Popular Places to See in France

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a prominent landmark and symbol of the magnificent monuments in France. French engineer Gustave Eiffel and his orgaization devoted two years to put up this famous monument for the World Exhibition of 1889. He is also famous for building the Statue of Libery in New York. Today, La Tour Eiffel features a restaurant and observation level. It is just over 300 meters tall and built from more than 18,000 pieces of metal. There is also an elevator to get to the very top.

The Louvre (Musee du Louvre)

A former Parisian palace contains the immense world famous art gallery known as the Louvre. The Louvre features an art collection of virtually 400,000 items and historical artifacts in its permanent collection. This collection includes the Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci) , Nike of Samothrace, Venus De Milo, and Liberty Leading the People" (Eugène Delacroix) among the many stunning pieces of art.
There are eight departments of art: Decorative Arts, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Near Eastern Antiquities, Paintings and Prints and Drawings. It is available to the public everyday except Tuesday and Christmas.

Versailles

A former palace for French royalty during the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI until 1789. Featuring an estimated 2,143 windows, 1,252 fireplaces, and 67 staircases. Highlights include The Hall of Mirrors, Grand Appartement du Roi, and Grand Appartement de la Reine.

• Lasceaux Caves for 17,000-year-old rock paintings.

The "Isle of Beauty" has inspired Henry Matisse. Travelers often visit Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, and Plage de Palombaggi.

Côte d’Azur

With turquoise seas, vibrant nightlife, art galleries, Roman remnants, and Baroque chapels, the Côte d’Azur has inspired artists for generations. Trendy areas include the Promenade des Anglais.

Corsica

Hike the famous 112-mile GR20 trail with huts conveniently spaced along the way. The views alone make Corsica a destination worth visiting.

Annecy

Just 25 miles south of Geneva in the Haute-Savoie region, Annecy is surrounded by mountains and located on a glacial lake. Top attractions include Palais de l'Isle, the lakefront, and nearby alpine slopes for snowboarding and skiing.

Mont Saint Michel

Located in western France near Brittany and Normandy, this island monastery is only connected to the mainland by a dam. After Paris, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is France’s most visited attraction.

Lavender Fields in Provence

Visit from late June to August to see the lavender in full bloom across the Plateau de Sault and Plateau de Valensole. Note: Beware of viper snakes in the fields.

Brittany: Carnac Stones

More than 3,000 standing stones, dating back to 4500–3300 B.C., stretch nearly a mile in open fields. Legend says Merlin turned a marching army into stone. Historians continue to debate their origin.

Canal du Midi

This 360km engineering marvel built between 1667–1694 connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and passes over 300 structures like bridges, locks, and aqueducts. A tranquil route for wine and cheese lovers alike.

Lyon

Lyon is France's third largest city and only a couple of hours away from Paris by the high-speed TGV train. It’s a city full of culinary and cultural pleasures, with nearly 2,000 restaurants. Lyon also has a rich history including the invention of cinema. The city center lies between the Rhône and Saône rivers—visit the Observatoire de la basilique and Palais St-Pierre.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a modern French cultural center with the second-largest railway facility in France after Paris. Must-see attractions include the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Kammerzell House, Petite France quarter, Church of Saint-Thomas, Parc de l'Orangerie, and several museums.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a thriving city, freshly revitalized with boutiques, historic landmarks, and unique shops—right in the heart of wine country. You’ll find wine therapy spas and scenic walking areas. Popular stops include Rue Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Bourse, Porte Cailhau, the Golden Apple pub, and the restaurant Tupiña.