7 Reasons Why You Should Visit France

France is one of those rare places that seems to have it all. Culture, landscapes, food, art, and a deep sense of history everywhere you go.

It’s easy to see why it’s the most-visited country in the world.

My grandparents used to live in southwest France, and I’ve spent so much time there that it feels like a second home to me. It’s definitely one of my favourite parts of the world.

Call me nostalgic, but there’s something special about France.

The rhythm of life really gets under my skin. The long lunches, the Sunday markets, the quiet medieval village streets.

And then there’s the food. And the wine. But we’ll get to that.

There are dozens of reasons to visit France, but you probably don’t have all day. So here are seven:

1. Iconic Landmarks and Architecture

You can’t talk about France without mentioning its iconic architecture.

The Eiffel Tower might be a tourist cliché, but it’s still genuinely impressive in real life. Especially at night when it sparkles on the hour.

Then there’s Versailles, just outside Paris. The Hall of Mirrors alone is reason enough to visit, never mind the endless gardens.

But some of the most impressive landmarks are actually found outside the capital.

Mont Saint-Michel, for example, looks like something out of a fantasy novel.

Built on a tidal island off the coast of Normandy, it completely changes appearance depending on the tide. The first time I saw it, I honestly thought it was a movie set.

Further south, the Pont du Gard in Occitanie is a marvel of ancient Roman engineering. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, it’s still standing tall. You can even kayak underneath it in summer.

2. World-Class Cuisine and Wine

France takes food seriously – and rightly so. Eating well isn’t a luxury here, it’s a way of life.

Whether it’s a two-hour lunch in a village bistro or a fresh croissant from a local bakery, food is woven into the everyday rhythm of life.

Each region has its own specialities. In Burgundy, it’s coq au vin. In Marseille, bouillabaisse. In the southwest, cassoulet – a slow-cooked stew that’ll keep you going for hours.

And don’t get me started on the cheese.

Then, of course, there’s the wine. France is home to some of the world’s best-known wine regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire Valley – and visiting them is an experience in itself.

I’ve spent afternoons vineyard-hopping, tasting wine with views over rolling hills, chatting with growers who’ve been making wine for generations.

It’s not about flashy restaurants or fancy pairings. It’s just about good food, made with care, and shared with people who appreciate it.

3. Rich Artistic and Cultural Heritage

France has long been a global hub for art, literature, music, and philosophy.

Paris is home to some of the most famous museums in the world. The Louvre houses thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Just across the river, the Musée d’Orsay holds a stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in a beautifully converted Beaux-Arts railway station.

But it’s not all about the capital. Lyon is known for its mural-covered buildings and strong cinema legacy. The Lumière brothers were born there.

Marseille’s cultural scene has boomed in recent years, with contemporary art galleries popping up alongside its traditional heritage.

Bordeaux, meanwhile, mixes grand 18th-century architecture with a lively modern arts scene and great street art.

Wherever you go, you’ll find artistic expression built into the fabric of everyday life. From ornate cathedrals to street musicians, and traditional festivals to modern design.

4. Stunning and Diverse Natural Beauty

While France’s cities are undeniably beautiful, its natural landscapes are equally breathtaking.

You’ve got the towering peaks of the Alps and the Pyrenees, both packed with hiking trails, alpine lakes, and traditional mountain villages.

Vanoise National Park is one of my favourite places to hike in France. Think wildflowers, marmots, and views that go on for days.

In the north, you’ll find rugged coastlines and windswept cliffs in Brittany and Normandy. Head south, and it’s all about golden beaches and turquoise waters along the Mediterranean.

And in between, there’s the rest: rolling vineyards in Burgundy, volcanoes in the Auvergne, lavender fields in Provence, and deep river gorges in the Ardèche.

5. Charming Villages and Countryside

While cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille get most of the spotlight, rural France is where the magic often happens.

There’s something incredibly peaceful about wandering through a medieval village where time feels like it’s stood still.

Places like Rocamadour, which clings to a limestone cliff. Or Monpazier in Dordogne, with its perfect arcaded square. They’re as picture-perfect in real life as they are in the guidebooks.

Tourtour, in the Var region, is another gem – officially one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France).

I’ve spent lazy afternoons there sipping rosé under the trees in the central square, listening to the sound of pétanque and birdsong.

And then there’s the countryside itself. Burgundy’s hills, the Dordogne’s green valleys, the Loire’s quiet riverbanks. This is the France I think about when I need to slow down and breathe.

6. Fashion and Shopping

France is one of the fashion capitals of the world – and it’s not just about high-end designer labels.

Paris is the obvious place to start. You’ll find flagship stores for big names like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent on avenues like Rue Saint-Honoré and the Champs-Élysées.

But what I enjoy more are the independent boutiques in areas like Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin. Less showy, more interesting.

The Galeries Lafayette is a shopping experience in itself. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth going up to the rooftop for panoramic views across the city.

Beyond Paris, cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice all have their own style. Lyon in particular has a strong reputation for textiles and silk, while Marseille blends Mediterranean flair with urban cool.

If you’re into vintage finds or concept stores, you’ll be spoilt for choice across the country.

7. Festivals and Events

France doesn’t do boring when it comes to events.

Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll likely stumble upon some kind of celebration, whether it’s a village wine fair or a major international festival.

Bastille Day on 14 July is one of the biggest national holidays. Expect fireworks, military parades, and a real party atmosphere. Especially in Paris, where the Eiffel Tower fireworks show is incredible.

The Cannes Film Festival in May brings a dose of glamour to the Riviera, while the Tour de France (usually in July) is a national obsession.

Even if you’re not into cycling, the route is a great excuse to visit lesser-known towns and mountain passes.

If you’re into theatre or performance, the Avignon Festival in July is brilliant – the whole town turns into one giant stage.

There are also food festivals, jazz festivals, medieval fairs, and wine harvest events dotted throughout the calendar.

Whether it’s cultural, sporty, or just an excuse to eat and drink, France knows how to throw a good celebration.

Additional Information on Visiting France

France Travel Tips:

• France is generally pretty safe, but as with anywhere, it’s wise to stay alert in crowded areas.
• While many people in urban areas speak English, learning a few basic French phrases will enhance your experience considerably.
• French public transport is overall excellent, especially the train network.
• Renting a car can help when exploring rural areas.

Best Time to Visit France:

• The best time to visit France is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer (July and August) is peak tourist season in most places.

Top Destinations to Visit:

• Paris: The iconic capital of France, known for its art, architecture, and cuisine.
• French Riviera: Famous for its beaches, glamour, and sunny weather.
• Loire Valley: Renowned for its vineyards, chateaux, and scenic beauty.
• Dordogne: Known for its medieval fortified towns, castles, wine, and countryside.
• Provence: Offers picturesque villages, lavender fields, and a relaxed lifestyle.
• Normandy: Known for its WWII history, coastal towns, and culinary delights.

Final Thoughts

France is far more than just Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It’s a country packed with variety – from snow-capped peaks to sun-soaked beaches, sleepy villages to buzzing cities.

Whether you’re there for the food, the landscapes, the history, or just to soak up the atmosphere with a glass of wine in hand, France delivers. Every time I go back, I find something new to love.

If you haven’t been yet, it’s time. And if you have – you already know.

Other Posts About Visiting France

• Hidden Gems in France: 8 Off the Beaten Path Destinations to Explore
• 33 Best Things to Do in Dordogne
• Tourtour: Provence’s Beautiful Village In The Sky

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