by Top 25 Places to Visit in France
I recently turned from traveling around France and I want to share with you my favorite places. So here is my “Top 25 Places to Visit in France”. After visiting France it’s easy to see why it’s the most visited country in the world. it’s home to endless history and enchanting towns from the towering Alps to the cheek French Riviera France is waiting to be experienced. let’s start this Blog “Top 25 Places to Visit in France” off at Étretat.
Étretat
Located about a three hours drive from Paris. This was the first place I went to when I got to France. The main reason I wanted to come here was to witness the impressive sea cliffs. when we reached Étretat we walked through the beautiful coastal town and arrived at the beach it had this nice pebble stone sand and you could get a view of the cliffs and they were freaking huge a lot bigger than I expected.
Now after we decided to walk on top of the cliffs we strolled along the beautiful boardwalk and made it to the top my favorite features of the cliffs are the sea arches there are three of them and I also like the pointed sea stack called Aiguille. After a bit of sea fog started to roll in and give the area a different feel, you’re just so much fun being on top of those cliffs. If you can I recommend staying until the sun set the sun will hit the cliffs perfectly lighting them up with an orange glow.
Corsica
Afterward, we’re going to visit the island of Corsica. located right above the island of Sardinia. Corsica is a massive island full of so many diverse landscapes. it’s home to jagged mountains and some of France’s best coastline now one of my favorite spots on the island is Bonifacio. it’s this medieval town built upon these limestone cliffs. it’s nicknamed the Mediterranean sentinel. Now it’s located right at the southern point of the island. nearby there are some more incredible white cliffs with crystal clear waters.
Another one of my favorite spots in Corsica is the Calanques De Piana. There are these sharp red cliffs that dive into the sea they have such a distinct color and there’s a windy road that drives right through them there are also some incredible beaches in the area such as Plage De Bussaglia. In this blog “Top 25 Places to Visit in France”, I have tried to visit all the places. So that you do not have any problem in planning your trip here.
French Alps
Afterward, we’re going to visit the French Alps. Now this is easily one of my favorite regions in all of France. it’s home to the incredibly massive Montblanc. which is the highest mountain in all of the Alps at 4807 meters. Montblanc doesn’t have the most prominent peak compared to other mountains but just hard to comprehend how huge this mountain is. Now the town Loki at the base of Montblanc is Chamonix it’s a hub for some of Europe’s best skiing and hikes I enjoyed walking around the town it reminded me of a French Vermont.
Aiguille Du Midi
Now one thing you gotta do while you’re there is take the gondola to the Aiguille Du Midi. Now to get there you can take a 20-minute cable car ride which holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent by a cable car with an altitude gain of over 2807 meters. it costs about 69 euros for a round trip ticket to the top. while I was there it was extremely packed. I think there was some holly going on so just plan accordingly you’ll take two lifts up and just wild how steep it is.
when you reach the top you’ll be at an elevation of 3843 meters. you can feel the shortness of oxygen in your lungs. when you get off the lift you’ll walk through this labyrinth of tunnels carved straight out of the granite there are tons of walkways and platforms to explore you’ll get an excellent view of Montblanc and the other mountains now one thing I thought was crazy is that there’s a place where the mountaineers exit to either go hike to Montblanc or just explore the glacier liquid doom and this was such an incredible experience and the highlight of our time in the French Alps.
Mer De Glace
Now when you get back to Chamonix, another thing you can do is take the train to Mer De Glace. you can get a black multi-pass for about 83 euros. The train winds up the mountain and you get some great views along the way sit on the left-hand side to get the best views. Now when you reach the top you’ll be able to see the Mer de Glace. it’s the second largest glacier in all of Europe and what’s sad is when you look at pictures of over 150 years ago and you see how much this glacier has shrank regardless the whole area is breathtaking. you’ll get views of the surrounding mountains they’re just like so jagged I’ve never seen anything like them there’s also a restaurant and hotel up top.
Annecy
Afterward, we’re going to visit the nearby city of Annecy, Now looking at the foot of the Alps about an hour’s drive from Chamonix this alpine town is famous for its canals hence it’s called the Venice of the Alps. Now the city is just absolutely magical but what I love about the region is the lake and it’s surrounded by scenic mountains, it’s known as one of the cleanest lakes in all of Europe. I mean I can’t think of a better place to enjoy on a hot summer day. In this blog “Top 25 Places to Visit in France”, I have tried to visit all the places. So that you do not have any problem in planning your trip here.
Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
One of the crowning features of the area is the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard. The first fortress was built there around 1000 years ago and today it stands as one of the most impressive castles in all the Alps. we decided to explore it. It cost about 11 euros to enter. I was just astonished by the size of it and how well the castle was preserved there was a massive courtyard with perfectly laid stones the chateau’s interior was just as impressive. it’s just wild to think people lived in such luxury hundreds of years ago. I mean I can’t imagine what it must have been like to live there back then.
Alsace region
After the Alps, we’re gonna head over to the Alsace region. Now located in eastern France boarding Germany and Switzerland. the Alsace region is famous for its fairy-tale cities wine country and rich history. over the centuries the region has alternated between French and German control and today it represents a mix of those cultures the capital of Alsace is Strasbourg. it’s home to the formal seat of the European Parliament.
Another enchanting city in the region is Colmar. If you want to escape the cities you can experience the Alsace wine route. It’s a 170 Kilometer long route that passes through some of France’s greatest wine country and picturesque towns. One of my favorites is the quaint village of Riquewihr. It’s believed to be the village that inspired the town from Beauty and the Beast. Even if you don’t drink wine like me it’s impossible to not fall in love with this region of France.
Paris
Afterward we’re going to France’s capital of Paris. Now since the 17th century, Paris has been Europe’s major center of Finance diplomacy fashion, and the arts Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities with all its attractions and fascinating history. it’s easy to see why Paris’s most recognizable attraction is the Eiffel Tower. It was built in 1889 for the world fair. the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high which made it the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930.
Another popular attraction is the Louvre Museum. It’s the world’s largest art museum and it’s home to da Vinci’s Monalisa. you can also take a drive around the arctic triumph or walk the grounds of the Palace of Versailles and there’s just so much to see in this grand city.
Loire Valley
Now after we’re gonna visit the Loire Valley. Now look in central France about a two hours drive from Paris. This has to be the chateau capital of the world. it’s home to over 300 French castles. Now if you’re wondering why there are so many chateaus here it’s because of the combination of location fertile grounds and the competition amongst kings and royals that brought so many castles here. One of the most famous chateaus is Chambord. it’s the largest in the valley and its estate is as big as Paris. it’s Rumored that Leonardo da Vinci helped design it. It took over 28 years to build and was finished in 1547. Now from above you can see its perfectly square moat that was built to protect the castle and it’s truly a mind-blowing piece of architecture.
Now another one of my favorites is the Chateau De Chenonceau. Built in the early 16th century what’s what about this chateau is it’s built upon a river. I mean I love all the arches it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in all of France.
French Riviera
After we’re gonna head down to southern France to the French Riviera. Now located in the southeast corner of France. I have to say that the French Riviera is home to some of the world’s best coastline one stunning city on the French Riviera is Menton. it’s strikingly beautiful with its colorful buildings complemented by a backdrop of the maritime Alps. We stayed several days here and I enjoyed just walking around the city Menton was a part of Italy until 1860. when it and the rest of the nice county were added to France. There’s a great boardwalk that walks along the coast and I enjoyed going out to the lighthouse pier to get panoramic views of Manton.
Èze
Afterward, we’re going to visit the medieval town of Èze. Now located on a hilltop tower looking over the French Riviera, I have to say this was easily the coolest medieval place I visited in my time in southern France. It was only a short 30-minute drive from Menton. Now as was founded during the middle ages around the 14th century and today is known worldwide for its medieval vibe and views of the French Riviera when we were there we parked in a parking lot at the base of Èze and then walked up the winding stairs and cobblestone paths through the village.
I mean you feel like you’re walking back in time everything is so old yet. it’s perfectly preserved and the village is just full of these tunnel walkways and trees that were just built around truly is such a cool place. Now one of the main features of the village is the exotic garden. it’s this beautiful place that sits on top of the village. It not only has beautiful plants and cactuses but it offers one of the best views of the French Riviera. it’s worth the hike and the six-euro entry fee.
Nice
Now afterward we’re gonna head over to Nice. Now as the capital of the maritime alts department of France nice is the second largest city on the French Riviera after Marseille. If you’re flying to the French Riviera this is probably the best airport to come to I didn’t spend much time here I didn’t feel like walking around the city. I do regret not checking out so if you’re on the French Riviera you definitely can give it nice a visit.
Cannes
Now another prominent nearby resort town is Cannes. Now it’s located about 40 minutes drive from Nice. Like many places along the French Riviera Cannes is associated with the rich and famous and hosts the annual Cannes film festival.
Esterel Coast
Now just outside of Cannes are some of the most beautiful coastlines on the French Riviera it’s called the esterel and it’s these red rock cliffs that dive into the sea. I was talking to a local on the beach and he told me that this was his favorite place on the Riviera. So I had to go check it out the coastline is part of the esterel massive and it stretches from Cannes to Sun Raphael.
Now it’s full of hidden coves red rock islands and secluded beaches. I love just driving along the coastline, parking at its many lookout points, and exploring the coast. I highly recommend visiting here.
Cap Du Dramont
Now one cool place I visited in the area is Cap Du Dramont. I wanted to go here because there’s this little island with a Medieval looking watch tower on it. It was constructed in the 20th century and it’s believed to be the inspiration behind the black island in the Adventures of Tintin. It just looks so scenic coupled with the red coastline and there’s a nice beach there and the water is perfect for freediving such an enjoyable place.
Saint-Tropez
Now afterward we’re going to visit the town of Saint-Tropez. Now this is one of my favorite towns I visit on the French Riviera. Saint Tropez is located about an hour and a half drive from Nice. Saint Tropez was a fishing village and military stronghold until the 20th century and it was the first town to be liberated on the French Riviera during world war ii in the 1960s. Saint-Tropez started gaining popularity amongst jet setters and today is renowned for its beaches nightlife and yachts. the main part of Saint Tropez is pretty small. but I love just walking around its streets and alleyways there was this path that walks along the coast and. it was just nice to explore all in all Saint Tropez is a really beautiful town and I understand why it’s so popular.
Cassis
Now afterward we’re going to visit Cassis. I think this was my favorite place we visited in southern France. we stayed several days here. I’m just so glad we did it’s a seaside town with that classic French cheek charm. Now Cassis is overlooked by Cap Canaille. Which is home to the highest sea cliffs in all of France with a height of 394 meters. Now there’s a great beach and Cassies overlooked by a castle. I mean I just love walking around the harbor looking at all the boats you can also walk to the lighthouse at the end of the harbor to just relax and enjoy the sounds of the sea.
Calanques
Now one of the main reasons I wanted to go to cassis and just southern France in general was to visit the Calanques. Now there are these incredible sea coves surrounded by daunting cliffs and crystal clear waters. The one I really wanted to go to is Calanque D’En-Vau. There’s several ways to get here you can either take a boat kayak or hike in. On our first day there we rented a little boat from the harbor in cassis and headed out to the Calanque D’En-Vau. The views on the way were just absolutely incredible. Now one downside about the boat is we couldn’t land on the beach you can only drive like halfway through and it’s roped off but if you do rent a kayak or a paddle board you can take it to the beach which I definitely recommend. if you can handle the long paddle.
Verdon Gorge
while we’re still in southern France we’re going to visit the Verdon Gorge. Now locate about two hours drive from nice the Verdon Gorge is one of the most impressive canyons in all of France. One of my favorite places in the Gorge is the view from Pont du Galetas, you get a view of the dramatic lifts contrasted with the strikingly blue water. Now while you’re there you can rent a boat or paddle board and explore the Gorge you can also drive on top and get some more phenomenal views.
Carcassonne
After let’s head over to the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. Now when I imagine medieval Europe I don’t think there’s a better voice that exemplifies it better than this fortified city. Located in southern France Carcassonne began as a roman fortified hilltop and was given to the Visigoths in the 5th century who continued to fortified and build the city throughout the centuries Carcassonne proved to be an impregnable fortress as army after army failed to overtake the protected city. Today the city consists of 53 towers that are protected by its two outer walls it remains as one of Europe’s greatest medieval gems.
Pyrenees
Afterward, we’re gonna head over to the Pyrenees mountains. Now straddling both France and Spain the Pyrenees are a mountain range that separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe.
Now one of the most impressive places in the Pyrenees is the Cirque De Gavernie. it’s this dramatic glacial bowl with waterfalls descending its cliffs. Another cool place is Lac d’Ayous. it’s a nice two hour hike to the lake and has incredible views of the mountains.
Brittany
After we’re going to visit the region of Brittany. Now located on the north western tip of France Brittany is full of rugged beaches and countless lighthouses. One thing that is particularly fascinating about Brittany is its presence of megalithic Monuments. There are thousands of stones scattered around the region ranging from ancient tombs to single-standing stones that were arranged by neolithic people over seven thousand years ago which is pretty interesting if you ask me now aside from the ancient megaliths Brittany is home to some stunning coastal towns one of my favorites is le conquer it’s an ideal maritime city with a picturesque harbor one of the highlights of the area is the Kermorvan lighthouse. I mean just such a beautiful setting.
Mont Saint Michel
Now for our final destination we’re going to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. I have to say this was probably my favorite place I visited in France this place was just truly magical. Now to get there it’s a four-hour drive from Paris. When we arrived we checked in to our Airbnb and made the long walk to mostly Michelle. Now you can’t drive directly to the title island instead you can park in the parking lots outside and either take a shuttle or walk about four Kilometers. I definitely recommend walking if you can as you approach the island. it’s quite the experience and it just made me think of how the people must have felt throughout the ages as they came here. I mean just truly something out of a fantasy film now when you reach the island and walk through the gates you feel like you’re walking into a Harry Potter movie. it was as if I was walking down Diagon Alley.
Mont-Saint-Miche Abbey
Now we had such a good time walking through the winding alleyways and Marveling at all the details the abbey is the crowning feature of the island its Construction began in the 10th century and was added onto throughout the ages now due to its strategic position and dangerous changing tides the abbey and the rest of the island remain protected throughout history. Around sunset the tides started to come in I was amazed by how fast the water levels were rising I mean i understand now why it was so dangerous for the medieval pilgrims to walk to the island.
Now the next day we woke up to see Mont-Saint-Michel for sunrise on our way back we ran into a herd of sheep storming through the streets on their way to eat some morning grass. I mean definitely was the perfect way to end our time at Mont Saint Michel.
That is it for my “Top 25 Places to Visit in France”. let me know where your favorite place is in France in the comment below.
There are so many places that I wish I could include in this blog “Top 25 Places to Visit in France”. So maybe I will have to make a part 2. Let me know where your favourite place in France is.
I wish everyone to explore this beautiful world and learn the things to make our world a better place to live. With this, if you enjoyed reading this blog, do comment and share it with your friends and family and keep following Nomad Rahgir..
