Top 10 Attracted Cities in France!

Top 10 Attracted Cities in France!

  France is the 42nd largest country in the world but the largest country in Western Europe and the European Union, and the third-largest in Europe as a whole. With a population approaching 67 million, it is the 20th most populated country and the second-most populated country in the EU.

  For more than two decades, France has reigned as the world’s most popular tourist destination, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual. People from all over the world are drawn to France’s sophisticated culture, dazzling landmarks, exquisite cuisine, fine wines, romantic chateaux and picturesque countryside.An overview of the best places to visit in France: 

10 / Marseille :

One of Europe’s oldest cities and France’s second largest city, Marseille is a major Mediterranean seaport located off the southeast coast of France. Boasting an idyllic climate, Roman ruins, medieval architecture and distinguished cultural venues, Marseille is also a working city with several universities and industries. 

At the core of Marseille is its old port, Vieux Port. Dominated by two historic forts, this bustling harbor is lined with waterfront cafes, shops and bars. At the end of the harbor is the Quai des Belges where visitors can view luxury yachts, ferry boats and fishermen auctioning off their catch at the daily fish market.

Like any good French city, Marseille is teeming in superb restaurants with fresh seafood dishes like bouillabaisse being the local speciality.

09 / Lyon :

Located in east-central France, Lyon is the capital of the Rhone department in the Rhone-Alpes region. Boasting a long history, Lyon today is the third largest city in France, known for its historic architecture, gastronomy and vibrant cultural scene.

Lyon’s art and history are exhibited throughout the city’s many art galleries and museums while cinemas, theaters and concert halls offer entertainment choices.

Drinks, socializing and parties can be enjoyed in bars and nightclubs located throughout every neighborhood. A wide selection of restaurants presents the city’s love of food. Traditional meals can be enjoyed in restaurants called bouchons.

08 / Strasbourg :

Strasbourg is the point where France and Germany mesh together in perfect harmony. Situated right on the border of the two countries, Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region. Strasbourg serves as the seat of the European Parliament and numerous other important European institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe.

The arts and culture scene in Strasbourg is rife with renowned theaters like L’Opera National du Rhin and the ThÈ‚tre national de Strasbourg as well as notable art galleries and museums such as Musee des Beaux-Arts and Musee Alsacien.

Strasbourg hosts several annual events that include France’s oldest Christmas Market and music and film festivals.

While Strasbourg can easily be explored by foot, public transportation includes buses, trams and a bike sharing system.

07 / Arles :

Once the home of master artist, Vincent van Gogh, Arles is a Provencal city of remote tranquility and arresting beauty. Located on the Rhone River in the Bouches-du-Rhone department of South France, Arles formerly belonged to the prominent Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis.

One of the city’s biggest attractions is the surviving remnants of Roman architecture, which include the Roman Amphitheater. Seating 25,000 people, this large arena serves today as a venue for bullfights, festivals and other special events. A few other significant Gallo-Roman structures are the Classical Theatre, the Cryptoporticus, the Obelisk and the Church of Saint Trophime.

Arles is small enough to get around easily by walking.

06 / Biarritz :

Just a few miles from Spain in the heart of the French Basque country, Biarritz is a tranquil yet elegant seaside resort made famous in the 1850s by the visits of Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugenie. Located on the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is a premier surfing destination.

In addition to its natural attractions, Biarritz is home to several historic structures that include the 16th century St. Martin’s Church, St. Martin’s Lighthouse and the Hotel du Palais, the former Palace of Empress Eugenie. There are several fabulous museums in Biarritz like the Museum of the Sea, the Museum of Asian Art and the Museum of Chocolate.

The gastronomy of Biarritz derives from the traditional Basque culture with flavorful dishes such as Pyrenees lamb, Bayonne ham and fresh, local seafood like sardines, anchovies and squid.

While there is a good bus network, most of Biarritz is easily walkable.

05 / Loire Valley :

A popular tourist destination, the Loire Valley is a region in the center of France, regarded for its spectacular scenery, splendid chateaux, picturesque vineyards and historic villages.

The valley’s biggest attraction is its large number of chateaux scattered throughout the rolling green hills. Ranging from grand country manors to defense fortresses and luxurious palaces, these chateaux were built by French nobility. Some of the most famous chateaux include Chambord, Amboise, Rivau, Chinon and Chenonceau.

Additionally, the Loire Valley is home to a vast cave complex known as the Troglodyte Caves. These impressive caves house hotels, museums, restaurants and shops.

04 / Bordeaux :

The capital of the Gironde department in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, Bordeaux is widely esteemed as one of the world’s largest wine-producing regions, generating more than 800 million bottles of prestigious wine brands annually.

Built upon the River Garonne just half an hour inland of the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux is a major port city stuffed with fine architecture, historic sites, exceptional shopping and a world-class arts and culture scene all topped off with a relaxed atmosphere.

A visit to Bordeaux would not be complete without a guided or self-guided drive through the surrounding wine country where tourists can admire incredible scenery, picturesque villages, vineyards and chateaux.

A city praised for its arts and culture scene, Bordeaux features some of France’s most impressive museums and art galleries as well as opera houses and theaters. Every June, the city hosts its spectacular Festival of Wine in tandem with the Festival of the River. For nightlife, the city’s waterfront quays offer pubs, nightclubs and dance halls.

03 / Mont Saint-Michel :

Rising up from the midst of vast mud flats and some of Europe’s most powerful tidal waves is the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, located off France’s northwestern coast in Normandy. The tidal island is significant for its construction of medieval structures built as if stacked upon one another and crowned with the star attraction, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.

The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, which can be reached by buses from Rennes and Pontorson. During low tide, a muddy sandbar appears to provide access by foot, but tourists are strongly advised not walk across it because of the dangers presented by the powerful tides.

A visit to Mont Saint-Michel offers views of medieval walls, fortifications, a small village of less than 100 residents and narrow, winding streets lined with beautiful chapels, gardens, museums, shops and hotels. At the base of the old abbey is a wide selection of cafes and restaurants.

02 / French Riviera :

The French Riviera — or as the French refer to it, the Cote d’ Azur — is the playground for the rich, famous… and basically everybody else. Visitors to this area will find beautiful beaches and lovely weather as well as plenty of glitz and glamor. Other things to do in the French Rivera include attending one or more of its famous events, like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

02 / Paris, The french capital :

As the capital city of France, Paris has endured as an important city for more than 2,000 years. Often called by nicknames like the “city of love” and “city of lights,” Paris is today one of the world’s leading centers for business, fashion, entertainment, art and culture. Just the mere mention of Paris conjures up images of the city’s world famous landmarks, museums and cathedrals.

Attracting more than 45 million visitors annually, Paris is the world’s most popular tourist destination. Dubbed various nicknames like the City of Lights, City of Love and Capital of Fashion, Paris is the capital city of France, known for its romantic ambiance and command in industries like business, entertainment, gastronomy, fashion and art and culture.