Discover Top Places To Visit In France

Close your eyes and picture France. What comes to mind?

The Eiffel Tower sparkling at night? Rolling vineyards in Bordeaux? The truth is, France isn’t just one thing! It’s a thousand different flavors of magic, history, and adventure, all packed into one country.

And while Paris is always a good idea, there’s so much more to explore beyond the City of Light. So, grab your croissant, sip your café crème and be ready to fall head over heels for France!

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris

Eiffel Tower, Paris
© Travel + Leisure

Ok, let’s be real! You can’t not start here!

The best way to describe Paris is to call it the feeling. Not just any feeling, but the one that hits you from the moment you see the Eiffel Tower peeking through the rooftops!

Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, gawk at the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, or get lost in the bohemian streets of Montmartre. And when hunger strikes? Sit at a sidewalk café, order a glass of wine, and people-watch like it’s a sport.

2. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
© Wikipedia

Rising dramatically from the sea like something out of a fantasy novel, Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most jaw-dropping sights.

This medieval abbey sits atop a rocky island, surrounded by shimmering water when the tide is high and vast sandbanks when it’s low. Climb to the top for insane views of the bay, wander through its tiny, winding streets, and imagine what life was like here centuries ago.

And for a truly magical experience, visit during high tide when the island is enveloped by the ocean, creating a surreal and enchanting spectacle.

3. Versailles Palace, Versailles

Versailles Palace, Versailles
© Travel + Leisure

If you think luxury has limits, Versailles will prove you wrong. This palace isn’t just grand—it’s mind-blowingly over-the-top, dripping in gold, crystal chandeliers, and enough extravagance to make modern mansions look like garden sheds.

You don’t want to miss the gardens! Here, meticulously manicured lawns and flowers create a paradise of peace and elegance.

Wander among the fountains and sculptures, each a masterpiece in its own right.

Hey, explorer, here’s a fun tip for you: rent a bike and glide through the sprawling grounds, discovering hidden groves and secret alcoves.

4. Provence Lavender Fields, Provence

Provence Lavender Fields, Provence
© National Geographic

If you’ve ever wondered what stepping into a painting feels like, welcome to Provence. Picture rolling purple lavender fields, ancient stone villages perched on hills, and farmers’ markets bursting with the scent of ripe melons and fresh-baked bread.

Start in Gordes or Roussillon, two of the most breathtaking villages you’ll ever see.

Then, wander through Avignon, where popes once ruled and the medieval palace still stands like something out of a fantasy novel. And if you time it right? Visiting in July means catching Provence in full lavender bloom

5. Loire Valley Castles, Loire Valley

Loire Valley Castles, Loire Valley
© Rick Steves Europe

Some places feel too dreamy to be real, and the Loire Valley is one of them. This region is studded with extravagant castles, each one more breathtaking than the last.

I recommend starting with Château de Chambord, an architectural masterpiece that looks like it was designed by wizards. Then, head to Château de Chenonceau, an enchanting castle that literally sits over a river.

And in between, sip some of the best white wine in France because, well, you’re in the Loire, and that’s what you do.

6. Nice’s Promenade Des Anglais, Nice

Nice's Promenade Des Anglais, Nice
© Lonely Planet

Few places in the world capture effortless elegance and coastal charm quite like Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. This palm-lined boulevard is where locals jog at sunrise, artists paint the seascape, and visitors soak up the Mediterranean magic.

It’s named after the wealthy English aristocrats who vacationed here in the 19th century. This promenade is all about slowing down and savoring the good life!

So, grab a gelato, park yourself on one of the iconic blue chairs, and watch the world go by

7. Dordogne Valley, Dordogne

Dordogne Valley, Dordogne
© National Geographic

Do you want to step back in time? Search no more, here you have the Dordogne Valley! Here, history and nature intertwine in a harmonious embrace.

This is a land where medieval castles rise majestically above verdant hills.

The sense of awe here is palpable, a reminder of our timeless connection to the land.

And the food? Foie gras, black truffles, and duck confit are local specialties, so prepare to eat like royalty.

8. Cannes Film Festival, Cannes

Cannes Film Festival, Cannes
© NPR

For two weeks every May, Cannes transforms from a sun-soaked coastal retreat into the epicenter of the film world.

The Cannes Film Festival is all about glamour, exclusivity, and that electric buzz of knowing you’re in the same place as Hollywood’s biggest stars.

But even if you’re not on the invite list for the star-studded screenings at the Palais des Festivals, you can still soak up the atmosphere by watching open-air films on the beach or spotting famous faces at fancy cafés.

9. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Chamonix

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Chamonix
© Wikipedia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a paradise for thrill-seekers nestled amidst snow-capped peaks. This alpine wonderland offers unparalleled skiing and a breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Mont-Blanc.

For those less inclined towards adrenaline, this charming village of Chamonix offers quaint cafés and cozy chalets where you can unwind and soak in the alpine ambiance.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more than just a destination; it’s an exhilarating escape into nature’s grandeur.

10. Alsace Wine Route, Alsace

Alsace Wine Route, Alsace
© Alsace Wine Route

Imagine a place where France and Germany collide in the best possible way. Welcome to Alsace, a region bursting with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Colmar is straight out of a storybook, with its flower-lined canals and gingerbread-style houses. Then there’s Strasbourg, home to one of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets.

And don’t even get me started on the food! Alsace is famous for its tarte flambée (basically France’s answer to pizza) and world-class Riesling wines.

11. Pont Du Gard, Nîmes

Pont Du Gard, Nîmes
© Le Pont du Gard

Some structures make you stop and wonder, “How did they even build this?” The Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct near Nîmes, is one of those marvels.

Standing nearly 165 feet high, this UNESCO-listed bridge was engineered to transport water to the ancient city of Nîmes. And the fact that it’s still standing, perfectly intact, is nothing short of astonishing.

This is where you want to come and experience! The surrounding area is perfect for picnics, hikes, and cycling, making it a dream for outdoor lovers.

12. Lascaux Caves, Dordogne

Lascaux Caves, Dordogne
© Camping Dordogne

If you think the Louvre is impressive, wait until you see France’s original art gallery. Hidden beneath the Dordogne countryside, the Lascaux Caves hold some of the world’s most breathtaking prehistoric paintings, dating back over 17,000 years.

The real caves were closed to the public to preserve them, but there’s no need to worry! Lascaux IV, a mind-blowing exact replica, allows you to experience every brushstroke as if you were walking through the original.

The detail is so precise, you’ll swear you’re stepping into history.