When it comes to France there’s no shortage of tourist spots as the country is home to towering sand dunes, majestic villages, rolling vineyards, and even deep canyons.
It’s not a wonder why France is considered the MOST VISITED NATION IN THE WORLD. It not only has some of the finest foods and wines in the world but some of the most stunning locations, enough to incite some of that Hollywood craze.
There are innumerable scenes throughout L’Hexagone that will wow you no matter where you go.
Here are the Top 10 Cities of France that is more than enough to satisfy an eager traveler.
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10. Corsica
Considered the “ISLAND OF BEAUTY” the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica can make you forget which country you are in. Then again, because of its exceptional location halfway between France and Italy, it embraces the greatest aspects of both cultures.
Additionally, here’s a great fact to start, the island is considered the BIRTHPLACE OF NAPOLEON! It has a gorgeous yet wild appeal due to its chic seaside villages, steep granite peaks, and unspoiled forests. It is a popular location for scuba diving and snorkeling with 1,000 kilometers of lovely blue shoreline to explore. However, there are also numerous beautiful beaches on the island where people can simply sunbathe.
The lovely island of Corsica has kept much of its unique culture and attraction despite being popular with tourists from around the world. If you’re lucky, you could catch a glimpse of this during a TRADITIONAL POLYPHONIC SONG, a village event, or a church procession. And if you’re out on a country hike, don’t be surprised if you run into a few donkeys.
There are several wild animals that ROAM FREELY on the island, including pigs, cows, goats, and sheep. Fortunately, there are no venomous snakes.
9. Auvergne
The AUVERGNE VOLCANOES REGIONAL NATURE PARK, which is the greatest volcanic ensemble in Europe and a remnant of the prehistoric era, lies tucked away in the center of France. The park, which has an area of 395,000 hectares, is home to FOUR VOLCANIC MASSIFS.
The PUY DE DOME is the highest volcano in the area with a height of 1,465 meters. World travelers flock to see these inert sleeping giants that have been inactive for thousands of years.
The summits are also well-liked for hot-air ballooning, cycling, and trekking. The ancient volcanoes are well known for their mineral waters and natural hot springs, which make them a desirable location for THERMAL SPAS. In actuality, here is where the water for Volvic, Badoit, and Vichy originates from.
Aside from this, the area offers a wealth of ANCIENT VILLAGES, abbeys, and castle remains to discover, making it a fantastic choice for a peaceful vacation in France.
8. The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley frequently referred to as “THE GARDEN OF FRANCE,” was formerly home to French nobles and royalty. However, it is now one of the most famous tourist destinations in France and is accessible to anyone.
This is a result of the region’s 300 ornate chateaux, some of which date back to the ninth century. Naturally, a lot of these have been added to the list of UNESCO World HERITAGE SITES. Even if each one is well-kept and has a unique history, some are more revered than others.
CHATEAU OF CHAMBORD, for instance, is regarded as one of the most attractive in the valley due to its exquisite French design and a surrounding park full of deer.
While the CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU, which stands over the Cher River, is admired for its distinctive fusion of Gothic and Renaissance architecture a more medieval beauty may be found in the fairytale-like CHATEAU DE SULLY-SUR-LOIRE, which has hosted a number of notable historical people, including Joan of Arc and Louis XIV.
Of course, there are so many exquisite chateaux to discover that you might want to change it up by visiting one of the many VINEYARDS scattered throughout the area.
After all, the valley is renowned for its top-notch wines, and many local winemakers welcome visitors to their WINERIES to see the facilities and taste the products.
7. Rocamadour
THE SACRED PILGRIMAGE. After Mont-Saint-Michel, Rocamadour is the SECOND MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION in France, and there’s a good reason for it. The sacred village is nothing short of spectacular, perched high on the side of a limestone cliff overlooking the Alzou gorge in the Dordogne area.
The UNESCO-LISTED MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENT was once a significant destination for pilgrims and was well-known for its shrines. In the CHAPEL OF NOTRE DAME, there is a figure of the BLACK MADONNA from the fifteenth century.
After ascending the 216 steps (Le Grand Escalier) to the square at the top, visitors can explore the chapel and seven additional places of worship. Amazingly, pilgrims once climbed these while squatting!
The views of Rocamadour, the Alzou canyon, and the wild, untamed terrain below are unparalleled from the village’s highest point. It goes without saying that they are well worth working out for.
You can also take a boat ride in the adjacent GOUFFRE DE PADIRAC if you have time. This magnificent underground network of caverns is alive with enormous stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes, and enormous rock formations.
6. Saint-Tropez
A trip to Saint-Tropez, THE LAND OF LUXURY is unquestionably in order if you’re yearning for the hedonistic life or at least want to dip your toes into it. After all, this stunning, sun-drenched seaside town on the French Riviera is well known for its fancy shops, perfect sandy beaches, and yacht-hitting celebs.
Thanks to Impressionist painter PAUL SIGNAC and other famous artists like Henri Matisse and Albert Marquet, the little town on the Côte d’Azur transformed from a peaceful fishing community to a paradise of luxury in the late 19th century.
But Saint-Tropez didn’t become well-known outside of its own country until the 1950s when Hollywood bombshell BRIGETTE BARDOT onto the scene. Et Dieu Créa la Femme, her film, was filmed at the resort.
The town nevertheless manages to maintain its original charm despite its image as a playground for the wealthy, especially if you visit outside of the peak travel season. Older residents continue to play BOULES at the Place des Lices despite the flash and grandeur. While others enjoy CAFE AU LAIT along with the charming port.
5. Normandy
Normandy, which skirts the English Channel and takes up a sizable chunk of northern France, is famous for its CAMEMBERT CHEESE, APPLE ORCHARDS like cider, and brandy, and COW-PEPPED SCENERY, which includes charming villages and towns like Rouen, Bayeux, and Giverny. But it’s also admired for its significant historical significance.
Thousands of people visit the area each year to see the military cemeteries, memorial museums, and the D-Day landing grounds, which were the scene of the 1944 D-Day invasion and marked the turning point of World War II. The magnificent MONT SAINT-MICHEL, one of France’s most well-known tourist destinations, is another highlight of Normandy, but you can also find medieval castles, cathedrals, and quaint tiny towns practically wherever you go.
Visit Normandy for the history, cuisine, and leisurely pace of life, but also to experience France at its friendliest.
4. Dune Du Pilat
The Dune du Pilat, the TALLEST SAND DUNE in Europe, offers stunning 360-degree views that nature enthusiasts will undoubtedly savor. One of the most famous tourist destinations in France is the stunning natural wonder, which is situated in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay region.
Almost a million people visit each year to walk along the ridge’s 2.7 km length and climb the 154 wooden steps to the top. The effort is undoubtedly worthwhile because of the brilliant Atlantic Ocean on one side and the lush, green pine trees on the other.
The soaring dune offers some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Paragliders and other lovers of outdoor sports frequent Dune du Pilat. It’s well-liked by campers due to the FIVE SURROUNDING CAMPGROUNDS. After your successful ascent, you might want to cool off.
CORNICHE BEACH offers a great place to go swimming. This is close to the main entrance and is situated at the base of the dune.
3. Provence
Provence is one of the most picturesque – and aromatic – areas to travel in France during the summer because of the seemingly unending SEA OF LAVENDER FARMS. During this time, the region’s heavenly-scented crop may be found practically everywhere.
The Sault Plateau, the Luberon Valley, and the Valensole Plateau are some of the most picturesque places to take in their beauty. But nothing tops the floral fields that surround the NOTRE-DAME DE SENANQUE ABBEY for the perfect postcard image.
Every June and July, the magnificent 12th-century church, which is located in the quiet countryside next to the village of Gordes, is enveloped in a sea of purple. These lovely lavender fields are tenderly cultivated by the monks who reside in the abbey, together with the neighborhood beekeepers.
In fact, Guestsome to stay with them and experience a peaceful SPIRITUAL RETREAT. The fields are open from 09:30 during the summer and 13:00 on Sundays if you’d rather make it a day trip.
Just keep in mind that due to the area’s distinct attractiveness, it is very crowded at this time. As a result, be sure to be there early and join the 10:30 am tour.
2. Champagne
The home of Dom Perignon. It goes without saying that champagne must be included in any list of the top destinations in France.
The CHAMPAGNE AREA, in northeastern France, is a must-visit for everyone who enjoys drinking sparkling wine. It is about 1.5 hours by car from Paris. Visit the area only to enjoy the lovely sunset over the picturesque rolling vineyards and picturesque surroundings.
Having said that, individuals who do want to taste the produce of the country might go on a tour of a renowned CHAMPAGNE HOUSE. And if they chose to overindulge, it might not be such an unforgettable experience.
Among the well-known houses that welcome visitors are Mot & Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Taittinger, and Dom Pérignon. The latter is most well-known for its namesake, a Benedictine monk who had a significant role in the development of Champagne wine’s quality.
But contrary to common opinion, the world-famous wine was not created by Dom Pérignon. While visiting his crypt and ultimate resting place in the HAUTVILLERS ABBEY, you will discover several other interesting facts.
1. Paris
Every year, the CITY OF LIGHT welcomes millions of tourists attracted by its spectacular atmosphere. Of course, the exquisite food and enormous art collections also deserve some praise.
The city’s serene River the Seine meanders through it, flanked by grand museums, historic churches, and blocks of ROCOCO and NEOCLASSICAL BUILDINGS all of which are further complemented by cascading trees and glistening streetlights. On their way to the market, cafe, or movie theater, the astonishingly stylish Parisians populate the Seine’s cobblestone walkways and beautiful bridges.
Visit the renowned MUSEE D’ORSAY, shop the top designers on the Champs Élysées or in the boutiques in Le Marais, take in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or even schedule a day trip to Versailles Palace.
But do not neglect the simple pleasure of strolling through the magnificent arrondissements or enjoying a crepe on the street.
Conclusion
When it comes to France, there’s so much to see and so much to do. It can be pretty overwhelming. Especially, when it comes to choosing which places to visit in France.
These are the Top 10 Cities of France. I hope our favorite picks can help you whittle down your options. With that said, which of the spots we mentioned inspire your travel bucket list?
Did you find any of our picks interesting? Which of these places would you consider exploring on your next visit to France? Let me know in the comments below.
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