France spreads like an elegant patchwork quilt across landscapes that sweep from the dramatic Alpine peaks in the East across fertile river valleys down to the sun-swept beaches of the Cote d’Azur. All along the way, you discover delightful cities that shape the best of the land, people and culture to create their own unique identity, each calling you to enjoy their individual pleasures.
France, a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, has been a popular destination for travellers worldwide. From historical monuments in Paris to breathtaking landscapes in the Loire Valley, France offers a versatile tourist experience. Here is a short list of the most famous places that encapsulate the essence of this magnificent nation.
Avignon
The region of Provence lays claim to some of the loveliest cities of France. Stone ramparts encircle the city to harbour magnificent architecture and art, broad avenues and tiny streets until you arrive at the imposingly beautiful medieval fortress and home-away-from-home Palace of the Popes. You will see the famous ruins of the Avignon bridge from the fortress. It’s a lovely and lively place to choose your cafe seat and watch life roll by or to visit during the riotous fun of the summer music festivals.
Chartres
One of the most beautiful cities in France and home to one of the finest gothic cathedrals, Chartres exudes an air of relative calm. Just 60 miles southwest of Paris, the town centre is dominated by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cathedrale de Notre-Dame. The cathedral’s renowned flying buttresses, stained glass, and twin spires are a remarkable sight and one that takes your breath away!
Another of Chartres’ stellar charms is the picturesque branch of the Eure River that winds through the lower city. Be sure to wander the flower-lined paths and petite bridges to discover gardens, museums and the gentle city spirit that wraps around you. The perfect ending for your excursion is Le Moulin de Ponceau, a lovely restaurant with a terrace overlooking the tiny bridge across the river – wonderful in every way!
Lyon
Second only to Paris in size, Lyon is considered the French capital of gastronomy and the former capital of the silk trade. To be certain, sampling the famed Lyonnais cuisine will be one of your favourite activities. Whether along narrow, winding streets in the old town or in the popular Presquile area, a fantastic range of restaurants will lure you with steamy regional dishes, perfected haute cuisine and classic Cotes du Rhone wines. Lyon’s traditional bouchons elevate the onion to royalty in hearty meat and potato dishes, fish dumplings and other down-to-earth meals delivered with plenty of atmosphere and casual hospitality.
In between meals, discover the waterfront beauty and compelling historic sites of the city. Two beautiful rivers, the Rhone and Saone, intersect the city, forming a charming and eclectic peninsula in the middle, where shopping and dining radiate from the huge Place Bellecours. Lyon is steeped in history with centuries-old ties to Rome and as a hotbed of resistance to occupying German forces during World War II. Across the Saone River to the West, the fascinating old town is home to many of the traboules – secret passages – that thread through the houses. They first served silk merchants, who hastened their way to work sites, and later aided resistance members in eluding the Germans. It is easy to imagine the hushed urgency of resistance members slipping through the quiet passages to escape Gestapo raids.
Paris
The City of Light is one of the most magnificent and imaginative cities in the world. Twenty individual areas (arrondissements) manage to integrate their unique personalities into a dynamic, sophisticated, welcoming city filled with history and charm.
The key attractions that have drawn visitors for decades continue to do so: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Grand avenues (such as the Champs Elysee) sweep through the city, while small winding streets and lanes carry you to interesting little restaurants and shops. The city delivers an astonishing blend of sophisticated museums, historic architecture, elegant restaurants and simple sidewalk cafes. From the bustle of the Champs Elysees and the Arch de Triomphe to the calming gardens of the Eiffel Tower, Paris wraps around your heart with its ability to stimulate and soothe. The efficient Metro system delivers you to the doorsteps of the finest art exhibits in the world – the famous Louvre, Musee D’Orsey and Centre George Pompidou, while simple strolls take you over the footbridge to Ile Saint-Louis.
But the wonderful River Seine threads its way through Paris, dividing her into the Left Bank and Right Bank, and spreading along its waters and shores so many opportunities to quietly enjoy the city. Whether on the Cite or Saint-Louis islands or on a Bateaux river cruise, you will love the daily sights and sounds along the river.
Louvre Museum
Located in central Paris, the Louvre Museum is the world’s largest museum and a historic monument. It’s the most visited museum globally, housing iconic art pieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ and the ‘Venus de Milo.’ Originating as a 12th-century fortress and later a royal residence, the museum is a monument to art and history.
Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Paris)
Built in the 12th century, it’s an iconic symbol of France, famous for its Gothic architecture and ties to Victor Hugo.
Centre Pompidou
It is an architectural marvel and a home for modern art, housing works by artists like Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.
Musée d’Orsay
Located in a Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum specialises in art from the 19th century.
Moulin Rouge
Known for its cabaret, it’s a landmark situated in the city of Paris, close to Montmartre.
Place de la Concorde
The largest square in Paris, steeped in history, including events from the French Revolution.
Sacre Coeur
An important monument for the Roman Catholic Church, offering panoramic views of Paris.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, initially a hunting lodge, evolved into a grandiose palace in the 17th century under French kings like Louis XIV. This royal residence turned museum portrays opulence and is well-known for its Hall of Mirrors and extensive gardens. A guided tour is the best way to unravel its rich history.
Strasbourg
What’s not to love about the capital of Alsace and the renowned birthplace of pâté de foie gras? Within 2 miles of the Rhine, Strasbourg is a major port of France. The 40,000 students at the University of Strasbourg add to the lively rhythm of the city, where the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”, was first introduced. You’ll want to visit when the European Parliament is not in session and the city floods with Europeans ripe for political debate!
These places are only the “tip” of the iceberg. Marseilles in the South; Lille and Nancy to the North; Aix-en-Provence, Dordogne and Nice. In every direction, in every type of landscape, you will continue to discover the exciting mix of old traditions and new initiatives.
The best time to visit France is during the summer months when the weather is just perfect for exploring. Whether it’s the historical places that take you back to the era of Gustave Eiffel and the French Revolution, or the modern attractions like Disneyland and Centre Pompidou, France caters to all. With such options, France indeed stands as a must-visit country.