Best things to do in France

• Capital: Paris
• Language(s): French
• Currency: Euro, CFP franc (EUR, XPF)
• Dial Code: + 33

Travel Guide to France: Top Attractions, Places to Visit, and All the Baguettes You Can Handle

Ah, France. The land of flaky croissants, swoon-worthy castles, and enough top attractions to keep your camera roll full for years. If you’ve ever dreamt of sipping wine under the Eiffel Tower, wandering through lavender fields in Provence, or pretending you understand art at the Louvre, then this travel guide to France is exactly what you need.

But France is more than just Paris and pastries. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the sun-drenched beaches of the Riviera, there are countless places to visit and even more things to do. So grab your beret, pack your appetite, and let’s dive into this sightseeing paradise.

A Quick Intro (But Make It Interesting)

Let’s start with the basics. France is located in Western Europe, but that’s just the beginning. This country also has a whole bunch of territories scattered across the globe—from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, and even the Pacific. Basically, France is everywhere.

The main part, known as Metropolitan France, stretches from the Mediterranean Sea in the south to the English Channel in the north, and from the Rhine River in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. It’s affectionately nicknamed “L’Hexagone” (The Hexagon) because its shape looks like, well, a hexagon. Creative, right?

France borders a whole gang of countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. It’s also connected to the UK via the Channel Tunnel—a marvel of engineering that lets you zoom from London to Paris faster than you can say “oui oui.”

Why France is Basically a Superstar Country

Not to brag (okay, maybe a little), but France has been a major player on the world stage for centuries. We're talking about one of the OG world powers here. Think art, culture, wine, revolutions, and colonies on almost every continent. During the 17th to 20th centuries, France had empires all over the place, and that global influence can still be felt today—especially if you've ever eaten a baguette in Vietnam or found a French café in Africa.

Economically, France is no slouch either. It has one of the biggest economies in the world, a super high quality of life, and some of the best public healthcare and education systems on the planet. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, it’s also home to the largest army in the European Union and the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world. Don’t mess with the French. Seriously.

But all this power and prestige comes wrapped in a big croissant of culture, charm, and joie de vivre.

France: The Most Visited Country on Earth

Here’s a fun fact: France is the most visited country in the world, with more than 80 million tourists arriving each year. That’s a lot of sightseeing, croissant munching, and Louvre selfies.

Why the obsession? Because France offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an art geek, a beach bum, a mountain climber, a foodie, a history buff, or just someone looking to fall in love with life again, France has your back.

Top Attractions in France

Let’s get to the good stuff. These are the top attractions in France that should be on every traveler’s list:

Eiffel Tower – Paris

It’s the symbol of France, and yes, it’s touristy. But climbing (or elevating) to the top of the Eiffel Tower is still one of the coolest things to do in France.

The Louvre – Paris

Home to the Mona Lisa and about 35,000 other pieces of art. If you're looking for places to visit in France that combine history and beauty, this is the spot.

Château de Versailles

A short trip from Paris, Versailles is all about royal drama, golden gates, and gardens that go on forever. Perfect for a day of sightseeing with a side of luxury.

Mont Saint-Michel

This dreamy island commune in Normandy looks like it was ripped from a fairytale. At high tide, it’s surrounded by water. At low tide, you can walk to it. Magic!

The French Riviera

Sun, yachts, and a whole lot of glam. Cities like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are among the most dazzling places to visit in France, especially if your suitcase includes swimwear and sunglasses.

The Loire Valley

Castles. So many castles. This region is perfect for road trips, wine tasting, and pretending you’re royalty.

Provence

Think lavender fields, vineyards, sleepy villages, and sunshine. One of the most relaxing things to do in France is simply slowing down in Provence.

Chamonix and the French Alps

If you’re into skiing, hiking, or just want to stare at some seriously dramatic peaks, head east to the French Alps. Mont Blanc is calling!

Corsica

An island with attitude. Corsica mixes rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and French-Italian vibes that make it a truly unique destination.

Best Cities in France to Explore

While Paris often steals the show, there are many other places to visit in France that deserve the spotlight:

• Lyon – Known for food and silk, Lyon is the culinary heart of France.

• Strasbourg – With its German influence and fairytale charm, this border city feels like something out of a snow globe.

• Bordeaux – Red wine, Gothic architecture, and a riverfront that begs for evening strolls.

• Marseille – France’s oldest city and a melting pot of cultures, with stunning Mediterranean vibes.

• Toulouse – Aerospace capital and pink-hued streets. Yes, it’s called La Ville Rose (The Pink City).

Travel Tips for Visiting France

Here’s what you should know before packing your bags:

• Language: Brush up on your French. Even a simple “bonjour” can go a long way.

• Transport: France has a great train network. The TGV (high-speed train) is faster than most domestic flights.

• Money: Euros are the currency. Most places accept cards, but keep some cash for local markets.

• Etiquette: Always greet with a “bonjour” when entering shops. It’s polite and very French.

Final Thoughts: Is France Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. France is a sightseeing dream, a culinary heaven, and a cultural powerhouse. With such a wide variety of things to do and places to visit, there’s never a dull moment—whether you’re wandering medieval streets, tasting your way through local markets, or watching the sunset from a seaside café.

So if you’re planning your next big adventure, this travel guide to France should be your go-to inspiration. Just remember: one visit won’t be enough.