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Are you curious about the highlights of France? This comprehensive travel guide explores all 13 stunning regions, from romantic Paris to sunny Nice, highlighting the top cultural cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and so on.
Among the must-see places in Europe is France. It is a diverse country with many cultural, historical, and culinary attractions to offer tourists. It has 13 administrative metropolitan regions, each with its unique landscape, traditions, and cities to explore. From the alpine peaks of the Alps to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, France has something for every traveler.
Popular tourist destinations in Nouvelle-Aquitaine include the next few cities.
Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital, is situated in southwest France along the Garonne River. It features stunning 18th-century architecture and over 8,600 wine estates in the surrounding vineyards of the Bordeaux region.
Located in far southwest France at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, Bayonne is famed for its delicious ham, chocolate, and colorful houses lining the riverside quays. Its Gascon culture offers a unique glimpse into the Basque country.
Limoges is known for its tradition of porcelain and enamel production. Visit the Musée National Adrien Dubouché to see one of the world’s finest collections.
Poitiers has preserved its medieval charm with narrow lanes and historic churches. Climb the 11th-century Tour de Mât to enjoy spectacular views across town.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region encompasses mountain ranges, the Rhône river valley, and the French Alps. Some standout destinations include the following.
Situated at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon has a rich food culture as well as architectural landmarks. Grab an authentic Lyonais bouchon meal and explore Traboules: the city’s secret passageways between streets.
Surrounded by mountains, Grenoble hosted the 1968 Winter Olympics. Today, visitors can take cable cars to stunning viewpoints or enjoy other snow sports at nearby resorts.
Once an arms manufacturing center, Saint-Étienne has redefined itself as a design hub. Visit the Cité du Design museum to browse modern and cutting-edge exhibits.
Clermont-Ferrand has an impressive Gothic cathedral and nearby volcanic landscape to explore. Try its famous specialty: the Auvergne cheese, Bleu d’Auvergne.
Burgundy vineyards and the Jura Mountains characterize the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, situated near Switzerland. Let’s look at the top tourist spots.
Dijon is renowned for its Dijon mustard, pain d’épices (gingerbread), and crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur). Its charming medieval Old Town offers fantastic examples of Burgundian architecture.
Surrounded by the river Doubs, Besançon’s impressive citadel was constructed by the renowned architect Vauban. Learn about its watchmaking history at the Musée du Temps.
The lush Centre-Val de Loire sits along the meandering Loire River, dotted with châteaux. This region nurtured French monarchs and cuisine.
As the capital of Brittany, Rennes has fascinating cultural museums and lively student bars. Don’t miss its picturesque half-timbered houses.
Along with maritime attractions such as the Océanopolis aquarium, Brest offers great coastal access to the Iroise Sea. Nearby beaches provide scenic hikes along the famous GR34 trail.
Capitalizing on its proximity to Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Paris, the Hauts-de-France region built world-class cultural sites from its industrial past.
Tours has a rich history as an intellectual hub. Take a stroll through Place Plumereau and along the shores of the Loire River, admiring the medieval architecture for which Tours is famed.
Joan of Arc led French soldiers to victory here over the English in 1429. Learn about her heroic life at the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc museum.
With an idyllic Mediterranean climate, dazzling beaches, and epic mountain landscapes, the island of Corsica enchants visitors.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s hometown, Ajaccio, has various sites relating to his life, including Maison Bonaparte. Its gorgeous coastline and beaches also make it a popular summer destination.
With its colorful harbor, winding cobblestone streets, and Corsican cuisine, Bastia gives visitors a slice of authentic island culture and charm. Don’t miss the mega yachts in the old port.
Capitalizing on its proximity to Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Paris, the Hauts-de-France region built world-class cultural sites from its industrial past.
This cosmopolitan city on the German border has influences from both countries. The Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral has an astronomical clock and sweeping views of the city from its spire.
In the heart of the Champagne region, Reims offers cellar tours and tastings at renowned Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot. Heritage sites include the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where kings were once crowned.
Metz has impressive Gothic architecture like the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, with the largest expanse of stained-glass windows in the world. The local cuisine has substantial German influences, like sauerkraut.
Once part of Flanders, Lille offers Flemish-influenced architecture in its Old Town, where you’ll find shops, cafés, and artistic museums. It also hosts one of France’s largest flea markets.
The Amiens Cathedral is a must-see for its awe-inspiring Gothic design and intricate stone carvings. A boat ride through the city’s Hortillonnages wetland gardens is also a memorable experience.
No trip to France feels complete without visiting Paris and the surrounding Renaissance châteaux.
The capital of France, of course, needs no introduction. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum are places that you should visit in Paris when coming here. Beyond its museums and monuments, Parisian neighborhoods like Montmartre and Champs-Élysées offer a vibrant café culture.
From the British Channel to the European countryside, Normandy displays remnants of Roman infrastructure plus D-Day Landing sites. Top Normandy destinations include:
With medieval half-timbered houses and Gothic churches, Rouen’s old town transports you back in time. See the Notre Dame Cathedral, which inspired Monet’s famous paintings, and the old market where Joan of Arc was executed.
Caen makes an excellent base for exploring the D-Day beaches with its World War II memorial sites and nearby Normandy American Cemetery. It also has William the Conqueror’s castle and abbeys worth visiting.
Characterized by sandy beaches, medieval castles, and bustling harbors, Pays de la Loire concentrates many of France’s top vacation spots.
Known as La Ville Rose for its pink terracotta buildings, Toulouse is vibrant both day and night. Wander its picturesque historical center, visit Airbus headquarters, and enjoy the city’s tasty cassoulet stew.
Montpellier mixes historic sites like the Gothic Saint Pierre Cathedral with modern architecture, a large student population, and beautiful Mediterranean beaches nearby. Take advantage of its giant interactive LCD screen with ever-changing street art.
Characterized by charming hillside villages and spectacular Riviera coastlines under sunny azure skies, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur brings film stars and visitors alike to uncover captivating history and culture. Top destinations across southeastern France consist of:
Nantes offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions like Les Machines de I’le, home to the 12-meter-tall mechanical elephant and carousel rides. Other highlights include Château des ducs de Bretagne and Passage Pommeraye shopping gallery.
Famous for its Anjou wines and medieval Apocalypse Tapestry, Angers sits on the Maine River, lined with quaint cafés and houses with wooden frames. Nature lovers will enjoy walks around Lac de Maine or boat trips to see Cointreau and Château d’Angers.
France’s oldest city, Marseille, boasts a picturesque Old Port lined with seafood restaurants and boats bobbing on the water. Nearby calanques (rocky inlets) like the Calanque de Sormiou provide idyllic scenery for hikes, swimming, or boat rides.
With its Mediterranean climate and stunning coastline along the French Riveria, Nice enjoys nearly 300 sunny days a year. Must-see attractions include the Promenade des Anglais, Chagall and Matisse museums, and old town markets.
Cannes brings glitz and glamor with its luxury hotels, boutiques, and famous International Film Festival held annually in May. Walk down Boulevard de la Croisette then escape to the serene Îles de Lérins islands.
With its world-famous gastronomy, culture, history, and stunning natural landscapes, France promises unforgettable experiences for all visitors. Each region, from the snowy peaks of the Alps to the sunny beaches of Cannes, offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery. Whether you prefer big cities like Paris or charming towns in Provence, France will delight the curious traveler.
Yuliya Yanukovich