France is a land of wonders, from its spectacular capital city of Paris to the French Riviera. The castles of the Loire Valley, stunning cathedrals, and hill towns of Provence. Not to mention the gorgeous countryside from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Here are the top ten suggestions for fabulous places to add to your French itinerary!
The Eiffel Tower
A visit to this iconic monument goes without saying. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 as the grand entryway to that year’s Universal Exposition, the Eiffel Tower survived the test of time and has become the city’s iconic attraction. Take the elevators up to one of its landing stages for wonderful views over the city. For the best view of the Tower, visit the esplanade at Trocadero across the Seine River.
Read our full blog here on creating the ideal Paris itinerary.
Paris Museums – the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay
Paris has two of the most famous art collections in the world, the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. Housed in a former Royal palace of French Kings, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. Its collection spans history but its undeniable star trio are the Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo and Winged Victory statues. The glass pyramid entrance was completed by architect I.M. Pei in 1989.
The Musee d’Orsay is housed within the spectacular Belle Epoque former Gare d’Orsay train station. Here is the world’s best collection of French Impressionist art. Head to the top floor to see all the masters, from Monet and Renoir to Degas and Cezanne.
Palace of Versailles
Built by Louis XIV as his royal residence, Versailles is an awesome example of the power and prestige of the French nobility in the 17th century. Located outside of Paris, the Palace amazes with its state rooms and dazzling Hall of Mirrors. Outside, the Gardens are spectacular with their fountains and landscaping. Scattered through the gardens are additional smaller palaces such as the Grand and Petit Trianons, and the hamlet of Marie Antoinette, a replica of a little farming community where she could play shepherdess to a flock of sheep.
Monet House and Gardens
Claude Monet, one of the most famous French Impressionist painters, created a magical garden at his home in the small Normandy village of Giverny west of Paris. His gardens were the inspiration for many of his best-known paintings, including his water lilies series. The Japanese bridge that appears in many paintings continues to stand in the Water Garden, and weeping willows line the banks of the ponds.
Mont Saint Michel
Normandy’s most famous site, the medieval abbey of Mont St Michel sits on a small island in the bay. It is connected by a causeway that is submerged during high tides. The narrow winding Grand Rue climbs the hill of the town past restaurants and shops, until you reach the crowning glory; the Norman Benedictine Abbey Church with its encircling ramparts. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Abbey is considered an architectural masterpiece.
The Châteaux of the Loire Valley
The fairy tale castles of the Loire are spread out through the scenic Loire Valley region south of Paris. Two of the best examples are the Château de Chambord and the Château de Chenonceau. These castles were built by French Royalty in the 15th and 16th centuries as pleasure palaces. French King Francois I had Chambord built on the site of a former hunting lodge, and its massive construction includes over 400 rooms and a unique double helix staircase.
Chenonceaux presents an elegant image, spanning the river Cher on a picturesque, tiered bridge. Chenonceaux has always been most closely linked to the famous women who lived there, including Queen Catherine de Medici. It sparkles with its exquisite interior decoration and wonderfully landscaped gardens.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres is the epitome of a spectacular Gothic cathedral with medieval stained-glass windows. Located southwest of Paris, Chartres Cathedral dominates the surrounding countryside. From its intricate stonework sculptures over the entry portals to the wonderfully ornate interior 16th century wooden choir screen. Its large rose window and the biblical stories told in the 12th and 13th century-stained glass amazes visitors with the brilliance of its art.
Province’s St Paul-de-Vence and Aix-en-Provence
Provence is one of France’s most charming regions. Hilltop St Paul-de-Vence is a medieval town surrounded by 16th century ramparts with beautiful countryside views. Wander through its winding alleyways filled with colourful shops and galleries. Just outside of town is the spectacular Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum set amidst gorgeous natural surroundings.
Aix-en-Provence delights with its historic Old Town, and tree lined streets like the Cours Mirabeau lined with attractive outdoor cafes and charming fountain filled squares. Artist Paul Cezanne had his studio here and drew creative inspiration from nearby Mont St. Victoire.
Read more about visiting Provence here.
Nice, Riviera Beauty
Nice is the Queen City of the French Riviera. Visit its charming Old Town with its winding cobblestoned streets and explore the colourful Cours Selaya market.
Excellent museums here include the Chagall Museum with its brilliant stained-glass windows and biblical paintings and another devoted to Henri Matisse. Stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea, walk up to Castle Hill for spectacular views or relax seaside at one of Nice’s beach clubs.
Alsatian France—Strasbourg and Colmar
Straddling the border between France and Germany, the region of Alsace has a unique look and feel from its architecture to its cuisine, strongly influenced by neighbouring Germany.
Strasbourg charms with its cobblestoned streets, painted, half-timbered houses and its spectacular Cathedral, as well as the scenic canals of La Petite France. Colmar is a delight, its balconies decked with flowers and canals crisscrossing the town, especially in Little Venice. Don’t miss the fabulous Unterlinden Museum with the Issenheim Altarpiece!
