Situated just across the water and to the south of the United Kingdom, France is a beautiful country that showcases the best of both European and Mediterranean splendor. No matter what region of the country you visit, you will be in for a culturally rich travel experience. From designer shopping experiences and world-renowned museums to Michelin-star cuisine and architecture that dates back thousands of years, visiting France is a treat.
Here is a breakdown of the top 10 places you should consider checking out while you are visiting France.
1. Champs Elysees
A coveted destination in downtown Paris, Champs Elysees is what shopping dreams are made of. Champs Elysees is the central avenue that runs between Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde and is home to the most renowned shopping and dining experiences that Paris has to offer. The avenue spans a distance of approximately 1.25 miles and features parks, elegant French architecture, and an abundance of indoor and outdoor art.
2. Lascaux II Cave
Discovered in 1940, Lascaux Cave provides a glimpse into the life and art of inhabitants of prehistoric times. Lascaux Cave is located in Montignac village and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. While Lascaux Cave is not open to the public, you can head over to Lascaux II Cave, which is an exact replica of the original cave, and check out the fascinating wall paintings within.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Also referred to as “Our Lady of Peace” cathedral, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most stunning buildings in all of Paris and is found in the downtown region of the city. It is a catholic cathedral that is styled in Baroque Gothic architecture and was constructed during the 1100s. The ornate stained glass windows visible throughout the Notre-Dame Cathedral were installed during the 1300s. The main spire and wooden roof sustained catastrophic damage during the April 2019 fire so you are only able to see the building from the outside, but it is still stunning nonetheless.
4. Côte d’Azur
Known as the French Riviera, Côte d’Azur is a hot spot among tourists who are looking to bask in the sunshine and lay around on the beach amid beautiful scenery. Côte d’Azur is located along the shoreline of the Balearic Sea on the southern coast of France and is dotted with prestigious resorts, casual and fine dining restaurants, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Along Côte d’Azur, you will find popular cities such as Nice and Saint-Tropez, where the rich and famous are known to hang out during the warm summer months.
5. Normandy
Mostly known as ground zero for the D-Day invasion during World War II, Normandy is a breathtaking city in northern France that boasts ornate stone architecture and an abundance of historical landmarks. It is a city that dates back to the middle ages and features a Gothic Catholic abbey on the hilltop and beaches clad with military artifacts from the war. While in Normandy, you can shop along the waterfront and visit museums that are dedicated to the battles fought by France during World War II.
6. Mont Blanc
With a peak that measures in at just under 17,000 feet, Mont Blanc is a true nature lover’s paradise. It is the highest mountain in all of Europe in draws in millions of visitors each year. Much of the mountain is snow-capped all year long and provides an abundance of beautiful scenery of mountaineers of all skill levels. Whether you are looking to climb to its peak or just take a day hike around its network of trails, Mont Blanc offers an adventure for everyone.
7. Alsace Wine Region
Nestled in along the Rhine River, Alsace is an idyllic village community that is celebrated for its Bavarian-style buildings and selection of fine wines. Alsace is influenced by its German heritage, which is evident everywhere you visit throughout the city. Head over to the east side of Alsace where you will find local vineyards and wineries that serve up refined blends of Riesling, Sylvaner, and more. Guided winery tours are available and you do not need to be a professional wine sommelier to have a good time.
8. Louvre Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Paris, the Louvre Museum is one of the most iconic tourist attractions around and it is home to the world’s largest fine art collection. This phenomenal museum features artwork that dates back to antiquity and is where you will find paintings, drawings, and other forms of artistic media from famous artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Jean Baptiste, and Philippe de Champaigne. The Louvre Museum is home to the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper painting, and so many more. This museum has been around since the 1700s when the building was vacated by the royal family of King Louis XIV of France.
9. Eiffel Tower
Opened to the public for the first time in March 1889, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and it attracts millions of visitors each year. The Eiffel Tower was built in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and has been dazzling visitors with its size and grandeur ever since. The tower is open all year long and inside you will find three levels, which include a museum, gift shop, and restaurant. To get to the top of the tower, you can climb several flights of stairs or take the scenic motorized lift.
10. Nimes Roman Monuments
Regarded as the most well preserved landmarks of the Roman Empire era, Nimes Roman Monuments are located in the city of Nimes in southern France. Among the monuments, the Arena of Nimes takes center stage and could accommodate around 25,000 sporting event spectators during the days of Roman rule. The Maison Carree Roman temple is also worth checking out and it showcases how the Romans perfected stone masonry architecture early on in history. Most of Nimes Roman Monuments were constructed around 28 B.C.