Explore the Beauty of France

France, located in Western Europe, is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Andorra, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the English Channel to the north, and the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. 

France is renowned for its awe-inspiring cultural destinations, beautiful landscapes, and delectable cuisines. Its museums, cathedrals, and palaces are a testament to its artistic and architectural heritage. Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply a chance to unwind, France has something to offer you!

From the Eiffel tower to quaint villages, every corner of France is an invitation to explore its rich history and culture. In this article, we will round up the best places to visit in France and find out how to secure our trips as well.

Top Places to Visit in France

Here’s a list of the best places to visit in France - 

Let’s explore each place in detail below - 

1. Paris

Paris, the capital city of France, is often referred to as the ‘City of Love’ and is one of the most popular places to visit in France. You can visit Paris for many reasons, including its spectacular architecture, world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, as well as its rich cultural heritage and renowned cuisine. Paris is also a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of boutiques, department stores, and street markets to explore. 

2. Provence

Provence, located in the south of France, is prominent for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The region is characterised by rolling hills, lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards, creating a picture-perfect landscape that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. 

It is also famous for its delicious cuisine, with fresh ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and vegetables playing a central role in the local dishes. Being one of the best places to visit in France, Provence has a wide range of places for those who want to explore the beauty of France.

3. Côte d'Azur

Also known as the French Riviera, Côte d'Azur is a stretch of coastline located in the southeast of France. This region's major draws include beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. It is one of the ideal places to visit in France for a relaxing beach holiday. 

Côte d'Azur is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with historic cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco offering a wealth of historical landmarks and cultural attractions. In addition, it is also famous for its vibrant Old Town, Belle Époque architecture, and Promenade des Anglais.

4. Lyon

Similar to Côte d'Azur, Lyon is also one of the best places to visit in Southwest France. It showcases the unique blend of cuisine, culture and history through its rich culinary heritage, a stunning collection of Renaissance-era architecture, the celebration of various festivals and events, and more. 

Known as the 'Capital of Gastronomy', Lyon has multiple key attractions including the Presqu'île, Teatro Galo-Romano, and more. Apart from these places, the region is famous for hosting different festivals throughout the year such as the Fêtes des Lumières, a beautiful light festival that takes place every December.

5. Nantes

Nantes, located in western France, has numerous splendid castles - this includes the famous Château des Ducs de Bretagne, which offers a glimpse into the city's past. In addition, it is also a hub for modern arts, with a number of museums and galleries displaying works by local and international artists. 

As a tourist, you can also explore its lively cultural scene, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. With its mix of history, culture, and modernity, Nantes is one of the top places in France for those seeking an enriching travel experience.

6. Versailles

Versailles is another one on the list of the best places to visit in France to get a glimpse of some artefacts of France. The Versaille Palace, for instance, provides an incredible sight to its visitors and illuminates the lives of the former monarchs. As per reports, this palace records over 10 million visits every year. During your trip, you can enjoy the beauty of several areas of the palace and grounds, including the gardens, main palace, Trianon estate, the Queen’s hamlet, and more.

7. Mont-Saint Michel

Among the most stunning sights in France are the Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay. This exquisite island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City and is one of the best places to visit in France for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of the country and its pilgrimage sites. 

Being an emblem of French heritage, this place is about four hours away from Paris. You can visit this place throughout the day and enjoy the tides giving rise to a ceaseless and pleasing ballet. 

8. Loire Valley

Loire Valley is one of the best places to visit in France in summers for some calmness and to enjoy the natural beauty. Located in Central France, Loire Valley is a picturesque region famous for its castles, vineyards, rolling hills and gardens. 

The ideal time to visit Loire Valley is summer, as the weather is warm and sunny which makes it ideal for outdoor activities. The vineyards in the region are also in full bloom during the summer, offering a chance to taste some delicious local wines. Additionally, many outdoor markets, festivals, and concerts take place during the summer months, giving you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

9. Strasbourg

Magnificent, historical, and cultural, Strasbourg is one of the most popular and best places to visit in France. It is the seventh largest city in France and provides a unique experience to its visitors of its architecture and culture. 

It is considered a fantastic place for families as it offers a wide range of activities for children and adults. One such notable place is the Cité de l'espace, a science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and simulations about space exploration. With its beautiful architecture, rich history, and family-friendly attractions, Strasbourg is perfect for a family vacation.

10. Alsace Region

Known for Christmas markets, the Alsace region is one of the best places to visit in France in winter. The area is blanketed in a layer of snow during winter, creating a magical winter wonderland. You can stroll through the charming market stalls, sample traditional sweets and mulled wine, and experience the joyous atmosphere. This place is suitable for families as well, as you can take advantage of the many winter sports like skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing that make for a unique way to explore the stunning landscape.

11. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an ideal destination for those looking for a historical and unique experience. Here, you can take part in various outdoor activities, enjoy scenic drives, and explore the ramparts, towers, and castles. 

This place is also famous for its well-preserved fortifications, Cité de Carcassonne, which is an example of medieval military architecture and is renowned for its stunning views.

12. French Alps

French Alps is one of the best places in France, known for its mountain villages, glaciers and towering peaks that offer breathtaking views and a serene environment. Apart from natural beauty, it provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures like skiing & snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in the summer. You can also enjoy the French Alps' local cuisine and immerse yourself in this beautiful region.

13. Reims

Reims transforms into a winter paradise with snow-covered streets, splendid Christmas markets, and sparkling lights in the season. It is famous for its Champagne production, and you can visit famous champagne houses like Mumm and Veuve Clicquot for a unique wine-tasting experience. 

Furthermore, the region is renowned for Notre Dame de Cathedral, which was once the French king's coronation site. During winter, the cathedral is decorated with lights from the outside and with stained glass and intricate sculptures from the inside. 

14. Dordogne & Pyrenees

Dordogne is one of the best places to visit in southwest France. It is popular for its hills dotted with vineyards, natural beauty, and quaint medieval villages. The Pyrenees are a mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain. Both places will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquillity of France's countryside.

15. Rocamadour

One of the top places to visit in southwest France is Rocamadour, known for the cliff-side setting and pilgrimage site. You can explore the well-preserved medieval village which includes the Notre Dame Chapel. In addition to its historical and spiritual appeal, Rocamadour is renowned for its local cuisine, including cheeses, foie gras, and truffles that make it suitable for food lovers. With its combination of history, religion, and gastronomy, Rocamadour is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a unique and authentic French experience.

16. Toulouse

Toulouse is a great place to visit in France with your family due to its pleasant weather, cultural heritage, and multiple key attractions. Several museums, galleries, and cafes like Cité de l'Espace offer interactive displays that are perfect for kids. 

The city also has many parks and gardens, such as the Jardin des Plantes, that are perfect for picnics and family time. With its lovely weather and abundance of kid-friendly sights and activities, Toulouse is an excellent place to visit in France.

17. Nice

Nice is located on the French Riviera and has colourful markets, vibrant street art, and lively nightlife. You can stroll along the seafront, taste local cuisine in any of the charming restaurants, or simply relax and soak up the sun. With its warm Mediterranean climate, scenic pebble beaches, and vibrant culture, Nice offers a seamless escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

18. Bordeaux

Bordeaux makes for a great winter vacation destination with beautiful architecture, a range of restaurants, a mild climate, and more. It is also famous for its wine culture, with numerous vineyards and wineries producing some of the best wines in the world. 

Bordeaux also hosts several cultural events throughout the winter including exhibitions, music, dance performances, and international cuisine. It is one of the best places in France during winter, with temperatures ranging from as low as 5 to 14 degrees Celsius.

19. Lille

Lille, located in the northern region of France, offers an inimitable blend of history, culture, and modernity. You can certainly explore the city for its delicious cuisine and a range of traditional dishes, such as the famous 'moules-frites’. The place is home to a variety of museums displaying masterpieces and arts scenes. What’s remarkable about Lille is that it is well-connected, with high-speed trains providing easy access to Paris and other regional cities. 

20. Rouen

Perched on the banks of the River Seine, the city is steeped in history and culture, with a blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy. It is one of the best places in France for history buffs, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing contemporary and classical works. Whether you're exploring the city's rich past, admiring its artistic offerings, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the river, Rouen is one of the best places to visit in France.

How to Buy Travel Insurance for France from the UAE?

travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement to visit France from the UAE. However, buying travel insurance while travelling to France is highly recommended, as it can financially secure your trip against uncertainties including medical emergencies, loss of luggage, third-party liabilities, missed, delayed or cancelled flights, trip cancellation or curtailment, and more.

Simply put, travel insurance is a crucial aspect of the trip, ensuring that you enjoy your journey without worrying about the financial implications. With a travel insurance plan, you can manage your trip without incurring hefty charges in case you face any of the above-stated issues.

It is advisable to buy travel insurance for France right after your flight tickets are confirmed to avoid any delays. Policybazaar UAE provides an ideal platform to purchase travel insurance hassle-free - you can easily complete your application and find the best plans in one place. 

Some of the other benefits of purchasing travel insurance from Policybazaar UAE are listed below – 

• Policybazaar.ae offers an easy-to-navigate platform for getting travel insurance. You can compare the top plans from popular insurance providers from the comfort of your home - all you need is a phone/laptop and a stable internet connection.
• We bring the best travel insurance plans at the most affordable rates to you. Moreover, you can find various discounts and rewards on the plans on our site.
• We provide several travel insurance plans that can be tailored to meet your specific needs such as the trip duration, activities to be performed in France, and more.
• You can reach out to our customer care team for the claim process at any time - we will connect you with the concerned person who can assist you.
• If you cannot choose an appropriate travel insurance that suits your trip, you can always contact our in-house insurance expert team. Our experts can address your queries in one go and help you make an informed choice.
• No prior technical knowledge is required to use our easy-to-navigate and intuitive platform.

Follow these simple steps to buy travel insurance from Policybazaar UAE – 

• Step-1 Visit policybazaar.ae and head to the 'Travel Insurance' section. 
• Step-2 Fill out the lead form with the requested details.
• Step-3 Once the form is submitted, you will be redirected to the travel insurance quote page, where you can explore and compare the different insurance plans.
• Step-4 Next to each plan would be a red ‘apply’ button. Tap on the button to apply for your preferred plan.
• Step-5 One of our customer representatives will reach out to you and inform you about the next steps.

To Conclude

From its gorgeous countryside, delectable cuisine, and historical monuments to its vibrant cities and fashion, France is a country that can certainly gratify your senses and capture your heart. As we saw, you can find numerous excellent places to visit in France across Paris, Versailles, Nice, Strasbourg, Nantes, and more. 

Being famous for its scenic views and cultural heritage, France is a place where the past and present coexist in harmony. Whether you're interested in history, art, food, or nature, France has something to offer everyone. The top 20 places discussed in the article are just a few of the many options available - they, however, provide a great starting point for planning your next trip to this beautiful country.

It’s important to remember unexpected events can occur irrespective of how carefully you plan your trip. Any accident, loss of baggage, or any other such incident can bring major financial expenses, not to mention the impact on the trip. For this reason, it is crucial to buy travel insurance while planning your trip to France. 

Travel insurance provides you peace of mind and financial protection if anything goes wrong during your trip. Some of the unforeseen events covered by these plans include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, loss of personal documents or luggage, and more. With an appropriate travel insurance plan, you can book your trip, pack your bags, and embrace the beauty of France with confidence, knowing that you would be protected at every step.

To make your trip smooth and stress-free, you can simply buy travel insurance and be financially prepared against possible risks and monetary losses while travelling!