Chic. Sophisticated. Iconic. France’s cultural identity is prominent across the globe. Paris, known affectionately as the City of Light, tops every list of romantic destinations yet offers something for every type of traveler, from dinner shows at the Moulin Rouge to world-renowned art at the Louvre Museum and Gothic architecture at Notre Dame Cathedral. In Versailles, the colossal palace exudes grandeur; fine wines beg to be quaffed in Bordeaux and Champagne; and war history enshrouds the battlefields of Normandy and the Somme. Gastronomes will find nirvana in France, where freshly baked baguettes, cheese, casseroles, and delicacies such as snails and frogs’ legs are staples on most menus.
France is a country for all seasons. While summer visitors flock to the beaches of the French Riviera and the lavender fields of Provence, winter wonders include skiing in the Alps, the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, and Lyon’s Festival of Lights. Bastille Day (July 14) sees countrywide celebrations, while other major events include the Nice Carnival and the Cannes Film Festival.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +33 | Language(s) French | Attractions 697 | Tours 7,219 | Reviews 275,864 |
France is known for its world-famous wines and cheeses, delicious cuisine, and rich art history. As a tourist destination, France’s most iconic sights include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the lavender fields of Provence, the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera, and the ski resorts of the French Alps.
...MoreRide the rollercoasters and meet your favorite characters at Disneyland Paris, hire a bike and cycle between fairy-tale châteaux and Loire Valley wineries along the Loire à Vélo bike route, or head into the French Alps to ski, snowboard, or ride the highest mountain zipline in the world.
...MoreBelieve it or not, the Eiffel Tower isn’t France’s most visited attraction—that honor goes to Disneyland Palace, which draws up to 16 million annual visitors. The Louvre, Versailles Palace, and Eiffel Tower also top the list, while outside of Paris, the Futuroscope and Puy du Fou theme parks are most popular.
...MoreThere are 160 villages awarded the status ‘most beautiful villages of France’, found everywhere from Normandy to the Alsace. Aside from these, some of the most picturesque sights include the lavender fields of the Dordogne, the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley, and the rose-colored lagoons of the Camargue.
...MoreFrance is packed with cultural activities, whether browsing the art museums of Paris, wine tasting in Bordeaux or Burgundy, or visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Carcassonne Medieval City and the Mont St-Michel. To experience authentic French culture, visit the local markets, attend a traditional festival, or take a cooking class.
...MoreFrance is hugely popular with hikers and cyclists, with long-distance trails covering the French Alps, Pyrenees, Loire Valley, and beyond. In summer, hit the west coast beaches to surf and enjoy water sports, or go rock climbing or rafting in the Verdon Gorge. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
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