Bonjour dear tourists, looking for the most impressive tourist attractions in France? Well then look no further because we bring to you the best places one could visit in France to enjoy one’s tip to the fullest. France has long been a center of art, science, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion and a varied mix of cultures.
The rich cultural history of France evident from its flamboyant palaces, castles, cathedrals and monasteries of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture dating back to Medieval Earth establish it as the 4th largest world heritage site.
France is not only a home for ancient architecture, but also modern infrastructure. The contemporary state of the art hotels, community halls, libraries, art galleries, museums and holiday resorts make France a must visit for all tourists. With a large and diverse mix of amazingly beautiful landmarks, holiday resorts and other vacation points, France stands today as the most favorite tourist location of not only Europeans but Asians and Americans as well.
The following is a list of some of the remarkable places to visit in France:
Top France Tourist Attractions
1. Eiffel Tower
Undoubtedly, Eiffel Tower has long been recognized as one of the most remarkable landmarks of the world. It was built in 1887 by Gustave Eiffel, the French architect after which it was named, as an entrance arc to the Paris International Fair of 1889. This 320-meter-tall structure built from 10000 tons of iron and painted with 50 tons of paint to prevent it from corrosion is seen as one of the wonders of world by many.
The gigantic and robust Eiffel Tower is viewed as a symbol of the post industrialization era as it best displays the never-ending construction capabilities of mankind.
The enormous size and breathtaking structure makes Eiffel Tower the flagship monument of Paris and the most visited paid tourist destination of the world. A trip to France would not be complete without an astonishing view of Paris from the top levels of Eiffel Tower.
2. The Louvre Museum
Also located in Paris, the Louvre is one of the largest and most visited museums of the world that was first open to public in 1763. Built upon a former Royal French Palace, the Louvre is a perfect amalgamation of medieval architecture and modern art and structures.
The beautiful prehistoric palace walls surrounding a giant glass prism in the center and another inverted glass prism below the ground besides it, continue to amaze tourists from all over the world. The Louvre houses more than 35000 prehistoric artifacts and sculptures contributed by French Emperors including Napoleon and French Artists including Leonardo Da Vinci.
With a collection of some of the most proclaimed artwork of European and Egyptian Civilizations, quiet notably The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, the Venus de Milo sculpture and the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, Louvre Museum is a must visit when in France.
3. The Palace of Versailles
Locally known as Chateau de Versailles, the Palace of Versailles is the largest French Palace, built by the French Emperor Louis XIII in 1624. The massive building with 700 rooms surrounded by 2000 acres of lavish French gardens soon became a symbol of the excessive power and wealth of the French Empire.
The gardens are filled with hundreds of different kinds of trees and flowers and a total number of 50 fountains. The most famous thing about the Palace is its Hall of Mirrors that mesmerizes audience with glittering sparkles of sunlight as it diffuses through its windows and is reflected of giant ornate mirrors during the day. This Palace is also believed to be the home of French Queen Marie Antoinette who is famous worldwide for her quote: “if people don’t have bread, let them each cake” that she said during extreme poverty prior to French Revolution.
4. Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is a remarkably amazing landmark and one of the most visited religious sites of Europe built on the top of a rocky island along the coast of Normandy. Surrounded by tall walls and coiling streets and town of old architecture, Mont Saint Michel is also known as the Pyramid of Seas.
It is particularly famous for hosing the monastery of Saint Michel that is a sensational depiction of Gothic art and architecture. Connected to the main land by only a causeway, that is flooded during high tide, almost 800 years old Mont Saint Michel holds great importance as a pilgrimage destination for Christian Faith.
5. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris is a Romanesque Catholic Church, perched on the highest point of a hill in the center of Paris, and viewed as a prominent landmark of the city.
It was designed by the French Architect Paul Abadie and its construction dates to the Eighteenth Century. Comprised of monasteries, meditation halls, hot springs and fountains, this Church is frequent pilgrimage destination. Not only that, it offers a mesmerizing view of the City of Love – Paris, from the top.
6. Côte d’Azur
Cote de Azur, meaning Coast of Blue, is a long strip of glamourous coast line of France bordering the deep blue Mediterranean Sea and stretching from Saint-Tropez to Italy. The sun kissed sea side is a heaven for beach lovers during summer. The beach is covered with many luxurious mansions and holiday resorts.
Tourists enjoy cruises in lavish yachts. The town of Nice alongside the beach is famous for its art galleries, museums and flower shops. The city of Cannes along the coast is famous worldwide for hosting French film festivals that are a must visit for movie lovers.
7. Arc de Triumph
The Arc de Triumph is a dazzling memorial arc constructed on the orders of the famous French Emperor Napoleon in the 19th century to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of French soldiers who died in the Napoleonic wars.
The white monument showered with yellow light at night presents a mesmerizing view for tourists. The classical walls and pillars are covered with the names French Republic and Napoleonic wars. The monument also shelters the tomb of an unknown soldier from the First World War.
8. Disneyland, Paris
The Disneyland of Paris is a modern holiday entertainment resort that was built after inspiration from the American Disneyland. With an area of 4800 acres filled with theme parks, entertainment centers and shopping malls, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Paris.
It has 57 kids and movie-based rides, 62 shops, and hotels with enough room to accommodate 6000 tourists at once. It is based on the theme of Hollywood Blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean and has been visited by millions of tourists till date.
9. Chateau De Chambord, Loir et Cher
The Loire Chateaux, located in Loire Valley, Central France, is a primitive castle built along the art and design of Renaissance architecture. Built for King Francois I the mansion is surrounded by lush green forest and country side that is so enchanting on first view that it seems to be taken directly out of a fairy tale.
The Loire Valley, also known as the “Garden of France” remains one of the most popular tourist destination and world heritage site as per UNESCO.
10. Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is a huge archaic Roman Bridge built on River Gardon in Southern France. The massive structure is 50 Kilometers long and 48 meters long and dates to the first century AD. It was built by Romans for transportation of water. The beautiful limestone landmark remains a popular world heritage site.
11. Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral is an exemplary depiction of Gothic architecture that has long remained an important center for French Emperors as this is where they used to hold the crowning ceremonies. The striking building dates to the 13th century and attract more than a million tourists every year.
Read Also: