As one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, France is brimming with attractions to suit every visitor's whims.
But while this guide delves into places such as Paris that every traveler is likely to have on their list, it also reveals a wealth of sights to explore in cities, such as Lyon and Nice, that might not be so familiar.
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Paris
1. Eiffel Tower
It's impossible to think of Paris and not imagine the Eiffel Tower. The iron tower sits in Champ de Mars, an architectural marvel and a global symbol of affection. Visit the various levels for panoramic views of the city. Trocadéro metro station is your best route to it.
Need to Know: linger into evening when the tower sparkles.
Admission required: Yes
Souvenir: keychain with a mini Eiffel Tower replica.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre isn't just a landmark, it's a work of history in itself, filled with pieces from across history. Home to tens of thousands of works, including the world famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, it's something of a cultural treasure. Exploring the Louvre is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Paris. Palais Royal Musée du Louvre metro station is close by.
Need to Know: mornings during the week are less crowded.
Admission required: Yes
Souvenir: Reproduction paintings, or Louvre-inspired jewellery.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
Although it's still recovering from a recent fire, the historic Notre Dame is more than a monument to French Gothic architecture and resilience, situated on the Île de la Cité. It remains a powerful sight to visitors, as does the surrounding area. To reach it, head to Cité metro station.
Need to Know: restoration ongoing in parts.
Admission required: No
Souvenir: A notebook embossed with Notre Dame.
Lyon
4. Vieux Lyon
Step back in time in Vieux Lyon, one of Europe's largest Renaissance districts. The criss-crossing traboules – narrow corridors connecting streets, once used for silk merchants to move their wares – are a particular feature. Vieux Lyon metro station will get you there.
Need to Know: Seek out hidden traboules.
Admission required: No
Souvenir: hand-designed Lyon silk scarf.
5. Parc de la Tête d'Or
Transport yourself from the city without leaving it in Lyon's large urban park, which includes a zoo, vast botanical gardens, and a tranquil lake. Perfect for lounging, and family picnicking. You can access the park via Masséna metro station.
Need to Know: Park entry is free, reasons for relaxation.
Admission required: No
Souvenir: Bespoke pottery by local artisans.
6. Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
High on the hill of Fourvière, this basilica is both a place of worship and a viewing platform for the city of Lyon. The gold statues and ornate interior are as impressive as the history. Take the funicular to reach it.
Need to Know: Don't miss the summer light shows.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Fourvière candle
Nice
7. Promenade des Anglais
The meeting point for public life in Nice, this promenade follows the Mediterranean and offers a suitable coastal walk for people who like to stroll by the sea. Multiple incoming points access the area. A leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Nice.
Need to Know: Ideal for evening walks and sunset watching.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Hand-painted pebbles
8. Vieux Nice (Nice Old Town)
Step into Nice's vibrant old town, packed with surprises from designer shops to gelato stores at every turn. Its sheer quaintness and atmosphere make it unmissable. Walking distance from the city center.
Need to Know: The flower market at Cours Saleya is a must.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Herbes de Provence
9. Musée Matisse
Located in the Cimiez neighborhood, this museum is dedicated to Henri Matisse, one of France's legendary artists. Filled with samples of his work, the museum also hosts exhibitions in keeping with his attitude to color and form. Can be reached by bus from the center.
Need to Know: Closed Tuesdays.
Admission Required: Yes
Souvenir: Prints of Matisse's most famous works.
Marseille
10. Vieux Port (Old Port)
A historic hub centered on the port of Marseille, Vieux Ports bustles with cafes, boats, and markets. Perfect for a seafood lunch and to soak in the local scene. Take the metro to Vieux-Port station.
Need to Know: The fish market is a gathering in the morning.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Savon de Marseille (soap)
11. Calanques National Park
This national park runs along the Mediterranean coast and is known for its cliffs and clear waters. Excellent for hiking and nature exploration with paths both by boat and on foot.
Need to Know: Wear good walking shoes and pack water.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Calanques postcards
12. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Overlooking Marseille from a limestone outcrop, this basilica is known as "La Bonne Mère". The ornate interior and city views are worth the climb. Access by bus.
Need to Know: The hill is a slog, but the views are the reward.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Model boats
Bordeaux
13. Place de la Bourse
Arguably Bordeaux's most iconic sight, the Place de la Bourse is perfectly framed by the world's largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d'eau, which showcases the grand buildings in a watery reflection. Easiest access is from the Quinconces tram stop.
Need to Know: The mirror effect at night is especially dramatic.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Local wines.
14. La Cité du Vin
A state-of-the-art museum focused on all aspects of wine and its culture and heritage, with interactive exhibits and tastings. Catch the tram to the La Cité du Vin stop.
Need to Know: The ticket price includes a tasting on the top floor, overlooking Bordeaux.
Admission Required: Yes
Souvenir: A bottle of something from Bordeaux.
15. Dune du Pilat
A little way outside the city is the Dune of Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. Both a challenge to climb and rewarding, offering impressive views of the surrounding forest and the Atlantic coastline. It's roughly an hour's drive from Bordeaux.
Need to Know: Best at sunset for unforgettable views.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Glass vessels filled with layered sand.
Strasbourg
16. Strasbourg Cathedral
Worshiped by fine art and architecture fans alike, Strasbourg Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture, both inside and out. The stained glass is a particular must-see. The cathedral is centrally located near the Homme de Fer tram stop.
Need to Know: Check out the astronomical clock's noon show.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Stained glass replications.
17. La Petite France
The prettiest part of Strasbourg, boasting immaculately preserved half-timbered buildings and waterways that cut through the cobbled streets. Take a leisurely stroll through here or a boat ride for a unique perspective.
Need to Know: Boat tours offer an excellent look at the city.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Alsatian pottery.
18. European Parliament
A hugely important site as a symbol of European unity, the Strasbourg-based EU Parliament can be visited, offering guided tours through the massive building and into the impressive hemicycle. Take the tram to Wacken.
Need to Know: Book your tour in advance.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: EU-themed paraphernalia.
Nantes
19. Château des ducs de Bretagne
Once lived in by Nantes' (at the time independent) dukes, the castle now houses a museum of the city's history. Central and towering, enjoy its history and views of the city. It's walking distance from nearly all accommodation.
Need to Know: You can visit the courtyard for free but need a ticket for the museum.
Admission Required: Yes
Souvenir: Medieval knight figures.
20. Les Machines de l'Île
A defunct shipyard now houses this fusion of art and engineering, with giant, mechanical animals wandering about, including a humongous elephant. Hop off the tram at Chantiers Navals.
Need to Know: The Great Elephant rides are a highlight.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Tiny creatures of your own.
21. Jardin des Plantes
Nantes’s botanical garden is a verdant oasis, perfect for nature lovers and families. Walkable from the train station, it’s home to themed gardens and many rare plant species.
Need to Know: Free entry makes it a great stop for a lazy day.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Box of custom plant seeds.
Toulouse
22. Capitole de Toulouse
Host to the city hall and the prestigious Théâtre du Capitole, the façade of the Capitole de Toulouse looms over the immense Place du Capitole. A symbol of the city's architectural and political history, it’s located at the city's core, a stroll from major sites.
Need to Know: Free tours run on select days.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Tote bag with Toulouse themes.
23. Cité de l'Espace
A theme park focused on space exploration, with full-size replicas of spacecraft, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium. Space fans and families will find plenty to obsess over. Reachable by bus line 37.
Need to Know: The life-size Ariane 5 rocket is unmissable.
Admission Required: Yes
Souvenir: Educational space kits.
24. Canal du Midi
This 17th-century canal, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes for a pleasant stroll or bike ride, offering connections from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. An ideal afternoon escape into nature, with bike and boat rental available from the city center.
Need to Know: Boat hire offers a unique view of the scenic route.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Hand-sketched postcards of the canal.
Montpellier
25. Place de la Comédie
Montpellier's central square, the lively Place de la Comédie is a hive of activity, with cafes, shops, and the site of city events. People-watching in the square is a must, with easy access from the Comédie tram stop.
Need to Know: Full of street performers in the evening.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Locally made jewelry.
26. Montpellier Zoo
With over 80 hectares of animals and a strong focus on conservation and education, Montpellier Zoo is an excellent day out for families. Buses run from the city center.
Need to Know: Entry is free but donations are welcomed.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Wildlife guidebooks.
27. Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier
Established in 1593, Montpellier's botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world and functions as a hub for scientific study, as well as a peaceful park for visitors. A short walk from the historic center.
Need to Know: Arrange a guided tour for a deeper look at the rare species.
Admission Required: No
Souvenir: Package of herbal teas made from garden plants.
28. La Croisette
If Cannes itself had one face, it would be this mile-long boulevard. Running along the Mediterranean shore, La Croisette is a gaudy promenade boasting white-sand beaches, the chicest shops and hotels in town – and on the whole planet – and of course the front of the Palais des Festivals, the festival’s generator. Walking its length is a fine introduction to how the other half live, as well as a great way to stock up on sunshine during the festival if nothing else.
Need to Know: The roads around this area are packed during the festival; plan your movements accordingly.
Admission Required: Free
Souvenir: A film festival poster or two.
29. Le Suquet
The old quarter of Cannes, Le Suquet couldn’t be more different to the bright lights of the city. Climbing up from the seafront, narrow cobbled streets lead up to a small hill at the western edge of the bay, at the summit of which Carré Histoire houses a worthwhile museum on the area’s history, and the rest of which give some tranquility, clear of the waterfront. Dining on the roofs of the restaurants here presents sunset views over the bay on clear evenings.
Need to Know: The climb can be steep but it’s worth it.
Admission Required: Free
Souvenir: Lavender-filled cloth sachets.
30. Îles de Lérins
Four islands lie just off Cannes, the Îles de Lérins, which Saint-Honorat, the closest, Sainte-Marguerite, the biggest, and the two smaller islands of Tonnère and Saint-Ferréol. The two larger ones can be visited by ferry, and are worth the trip for the wooded scenery and walks on the former, while the latter is famous for Fort Royal, the prison that held the Man in the Iron Mask for a burgeoning script’s worth of writers in 1698.
Need to Know: The aforementioned script was actually ‘The Iron Mask: the sequel’, and explained nothing.
Admission Required: Free
Souvenir: A few bottles of wine produced on Saint-Honorat by the resident monks.
FAQ
Where to go in France other than Paris?
Visit Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, and Strasbourg are great destinations to explore the wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty that France has to offer.
What is the best place to visit in France for the first time?
Paris, of course! The French capital is awash with iconic landmarks like the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and the Eiffel Tower.
What are the most beautiful cities in France?
Nice is beloved for its colorful Old Town and stunning Mediterranean coastline.
How is Christmas in France?
French families celebrate with traditional meals, attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and exchange presents.
What is France's country code?
If you have to call home or get directions, remember France's international dialling code is +33.
Conclusion
Each of these destinations is a piece of the puzzle that is France, a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Venture from bustling city streets to peaceful coastal paths, and island havens in the stretch of a single country.
It’s all here in our guide to 30 of the best places you simply should not miss, of this most beautiful of nations.
Bon voyage!