There’s a reason why France is the world’s most visited country. Every year, some 89 million visitors travel to France to experience its charming cities and towns, romantic culture, and world-famous attractions. These are also the reasons why many travel here for a French language exchange or homestay.
France is a country of substance and style, with countless Instagram-worthy places just ready and waiting to be explored. Below, we explore the prettiest.
Mont-Saint-Michel
We’ll start our rundown with perhaps the most iconic image after the Eiffel Tower. Mont-Saint-Michel is a fairy-tale setting that’s steeped in maritime history.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated where Normandy and Brittany meet. The island features a medieval abbey surrounded by an ancient village and boasts views that will take your breath away.
It was constructed between the 11th and 16th century, and was the brainchild of Bishop Aubert of Avranches. He founded Mont-Saint-Michel in the 8th century after Archangel Michael appeared to him in a dream.
Palace of Versailles
As the principal royal residence of France from 1682, the Palace of Versailles was a labour of love for King Louis XIV and was as a result just as flamboyant and indulgent as his reign.
The magnificent palace is considered the grandest in the world. Its extravagant interior and highly stylised gardens attract visitors from all over the globe. Each part of the 800-hectare estate is as beautiful as the last; from the park and gardens to the palace itself.
Pink Granite Coast
Located close to the village of Ploumanac’h, the Pink Granite Coast is stunning to look at and a wonder of nature. The 30km stretch of rocky coastline provides a colourful walk in the heart of Brittany.
The rocks that give the coast its name have a rose-tinted hue and come in a variety of unusual shapes after being sculpted by the tide and the wind. Throw in white sandy beaches and turquoise seas, and you have a vibrant landscape that’s picture perfect.
Provence Lavender Fields
Whilst lavender is found in many parts of France and indeed the world, the lavender fields of Provence provide the most stunning sea of purple you’ll ever witness.
The region offers many places to appreciate the sight and smell of French lavender, with farms and their fields in the south particularly well-trodden. Those looking to go off the beaten track in search of sprawling lavender fields and scenic views should try Drôme as Condé Nast Traveller reveals:
“The region’s wildcard – the Drôme department in the north of Provence is far enough away from the well-trodden fields further south that you might get these farms almost to yourself – it's about two and a half hours from Notre-Dame de Senanque in the car.
Drowsy village Valaurie, near to Bordeaux, sits in the middle of vineyards and lavender fields – there are plenty of footpaths for exploring the different patches of purple or taking a bike ride through the fragrant fields.”
Visit Provence from the end of June until mid-July to see lavender fields in full bloom.
Loire Valley
Loire Valley is known widely as chateau country. The region is home to over 300 chateaus providing a series of ornate settings to while away those days. Explore the country’s most incredible castles and witness their splendour first-hand when studying in France.
Cliffs of Étretat
The chalk cliffs of Étretat in Upper Normandy are another instance of nature’s incredible carving abilities. The sea cliffs and rock formations can be seen in an array of interesting shapes, and have even inspired great works of literature and art.
Gorges du Verdon
Hike your way through the most magnificent landscape by visiting Gorges du Verdon. Based in the south of France, Gorges du Verdon is the largest and arguably most stunning river canyon in Europe thanks to its towering verges and turquoise-green waters. Explore by foot or canoe, or go extreme with some bouldering or cycling.
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