8 Best Places to Visit in France - Travel Guide

There is a reason France is the most popular destination in Europe. It is home to some of the most beautiful cities, towns and countrysides in the world. From a large international metropolis with art galleries and museums to charming coastal towns, perfect for a summer getaway. France really has it all and it is no wonder that millions of tourists flock there every year. For some, it is beaches and the Mediterranean sun. For others, it is the ski slopes of the Alps and the lavender fields of Provence. Whether you're seeking an action-packed sightseeing adventure or a relaxing wine retreat, you'll find a fun French vacation here. To give you a taste of the best of it, here are the 8 best places to visit in France. 8. Colmar Colmar is one of the jewels of Alsace and one of the most beautiful destinations in France. Colmar is a charming town in the grand ISD region of northeastern France, close to the border with Germany. Colorful houses that look as if they belong in a fairytale line, the little Venice district, where you can take a boat tour through Colmar's canals or reach boutiques and eateries on foot. Visit Colmar at night when lights illuminate the city during annual events like the Colmar International Festival, Alsace's Wine Fair, and Colmar's Christmas Market. It is a very romantic little place which is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in France. 7. Verdun Gorge If you're looking for some of the best regional parks in France, then visiting Verdun Gorge will be for you. Perched within the Verdun Natural Regional, it's a great spot for hiking, swimming, and kayaking too. Amongst all the natural beauty this scenic road trip offers, it is the turquoise color of the Verdun River that will strike you the most. 6. French Alps For outdoor enthusiasts, it's hard to beat the French Alps for its breathtaking natural scenery. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in all of Europe and its snow-capped peak is totally majestic. With lakes, valleys, dramatic waterfalls, and forests, it is one of the best places to visit in France. Charming villages sit at the base of the range, offering several places to unwind when you've had enough fun on the slopes or trails. 5. Lyon Located between the Rhône and Séan Rivers, close to the Alps and to the Mediterranean, Lyon is the third-largest city in France. If there is one place you shouldn't be missing when in Lyon, that's its cathedral, which was built between the 12th and the 15th centuries. It is a historic city with a rich culture and beautiful architecture. The World Heritage City is a beautiful place to visit in France and is home to some of the world's most precious ancient ruins, Roman structures, and medieval buildings. The Place Nouve Saint-Gene is also a must-see. It is a picturesque square with many shops and traditional restaurants, the perfect location for a romantic dinner. Lyon is at the heart of French gastronomy. Lyonaise cuisine is famous for its delicious regional specialties such Quenelles meat dishes, sausages, and salad. 4. Bordeaux Bordeaux is one of France's most important wine-producing provinces. Home to over 6,000 vineyards, the region offers some of the world's finest wines, building on an ancient culture that goes back nearly 2,000 years. The region has two exceptional World Heritage Sites, the elegant city of Bordeaux, with more than 350 buildings classified as historical monuments, and the little country village of Saint-Emilion, 51 kilometers from Bordeaux. With a rich Christian heritage dating back to the 8th century, Saint-Emilion is filled with notable churches and monasteries. Bordeaux is packed with places where you can sit, relax, and savor the best wines of France. 3. Normandy Normandy is known for its Camembert cheese, its apple orchards, and its historic castle. This verdant region takes its name from the Viking conquerors that settled here in the 9th century. With gorgeous beaches, stunning architecture, and some of France's finest seafood, this is a region with something for everyone. Norman history has always been tied to the sea, from the earliest Viking raids and the conquest of England in 1066 right through to the darkest moments of the Second World War. Normandy has one of France's most famous tourist sites, the stunning Mont Saint-Michel. Known as the Pyramid of the Seas, this little rocky islet off the coast of Normandy was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. 2. Nice This lovely coastal town located on the Côte d'Azur is where you will find some of the nicest beaches in France. With a beautiful old town, stunning beaches, and delicious food, there's something for everyone. This historic part of Nice, the Old Townville, feels like a medieval village with narrow streets curving between old buildings with red tile roofs, small restaurants, and open markets. 1. Paris When you mention the best cities to visit in France, you just can't skip its gorgeous capital. Paris has some of the best architectural and iconic landmarks of France like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral which are all the best places to visit in Paris. You will get the finest pieces of art and culture at the top museums in Paris, shopping streets, historical charms, and a lot more while exploring the city. Walk the Promenade Planty, consider the picnic to Luxembourg Gardens, and end the day watching the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower.