France remains the world’s most-visited country, welcoming nearly 90 million international tourists in 2019. By 2023 the national tourism agency reported about 93 million arrivals, and forecasts project roughly 100 million by 2026.
Paris, the City of Light, is the touristic heart of France. Its riverside core (from Île Saint-Louis to Pont Neuf) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Paris’s major sights line the Seine: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Louvre Museum, Invalides, and the Eiffel Tower (described by UNESCO as a “universally recognized icon of Paris”). This historic city has roots back to Roman times and was largely shaped by 19th-century Haussmannian boulevards. Today it draws tens of millions of visitors each year. In 2024 Paris saw about 48.7 million visitors, and 2025 is projected to pass 50 million.
Unforgettable Paris attractions include:
Beyond these, explore the Marais district, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Evening river cruises or walks along the lit-up Seine unveil Paris’s charm.
Insider tip: Locals say the true soul of Paris is found in its cafés: “Aim yourself to sit facing the street; people-watching is a national pastime”. As of December 2025, travel during spring or fall is pleasant (mild weather, fewer tourists than summer).
The Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) combines Mediterranean beaches with dazzling culture. From Nice’s palm-lined Promenade des Anglais to the film-star cities of Cannes and Monaco (technically a principality), this coast has attracted European elites since the 18th century. UNESCO recognizes Nice’s historic “winter resort” architecture: Nice “bears witness to the evolution of the winter climatic resort… [with] a distinctive urban planning… contributing to the renown of the city as a cosmopolitan winter resort”.
Top Riviera highlights:
Timing tip: Peak summer (July–Aug) brings heat and tourists; spring (Apr–Jun) and early autumn (Sept) offer warm weather and fewer crowds. Nice’s beaches and open-air markets are enjoyable into fall. Winters are mild (20°C/68°F in December), making it a year-round destination.
The Loire Valley’s river valley is renowned for its fairy-tale châteaux, Renaissance gardens and wine villages. Often called “the Garden of France,” it was a favored royal retreat. UNESCO describes the valley as an “outstanding cultural landscape” bearing witness to two millennia of human interaction with the river. It highlights the “quality of its architectural heritage…in its world-famous castles, such as Château de Chambord”.
Must-see Loire attractions:
The Loire’s wine estates (Sancerre, Vouvray, Chinon) also beckon. Timing tip: Mid-May to early July offers mild weather and blooming gardens. Autumn brings harvest festivals (e.g. grape harvest in September). Winters are quiet (some châteaux close or have limited hours), but off-season visits avoid lines.
Off Normandy’s coast stands Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island topped by an abbey. This UNESCO-listed site (inscribed 1979) is famed as the “Wonder of the West”. Its gravity-defying Gothic abbey (11th–16th c.) crowns a 92m granite mount, surrounded by vast tidal sands. The mix of medieval architecture and wild tides is unforgettable.
Key points:
Provence offers Mediterranean charm, from lavender-scented fields to Roman ruins. In summer (especially June–July) the lilac purple fields of lavender (lavandula) cover the Luberon and Plateau de Sault. Insider tip: As of December 2025, peak bloom is typically mid-June to early July (early fields in Luberon may flower slightly earlier). Don’t miss the Lavender Route through Valensole and Gordes. Provence is also rich in history: the Roman amphitheatre in Arles, the ancient aqueduct Pont du Gard (just outside the region, UNESCO World Heritage), and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon.
Highlights of Provence:
The French Alps boast Europe’s highest peaks and a host of outdoor sports. Dominating is Mont Blanc (4,809 m), Western Europe’s tallest summit, visible from Chamonix. Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding) are world-class at resorts like Chamonix, Courchevel (part of the Three Valleys), and Val d’Isère. In summer, the Alps become lush hiking and climbing country.
Alpine highlights:
Seasonal tip: As of Dec 2025, ski season runs Dec–April; book ski passes months in advance for peak dates (e.g. Christmas/New Year) to save. Summer (July–Sept) sees clear hiking weather and alpine wildflowers. Be aware of mountain weather: afternoons in summer often bring thunderstorms.
Bordeaux city and its vineyards form an Enlightenment-era architectural marvel. The Port of the Moon (historic waterfront) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” with more protected heritage buildings than any French city except Paris. Bordeaux’s 18th-century facades, grand squares (Place de la Bourse) and mirrored water basin are stunning.
Bordeaux highlights:
Timing: Spring and autumn are ideal for vineyard visits (grape harvest festivals in Sept/Oct). Bordeaux summers can be hot; Parisian tourists often spread out here. The city hosts a famous wine festival (Fête le Vin) biennially. As of late 2025, most châteaux are open year-round by appointment.
Normandy offers dramatic coastline, WWII history, and pastoral landscapes.
Seasonal: Summer is peak for beach visits, though even then the waters are cold. Normandy can be rainy; pack layers. Spring brings apple blossoms and calvados distillery tours. Highlights: Normandy’s cheeses (Camembert, Livarot) and cidre (apple cider). Safety note: As with all tourist sites in France, remain alert in crowds (e.g. beach festivals).
Strasbourg blends French and German influences. Its Grande Île (historic center) was the first entire city center to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage (1988). A defined feature is the majestic Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral (with its medieval astronomical clock). The half-timbered houses and canals of La Petite France quarter recall medieval days.
Key sights:
Timing: Spring and summer offer river cruises and park gardens. Autumn brings a grape harvest festival (alcohol e.g. spiced wine). Winters are cold (−3°C/27°F on average), but the Christmas season is magical. Insider tip: Weekdays in December are less crowded for the Christmas market.
Lyon, France’s third-largest city, is famed for its cuisine and rich history. Founded by the Romans in 43 BCE (as Lugdunum), Lyon’s Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) and Fourvière Hill form a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. The city’s tram-lined streets, Renaissance mansions, and Renaissance-style traboules (hidden passageways) evoke its silk-trade golden age.
Highlights:
Seasonal: Lyon is pleasant in spring/fall. Summers can be warm (daytime 30°C+), making patio dining enjoyable. The annual Lyon Festival of Lights (early Dec) draws millions as buildings light up in artistic projections – book hotels months ahead.
For your trip planning, here are practical notes on visa requirements, transportation and safety:
Q: What are the best places to visit in France?
A: France has many top attractions. The list above highlights ten must-see destinations: Paris (art, monuments, romance), the sun-soaked French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, etc.), the châteaux-rich Loire Valley, Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy tidal island abbey), Provence (lavender fields, Roman ruins), the French Alps (Mont Blanc, skiing), Bordeaux (wine capital), Normandy (D-Day beaches, Bayeux), Strasbourg (UNESCO old town, Christmas markets), and Lyon (gastronomy, Roman heritage). Other favorites include the Loire châteaux (Chambord, Chenonceau) and the medieval town of Carcassonne.
Q: What is Mont Saint-Michel?
A: Mont Saint-Michel is a small rocky island off the coast of Normandy, crowned by a medieval Benedictine abbey. For centuries it was a pilgrimage site. The island’s Gothic abbey (11th–16th century) is built right into the rock, with ramparts and spires. UNESCO calls it the “Wonder of the West”. Its dramatic tides, which can isolate it from the mainland twice a day, add to the allure.
Q: When is the best time to see Provence’s lavender fields?
A: The lavender bloom in Provence usually peaks from mid-June to mid-July. According to local guides, most fields in the Luberon and Plateau de Sault are in full flower by late June. For the most vivid experience, plan a visit in early July. Keep in mind weather varies, so check local bloom reports each year. (Other Provence highlights: olive harvest is autumn; off-season is quiet.)
Q: Do I need a visa to visit France?
A: It depends on your nationality. France follows Schengen rules. Travelers from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many others do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Visitors from other countries must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa at a French consulate before travel. All visas should be arranged before departure. As of Dec 2025, rules are unchanged, though a new ETIAS travel authorization (launched Q4 2026) will be required for visa-exempt nationalities. Always check the official France-Visas website for updates.
Q: What are Paris’s top attractions?
A: Paris’s most iconic sights cluster along the Seine and historic quarters. Top attractions include the Eiffel Tower (the city’s emblem and UNESCO-listed masterpiece), the Louvre Museum (world’s most visited museum), Notre-Dame Cathedral/Sainte-Chapelle (Gothic gems), Musée d’Orsay (Impressionist art in a beaux-arts railway station), and the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées. Don’t miss strolling Montmartre (Sacré-Cœur Basilica) and the Latin Quarter (Sorbonne, Jardin du Luxembourg). Insider tip: Paris’s bridges and riverbanks themselves form a UNESCO world-heritage ensemble, so a Seine cruise or riverside walk is a free way to see many monuments.
Q: Is France safe for tourists?
A: France is generally safe but requires standard precautions. The U.S. State Department advises “exercise increased caution” (Level 2) for France due to terrorism risk and civil unrest. The most common tourist crime is pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like metros, train stations, and landmarks. To stay safe, keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid protests. Follow local advice (e.g., “avoid demonstrations”, keep updated on news). Violent crime against tourists is rare. Travel insurance and registering with your embassy’s travel-alert program (e.g. STEP for US citizens) is also recommended.
Q: How can I travel around France cheaply?
A: France’s public transport is excellent. For intercity trips, the high-speed TGV trains connect major cities (book early for discounts and to secure seats). Regional TER trains and buses link smaller towns. For long stays, consider a rail pass (Eurail/Interrail) if taking many trains. Budget airlines serve some routes, but watch for baggage fees. Within cities, metros/trams (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, etc.) are fast. Public transport is cheaper than taxis. Also, France has good highways and car rentals if you prefer driving (remember many toll roads). Biking is popular in cities, and hitchhiking is legal (but use common sense).
Q: What’s a good 2-week itinerary?
A: For 14 days, a classic loop is Paris→Loire→Bordeaux→Provence→Riviera→Lyon→Normandy→Paris, though that is brisk. Alternatively, focus on one region per week. For example: Week 1: Paris (4 days), Loire Valley (2 days), Normandy (3 days). Week 2: Provence (3 days), Riviera (3 days), Lyon (1 day). (For southern France including Nice, see suggested 10-day plan, and for adding Lyon/Avignon see a 14-day plan.) Always factor in transit times and rest.
Q: What is Strasbourg famous for?
A: Strasbourg is famous for its well-preserved medieval center and role as a symbol of Franco-German unity. Its Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg was the world’s tallest building in the Middle Ages. The city’s canal-lined quarter, La Petite France, and the timber-framed houses give it a fairy-tale feel. It’s also known as “Capital of Christmas” – its Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik) is over 450 years old. Strasbourg hosts the European Parliament, so it’s a hub of EU politics. UNESCO emphasizes the island-city’s “architectural masterpieces” and 19th-c. Neustadt urban plan.
From history-steeped cities to scenic countrysides, these places to visit in France encapsulate the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Paris’s legendary landmarks, Provence’s fragrant lavender fields, and Normandy’s solemn World War II beaches all feature on travelers’ must-see lists. Equally, France’s vibrant culinary scene (from Lyon’s bouchons to Bordeaux’s vineyards) enhances every journey. As of December 2025, tourism numbers have rebounded to pre-COVID levels, underscoring France’s enduring appeal. In planning your itinerary, consider seasonal tips (e.g. Provence’s mid-summer lavender bloom or alpine winter sports) and practicalities like visa rules. No matter what time of year, France remains a top global destination – these top 10 places ensure any visitor experiences the country’s soul, from broad cultural panoramas to intimate local charms.
