What to see in France, between cities of art, villages and historic castles

France is one of the most famous and beloved destinations in the world, a land that fascinates with its immense artistic heritage, long history, varied landscapes and refined cuisine. From romantic Paris to the small Provençal villages, from the beaches of the French Riviera to the castles of the Loire, the country offers unique and surprising experiences in every corner. There are many things to see and do and they cannot all be concentrated in a single trip, which is why France is also the place where many return several times to explore all its beauties. In this article you will discover the best things to see in France, with a mix of famous destinations and lesser-known but equally fascinating places, as well as practical advice to best organize your trip.

The 7 things to see in France

Perfect for a road trip or a weekend away, France stands out for its number of cultural attractions (it boasts more than 50 sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage list) but is also famous for its rich food and wine heritage. In addition, the tourist infrastructure is excellent and France is easily reached by plane, train or car. Selecting the things to see here is not easy, especially for those who are on their first trip, and for this reason we decided to share a series of useful information for those who want to go and discover this country.

Paris, the City of Light

Paris is not only the capital, but also the symbol of France. Romantic and elegant, this city is a much sought-after and dreamed-of destination for many. It is impossible to miss the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre with the famous Mona Lisa and the recently restored Notre-Dame Cathedral . Stroll along the Champs-Élysées until you reach the Arc de Triomphe which allows you to admire the city from above. A neighborhood not to be missed is Montmartre, the artists' area that has hosted painters such as Picasso and Renoir. The heart of the area is the Place du Tertre but you should not miss a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Moulin de la Galette. At the foot of Montmartre, moreover, lies the Pigalle neighborhood famous for hosting the Moulin Rouge. Finally, the most romantic can take some time for a walk along the Seine at sunset or to take part in one of the many evening cruises.

Mont Saint-Michel: The Jewel of Normandy

Situated on a rocky islet, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most evocative places in all of Europe. Here, in fact, there is a medieval village that arose around the 11th century Benedictine abbey that was built in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint-Michel in French. The abbey has been a cultural and religious center as well as a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The fame of this location, however, lies not only in the historical role it has had in the past but also in the wonderful natural phenomenon that characterizes it: that of the syzygy tides . During the High Tides, in fact, Mont Saint-Michel becomes a real island in the middle of the sea as it was centuries ago.

Verdon Gorges, the Grand Canyon of Europe

In the heart of Provence, precisely in the municipality of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, are the Gorges du Verdon , a canyon with walls carved out by the Verdon River that can reach 700 meters high. Here you can do various activities such as trekking, canoeing or kayaking in the clear waters but also bike excursions on the paths of the ridges. Furthermore, this is a paradise for climbing lovers thanks to the presence of many routes. The Gorges are part of the Verdon Regional Natural Park which is home to the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix and the famous Blanc-Martel trail, a 15 km route that passes through wonderful landscapes and breathtaking panoramic points . The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, located nearby, is considered one of the most beautiful and is definitely worth a visit.

Colmar, the town with fairytale charm

The historic center of Colmar preserves the ancient structure of small neighborhoods, a legacy of the artisan guilds that once animated the life of the city. Strolling through the narrow streets you can admire splendid stone and wood buildings, such as the famous Maison Pfister, built in the 16th century in typical Alsatian style, and the collegiate church of Saint Martin, one of the most important Gothic churches in the region. Another emblematic building is the Vieux-Customs , the city's ancient commercial center and a testimony to the economic life of Colmar in past centuries. Finally, art lovers cannot miss the Musée d'Unterlinden, housed in a former 13th-century monastery.

Provence, lavender fields and authentic villages

Provence is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating regions in all of France, as this land knows how to enchant visitors with authentic atmospheres and landscapes that seem to have come out of a painting. Located along the Mediterranean coast, between Italy and Spain, Provence is home to picturesque villages, hills covered in lavender, golden beaches and landscapes that have inspired generations of artists. To admire the lavender fields in bloom, the best time is between the end of June and mid-July, but the area is an ideal destination all year round thanks to the presence of places full of history and charm. Next to large cities such as Marseille and Avignon are small villages such as Arles, Luberon and Orange.

Bordeaux and the Dunes of Pilat

Elegant, lively and rich in history, Bordeaux is one of the most fascinating cities in southwestern France. Capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it is famous throughout the world for its fine wines and its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated along the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux has its beating heart in Place de la Bourse , the eighteenth-century square overlooking the river, which is home to the famous Miroir d'eau. A few steps away are the majestic Saint-André Cathedral and the Pey-Berland Tower, from the top of which you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Bordeaux. Strolling through the historic center, it is impossible not to walk along Rue Sainte-Catherine, the longest pedestrian street in Europe with shops, cafés and restaurants. Finally, a visit to the Cité du Vin , an interactive museum that celebrates the culture of wine, is a must. About 60 km from Bordeaux stands the Dune of Pilat, which at 110 metres is the highest sand dune in Europe.

Annecy, the Pearl of the Alps

It is known as the “Pearl of the Alps” and for good reason: Annecy is an authentic jewel nestled in the mountains of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Located not far from the border with the Aosta Valley, the city is a dream destination that is often considered perfect for a romantic getaway. Also called the “Venice of France”, Annecy is crossed by picturesque canals that reflect the colorful facades of the houses. People come here to stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center and sail on its lake, considered among the cleanest in Europe. Also not to be missed is a visit to the Château d'Annecy which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The 5 things to do in France

In addition to the places mentioned, France is a vast nation with a long history where you can do many activities and experiences. To complete the discovery of the country and live it more deeply, here are five unmissable experiences to do.

Discover the Loire Castles at a slow pace

The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 300 castles that tell an important part of the nation's history. A road trip by bike or car along the Loire allows you to slowly traverse green landscapes and vineyards, perhaps stopping in the towns of Tours and Orléans, and then explore the most beautiful castles. From the majestic Château de Chambord to the romantic Château de Chenonceau, passing through the Royal Château of Blois or the Manor of Amboise, each castle safeguards a story waiting to be discovered. These historic residences tell stories of kings, queens and artists who have marked French history for centuries.

Road trip through the Normandy landing beaches

Visit the famous D-Day beaches in Normandy (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword), where the Allied forces landed in June 1944 to liberate Europe from Nazism. A car itinerary can start from Pointe du Hoc and reach Arromanches, including stops at museums and commemorative cemeteries. In particular, the monumental Memorial of Colleville-sur-Mer is not to be missed. Furthermore, by driving along the coast, it is possible to immerse yourself not only in the history of the Second World War but also in the fascinating landscapes of the Normandy cliffs.

Discover the history of Champagne

The Champagne region, in the north-east of France, is one of the most fascinating wine regions in the country, so much so that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. By car, you can travel along the famous Avenue de Champagne, where many of the historic companies that have been producing the famous wine for centuries are located. Along the way, you can stop in towns such as Reims, which is the largest city in the region and a true Gothic jewel, and Épernay, considered the capital of champagne . There is no shortage of hilltop villages such as Hautvillers, known for being the place where Dom Pérignon, the monk who contributed to the development of Champagne, lived.

Relax on the French Riviera

In summer, the French Riviera, especially Saint Tropez, is a chic and sought-after destination, famous for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. If visited in low season, however, this region reveals its authenticity, far from the frenzy of mass tourism. One of the first jewels to visit is Menton , the so-called pearl of the French Riviera, then continuing west you come across Antibes, beloved by artists such as Picasso. Nice is an unmissable stop, not only for its iconic Promenade des Anglais, but also for the beauty of the Castle hill, which dominates the entire gulf. Those looking for fairy-tale atmospheres can stop in Èze, a medieval village perched on a hill, while lovers of fragrances will find their paradise in Grasse , the world capital of perfume.

Try the typical specialities

You can't leave France without being won over by its cuisine , which is famous throughout the world and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage. Croissants, baguettes, excellent cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Comté), foie gras, fine wines and desserts such as macarons and crème brûlée, are just some of the typical products. Visit local markets (for example in Provence or Brittany) to taste local products but also guided tastings in champagne cellars or go to cheese farms to immerse yourself in authentic flavors.

Visiting France: all the useful tips

The best time to visit France varies depending on the destination and the type of experience you want, but in general it can be said that the so-called "mid-seasons" are ideal. Spring is a good time as it offers a mild climate and spectacular blooms, perfect for the cities of art and the countryside. Summer, between July and August, is ideal for the sea and the mountains, although the main tourist resorts in these months can be really crowded. Autumn offers the colors of the vineyards, a mild climate and fewer tourists. Winter is perfect for discovering Paris, the Christmas markets of Alsace or skiing in the Alps.

France is also quite easy to reach. The main airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Lyon and Marseille, all well connected with direct flights from the main Italian cities. Alternatively, you can travel by train thanks to the TGV connections from Milan or Turin. A car or camper is also a good choice, especially for those who want to explore areas less served by public transport, such as the Loire, Provence or Alsace.