Where should you go if you are visiting France

Known for its culture, architecture, historical monuments, wine and food, France is one of the most visited country in Europe. It is the perfect destination to start a tour of Europe or, as a single destination whatever the season. Indeed, the various number of cities and landscapes make the country of France a great touristic destination for any type of trip. Here are some of the most famous French destinations to inspire you for your future travels.

Paris

The capital of France, Paris, world’s famous travelling destination is admired for its many historical monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and its spectacular dusk sparkle. Fest your eyes on the King’s colourful crown jewels and the well-known painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci in The Louvre museum. The Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the catholic cathedral Notre Dame, the basilica of sacred heart is pretty stimulating too and many others. The history of Paris is bursting with the influence of many notable painters, writers and artists. The “City of lights” is known for its beautiful Haussmann buildings and its different gardens. An amazing destination to get inspired.

Burgundy

If you are interested to go deeper in France and have a look at the countryside, Burgundy is a walk on the right side. If you are looking for historical treasures, the capital of the region, Dijon (famous for the mustard), has a lot to offer in architectural styles, from Celtic antiquity to Gallo-Roman and Renaissance. This destination plays an important role in the world-wide development of viticulture, UNESCO selected Burgundy’s centuries-old vineyards as a World Heritage site. A wonderful stop for wine lovers, you can hear the corks popping right now.

Lyon

The third-largest city of France, Lyon, where the two rivers meet, the Rhône and the Saône, this destination is the culinary capital of the country. Cobblestone and small bistros fill the streets and set a calming scene, you will be charmed by the modern architecture and the Roman ruins. Located beside the Beaujolais wine region in the north and along the Côtes du Rhône vineyards, you can see the majestic Alps of France when the sky is clear. The perfect destination to appreciate the peculiarities of French villages while enjoying the advantages of a big city.

Nice (French Riviera)

Situated in the heavenly French Riviera, the famous city of Nice attracts, each year, high-rollers and wealthy sunseekers since the 1800s. The pedestrian walkways, the old town and its Michelin-awarded restaurants and its outstanding markets makes Nice a glamour place to visit. With its proximity with Italy, the city of Nice is a wonderful stop before travelling to the country of pizza.

Normandy

The charming region of Normandy, located in the northwest of France, is a rural and seaside area. Famous for the Battle of Normandy during the World War II and the D-Day beaches aside, the region is also known for its cuisine and the production of apple cider, seafood and cheeses. The small villages, medieval cities, war museum and the exquisite coastal landscapes are some of the reasons why so many travelers come from all around the world to explore the region of Normandy.

Mont St Michel

A medieval monastery, Mont St-Michel is one of the best attractions in France for whoever wanted to visit an island castle. Between Normandy and Brittany, the island was a fortress for the Duchy of Normandy. The 2.5 million visitors a year explain how beautiful and interesting Mont Saint Michel by its architecture and its history is. The story goes that the Archangel Michael asked the bishop of Avranches to build this gravity-defying architectural monument during the 8th century. This explains why the island is still a destination to boot an age-old Christian pilgrimage.

Loire Valley

Located in the middle of France, not far from Paris, the entire Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many magnificent castles and medieval strongholds take place in the Valley, as many verdant vineyards, soaring towers and authentic villages. A beautiful place to enjoy the peace from the French countryside.

Bordeaux

Well known for its tasty wine, the world-famous city of Bordeaux is welcoming more than 5 million visitors each year and when you have been there, you understand why. The numbers of restored neoclassical architecture, the beautiful pedestrian walkways and the many Chateaux around the city makes Bordeaux an amazing place to visit. The region of Bordeaux accommodates many of the greatest winemakers across the world with their terroir-specific vintages, a fabulous opportunity for a wine tasting when visiting Bordeaux.

Avignon

Along the Rhône River, the city of Avignon is standing with its majestic 14th century palace that dominates its skyline. The countless world-renowed wineries, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, surround the city. The paved squares where the antique shops are, the Roman ruins, all that makes Avignon a wonderful city for a nostalgic trip.

Lourdes

Since 1858, Lourdes has been an important Roman-Catholic pilgrimage site and the “Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes” is a grotto known for the Bernadette Soubirous’s vision of the Virgin Mary (that she saw 18 times). Each year, more than 6 million visitors go to the sanctuary to pay homage and explore the sites around the city.

France is a such a stunning country, you will stumble across hidden gems during your travels too, not just the cuisine, the architecture and the history. All the destinations in France have a lot to offer making each visit unique and special to you. Now is the perfect time to practice French, ahead of your exciting trip to France. Bon Voyage!