If you’re a romantic at heart, France is a lovely vacation destination. If you’re a history buff, France is a treasury of museums, art collections, and amazing architecture. If you’re a wine and food connoisseur, France is basically the birthing place of such pleasantries. France has something for everyone.
We often think of the Eiffel Tower when France comes to mind, but when you’re planning your European getaway, don’t limit your expeditions to one place. Here is a list of 15 places to visit in France that go beyond the capital city of gay Paris.
1. Arc de Triomphe, Paris
Before heading back home, please take in one last view of the city of romance from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing the 40 steps up to the top and beholding the bustling city from all directions is definitely worth any line you end up waiting in. The traffic circle itself is quite entertaining to watch too, just don’t try crossing it! The memorial to the unknown soldier makes this one of the top places to visit in France.
2. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, Giverny
Make the stop at Giverny to relax in the gardens that inspired Monét’s famous water lily paintings. Take a tour of the home where Claude Monét lived for over 40 years. Enjoy the lush vegetation that surrounds the home and be immersed in Monét’s world. You might be inspired to pull out your paintbrush after seeing these gardens! Be sure to arrive early as Claude’s home becomes a busy place later in the day.
3. Castle Hill, Nice
For more stunning views of France, particularly Nice, visit Castle Hill. For great exercise, you can walk up to the top of the hill where the castle once stood or you can take the elevator and leisurely stroll down. At the top of the hill, where the Castle of Nice once stood, is now a lovely park with grand views of the city. A beautiful vista awaits you of the harbor and the Promenade des Anglais. Take in the panorama of the city and enjoy the park and something tasty at the café.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Another pinnacle point of interest in France has to be Notre Dame Cathedral. Without even going inside you can appreciate how awe-inspiring this structure is. With its vast history dating back to 1345 when the building was completed, Notre Dame is widely known for its gargoyles, flying buttresses, and amazingly intricate crafted statues. Upon entering the cathedral you will be silenced by the ethereal space that encompasses you and the rainbow of colors streaming in through the massive rose window. This is truly a building to behold.
5. Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux
his Chateau cannot be missed when in the Loire Valley. Near the village of Chenonceaux sits the peaceful chateau that spans the River Cher. The estate goes back to the 11th century but the current structure was built in 1514-1522 and has been occupied by an array of interesting historical figures including Catherine de’ Medici. Take the audio guide when visiting for a wonderful history telling of the chateau’s occupants. Bring a picnic lunch and dine in the lush gardens equipped with picnic tables and benches for your convenience and enjoy a relaxing day at one of the premier chateaux in France.
6. Cris-Event Champagne Tour, Reims
While in the land of vintners, why not plan a fun day trip and be guided through an authentic French vineyard? Enjoy a day of becoming familiar with how champagne is made from start to finish. See the vineyard and meet the family behind one of France’s Champagne producers. Visitors love the informative guides and especially tasting the champagne at the tour end. This is a great way to see France and speak with some of the locals who live and work here. France tourism guides will have many more vineyard options to visit as well.
7. Château de Versailles, Versailles
You may have heard of Louis XIV’s opulence during his reign at Versailles, but you can’t truly appreciate the splendor of the palace and grounds until you have actually set foot there. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes on those feet because you’ll be walking a lot!
The Hall of Mirrors, The Queen’s Hamlet, and the King’s Apartments are only a fraction of what you’ll see at the palace. Imagine the most ornate and ostentatious palace you can and then multiply that by 10. Versailles is a golden beauty inside with everything dipped in gold. Plan at least a day, if not two, at Versailles.
8. Eiffel Tower, Paris
OK, we cannot go any further without mention of the world-famous tower known as Eiffel. Definitely one of the top places to visit in France is this iconic structure that has the most breathtaking views of Paris from the top. If you need to burn those croissant calories you ate for breakfast, why not take the stairs? Or you could just let the elevator whisk you upwards where the grand views await. Night or day, the Eiffel Tower is stunning in all its splendor. As one of the top 10 places to visit in France, you can’t afford the social ostracization of coming home and saying you didn’t bother.
9. Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer
“A moving place” is how many describe their visit to this extremely well-kept cemetery and memorial. Even with crowds of tourists, the place is still and silent as everyone pays their respects for the massive loss of life during the war. The museum is a wealth of information and tells the stories of these brave soldiers. Most crosses in the cemetery had names engraved on them, but some simply said: “Only God knows who rests here.” There are 9,387 burials and 1,557 MIA’s honored in the Normandy American Cemetery. A truly moving place. Be sure to check your France travel guide for entrance and guide times.
10. Musee d’Orsay, Paris
Even if you don’t consider yourself a big “art person” you will appreciate the Musee d’Orsay if not for the art, then for the architecture. Housed in what used to be the main train station in Paris are some of the most famous paintings in the world. The building itself is one to behold with its gold accents everywhere and massive old clocks. If you have suffered from museum burn-out, the d’Orsay will go easy on you with its spacious galleries that have the artwork spread out to discourage crowding. Enjoy seeing the originals of Van Gogh’s portrait and Starry Night, and Degas’ ballerinas – they really do look better in person.
11. Carrieres de Lumieres, Les Baux de Provence
The experience you will have at the Carriers de Lumieres is truly one-of-a-kind. Entering a dimly lit and abandoned limestone quarry might make you think twice about making the trip out, but just wait until the show begins. Suddenly you are in the center of an amazing music and art show with masterpiece works of art being projected on the massive stone walls. This natural earthen art gallery is an immersive experience of art and music and has to be experienced in person to appreciate the true beauty and creativity of such a show. Stunning visuals and impeccable audio soundtracks make this one of the most memorable places to visit in France.
12. Place Stanislas, Nancy
Nancy is a beautiful place by day with stunning architecture and statues adorning the city square. Gilded gates greet you at every entrance with fountains abounding with figures of Neptune and various sea creatures. Dine at one of the many restaurants surrounding the main square and then be prepared for the best light show of your life beginning at sunset. The buildings become enrobed in golden light as the sun dips below the horizon and then around 10 p.m. the whole square is illuminated with thousands of lights and colors. The light show in itself is worth the trip to Nancy and is one of the best France tourist attractions.
13. Parc de la Tete d’Or, Lyon
When in Lyon, you’ll need to take a break to pinch yourself that you’re actually taking in all the sights and sounds of this magnificent country. Why not pack a lunch, perhaps some local wine and cheese, and bring them to the Parc de la Tete d’Or. Enjoy the giraffes and monkeys at the free zoo, stroll along the pathways by the lake and botanical gardens, see where the locals go to walk their dogs, go for jogs, and bring school children for day trips. Paddleboats are even available to rent on this lovely outing in Lyon, France.
14. La Petite France, Strasbourg
Make sure to bring your camera for this scenic old world town. One of the most photogenic places to visit in France is here in Strasbourg with its ancient streets and magnificent medieval architecture. Take a stroll by the riverside and have a relaxing lunch at one of the many notable restaurants. If you’re looking for a lovely scenic day in France, make your way to La Petite France and forget the postcard – every picture you take will be a work of art on its own.
15. Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix
Nestled in the French Alps is a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif known as The Aiguille du Midi. This mountain receives over half a million guests per year just for the sights. Get up close and personal with this magnificent wonder of the world without having to put on your mountain-climbing gear. Your adventure up the mountain begins in Chamonix where you can board the cable car which holds the world record for highest vertical cable car starting at an altitude of 1,035 m and reaching 3,842 m.
Once you’ve reached the Aiguille summit, take in the (literally) breathtaking views as you sip on something hot at the café and peruse the gift shop. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures can dip to -10ºC, so make sure to put your toque and mittens on!
