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6 Best French Holiday destinations

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Are you searching for the best holiday destination in France? Then, you’ve landed at the right place. In this article we will share six best places to go in France. So read on….

France is the world's most popular tourist destination, which should come as no surprise.

France leads the way according to statistica.com, with a staggering89 million tourists each year outnumbering Spain, which stands in second with 82 million visitors per year.

With 78 million people, the United States ranks third. Hence, these figures indicate that France is once again the world's top vacation destination.

So, what exactly draws individuals from all over the world to France? To answer this, we have compiled a list of the best place to visit in France. These locations should be on everyone's bucket list!

Moreover, it's essential to visit these cities and spend some quality time there to see beautiful France in its most authentic form. So, scroll down to find out what awaits you in this gorgeous country that has it all!

Let’s begin with...

Paris

The first city in our list of the best holiday destinations in France is Paris the French capital, and one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Outside seating area of Paris cafe on quiet street
Paris still has the traditional charm, you just need to know where to look!

It’s one of the most fascinating and attractive cities on the planet. Paris will grab your heart and soul with its beautiful architecture, elegant cafés, and more galleries than you could ever visit.

Tourism is a significant source of revenue for Paris. The magnificent French city's GDP is believed to be almost £600 billion and despite the economic recession due to COVID 19, Paris remains a significant tourist hotspot.

Moreover, the hotel-and-restaurant industry in the Paris region is one of the city's most important revenue producers.

Things to do in Paris

Here are some sites in Paris that we'd recommend to you:

Inside the Musee d'Orsay
Fall in love with art all over again at Musee d'Orsay

Admire the Beautiful Notre Dame's Exterior

One of the most stunning mediaeval Gothic churches in the world. This 850-year-old mediaeval building is famous for its high spire, stone gargoyles and magnificent sainted glass windows. It is located on a tiny island in the middle of the Seine.

View of Paris from the Eiffel Tower's Top

The Eiffel Tower, Paris' most famous monument, standing 300 feet above the city and was named after architect Gustave Eiffel in the 1880s. Take the elevators to the higher floors and admire the city's magnificent views.

The Musee d’Orsay is a great place to learn about Impressionism

Another well-known museum in Paris. It was once a railroad station and now showcases some of the world's most well-known impressionist artworks. There are paintings by Monet, Degas, Manet, Cezanne,and Van Gough on display.

Amazing things about Paris

Close ups of the Love Locks, Paris
Love Locks tell a million stories..

  •  Whether you believe it or not, Paris' most recognisable structure was only intended to serve as a temporary memorial. It was a chance for France to show off its superior technology and building abilities. As a result, it was highly disliked when it was built in 1889. Residents and high-ranking officials complained and the media dubbed it a "useless monstrosity."
  • The ‘love-locks bridge' (Pont des Arts) is no longer in existence, as magnificent as it was. The 45-ton locks that were attached to the bridge were causing structural damage and hence, were removed. The bridge has been repainted in modern art deco patterns. It's still a wonderful place to see and holds significant historical value for Paris and those millions wo put apiece of their own history on that bridge.

Discover even more things to do in Paris with Tiqets.com:

Normandy

Normandy has a lot to offer visitors with its gorgeous, diverse scenery and rich history.

View of Mont Saint-Michel on a sunny day
Mont Saint-Michel on a beautiful day

Normandy is known for its beautiful landscape, beaches, forests, majestic castles, magnificent cathedrals, and lovely historic cities like Rouen. In addition, the high quality of Normandy's food makes it a must-visit destination for gourmets.

Things to do in Normandy

On the Dieppe Port, try some nutritious and delicious seafood.

If you want to eat healthy while on vacation in Normandy, Dieppe is the place to go.

If you visit the Port of Dieppe, two healthy and tasty sea foods might brighten your day: herring (an Omega3-rich fish) and scallops (a shellfish that contains 80 percent of protein).

Discover one of France's most well-known sites.

One of France's most historical attractions is Mont Saint-Michel.

It's a mediaeval town constructed on top of a large rock in Avranches, near the mouth of the Couesnon River, with an abbey erected in the 8th century. Mont Saint-Michel is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a testament to its value as a piece of history and an icon of French tradition.

Take a walk through the Étretat Chalk Complex

Étretat, a popular tourist spot in Normandy, is a hidden gem that’s only recently getting the attention it deserves.

The views of the pebbled beach, the alabaster cliffs, the clean seas for swimming, and the charming town make it a must-see.Climb both cliffs for breathtaking views. 

Discover more things to do in Caen, Normandy with Tiqets.com:

Amazing things about Normandy

  • In Normandy, there are 28 Michelin-starred restaurants
  • The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen, which stands at 151 metres, is France's highest structure. After Paris, the city has the second-highest number of listed buildings in France
  • In Normandy, there are four Regional Natural Parks: Cotentin and Bessin Marshes, Seine Meanders, Normandie-Maine, and Perch

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, located on the Loire River in central France, is famous for its plentiful food, renowned wine industry, active culture and magnificent châteaux.

Front shot of the Château de Chambord, Loire Valley
The iconic Château de Chambord, still standing strong

Further, it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of France's most exciting destinations.

Things to do in Loire Valley

Chartres Cathedral is worth seeing.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is a remarkable Gothic cathedral that attracts pilgrims and visitors worldwide. So, join the ranks and pay a visit to this magnificent church, which has exquisite stained glass and artistry.

Take a tour of Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord, located on the left bank of the Loire River, is France's most iconic Renaissance landmark. This beautiful royal palace, which is a sight to behold, served as inspiration for the construction of the Château de Versailles.

Get lost in the beauty of Azay-le-Rideau.

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, perched on an island in the Indre River, has the appearance of a fairytale castle. The reflection of the facade in the calm waters provides a dreamlike atmosphere.

Amazing things about Loire Valley

  • Roses are popular in the Loire Valley. The Rose de la Paix, a magnificent white rose explicitly produced to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, was developed in Doué la Fontaine
  • Anjou's sweet wines are cultivated in an area known as "Anjou Noir" or "black Anjou." The term originates from the well-known dark colour of the local schist soils.

Marseille

Marseille is France's oldest city and the second largest after Paris.

Scenic view over waters and cliffs in Marseille
Marseille has some beauty weather and stunning scenery

It’s been a significant trading hub for centuries due to its beautiful natural harbour. Marseille is a city suited for exploring, from its ancient old town to its mix of architectural styles. While visiting Marseille is enjoyable at any time of year, the city's charms shine most on sunny days.

Things to do in Marseille

Visit a museum housed within a historic structure.

MuCEM, as it's known locally, is a museum housed in a fort from the 12th century and a contemporary building with complicated architecture. Thousands of pictures, postcards, videos and exhibitions let visitors learn about the history of Mediterranean civilisations while also revealing the rich history of Marseille. A 115m suspension bridge between the museum and Fort Saint-Jean is one of the attractions.

Explore a stunning museum Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp is a beautiful 1869 landmark most renowned for its majestic fountain, arcades and water features. The Palace is worth seeing on its own. Still, it also provides an opportunity to visit two of Marseille's most famous museums: the Museum of Natural History and the Muséedes Beaux-Arts.

Try Marseille's most famous dish.

Marseille's most famous dish is bouillabaisse, and the way it's served here is quite different from what you'll find elsewhere in Provence. The broth is served separately from the fish, and the stew is created with three native, bony fish that were previously unavailable for sale at the market.

Discover more things to do in Marseille with Tiqets.com:

Amazing things about Marseille

  • Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, and Roy Scheider feature a 1971 American drama thriller film 'The French Connection'. It was shot in and around Marseille
  • Marseilles is France's oldest city. It was established 2,600 years ago
  • Marseille has 16 arrondissements (districts) and 111 distinct quartiers (neighbourhoods)

Nice

Nice is a southern coastal city with a distinct culture and customs and one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions.

Aerial shot of beachgoers, Nice, France
Nice has blue water and golden sand!

While many visitors travel through Nice on their route to the pleasant little villages along the French Riviera, the city has many fun things to do.

Things to do in Nice

Masséna is a beautiful place to visit.

Place Masséna is the city's main square. It's a large area in the city’s heart, only a few metres from the Promenade des Anglais, or English Walk. Many visitors praised Place Masséna as an ideal place for photography, with mesmerising tilework, lit display fountains and seven iconic sculptures serving as unforgettable backdrops.

Chill at the beach

One of the things to do in Nice is to lounge on the beach and take it all in. Many tourists that visit Nice, make time to find a nice spot and enjoy the surroundings and vibe. There are several beach sports to choose from, especially in the summer. Some of the activities available on the long coastline sandy beaches include sun bathing and swimming.

Enjoy seafood at Nice Marina

If you love seafood, the Nice marina has several restaurants where you may satisfy your cravings. Le Rocher, Peixes, Lobsta, and Molo 26 provide the most fabulous Mediterranean seafood and are reasonably priced.

Experience Nice to the fullest with Tiqets.com:

Amazing things about Nice

  • Nice is a city where Italian is widely spoken
  • The Greeks founded Nice in the 4thcentury BC
  • Nice is one of the cities in France with the most museums
  • Phoenix Park Floral in Nice is home to Europe's largest greenhouse, which houses 2,500 different plant varieties

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an exciting tourist destination in a lovely area of Southwest France, with its urban beauty and provincial charm.

Cafe in a local square, Bordeaux
A quiet square to have lunch and enjoy the view

Because of its location on a crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne River,Bordeaux is known as the "Port of the Moon."

Further, Bordeaux was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 due to its abundance of architectural masterpieces. In addition, more than 350 structures have been listed as historical monuments.

Things to do in Bordeaux

Join a wine-tasting trip and learn about Bordeaux wines

Although excellent wines are produced throughout France, Bordeaux is known as the country's wine capital. Therefore, going to Bordeaux is like embarking on a voyage into the world of wine.

 Pay a visit to one of Bordeaux's most famous sights

The Place de la Bourse is a beautiful city plaza that faces the Garonne River and is surrounded by large, stately structures. Admire the square's exquisite symmetry and surrounding structures,which were meant to represent the king's power and bring Bordeaux into the modern era.

 Visit the Quais de Bordeaux and the Jardin Public

Hanging around in the wonderfully groomed public parks and quays and taking in the sights of the lovely city is one of the most soothing things to do in Bordeaux. One of Europe's most beautiful waterfronts in the magnificent promenade on the left side of the Garonne, lined with benches, flower gardens, and meadows. The lovely Jardin Public park is another ideal public area for getting away from the rush and bustle of the city.

Explore more of Bordeaux with Tiqets.com:

Amazing things about Bordeaux

  • La Belle Endormie, which translates as Sleeping Beauty, is one of Bordeaux's nicknames.
  • The longest commercial street in Europe, Rue Sainte Catherine, is located in Bordeaux and is 1.2 kilometers long.
  • Bordeaux is France's largest appellation, producing 900 million bottles of wine each year from roughly250,000 acres of vineyard.
  • Bordeaux is a significant economic hub in France, with the fifth-largest metropolitan population in the country.

Wrapping Up

Finally, we hope you've discovered the best places to holiday in France for you,from the above-mentioned places. With that, enjoy your fantastic holiday and wehope it’s better than you could’ve hoped!

Don't forget you can sort out your flight and accommodation needs with us as well!

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