France

Tourist Guide

The Eiffel Tower with a cityscape in the background.
The Eiffel Tower surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A historic town with a canal, a castle, and traditional buildings with illuminated signs.
A group of people standing by a stone wall overlooking a historic building.
A historic tower with a pointed roof, surrounded by lush green trees and a calm river.

Famous for fashion and first-class cuisine, this influential European nation features monumental cities, quaint alpine villages and glamorous beach resorts.

Perhaps best known for its delicious wine and cuisine, France has many layers to uncover. In addition to visiting cities filled with fashion houses and the celebrity haven of the French Riviera, discover its rural side, where farmhouses, mountain peaks and majestic lakes dominate the scene.

In Paris, gaze up at the most recognizable attraction in all France: the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 and designed by Gustave Eiffel to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, this wrought iron tower welcomes almost 7 million visitors a year. Ride the elevator high up the tower to appreciate a spectacular panoramic view of Paris.

Another popular highlight is the Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral. Climb the 387 steps up the bell tower for a wonderful view of the city. The Louvre, frequently cited as the world’s greatest art museum, is another Parisian must-see. Visit in the late afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.

For a different perspective of Gothic architecture, check out Strasbourg Cathedral in the Alsace region of France. Arrive by late morning to witness the 12:30 p.m. performance of the cathedral’s astronomical clock.

Find a more laid-back, rural side to France in the chateaux-dotted Loire Valley or the peaceful and pastoral Dordogne, where picture-perfect villages and wine-tasting opportunities abound. In the eastern part of France, discover the majesty of Lake Annecy and the French Alps. Visit during summer to enjoy scenic alpine walks or during winter for a snow-filled ski break.

On the Mediterranean coast, glamour rules the yacht-filled towns of St. Tropez and Cannes, while inland, Provence has Roman ruins, purple lavender fields and lovely rosé wines.

Numerous major airports serve flights to and from France: Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports in Paris, Côte d'Azur International Airport in Nice and Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport in Lyon. Ride trams or metros in France’s bigger cities, take the train between cities or rent a car to get out into the countryside. Fall under the spell of this enchanting country.

Popular cities in France

The Eiffel Tower with a clear blue sky in the background.
Paris
Known for Cafes, Museums and Art
With a deserved reputation as one of the world’s most cultural and romantic cities, it is easy to forget that Paris is also one of the busiest and most exciting.

Reasons to visit

  • Disneyland® Paris
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Louvre Museum
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A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a cityscape in the background, and a clear blue sky.
Nice
Known for Dining, Beaches and Shopping
The Bay of Angels provides a sparkling backdrop for this French Riviera city of artists, sun-seekers and a glamorous seafront promenade.

Reasons to visit

  • Promenade des Anglais
  • Place Massena
  • Port of Nice
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A marina with numerous boats docked, colorful buildings, and a prominent church on a hill in the background.
Marseille
Known for Ports, Business and Cafes
Marseilles is Europe's last major metropolis before Africa. It's a multicultural city full of contrasts, where every neighbourhood is a little piece of a grand urban and maritime history.

Reasons to visit

  • Velodrome Stadium
  • Grand Port Maritime de Marseille
  • Prado Beach
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A coastal town with a marina filled with boats, a lighthouse, and a clear blue sky.
Cannes
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
The seaside city of Cannes, city of cinema and a symbol of year-round easy living, has numerous attractions that won't fail to impress.

Reasons to visit

  • Promenade de la Croisette
  • Palace of Festivals and Conferences
  • Cannes Harbour
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A statue of an angel overlooking a densely packed city with red-roofed buildings and a river.
Lyon
Known for Historical, Business and Museums
Famous for its food, silk and cinema, the point where north and south meet, and with a history by turns troubled and prosperous, Lyon is a city with many faces.

Reasons to visit

  • Bellecour Square
  • Part Dieu Mall
  • Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
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A pink building with multiple windows and a black roof, surrounded by green grass and trees, with mountains in the background.
Vignieu
Check out Saint-Theudere Church of Saint-Chef and Walibi Rhône-Alpes—just a couple of the sights around Vignieu.
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Stay near popular France attractions

A castle with pink and blue towers, a clock, and golden accents.

Disneyland® Paris

9.0/10 (9,692 reviews)
Dreams come true with a trip to this beloved theme park. Find all the magic, excitement, thrills and joy you could ever wish for.
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Popular places to visit

Mickey Mouse in front of a castle with multiple towers and spires.

Disneyland® Paris

Dreams come true with a trip to this beloved theme park. Find all the magic, excitement, thrills and joy you could ever wish for.

Disneyland® Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris with people sitting and standing around it.

Eiffel Tower

Nothing says Paris like this landmark of iron latticework emblematic of the City of Light.

Eiffel Tower
The Louvre Museum's courtyard with the iconic glass pyramid.

Louvre Museum

Home to the Mona Lisa, and instantly recognizable by its glass pyramid, this landmark has vast collections of well-known art from France and around the world.

Louvre Museum

France

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