Ah, France. The country of romance, grand architecture, fine food, great wine and revolution. There are numerous reasons as to why the French seem to think why they are the best at everything and it’s only when you live the life they live every day that you start to slowly agree with them. In time, you will learn to admire them for their individualism and refusal to change. From their institutionalised baguette and wine culture to their unswayable ideals on working regulations, every nation ought to be jealous of the French. Whether you stay from 48 hours in Paris to a 2-week tour of the country, here are the top 10 things to do and see while in France:
Eiffel Tower
Well, let’s start at the top, literally! The Eiffel Tower or La Tour Eiffel now you’re interested in France, was designed as the centrepiece of the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris and was meant to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and show off France’s modern mechanical prowess on a world stage. This impressive monument is such an icon that in Las Vegas, USA there stands a replica, but of course, nothing comes close to the original. Start your visit to France right by seeing the capital from the height of around 1000ft. https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument
Palace of Versailles
Formally the royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. The Palace of Versailles still stands as an impressive and narcissistic icon for the people of France and a popular tourist attraction for others around the world. https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival attracts people from all over the world with movie stars, filmmakers, and paparazzi. This festival is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Côte d’Azur region. Although chances are you won’t be able to go inside and watch any of the latest releases, you can still, however, watch a movie on a big screen for free on the beach soaking up the atmosphere.
Normandy D-Day Landings
6th June 1944 was a day that will forever be with some of us and in all of us will be commemorated. From the beach landings to the airborne operations that marked the ending of the Second World War. Nearly 3,000 Allied servicemen, mostly soldiers, lost their lives on D-Day. Every year, millions come to see where and how the conflict took place. The D-Day Landing Beaches have since become a symbol of the price of peace across the world. Visit museums, beaches, cemeteries and memorials to understand what really occurred all those years ago. Find out more here and plan your visit.
Mont Saint-Michel
This beautiful island is one of the worlds most photogenic towns and it’s not hard to see why. Its Abbey is famous the world over and it probably comes as no surprise that Mont Saint Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you love architecture and photography then you’d be mad to not have Mont Saint-Michel on your list.
Try Local French Food
We are not going to tell you that you’re completely missing out on life because you’re not currently eating escargot (French snails) and frog’s legs but there are many superb national French dishes that you’d be certainly missing out on if you were to only stick to foods that you’d eat in your home country.
Ski in the French Alps
Skiing in the French Alps is a great way to experience exercise, freedom and adrenaline. It’s so much bigger than most US or Canadian ski resorts and being in Europe’s highest mountain range, you can enjoy taking in the scenery along with the lifestyle, and by lifestyle I mean that skiing is a tradition, a revered pastime and in Europe’s Alps. It’s not just making laps or activity on the occasional weekend or holiday. Alpine enthusiasts in the Alps love their mountains, make their homes here, and revere this terrain all year round. Of course, if you can only go for one season of the year then, consider the winter. If the idea of cosy chalets, hot chocolate, delicious cuisine and mountainous adventure doesn’t excite you, then I don’t know what will.
Notre Dame
After the fire of April 2019 shocked the world and caused great damage, Notre Dame now more than ever is still worth viewing from the outside, as it has been closed since the fire broke out. Officials anticipate it will remain closed for another five to six years before it is once again rebuilt and safe to enter. It’s a site of great historical interest as well as a place of holy significance. The monument is on the must-visit list when you are in Paris, and hence one can expect it to be crowded every day. It is generally recommended to visit Notre Dame between October to March because this marks the offseason in Paris. This majestic cathedral carries so much history and information that you would not realise by just looking at it. Since its beginning, it has seen revolutions, wars, different priests, bishops and architects and still makes an everlasting impression on all those that gaze in awe and who knows maybe you’ll get a glimpse of the famous hunchback himself!
Loire Valley Châteaux
Known as the “Garden of France”, the Loire Valley often feels like you’re living in a children’s fairy tale with its beautiful buildings, enchanting forests and cute streets. The Loire Valley’s most famous châteaux are sumptuous Renaissance palaces that were designed purely for enjoyment and entertaining, as an extension of court life outside of Paris. Be sure to taste some of the country’s finest wines and visit as many of the châteaux as you like, and if you’re one for thinking if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, then you’d be pleasantly surprised as each offers their own architecture and history. A few to mention: Château of Chambord, Château of Sully-sur-Loire, Château de Chaumont, Château d’Amboise and Château de Brézé. https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/
Visit Province
Provence is a gorgeous landscape of olive groves, sun-drenched rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with little villages nestled in the valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scenery has enchanted many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso. Start your day right with a stroll through the cobblestone streets and embrace the warm weather that often bestows upon Province. Be sure to treat yourself in the afternoon with a small coffee while you plan your next move. Provence is also a region known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Find out more here: https://uk.france.fr/en/provence
