Discover France
Explore the best places to visit in France, from iconic Paris and the French Riviera to historic cities, beautiful countryside, famous food and unforgettable experiences.
France at a Glance
France is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, offering an impressive mix of historic cities, beautiful coastlines, countryside, mountains, food, culture and famous landmarks.
Language: French
Best for: Culture, food, cities, beaches, history and scenery
Ideal seasons: Spring, summer and early autumn
A holiday in France can be as relaxing or adventurous as you want it to be. Spend a few days exploring Paris, enjoy the Mediterranean coastline around Nice, discover historic cities such as Lyon and Strasbourg, or explore wine regions and charming villages.
Best Places to Visit in France
France has an enormous variety of destinations. These six cities are excellent starting points for a first trip.
Paris
France's famous capital is perfect for first-time visitors, with world-famous landmarks, museums, elegant streets, cafés and historic neighbourhoods.
Don't miss: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Champs-Élysées and the Seine.
Nice
Nice combines Mediterranean beaches, colourful streets, historic buildings and a relaxed French Riviera atmosphere.
Don't miss: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Castle Hill, Cours Saleya and the Mediterranean coastline.
Lyon
Lyon is known for its historic architecture, riverside setting, food scene and atmospheric old town.
Don't miss: Vieux Lyon, Fourvière Basilica, Rhône and Saône rivers and the city's famous restaurants.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is an elegant city famous for its architecture, riverside setting and world-renowned wine region.
Don't miss: Place de la Bourse, Miroir d'eau, historic centre, Garonne riverfront and nearby vineyards.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg offers a beautiful mix of French and Alsatian culture, with canals, traditional architecture and a charming historic centre.
Don't miss: Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, canals, covered bridges and the historic centre.
Marseille
Marseille is a lively Mediterranean city with a famous harbour, seafood restaurants, beaches and a fascinating multicultural atmosphere.
Don't miss: Vieux-Port, Le Panier, Notre-Dame de la Garde, MuCEM and the Calanques.
Best Things to Do in France
1. Explore Paris
Explore world-famous landmarks, visit museums, walk along the Seine and discover neighbourhoods such as Montmartre and Le Marais.
2. Enjoy the French Riviera
Visit Nice, Cannes, Antibes and other coastal destinations for beaches, sunshine, markets, restaurants and beautiful Mediterranean scenery.
3. Visit French Castles
The Loire Valley is famous for spectacular châteaux surrounded by gardens, countryside and historic villages.
4. Discover Provence
Explore colourful villages, markets, vineyards, countryside and Mediterranean landscapes in Provence.
5. Experience the French Alps
The Alps are ideal for skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, cycling and mountain activities during the warmer months.
6. Explore Normandy
Discover historic towns, dramatic coastline, medieval landmarks and important sites connected with the D-Day landings.
French Food You Should Try
Food is one of the highlights of travelling around France. Different regions have their own specialities, from pastries and cheese to seafood and traditional regional dishes.
Croissants
A classic French breakfast pastry, especially enjoyable with coffee in a local café.
Crêpes
Try sweet or savoury crêpes, particularly in Brittany where they are a regional speciality.
French Cheese
France has an enormous variety of cheeses, with different styles and traditions found throughout the country.
Ratatouille
A traditional vegetable dish associated particularly with southern France and Provence.
Baguette
Pick up a fresh baguette from a local bakery and experience one of France's most famous everyday foods.
Regional Cuisine
Try local dishes wherever you travel because French cuisine varies considerably between regions.
French Holiday Phrasebook
Learn the French phrases travellers are most likely to need in hotels, restaurants, stations, shops and emergencies. Search below or choose a category, then tap the speaker to hear the phrase in French when your browser supports audio.
Pronunciation spellings are approximate. Audio uses the French speech voice available on the visitor's device or browser, so the exact voice may vary.
Best Regions of France
| Region | Best For |
|---|---|
| Île-de-France | Paris, museums, landmarks and culture |
| Provence | Villages, countryside, markets and Mediterranean scenery |
| French Riviera | Beaches, sunshine, coastal towns and luxury holidays |
| Normandy | History, coastline, villages and D-Day sites |
| Loire Valley | Châteaux, gardens and countryside |
| French Alps | Skiing, hiking, mountains and outdoor adventures |
| Brittany | Coastline, seafood, villages and crêpes |
Getting Around France
France has an extensive transport network, making it relatively easy to combine several destinations in one holiday.
High-Speed Trains
High-speed trains are an excellent option for travelling between major cities. They can save significant time compared with driving.
Metro and Public Transport
Paris and other major cities have extensive public transport systems that make sightseeing easier without a car.
Car Hire
A rental car can be useful for exploring rural areas, villages, vineyards and regions where public transport is less convenient.
Walking and Cycling
Many French towns and cities are enjoyable to explore on foot, while cycling is particularly popular in countryside and riverside areas.
France Holiday Budget
France can suit different travel budgets. Your overall cost will depend heavily on the destination, accommodation and time of year.
| Travel Style | Typical Approach |
|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels, simple hotels, supermarkets and public transport |
| Mid-range | Comfortable hotels, restaurants and paid attractions |
| Luxury | Premium hotels, fine dining, private experiences and luxury transport |
10-Day France Itinerary
If you have around ten days, this route gives you a mixture of major cities, countryside, food and the Mediterranean coast.
| Days | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Paris | Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Seine and central Paris |
| 4–5 | Loire Valley | Châteaux, gardens and countryside |
| 6–7 | Lyon | Old Town, food, rivers and historic architecture |
| 8 | Provence | Villages, markets and countryside |
| 9–10 | Nice & French Riviera | Beaches, Old Town and Mediterranean scenery |
France Travel Tips
- Learn a few basic French phrases before travelling.
- Book popular attractions in advance during busy periods.
- Use trains for many long-distance journeys between major cities.
- Don't limit your trip to Paris if you have time to explore further.
- Allow enough time to enjoy each destination rather than rushing between cities.
- Check seasonal weather before planning outdoor activities.
- Try local food and specialities in each region you visit.
- Keep some flexibility in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries.
France Travel FAQ
What is the best place to visit in France?
Paris is an excellent choice for a first visit, while Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Marseille offer very different experiences.
What is France famous for?
France is famous for its food, wine, fashion, art, architecture, historic landmarks, countryside and beautiful coastline.
Is France good for a family holiday?
Yes. France offers beaches, theme parks, museums, castles, countryside and many family-friendly cities and attractions.
What is the best time to visit France?
Spring and early autumn are often excellent for sightseeing, while summer is popular for beaches and outdoor holidays.
Is travelling by train in France easy?
Yes. Major cities are well connected by rail, making trains a convenient option for many travellers.
What food should I try in France?
Try croissants, baguettes, crêpes, regional cheeses and traditional dishes from the region you are visiting.
Ready to Discover France?
From Paris and the French Riviera to historic cities, countryside, food and unforgettable experiences, France has something for every type of traveller.
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