Tourist Attractions in France

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in France

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About France

France is one of the most visited countries in the world, with a developed infrastructure and excellent opportunities for holidays. The main attractions are natural beauties, gastronomic delights, architectural monuments and collections of museums, which contain a huge number of world masterpieces.

Paris is the most romantic city in the world. Its beauty will always stand apart, the capital tourists try to visit in the first place. Newlyweds dream to spend their honeymoon here, couples with children – to show their kids the amazing world of Disneyland Paris. The second point in the travel programme is palaces and castles scattered all over the country or the natural beauty of Provence and Normandy.

Top Cities to Visit in France

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in France

Eiffel Tower

 4.7/5

384157 reviews

The main symbol of Paris and the whole of France. Named after its creator. It was erected in 1899 to be used as an entrance arch at the World Exhibition. Subsequently, the construction was planned to be dismantled, but the landmark survived. The main material is steel, and the height is 324 metres. Anyone can visit the tower. The tower is illuminated in the evenings and the colours can be changed for important events.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM

Arc de Triomphe

 4.7/5

234038 reviews

Napoleon personally ordered its construction: it was the emperor’s intention to immortalise the victories of his “Great Army”. The arch was completed in 1836. Currently, the square where it is installed bears the name of Charles de Gaulle. The height of the monument is 50 metres. The decoration abounds in small details. After the First World War, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame appeared under the arches.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM

Musée d'Orsay

 4.7/5

86520 reviews

In the past, the museum building served as a Parisian railway station. At first the station was closed and the premises were mothballed, later it was renovated. One of the world’s most impressive collections of fine art became available for viewing in 1986. The exhibits are organised according to style and chronology. The collection is dominated by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:45 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Louvre Museum

 4.7/5

304316 reviews

The most popular museum in the world, it opened its doors to the public in 1793. Its glass pyramid is one of the symbols of the French capital. The number of visitors for 2018 exceeded 10 million people, which was a record. The Louvre collection includes paintings, jewellery, sculptures and statuettes, frescoes and furniture. The number of masterpieces in the collection cannot be counted, one of the main exhibits is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Champs-Élysées

 0/5

Chans-Elysée is the central street of Paris, one of the most beautiful, green and famous in the city. It stretches along the central part of the French capital for almost 2 kilometres. Champs-Elysées is traditionally divided into two parts: a shopping street with boutiques, offices, banks and a park. The walking park is divided by alleys into squares, each of them has its own “specialisation”. For example, the Marigny is home to the philatelists’ market and the theatre, while the Elysée square is the presidential residence.

French Riviera

 0/5

The French Riviera, a stretch of the Mediterranean coast from the city of Toulon to the Italian border. One of the best holiday destinations in the world. Local cuisine is a feast for gourmets. The Côte d’Azur serves special dishes and varieties of wine, some found only here. The disadvantages are high prices for holidays and real estate.

Disneyland Paris

 4.5/5

285318 reviews

An amusement park in the Parisian suburb of Marne-la-Vallée, in operation since 1992. The park belongs to the American company Walt Disney. It is a magical world for children, where all the famous characters of Disney cartoons live, the scenery from favourite fairy tales is recreated, and countless rides that delight adults also work. The park is home to residential and business districts, hotels and golf courses.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Place de la Bourse

 0/5

Symbol of the city of Bordeaux and its main attraction. The architectural ensemble consists of two long Baroque buildings and their adjoining structures. Among them are the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Customs Museum. The gables are decorated with sculptures. The square was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, a royal architect and founder of classicism, in the first half of the 18th century.

Sainte-Chapelle

 4.7/5

38492 reviews

The Chapel is built on the Isle of Cité in Paris. Although it is a Gothic building, it is “airy” and “light”. It is all about the stained glass windows that shimmer in the sun and rise almost the entire height of the walls. They depict numerous symbols. To understand them, you have to use the TV screen installed in St Chapel. Painted columns support the vaults of the upper chapel.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 0/5

The Gothic Catholic church, sung in Hugo’s work, is another symbol of Paris and France. Its construction lasted for centuries. The first stone was laid by Pope Alexander III in 1163. In 2019, during the renovation, a massive fire broke out in the building. The fire destroyed some rarities and unique finishing elements. The reconstruction will cost about a billion euros and will take years.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

 0/5

The name translated as “Basilica of the Sacred Heart”. Period of construction: from 1875 to 1914. The white stone temple is somewhat different from other Catholic sites in Paris, at one time its appearance caused discontent among the citizens. It is located at the top of Montmartre, the highest point of the city. The bell tower of the Sacré-Coeur houses the Savoyard, the largest bell in the French capital.

Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde

 4.7/5

38284 reviews

The main historical landmark of Marseille. It was built in the middle of the 19th century on the site of an old chapel. The place is a landmark: pilgrims have been received here for centuries and travellers have been blessed. The leading architect of the project was Henri-Jacques Esperandieu. The bell tower is crowned by a 9 metre high sculpture of Our Lady. The bell weighs over 8 tonnes. Frescoes and mosaics are a typical decoration for the interiors of the time.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

 4.8/5

29579 reviews

Erected between 1872 and 1884 on top of the Fourvière hill. The land around Lyon has been plagued by many calamities, from the plague to enemy armies under the walls of the city. Each time, the inhabitants prayed to the Virgin Mary, and they believed the Virgin Mary would ward off trouble. The construction was worked on for more than 10 years, and the interior decoration was finished only in 1964. The basilica is richly decorated with stained glass windows, paintings, mosaics and statues.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

 4.7/5

8102 reviews

The translation of the name is “St Michael’s Mountain”. The structure dates back to the 11th century. This fortified abbey stands on the island of the same name. The castle itself stands in the central part, while its perimeter is covered with dense buildings, wild bushes and trees. The walls are strong and look more like a fort. Depending on the season, the surrounding area can be completely covered with water. Sometimes even the road leading to Mont Saint-Michel floods.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Palace of Versailles

 4.6/5

139596 reviews

A royal residence built on the outskirts of the French capital in the second half of the 17th century. It was one of the first sites to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The halls of the palace are kept in exemplary condition. The decoration and furniture corresponds to the past epochs. No less than the castle, tourists are interested in the extensive park complex. There are about 1400 fountains on its territory.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Château de Chaumont

 4.4/5

7554 reviews

The entire Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling here, tourists discover a number of cities including Orleans, Nantes and Angers. In and around these towns are majestic castles built for the royalty and nobility of France who wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. The castles of Chambord, Cheverny and Chateau de Chenonceau were built against a background of endless meadows and forests.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Château de Fontainebleau

 4.6/5

24378 reviews

Located 60 kilometres from Paris in the Seine et Marne department, surrounded by a huge park. Since 1981 it has been under UNESCO protection. The history of the palace dates back to the 12th century, but it was only 5 centuries later that it acquired its present refined and majestic features. In the architecture you can discern elements of medieval style, classical and renaissance. Four French monarchs were born in the palace.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cité de Carcassonne

 4.7/5

78528 reviews

The medieval castle town has been the second most visited in France for many years. Not only the castle, but also the numerous buildings inside the castle itself are surrounded by imposing walls. Behind the towers are narrow streets and small houses that are still in use today.

Open time

Palais des Papes

 4.5/5

42414 reviews

Another French site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The complex consists of two palaces. The first – aka Old – was built by Benedict XII and is more ascetic. The second – the New – was built in the Gothic style for Clement VI and has extravagant features. The strong outer walls had to withstand a siege. They have loopholes and airlocks for attackers.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Amphitheatre of Nîmes

 4.6/5

32730 reviews

Not as well-publicised as the Colosseum, but not inferior in historical importance. It was built by the Romans in the 1st century. Even then it had sewerage and running water. It was used for gladiatorial fights. Later it became a fortress, which affected the appearance of the construction. The original look of the amphitheatre was returned only in the XVIII century. Nowadays live concerts are organised in the arena.

Open time

Pont du Gard

 4.6/5

29878 reviews

The highest surviving ancient aqueduct. It was built by the Romans about 2,000 years ago. The three-tiered arched structure crosses the Gardon River. It is 49 metres high and 275 metres long. The bridge was used as part of the aqueduct and helped to supply water to nearby Nîmes. When it was no longer needed, the aqueduct was abandoned.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Viaduc de Millau

 4.6/5

4170 reviews

One of the tallest bridges in the world. One of its piers reaches a level of 341 metres, which is higher than the Eiffel Tower. Millau is built across the valley of the river Tarn near the town of the same name. The viaduct is part of the A75 motorway linking Paris with the city of Béziers. The authors of the project are architect Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virlodeau. Despite the massive columns, their creation looks light, and in low clouds, as if floating in the air.

Open time

Petite-France

 0/5

A romantic and picturesque neighbourhood of Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in the 16th century, it was home to fishermen and leather artisans, which gave rise to a foul odour in the streets. Little France is now a sophisticated historic district with half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies, quiet lanes and covered bridges over the River Ile.

Colmar

 0/5

Colmar is the most beautiful city in Alsace. The old neighbourhoods are well preserved. The first time you visit, you feel like you are in a fairy tale film set. The Little Venice and the Fishermen’s Quarter are the most interesting parts of the city. Colmar’s microclimate favours the wine industry. There are 5 museums open, including the Unterlinden Museum. There is a major festival in almost every month of the year.

Fondation Monet in Giverny

 4.6/5

15848 reviews

The famous artist lived in this place for 43 years. Monet’s house, turned into a museum, stands in the middle of the garden. The interiors have been kept original and the master’s personal belongings have been added. The room is colourful both inside and out. The same can be said for the garden. It looks like a multitude of colours moving chaotically. Arches of plants, partially overgrown paths, and a multitude of flowers welcome visitors to Giverny for most of the year.

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Parc de la Tête d'Or

 4.6/5

54285 reviews

It occupies 117 hectares and is located in Lyon. The area began to be improved in the middle of the century before last. Now there are stables, a velodrome, a zoo, a golf course and a train running around the area. Tourists ride on hired boats on the lake. One of the islands can be reached through a tunnel dug under the lake. The botanical garden in “Tet d’Or” consists of an impressive collection of plants.

Open time

Monday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Dune of Pilat

 4.7/5

35116 reviews

Europe’s tallest dune is growing in size year by year. At the moment its height exceeds 130 metres. The sandy anomaly is located on the shore of the Gulf of Arkashon. A tourist infrastructure has been created around the mountain to make climbing safer and more comfortable. Car park, souvenir shops, cafes serving fresh oysters, small hotels – everything is within easy reach.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Lascaux

 4.3/5

1890 reviews

Discovered in the municipality of Montignac on the banks of the River Weser in 1940. The cave was a real discovery in the field of archaeology. It is a key element in the study of the Palaeolithic period. The quantity and quality of the rock art surpasses all other sources. Lascaux is called the “Sistine Chapel of primitive painting”. The size of the cave is relatively small: up to 30 metres high and about 250 metres long.

Mont Blanc

 4.6/5

4043 reviews

The highest mountain massif in Europe (excluding Elbrus). It is located on the border of France and Italy, under Mont Blanc there is a tunnel between the countries. There are a lot of ski slopes of any complexity. There are also “wild” slopes that attract extreme skiers. Conditions for mountaineering and hiking are well developed. There is a popular tourist route around the mountain – Tour du Mont Blanc.

Lake Annecy

 4.8/5

3381 reviews

One of the most beautiful Alpine lakes. It is located in Northern Savoie. In terms of size in France, it is second only to Lake Lac du Bourget. The area is popular with tourists. There are boat trips, water bicycle rentals, entertainment on the water, and amusement rides on the beaches. The lake is surrounded on the south by a valley and on the other sides by mountains.

Corsica

 4.8/5

4223 reviews

An autonomous French territory occupying an island of the same name in the Mediterranean Sea. Representatives of many nations have lived in these territories at different times, which is why a special linguistic dialect has emerged here. Natural beauty is the main wealth of the area. Bays and beaches, forests and mountains – everything is explored by tourists and looks as if untouched by man. The most famous Corsican is Napoleon Bonaparte.

Verdun

 0/5

One of the main tourist attractions in Provence. It is also the longest and deepest gorge in France. Located in the Alps, in the south-eastern part of the country. The natural attraction is called the “French Grand Canyon”. In the vicinity there are hiking trails for hikers, horse rides are organised, and kayaks for rafting are rented.

Parc national des Calanques

 4.7/5

20175 reviews

Small picturesque bays, French “fjords” that are found on the coast from Marseille to La Ciotat and Cassis. The national park was founded in 2012 and was the first protected area in Europe to include the periphery of cities, part of the sea and land. Small bays and islets have created a unique ecosystem. Therefore, many rare species of flora and fauna live here. Rock climbers have taken a liking to the Kalanka Mountains for training.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Falaise d'Aval

 4.8/5

14966 reviews

The name “Etretat” translates as “farmstead of the setting sun”. This poetic name, coupled with the unusual appearance of the cliffs, has always attracted travellers. Nobles have holidayed here, and artists and writers have drawn inspiration. The cliffs rise tens of metres high, they are snow-white and have bizarre shapes, many natural arches.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Lavender Trail

 4.4/5

129 reviews

The main brand and trademark of the region is the endless purple rows of fragrant lavender stretching over the horizon. A favourite spot for artists and photographers, the number of tourist postcards can rival the Eiffel Tower. The Valenceau Plateau is particularly dense and densely planted. The best time to visit is at the end of June, when the annual lavender festival begins.

Open time

Tourist Attractions in France

About France

Top Cities to Visit in France

Bordeaux

Cannes

Lille

Lyon

Nice

Paris

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in France

Eiffel Tower

Arc de Triomphe

Musée d'Orsay

Louvre Museum

Champs-Élysées

French Riviera

Disneyland Paris

Place de la Bourse

Sainte-Chapelle

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

Palace of Versailles

Château de Chaumont

Château de Fontainebleau

Cité de Carcassonne

Palais des Papes

Amphitheatre of Nîmes

Pont du Gard

Viaduc de Millau

Petite-France

Colmar

Fondation Monet in Giverny

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Dune of Pilat

Lascaux

Mont Blanc

Lake Annecy

Corsica

Verdun

Parc national des Calanques

Falaise d'Aval

Lavender Trail