Ah, France! A bucket-list destination for everyone on the planet. This is a seductive nation with a jaw-dropping landscape, picture-perfect coastline, iconic landmarks, world-class architecture and picturesque villages and cities. Its overwhelming cultural heritage along with mouthwatering cuisine and top-notch wine will make you savour your trip to France for a very long time.
Paris – the capital of France, needs no introduction. It is one of the world’s most celebrated cities, and welcomes millions of visitors each year. Its streets are lined with historical marvels but it is needless to say that the Eiffel Tower is the city’s focal point. At 324m, this was the tallest structure in France until 1974. However, the Eiffel Tower is just the beginning of Paris’ long list of attractions. From the top of the 19th century Arc de Triomphe, you will get amazing views of the Eiffel. Louvre – the largest art museum in the world houses works of world’s most renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Keep in mind that this is an enormous museum and it is impossible to explore all of its key highlights within a day. So if you’re interested in art, come with at least a few days – if not a week – in hand. Cathedrale Notre Dame is a definitive landmark of Paris which unfortunately got devastated in a fire in April 2019 and temporarily closed to the public as a result of the ongoing renovation. For centuries, this 12th-century cathedral has been the spiritual heart of the country. Other notable highlights of Paris include the Sacré-CÅ“ur Basilica, Palace of Versailles, Jardin du Luxembourg, Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou and Cimetière du Père Lachaise.
Bordeaux on the Atlantic coast is a UNESCO world heritage city where you can find ancient palaces coexisting with modern architecture and lush vineyards.
Located in the country’s Mediterranean coast, Nice and Cannes are colourful resort destinations. While Cannes is more famously known for its glamorous film festival, Nice is a great place to experience the fusion of French and Italian culture and explore sun-soaked beaches. The nearby island of Corsica with thick forests and rugged peaks features beautiful towns and offers some of the country’s best outdoor activities. Lyon in Rhône Valley is a historical city with several museums, cultural importance and delicious food.
The French Alps is the most stunning natural wonder in the country and houses the highest mountain in France – Mont Blanc. The region’s focal point is Chamonix, which is a renowned ski resort and was the host of the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924. In summer, it turns into a hiking and biking paradise.
The Provence region in southern France bordering Italy, is known for its surreal landscape of lavender fields, rolling vineyards and forests. Provence’s Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque near the village of Gordes offers stunning scenery of a medieval abbey amidst these lavender fields. Travelling to the Languedoc-Roussillon region you will come across the well-preserved Roman bridge of Pont du Gard. You can explore the bridge from the nearby city of Nimes, which is often called “Rome of France” and is packed with Roman architecture and museums.
Mont Saint-Michel in the country’s Normandy region in northern France is a renowned spiritual hub. A rich history and beautiful setting are its main drawcards. Apart from its historical and natural landmarks, France is home to some of Europe’s best wine regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley and Alsace are to name a few.
The beauties of France are plenty and will captivate every visitor. What do you say about planning your next trip here and checking it off on your bucket-list?
The 324m tall late-19th-century monument Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in France until 1974.
