Top 10 Tourist Attractions in France

France, a land of artists, poets, musicians, writers, warriors and revolutionaries is painted with some glamorous beauty. With a glorified past and dramatic history, France is a sensational experience for the tourists. Creations by one of the most proud and dignified race in the world, along with many spectacles of nature reflects wonderfully on its exciting people and their prestigious lifestyle. Here are the top ten tourist attractions in France :

10. Lascaux

Lascaux Caves are a complex of caves located in south-western France near the village of Montignac. Containing some very ancient and precious cave painting done nearly 17,300 years ago, these caves are of staggering historic significance. Most of the painting are of symbols and animals many of which are now extinct. The caves were discovered in 1940 and opened to the public in 1948. Although it was closed for a while due to some preservation issues but reopened in 1998 and has been one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in France ever since.

09. Gorges du Verdon

One of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in Europe, the river canyon named Gorges du Verdon lies in south-eastern France. The pristine Verdon River with its distinctive turquoise green water and the surrounding limestone cliffs make for a spectacular view. The most popular and charming part of the canyon lies between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. With outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, canoeing and rock climbing it is  surely one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

08. Arena of Nimes

Closely resemble the coliseum of Rome, Arena of Nimes is a famous roman amphitheater in the southern French city of Nîmes. It was built in 70 AD for many diverse events such as bullfights. After being remodeled in 1853 the location gained a capacity of 16,300 spectators. And in 1989, several new features such as movable cover and heating system was included. Many famous events such as concerts and Wrestling shows has been taking place in here in the recent years and it has become one of the most crowded tourist attractions in France.

07. Normandy Beaches

One of the greatest battles in history where almost 5000 people died in one day, took place in the Normandy beaches in the western France. On June the 6th 1944, the allied force attacked Hitler occupied France and changed the course of history forever. One of the most prominent names of the world war two, the Normandy has a number of D-Day museums and the beaches and the nearby countryside has become one f the most remarkable tourist attractions in France, taking the visitors back in time.

06. The French Riviera

One of the most popular resort destinations in the world, The French Riviera otherwise known as Côte d’Azur is the Mediterranean coastline by the city of Nice and Monaco. It was very popular to the 20th century writers and painters such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Edith Wharton and continues to be a fascination for the worldwide celebrities of the current generation. Housing many luxurious resorts and hotels, the French Riviera hosts many prominent cultural events such as Cannes Film Festival and many other great performances. With a lucrative environment for sunbathing and many other water based activities like yachting and cruising, the French Riviera is simply a superb experience ans surely deserve a place in any list of top tourist attractions in France.

05. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles in Versailles of central France is spectacularly designed Royal Château. It is a structure that turned Versailles from a rural village into one of the wealthiest suburbs in France. For a long time the château was the center of politics in France until the beginning of French revolution when the Royal Family was force out. Built during the time of Louis XIII, the palace was an architectural innovation containing countless grandly designed rooms including the splendid “hall of mirrors”. Today it is a museum and an important political venue and among the top tourist attractions in France.

04. Arc de triomphe

Arc de Triomphe meaning Triumphal Arch is an iconic monument in Paris that stands as a symbol of France’s glory and pride throughout history. Commissioned by Napoleon after France’s victory at Austerlitz, this monument is a spectacular arch built in neo-classical roman style. With engraved names of generals and victories of France, the monument honors the glory of France especially of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Along with an eternal flame dedicated to the unknown soldiers who died on World War II, it is an iconic landmark and one of the not-to-be-missed tourist attractions in France.

03. Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris or the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of greatest catholic cathedral in the world and the finest sample of Gothic Architecture. Not only is it a holy sanctuary for the Catholics, its design and architecture is absolutely breathtaking. The site has been completely restored after the vandalism during the French revolution and stands with all its glory.Here the view of the famous west facade, the Gargoyles at the south tower, Colorful stained glass windows are few of the most amazing things you can see in Paris. So, this is surely one of the must-visit tourist attractions in France.

02. The Louvre

There is few people who have not heard of the Louvre. In the heart of Paris, lies one of the greatest wonders of France, a timeless storehouse of art, knowledge and history, Musée du Louvre or the Louvre Museum.  Displaying the mysterious beauty of Mona Lisa proudly, it is probably the second most iconic landmark in Paris, Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world. Its rich artwork property, grand architecture, gigantic arena and historic implications make it the most visited museum of the world.

01.Eiffel Tower

A monument that was once hated in Paris is today the most beloved in the entire world, Eiffel tower is the structure that often symbolizes France and Paris. Built in 1889 by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower held the title of the tallest structure in the world for 41 years. Standing 324 meters the top of structure of the world which can be seen from anywhere in Paris. It offers a breathtaking view of the city especially during the night hours from its top platform including some splendid restaurants. It is the most visited paid monument in the world and a heaven for all kind of tourists.

Photo by Wolfgang Staudt