The Top 5 Must-See Destinations in France

Table of Contents

• The Eiffel Tower and Paris
• The South of France and French Riviera
• Loire Valley Châteaux
• Provence
• The French Alps and Chamonix

From world-famous landmarks and quintessential village charm to stunning natural landscapes, France tops many travelers’ bucket lists for good reason. Known for its food, wine, art and culture, France promises endless opportunities to indulge the senses, soak up history, and savor the slow rhythms of la vie française. With so many incredible destinations across its 21 regions, deciding where to visit can feel overwhelming when planning any trip to France.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top 5 must-see places in France to help travelers experience the best this captivating country has to offer. From the dizzying sights of Paris to the sunny stretches of the French Riviera all the way to the majestic peaks of the French Alps, these destinations showcase the diversity of landscapes, cultures, and activities just waiting to be discovered across France.

Throughout this France travel guide, you’ll learn how to plan trips to each highlighted destination along with top things to see, do and eat in each place for an unforgettable voyage filled with joie de vivre. It covers everything from essential landmarks and hidden neighborhood gems in Paris to road-tripping between medieval castles in the Loire Valley to exploring Roman ruins in Provence and more.

No matter which regions or cities call to you, this list will help craft an epic adventure through the best of France that suits your individual interests and style. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned Francophile looking for new sides of France to uncover, read on for insider tips to these ten dream destinations. Get ready for classic sights, off the beaten path revelations, and countless opportunities to savor the culture, cuisine and undeniable romance France evokes in all who visit!

The Eiffel Tower and Paris.

Paris is likely the first place that comes to mind when dreaming of a trip to France. As the epicenter of art, culture, cuisine, and fashion, the glittering City of Light draws over 30 million visitors per year. No trip to France is complete without spending at least a few days exploring the iconic landmarks, museums, cafes, and neighborhoods that make Paris one of the most famous destinations in the world.

The unmissable centerpiece of Paris is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower. Towering over the city at 1,063 feet tall, this wrought-iron landmark offers stunning 360-degree views from the top as well as from the observation decks on the first and second levels. Top tips for visiting:

• Book tickets ahead of time online: This allows you to skip the notoriously long lines. Scheduling a timeslot also guarantees entry.
• Budget 2-3 hours to wait in line, go through security, and climb the stairs or take the elevator to the various observation platforms.
• Go at night when the tower sparkles with 20,000 twinkling light bulbs every hour from dusk until 1am. It’s exceptionally romantic!

In addition to its famous monuments and museums, Paris delights visitors with charming tree-lined boulevards perfect for strolling, countless cozy cafes and bistros spilling out onto the sidewalks, and boulangeries selling freshly baked croissants and baguettes.

The various neighborhoods across Paris also each have their own unique vibe and attractions to explore. Some top ones include:

• Montmartre: This hilly district feels almost like a quaint village within the city. Meander through the narrow, winding streets stopping to admire views of the city below from the steps of the iconic Sacre Coeur basilica. There are also endless artists selling their work in Place du Tertre and cafes serving crepes and cocktails.
• Latin Quarter: Situated around the historic Sorbonne University and St. Michel fountain, this neighborhood brims with youthful energy. From jazz clubs and late-night brasseries to independent bookstores, there’s plenty here to dive into.
• Le Marais: With its aristocratic architecture and stylish boutiques, Le Marais bears witness to Paris’ sophisticated side. Make sure to browse the art galleries and fashion ateliers by day and return at night when the area transforms into the pulse of Paris’ nightlife scene.

The South of France and French Riviera.

Trading Parisian boulevards for sunny Mediterranean coastlines, the glamorous resort towns of the French Riviera have long attracted the rich, famous and elite. Travelers flock here to soak up the region’s golden light, fragrant lavender fields, and azure blue waters. Though the entire stretch of coastline from Marseille down to Monaco dazzles visitors, a few standout destinations shine brighter.

First up is Nice, capital of the Côte d’Azur with over 5 miles of public beaches and legendary year-round sunshine. Top things to do include:

• Stroll along the famed Promenade des Anglais with its belle époque architecture and breathtaking views over the Baie des Anges
• Shop for trinkets and local delicacies like olive tapenade and socca flatbread in the bustling Old Town (Vieux Nice) neighborhood
• Wander the sprawling Cours Saleya Flower Market exploding in vibrant blooms and sample fresh produce
• Take a scenic coastal hike overlooking the glittering blue Mediterranean like on the walk to Villefranche-sur-Mer

Just 45 minutes away along some of the most spectacular driving roads in the world lies Saint-Tropez, made famous by Brigitte Bardot and still frequented by celebrities and yacht owners today. Aside from people watching while sipping rosé at an alfresco cafe, visitors enjoy:

• Exploring the peaceful port lined with luxury yachts and colorful fishing boats
• Getting lost in the tangle of narrow Medieval alleyways full of quaint boutiques and art galleries
• Lounging on the Pampelonne Beaches dotted with iconic club-restaurants like Club 55

Another quintessential French Riviera hot spot is Cannes, host to the annually prestigious Cannes Film Festival. When there’s no red carpet set up along the Croisette, travelers can still enjoy:

• Snorkeling around the offshore islands of Îles de Lérins
• Learning about perfume history at the Fragonard Musée du Parfum
• Shopping at the high-end designer boutiques and markets along Rue d’Antibes

Loire Valley Châteaux.

Nestled along the winding Loire River stand France’s most famous castles, or “châteaux” in French. These regal châteaux served as everything from defensive fortifications during the Middle Ages to extravagant lodging carrying on in royal style right into the Renaissance. Today, visitors can explore over 300 castles scattered throughout the bucolic Loire Valley countryside. Here are some of the top ones not to miss:

First up is the grand 16th century Château de Chambord, easily recognizable by its ornate turrets and sprawling roofline with 365 chimneys. Some tips for visiting this UNESCO heritage site include:

• Joining a guided tour to learn about the interesting double-helix staircase supposedly designed by Leonardo Da Vinci himself
• Wandering through the lush gardens in bloom through four distinct areas representing different French design aesthetics
• Renting bikes or following walking trails around the estate’s expansive wooded parkland

Another magnificent castle is the elegant Château de Chenonceau straddling the Cher River. Highlights here include:

• Seeing where Royal gatherings, parties and even fireworks shows used to be held in the chateau’s Great Gallery spanning over the river
• Exploring the botanical gardens with over 30 flower varieties and fountain-filled labyrinth
• Grabbing an ice cream or cake from the on-site pâtisserie near the original Royal kitchens

Finally, the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau charms visitors with its idyllic location surrounded entirely by water on a private island. Fun ways to experience this slice of history include:

• Admiring the perfect symmetry and French-style architecture reflecting beautifully on the still lake waters encircling it
• Packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds under towering trees near the bustling duck pond
• Capping off a castle tour day with wine tasting at the vineyards nestled right along the Loire

Provence.

With its rolling lavender fields, rustic villages perched atop hills, vibrant outdoor markets, and ancient ruins, Provence conjures up quintessential images of the relaxing French countryside. Located along the southeast coast, this region built its identity on local small-batch olive oil and wine production. Visiting Provence offers a delicious taste of France away from the bustling cities up north.

Some of the top things to experience in magnificent Provence include:

• Wandering cobblestone streets scented by fresh lavender during the summer bloom from June to August
• Exploring the impressively preserved Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard from the 1st century CE - it’s the highest Roman aqueduct bridge still standing!
• Browsing stalls bursting with colorful Cézanne-worthy produce, spices, cheeses, saucissons and local delicacies at markets like Marché des Halles in Avignon
• Following the Lavender Route driving trail stopping to take in sweeping views of purple fields dotted with classic French country villages like Gordes, Sault, Valensole
• Day tripping by ferry to the islands of Îles d’Hyères with their turquoise waters and beach clubs feeling like slices of the Caribbean

In addition to natural beauty and ancient sites, Provence also overflows with arts, culture and events like:

• Expertly curated modern art collections at the Fondation Maeght set dramatically into a cliffside with outdoor sculpture terraces
• Annual summer arts festival held within the medieval walled city of Avignon transformed into a thriving theater hub
• The largest antique flea market in France, Les Baux-de-Provence, that takes over the village streets every summer

With its vineyard dotted country roads, colorful villages, and lively culture, Provence promises a quintessentially French experience for travelers looking to get off the beaten path. The region could easily fill an entire trip to France itself with endless charming towns, markets and outdoor adventures to enjoy.

The French Alps and Chamonix.

No trip to France is complete without venturing into the majestic snow-capped French Alps. Located along the southeast border with Switzerland and Italy, this is a winter wonderland playground full of world-class skiing, epic hiking trails, and charming mountain villages.

The hub of activity in the Alps centers around Chamonix, an iconic resort town nestled at the base of the tallest peak in Western Europe, the staggering Mount Blanc. In addition to access to seemingly endless ski and snowboard runs during winter, Chamonix also delights visitors year-round with:

• Trekking through alpine landscapes along trails like the epic multi-day Tour du Mont Blanc circuit
• Attempting less intense yet still awe-inspiring day hikes through glacier valleys and meadows filled with wildflowers like at the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice)
• Riding the steep funicular railway or gondola lifts up to panoramic vantage points like Aiguille du Midi overlooking Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif
• Sampling Savoyard comfort food and Swiss fondues after an active day outdoors at any of the slope-side restaurants and cafes

During the winter months especially, Chamonix transforms into a winter wonderland that feels almost magical. Highlights include:

• Shopping for local artisanal souvenirs on the wooden chalet food stalls lining the main street of Rue du Docteur Paccard
• Sledding or snowshoeing through snow-covered forests ending the day in an outdoor hot tub
• Taking in jaw-dropping views of the Alps in their full glory while catching some sun from a ski lodge patio

Whether blanketed in snow or surrounded by wildflowers and rushing alpine streams, the majestic peaks and glaciers amid the Chamonix Valley offer an incredible escape into nature unique from anywhere else in France. It’s easy to fall under the magical spell of the Alps.

Conclusion

From the dizzying heights of the Alps to the sunny Mediterranean shores, France delights visitors with diverse landscapes and cultures to discover. History buffs will marvel at walking in the footsteps of Romans in Provence or Kings and Queens through Loire châteaux halls. Outdoors enthusiasts can trade relaxing on the French Riviera for hiking Mont Blanc while art and food lovers find paradise in Paris museums and cafes. Ultimately France offers endless opportunities for adventure, indulgence, or total relaxation whether city hopping between Paris, Lyon and Nice or road tripping through wine country - there is something to satiate every travel style.

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