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France Tourism
There isn’t a single traveler in the world that can resist the lure of France and for good reason! With famous authors, poets, painters, musicians and philosophers calling this country home, France is known for being inclined towards the arts. This, coupled with the sheer beauty this country has to offer, makes France one of the top destinations to visit, no matter what kind of travel experience you want to live through.
With thoughts of your next holiday already filling your mind with ideas, it’s time to find out why France is the perfect destination to travel to:
| France Tourism : A Quick Overview | |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Paris |
| Official Language | French |
| Dial Code | +33 |
| Population | 63,929,000 |
| Currency | Euro |
| Time Zone | UTC + 1 |
| Area | 643,801km² |
Paris is almost synonymous with France so there’s no way you can skip visiting this city when travelling through the country. With the iconic Eiffel Tower, top-ranked restaurants, cafes and bistros, and, and abundance of high-fashion boutiques, Paris is definitely a city you must visit. Whether you’re an art lover or not, you must visit the Louvre to witness some of the best works of art mankind’s ever produced – one of the most cited stories at the Louvre is about how even the most skeptical people are left speechless on finally standing in front of the Mona Lisa.
Bordeaux offers a fantastic visual experience, with 19th century mansions standing next to magnificent palaces, the Garonne River and a spectacular view of the cities from the Napoleonic-era Pont de Pierre. Wine lovers can boast of actually visiting the home of one of the most renowned wines in the world. Additionally, Bordeaux offers a shopping experience that almost rivals Paris, with a score of vintage shops and affordable clothing.
Marseille is a cultural melting pot. Although the French considered this city to just be grimy port, it’s recently had its renaissance moment and seen a huge surge in tourism. Having said that though, the sights of the city haven’t changed – they’ve been rebranded, so to speak. Walk down to the harbour to watch local fishermen bring home the catch of the day, walk down the cobbled streets, and get a feel for what life’s like in the more rustic nooks of France.
Finally, if you’re interested in exploring a completely different side of France, head down to Annecy. The city is filled with gorgeous canals that make their way through ancient buildings, and because of this, it’s often called the Venice of Savoie. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a calmer day filled with experiences like biking, swimming, and enjoying a quiet picnic with your significant other.
If your idea of a great vacation centers around soaking up the sun and enjoying rustic countrysides, then you must visit Provence. With a patchwork of quaint farms, rolling hills, lavender fields, sunflowers, and olive groves, Provence redefines France and shifts the focus away from its bustling cities. If you need an additional incentive to visit this place, know this – the landscape is so stunning that many believe that it is what single-handedly spearheaded the impressionist art movement!
The Cote d'Azur or the French Riviera is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The Mediterranean coastline filled with colourful homes contrasts beautifully with the clear waters and blue sky. This coastline spans over 30 kilometers and offers access to various French cities that you can cross off your itinerary while soaking up its beauty. You can visit Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez while exploring this region.
Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy is a UNESCO-listed abbey. Perched atop a hill, the abbey stretches towards the sky, creating a visual effect that is simply stunning. The drive to Normandy alone is worth the visit – with cow pastures, woodlands, apple orchards, tiny towns and villages dotting the entire landscape.
Mont-Blanc & Annecy in the French Alps offer the most gorgeous views for nature lovers. If you visit this area during the summer, you can go hiking, mountain climbing and cycling. Similarly, during the winter season, you can ski or snowboard, or even take part in a cross-country skiing event if you’re in the mood for adventure!
France has an unshakable reputation for being the fashion capital of the world, with scores of women from different countries striving to emulate the effortlessly chic, French-girl look. So, it goes without saying that you can have a great shopping experience in this country. If you are in Paris, you must head down to Boulevard Saint Germain, Bon Marche, Rue Du Bac, Boulevard Haussmann, and Rue Tronchet.
Lyon offers a blend of high-end brands and street shopping, making it a great city to find your new favourite outfit in. One of the things that makes shopping in Lyon a great experience is that there’s always live music in the streets and the ambience is super lively. Even if you walk away from a store empty-handed, you’ll still manage to be in a great mood. A few of the popular shopping spots include Pôle de Commerces et de Loisirs de Confluence, Place Bellecour, Rue de la République and Lyon Part-Dieu.
Finally, Bordeaux has its fair share of great shopping streets too. Take a break from sampling the best varieties of wine to head down to Rue Sainte Catherine, Mériadeck, L’Intendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux, Quai Des Marques and Aushopping Bordeaux Lac.
There’s so much to try when it comes to French food that you can live a lifetime in Paris and still discover new flavours. French onion soup is so delicious that it is likely to become a staple during your trip. The same goes for the classic Coq au vin, braised chicken accented with wine, salty bacon, garlic, mushrooms, and, depending on the restaurant you’re at, a drop of brandy. Pair it with a red wine for a meal you’ll never forget! Boeuf bourguignon is a dish that’s internationally renowned (thanks to chef Julia Child), and though Indian travellers may find themselves steering clear-off this dish, we believe it’s worth mentioning because of its melt-in-your-mouth meat and splendid flavours.
Of course, adventurous foodies need to try escargot, but do keep in mind that the French consider this as a starter and not a meal in itself. Order some ratatouille to enjoy a more rustic vegetable dish when you’re tired of meat. Finally, help yourself to as many croissants and baguettes as you can because you’re never going to find bread that’s as tasty
France is located in western Europe and shares its boundaries with Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Andorra, Italy and Spain.
The summer sees the peak season of travel in France, with tourists from all over the world (and within the country) visiting its iconic cities. During this time, most hotels and restaurants are incredibly crowded, however, the sunny climate and abundance of activities like hiking, swimming, and trekking in the French Alps make this a popular time to visit.
The shoulder season (March-May and September-November) also experiences pleasant weather and is a great time to visit as there are fewer tourists in the country at this time. Most hotels offer lower rates during these months, making it possible to stick to a reasonable budget while travelling.
The winter season is the low season, however, there is something truly magical about Paris in winter. Although most cities tend to be a bit wet and cold, the low accommodation rates, lack of tourists, and an abundance of warm soups and meals make it worth it.
By Air: While there are quite a few airports in France, you’re most likely to land in Paris at the Roissy – Charles de Gaulle airport. This is the most widely used international airport in the country and caters to all major airlines.
By Boat: If you happen to be travelling in Europe, you can get to France via ferry. There are many ferry operators that can help you facilitate your trip, including DFDS, P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries, and Condor ferries to name a few.
By Train: You can also get to France via train if you take the Eurorail. This is the most convenient way to travel if you’re planning to backpack across Europe.
During the second world war, France was invaded and occupied by Italy as well as Nazi Germany. As a result, during the occupation period, over 1,60,000 French citizens were marched to death camps. Eventually, Corsica freed itself from the Axis powers, deeply affecting French morale and inspiring other cities to continue to fight. After the war, French sovereignty was restored.
Can’t wait to explore one of the most romantic countries in the world? Book your travel tickets after exploring all the options on our website.
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