What makes France so special?
Discover ten elements that contribute to the appeal of France – from internationally renowned sights and flavors to hidden local gems – to find out why the country continues to be one of the most visited in the world.
By the way, carrying an iRoamly France Travel eSIM will help you easily find famous French food and places online.
Famous Attractions
1. The Eiffel Tower
Sydney has its Opera House, London its Tower Bridge, and Paris? Paris has the Eiffel Tower, that iron lattice icon of France, of love, and of engineering. Overseeing the city, see the "City of Lights" shine – the Tower itself glitters at night with thousands of bulbs.
Recommend: Try to visit at sunset and take in the view while it’s still light, then lit up.
Book into one of the Tower's restaurants for dinner with a view.
2. The Louvre Museum
Containing a nine-mile-long collection of art that spans decades and continents, the Louvre is the greatest art museum in the world. Its iconic glass pyramid entrance is a fittingly modern touch to the historic palace building.
Recommend: Don't try and see everything – you'll give yourself a museum leg. Pick a section, or period, and focus on that – say, the Egyptian antiquities or Renaissance art.
Fewer people use the Porte des Lions as an entrance, so queues are generally shorter there.
3. Mont Saint-Michel
Rising from the sands of the northern tides, Mont Saint-Michel is part medieval curiosity, part fortress, part Abbey – but always compelling. For those exploring the region, Normandy tours often include this iconic site. The Gothic-style Benedictine abbey is largely enclosed by water at high tide, but connected to the mainland by a treacherously narrow causeway.
Recommend: Attend an evening sound and light show – it really makes the place come alive.
Check the tide timetable – seeing the lands around Mont Saint-Michel disappear is extraordinary.
4. The French Riviera
The French Riviera – or Côte d'Azur – needs little introduction; its azure waters and opulent beach resorts are synonymous with the very idea of glamor itself. From the lavender fields of Provence to the grand casinos of Monte Carlo, the Riviera offers a stunning setting for relaxation and potential celebrity spotting.
Recommend: Hire a convertible and take a scenic drive along the coast, stopping at idyllic villages such as Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Early spring or late autumn, when the area experiences milder weather and fewer tourists, can be a great time to visit.
5. Lavender Fields, Provence
The lavender fields of Provence are not just a picturesque scene of purple and blue; the plants are also an important resource, being distilled for their oil which is used in perfumes.
Recommend: Call into the Lavender Museum in Coustellet for some context on the whole oil distillation process.
Local tip: If you're there to take photos, aim for early July when the flowers are blooming fully.
6. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a stunning example of French Baroque architecture and a historic home of French royalty, such as Louis XIV. For those planning a Versailles travel experience, the grand rooms, Hall of Mirrors, and vast grounds offer a glimpse into the opulent lives of those who once lived there.
Recommend: Head over to the Grand and Petit Trianon, or the Queen's Hamlet, to get a feel for the less-well known aspects of the palace's history.
Try to visit during the week, when the complex is less busy (especially the gardens).
7. Normandy D-Day Beaches
The Normandy beaches are somber sites, where thousands of Allied troops began the liberation of Europe in WWII. With museums, memorials, and cemeteries across the region, there's plenty of history to take in.
Recommend: We'd also Recommend: a guided tour to help understand the role of these sites during the campaign.
Local tip: The American Cemetery, at Omaha Beach in particular, is a moving place to visit.
8. Loire Valley Châteaux
The Loire Valley is a beautiful region known as the 'Garden of France', and boasts a stunning collection of Renaissance châteaux set against rolling countryside. From the imposing Château de Chambord to the graceful Château de Chenonceau, each property has its own history.
Recommend: Hire bikes and cycle along the Loire River, visiting multiple properties and taking in the views at your leisure.
Visiting in spring or early autumn is a good call, with better weather but fewer tourists.
9. Biarritz and the Basque Country
Biarritz, located within France's own Basque Country, is famed for its craggy coastline, reviving seawater, and microcosm of a cultural scene. A surfer's haven and a prime relaxation spot, this resort town features French and Basque foods, architecture, and customs.
Recommend: You'll realize it's a terrible idea to learn how to surf in your 30s.
Local tip: Be sure to explore the surrounding towns and take in some Basque food – pintxos are a given, as is local cider.
French Cuisine
10. Wine and Champagne
France is known all over the world for its wine and champagne. In regions like Bordeaux and Champagne, you can take organized vineyard tours and do tastings.
Recommend: Tour vineyards in Bordeaux for red wines and the Champagne region to sample champagne.
Local tip: Time your visit for early autumn harvest for a more involved experience with winemakers.
11. Cheese
There are over 1600 types of cheese in France, each with its own origins and process of production.
Recommend: Taste the famous Camembert of Normandy, the Comté of Jura, and the renowned Roquefort.
Local tip: Cheese pairs wonderfully with local wines; consider a picnic to enjoy these flavors amidst scenic views.
12. Snails (Escargot)
This traditional delicacy is often prepared with garlic butter and parsley.
Recommend: Fresh escargot are best enjoyed in French cafes with a nice, dry white wine.
Local tip: If you’re new to escargot, the texture and flavor are somewhat similar to mushrooms.
French Culture and Art
13. Fashion Capital: Paris
Paris is more than a city, it's the world's fashion capital. The home of haute couture and a hotbed of sartorial creativity, Paris also offers the most important fashion weeks on the planet twice annually, with new lines eagerly anticipated by celebrities and fashionistas everywhere.
Recommend: Only available to the trade, dates for Paris Fashion Week's spring/summer and autumn/winter shows are online.
Local tip: Fashion fans should make a pilgrimage to Palais Galliera, the city's fashion museum, for a comprehensive history of Gallic style and its impact.
14. Cannes
Cannes isn't just a festival, it's THE festival when it comes to cinematic glamor. Throughout May, the city is awash with film premieres and parties, bringing stars and filmmakers to town from around the world.
Recommend: Unless you are accredited, getting into screenings is nigh on impossible – but the festival spills out into the city, with events and public screenings taking place everywhere.
Local tip: The festival also means pop-up events around the city, with the chance for star-spotting.
15. Literary Works
France has long been a center of Western culture and boasts a rich literary tradition.
Recommend: Stop by famous bookstores such as Shakespeare and Company for readings, books, and book discussions.
Local Tip: Large cafés near famous literary sites, such as Café de Flore, often host small literary readings.
16. Painting
French painting moves in leading artistic circles, set standard for all world.
Recommend: Visit major museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay to see famous works.
Local Tip: Go to Musée de l'Orangerie to explore more Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
17. Opera
Opera is a celebrated art in France's musical history, found in grandiose halls such as the Palais Garnier.
Recommend: Attend an opera at the Palais Garnier; tickets should be booked weeks in advance.
Ask about last-minute tickets available at the discounted “rush” rate.
Top 10 Famous French Personalities
Artists
Claude Monet: An Impressionist painter who introduced the "Water Lilies" series that emphasized light and color.
Edgar Degas: A painter noted for both his early contributions to Impressionism and his late simplified nudes.
Scientists
Marie Curie: Conducted pioneering research on radioactivity; was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields.
Louis Pasteur: Pasteur developed vaccines for rabies and anthrax and invented the process of pasteurization.
Philosophers
Voltaire: A central Enlightenment figure who argued for civil liberties, freedom of speech and separation of church and state.
Simone de Beauvoir: Did major work in existentialism and feminist theory, more philosophically than the writers above.
Writers
Victor Hugo: Wrote "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and "Les Misérables" writing about social justice and humanism.
Marcel Proust: His work “In Search of Lost Time” is a deep and complex narrative on time and memory.
Culinary Figure
Auguste Escoffier: Modernized French cooking, developing simpler techniques and taking culinary arts to the world stage.
Military and Political Leader
Napoleon Bonaparte: Emerged during the French Revolution; modern legal laws impacted by Napoleonic Code to Emperor.
FAQ
1. Why is France famous?
France is internationally renowned for its rich history of art and philosophy, its stunning contributions to both fashion and gastronomy, and is one of the most visited countries in the world, celebrated for its beautiful cities and landmarks.
2. What is France most known for?
France is known for its sophisticated culture featuring art, fashion, culinary traditions, and popular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
3. Is France known as the city of love?
France isn't, but its notable capital, Paris, is known as the "City of Love" because of its romantic feel and popularity among lovers.
4. What is France rich for?
France features a thriving economy based on agriculture, tourism, and the luxury goods market. The country is famous for its wine and its natural landscapes.
5. What is France's nickname?
France is often called "l'Hexagone" because of its shape.
Summary:
France is more than where you travel to – it's where you experience a mecca of art, history, and nature.
From its gastronomy to its rich tapestry of history, a visit to France is never one you'll forget.
These ten sights are just a starting point – you'll soon discover why France remains shorthand for global culture and civilization.
Bon voyage!