Tourist Attractions in France
France has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, from the boulevards of Paris to the fashionable seaside resorts of the Côte d’Azur. Romantics are enchanted by fairy-tale castles, magnificent cathedrals, and picture-perfect villages. At the same time, the country’s modern monuments and rapid train transit jolt visitors out of their storybook surroundings and into the atmosphere of the twenty-first century.
There’s a reason France is the world’s most visited country. It not only has some of the world’s most exquisite wines and cuisine, but it also has some of the most beautiful destinations. Indeed, no matter where you go in l’Hexagone, there are numerous scenes that will take your breath away. There is more than enough to satisfy curious travelers, from rolling vineyards and plunging canyons to towering sand dunes and majestic villages.
But, with so much to see and do in France, deciding where to go can be difficult. So, to help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 picks to inspire your travel bucket list.
Lavender Country: Provence
Provence is one of the most beautiful — and fragrant — places to visit in France during the summer, thanks to the seemingly endless ocean of lavender fields. During this time of year, the heavenly scented crop can be found almost everywhere in the region. However, the Valensole Plateau, the Sault Plateau, and the Luberon Valley are some of the most scenic places to enjoy it. Nothing beats the flower fields surrounding the Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey for the ultimate postcard shot. Every June and July, the stunning 12th-century church in the tranquil countryside near the village of Gordes is shrouded in a sea of purple.
Champagne is the Birthplace of Dom Pérignon.
Let’s face it: a list of the best places to visit in France would be incomplete if the birthplace of bubbly wasn’t mentioned. The Champagne region, located in northeast France, is a 1.5-hour drive from Paris and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys sipping bubbles. The sight of the sun setting over the idyllic rolling vineyards and dreamy landscape is reason enough to visit the region. Those who do want to sample the fruits of the land, however, can take a tour of one of the prestigious Champagne houses. And this will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience — or it may not be if they choose to overindulge! Among the famous houses that open their doors to the public are Mot & Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Taittinger, and Dom Pérignon. The latter is perhaps best known for the name of its namesake, a Benedictine monk who was a quality pioneer for Champagne wine. Dom Pérignon, contrary to popular belief, did not invent the famous wine. This is just one of the many facts you will discover while touring his cellar and final resting place at the Abbey of Hautvillers.
The Real Rapunzel’s Tower is Mont Saint-Michel..
Many beautiful villages can be found in France. Few, however, are as enthralling and otherworldly as Mont Saint-Michel and its magnificent abbey. The striking medieval monastery perched high on the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, 600 meters off the coast of Normandy, looks like something straight out of a children’s fairytale. The narrow, winding streets and pretty timbered-framed houses that lead up to it add to the enchantment. In fact, the breathtaking scenery inspired Rapunzel’s Tower and the Kingdom of Corona in Disney’s Tangled film.
Back in the 8th century, the magnificent island village was a major Christian pilgrimage site. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts over three million tourists each year. Needless to say, it is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, outside of Paris. However, the vast ocean and sandbanks that surround the island make it appear less inviting. And the fact that it becomes completely secluded when the tides are extremely high adds to its allure. Thankfully, most visitors can now reach the island by crossing a 2,500-foot-long bridge. They can, however, traverse the treacherous mudflats when the ocean recedes during low tide if they are feeling adventurous.
The Pilat Dune is Europe’s Tallest Sand Dune.
Nature lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune. The magnificent natural wonder, located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, is one of the most iconic places to visit in France. Indeed, over one million people visit each year to climb the 154 wooden steps to the top and walk along the 2.7km-long ridge.
And, with the gleaming Atlantic Ocean on one side and lush green pine forests on the other, the effort is well worth it. Indeed, the soaring dune provides some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural views. Dune du Pilat is also a popular destination for paragliders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the five nearby campsites make it popular with campers. If you want to cool off after your successful ascent, Corniche Beach is a great place to go for a swim. This is located at the bottom of the dune and is easily accessible via the main entrance.
Corsica is a Beautiful Island.
When you step onto the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica, you may quickly forget which country you are in. After all, because of its unique location between France and Italy, it embraces the best of both cultures. The famous birthplace of Napoleon, too, lives up to its nickname, the ‘Island of Beauty.’ It has a beautiful yet wild appeal, thanks to its stylish coastal towns, rocky granite peaks, and pristine forests. It is also a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination, with 1,000 kilometers of heavenly turquoise coastline to explore. Those who would rather sunbathe can do so on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches.
Despite its international appeal, Corsica has managed to retain its own culture and charm. You might catch a glimpse of this while listening to a traditional polyphonic song, or at a village festival or religious procession. Don’t be surprised if you come across a donkey or two while hiking through the countryside. The island is home to a plethora of free-roaming wildlife such as pigs, cows, goats, and sheep. Fortunately, there are no dangerous snakes!
