France
Must-see attractions and places to visit in France blend world-famous landmarks, art, and diverse landscapes. The capital Paris draws visitors to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, while the regions offer the chateaux of the Loire Valley, the beaches of the French Riviera, alpine scenery, and historic sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel and the Palace of Versailles.
General information
France is the largest country in Western Europe, reaching from the Atlantic coast and the English Channel to the Alps and the Mediterranean. Its capital, Paris, is a world icon, but France's real richness lies in its variety — the lavender fields and hilltop villages of Provence, the chateaux of the Loire, the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the beaches of the Riviera and the peaks of the Alps. Widely regarded as the world capital of cuisine, art and wine, France pairs cultural grandeur with a deep love of good living. French is the language, and English is understood in the main tourist areas.
Transport and how to get there
The principal gateway is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), one of Europe's busiest hubs, with Paris Orly (ORY) and major regional airports at Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Toulouse. France's superb TGV high-speed trains radiate from Paris, reaching Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg in a few hours, and the Eurostar links Paris directly with London. Distances are moderate and the rail network excellent, though a car is ideal for exploring the countryside and wine regions.
Prices
France is moderate to upper-priced, with Paris and the Riviera the most expensive and rural regions much cheaper. Expect roughly 90-190 EUR per night for a mid-range hotel, with budget options and gites (rural rentals) offering better value. A casual restaurant meal runs around 16-28 EUR, a glass of wine 4-6 EUR and a coffee 2-3 EUR. Bakeries make lunch cheap, and many national museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. Major sites and chateaux typically cost 12-20 EUR. Prices are approximate and vary by region and season.
Main attractions
Paris leads with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, and nearby the Palace of Versailles. On the Cote d'Azur, glamorous Nice, Cannes and Monaco line the Mediterranean, while Provence offers Avignon, lavender fields and Roman ruins. The Loire Valley strings together fairy-tale chateaux, Mont-Saint-Michel rises dramatically from the sea in Normandy (whose beaches recall D-Day), and the Alps around Chamonix and Mont Blanc draw skiers and hikers. Add the wines of Bordeaux and Champagne, and France offers a lifetime of travel.