Top 10 Tourist place in France
1.The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark of Paris, France and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. The tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall and offers breathtaking views of the city from its three observation decks. Visitors can take an elevator or stairs to reach the top of the tower. The Eiffel Tower is also a popular spot for romantic picnics and proposals.
2.The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum, located in Paris, France, is one of the most famous and visited museums in the world. The museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts from ancient civilizations to the 19th century, including the famous painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. The Louvre's collection is housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal palace that dates back to the 12th century. The museum has more than 380,000 works on display, covering an area of 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet). It is open daily except on Tuesdays and some holidays. The museum has a large number of visitors, so it is recommended to buy the tickets online in advance to avoid the long queue.
3.The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a royal château located in the Île-de-France region of France, in the city of Versailles. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. The palace is famous for its opulent decoration and magnificent gardens. The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII in the 17th century, but was later expanded into a grand palace by Louis XIV. The palace is most famous for its Hall of Mirrors, which is an ornate ballroom that was used for royal events and ceremonies. Visitors can also explore the palace's State Apartments, which were used for official business and entertaining guests, as well as the Royal Chapel and the Royal Opera. The palace and the gardens are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4.Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is an island commune located in Normandy, France. The island is home to the famous abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The abbey is a Romanesque-Gothic church, which sits at the top of the island and is surrounded by medieval fortifications. The island and its abbey have a rich history dating back to the 8th century, it was a popular pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages and is now a major tourist attraction.
The island is only accessible by foot during low tide and by bus during high tide as it is surrounded by a bay which is prone to heavy tides. Visitors can explore the abbey and the fortifications, as well as the village at the base of the island. The island is also home to many small shops and restaurants. The view of the island from the mainland is also breathtaking.
5.Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known as Notre-Dame de Paris, is a gothic cathedral located in the heart of Paris, France. It is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. The cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and is famous for its intricate stone carvings, flying buttresses, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
One of the most iconic features of the cathedral is its two towers which are 69 meters (226 feet) high, and visitors can climb the stairs to the top for a panoramic view of Paris. The cathedral also houses many valuable artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
Unfortunately, in 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral was severely damaged by a fire, which destroyed the roof and spire, but the structure of the building remained intact. Since then, the French government and private donors have been working to restore the cathedral to its former glory. The main restoration work is expected to be completed in 2028.
6.Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is a grand Renaissance château located in the Loir-et-Cher region of France, in the village of Chambord. It is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world, known for its unique French Renaissance architecture and its huge size. The château was built in the 16th century by King Francis I as a hunting lodge and was intended to be a symbol of his power and prestige.
The château features a spectacular double spiral staircase, which is the most famous feature of the château and is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The château also features a large central courtyard and a moat, as well as many ornate rooms, including the King's Apartments and the Chapel. Visitors can also explore the château's rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
The château is surrounded by a large park, which is home to many wild animals and offers a great opportunity for hiking and horseback riding. The château is open to the public year-round and offers guided tours.
7.Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel located in the heart of Paris, France. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. The chapel was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX as a palace chapel for the royal family and was intended to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
The chapel is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows, which cover almost the entire walls, and they are considered some of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of medieval stained glass in the world. The glass windows depict over 1,100 scenes from the Bible and they are said to be the biggest collection of 13th-century stained glass in the world.
The chapel also features a rib-vaulted ceiling, pointed arches, and a tall spire. The chapel is open to the public and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the history of the chapel and its architecture. It is also a popular spot for classical music and chamber music concerts.
8.The Côte d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a region in the southeast of France that stretches along the Mediterranean coast from Cassis to the Italian border. The region is famous for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and picturesque towns and villages. It is a popular destination for both tourists and celebrities, known for its glamour and luxury.
The Côte d'Azur's most famous towns include Cannes, known for its film festival, Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera, and Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world and known for its luxury casinos and Grand Prix. Visitors can also explore the charming towns of Saint-Tropez, Antibes, and Eze.
The region offers a wide range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing on the beaches to hiking and rock climbing in the nearby hills. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and diving, as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife. The region is also home to many museums, art galleries and historic sites such as the Matisse Museum, the Picasso Museum and the Renoir Museum.
9.The Lascaux Caves
The Lascaux Caves are a series of caves located in the Dordogne region of France, known for their exceptional prehistoric cave paintings. The caves were discovered in 1940 and were opened to the public in 1948. The paintings and engravings in the cave are estimated to be 17,000 years old and are considered some of the most important examples of prehistoric art in the world.
The caves feature over 600 paintings and engravings of animals, including horses, cows, and deer, as well as abstract symbols and signs. The paintings are thought to have been made by the Cro-Magnon people, who lived in the region during the Upper Paleolithic period.
The original caves were closed to the public in 1963 to preserve the art and keep the caves conditions, now visitors can visit the replica of the caves, Lascaux II, which was built nearby in 1983. Lascaux II is an exact replica of the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery, the two most famous parts of the cave. It offers visitors a chance to see the paintings and engravings in a setting that is almost identical to the original cave.
10.The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental arch located in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l'Etoile, in Paris, France. It was built between 1806 and 1836 to honor the soldiers who fought for France, particularly those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. The arch stands at 50 meters (164 feet) tall and is adorned with sculptures and inscriptions that commemorate key battles and figures in French history.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and it's considered one of the most iconic symbols of the French nation. Visitors can climb to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city, including the Champs-Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Cœur. Visitors can also take a tour of the underground museum that tells the story of the arch and its history.
The arch also serves as the focal point of the famous military parade that takes place every year on the 14th of July, the French national holiday. The parade is attended by the President of the Republic and other dignitaries, as well as military units from all branches of the French Armed Forces.