France has some of the best tourist destinations in the world. The cobblestones and streetlights of Paris, sun-kissed Riviera, the snow-capped Alps, and the chateau-strewn banks of Loire, everything is so beautiful and fascinating that it lures musicians, writers, philosophers, and artists from the whole world. Approximately, over 90 million regular visitors visit Paris which is one of the best tourist destinations in France.
Here, we provide an overview of the 3 best tourist destinations in France
PARIS
Considering Paris, it has multiple must-see destinations- cities, towns, or regions. Paris being the capital city of France, has endured the history of about 2000 years.
It has several nicknames such as the city of lights and love and has become the world’s leading center for entertainment, business, art, culture, and fashion. A minor fashion trend followed in Paris gets global attention, making its famous museums, landmarks, and cathedrals- the places of the globe’s awareness.
Some globally famous brands in Paris are home to fashion, such as Lancome, Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Dior, and L’Oreal. Below is an overview of the best tourist attractions and some hot spots of Paris that have caught the whole world’s attention. Moreover, Paris has some of the best hotels, including Shangri La Paris, Hotel Lutetia, Hotel Moliere, etc.
Best Tourist Destinations in Paris
- Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum is one of the most visited tourist spots in Paris. This historic building is located at the
heart of Paris and is a former royal palace. It has an area of 210,000 square meters, from which 60,600 square meters are for exhibitions.
The Louvre Museum is in Louvre and was built under the orders of Philip II in the late 12th century. Fortress’ remains are safe in the basement of the museum. Its whole collection divides into eight sections; 1) Oriental antiquities, 2) Etruscan and Roman Islamic Art, 3) Egyptian antiquities, 4) Sculptures of the Middle Ages, 5) Greek, 6) Objects of art, paintings, 7) Renaissance and Modern Times and 8) graphic arts.
- Eiffel Tower
Paris is nothing without its symbolic Eiffel tower. Eiffel tower was built by Gustave Eiffel to
commemorate the French Revolution and was presented at Exposition Universelle in 1889. It has a height of 324 meters and is one of the most visited places globally. Moreover, about 7 million tourists visit Eiffel tower every year. Its 1st-floor houses Eiffel Tower 58, further extended to two more levels. The 2nd floor of the Eiffel tower has the best view at 115 meters and gives visitors a diving view of the ground. Its 3rd floor at 275 meters has the office of Gustave Eiffel.
- Bustling Boulevards and Legendary Cafés
Spending time on a sidewalk terrace or a famous café complements your visit to the city of love. It is one of the loveliest experiences and a life-long chance of witnessing historical rendezvous. If you are looking for a legendary Paris Café, Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Pres in the 6th arrondissement is the best spot to start from. It also has a lining of classic brasseries, fashion boutiques, and prestigious cafes.
The most famous cafes are Café de Flore- 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés (a meetup spot for Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Paul Sartre), and cafe Les Deuc Magots- 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés (where James Joyce, Hemingway, Rimbaud, Verlaine and Picasso and many other creative minds used to meet up).
PROVENCE
Provence allows visitors to get a lifelong experience into a dream-like scenery of sun-soaked mountains, olive orchards, purple fields of lavender, and tiny villages nestled in valleys of rocky outcrops. This exotic landscape has attracted millions of globally famous artists such as Chagall, Cezanne, Picasso, and Matisse. Its natural rustic beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and country charm have allowed Provence to flourish with time.
A stroll along with the outdoor cafes and sunny terraces is even more fun in sultry weather. Its Mediterranean cuisine is the most famous highlight among its multiple attractive spots: aromatic herbs, olive oil, and vegetables. Visitors can have a culinary establishment of their own choice ranging from Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants to family-run bistros.
Best Tourist Destinations in Provence
- Côte d’Azur
Côte d’Azur extends from Saint Troes to Menton near Italy border and is Paris’ most mesmerizing coastline. Côte d’Azur has a literal translation of Coast of Blue and has its name in the honor of Mediterranean’s deep blue waters. This seaside has another name like French Riviera (meaning it has sun-drenched decadence). It is so beautiful in summer as well. Thanks to its sunworshippers and sun-kissed beach. The best part is that both rich and poor can afford its luxury yachts and villas. Cannes is famous for its glamorous celebrity film festival held every year.
- Avignon
Avignon, for about 100 years was a central place for the Christian community. History goes back to the 14th century when the papacy came to love here from the Vatican on the command of French-born Pope Clement V. The Pope didn’t like the idea of living in Rome.
6 popes and 2 antipopes didn’t as such follow this trend, but the Avignon period has left Paris with preserved historical spots making it a Palais des Papes (the palace of papal), the Pont Saint-Benezet and the cathedral.
NICE
Nice, is the capital of Cote d’Azur and is beautifully curved round the Bay of Angels and is a city of full liveliness and joy. Nice has the clearest light pouring down on the coast of the Mediterranean. Sun-soaked scenery has the heart of all visitors. It is also known as France’s WAG- a fine-looking, glorious yet playful, a well-cultured courtesan with a slight touch of urban greensward. The beauty of Nice is pretty much the same for the whole year making it even more mesmerizing.
Best Tourist Destinations in Nice
- French Riviera
There is no other place like French Riviera. This magnificent gold piece is home to luxury gateways and luxurious holidays and is a spot of a lavish lifestyle. This area has a history of recuperation spot English people suffering from tuberculosis but with time has become a beach paradise where millionaire celebrities and artistic people reside and have a rich, fancy, and famous lifestyle.
This hot and exclusive coastline doesn’t require heavy bank accounts for you to enjoy its beauty. Ranging from Menton to Saint-Tropez. French Riviera has many budget-friendly hotels and has multiple inexpensive restaurants where you can enjoy a meal to your fill in the most affordable way possible. Even the medical treatment here is quite cheap.
Its best cities and towns will surely catch you off guard and will make you fall in love with this city and at the same time will make you realize that it is not that elite as well.
- Plus, Matisse Art Museum
Henri Matisse is famous for one of the worldly famous French painters and Plus Matisse Art Museum in Nice City gives you the golden opportunity of knowing the painter and his historic artwork.
This 17th-century villa was the home of Matisse from 1917 to 1954 (until his death) and offers you to look deep into have a deep look at his life. The museum has multiple paintings ranging from his initial ones to the master ones as well as his sketches, sculptures, engravings and can make you realize how his skills polished with time and history.
Musse Matisse is the neighborhood of Cimiez which was the site of Roman encampment (Cemenelum) as well. This art museum is close to Cimiez Monastery where the painter is buried.
Conclusion
Plan your trip properly. Whether it’s a landmark, a piece of history, an architect, or a culture, France has it all, and it’s a stunning destination that everyone should include in their vacation itinerary. Plan your vacation properly, since visitors are constantly pressed for time and end up losing out on missing the best tourist destinations in France.
