France Sights: 15 beautiful places and highlights

My Top 10 Sights in France

France is totally diverse in landscape - like the Calanques near Marseille

1. Paris

2. The cliffs of Étretat

3. Le Mont-Saint-Michel

4. Surfing on the Atlantic coast

5. Castles of the Loire

6. Île de Ré

7. Dune du Pilat

8. Bordeaux

9. Gouffre de Padirac and Lascaux Cave

10. Lac d'Annecy

1. paris

Let's start, how could it be otherwise, with the city of love. Paris is not only one of the most important cities in Europe, but also the capital of France.

In various articles, we show you the most important sights in Paris, the most important tips around the Eiffel Tower and our hotel recommendation - the Jules & Jim.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous sights in Paris, in the light of the setting sun.

By the way, Paris is one of the cities that you can reach without a plane. From Munich, you can get there by train in just 7 hours and explore the arrondissements and enjoy the romantic atmosphere on the Seine!

And there really is something for everyone in Paris. While architecture lovers can't miss the classics like the Eiffel Tower or the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, history buffs should definitely head to Versailles Palace, not far away. Events such as the traditional flea markets or the many museums and theatres in the city round off the offer.

The Moulin Rouge is one of the top sights in Paris.

All the young at heart are in the right place at Disneyland, museum lovers at the Louvre and fashionistas in the fashion boutiques of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. But for those who like it cosy and want to feel like Emily in Paris, there are also many beautiful sights and cafés to discover! Definitely make a stop at one of the many lovely cafés!

A great highlight in Paris might also be a flight in a helicopter*. Psssst. Perfect for a proposal ;-)

Tip: Also great for city trips are Lyon, for example, where the famous Festival of Lights takes place every December, or Strasbourg. Here you can find the most beautiful sights in Strasbourg with all the important information about the city in Alsace.

2. cliffs of Étretat

You may have seen a picture of the next place and wondered where to find this breathtaking landscape. This refers to the impressive cliffs of Étretat, one of the most beautiful areas in France.

Étretat is a small French municipality in Normandy. The seaside resort is located directly on the English Channel on a cliff coast that is as long as 120 kilometres. The steep cliffs with their extraordinary rock formations were formed hundreds of millions of years ago!

The sight is made even more special by the stark contrast of the turquoise-blue sea and the white chalk cliffs. Their colour, by the way, is also responsible for the nickname "Alabaster Coast".

The famous cliffs of Étretat are very impressive.

The three rock gates are world-famous. The most famous is the Porte d'Aval with the rock needle Aiguille. The small stone beach in Étretat is also popular - in summer you can even swim here.

Tip: Also on the English Channel and between Étretat and our next destination is Omaha Beach. This is the name given to the stretch of coast by the Allies during the Second World War, where today there is an impressive American military cemetery.

View of the cliffs of Étretat with a plane

Tip: If you want to experience the Normandy coast in a different way, you can also fly over the coast of Etretat* in a microlight aircraft. Doesn't that sound exciting?

3 Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Mont-Saint-Michel is also an unforgettable sight, especially for photographers, and of course one of the most famous places in France.

France's most visited natural monument consists of a small rocky island. On only about 4 square kilometres, about 30 parishioners live here. The island's surroundings are truly spectacular, not only because of the few houses at the foot of the island, which is about 92 metres high without buildings.

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is perched on the highest point of the island and is a popular tourist attraction. The monastery was built in the 8th century and even served as a prison for a time. Today, the mountain with the abbey and also the bay are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the French section of the Way of St. James.

Incidentally, the fairytale island is about one kilometre from the coast and surrounded by mudflats. Today, the distance is bridged by a jetty, as the old dam had led to the bay silting up.

The majestic Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is enthroned on the highest point of the island.

You have a brilliant view of Mont-Saint-Michel when you sail ashore* in the bay. This is definitely a special experience.

⭐ Recommended travel guides for your holiday in France

These travel guides are the best choice if you want to plan your holiday in France or if you want to read up on all the important information while you're there.

4 Surfing on the Atlantic coast

Let's move on to an attraction that is not about a specific place. It's an activity that you can do all along the French Atlantic coast.

The most popular places to surf on the Atlantic range from Brest, at the westernmost tip of France, to the Spanish border in the very south of the country, where the town of Hossegor is located. These places are particularly popular with young people seeking the thrill of surfing.

While the more northerly places are not yet so crowded, further south it becomes much more touristy. But here you will find the best beach breaks. This is also exciting for all beginners - beach breaks are surf spots where the waves break on a sandbank. This usually makes them less dangerous and ideal for learning to surf!

Tip: Kitesurfing is better in the English Channel than on the Atlantic. Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, for example, is particularly popular!

Great activities in France

5. castles of the Loire

Back inland, a beautiful landscape awaits you, perfect for sightseeing. The Loire Valley runs like a blue ribbon through the heart of France, providing stunning flora and fauna.

The French aristocracy in the 16th century was so enchanted by the beauty of the valley that over 400 magnificent castles were built here. Today, almost all epochs of European art history are represented here, which makes the region so special and popular as a tourist destination.

Since 2000, the Loire Valley between the towns of Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire has even been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due not least to the rich architectural heritage and the two-thousand-year-old development of the valley as a cultural landscape.

The castles of the Loire are all outstandingly beautiful and an absolute "must see" in France.

By the way, you can also tour the Loire Valley by bike. Since 2012, there has been a cycling route here called "La Loire à Vélo", which runs for a total of 800 kilometres along the river and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The largest, best-known and probably most impressive castle complex in the Loire Valley is Chambord Castle with 440 rooms and an extraordinarily beautiful façade and location. It is located around 2 hours' drive south of Paris and was built in the 16th century as a magnificent hunting lodge. A particular highlight inside is the double-flight spiral staircase, which may even have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci!

Other famous castles in the Loire Valley include Blois Castle, which dates back to the 10th century, Amboise Castle, considered the cradle of the French Renaissance, or Chenonceau Castle, a moated castle with an imposing arched bridge.

6. Île de Ré

We return to the French Atlantic coast. In the Bay of Biscay lies the Île de Ré, a real jewel and a little insider tip.

The island is 30 kilometres long and between 100 metres and 5 kilometres wide. It is also called "Ré la Blanche", i.e. "Ré the White", because of the large salt deposits. The island was even known in the 7th century, but under the Greek name "Ratis".

Île de Ré is also known for its oyster and mussel farming and fishing. Agriculture and salt production still play an important role today - for example in the salt marshes near Loix.

Plenty of sun, flat sandy beaches and relatively warm water also make the island a popular and family-friendly holiday destination.

In addition to the salt marshes and white beaches, the island's ten villages are among the most popular attractions. The largest is Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where you'll find historic fortifications, many chic cafés and restaurants to stroll around in and discover the beautiful landscape and architecture on a walking tour.

The flat island is also ideal for cycling. There are not only lighthouses, ruins, fish locks and bird sanctuaries to discover, but also forests and dunes. Speaking of dunes - I'll show you one in particular now!

7 Dune du Pilat

The Dune du Pilat is our last destination directly on the Atlantic Ocean. With a height of up to 110 metres, it is the highest shifting sand dune in Europe. It moves between one and 5.5 metres every year and is almost 3 kilometres long in total.

With over one million visitors, it is also the second most visited natural monument in France after Le Mont-Saint-Michel. The highlight: climb the steep eastern flank to the summit ridge and enjoy the breathtaking view over the fascinating coastal landscape and the forested base of the dune! In the high season, a staircase is also set up for an easier ascent and descent.

It's also a great place to go paragliding. There are also several camping and parking sites directly at the Dune du Pilat. You can also swim in the area.

Tip: If you want to see the Dune du Pilat from the air, you can do so during a paragliding flight*.

Our next destination is only about an hour away from the Dune du Pilat by car. Find out more now!

The mighty Dune du Pilat dunes in France are a top attraction

8 Bordeaux

What else can't be missing in France? That's right - wine. And one of the country's most famous wine-growing regions is Bordeaux. In French, by the way, the region is called Bordelais, as are its inhabitants.

The famous red wine of Bordeaux is mainly made from three grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In total, there are around 3000 wineries, called châteaux, that produce the alcoholic beverage. So I would definitely recommend a wine tasting!

The famous cathedral in the city of Bordeaux

The region also has a lot to offer in the way of culinary delights. Fish, oysters and seafood are just as much a part of the menu as red meat with red wine sauce and shallots, for example the famous entrecote à la Bordelaise. A real speciality are the canelés, small cakes with rum, vanilla and caramelised crust.

However, Bordeaux is not only known for its wine and typical cuisine, but also as a tourist attraction due to its location on the Geronne River, the historic city centrewith the cathedral and the many museums. This is why Bordeaux is also known as the secret capital of France or the "Paris of the South".

There is only one thing that the region untypically does not have to offer: its own cheese. Nevertheless, you shouldn' t miss out on a visit to Bordeaux!

9 Gouffre de Padirac and Lascaux Cave

Next, we visit two underground sights. But that really only refers to their location - because the two caves are anything but boring!

We start with the Gouffre de Padirac. This is a grotto formed by a river that runs over a hundred metres underground. When a cave collapsed above the river, it created a circular hole with vertical walls that the locals called a gouffre. This means gorge or abyss.

You can visit the Gouffre and about one kilometre of the underground cave system from the end of March to the beginning of November. First you have to descend a steel tower - at the bottom there are guided tours, during which you can even travel part of the way by boat on the underground river.

Not far away is a grotto of a very different kind. The Lascaux Cave dates back to the Neolithic period and contains important cave paintings. Along with other sites and caves in the Vézère valley, the Lacasaux cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the air breathed by visitors damaged the rock paintings after only a short time, the cave, which was discovered in 1940, was quickly closed to the public. Today, however, you can marvel at the exact replica of two cave sections right next to the original grotto.

10 Lac d'Annecy

We have arrived in the south-east of France. Here lies the Lac d'Annecy, the sixth largest lake in the country with a length of almost 15 kilometres.

Lac d'Annecy is considered the cleanest lake in Europe. This is because it is fed by mountain rivers and no waste water may be discharged into the lake - the water here is therefore of drinking water quality.

The area around the lake is therefore a popular recreational area with many leisure, sports and hiking opportunities as well as campsites and accommodation for overnight stays. A special highlight is deep water soloing on a steep rock face on the eastern shore of Lac d'Annecy - here you climb without a safety net directly above the water, which catches you safely in the event of a fall.

What else is there to do in Lac d'Annecy? If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments.

Tip: There are also great ski resorts nearby in the middle of the Alps, such as La Plagne or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - you can find out more about them at the end of this list in point 15!

At Lac d'Annecy you can watch paragliders.

11. papal palace of Avignon

We continue in Provence, one of the most famous regions of France. Here you will find Avignon, a beautiful city on the Rhône.

The long history of Avignon goes back to the Neolithic Age and was influenced by the Celts and Romans. However, the city's heyday began in the Middle Ages, when Avignon became the seat of the popes and thus the capital of Christianity for seventy years. The city is also home to many interesting places to discover.

Important attractions from this period include the almost completely preserved city wall, which is almost impossible to walk around due to its size and from which you have a wonderful view over the city. Magnificent medieval houses and dreamy squares and alleyways complete the historic old town ensemble.

The absolute highlight of Avignon, however, is the Papal Palace. Just like the Pont d'Avignon, which leads to the building, it is one of the most famous sights in France. Today, you can not only admire the former seat of the Catholic popes from the outside, but also visit its interior.

The mighty Papal Palace in Avignon

12. lavender fields in Provence

If you're wondering why Provence isn't about lavender fields, this is the place for you!

In principle, you'll come across the first purple blobs just outside Avignon. The real lavender fields, however, are more likely to be found in High Provence, in Vaucluse and on the Valensole plateau. Valensole in particular should be familiar to those who are active on Instagram ????.

The lavender fields of Provence are a popular photo motif

The best time to visit is between the end of June and the middle of July. At this time, there are many beautiful places in Provence to enjoy the lavender in full bloom. Although lavender flowers until August, many farmers start harvesting in mid or late July. However, this means that the first two weeks of July are also particularly busy.

On the Provence website you will find a nice overview map with the most important regions and flowering times of the lavender.

Tip: In Provence, very close to the famous Valensole, lies the Verdon Gorge. The 21-kilometre-long canyon, through which a turquoise river flows, is considered a scenic highlight and popular hiking destination. Climbers and water sports enthusiasts also get their money's worth here. 13.

13 Marseille and the Calanques

The last part of this list takes place on the Mediterranean. First stop: the coastal town of Marseille, both the oldest and second largest city in France.

According to ancient legend, Marseille came into being as early as 600 BC, when Greek sailors exploring the Mediterranean coast encountered a Celtic people. A Celtic king's daughter then married the leader of the Greek visitors and together they founded the settlement of Massalia.

The main attractions of the southern French port city are, for example, the old port Vieux Port and the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, which towers high above the town centre. What else is there to see in Marseille? Culinary highlights include the famous fish soup bouillabaisse, which originated in the city.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde towers high above the centre of Marseille.

A real highlight of Marseille, however, is located outside the city centre. The so-called Parc national des Calanques was inaugurated in 2012 and serves to protect the Calanques, the coastal limestone mountains including the shore area.

You can explore the white cliffs either on foot, from the water by boat or directly on the rock face in adventurous climbing manoeuvres. In some paradisiacal bays you can even go swimming. But: From the beginning of July to mid-September, the Calanques are closed to tourists due to nature conservation reasons and fire danger. However, you can still take the hiking trail along the coast.

By the way, you can also explore the Calanques on a via ferrata*. This offers great views.

The famous Calanques in France are one of the must-see places in France.

14 Côte d'Azur

The section of the French Mediterranean coast known as the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur also begins in Cassis near Marseille. The name, by the way, comes from the great azure colour of the sea.

Nice is considered the capital of the Côte d'Azur. No other city on the Mediterranean coast has more museums, churches, gardens and parks to offer. Also exciting is the tradition of firing a cannon every day at 12 o'clock since 1860. It's still done today, so don't be alarmed!

Menton borders directly on Italy, making it the easternmost town on the blue coast. The colourful houses, the beautiful harbour and the surrounding mountains make for a truly wonderful panorama. On top of that, the climate is extremely mild and there are over 300 days of sunshine a year - so let's go!

Other famous cities on the Côte d'Azur include Cannes and Saint Tropez. However, you can not only make beautiful excursions to the cities, but also take advantage of the unique nature of the Maritime Alps for hiking or spend a few relaxing days at the beach.

The sunset on the city beach of Cannes is a dreamlike experience that could be a special highlight for families with children.

15. Mont Blanc area and Chamonix

Mont Blanc (also spelled Mont Blanc) is France's highest mountain. In Italian it is called Monte Bianco - white mountain. It is 4810 metres high, making it the highest mountain in the Alps and the EU. Besides Mont Blanc, the Mont Blanc group is worth mentioning. It is a mountain group in the Western Alps. Many a mountaineer has the dream of climbing Mont Blanc.

The 4,810 metre high summit of Mont Blanc - taken with a light telephoto zoom.

If you want to get a taste of spectacular high-altitude air, there are some cool places to visit in Chamonix. One of the highest peaks you can visit is the Aiguille du Midi. The train takes you up to 3842 metres in just 20 minutes. Up here in the high mountains you can, for example, do a ridge walk, but remember that you need crampons, an ice axe and a rope team.

The trip up to the Aiguille du Midi costs €67 return for adults.

Biggi ice climbing in Chamonix at Mer de Glace

Chamonix is a famous mountaineering resort and centre of alpinism in France. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc unites countless resorts and ski areas. For example Argentière with the ski area Les Grands Montets, Le Tour in the north, Les Bossons, Les Praz de Chamonix, Les Tines and Le Lavancher. Chamonix is also the centre of winter sports in France. The ski mountains Le Brévent and La Flégère are particularly well known. The latter is a family ski area. If you are a beginner(first time skier), you should prefer Les Planards.

Right next to Mont Blanc is a huge glacier, the Mer de Glace. It is France's largest glacier and an attraction worth seeing. You can also go ice climbing here, but we recommend that you only go on guided tours, as glaciers and their deep crevasses are dangerous.

A glacier on Mont Blanc offers the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful viewpoint.

Extra tip: Island of Corsica

Our last destination also offers an incredibly exciting and varied landscape. For this, however, we have to leave the French mainland - because we are going to the island of Corsica.

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean and lies to the west of Italy. As a result, Corsica has an almost typically Italian atmosphere.

The Piscia di Gallo waterfall is one of the highlights of Corsica that you should see.

With a mountain range up to 2500 metres high, bathing beaches with crystal-clear water, dense forests and a mild Mediterranean climate, Corsica is not only a paradise for hikers, cyclists and photographers, but also for families with children and beach holidaymakers.

The island also has many beautiful places to offer that are perfect for strolling through, strolling and exploring. These include, for example, the capital Ajaccio - where Napoleon Bonaparte was born - or the harbour town Bastia.

We have not only summarised the top 15 sights on Corsica for you, but also some exciting hikes. For example, to Lake Nino, to Monte Rotondo or through the Spelunca Gorge. For more tours, just search for the keyword "Corsica" on the blog!

Two really great activities in Corsica that are very popular are canyoning in the Aiguilles de Bavella* and a boat trip in the Calanques de Piana.

Facts and figures

• France has almost 67 million inhabitants

• France is the most popular tourist destination in the world with almost 90 million visitors a year

• 6 billion baguettes are sold in France every year

• There are a total of around 40,000 castles in France

• France is the largest country in the EU by land area