The Best 16 Places to Visit in France

“Bonjour la France!”- Hello France!

France or officially République Française is the cultural jewel of Northwestern Europe. The places to visit in France are among the most famous places in the world. The country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps and the Pyrenees. It is a bridge between the northern and southern Europe.

You will notice that many of the top things to do in France reflect this amalgamation of two sides of Europe. Thanks to the French colonies stretching across the globe, France is a crucial player in international dealings and holds a vast historical influence among the Western nations. The widespread economic, linguistic, and geographic importance of France makes it one of the most powerful nations in Europe.

The country is Europe’s one of the foremost agricultural manufacturers and industrial players. France travel is highly admired by vacationers as it has all-or more or less. It has some of the biggest beaches in Europe, the highest mountains and the finest historical landmarks, the most beautiful towns, the most idyllic landscapes, the most majestic castles, the most beautiful rivers and much more, not to mention some of the best restaurants and the most excellent wines and hotels. Some of which can be considered France tourist attractions in their own right. Be it the scrumptious food like 350+ more types of cheese, wine, quiche, mousse, croissants, etc. or luxuries like branded perfumes, and cars it is a dream come true for the expats.

For the history and culture aficionados, French museums and galleries are a delight. France is also for the leisure seekers as there are plenty of areas in the deepest rural France that are still far removed from the beaten track. The southern region is among famous places in France for its natural beauty and scenic coastline. For camping holidays, gite holidays, or those who are happy to live in small rural inns, many regions in France offer wonderful vacation opportunities away from it all.

The country has an extensive network of motorways, many of which offer relatively relaxed driving conditions, except during peak periods. Off the motorways, driving on the back-roads of France can be a way to discover the pleasures of a road trip, a way to discover the country. The roads do indeed make trip to France more interesting.

The country’s literary, scientific and artistic legacy can be countersigned in the works of Marie Curie, Andre Marie Ampere, Gustave Eiffel, Napoleon Bonaparte, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and so on. It is one of the most well known countries in the world and has produced some of the most famous people in history. Almost all of them have museums dedicated to them which you can visit as you explore France attractions.

Best 16 Cities to Visit in France

1. Paris

Paris usually tops the list of best cities in France, it is certainly the most famous city in the country. This city is known for tis rich history and vibrant culture. There is hardly any introduction needed for one of the most famous cities in the world.

2. Nice

This city is quite similar to Paris but has the added advantage of being on the French Riviera. Many of the best places to visit in France concerning history, architecture, beaches and culture are located in Nice.

3. Marseille

This city is popular among France tourist places for its historical seaport and beautiful coastline. The city has a history going back 2,600 years. The city is also well known for its seafood and seafront restaurants.

4. Bordeaux

The old town part of this city, like many on this list, is register as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history and cultural roots of this city go back beyond Roman Times, though it gained prominence only at that time. The city has numerous important France tourist places to explore.

5. Mont Saint-Michel

This is not a city but an a fortified island with a grand castle atop its hill. It is one of the most fascinating places you would come across during France travel.

6. Cannes

This city is well known for its renowned film festival, but there is much more to explore here besides the festival. The is known for its wonderful beaches and beach activities. It is one of the most happening and fun places to visit in France.

7. Strasbourg

This city is situated in the northeastern part of France close to the border of Germany. You can clearly see a blend of two cultures in various aspects of this city. This blend makes Strasbourg a unique experience during France travel.

8. Tours

This is considered to be the gateway city for the Loire Valley in France. This place is pretty popular among couples for its romantic vibes. There are not as many historical attractions as in other popular cities, but enough to keep you engaged for a few days.

9. Chamonix

This city is situated close to the border of Switzerland and is at the base of Mont Blanc. This makes it a popular winter destination among best cities in France. The city has a winter town-like charm and is a wonderful addition for lovers of the outdoors as well.

10. Avignon

This city is popular for its annual arts festival which sees people from around the world coming to Avignon. It is known for its lively culture and adoration for both art and artists.

11. Corsica

It is an island in the Mediterranean Sea on the Italian peninsula. You will see a blend of French and Italian culture on this islands. This makes it a wholly unique place to explore for its culture, traditions, history, and cuisine.

12. Lyon

This city is considered the country’s capital for excellent food. It is one of the best places to go in France to explore the culinary experiences of the nation. It also has several historical and cultural attractions commonly found in French cities.

13. Toulouse

This city is located on the southwest part of the country and is among the most beautiful places in France. It has a quaint charm which unlike any other city in the country. It also goes by the name La Ville Rose, which means The Pink City.

14. Nantes

This city is home to several famous things in France like the Cathedrale Saint Pierre et Saint Paul, Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, Place du Bouffay, and many more. Historically, it is also known for the Edict of Nantes signed by King Henry IV.

15. Bourges

This city sits near the heart of the country, geographically speaking. This city has several historical and cultural landmarks you can explore and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

16. Lille

This city is unique among places to see in France owing to the Belgium influences on the its history and culture. It is visited for its architecture, art collection and vibrant culture.

Best time to visit France

An essential factor in planning a France trip is tourism itself. As most French people holiday in their own country, consider avoiding the main French holiday periods – mid-July to the end of August. Almost the entire country closes down, except for the tourist industry itself. Easter, too, is a lousy time for Paris: half of Europe’s schoolchildren seem to descend on the city. The beautiful places in France can be best reconnoitered during the spring months, between April and June, or autumn, which runs from September to November.Weather is wet and unpredictable in the northern regions, stormy in west and south. The most dependable climate can be enjoyed alongside and behind the Mediterranean coast, where winter is short, and summer is long.

Popular Festivals and Events of France

The French exuberance can be best seen in its celebrations dedicated to art, culture, adventure, and history. Examples include,

1. Nice Carnival

• Dates: 16th – 28th February
• Location: Nice
• Here, you can revel in the fantastic parades and amazing fireworks with the view of French Riviera.

2. Tour De France

• Dates: June 29th- July 21st
• Location:
• An astonishing cycling competition held for more than a hundred years now is a perfect opportunity for the sports enthusiasts.

3. Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday

• Dates: February to March Month
• Location:
• A traditional Pagan festival where people walk on the streets all dressed up in beautiful costumes, colorful masks and hog pancakes, delicious waffles, crepes, and omelets day and night.

4. Cannes Film Festival

• Date: Every Year Different Dates
• Location: Cannes
• Celebrities from across the world attend this event.  Cannes is a glamorous festival with the eyes of people from the world of fashion, media, and cinema.

5. Berck Sur Mer Kite Festival

• Dates: April 11th – April 19th
• Location: Berck
• This kite festival takes place every year in the spring season at the oceanside town named Berck Sur Mer. This festival is also included among France attractions for hosting International Kite Championships.

6. Menton Lemon Festival

• Dates: 3rd March
• Location: Menton
• Also known as Fete du Citron, this festival is dedicated to lemons and oranges. You will see a wide variety of items created from these items during this festival including dishes, sculptures, floats and more. Fete du Citron makes Menton one of the best places in France for a unique cultural experience.

7. Sedan Medieval Festival

• Dates: May 26th & 27th
• Location: Sedan
• This festival takes you to the time of knights and princesses. This festival has made Chateau de Sedan one of the most fascinating places to go in France. You can be a spectator or participate in unique medieval themed contests and events.

8. Bastille Day

• Dates: July 12th
• Location: Paris
• This festival celebrates the beginning of the French revolution. It is when the people of Paris stormed the Bastille Fortress, which itself is among top France tourist places.

9. La Fete de la Musique

• Dates: June 21st
• Location: Paris
• Though this festival is celebrated in many cities and towns across the country, Paris is the best place to experience this day as it attracts largest variety of musicians and sees largest number of events organized across the city. It is an absolute bliss for those who have a ear for music.

10. Festival d’Avignon

• Dates: July 5th to 26th
• Location: Avignon
• This annual arts festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Palais des Papes in the city of Avignon. This festival renders the palace into one of the most wonderful places to see in France. The festivals includes performances, exhibitions and contests concerning a variety of art forms.

11. Choregies d’Orange

• Dates: June 18th to July 31st
• Location: Orange
• This festival is renowned for al fresco opera and it also includes several other theatre and musical performances. The festival takes in place in a Roman Amphitheatre near the town of Orange.

12. Le Mans

• Dates: July 31st
• Location: Le Mans
• This is one of the most famous sports car races in the world and also the oldest one still active endurance race. The race goes on for 24 hours straight and is one of the most famous things inFrance.

13. Festival of Lights

• Dates: December 8th to 11th
• Location: Lyon
• This festival turns Lyon into one of the most beautiful places in France. The entire city is decorated with colorful lights and it looks like a work of art come to life.

Emergency Contacts for Travelers

General Emergencies: 112 can be dialed from anywhere in the EU to call help
Medical Emergencies: 15 can be used to call medical assistance
National Police: 17 puts you in contact with the nearest police services.

Useful Mobile Apps for Travelers

1. Hopper

It is a planning app that helps a user find the best time to travel with cheaper flight bookings.

2. Duolingo

Knowing basic French can help you during the trip to get a crash course in basic French to learn from Duolingo in a fun-filled way.

3. France Travel Guide

The app has city guides like landmarks, restaurants, and nightlife for over 100 French cities. It works offline and includes maps, weather forecasts, a currency converter, and phrasebook, plus general knowledge about France.

4. SNCF

This official app of France’s train company comes in handy while planning intercity travel routes, locating nearby stations, checking arrival and departure times, etc.

5. Brocabrac

To experience the touch of original French living, you should visit the local flea markets. This app helps you locate such fairs, their timings, and stalls based on city or province.

6. Citymapper

This app will help you navigate public transport and pedestrian routes during France sightseeing. You get different options on how you would like to conduct your travel and which modes of transport you would prefer. Accordingly this app will guide you and take you from point A to B.

7. Whoomies

This is app let’s you find a place to stay when you visit France. It is more inclined towards long term flat-sharing, but you are traveling solo or as a couple, you can find a place for a couple of days as well through this app.

8. Time Out

This app guides you to all the happening and fun things to do in France. You get a listing of events, workshops, fleamarkets, entertainment events and so on. Some of the experiences can be quite memorable as you can explore something more other than usual tourist stuff.

9. Lime

An electric scooter is one of the most fun modes of transport to use as you explore best places to visit in France. This app connects you to a network of scooter stops. You can just pay the app, pick up the scooter for rental and drop it at the stop you wish to reach.

10. TripLingo

This app will help you make small takes and necessary conversions with the locals in French during your trip in France. The app is specifically designed to help travels converse during foreign travels and will help in many other countries besides France as well.

11. Flush

This one helps you when nature calls. As you explore France tourist attractions, you will see that not every place has an available restroom. This app will help find you the nearest one.

12. TheFork

This is a dining app which helps find wonderful places to eat. It has filters by dishes, cuisine, location and more. Majority of restaurants and cafes around famous places in France are quite expensive, this app will also help you find pocket friendly places with great food.

13. France 24

This is a news app keeps you abreast with the happenings in the country.

14. Le Cab

This is a cab hailing app. You can book a cab to go places at a pre-determined price.

15. FREE NOW

This app is also a cab hailing app, but also provides option to book e-scooter.

16. G7 Taxi Personal

This cab hailing app is quite popular in Paris and other major cities of France.

Safety Tips for France Travel

France has a low violent crime rate but endures caution with these below mentioned tips.

• In the wealthy cities of Nice and Paris, tourists should be extra cautious as they attract the maximum crowd, and chances of petty theft are increased. Be vigilant and hold on to your belongings during metro and taxi rides and strolling on the streets.
• Carry your credit cards, debit cards, cash, and passports at all times. Avoid bundles of huge cash to preclude from unnecessary attention.
• Beware of roadside parkour tricks and betting games. These roadside trick games promise to double your money, but are actually frauds and cons. They trick people by paying off at first and then robbing them with tricks when the game gets to a bigger amount.
• Put the travel tickets in your hotel room, in a suitcase or a safe whenever possible, unless you need them. Carry them on your person or in your car’s locked glove compartment or other concealed hideaway while touring around.
• Every year millions of people fly to France on their own, for business or pleasure. However, female solo travelers should take the same precautions they should take outside their own home anywhere, such as not using public transport late at night and not venturing into poor reputation urban areas alone.
• You should especially be careful when withdrawing cash from ATM machines.
• Pet littering is a common problem on the streets of France in certain parts. So be careful when you are strolling the streets.
• If you are ever faced with a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation during France travel, use emergency numbers immediately. You can find the numbers above.
• Pick-pocketing is a common crime in crowded metros and public transport places. So be vigilant of your pockets.