibrant old town. From here, you can day-trip to glamorous Monaco, stroll the film-famous streets of Cannes, or relax in charming towns like Menton and Antibes.
Why go? For sun, sea, and a touch of European glamour.
8. Alsace for fairy-tale villages and the best wine route in France
On the border with Germany, Alsace offers a unique blend of cultures. Strasbourg, home to the European Parliament, boasts a lovely cathedral and half-timbered houses lining canals. The Alsace Wine Route is dotted with charming villages like Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim, each more photogenic than the last, especially during the festive Christmas markets.
Why go? For fairy-tale settings, superb white wines, and a cultural fusion unlike anywhere else in France.
9. Dordogne for prehistoric caves and charming riverfront villages
Tucked between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, the Dordogne is a region of deep caves, medieval fortresses, and riverside villages. Explore the cave art of Lascaux, canoe along the Dordogne River, and visit fortified towns like Sarlat-la-Canéda and Rocamadour. It’s a region that feels timeless.
Why go? For a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path journey through history and nature.
10. Chamonix and the French Alps for adventure and alpine views
At the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of the most iconic mountain resorts in Europe. It’s a winter sports paradise, but the summer brings lush hiking trails, paragliding, and mountaineering. The Aiguille du Midi cable car offers jaw-dropping views over the Alps and even into Italy and Switzerland on clear days.
Why go? For year-round alpine beauty, adrenaline sports, and awe-inspiring vistas.
Explore France’s lesser-known gems
These under-the-radar destinations pack just as much charm, beauty, and culture:
- Annecy – known as the “Venice of the Alps” Annecy has crystal-clear canals, a turquoise lake, and snow-capped peaks as a backdrop.
- Nîmes – home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Europe, including a colosseum still used for events.
- Corsica – a Mediterranean island with wild mountains, turquoise coves, and a fiercely independent spirit.
- Reims – champagne’s unofficial capital, where you can tour legendary houses like Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon.
- Toulouse – the “Pink City” boasts a rich aerospace history, vibrant student energy, and gorgeous brick architecture.
- Biarritz – a surfer’s paradise in the Basque Country with a mix of seaside elegance and Atlantic ruggedness.
Whether you're visiting France for its fancy cuisine, pastoral calm, historical depth, or cosmopolitan buzz, it has a place that will capture your heart.
