19 places worth visiting in France
GUIDE
19 places worth visiting in France
Planning a trip to France but not sure where to start? This guide highlights 19 must-see destinations — from world-famous landmarks like Paris to hidden gems such as the Dordogne Valley. Discover places rich in timeless charm, breathtaking beauty, and fascinating history to make your French journey truly unforgettable.
1. Paris
Paris is, of course, an unmissable stop when visiting France. The French capital has so much to offer. Whether you simply want to stroll through its iconic landmarks or dive into a more authentic, local experience, Paris is always a rewarding choice. The city is multifaceted, with each visit revealing a new perspective—be it a hidden neighborhood, a cultural gem, or a fresh expression of its timeless charm.
2. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is France’s most iconic royal residence. Step inside to admire the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, gilded details, and lavish interiors. Outside, explore 800 hectares of gardens with fountains and sculptures, or escape to the serene Domaine du Trianon. A must-see for history, culture, and grandeur.
3. Gorges du Verdon
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons, the Gorges du Verdon is a breathtaking natural wonder in southeastern France. Its turquoise-blue waters contrast sharply with towering limestone cliffs, creating a stunning setting for adventure. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or paragliding, and admire the gorge from multiple viewpoints for unforgettable panoramas. Nearby, make a stop at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a charming village famed for its faïence pottery, artisan workshops, and narrow, picturesque streets.
4. Colorado Provençal
Also known as the Rustrel Ochre Massif, the Colorado Provençal is a striking natural site in Provence that recalls the famous landscapes of Colorado in the USA—yet with a more intimate scale and even more vibrant colors. From pale yellows to deep reds, with shades of orange, brown, green, and even purple, the palette is simply mesmerizing. As you walk the trails, you’ll encounter fairy chimneys, canyons, and caves carved into the ochre.
5. Camargue
Shaped over 6,000 years, the Camargue is a breathtaking natural reserve on the shores of the Mediterranean. Exploring its lagoons and marshes—whether on horseback, by boat, or in a 4×4—you’ll encounter the region’s iconic pink flamingos, along with wild horses and black bulls roaming freely. In summer, the pink-hued salt marshes of Aigues-Mortes offer a truly spectacular sight. At the edge of this natural paradise, you’ll also find authentic towns such as Arles, rich in history, culture, and remarkable architecture.
6. Valensole Plateau
The Valensole Plateau is one of Provence’s most iconic landscapes, where endless lavender fields create waves of purple and blue stretching as far as the eye can see. In summer, the air is filled with the fragrance of this emblematic Provençal plant, often combined with golden wheat fields and olive groves, all set against a backdrop of distant mountains. The region is also renowned for its lavender honey, a true local delicacy. Nearby, you can explore Esparron-de-Verdon, a village with authentic Provençal charm and narrow streets, where an emerald-colored lake adds another touch of magic to this quintessential Provençal escape.
7. Hilltop Villages of Provence
Immersed in a walk through Provence’s hilltop villages, you wander along narrow cobbled streets lined with stone houses and lush vegetation, fully embracing their timeless charm. Each step can unveil something new — from breathtaking panoramic views, like those in Eze high above the Mediterranean, to the artistic soul of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Whether in Gordes or another perched gem, these villages blend Provençal authenticity, artistic heritage, and sweeping vistas, making every stroll an enchanting discovery.
8. Calanques de Marseille
Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, the Calanques of Marseille form a breathtaking chain of 28 coves where turquoise waters meet dramatic limestone cliffs and fine sandy beaches. Some calanques are easily accessible, while others require a rewarding hike through stunning landscapes before you can relax in their idyllic settings. For a different perspective, explore this natural paradise from the water — by boat or kayak — and discover hidden gems along the rugged shoreline.
9. Dordogne Valley
Dordogne Valley feels like a journey back in time, with its majestic castles such as Marqueyssac, fascinating prehistoric sites like the Lascaux caves, and medieval villages perched on cliffs, including the remarkable Rocamadour. A traditional boat ride along the river reveals stone houses and fortresses lining the shores, offering a magical new perspective on the valley’s medieval charm. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Dordogne blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
10. The Medieval City of Carcassonne
The medieval citadel of Carcassonne, perched on a hilltop, is a UNESCO World Heritage gem with 3 km of ramparts and 52 towers. Once an impregnable stronghold shaped by conquests, crusades, and Cathar history, it still shelters residents within its walls. Strolling through cobbled streets, you’ll discover treasures like the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. Surrounded by vineyards, this fortified city blends medieval charm with a living, authentic atmosphere.
11. Dune du Pilat
At 101 meters high and nearly 3 km long, the Dune du Pilat is a grandiose site where forest, sand, and sea meet. Climb to the top, feel the soft sand underfoot, and enjoy an awe-inspiring panorama over the surrounding lagoons. At sunset, the sky explodes with colors—perfect for a picnic as the sun reflects on the water. You might be surprised to find such rich biodiversity here — from two-lined lizards to European hares and the fragrant immortelle des dunes. Less than an hour from Bordeaux, world-famous for its wine, the site also offers insights into how this immense dune formed — a fascinating stop for nature lovers and explorers alike.
12. Bordeaux Vineyards
Bordeaux, and especially the Médoc region, embodies the cultural soul of French wine. More than a drink, wine here is a symbol of tradition and conviviality. Amid endless vineyards and elegant châteaux, you can discover the roots of prestigious Grands Crus that have shaped Bordeaux’s worldwide reputation — an experience where heritage, landscape, and culture come together in every glass.
13. Villages of the Alsace Wine Route
Alsace is dotted with picturesque villages, where colorful half-timbered houses and flower-filled alleys sit amid rolling vineyards. Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé—just to name a few—are sure to charm you with their timeless beauty. Each village tells its own fascinating story, inviting you to wander through quaint streets for an enchanting immersion into Alsatian heritage.
14. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Perched at over 700 meters above sea level, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of France’s most impressive medieval fortresses. Built of pink sandstone, this castle has witnessed nine centuries of history, marked by conflicts and rivalries between lords, kings, and emperors. As you explore its towers, keep, drawbridge, and armory halls, you’ll step back into its original defensive role. Beyond its walls, the site offers a breathtaking panorama over the Vosges forest and mountains — and on clear days, even the snow-capped Alps stretching into the horizon.
15. Annecy and Its Lake
Nicknamed the “Little Venice of the Alps,” Annecy enchants visitors with its old town of colorful houses, canals, and charming bridges. Nestled in a stunning mountain setting, the town opens onto Lake Annecy — one of the purest lakes in Europe, famous for its crystal-clear blue waters. Here, you can stroll along scenic lakeside trails, swim, or enjoy a wide range of water activities in a dreamlike landscape. After exploring, savor delicious Savoyard specialties that perfectly complement this mountain-venice atmosphere.
16. Lyon
Often called the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a city where food is a way of life. Its warm, hearty cuisine—rooted in local products—owes much to the famous Mères Lyonnaises, women chefs who shaped its culinary identity. Beyond the table, Lyon invites you to wander its Old Town, with its Renaissance charm, hidden traboules (secret passageways), and graceful miraboules (inner courtyards). Once renowned for its silk weavers, the city also carries a fascinating artisanal heritage. By night, Lyon reveals another layer of beauty: the glow of the Saône and Rhône rivers, the illuminated Fourvière Hill, and the magical atmosphere of its historic streets make it a city to savor long after sunset.
17. Mont Saint-Michel
With its medieval silhouette rising above the bay, visiting Mont Saint-Michel feels like stepping into a mystical world, almost cut off from the rest of the land. Once a major pilgrimage site for the Christian West, the abbey also served as a prison for more than 70 years. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site fascinates visitors not only with its history and architecture, but also with its spectacular tides, which transform Mont Saint-Michel into an island for a few hours at a time.
18. Giverny
Giverny is a rustic village with a strong artistic soul, most famous for Claude Monet’s colorful home and bucolic gardens. A gathering place for French and international Impressionists, it also inspired many American artists. Beyond Monet’s legacy, the flower-filled gardens and the Musée des Impressionnismes celebrate the works and spirit born here. Surrounded by meadows and grazing cows, Giverny perfectly embodies the charm of the French countryside.
19. Loire Valley Castles
In the Loire Valley, dozens of castles rise along the river, blending medieval strength with Renaissance elegance. Rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, they reflect the influence of Italian art and artisans, with Leonardo da Vinci among the most famous. Their hybrid style—flamboyant Gothic meets refined Renaissance—set in an exceptional natural backdrop, makes the Loire Valley a magical destination for history lovers and dreamers alike.
This list is just a taste of France’s wonders. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, create an itinerary that lets you explore the country’s beauty, history, and charm—easily by train or car.
Let the inspiration continue…
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