France, with its medieval cities, Mediterranean beaches, and famed museums and landmarks is one of the most inspiring destinations for travelers.
The entire region is deserving of exploration, but these five destinations truly deserve the spotlight.
When visiting France, make sure to explore these five classical destinations:
- Paris, the city of love
- Versailles, the royal chateau
- Nice, the artists’ retreat
- Chamonix, the haven for skiers
- Marseilles and its rich history
France Destination #1: Paris, the City of Love
Paris, the famous capital of France, is known as the city of romance across the world. It’s a global center for fashion, gastronomy, art and culture.
The cityscape is crisscrossed by the beautiful River Seine and the wide boulevards that make up the many neighborhoods of this sprawling city.
Famous landmarks abound in Paris like the Notre-Dame cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. It’s a paradise for foodies who enjoy sophisticated French cuisine and the famed open-air cafes across the city.
It also happens to be the main point of access to France for most international travelers, as most international flights arrive to the Charles de Gaulle airport. From flights from New York to Paris to flights from San Francisco to Paris, the popularity of this tourist destination is of benefit to travelers: there are numerous direct and affordable flights to the city.
This makes Paris the perfect first-stop for French vacationing.
France Destination #2: Versailles, the Royal Château
A mere hour away from Paris, you can experience the rich history of the Palace of Versailles which houses five centuries of royal history prior to the French revolution.
As you walk through the sophisticated and majestic rooms once housing the former monarchy, you will learn about the impact of the palace on French history.
What makes Versailles fascinating is not only the grandeur and vastness of the palace, but it’s world-renown gardens, which also feature stunning fountain and music shows.
Surprises abound within this museum: art exhibitions line the walls, the famed Hall of Mirrors displays the monarchy’s extravagance, and there are additional chateaus you can visit in the periphery.
France Destination #3: Nice, the Artists’ Retreat
The city of Nice sits on the French Riviera, at the foot of the Alps. With its stunning ports and deep blue waters, there is good reason why it is famously nicknamed “Nice la Belle”, or Nice the Beautiful.
Notable for its mild Mediterranean fresh air and climate, it’s a favorite for tourists looking to relax in resorts and enjoy the natural beauty of France.
Nice offers everything a traveler could look for: historic and cultural museums, waterfront promenades for long walks by the beach, vistas atop castles, vibrant buildings and stunning cathedral architecture stemming from the Middle Ages.
France Destination #4: Chamonix, the Haven for Skiers
This resort area sits at the base of the famous Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps. Year-round, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views atop the mountains and the glacier fields by the Italian border.
Chamonix is a perfect destination for mountaineers and skiers who are up to the challenge of facing their steep mountains. However, it also caters to other travelers with its races, festivals, shows and other exciting events organized throughout the year.
France Destination #5: Marseilles and its rich history
Marseilles is a historic port city in Southern France linked to thousands of years of immigration and trade.
At its heart, it’s a tranquil place covered in stepped alleys and humble squares, mixed with street markets and avenues built in the 1800s. Boutiques, bars, restaurants and quaint galleries can be found along its ports.
It’s also a popular spot for seafood lovers, where the catches of the day are used to create delicious stews and French specialities.
