tourist attractions in France

17 Best Top Tourist Attractions in France – updated

17 Best Top Tourist Attractions in France – updated

France is rewarded with photo-worthy Villages, fantastic cathedrals, and fairy-tale castles. Thanks to the beautiful scenery it has, from the trendy seaside resorts to the routes of Paris. The top tourist attractions in France will make you experience pretty interesting things.

Start your journey with the Eiffel Tower, then head towards the popular art masterpiece at the Louvre Museum.

Every location has a differentiated culture and cuisine. Save some time to learn about cultures in France. You will love the landscape views in the tourist attractions of France. The shoreline of Brittany has the vintage glory of ancient seaports and tranquil fishing villages.

France’s tourist spots fascinate more than 80 million visitors from around the globe. Moreover, a favorable climate, the Atlantic coast, the island of Corsica, and some of the exclusive beaches on the French Riveria, make the land of the country a likable one. Also, it literally seems like a royal, If some leisure time is spent at the beautiful Palace of Versailles.

Considering the palatableness of France, we have listed the top tourist attractions in France below.

Table of Contents
1. Mont Saint Michel
2. Eiffel Tower
3. Provence
4. Brittany
5. Disneyland Paris

6. Biarritz
7. Cote d Azur
8. Etretat Cliffs
9. Loire Valley Chateaux
10. Chateau de Versailles
11. Cathedrale Notre- Dame de Chartres
12. Carcassonne
13. Rocamadour
14. Louvre, Paris
15. Dune of Plyla
16. Gorge du Verdon

17. Chamonix Mont Blanc

1. Mont Saint Michel

The UNESCO Heritage Site, Mont Saint Michel, is among the most eye-popping landmarks. It rises dramatically from a rocky cay off the Normandy shore. The Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel is a fantabulous architecture with overhead Gothic spires of medieval times. Guests admire the awe-inspiring beauty of the Abbey Church, including its highly decorated traversed choir.

Since, the 11th century, this tourist destination in France, has been considered a significant Christian pilgrimage place. The tradition has been intact and the modern pilgrims yet cross the bay, on foot like it was in the middle ages.

Mont Saint Michel France

2. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is among the top tourist spots in France. Because of its beauty, it is nicknamed Iron Lady. In 1889, Gustave Eiffel designed this texture of 8000 metallic components as a temporary expo for the World Fair. On all three levels, there are jaw-dropping landscapes.

Irrespective of its monumental size, the delicate airiness of the tower influences the guests. Elevated at 324 meters, this tallest building in Paris presents breathtaking perspectives of the city. Even it stretches views about 70 km when the day is clear. Since the tower was constructed, it has been visited by plenty of tourists.

Eiffel Tower France

3. Provence

The deep purple lavender fields, sit on rocky outcrops, sun-drenched rolling hills, and the dramatic bucolic panorama of olive groves draw the visitors into Provence. Therefore, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and olive oil offer tasty Mediterranean cuisine in Provence. Travelers can select from a wide variety of culinary settings, from family-oriented bars to gastronomic eateries.

The vibrant backdrop has proved charming for many popular artists like Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, and Cezanne. Moreover, you will find incredible historic locations, irresistible tranquil ambiance, and splendid museums, even in small villages such as Gordes, Saint Remy, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Also, in this tourist attraction of France, the paradigmatic Provencal town, Aix-en-Provence is popular for its radiant open-air markets and plenty of fountains, particularly in southern France.

 Provence France

4. Brittany

On the northeastern shoreline of France, Brittany is a graceful historic area. Brittany is a perplexing land of legends and myths and encompasses a dialect as well as a Celtic influence. Peaceful fishing villages, weathered seaports, a craggy shoreline, and primitive traditions are some of the features of this tourist attraction in France.

Other highlights of Brittany include tiny remote islands, old castles, and immaculate sandy beaches. Ferry boats operate from Port Navalo, Vannes, and Quiberon to Belle-lle-en-Mer. Therefore, vacationers admire these tourist spots in a peaceful setting. Moreover, ancient walls surround the exemplary Breton component, Saint-Malo.

Brittany France

5. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland enfolds a region of 4800 acres and contains resorts, two theme parks, well as entertainment and shopping sections. In 1992, the Disneyland entertainment resort was inaugurated in central Paris. It is among the most famous tourist attractions in Paris, France. As it received over 275 million tourists.

The Walt Disney Studio Park was opened in 2002 and displayed film-based business, movie-based rides, and behind-the-scenes technology of films. It also has different restaurants for visitors. Additionally, there are over 55000 employee sections, 5800 hotel rooms, 57 rides, and 62 shops.

Disneyland Paris France

6. Biarritz

On the elegant Bay of Biscay, France, Biarritz is a chic town. The wife of Napolean III, Empress Eugenie, deemed it to be her favorite destination. So, this imperial couple’s eclectic style of the architectural palace transformed into the Hotel du Palais Biarritz. Captivating views of the Grande Plage beach and a gastronomic restaurant are characterized by this luxury hotel.

Other must-visit highlights of Biarritz relating to the ocean, include Rocher de la Vierge, the Lighthouse, and the Biarritz Aquarium. Vacationers in search of a wide seafront parade will quintessentially find the immense sandy beach an appealing one.

Biarritz France

7. Cote d Azur

Translated to “Coast of blue”, a name that fits to elaborate the fascinating cerulean waters of the Mediterranean. It is the most exclusive stretch of shoreline in France, close to the Italy border, extending from Saint-Tropez to Menton. The popular and well-off visitors also love to visit luxury yachts and bounty villas.

Furthermore, the best sand beaches rewarded with magnificent museums and atmospheric Old Town are found in Antibes.

Sun-seekers and beach bummers visit the seaside resorts in summer. Also, the municipality of Nice offers stellar art museums and landscape sea sights. You will discover the public as well as private beaches beside the enchanting Provencal Fishing village.

 Cote d Azur France

8. Etretat Cliffs

In the Normandy area of Northwestern France, Etretat is a hamlet in the Seine-Maritime department. Etretat is popular for its chalk cliffs and has three natural arches and a pointed setting known as L’Aiguille’. It is a farming and tourist town, lying almost 32 km northeast of Le Havre. The affiliated beach resort and these chalks have been reasons for attraction for artists.

In the set of the three popular arches, two of them are visible from the municipality namely, Porte d’Amont and Porte d’Aval. The third and biggest one is Manneporte which is invisible from the city. Moreover, the GR 21 distance hiking path passes through the town. So, this tourist attraction in France is a draw for travelers around the world.

Etretat Cliffs France

Etretat Cliffs France

9. Loire Valley Chateaux

The fun-loving Loire Valley Chateau gives a feel of ambulating into a children’s storybook. Ramparts are situated around some of the Loire castles which were medieval times fortresses constructed on hilltops. The full region of the UNESCO Heritage Loire Valley is exuberant, called the ‘Garden of France’.

Moreover, the residence of French kings for 500 years, the Chateau Royal d’Amboise is also worth noting here.

If you have ample time, also a visit to a Neoclassical-style manor house, Chateau de Cheverny, differentiated feminine style, Chateau de Chenonceau, and the most stunning chateau that was built for King Francis I, namely Chateau de Chambord in idyllic circumstances.

So, the beauty of dense woodlands, as well as gently flowing rivers in the pleasant countryside, is enhanced by these turreted fable castles.

Loire Valley Chateaux france

10. Gorge du Verden

The Gorge du Verden is thought to be among the most beautiful river canyons and lies in the Alpes De Haute state of southeastern France. On account of glacial sources and minerals rock, the Gorge Du Verden is very popular with its green turquoise Verden river water inside that region.

Travelers experience kayaking in the green waters of the Verden River and make amazing memories. Canoeing, Rafting, Paragliding, Climbing, and Hiking are also well-narrated activities in Verden Gorge Canyon. The cliffs contain a height of 700 meters, and this river canyon is approximately 25 km long.

Thanks to the region for the best views when the green Verden River blows through the canyon and at its deepest between Moustiers-Sainte-Maries and Castellane. Moreover, the rims of the river canyon attract plenty of tourists to drive and give spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

Gorge du Verden France

Gorge du Verden France

11. Cathedrale Notre- Dame de Chartres

The Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres is another top attraction in France on account of its high-end stained-glass windows dating back to the 13th century. This UNESCO Heritage cathedral outstandingly elaborates the delightful medieval Gothic architecture.

It enfolds an area of 2500 square meters, so the sublime stained-glass windows allow the emission of light into a broad nave, which in turn gives rise to an ethereal impact. The intricated details on the window are a real manifestation of unbelievable craftsmanship in biblical stories.

Moreover, the size of the rose windows is also worth considering. The Passion window is included in the other highlights of the cathedral, with the original expression and style as well as the blue Virgin window dating back to the 12th century.

Cathedrale Notre- Dame de Chartres France

12. Carcassonne

The medieval town of Carcassone is located in the area of winding, narrow cobblestone streets and peaceful old houses. This well-conservational and fortified city provides enjoyment dating back to the Middle Ages. Almost every square, building, and street has maintained its old character.

Carcassone is also known as La Cite. Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse featuring gorgeous stained-glass windows of the thirteenth century and the double-circulated embankments having 52 towers are the must-visit tourist attractions here.

Furthermore, Carcassone transformed into a famous tourist attraction in France, by dint of a restoration project in the 19th century. Also, Carcassone seems like coming out of a scene of a fairy tale, including its cracked ramparts and turreted towers.

Carcassonne France

13. Rocamadour

Rocamadour is a memorable sacred location, like a paradise on a gauzy limestone bluff. On the medieval way of Saint James trek to Santiago de la Compostela in Spain, Rocamadpour was a stop too.

The village possesses seven age-old sanctuaries, still, pilgrims are captivated by the Chapelle Notre-Dame, which contains the revered Black Virgin.

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the church of Rocamadour was constructed in Gothic and Romanesque styles. A natural Park of the Dordogne area, Parc Natural Regional des Causses du Quercy, is situated around the Rocamadour. Basilique Saint-Sauveur is another must-visit tourist attraction here.

Rocamadour France

Rocamadour France

14. Louvre, Paris

Situated in Paris, the Louvre is among the largest museums in the world. It consists of 35000 prehistoric items such as old paintings, Egyptian antiques, and crown jewels. The most visited tourist museum in the world on account of its touching art collection. You will explore eight major departments inside this museum to showcase the objects.

In 1763, the Louvre Museum was first opened. Succeedingly, Emperor Napolean added further artwork to the museum. The Louvre Museum is a baroque-style palace of medieval times. Furthermore, the next-comer French Emperors also contributed to increasing the number of historical objects in the museum.

Louvre, Paris France

15. Chateau de Versailles

Under the era of Louis XIV, this UNESCO Heritage monument is a representation of a delightful time in French history. At that time Chateau de Versailles fixed the standard for princely European courts. Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge into a luxuriant palace at the start of 1661.

The respectful architect Louis Le Vau revamped the chateau of Louis XIII into a beautiful neoclassical style. Afterward in the seventeenth century, Jules Hardouin-Mansart actualized lush Baroque interiors, encompassing the Hall of Mirrors.

Moreover, the effulgent gallery glitters with sunlight when taking entering via the window, and finally gives the reflection of well-decorated mirrors. So, the gilded details and plenty of sparkling chandeliers add appeal to the overall impression.

Chateau de Versailles France

16. Alsace Village

Veiled in the green, curved Alsace hills, Alsace Village is among some of the good-looking villages in France, where the Rhine River is bordered by the Vosges Mountains. Pedestrian cobblestone streets and chirpy flowery balconies appeal to holidaying tourists.

The charming village of Eguisheim is cuddled in a valley, and the storybook hamlet of Riquewihr has nominated some of the flowers ornated Alsatian villages namely, Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaus Villages de France.

Mittlebergheim is another graceful village popular for its superb pastoral landscape and gastronomy, at the foot of the lush Mont Saint-Odile. Moreover, Colmar provides a good hub to look into the Alsatian villages and the nature trails around them.

Alsace Village France

17. Chamonix Mont Blanc

Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley is among the historical ski resorts in France. It offers a good base for rock climbing, hiking, relaxation, outdoor adventures, and skiing. This pleasant village makes France the best destination to visit, by its alpine accommodations as well as natural scenery.

Elevated at 4.810 meters, Mont Blanc is always cloaked in snow. You will witness traditional alpine restaurants, enchanting auberges, and historic churches in this tranquil small town. In summer, cable car riding is also a popular activity.

Snowboarders, as well as top-notch skiers, are flocked towards the extremely effortful slopes whilst during winter Chamonix is an attractive place for mountain bikers and alpine mountaineers.

Chamonix Mont Blanc

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in France

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15 Comments

  1. I’ve been to several of these destinations and totally agree! I absolutely love Chamonix! If you go on a clear weather day, you will have unbelievable views.

  2. Mont San Michelle & the Eiffel Tower are at the top of my list when I visit France! & there’s so much more to see…Thanks so much for sharing!

  3. I absolutely love France. Although I grew up there, there are several places on your list that I have not been to yet. My favourite places are Brittany and Occitanie: there are full of all the things I love – medieval architecture and good food!

  4. I’m going to France later this week, I can’t wait to visit a few of these places. I’ve never been to Normandy, but your post might just be the push I needed to add it to my itinerary!

  5. I’ve only been to Paris and reading this makes me feel like I’ve missed a lot! Definitely saving this for my trip back to France next time!

  6. I have been to just Paris and Versailles many years ago. I think I need a second visit to cover all these interesting places to visit in France. Lovely photos. Thanks for a good list of attractions. 🙂

  7. So many great things to see in France! I’m going to try and see them all the next time I’m traveling through Europe.

  8. I have been fortunate enough to have visited almost every place on your list. France is a beautiful country with so much to explore!

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