For more than two decades, France has reigned
as the world’s most popular tourist destination,
receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual.
People from all over the world are drawn to
France’s sophisticated culture, dazzling
landmarks, exquisite cuisine, fine wines,
romantic chateaux and picturesque countryside.
Here’s a look at the best places to visit
in France:
Number 10.
Marseille.
One of Europe’s oldest cities and France’s
second largest city, Marseille is a major
Mediterranean seaport located off the southeast
coast of France.
Boasting an idyllic climate, Roman ruins,
and medieval architecture, Marseille is also
a working city with several universities and
industries.
At the core of Marseille is its old port.
Dominated by two historic forts, this bustling
harbor is lined with waterfront cafes, shops
and bars.
One of Marseille’s best natural attractions,
the Calanques are a series of small inlets
with astonishing blue water and majestic limestone
cliffs.
Number 9.
Lyon.
The third largest city in the country, Lyon
is located where the Rhone and Saone Rivers
join.
Its strategic location has enabled it to attract
merchants to the city ever since it was founded
by the Romans in 43 BC.
An orderly and sophisticated place, renaissance
buildings dot its streets.
Lyon seamlessly mixes the new with the old,
with a rich cultural heritage that encompasses
gastronomic delights and fine architecture.
Lyon Cathedral is one of the most impressive
sights, and the old town is lovely to walk
around.
Make sure to try some of the sumptuous cuisine
before you continue on your way.
Number 8.
Strasbourg.
Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has a stunning
historical center and occupies a strategic
setting on the west bank of the Rhone.
Consequently, it has been fought over by France
and Germany throughout its long history.
Now, however, the glassy European Union buildings
glitter in the sun and, along with the teeming
student body, help to give a modern air to
this ancient city.
The gothic cathedral is simply stunning to
behold, as is the delightful La Petite France
that is home to the old part of town.
Number 7.
Loire Valley.
About a two hours drive south of Paris, the
Loire Valley is a region regarded for its
spectacular scenery, picturesque vineyards
and historic villages.
The valley’s biggest attraction is its large
number of chateaux scattered throughout the
rolling green hills.
Ranging from grand country manors to defense
fortresses and luxurious palaces, these chateaux
were built by French nobility.
The valley is also home to many wineries that
offer tours and wine tastings.
Number 6.
Bordeaux.
Straddling the banks of the Garonne River,
Bordeaux is a large city with a lot to offer.
Its impressive old town is delightful to walk
around, and the architecture on show is ravishing.
Surrounding Place de la Bourse, you can find
18th century mansions rubbing shoulders with
decadent palaces, as well as a number of great
art museums.
At night, the view of the city lights from
the Napoleonic-era Pont de Pierre is magical.
Home to some of the best wines in the world,
make sure to give them a taste before you
head off.
Number 5.
Cannes.
Up until the 19th century, Cannes was just
a quiet fishing village, but today it is a
glamorous seaside city made world famous by
the annual Cannes Film Festival.
Every May when Cannes hosts the film festival,
hordes of fans flock to see the rich and famous
in person as the celebrities walk the red
carpet up the steps of the Palais des Festivals
where thousands of films are screened.
Leading up to the Palais des Festivals is
the beautiful waterfront promenade that is
lined with palm trees, upscale hotels, restaurants
and designer shops like Gucci, Chanel and
Dior.
Number 4.
Mont Saint-Michel.
Rising up from the midst of vast mud flats
is the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel,
located off France’s northwestern coast
in Normandy.
The medieval structures on the island are
built as if stacked upon one another and crowned
with the star attraction, the Abbey of Mont
Saint-Michel.
The awe-inspiring abbey was built by devoted
monks in 708 AD after the Bishop of Avranches
was allegedly visited by the Archangel Michael.
The bay around Mont St-Michel is famed for
having Europe’s highest tidal variations.
Number 3.
Dordogne.
Unless you have weeks or months to spend in
the scenic Dordogne region of southwestern
France, you’re going to pick and choose
the things you want to see.
There is just so much to see and do here,
beginning with picture-postcard villages and
chateaux, including the well-preserved Chateau
de Beynac, a hilltop castle.
The scenery is pretty awesome, too, with the
Dordogne River running through it.
The Dordogne also has some of the best prehistoric
cave art in France.
Number 2.
Nice.
Located on the French Riviera, Nice is constantly
bathed in sunshine.
As the fifth largest city in France, it has
a vibrant mix of cultures.
During the day, travelers can enjoy a stroll
through its historic center or find a place
along Nice’s pebbly beaches to take in the
beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
Walking along the famous Promenade des Anglais
and gazing out over the turquoise waters is
simply heavenly.
A charming place to spend some time, Nice
has something for everyone, as it combines
city life with a beautiful setting.
Number 1.
Paris.
Attracting more than 45 million visitors annually,
Paris is the world’s most popular tourist
destination.
Situated on the banks of La Seine, the elegant
and stylish capital of France is a romantic
place, with lovely boulevards, beautiful buildings,
and sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre
Dame Cathedral, rising towards the heavens.
From the stunning art collections at the Louvre
to the eerie catacombs beneath the streets
and the breath taking Notre-Dame Cathedral,
you could spend a lifetime getting to know
all of Paris´ wonderful sights.
