No country in the world attracts more tourists than France, a destination full of cities, museums, gastronomic variety and history, which cannot be missing from any adventurer’s tourist itinerary.
Let’s get to know the list of tourist places in France, an extensive route that includes palaces, cathedrals, gardens and many other attractions of this European country.
1. Palace of Versailles
Let’s start our list with a beautiful and symbolic building: the Palace of Versailles.
It is an architectural jewel and a work of art with beautiful and lush gardens, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is also a symbol of the nation’s history.
Louis XIV was the first to begin work on the embellishment, remodeling and enhancement of the palace, which from 1789 ceased to be the official seat of government, to become a museum.
The visiting hours for the gardens and the palace are different. The latter is open to tourists from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. The gardens, from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, every day, but from November to March, until 6 pm.
The cost of admission is USD 21 for adult tourists, while those under 18 years of age and citizens of the European community between 18 and 25 years of age do not pay.
2. Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most important heritage sites of Gothic architecture in the world. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in its construction that originated between 1163 and 1245.
Notre Dame has been the site of important events in French history such as the coronation of Bonaparte, Henry VI and the beatification of Joan of Arc. It has also been the center of myths and rumors and the setting for one of Disney’s most famous films, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Visits to the cathedral are temporarily suspended after the tragic fire of the south structure, roof and the main spire of the building, as a result of an accident during the remodeling works of the place.
Before this, tourists enjoyed a free guided tour in Spanish and English. The tour of the towers cost USD 10 for adults, while those under 18 years of age and European citizens between 18 and 25 years of age were admitted free.
3. Louvre Museum
Inaugurated during the 18th century, the Louvre Museum is one of the most important in France and in the entire world, home to an important handful of works by the most influential artists in history and the art collections of the French monarchy.
It is part of the fortress of the Louvre Palace that originally constituted a private royal residence for the monarchs.
The museum currently has 300,000 works from before 1945, but only 35,000 are available to the public. These include La Gioconda, by Da Vinci, Liberty Leading the People, by Delacroix, Venus, by Milo and The Seated Scribe.
Visiting hours at the Louvre Museum are Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
The price of admission is USD 19 for adults, while those under 18 years of age and members of the European community between 18 and 25 years of age do not pay. For $23, you don’t stand in line.
4. Musée d’Orsay
If we review the tourist places in France, the Musée d’Orsay has to be mentioned. This is an exhibition dedicated to the plastic arts of the artistic period of the works exhibited at the Louvre and the Center Pompidou.
It is in the facilities of an old train station that worked until 1939, although it was not until 1977 that the construction of the museum began to be planned, which would finally open in 1986.
You will enjoy the works of artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin and Monet, as well as rooms with spectacular decorations and a luxury ballroom.
One of its main charms and what sets it apart from other museums is the comfort of its facilities. It is a simple tour to do.
Visit it between Tuesday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Hours are extended on Thursdays until 9:45 pm. On Mondays it is closed.
The price of admission for adults is 16 USD. People under 18 years of age, members of the European community between 18 and 25 years of age and people with physical disabilities and their companion, pass free.
5. Tuileries Gardens
Located between the Louvre Palace and the Place de la Concorde, it is the first public garden in the city. Its construction began in 1945 in the company of the palace that preceded it and by order of Catherine de Medicis.
The name of the palace and the gardens is due to the tuilles or tile factories, which used to take place in that space.
It was the favorite place of the monarchical parties of the time until the court moved to the Palace of Versaille, which left them completely abandoned. It was not until the arrival of Napoleon with the construction of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel that it regained its vigor.
Now the gardens function as a free space for city dwellers to access, as a kind of park where people can relax, eat and rest.
Admission is free.
6. Place Vendome
A benchmark of classic urban planning patterns in France. It is one of the most important shopping centers in Paris with stores such as Dior, Chanel and Cartier.
Originally conceived as the Plaza de Luis el Grande or the Plaza de las Picas. Its facades were built before the arrival of the other buildings that surround the place.
The square had an equestrian statue of Louis XIV that was destroyed during the French Revolution. It is currently replaced by a giant column.
There you will find the most important jewelers and shops in the world, a headquarters of the Ritz hotel and the Vendome.
Entrance to the square is free.
7. Lavender Routes
France is much more than Paris and in the interior of the nation, specifically between Provence and the Alps, an excellent option awaits you when it comes to tourist places in France.
Lavender is an iconic symbol of Provence between June and September when the mountains are pregnant with the flowering of this plant.
The intensity of this phenomenon, its colors and the economic importance it has for the region, gave rise to the lavender route.
It is a tour (by car, by bike or on foot) to learn about the plantations, growth, care, distillation and products derived from lavender. There are 7 paths to travel with the accompaniment of experts, guided tours, workshops and lodging in beautiful towns.
Prices vary depending on the tour selected.
8. La Croisette
One of the most emblematic coasts of the French Riviera cannot be missing from our list: the Croisette, one of the most booming coastlines during the time of the Cannes Festival.
It is a beach of almost 2 kilometers long whose name is due to the cross that was erected at one end of the bay of Cannes and although the legend remains, it is not available.
Its tourist boom began in 1900 and since then it has been filled with important shops, hotels, exquisite restaurants and private complexes designed for royalty.
Although much of the coast is private areas that belong to the resorts and other owners of the area, you can visit it by visiting some of the restaurants or taking the walk along the new pier, a more accessible path for those who are not royalty.
The ride is free and the view at dawn and dusk is unbeatable.
9. Nice
Nice is a city that promises not only beautiful colors at sunset, but also very nice tours.
You can not stop walking through the historic center of the emblematic city through its narrow and cobbled streets. You can’t leave without exploring the variety of street markets either, as open-air shopping is fairly common in Nice.
We recommend the Marché aux Fleurs flower market, where you will find the most colorful nisardos in the world.
10. Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is one of the busiest and liveliest areas in Paris. It owes its name to the students who spoke Latin during the Middle Ages, the same academics who became leaders and active participants in the most important political movements in the country.
The area is characterized by small, narrow streets, with Saint Michel Square being one of the must-stops with its huge statue of Saint Michael the Archangel fighting a dragon.
From then on, the route is full of shops, restaurants, small bars and cafes.
11. Eurodisney
When we talk about tourist attractions in France, Eurodisney can never be left out, an amusement park opened in 1992 and one of the country’s biggest attractions with 15 million visits a year.
The complex is made up of two types of parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studio, and a set of themed and Disney-branded hotels and restaurants.
The price of the packages to visit the parks and attractions ranges from 110 to 210 USD for adults, while for children it is around 80 to 200 USD.
12. Montmartre
Going up a 130 meter hill we find Boulevard Clichy Paris, where you will find Mount Montmartre, one of the most famous neighborhoods of painters in France.
As well as the streets and works of art available, it has a good group of bars and cabarets including a Moulin Rouge.
It is one of the most famous areas for its gastronomy. It has small and colorful restaurants that offer the best French flavors, in dishes made by hand and at moderate prices.
13. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is perhaps, together with the Eiffel Tower, one of the most emblematic historical places not only in France, but also in the continent; an icon of Paris.
It is a clear representation of the victories of the French army and specific moments in history, such as the passage of the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte on December 15, 1840.
On its four pillars rest the names of the most important battles won by Napoleon’s army, as well as the coordinates of the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”, where a flame burns that represents light and honor to the lives of the French who They lost their lives in the First World War.
Visiting hours are from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm between October and March and from April to September, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Admission is $14 USD.
14. Bateux Mouche
You cannot say that you were in France if you did not enjoy a tour of the Seine River, to see the colors and lights of the city.
Thanks to Bateux Mouche, a company of small peñeros, you can take tours of the Seine River with guides and stories for tourists, about the emblematic places visited.
The cost of the tour that starts from the port of the same name, which is located near the Puente del Alma, is 16 dollars.
The hours are from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm, with a variation between October and March, being from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
The tour usually includes a walk through the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Conciergerie. However, the route may vary depending on the level of the river water.
For an additional payment you can enjoy food on board, from some snacks to emblematic French dishes.
15. The Conciergerie
An imposing palace that, before being transformed into a prison in 1392, the year in which the administration of justice was installed in this town, was a royal residence during the Middle Ages.
For a good number of centuries it would be the resting place for different types of prisoners, from the very wealthy considered political prisoners, to common criminals and low-income criminals. Of this there is still evidence of the two types of existing cells.
Undoubtedly one of the characters that makes this prison most famous is Marie Antoinette, the French queen accused of destroying and leading France to starvation and ruin, sentenced to prison in the Conciergerie until 1793 when she was guillotined.
The first public clock in Paris was placed in one of the four towers and although the one that currently rests is not the first version, it is one placed in 1585 that is preserved in perfect condition.
Visit this monument every day between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm, except January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Admission is $10 and $8 for adults and children, respectively. Those under 18 years of age or residents of the European community under 26 years of age pass free.
16. Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Thanks to the height of its domes and its location on the Montmartre hill, it is a building that is visible from anywhere in the city.
It was the place of various temples with varied religious traditions, as well as has been associated with various saints, among which are Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Cleotilde.
Pope John Paul II himself made a pilgrimage to the Sacred Heart on the hill.
The construction was undertaken after the First World War thanks to the contributions of parishes and people, whose names were carved on the stones with which the basilica was built.
One of the most impressive attractions is that you will always find a group of devotees in prayer in front of the High Altar. Every so often they take turns making the prayer non-stop at any time of the day.
Entrance to the temple is free. Visit it every day from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. If you want to access the dome you must do it between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm, for 7 USD for adults and 6 USD for children.
The visiting hours of the crypt are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for 3 and 2 USD for adults and children, respectively.
17.Moulin Rouge
If we are going to talk about tourist places in France, we cannot miss the cradle of the can-can. Located on the hill of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is a must for any tourist and a monument whose life is totally nocturnal.
Built at the end of the 19th century when Paris was preparing to host the Universal Exhibition of 1900, creating this bar as a training and fun option for visitors to the city.
The Moulin Rouge is recognized as the first business in the world to host a striptease, when one of the dancers began to take off her clothes trying to attract the attention of the public. This event was categorized as a public scandal and the mill had to pay a debt.
Currently you can visit it every day for between 85 and 170 USD the entrance. It is only available for dinner at 7pm.
To visit it on a weekend, you must first book through its website and you must arrive 30 minutes before to line up and enter. The place is always crowded and they don’t allow pictures.
18. Opera Garnier Paris
One of the most beautiful buildings of Parisian architecture, that is the Garnier Opera, created at the end of the 17th century by Louis XIV, who ordered its creation as the Royal Academy of Music including opera and ballet.
Napoleon III gave him his place in the Garnier Theater, a building commissioned by himself to the homonymous architect who would finish the work in 1875.
The interior is recognized as an opulent structure with sculptures of angels and nymphs carved in marble, as well as imposing lamps on the ceilings such as the controversial Chagall dome, with a style of garish colors that is far from the rest of the architecture of the place.
The Opera Garnier hosts shows, especially ballet and contemporary dance.
Visit the building every day between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm, for USD 12 and USD 8 for adults and children, respectively. However, they offer a free guided tour modality that is organized daily, although it is only available in English and French.
19. Paris Pantheon
The Pantheon in Paris is one of the oldest monuments in the city, even before the Eiffel Tower or the Sacré Coeur. It was built by order of Louis XV who offered it in honor of Saint Genevieve only if she was cured of her illness.
This church would later become what is now the Pantheon of Paris, with an undeniable historical reservoir that adds millions of visits a year.
The most important remains of the country’s history rest there, such as the ashes of the French essayist, Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, and those of the philosopher, Voltaire.
On the tour you will see the crypt where the remains of an important handful of French writers, thinkers and politicians rest, such as Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Rousseau, Marie Curie and Jean Monnet.
The Paris Pantheon is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with admission at $10 and $9 for adults and children, respectively.
20. The Invalids
Napoleon’s final resting place. It is a mausoleum and at the same time a complex of the Hotel des Invalides, some museums and a lot of history of the adventures and military exploits of the French.
What would give it its distinctive stamp and make it one of the most visited tourist places in France is that it has Napoleon Bonaparte’s mausoleum right under an immense dome that makes room for the palace, with all the opulence that can characterize the emperor.
Other important mortal remains of history also rest there, mostly characters related to Napoleon such as his brothers or his own son, Napoleon II.
In addition to touring the emperor’s sarcophagus, you can visit the Army Museum, with an extensive walk through the arsenal of weapons from ancient France, where you will learn the history of its battles and the most important warriors.
This architectural complex also has the museums of the Order of the Liberation, the museum of contemporary history and the Cathedral of Saint Louis.
The complete tour will take hours and you can do it every day from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, for 14 and 12 USD adults and children, respectively.
21. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is the only medieval city in France and it is on the Cité hill. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, for its 52 towers and two fortified enclosures that constitute the main attractions of the town.
The best places to visit are the Candal Castle, an 11th century fortress, and the Rue de Saint Louis, a place to eat, enjoy artistic pieces and stroll through different bars.
You can also visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the School of the City of Carcassonne.
22. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the sixth largest city in France that stands out for an important handful of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You cannot miss Puerto de la Luna, one of the most important and beautiful urban areas in the region, as well as the Basilica of Saint Michel, whose structures date back to the 16th century and where millions of faithful gather to pray all year long.
Although the Grand Theater of Bordeaux is considered the most important in the country, other places such as the Aquitaine Museum and the Decorative Arts Museum, the latter the only one of its kind in France, also have their value.
You can tour the River Garonne and enjoy the more than 117,500 hectares of vineyards in the town, on foot or by car.
You can get to Bordeaux from Paris by train for 23 USD.
23. Loire Valley
Known as the “Garden of France”, the Loire Valley is the favorite place for those who prefer nature and its greenery, as well as Renaissance airs and the past.
It is known as a garden for its numerous plantations, gardens and for the botanical inspiration it has. It is also an emblematic place for its wine production and export of the most important white wines in Europe.
Although it is not the same as Carcasonne, the Loire Valley also has a nice handful of medieval buildings and great fortresses from the times of the war, hard lines that have been softened by the harmony of the flowers and gardens.
It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 and is also considered a gastronomic tourism route to enjoy the best cheeses and delicacies of the land.
By doing the tour of the vineyards by bicycle you will enjoy the hectares while listening to the stories about the plantations. You can also visit the Brenne Natural Park.
24. Pont Neuf
The first bridge built in Paris is the Pont Neuf, whose construction began in 1578 and ended in 1607, under the endorsement of King Henry IV. It is the longest point in the entire city and crosses the Seine River at 232 meters long.
It has 12 semicircular arches that intertwine the Ile a la Cite with the other end of the Seine River.
Although you can enjoy the Puente Nuevo when you visit it, it is best to appreciate it from another nearby bridge called Puente de las Artes, from where you will see the baroque decoration and its imposing gargoyles.
If you pass by the river you will see the effigy that is represented by Henry IV and the first ever exposed on French public roads.
The tour of the Pont Neuf passes near the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saint Chapelle and the Louvre Museum.
25. Place Massena
Square created by Joseph Vernier in 1843 and place of important recreational and military events. It is also home to the Summer Festivals, the Carnavalesco del Corso and the Bastille Day military procession.
It is two minutes from the center of Nice and the Albert I garden, which makes it a central and leisure point in the city, and is also at the intersection of some important streets such as avenue Jean Médecin, Félix Faure, boulevard Jean Jaurés, Verdum and Rue Gioffredo.
In the square is the work of the Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa, baptized “conversation in Nice”, made up of 7 statues representing the 7 continents.
On normal days it is a place to walk, stroll, enjoy a coffee and chat with locals and tourists.
26. Luxembourg Palace
Built by the architect, Salomón de Brosse, from 1615 to 1627. It is the official seat of the National Senate, an alternate palace of private court called Petit Luxemburg and public access gardens with the same name.
It is a creation of baroque art requested by María de Médicis, who, annoyed with the structure of the Louvre Palace, requested the construction of her own palace with Italian architectural lines, which would rest in the VI district of Paris.
Despite the queen’s attempts to put her name on it, the Luxembourg remains of its original owner regardless of generations or changes.
Made up of a square courtyard, a domed coronation hall, the Tournon Dome and the pavilions in the body of the house, it is a small, French version of the Pitti Palace in Italy.
It was a prison during the time of the terror of the war and after the 19th century it became the seat of the senate.
You can visit the gardens for free on Monday, Friday and Saturday, from 7:30 am. Access to buildings is restricted.
27. Champs Elysées
An emblem of Paris and an excellent representation of French wonders. Located between the Arc de Triomphe and Plaza la Concordia, Avenida Campos Elíseos is one of the most beautiful roads in the country and the world.
With almost 2 kilometers in length, it receives its name from Greek mythology, which establishes this place as the repository of virtuous souls that in life caused an impact on the world, similar to the paradise of the Christian world.
The Champs-Elysées Avenue has been the site of various important races such as the Tour de France and several scenes from novels and movies.
It is a free tour that must be done on foot because of its connection between the Arc de Triomphe and Plaza la Concordia, where you can enjoy the gardens or the historical importance of the arch.
28. Villette Park
The Parc de la Villette is one of the largest and most special in Paris due to its more than 50 hectares. It is northeast of the city and was created in 1982 by the architect, Bernard Tschumi.
One of its greatest attractions are the small “folies”, small buildings that serve as a place for different services such as cafes, modest restaurants and nurseries.
It is a monument to culture and human development divided into the City of Science and Industry, the City of Music, La Geode, the Superior National Conservatory of Music and Dance, theaters and theme gardens.
Each part of the park offers daily tours and shows showcasing the best colors of the Parisian cultural scene. Although it is open all day and is free, some theme areas and folie have their own hours.
29. Verdon Gorges
The Verdon Gorges are a set of limestone mountains shaped and carved by the force of the Verdon River.
It is not only the largest canyon in Europe, but also one of the most beautiful destinations in France due to the color of the waters, which vary between blue and a striking turquoise green.
The waterfall around it is guarded by more mountains that maintain the greenery of the vegetation.
The canyon is 25 kilometers long and 700 meters deep, ideal dimensions for limestone rock climbing, kayaking and paragliding.
You can stay in the nearby towns such as Bauduen and Bergéme, to learn more about the history of the town.
30. Mont Saint Michel
It is one of the most visited temples and attractions in La Manche, in the lower region of Normandy. More than two million people gather there each year to pray to Saint Michael the Archangel and to see the UNESCO World Heritage architecture.
The name of the enclosure is due to the three consecutive appearances of Saint Michael the Archangel, in the building erected by the monks during the Middle Ages.
From Mont Saint Michell you will enjoy a wonderful view of Normandy and the colors of the sunset.
You can visit it all year round for free.
31. Lower Normandy
Lower Normandy is a little treasure hidden from the hustle and bustle and the number of people who frequent other tourist destinations. It is the perfect place to get to know and enjoy another face of France, one without so many people and with much more privacy.
This town was created in 1956 as a region between Calvados, Orne and La Mancha, of 17,500 square kilometers, where iron extraction, agriculture and textiles are worked.
It is a coastal and border city with Great Britain with a ferry service that allows you to cross and return the same day.
You can enjoy extensive tours through its streets, listen to the stories of the locals and taste the flavors of the sea through seafood dishes.
32. The Traboules
Not all tours and tourist places require a lot of money. This representative tour of France is free, simple and symbolic.
The trabolues are small passageways that go through one or several buildings, crossing from one street to another, without going through them.
In the area of Rue Saint Jean, Rue du Boeuf and Rue Gadogone, you will find the most important ones that allow you to cross Lyon.
Only 40 of the 250 created are open and you can find them by maps that show the available passageways and their entrances.
In the surrounding areas and in the straits you will find warm restaurants, bars and craft shops, at modest prices.
33. Church of the Madeleine
The Church of the Madeleine, near Rue Faubourg Saint Honoré, is part of a prestigious shopping area thanks to the boulevard Malessherbes and Capucines.
This religious temple built based on the Maison Carrée de Nimes is considered a historical monument and an ode to the opulence and luxury of the Christian faith.
It has bronze doors, a statue of Mary Magdalene carved in marble and walls covered in colored and carved marble, accompanied by works of art by various authors.
The entrance to the church is free and you can visit it at any time.
34. Terra Amata Museum
The Terra Amata Museum is one of the tourist places in France that you cannot miss and is among the cheapest on the list.
It is a museum inspired by the biological and anthropological evolution of the human race, focused on the origins of the population of Nice.
The gallery is at 06300 Nice boulevard Carnot, a famous museum with the oldest Palaeolithic exhibits in the world and for having a part of this open-air display on the hill.
Visit it for free from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
35. Capitol of Toulouse
The Capitol of Toulouse has been in operation since the 12th century, although it was not until the architectural reform of the 18th century that it gained many of the characteristics and part of the current public functions.
The building built with brick and limestone has 8 emblematic columns, which represent the members of the council from which it receives its name, as well as the coats of arms on the balconies that are another hallmark.
It is the most important building in the Capitol Square that, in addition to public and government functions, also has a theater inside.
In Toulouse square you can enjoy the Cross of Laguedoc, a solar wheel that originally showed the zodiacal signs. In the modern version improved by Raymond Moretti, the hours of the day, the cardinal points and the months of the year are also displayed.
Visit the Toulouse Capitol from Monday to Sunday, except Saturday, from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. Admission is free.
36. Old Port
A tour of Marseille must include the Viux Port or Old Port. It is one of the oldest places in French history and a strategic point at a commercial, military and institutional level.
With 16 centuries of experience in the city, it is watched over and guarded by the forts of San Nicolás and San Juan, which were accompanied by the silhouette of the transporter bridge, a metal work that would be destroyed during the war.
The Viux Port has been improved without removing the original construction materials, but clearing the area and above all, removing responsibility from the port. Although it is still a key point in the city, today it only functions as a marina.
37. Museum of Cinema
The Cinémathèque Française or French Cinematheque accumulates, conserves, protects and restores the largest amount of film heritage available in the world. It accumulates little more than 40 thousand films and other similar materials.
The project was created in 1935 when a collector and a film director got together to develop a club, whose objective would be to protect hundreds of films and materials related to the world of cinema.
In its current headquarters you can enjoy a variety of exhibitions such as film equipment from antiquity and the dissemination of segments of the first films in the world.
Visit it on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 at night. On Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission for adults and children is $6 and $3, respectively.
38. Expiatory Chapel
It is a neoclassical construction that honors the most important deceased monarchs in the history of France, erected on the tombs of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.
Inside there are two huge marble statues, each one representing each monarch, accompanied by a crypt that when you go down shows you an altar also made of marble, which symbolizes the place where the bodies of the kings were found after the execution.
Its construction began in 1815 and ended in 1826 by order of Louis XVIII, who decided to honor the royal family by transferring the mortuary remains of his brother and establishing a new home for him.
Although it is a short visit and without much to see, it is an important stop to appreciate the artistic value of the statues. You can visit it from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Adults pay 7 dollars and those under 18 and citizens of the European community between 18 and 25 years old, enter for free.
39. Ile de la Cite
Together with íle Saint-Louis, they constitute the two natural islands of the Seine river, the heart of the capital and a key point in the founding of Paris.
A Celtic tribe settled on the small island approximately 200 years BC, turning it into a small fort that would resist attacks by nomadic tribes, to establish itself as the political, cultural and spiritual center of what was to become France.
In this city you can enjoy some of the most important monuments of Paris such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saint Chapelle or the Conciergerie.
40. Eiffel Tower
The emblem of Paris cannot be left out of the tourist places of France.
The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889, is the most visited monument in the world. It was created for the Universal Exhibition in Paris and at the time represented one of the most ambitious and enormous works of the time.
Its demolition was raised twice after the end of the exhibition due to its large size and maintenance cost, but it was the First World War that saved it, as they found in its height an advantage as an antenna for broadcasting and receiving allied and enemy messages.
From the tower you will see the city, an ascent by 1665 steps or by an elevator. Visit it between June and August from 9:00 am to 12:45 am. In the rest of the year the schedule changes from 9:30 am to 11:45 pm.
The prices of the visit vary according to the medium and how far you go. Let’s look at the costs:
- Elevator and up to the second floor: USD 19 adults, USD 9 youth from 12 to 24 years old and USD 5 children.
- Elevator to the top: USD 29 adults, USD 15 youths from 12 to 24 years old and USD 7 children.
- Stairs to the second floor: $13 adults, $6 youth ages 12-24, and $3 children.
41. Marc Chagall Museum Nice
Created by Marc Chagall, a Russian painter who in 1956 opened the museum to show the world his art exhibitions, this construction being one of them in itself, since the artist created with his own hands the immense mosaic that rests in the place.
The basis of the museum is the exhibition of a group of illustrations and paintings that portray the Exodus and Genesis, the first two chapters of the bible.
In the surroundings of the building there are well-kept olive gardens that are part of the artist’s choice.
Each work is placed in a strategic place according to Marc’s vision, taking into account that these works originally rested in the Louvre.
Visit the Marc Chagall Museum Nice every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for 9 USD.
42. Les Calanques
Les Calanques are a set of rivers or fjords of 8,300 hectares of land and 43,500 hectares of water, which represent one of the most important natural parks in France.
It is the best place to enjoy a wide variety of marine species and local flora, which receives 2 million visits a year.
It is also perfect for walking and hiking in dry and sunny weather most of the year and enjoying the waters of the Mediterranean.
43. Cliffs of Etretat
Etretat is a small French town of 1,400 inhabitants famous for its natural attractions, such as its beautiful cliffs and its beach.
Among the most popular cliffs, “El ojo de la Aguja” stands out, a natural arch resulting from erosion 70 meters high that seems to guard the sea that bathes the coast.
You can also appreciate the cliff “Falaise d`Amont”, where a small chapel called Notre-Dame de la Garde is built.
The area has many small shops selling handicrafts, typical food and seafood, and many seagulls, birds considered part of the community.
There are trails to climb the cliffs that lead to the lookouts. However, the ascent is difficult and requires good physical conditions.
44. Omaha Beach Memorial Museum
Museum created in honor and memory of the young soldiers who fought the American troops during the capture of the Omaha coast in 1944.
It is a historical tour that exhibits a collection of uniforms, vehicles, weapons, ammunition and personal objects, which tell the story of the days before the confrontation and the 4th battle.
The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum offers guided tours and documentaries that recreate the steps taken during those days and the confrontations, including the memories and minutes of the invasion and positioning.
Visit the museum every day from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. The $10 ride lasts one hour.
45. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
The most important and emblematic museum of the city of Lyon for the variety of antiques, coins, artistic objects, drawings, carvings, paintings and sculptures, kept in its 70 exhibition rooms.
It is based in what used to be the Palace of San Pedro and whose origins were established as a 17th century convent. In its rooms you can go from the art of the Middle Ages to Art Deco.
The Museum of Fine Arts opened its doors in 1801, being one of the first to function only preceded by the Louvre Museum, also standing out for having an extensive collection of coins, medals and stamps.
Visit daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, except Tuesdays and holidays, for $14.
46. Botanical Garden of Lyon
Beautiful garden and ecological park of 8 hectares of extension and 6500 square meters of greenhouses, which also has a zoo.
Although it has been in operation since 1792, it was not until 1856 that it became part of the Parque de la Tête d’Or. It took 5 years to take these lands from pure swamps to conservation crops.
Greenhouses arrived in 1860 and 1880 and with them a wide variety of botanical species began to grow, some of which are still preserved.
Currently, the garden is a conservation space for flora species in danger of extinction and has some 15,000 botanical samples available.
You can visit it for free from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
47. Philippe le Bon Tower
The Philippe Bon Tower is in the capital of Burgundy on Liberation Square, which honors it thanks to its hemicycle shape designed by Mansart, the same architect of the Palace of Versailles. It is also located next to the medieval palace that connects it with the Palacio de los Estados.
It is a 7-story building with a rather unusual architectural form, which has threatened its survival.
At 46 meters high and in a classic Renaissance style, it is ideal for enjoying an elevated view of the city, although it is not the best option for people with reduced mobility or some difficulty walking, due to the number of steps.
You can visit it between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm.
48. Ardennes Massif
With more than 117 thousand hectares on the surface, with its highest peak in Belgium, the Massif is the heart of the Ardennes natural region, in Luxembourg, with a height of 694 meters.
It is a congregation of natural settings and landscapes where the Massif, the Pointe de Givet, the Recroi Plateau, the Sornnonne Valley and the Thiérache Ardenesa converge, together with forests, dry-type grass and various watercourses.
It is an excellent option to enjoy a wide variety of types of geographical representations in the same place, which makes it an obligatory natural destination.
You can go hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing.
In the Mosa and Semoy loops you can enjoy cultural contact with the locals, try local products and enjoy the flavors of the sea.
49. Du Rhine Palace
In the German neighborhood Neudast you will find one of the most important elements of Prussian architecture of the 19th century and that you can fully enjoy from the Republic Square: the Du Rhin Palace.
In its benches and garden areas you can rest and have a picnic. It is the best area to enjoy the view and the architecture of the building, declared a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Get to know the collection of sarcophagi that rest inside the palace and some objects and effects that are part of the ancient life of Strasbourg.
In the vicinity you will find excellent restaurants and small bars to enjoy mixed flavors between French and German cuisine.
50. Pavillon Ledoyen
It is one of the most emblematic and elegant restaurants in Paris, right in the center of the Champs Elysées, which has already won 3 Michelin stars thanks to its chef, Yannick Alléno.
It is so famous that you must reserve a table at least 4 months in advance, but even so, and despite the cost of its dishes (430 USD per plate), the gastronomic experience is worth it.
51. Grevin Museum
The Grévin Museum is the wax museum of Paris, a gallery with figures of the most important figures in the history of France and the world.
The building divided into different points has a theater and a viewpoint. It adds more than 500 figures, most of them relevant from France as athletes, actors, politicians and plastic artists.
The tour begins with the entrance to a Mirage Palace that acts as a giant kaleidoscope, transporting visitors to the halls of a palace, a Hindu temple or the jungle.
Visit the Grévin Museum from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
Admission for adults and children under 5 is $23 and free, respectively.
52. Picasso Museum
Extensive exhibition of works by Picasso, being the largest reservoir of sculptures by the artist in the world open to the public.
In addition to his works, it accumulates documents and personal photographs of Picasso, which tell the story of the evolution of his art.
Before being a sanctuary of the life and work of the painter with 200 paintings, 150 sculptures, relief paintings, ceramics, carvings and some manuscripts, the building was the seat of the Embassy of Venice.
Visit the Picasso Museum from Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm; on weekends and holidays, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, for $16 admission.
53. Le Marais and Place des Vosges
From the construction of the Place Royale, which is currently known as the Place des Vosges, the Le Marais neighborhood became one of the most exclusive areas of Parisian society, surrounding itself with shops, restaurants and opulent residences.
The neighborhood is a place of art and culture, being the location of a wide variety of museums, in addition to housing the largest congregation of Jewish population in the country.
Not only is it a very popular shopping and entertainment area, it is also recognized as the “gay district of Paris”.
54. The House of Victor Hugo
Open museum that honors and pays tribute to the personal and artistic life of the famous creator of Les Miserables and Our Lady of Paris.
The house, which is actually an apartment, is in the Le Marais neighborhood, near the famous Place de Vosges where the artists lived with his wife for 16 years.
The museum was created in 1902 in celebration of the centenary of the writer’s birth. It has three floors of works only where you can see a wide variety of graphic creations by other artists, such as original manuscripts and personal effects of Victor Hugo.
Admission is generally free. You only have to pay to enter exhibitions and special events held by the museum. Visit it from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
55. The Defense
Located in the west of Paris, La Defense is the most important economic district in France and one of the most important in Europe, compared to the City of London.
In the commercial area of La Défense there is a large group of buildings and skyscrapers of the most important companies and brands in the country, being one of the most modern faces of the romantic city.
Apart from the view of the great buildings, the area has an open-air contemporary art exhibition, made up of 70 works of art and modern-looking hanging gardens.
One of the best attractions in the area is the Arco de la Defensa, created in 1989. It is a 110-meter cube of marble, granite, and glass.
56. Espelette
A French region famous for its castles and traditional buildings from medieval times, Espelette is a historical Basque-French territory, one of the favorite areas for the production of peppers in the country and throughout Europe.
Its greatest tourist charm is the walking tours through its streets, appreciating the grayish colors of the stone constructions and the medieval-style buildings. You can also take a tour of the pepper plantations and learn about the history of these crops.
The church and pantheon of the region are attractions highlighted by the architectural lines and the stories of the locals.
The main cities of France
Among the main cities of the country and that you should know, are Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Nice, due to the number of inhabitants and places of interest.
What are the important places in France to visit?
All of France is a site of tourist places, however, among the attractions that cannot be missed are:
- The Eiffel Tower.
- Elysian Fields.
- Lavender Route.
- Blue Coast.
- Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Louvre Museum.
- Terra Amata Museum.
What are the historical places of France?
Some of the historical places that you cannot miss in France are:
- Arch of Triumph.
- Louvre Museum.
- Palace of Versailles.
- Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Omaha Beach Memorial Museum.
- Pont Neuf.
- The Concierge.
What are the best natural attractions in France?
If it is a question of discovering the natural wonders of France, the following cannot be missed:
- Lavender Routes.
- Verdon Gorges.
- The Calanques.
- Cliffs of Etretat
Most famous buildings in France
Among the most famous buildings in France we have:
- Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Louvre Museum.
- Eiffel Tower.
- Palace of Versailles.
- Garnier opera.
- Orsay’s Museum.
- A Paris pantheon.
- Luxembourg Palace.
- Pyramid of the Louvre Museum.
How to get around France
The French transport system is one of the most advanced and comfortable in the world, which makes it easy to travel around the country.
One of the main elements for the walk has to be a map of France with all the regions, capitals and street distributions.
You can also hire one of the tours they offer, especially in Paris, which include quick walks through different locations, especially gardens and views of palaces.
The entire country is connected by three bus routes. With a map of the transport systems you will be able to know which route corresponds to you or which train stop is the right one. Some destinations are paid while others are not.
What to do in France in winter
Although the tourist life of France does not stop in winter, the walks through the natural attractions are interrupted by the strong breezes and the cold, especially on the cliffs.
Snowfall in Paris can be quite heavy, so walks to the gardens are suspended. You can opt for tours to museums, palaces and other buildings. Also enjoy the Christmas markets and of course, the gastronomy.
French cities to visit in winter
- Paris.
- Lyons.
- Saint Tropez.
- Strasbourg.
- Toulouse.
- Montpiller.
- Cannes.
- Mont Blanc.
What to do in France in summer
An excellent plan for France in the summer is to take advantage of outdoor tours, visit the cities, provinces and enjoy the passageways. Taking a walk through the variety of outdoor gardens that are available, especially in Paris, is also a good alternative.
Summer is a good time to visit Costa Azul and discover the beaches, cliffs and other natural wonders.
French cities to visit in summer
- Paris.
- Lyons.
- Blue Coast.
- Bordeaux.
- Marseilles.
- Alsace.
- Carcassome.
France tourism
Tourism is one of the main keys of France, being one of the fundamental economic engines of the country. It is based on offering a historical and romantic experience with calm but beautiful destinations, full of color and anecdotes.
El turismo en París está protagonizado por las historias de amor, no en vano un millón de propuesta de matrimonio ocurren al año en Francia, casi todas en su capital.
La gastronomía de Francia
Los sabores de Francia se caracterizan por el refinamiento, el énfasis en trabajar con frutos de mar, la mantequilla, las salsas y la manzana. Entre sus platos emblemáticos están:
- Aligot: puré de patatas espeso con queso sin refinar.
- Quenelle: pasta de sémola de trigo que en apariencia parece una albóndiga o salchicha.
- Cassoulet: guiso de alubias blancas acompañado de diferentes tipos de carnes.
- Fondue de queso: crema de queso que acompaña a otros alimentos o se toma remojando trozos de pan en ella.
- Ratatouille: comida vegetariana preparada con una amplia variedad de hortalizas de la región de Niza.
- Crepes: de los postres más insigne e internacional de Francia. Una tortilla de harina de trigo fina que se acompaña de cualquier otro ingrediente.
- Macarons: galleta cuya base es clara de huevo con almendra y azúcar.
¿Qué lugares turísticos hay en Francia?
- La Torre Eiffel.
- El Palacio de Versalles.
- Campos Elíseos.
- Costa Azul.
- Marsella.
- Museo del Louvre.
- El Arco del Triunfo.
- Catedral de Notre Dame.
- Museo de Terra Amata.
- Museo de Bellas Artes de Lyon.
¿Qué se puede hacer en Francia?
Francia es uno de los países europeos con mayor cantidad de destinos y actividades por realizar. Entre ellas no pueden faltar:
- Caminar por Campos Elíseos.
- Subir a la Torre Eiffel.
- Conocer La Defensa.
- Visitar la Catedral de Notre Dame.
- Hacer senderismo en Los Acantilados.
- Bañarse en las playas de Niza.
- Hacer el recorrido por las Rutas de Lavanda.
- Visitar el Museo del Louvre.
- Caminar por Burdeos.
- Conocer Disneyland París.
- Caminar por la colina de Montmartre.
- Probar el Cassoulet en un pequeño restaurant local.
- Disfrutar de un vino en Borgoña.
¿Qué ciudades me recomiendan visitar en Francia?
En un viaje por Francia no pueden faltar en tu itinerario las siguientes ciudades:
- Lyon.
- Marsella.
- Toulouse.
- Niza.
- París.
- Beaune.
- Estrasburgo.
- Burdeos.
- Chamonix.
- Córcega.
Francia es uno de los mejores destinos turísticos para animarse a la aventura, el viaje y al descubrimiento en el mundo.
Si te consideras un viajero de corazón, en algún momento necesitas recorrer y cumplir esta lista de lugares turísticos de Francia.
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Ver también:
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