Top Attractions to see in France
France is one of the largest and most popular countries in Europe. It’s no surprise that over 80 million tourists per year visit to see the Top Attractions in France. Without a doubt, France remains one of the most fascinating countries in Europe and an absolute must to see. France has made enormous contributions to culture, gastronomy, fashion, history, and lifestyle. There is a lot on offer here – Romantic settings in Paris. Dazzling white snow in the Alps. Quaint hilltop villages. Stunning chateaux. Fields of flowers and vineyards overflowing with grapes. And let’s not forget magnificent beaches and islands.
Here are some of the the most beautiful places in France to explore. Some of the most popular Top Sights in France include Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, the elegant Palace of Versailles and the French Alps
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is not just the symbol of Paris and France but it its own right is a world class masterpiece and remains to be the top tourist attraction in France. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, this 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall building can still be seen from most parts of Paris and is a sight to behold during a clear day or during night when it is tastefully decorated. Eiffel Tower offers stunning vistas of Paris especially during late in the evenings. It is believed that well over 200,000,000 people have visited the Eiffel Tower making it the most visited paid tourist attraction in the world. Originally hated by critics as an ugly structure, the 320-meter-high tower’s gracefulness has impressed countless tourists. The magnificence of the tower’s monumental size and the breathtaking panoramas have to be seen at least once in a lifetime. The tower has elevators to take you to each of the three levels. Tourists can dine with a view at the first level or on the second level. The top level offers a sweeping outlook over the Massive city of Paris from a height of 276 meters.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre has an astounding collection of 30,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces. It’s impossible to see it all in a day or even in a week. Focus on a shortlist of key artworks for the most rewarding experience. Buy your entry ticket in advance from the website or from many stores in France. With advance purchase tickets, you will use an entrance where the lines are much shorter. Still, don’t miss the main entrance, as it is where you’ll find the Pyramide du Louvre (Louvre Pyramid), in the center of the main courtyard, the Cour Napoléon.
Palace of Versailles
The cheapest way to get there is from Gare du Nord (Paris Métro) to Trianon Palace Versailles.
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont–Saint–Michel, is a small island is situated 66 Kms north of Rennes, in the Normandy region. A spectacular and very well-preserved Abbey of St Michel stands at the peak of the rocky island and makes for a fantastic sight as the whole area is surrounded by water. A causeway connects the mainland with the island. Rising dramatically out of the sea on the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most striking landmarks. At high tide, Mont-Saint-Michel is an island. At low tide, it is possible to walk across the sand to the Mont. The main tourist attraction, the Abby Saint-Michel was founded in 708 and is very structure depicting best of medieval architecture with Gothic spires. It is a very serene place.
How to Get there : There are no direct train services between Paris and Mont St Michel, but it is possible to travel to Pontorson by train and then complete the last leg of the journey by bus. The best option is the TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Rennes, where a bus run by “Keolis Emeraude (ex Courriers Bretons)”(tel. 02-99-19-70-70, http://www.destination-montstmichel.com;) provides a 90 minute transfer to the island (there are 4 departures from Rennes per day, most departures are timed to match to the arrival of the TGV in Rennes
Notre-Dame de Reims
Notre-Dame de Reims is a fascinating Cathedral whose beauty can not be described in words. The cathedral gets about 1 million visitors annually. Originally destroyed by fire in 1812 it was re-built in the French Gothic style from 1211 to 1275.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
The breathtaking beauty of Chartres makes it another very popular tourist destination in France. Built over a huge area (2,500 square meters) its interior are well renowned for the brilliant stained-glass windows which gleam in colorful light to create a magical effect. Some of the windows actually date from the 13th century! There is a spectacular light show illuminating the cathedral at night From April through October.
Le Puy-en-Velay
It is more than 1,000 years since the first pilgrims set off from Le Puy-en-Velay on the trek to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and this tradition gives the town a special atmosphere. The setting, a volcanic outcrop in the middle of the Massif Central, is dramatic.. Famous for three things, cathedral, lentils and making lace, Le Puy-en-Velay is a popular destination in Southern France. Notre Dame Cathedral is the most popular tourist attraction.
How to get there: By train : From Paris or Lyon, take the TGV to Saint-Etienne, where there are connections by local train to Le Puy. The railway between Saint Etienne and Le Puy is very scenic.
The Millau Bridge is in southern France and crosses the River Tarn in the Massif Central mountains. It was designed by the British architect Lord Foster and at 300m (984 feet) it is the highest road bridge in the world, weighing 36,000 tonnes
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Mont Blanc meaning “White Mountain”, is the highest mountain in the Alps and the highest in Europe west of Russia’s Caucasus peaks. It rises 4,808 m (15,774 ft) above sea level . True paradise for skiers and mountain climber, and both summer and winter, these sports are an important source of revenue for towns and cities in the region. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc forms part of the French border with Italy. Mont Blanc, “White Mountain,” soars to 4,810 meters, so high that it’s always blanketed in snow. Beneath its heavenly peak is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix, nestled in a high-mountain valley. Enjoy the breath taking scenery and the sound of rushing streams.
Brittany
Brittany is a beautiful historic region on the northeastern coast of France. Rugged seaside scenery, quaint fishing villages, and weathered sea ports characterize this region. Other highlights of Brittany are the pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles.
Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is probably the most famous walkway along the Mediterranean. The Promenade des Anglais (English Walk) runs along the pebbly shore of Nice’s beach. The sun-kissed Promenade des Anglais is one of the French Riviera’s most enduring sights and is named for the English visitors who stayed here during the winters.
