tourist guide french

Holiday ideas

No idea where you want to go? Let us help!

Provence villages

Our favourite five villages in Provence

Hotels in France

Visit france.

We can help you visit any town, village or region of France...

A tour of Corsica

Your Corsica visit: step by step!

Visit Levionna

Enjoyed "Anthracite" on Netflix? Visit Pont-en-Royans (Levionna)

How far is that?

Find out how long your journey will take

Towns and villages

Thousands of towns & villages in France

Advertisement

Port-manech.

Port Manec'h is an attractive seaside village which became popular in the Belle Epoque.

Regions of France

Start exploring the regions of France.

Chateau de Chantilly

The Chateau de Chantilly is an extensive castle from the 16th-19th centuries, surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland

Visit France: a travel guide with places to visit and reviews from France This Way

It isn't easy to know where to start when you are planning to visit France! We suggest you first select a region, then a department within that region, then an area within that department when deciding where to visit...to get you started, below we mention the main reasons each region attracts visitors

Our travel guides review each region of France, then each regional travel guide has more detailed department travel guides, each in turn with reviews and guides for many of the most popular places to visit throughout France. Start exploring here:

Northern France with Brittany, Normandy & Paris

The north-west is a very popular region of France with visitors, and includes the coastline and islands of Brittany , one of the most visited regons of France. You can also explore the popular family beaches of the Western Loire (Pays-de-la-Loire region) and the unspoiled countryside, gardens and traditional architecture of Normandy

The north-east region includes the popular villages and vineyards and villages of Alsace and the famous champagne producing region of Champagne-Ardenne .

Other regions of northern France include Lorraine (not very visited by tourists in France, as well as Picardy and the coastal area of Nord-Pas-de-Calais whch includes some picturesque resorts and towns

See the Paris travel guide if you are planning a visit to the most famous city in the world!

Central France with the Loire Valley & Burgundy

The Burgundy region is best known for its scenery, historic towns and vineyards, while further west the Loire Valley (the Centre region) contains numerous world famous chateaux.

To the east of here are the attractive hills and countryside of the Franche Comte region, while the western coast and Poitou-Charentes includes highlights such as historic La Rochelle and the beaches of the Ile-de-Ré.

In the heart of France, the Limousin region includes some of the least visited but most attractive scenery in the country and you can enjoy the rugged beauty and unspoiled countryside of the Auvergne region, also part of the extensive Massif Central area.

Southern France with Provence and the Dordogne

The south-east attracts more visitors than any other region of France because of the many scenic highlights and extensive Mediterranean coast in Provence and along the Cote d'Azur (French Riviera). The very scenic Rhone Alpes region is to the north of here and  Corsica , often referred to as the 'Island of Beauty', is off the coast to the south.

Travelling west from here it is the coast and scenery of Languedoc-Roussillon that attracts many visitors, while the Midi-Pyrenees extends northwards from the Pyrenees mountains along the Spanish border to the villages and gorges around Cahors and Figeac.

In south-west France the Aquitaine region is famous for its Atlantic beaches, 19th century resorts such as Biarritz, and the countryside and villages of the Dordogne department.

Popular & Useful

① Ideas & inspiration ② Maps of France ③ Explore by region ④ Route planner ⑤ Places (by dept.)

Departments, towns and villages

The 22 regions of France are further divided into departments of France and these contain the 35,800 places in France - usually towns and villages.

You can also use our index of places in France to find any place you are looking for when planning your trip.

France This Way group

Please visit our parent site Europe This Way for more travel destinations across Europe (e.g. we have a detailed guide by our Italy expert: Italy This Way )

We are always very pleased to hear suggestions, comments, photos relating to both this site and France in general - please let us know how we can improve!

Food and drink in France

No visit to France would be complete without enjoying some traditional French recipes, and every lover of France knows what an important role food has for the French.

We include the most traditional French recipes such as cassoulet and tarte aux pommes, and lots of others that are less common but equally tasty!

Facts and figures

See the France info section for loads of facts and figures for anything French, from the history of the baguette to the words of the Marseillaise and how to renovate a property in France , and much more besides.

We also have some great photos of animals you might encounter at wildlife in France .

History of France

Read about the history of France from prehistory onwards and visit some of the castles in France .

The history and culture of France are closely linked - see France culture which looks at artists, language, architecture, French film directors...

Recently added / updated

Cap d'Agde, France: travel and tourism, attractions and sightseeing

Cap d'antibes france travel and tourism, attractions and sightseeing and cap d'antibes reviews, places to visit, sant'antonino corsica travel and tourism, attractions and sightseeing and sant'antonino reviews, the presqu'ile de giens is a popular travel destination south of hyères, ploumanac'h (with saint-guirec) is a small village on the coast of granite rose in brittany.

France This Way copyright 2006 - 2024

• Cookies & privacy
• Index of places

Travel Guide France

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

I would give this 6 stars if the ratings went that high! This really was one of the highlights of our vacation. Due to scheduling issues, we ended up with ...

For all the millions of French people that live in its many vibrant cities, the idea persists that theirs is a rural country. The importance of the land reverberates throughout French culture, something you will truly understand when you travel to France.

Where to go in France

Best time to travel to france, itinerary for when you travel to france, culture in france, cuisine in france, alsace and lorraine, alsatian food, four fabulous alsace fortresses, the route des vins, the wines of alsace, “la grand boucle”.

France boasts metropolitan powerhouse cities that represent the countries accumulation of wealth, evident in the astonishing variety of places to visit, from the Dordogne's prehistoric cave paintings and the Roman monuments of the south, to the Gothic cathedrals of the north, the chateaux of the Loire, and the cutting-edge architecture of the grands projets in Paris. This legacy of history and culture - le patrimoine - is so widely dispersed across the land that even the briefest of stays will leave you with a powerful sense of France's past. After reading this region-by-region overview, you might want to arm yourself with 20 fun facts about France.

Travelling around France is easy. Restaurants and hotels proliferate, many of them relatively inexpensive when compared with other developed Western European countries. Train services are admirably efficient, as is the road network – especially the (toll-paying) autoroutes – and cyclists are much admired and encouraged. Information is highly organized and available from tourist offices across the country, as well as from specialist organizations for walkers, cyclists, campers and so on.

Thinking about a holiday in France? Start planning your trip by finding out how to get there .

As for where to go in France, Paris, of course, is the outstanding cultural centre, with its impressive buildings – not least Frank Gehry’s stunning new Fondation Louis Vuitton – and unparalleled art, nightlife and ethnic diversity, though the great provincial cities – Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille – all now vie with the capital and each other for prestige in the arts, ascendancy in sport and innovation in attracting visitors. Marseille, in particular, has a host of exciting new cultural institutions, a legacy of its year as European Capital of Culture in 2013.

For most people, however, it’s the unique characters of the regions that will define a trip. Few holiday-makers stay long in the largely flat, industrial north, but there are some fine cathedrals and energetic cities to leaven the mix. The picture is similar in Alsace-Lorraine where Germanic influences are strong, notably in the food. On the northern Atlantic coast, Normandy has a rich heritage of cathedrals, castles, battlefields and beaches – and, with its cream-based sauces, an equally rich cuisine. To the west, Brittany is renowned for its Celtic links, beautiful coastline, prehistoric sites and seafood, while the Loire valley, extending inland towards Paris, is famed for soft, fertile countryside and a marvellous parade of châteaux. Further east, the green valleys of Burgundy shelter a wealth of Romanesque churches, and their wines and food are among the finest in France. More Romanesque churches follow the pilgrim routes through rural Poitou-Charentes and down the Atlantic coast to Bordeaux, where the wines rival those of Burgundy. Inland from Bordeaux, visitors flock to the gorges, prehistoric sites and picturesque fortified villages of the Dordogne and neighbouring Limousin, drawn too by the truffles and duck and goose dishes of Périgord cuisine. To the south, the great mountain chain of the Pyrenees rears up along the Spanish border, running from the Basque country on the Atlantic to the Catalan lands of Roussillon on the Mediterranean; there’s fine walking and skiing, as well as beaches at either end. Further along the Mediterranean coast, Languedoc offers dramatic landscapes, medieval towns and Cathar castles, as well as more beaches, while the Massif Central, in the centre of the country, is undeveloped and little visited, but beautiful nonetheless, with its rivers, forests and the wild volcanic uplands of the Auvergne. The Alps, of course, are prime skiing territory, but a network of signposted paths makes for great walking too; to the north, the wooded mountains of the Jura provide further scope for outdoor adventures. Stretching down from the Alps to the Mediterranean is Provence, which, as generations of travellers have discovered, seems to have everything: Roman ruins, charming villages, vineyards and lavender fields – and legions of visitors. Its cuisine is similarly diverse, encompassing fruit, olives, herbs, seafood and lamb. Along the Provençal coast, the beaches, towns and chic resorts of the Côte d’Azur form a giant smile extending from the vibrant city of Marseille to the super-rich Riviera hotspots of Nice and Monaco. For truly fabulous beaches, however, head for the rugged island of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon and home to an Italian-leaning culture and cuisine and some fascinating Neolithic sculptures.

Discover more places in France

• Languedoc Travel Guide
• The Limousin, Dordogne and the Lot Travel Guide
• The Loire Travel Guide
• The Massif Central Travel Guide
• Normandy Travel Guide
• The north Travel Guide
• Paris Travel Guide
• Poitou-Charentes and the Atlantic coast Travel Guide
• Provence Travel Guide
• The Alps and Franche-Comté Travel Guide
• The Côte d’Azur Travel Guide
• The Rhône valley Travel Guide
• The Pyrenees Travel Guide

The climate in France can be tricky to navigate when deciding the best time to visit. The north experiences similar weather to the UK, often being wet and moderately unpredictable. The south is significantly warmer, particularly behind the Mediterranean coastline. Briefly speaking, the best time to visit is during late spring to early autumn, when the temperature is warm and crowds are not swarmed with tourists.

If visiting for the first time, or as a returning traveller, planning an itinerary ensures you experience as much of the country as possible, particularly if driving. The diversity of France's beautiful landscape means there are many routes to choose from, so if you have a particular mission in mind, check out our range of itineraries , or alternatively plan a tailor-made trip with one of our experts. For inspiration, we've created an itinerary below.

Travel ideas for France, created by local experts

14 days  / from 3922 USD

An active walking tour out of the way in France

Your trip starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards continue south to start a few days walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

10 days  / from 2450 USD

Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

12 days  / from 2995 USD

Tasting Eastern France

A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

10 days  / from 5564 USD

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

Days 1 - 3: Paris

Your travels to France would not be complete without visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris. Tick of the main sites on the checklist; the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy exploring the charming streets, stopping off for macarons in delightful little cafes.

Days 3 - 5: Epernay, Champagne

Take a trip to Epernay, the birthplace of Champagne. Enjoy a glass of authentic bubbly whilst taking in the beautiful landscape of rolling green hills. Go wine tasting, cycle along the vineyards, take morning walks, and explore the charm of the small town. Simply enjoy the countryside of France.

Days 5 - 7: Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a place of fairy tales, explore the many Chateaux and immerse yourself into feeling like you have stepped back in time. Chateaux of the Loire Valley is an impressive example of French Renaissance architecture and is a good starting point. Other monumental castles to look out for include those at Ambroise and Nantes. Take part in a tour, also possible along the Loire River, and explore the historical towns and get a real feeling for French history and culture.

The importance of these traditions is felt deeply by the French state, which fights to preserve and develop its culture perhaps harder than any other country in the world. Private companies, which also strive to maintain French traditions in arenas as diverse as haute couture, pottery and, of course, food, are perfect examples of this. The fruits of these efforts are evident in the subsidized arts , notably the film industry, and in the lavishly endowed and innovative museums and galleries. From colonial history to fishing techniques, aeroplane design to textiles, and migrant shepherds to manicure, an array of impressive collections can be found across the nation. Inevitably, however, first place must go to the fabulous displays of fine art in Paris, a city which has nurtured more than its fair share of the finest creative artists of the last century and a half, both French – Monet and Matisse for example – and foreign, such as Picasso and Van Gogh.

French cuisine is as varied as it's landscape, as the creator of the Michelin Star, France takes its food reputation seriously. Dive in deep to France's food and drink culture, that will have you eager to travel to France as soon as you can.

From traditional village boulangeries cooking fresh bread and croissants to high-class restaurants, you'll notice the always pleasant aroma of delicious dishes being cooked. Popular recipes to look out for include ratatouille, bourguignon and crepes. Drink-wise, France boasts some of the best wines, and of course, there is Champagne.

Top image: Le Mont Saint-Michel, France © canadastock / Shutterstock

Disputed for centuries by French kings and the princes of the Holy Roman Empire, and subsequently embroiled in a bloody tug-of-war between France and Germany, France’s easternmost provinces, Alsace and Lorraine , share a tumultuous history. It’s no surprise then that almost everything, from the architecture to the cuisine and the language, is an enticing mixture of French and German – so much so that you might begin to wonder which country you’re actually in.

Cute Hansel-and-Gretel-type houses – higgledy-piggledy creations with oriel windows, carved timberwork, toy-town gables and geranium-filled window boxes – are a common feature in Alsace, especially along the winding Route des Vins , which traces the eastern margin of the forests of the Vosges mountains. This road also represents the region’s chief tourist raison d’être – wine – best accompanied with a regional cuisine that’s more Germanic than French, although you’ll find plenty of creativity in modern Alsatian cooking. Ruined medieval castles are scattered about, while outstanding churches and museums are concentrated in the handsome regional capital of Strasbourg and in smaller, quirkier Colmar . Bustling Mulhouse stands out for its industrial heritage and entertaining nightlife. A noticeably wealthy province, Alsace has historically churned out cars and textiles, not to mention half the beer in France.

Alsace’s less prosperous and less scenic neighbour, Lorraine, shares borders with Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium. The graceful former capital, Nancy , is home to a major school of Art Nouveau and is well worth a visit, as is leafy Metz , with its sparkling new contemporary art gallery. The bloody World War I battlefields around Verdun attract a large number of visitors, as does the zoo in Amnéville , one of the largest in France. Gastronomically no less renowned than other French provinces, Lorraine has bequeathed to the world one of its favourite savoury pies, the quiche lorraine , and an alcoholic sorbet, the coupe lorraine .

Top image: Cathedral of Our Lady, Strasbourg © Travelerpix/Shutterstock

Alsatians are hearty eaters, with their local cuisine characterized by generous helpings of pork, potatoes and spaetzle (a type of pasta usually fried in butter). But the region also has an international reputation for gastronomy, with exciting, new and well-established Michelin-starred restaurants dotted across its towns and villages.

The classic dish is choucroute , the aromatic pickled cabbage known in German as sauerkraut . The difference here is the inclusion of juniper berries in the pickling stage and the addition of goose grease or lard. Traditionally it’s served with large helpings of smoked pork, ham and sausages, but some restaurants offer a succulent variant replacing the meat with fish ( choucroute aux poissons ), usually salmon and monkfish. The qualification à l’alsacienne after the name of a dish means “with choucroute ”. Baeckoffe , a three-meat hotpot, comprising layers of potato, pork, mutton and beef marinated in wine and baked for several hours, is a speciality. Onions , too, crop up frequently on menus, either in the guise of a tart ( tarte à l’oignon ), made with a béchamel sauce, or as flammeküche ( tarte flambée ), a mixture of onion, cream and pieces of chopped smoked pork breast, baked on a thin, pizza-like base.

Alsatians are fond of their pastries . In almost every patisserie, you’ll find a mouthwatering array of fruit tarts made with rhubarb (topped with meringue), wild blueberries, red cherries or yellow mirabelle plums. Cake-lovers should try kugelhopf , a dome-shaped cake with a hollow in the middle made with raisins and almonds.

For the classic Alsatian eating experience, you should go to a winstub , loosely translated as a “wine bar”, a cosy establishment with bare beams, wood wall panels and benches and a convivial atmosphere. The food revolves around Alsatian classics, such as choucroute , all accompanied by local wines (or, in a bierstub , beer).

A thirty-minute drive north of Metz lies Amnéville , an easy-to-overlook town off the A31 motorway. But, just outside, in the Parc Amnéville-Les-Thermes , there is a gigantic tourist site with a conglomeration of attractions, cinemas, restaurants, spas and hotels you'd expect to see in North America rather than Europe. There are three large spas , Centre Thermal St Eloy (with a more therapeutic-medical orientation), Thermapolis (relaxation for all the family) and Villa Pompéi (offering massage and beauty treatments), which have been built over natural thermal springs; there are also sports arenas that include France’s only indoor ski slope, an 18-hole golf and mini-golf course, a “Fitnessium”, an ice-skating rink and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

But the main attraction is the zoo – one of the largest in France. You need a car to get there – and to move around the site. The zoo holds a large number of rare species; many of them are photogenic mammals, such as snow leopards, Siberian tigers, dwarf hippos and a big number of monkey species. In 2015, a new arena was opened to host a choreographed tiger show (1–3 times daily). Feeding of animals takes place several times a day; the wolf-pack feed is the biggest draw.

Alsace is dotted with medieval fortresses, heirlooms from a quarrelsome past. Here’s a rundown of the very best castles in the region:

Bernstein Explore the marvellous ruins of this castle perched 562m up on a rock overlooking Dambach-la-Ville. It’s a 45-minute walk from the village past the chapel of St-Sébastien or a drive up the D35, turning left at Blienschwiller towards Villé on the D203 and then following the sign to Bernstein on the GR5 until the Schulwaldplatz car park. From there it’s a gentle 20min walk uphill through a spruce forest. Free access.

Haut Koenigsbourg A massive pile of honey-coloured sandstone that sits astride a 757m bluff, this castle dates from the twelfth century. It was heavily restored in the twentieth century under the tenacious management of Kaiser Wilhelm II and is today one of the most visited monuments in France – try to come midweek or out of season to avoid the crowds. It is a stunning spot with fantastic views on a clear day.

Château Hohlandsbourg Six kilometres outside Eguisheim, this enormous castle surrounded by massive walls is the largest in the region. It was extensively damaged during the Thirty Years’ War but there’s still plenty to see, including beautiful gardens. The castle is also a venue for cultural activities, music concerts and children’s workshops – check the website for events.

Château Kintzheim Small but wonderful ruined castle built around a cylindrical refuge-tower and located just south of Haut Koenigsbourg. Today Kintzheim is an aviary for birds of prey – the Volerie des Aigles – and puts on magnificent displays of aerial prowess by resident eagles and vultures.

Metz (pronounced “Mess”), the capital of Lorraine, lies on the east bank of the River Moselle, close to the autoroute de l’Est linking Paris and Strasbourg. Today the city has another connection to the capital in the much-lauded satellite branch of the Centre Pompidou . Along with its rather splendid cathedral , a strong dining scene (inspired by the Renaissance writer and famous gourmand, Rabelais, who lived here for two years), large and beautiful flower-lined public spaces and riverside setting, the honey-coloured city of Metz is something of an undiscovered gem.

The city’s origins go back at least to Roman times, when, as now, it stood astride major trade routes. On the death of Charlemagne it became the capital of Lothar’s portion of his empire. By the Middle Ages it had sufficient wealth and strength to proclaim itself an independent republic, which it remained until its absorption into France in 1552. Caught between warring influences, Metz has endured more than its share of historical hand-changing; reluctantly ceded to Germany in 1870, it recovered its liberty at the end of World War I, only to be re-annexed by Hitler until the Liberation.

Metz is, in effect, two towns: the original French quarters of the vieille ville , gathered round the cathedral and encompassing the Île de la Comédie , and the Quartier Impérial , undertaken as part of a once-and-for-all process of Germanification after the Prussian occupation in 1870. Developing with speed and panache is a third section: the Quartier de l’Amphithéâtre , south of the train station, heralded by the Centre Pompidou and the adjacent sports stadium – shops and offices are slowly following.

Centre Pompidou-Metz

The Centre Pompidou-Metz , the first decentralized branch of the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris, opened with much pomp and ceremony in Metz’s Quartier de l’Amphithéâtre in May 2010. Designed by architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, it’s a curious, bright white building resembling a swimming stingray and, with its huge glass windows and wooden scaffolding, is extremely light and inviting. The same spirit reigns here as in Paris: showing off a varying percentage of the Parisian stock, the aim of the museum is to bring modern art to the masses, and judging by the queues it’s working. Expect to spend around two hours here; there’s a café, as well as workshops for children (ask at reception for details).

A large, sprawling, industrial city 35km south of Colmar, Mulhouse was Swiss until 1798 when, at the peak of its prosperity (founded on printed textiles), it voted to become part of France. Today it bills itself as a “museum town”, with at least four that might grab your interest. It’s much cheaper to stay here than in neighbouring Colmar (or Basel), plus it offers the best nightlife in Alsace should you find yourself there over a weekend. The hôtel de ville on the central place de la Réunion contains a beautifully presented history of the city in the Musée Historique . The Neo-Gothic cathedral opposite the museum was built in 1866, replacing a twelfth-century church, yet its fourteenth-century stained glass is considered the most beautiful in the Upper Rhine; this is the only Protestant cathedral standing in a main square in France.

Cité de l’Automobile, Musée National-Collection Schlumpf

A couple of tram stops north of Mulhouse’s city centre, the Cité de l’Automobile, Musée National-Collection Schlumpf , houses an overwhelming collection of more than six hundred cars, originally belonging to local brothers Hans and Fritz Schlumpf, who made their fortunes running a nearby spinning mill. Lined up in endless rows, the impeccably preserved vehicles range from the industry’s earliest attempts, such as the extraordinary wooden-wheeled Jacquot steam “car” of 1878, and the very first attempt at an environmentally friendly, solar-powered car made in 1942 to the 1968 Porsche racers. The highlights are the locally made Bugatti models: dozens of alluringly displayed, glorious racing cars, coupés and limousines, the pride of them being the two Bugatti Royales, out of only seven that were constructed. There’s also the most expensive Bugatti in the world today, priced at a cool €1.6 million.

The city of Nancy , on the River Meurthe, is renowned for the magnificent place Stanislas, cited as a paragon of eighteenth-century urban planning and today the finest in France. For its spectacularly grand centre, Nancy has the last of the independent dukes of Lorraine to thank: the dethroned king of Poland and father-in-law of Louis XV, Stanislas Leszczynski. During the twenty-odd years of his office in the mid-eighteenth century, he ordered some of the most successful construction of the period in all France. The city is also home to some impressive examples of Art Nouveau furniture and glassware hailing from the days of the École de Nancy , founded at the end of the nineteenth century by glass-master and furniture-maker, Émile Gallé.

From the gare SNCF , walk through Porte Stanislas , straight down rue Stanislas to reach the Rococo place Stanislas . Both this gate and Porte St-Catherine opposite are meticulously aligned with place Stanislas’s solitary statue – that of the portly Stanislas Leszczynski , who commissioned architect Emmanuel Héré to design the square in the 1750s. On the south side of the square stands the imposing hôtel de ville , its roof topped by a balustrade ornamented with florid urns and winged cupids. Along its walls, lozenge-shaped lanterns dangle from the beaks of gilded cockerels; similar motifs adorn the other buildings on the square – look out for the fake, two-dimensional replacements. The square’s entrances are enclosed by magnificent wrought-iron gates; the impressive railings on the northern corners frame fountains dominated by statues of Neptune and Amphitrite.

Stanislas Leszczynski

Stanislas Leszczynski , born in the Polish–Ukrainian city of Lemberg (now Lviv) in 1677, lasted just five years as the king of Poland before being forced into exile by Tsar Peter the Great. For the next twenty-odd years he lived on a French pension in northern Alsace, but after fifteen years Stanislas’s luck changed when he managed, against all odds, to get his daughter, Marie, betrothed to the 15-year-old king of France, Louis XV . Marie was not so fortunate: married by proxy in Strasbourg Cathedral, having never set eyes on the groom, she gave birth to ten children, only to be rejected by Louis, who preferred the company of his mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. Bolstered by his daughter’s marriage, Stanislas had another spell on the Polish throne from 1733 to 1736, but gave it up in favour of the comfortable dukedom of Barr and Lorraine. He lived out his final years in aristocratic style in the capital, Nancy, which he transformed into one of France’s most beautiful towns.

Flanked to the west by the rising forests of the southern Vosges, which stretch all the way down to Belfort, Alsace’s picturesque Route des Vins (“Wine Route”) follows the foot of the mountains along the western edge of the wide and flat Rhine valley. Beginning in Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg, the route, on or around the D35, snakes its way over 180km to Thann, near Mulhouse, through exquisitely preserved medieval towns and villages characterized by half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets and neighbouring ancient ruined castles – testimony to the province’s turbulent past. The route is blanketed with neat terraces of vines, which produce the famous white wines. Tasting opportunities are plentiful, particularly during the region’s countless wine festivals that mainly coincide with the October harvest.

The old centre of Colmar , a thirty-minute train ride south of Strasbourg and lying east of the main Route des Vins villages, is echt Alsatian, with crooked half-timbered and painted houses. Its small canals and picturesque narrow streets are a flaneur’s paradise. This is prime Elsässisch-speaking country, a German dialect known to philologists as Alemannic, which has waxed and waned during the province’s chequered history. As the proud home of Mathias Grünewald’s magnificent Issenheim altarpiece – on display in the Musée d’Unterlinden –the town is a magnet for tourists all year round.

Musée d’Unterlinden

Colmar’s foremost attraction, the Musée d’Unterlinden is an even richer experience after a lengthy period of renovation and extension. The core of the collection is housed in a former Dominican convent with a peaceful cloistered garden; it includes the museum’s biggest draw, the Issenheim altarpiece , which is thought to have been made between 1512 and 1516 for the monastic order of St Anthony at Issenheim, whose members cared for those afflicted by ergotism and other nasty skin diseases. The extraordinary painted panels are the work of Mathias Grünewald (1480–1528). The luridly expressive centre panel depicts the Crucifixion: a tortured Christ turns his outsize hands upwards, fingers splayed in pain, flanked by his pale, fainting mother and saints John and Mary Magdalene. The face of St Sebastian, on the right wing, is believed to have been modelled on Grünewald’s own likeness. The reverse panels depict the annunciation, Christ’s resurrection, the nativity and a flamboyant orchestra of angels, all splendidly bathed in transcendental light. On the rest of the panels, you’ll find a truly disturbing representation of the temptation of St Anthony, who is engulfed by a grotesque pack of demons; note the figure afflicted with the alarming symptoms of ergotism.

The renovated convent is now linked via an underground gallery of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century art to a brand-new wing, which houses modern and contemporary works, and to the town’s former municipal baths, re-imagined as a venue for cultural events. Highlights include Impressionist paintings by Monet and Bonnard, plus a couple of Picassos.

Verdun lies in a bend of the River Meuse, some 70km west of Metz. Of no great interest in itself, what makes this sleepy provincial town remarkable is its association with the horrific battle that took place on the bleak uplands to the north between 1916 and 1918. In 1916, aiming to break the stalemate of trench warfare, the German General Erich von Falkenhayn chose Verdun as the target for an offensive that ranked among the most devastating ever launched in the annals of war. His troops advanced to within 5km of Verdun, but never captured the town. Gradually the French clawed back the lost ground, but final victory came only in the last months of the war with the aid of US troops. The price was high: hundreds of thousands of men died on both sides. To this day, memorials in every village, hamlet and town of France are inscribed with the names of men slaughtered at Verdun. Not far from Verdun’s railway station, the Rodin memorial , a disturbing statue of winged Victory, stands beside a handsome eighteenth-century gateway at the northern end of rue St-Paul where it joins avenue Garibaldi. Nearby, a simple engraving lists all the years between 450 and 1916 that Verdun has been involved in conflict. The fourteenth-century Porte Chaussée guards the river-crossing in the middle of town. Beyond it, further along rue Mazel, a flight of steps climbs up to the towering Monument de la Victoire , where a helmeted warrior leans on his sword in commemoration of the 1916 battle, while in the crypt below a roll is kept of all the soldiers, French and American, who took part.

The battlefields

The Battle of Verdun opened on the morning of February 21, 1916, with a German artillery barrage that lasted ten hours and expended two million shells. The battle concentrated on the forts of Vaux and Douaumont, built by the French after the 1870 Franco–Prussian War. By the time the main battle ended ten months later, nine villages had been pounded into oblivion.

The most visited part of the battlefield extends along the hills north of Verdun, but the fighting also spread to the west of the Meuse, to the hills of Mort-Homme and Hill 304, to Vauquois and the Argonne, and south along the Meuse to St-Mihiel, where the Germans held an important salient until dislodged by US forces in 1918. Unless you take an organized tour the only viable way to explore the area is with your own transport. The main sights are reached via two minor roads that snake through the battlefields: the D913 and D112.

Despite the long, tall bottles and Germanic names, Alsatian wines are unmistakably French in their ability to complement the region’s traditional cuisine. This is white wine country – if you do spot a local red, it will invariably be a Pinot Noir. Winemakers take advantage of the long, dry autumns to pick extremely ripe grapes producing wines with a little more sweetness than elsewhere in France, but good wines will have a refreshing natural acidity, too. Each of the three main grape varieties listed below can be made with a sweetness level ranging from off-dry right through to “Séléction des Grains Nobles” for the most highly prized dessert wines ( vendages tardives being the label for the slightly less sweet late-harvested wines). Grand Cru labelled wines come from the best vineyard sites.

Riesling The ultimate thirst-quencher, limey, often peachy, excellent with fish dishes and choucroute .

Gewurztraminer Alsace’s most aromatic grape, with roses, lychees, honey, spices and all manner of exotic flavours. Try with pungent Munster cheese or rich pâté.

Pinot Gris Rich, fruity, smoky and more understated than Gewurztraminer. A versatile food wine; try with white meat in creamy sauces and milder cheeses.

Other wines you’re likely to come across include the grapey Muscat , straightforward Sylvaner , and delicate Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois , which also forms the base of the region’s excellent sparkling Crémant d’Alsace . Pinot Noir is used for light, fruity reds and rosés.

• With a land area of 547,000 square kilometres, France is the largest country in the EU; its population of 66 million is second only to that of Germany.

• France has a long secular republican tradition dating back to the revolution of 1789. Yet the majority of its population is Roman Catholic – nominally, at least – and there’s a substantial Muslim minority of around 8 to 10 percent.

• Annual GDP per capita is around $44,000, making France one of the world’s richest countries, but unemployment is a persistent problem, at around 10 percent. Taxes are high, at around 43 percent, but so is social spending, at almost 30 percent.

• France remains by far the world's most popular tourist destination, with some 82 million visitors annually.

• The French film industry is the world’s third most prolific, after the US and India, with around 215 million tickets sold annually.

• Contrary to its self-image as a bastion of gastronomy, the country is also the second largest consumer of McDonalds’ burgers after the US, flipping more than a million Big Macs daily.

• A great source of confusion when meeting and greeting French people is the double kiss, or bise . When it is appropriate, and how many times to do it, which cheek to start with, whether to touch or air kiss, what to do with your hands, or whether it’s better to shake hands instead, are all matters that vex the French just as much as foreign visitors – not least because norms vary between regions, social situations and age groups. When in doubt, hang back, copy what everyone else does, and go left for the first one.

• In 1910, a law was passed in France forbidding couples from kissing on train platforms to avoid delayed departures. The law is still in place, though no longer enforced.

Each year, in the sweltering heat of July, millions of people take up positions on roadsides around France to cheer, shout and bellow cries of encouragement to a pelaton of nearly 200 cyclists as they speed past in a stream of day-glo lycra. Millions more watch on television – though few of them are cycling aficionados. Because the Tour de France is far more than a mere bike race. For the French, it’s a national institution; a symbol of unity; a chance, as the riders pit themselves against the toughest terrain the mighty héxagone can throw at them, to admire the scenic splendour of the country in all its summer glory, with the fields of the Garonne’s sun flowers in full bloom, the Côte d’Azur at its most sleek, and the craggy Alps basking under boundless blue skies.

Started in 1903, the Tour was born out of the rivalry between two sporting papers, L’Auto and Le Vélo , as a ruse to boost sales. The passion it incited nearly scuppered the event in its second year, when riders were beaten up by rival fans and cheating was rife (racers were spotted jumping into cars and taking trains). These days, in the wake of a series of high-profile doping scandals, performance-enhancing drugs pose the main threat to the survival of the 3600-km (2200-mile) race, though La Grand Boucle (the “Great Loop”), as it’s known, still casts a powerful spell over the nation. And it’s not just an obsession for the French; in 2012, Britain’s own Bradley Wiggins clinched the title – the Tour’s first British winner – successfully ensuring a new and ardent fan base just across the Channel.

For your average Frenchman, any recipe for a relaxing summer’s evening would have to include the three Ps: plane trees (or palms at a pinch); pastis ; and that most quintessentially French of games, pétanque . You’ll see this Gallic version of bowls played on countless squares across the country, where groups of mostly middle-aged men in baggy shorts congregate around gravel-and-dirt boulodromes to lob heavy metal boules at diminutive wooden ones called cochonnets (literally “piglets”). Pétanque matches played after work and on weekends are part and parcel of the daily rhythm of life, especially in the south.

The game was invented in 1907 in the town of La Ciotat on the Côte d’Azur by an enthusiastic bowler whose rheumatism prevented him from making the usual extended run up. Instead, he devised a version of his favourite sport in which the bowler’s feet stayed planted firmly on the ground ( pieds tanqués ). The pitch was shortened accordingly, and after the local bar owner firmed up a set of rules, the new game quickly caught on. A whole lexicon has evolved around pétanque to describe different throws and scenarios. Each team, for example, has a mix of “pointeurs” (pointers), players who place the ball as closely as possible to the jack, and “tireurs” (shooters), whose job it is to displace the opposition’s balls with spectacular lobs. If the throw falls short, it’s a “palouf”. If it nudges one of the other team’s balls, it’s made a “biberon”, or “baby’s bottle”. “Faire la Micheline” means to turn up for a game without your own set of boules. “Faire la chanson” refers to attempts to distract the opposition by chatting between points. And, most insulting of all for wannabe pétanque players from the UK, “faire de l’anglais” describes a totally hopeless throw.

Finally, if you’re lucky enough to spectate at a complete whitewash, you’ll experience the most ribald of all pétanque traditions, “Kissing the Fanny”. When a team or individual player loses by 13 points to zero they have to kiss the bare buttocks of a statue or framed picture of a lady named “Fanny”, usually kept in the nearest bar expressly for the purpose.

Travel advice for France

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to France

• Eating and drinking in France
• Getting around France: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips France for planning and on the go
• How to get to France
• Outdoor activities
• Shopping tips for France
• Best time to visit France

The Rough Guides to France and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 11.06.2024

Discover our destinations

All of our destinations.

Explore the interactive map

Destinations

See more destinations

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

20 Beautiful Places to Visit in France — From Normandy to the French Riviera

The best places to visit in France range from iconic landmarks to charming villages.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Eduardo_oliveros/Getty Images

Many things entice travelers to visit France — food, wine, fashion, architecture, and natural beauty among them. There’s something wonderful to eat, drink, see, and do in every corner of this Western European nation. It’s hard not to fall in love with Paris . The glamorous beaches along the Côte d'Azur are legendary. Provence also packs a punch with fragrant lavender fields, the hilltop villages of the Luberon , and vineyards. Vines and grand chateaux mix in the Loire Valley . Truth be told, the number of dazzling places within the country is actually quite dizzying, but we’re more than happy to help point you in some of the most photogenic directions. Scroll on for 20 of the best places to visit in France.

Chiara Salvadori/Getty Images

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Gordes draws heaps of tourists who descend upon this idyllic Luberon village in the hopes of capturing the perfect shot of its cobbled lanes, time-worn churches, and 12th-century Sénanque Abbey framed by lavender fields.

Palace of Versailles

NurPhoto/Getty Images

Whether you’re a film buff, love history, or simply want to tick one of France’s most famous landmarks off your sightseeing list, the grandeur of Versailles never fails to impress. The palace is home to the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and many other opulent rooms. Outside are the magnificent gardens, fountains, and sprawling park.

ANDREYGUDKOV/Getty Images

Camargue doesn’t look or feel like anywhere else in southern France. This wild region between the Mediterranean Sea and the two branches of the Rhône River delta brims with the untamed natural beauty of salt marshes, reed beds, free-roaming white horses, and hundreds of bird species — most notably, pink flamingos.

Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower is an enduring symbol of Paris. It’s one thing to see the famous landmark in films, television shows, and photographs, but it’s quite another to get a close-up look at this incredible feat of ingenuity in real life. The twinkly lights at night only add to the romance of it all.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

Wirestock/Getty Images

Located about half a mile offshore from tourist-laden Cannes, Île Sainte-Marguerite reflects a more low-key side of the French Riviera with lovely scenery at every turn. The largest of the Lérins Islands has beautiful rocky beaches, turquoise waters, and a eucalyptus forest, plus an underwater sculpture museum.

Châteaux of the Loire Valley

boerescul/Getty Images

Part of the historical and architectural fabric of the country, the châteaux of the Loire Valley are an enduring reminder of Renaissance resplendence. Impressive from both a design and landscaping perspective, these regal landmarks range from palaces with sprawling gardens (like Château de Chambord) to smaller castles.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

John Harper/Getty Images

Tucked on the eastern side of a forested peninsula, the exclusive commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has long captivated artists such as Henri Matisse, writers, and well-heeled holiday-goers with its spellbinding beauty. Expect exquisite villas hidden by lush vegetation, breathtaking beaches with clear waters for snorkeling, hiking trails, and a yacht-filled harbor.

Milena Pigdanowicz-Fidera/Getty Images

Situated just south of Colmar in the Alsace region of France, Eguisheim looks like a medieval village you’d see on the cover of a storybook with a concentric plan of narrow streets, half-timbered houses, bubbling fountains, centuries-old castles, and wine caves.

Louvre Museum

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

No list of the best places to visit in France would be complete without mentioning the Louvre. The most patronized museum in the world is a historic landmark in its own right with an eye-catching exterior and rooms filled with priceless works of art including the "Mona Lisa" and the Venus de Milo.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Strasbourg Cathedral is widely regarded as one the most outstanding examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture (though, for accuracy, the remaining parts of the original structure are Romanesque). It’s a beautiful landmark with heaps of history and visual appeal that’s well worth visiting while in the Alsace region.

Simon Koh/EyeEm/Getty Images

Straddling the French-Italian border and extending into Switzerland, Mont Blanc (which translates to “White Mountain”) rises 15,771 feet, making it the highest mountain in the Alps and the second most prominent peak in Europe. People come from near and far to go skiing, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and even attempt to climb to the summit.

Valensole Plateau Lavender Fields

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Lavender fields have come to define Provence. This purple-hued visual is splashed across the front of virtually every postcard in the region. Many of those photos were taken on the Valensole Plateau, which erupts in a fragrant and vibrant bloom each summer.

Jui-Chi Chan/Getty Images

The charming hilltop district of Montmartre in Paris’s 18th arrondissement feels more like a small village than a big city. Cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, windmills, and performances from local musicians give it a quaint atmosphere. Its crown jewel, the iconic white-domed Sacré-Cœur commands attention.

Saint-Tropez

LiliGraphie/Getty Images

Few places shine quite like Saint-Tropez. Celebrities, artists, and jet setters have been flocking to this cinematic holiday hotspot on the French Riveria since the 1960s. The glamorous beach clubs, mega yachts, and charming old fishing quarter keep the crowds thick every summer. 

Belle-Île-en-Mer

jpchret/Getty Images

The largest of the islands off the coast of Brittany in northwest France, the aptly named Belle-Île-en-Mer is a beautiful destination with uncrowded beaches, enchanting villages, and rugged cliffs. The jagged rock formation known as Les Aiguilles de Port Coton even inspired Monet to pick up his paintbrush.

Porquerolles

sam74100/Getty Images

While it’s impossible to pick a favorite spot along the French Riveria, there’s a lot to love about Porquerolles. The largest of the Îles d'Hyères offers peaceful beaches, calm waters, rolling vineyards, cycling paths through the countryside, old forts, and an off-the-beaten-path vibe.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne House

David Silverman/Getty Images

For fans of bubbly, few things are as fabulous as a trip to the Champagne region of France. Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot tops the list of the most significant and celebrated producers. A visit to this world-famous house in Reims entails touring the historic cellars and, of course, sipping the finest sparkling wine.

Arc De Triomphe

pawel.gaul/Getty Images

Everyone who visits France’s capital for the first time heads over to the Arc De Triomphe for that “I went to Paris" photo. It’s worth joining the masses in admiring this famous monument that stands tall at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Courtesy of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Admittedly, an overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc at the tip of Cap d’Antibes isn’t in the budget for most travelers. But that shouldn’t preclude you from visiting. Reserve a terrace table at the restaurant to savor Mediterranean cuisine alongside stunning views of the sea and the rock-framed infinity pool.

D-Day Landing Beaches

P A Thompson/Getty Images

Normandy is closely associated with WWII — specifically, the fateful day the Allied troops made landfall at the D-Day beaches, an operation that ultimately led to the liberation of France (and eventually Western Europe) from Nazi occupation. Today, travelers can visit the many museums and memorials along the 50-mile stretch of coastline.

Related Articles

The Ultimate France Travel Guide

France is one of the largest countries in western Europe and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. France boasts mountain ranges, lush green forests, plenty of history, and some of the most beautiful architecture on earth. This ultimate France travel guide has links to articles on everything you need to know before visiting France.

I’ve spent the past seven years writing about France. From the best towns to visit, to top attractions and underrated hidden gems, there are hundreds of posts about this beautiful country. Scroll down to discover our posts by topic, and further down the page, even more articles organised by destination.

Latest posts about France

Best Things to Do in the French Riviera & Top Travel Tips

The South of France is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, a…

Èze: The Medieval Hilltop Town of the French Riviera

Picture perfect Èze is perched high in the mountains, somewhere along the French Riviera. Walled, medieval,…

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Cholet

Nestled on the banks of the Moine River in western France, the sleepy town of…

France Travel Information

France uses the Euro (€)

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English is more touristic places, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

The capital of France is Paris . For more information and inspiration, check out our best Paris travel tips.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Where is France?

France is the largest country in western Europe and is one of the European countries with the greatest variety of landscapes. After all, l’Hexagone as it is often referred to in French is home to mountains, beaches, grass plains, dormant volcanoes, the largest sand dune in Europe, and incredible forests, among other geographical points of interest.

The country borders Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast, Switzerland and Germany in the east, Italy and Spain in the south. The country also borders the principalities of Monaco and Andorra.

France tips and destination guides

• 5 Abandoned French Towns Where Time Stood Still
• 10+ Beautiful & Best Castles in France
• 30+ Beautiful Places to Visit in the South of France!
• 20+ Breathtakingly Beautiful Places to Visit in France
• 20+ Best Souvenirs from France (French Gift Ideas)
• 10+ Fairytale Towns in France You Won’t Believe Actually Exist!
• 30+ France Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting
• 20+ Fun, Cool, Weird & Interesting Facts about France
• 10+ Gorgeous Places You Must Visit in Northern France
• 20+ Hidden Gems & Best Kept Secrets of Eastern France
• 10+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love!
• 8 REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH FRANCE
• 15 Incredible Cathedrals in France
• 10+ Magical French Destinations You’ll Want to Explore During Spring in France!
• 50+ Quotes About France You’ll Absolutely Love
• 10+ Underrated Cities in France You Must Visit Before Everyone Else
• Amazing Walled Cities in France Straight out of a Storybook
• André Le Nôtre, Uncovering the Man Behind the French Formal Garden
• DIY French Châteaux Blogs You Should Know About
• French Antique Market Guide: What to Buy at a Brocante
• Let Them Eat Cake! The real story behind Marie Antoinette’s saying…
• Nicolas Flamel Was A Real Person And He Lived in Paris!
• On the Historical Trail of Joan of Arc in France
• Impressive Timepieces & Clocks in France You Can’t Miss!
• The Long & Surprising History and Origins of the French Flag
• What to Book in Advance in Paris (+ guided tour/ ticket suggestions)
• Who Designed the Eiffel Tower? Who was Gustave Eiffel?

Seasonal guides to France

• 10+ Best Places to Visit in France in the Summer
• April Fool’s Day in France (Poisson d’Avril History & Explanation)
• Beautiful & Useful French Christmas Vocabulary & Traditions!
• Best Christmas Markets in France
• Fall in France: Jaw-Dropping Destinations to Visit this Autumn
• French Halloween Vocabulary & Halloween in France
• HOW TO SPEND GALENTINE’S DAY IN PARIS!
• May 1st in France: Labour Day & Muguet Day
• Paris at Christmas: Things to do this Christmas in Paris
• What is Bastille Day & How to Spend Bastille Day in Paris
• Where to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day: Best Irish Pubs in Paris

France food guides

• A Foodie Guide to Paris: Where to Eat in Paris
• A History of Kir & A Kir Royale Cocktail Recipe
• Everything You Must Know About a Traditional & Typical French Breakfast
• Everything You Want to Know About the Baguette
• Figue Chocolat: Local French Desserts in France
• French Bakery Guide: What to Buy & How to Order
• Kouign-Amann, Breton Patisserie From Brittany, France
• Perfecting the Art of the French Apéro (A How to Guide)
• What You Need to Know About Tipping in France (by a local)
• Your Complete Guide to French Butter

Living in France

• 10 French Habits You Should Totally Steal: Becoming French!
• 10 Little Things I learned from Living in Paris!
• Bise Etiquette: Comment faire la bise? Greetings in Europe
• Here’s How to Recreate the Paris Experience in Your Home
• How to Host the Perfect French Dinner Party
• Just Say ‘oui’: 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in France!
• Living in Confinement & Life in Lockdown Paris
• Paris Apartment Decor: A French Style Guide
• Useful French Words And Phrases (20 Beautiful Words!
• What You Need to Know Before Visiting a French Supermarket
• Why Falling In Love with a Frenchman Isn’t all Clichés!

Films, music & books about France (and filming locations)

• 25 Breathtaking Books About France You Simply Must Read!
• 40+ Books About Paris You MUST Read Before Visiting France
• 10 Best Movies About Marie Antoinette
• A Complete Guide to Amélie filming locations in Paris!
• Christmas Flow Filming Locations in Paris
• Da Vinci Code Filming Locations in Paris!
• Emily in Paris Filming Locations in Paris & Beyond
• Emily in Paris: What was True vs Fake, Cliché & Unrealistic?
• Gossip Girl in Paris: Must Visit Filming Locations in France
• Love Paris? Here are the Best Movies Set in Paris
• Midnight in Paris Filming Locations in Paris & Beyond
• Paris Can Wait Filming Locations
• Real-Life Emily in Paris: Things That Should Have Happened to Emily
• The Man in the Iron Mask Filming Locations
• Versailles Filming Locations (TV Series Location Guide)

France itineraries

• 7 Days in Provence: One Week in Provence Itinerary
• A 3 Day French Basque Country Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
• A 3 Day French Riviera Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal!
• A Long Weekend in Normandy Travel Itinerary
• A Solo Adventure in the South of France
• How to Spend 24 Hours in Paris: 1 Day in Paris Itinerary
• How to Spend a Weekend in Nantes Travel Itinerary
• How to Spend One Day in Lyon: A 24-Hour Travel Guide & Itinerary
• How to spend one week in Burgundy: Travel Guide & Itinerary
• How to Spend the Perfect 5 Days in Provence with Eurostar
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Avignon Itinerary
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Biarritz Itinerary
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Bordeaux Itinerary
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Colmar Itinerary
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Lille Itinerary
• How to Spend The Perfect One Day in Nice Itinerary
• Paris in 2 Days Itinerary & Travel Guide
• The Perfect 3 Days in Champagne Itinerary
• The Perfect Weekend in Brittany (Suggested 3 Day Itineraries)
• Three Days in Lorraine: A Historical Long Weekend 
• Three Days in Paris France Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Day Guide
• Two weeks in South West France Itinerary
• Your Ultimate Guide on How to Spend the Perfect 5 Days in Paris

Regions of France Guides

Between snow-capped mountain peaks, large sand dunes, villages that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a fairytale and endless lakes, it’s clear that there’s perhaps no country more diverse in its offerings in western Europe than France.

France is actually divided into 18 administrative regions , all of which have their own unique culture, history, and sometimes even their own language. Click on the image of the region you want to visit to discover all of our articles about that destination:

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Towns of auvergne-rhône-alpes.

• A Guide to Châtel, the Ski Village of Haute-Savoie, France
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise
• A Swiss Day Trip to Lausanne from Evian-les-Bains, France
• An Insider’s Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Annecy
• These 6 Roman Vienne Locations Bring History to Life
• Vienne, France: A Charming & Easy Day Trip From Lyon

Countryside of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

• Best Vienne Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Mont Salève: Easy Mountain Day Trip from Geneva to France
• Snowshoeing in the French Alps: Snow Shoe Walking
• A Guide to the Best Things to Do in Lyon
• Beautiful Day Trips from Lyon You’ll Love to Take
• Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Lyon!
• Hiden Gems & Secret Spots in Lyon that even locals don’t know about
• In Search of Roman Lyon (Lugdunum Locations)
• Le Bal des Ardents: Is This the Prettiest Bookshop in Lyon?
• Where to Find the Best View of Lyon

General Brittany guides

• 10 BEAUTIFUL BRETON WORDS AND PHRASES
• 10+ Beautiful Towns in Brittany You Won’t Want to Miss
• 10+ Best Things to do in Brittany, France

Brittany town guides

• 5+ Magical Day Trips from Saint-Malo
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Auray
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Dinan, Brittany
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Paimpol, Brittany
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Saint Malo, Brittany
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Vannes

Countryside and attractions of Brittany

• Behind the Scenes of an Eco-Farm in Brittany: La Ferme de Keruzerh
• Carnac Stones: A Neolithic Site in Windswept Brittany
• Fort Du Guesclin: A Tidal Island in Brittany near Saint Malo
• Presqu’ile de Quiberon France, a Peninsula in Brittany

Burgundy-Franche-Comté

• 15+ Beautiful Villages, Cities & Towns in Burgundy
• 20+ Best Things to do in Beaune, the French Wine City
• 10 Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Dijon You Must Visit
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Auxerre
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Mâcon, Burgundy
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Nuits-Saint-Georges
• Athenaeum, The Burgundy Bookshop All About WINE!
• Best Beaune Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Borrowing Keys to the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole Belfry!
• Day Trips from Beaune You’ll Just Love Taking!
• Day Trips from Dijon You Simply Must Take!
• Following in the Footsteps of Louis Pasteur in Dole
• How to Go Mustard Tasting in Dijon (And a Mustard History!)
• How to Spend A Rainy Day in Dijon (And Still Have Fun!)
• How to Visit Le Cassissium of Nuits-Saint-Georges
• How to visit the birthplace of Victor Hugo in Besançon
• Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône: A Charming Town in L’Ain
• Tour de l’Horloge d’Auxerre (Auxerre Clock Tower)
• Unique Features of Burgundy Architecture

Centre-Val de Loire

• A 3 Day Loire Valley Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
• A QUICK GUIDE TO CHÂTEAUDUN
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Amboise, Loire Valley
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Bourges, France
• A Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Chartres
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Tours, Loire Valley
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Sancerre
• Chateau de Chambord
• Paris to the Loire Valley: Best Tours, Excursions & Itineraries
• Tours Christmas Market Guide 
• Why You Must Visit the Loire Valley AKA The Garden of France!

• A Guide to Visiting the Three Castles of Eguisheim
• A Free & Self-Guided Strasbourg Walking Tour
• An Irresistible Urge to Dance: The Strasbourg Dancing Plague of 1518
• Colmar Christmas Market Guide
• Colmar or Strasbourg: Which Should You Visit?
• Eguisheim Christmas Market Guide
• Guebwiller Christmas Market Guide
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Colmar You Should Know About
• How to Visit La Petite France in Strasbourg
• How to Visit Little Venice in Colmar, France
• How to Visit Strasbourg Astronomical Clock in the Alsace
• Niedermorschwihr, The Alsace Town with a Crooked Spire
• Obernai Christmas Market Guide
• Thann Christmas Market Guide
• Turckheim Guide: A Charming Alsace Town in France
• 10+ Best Cities, Villages and Towns in Champagne
• 10+ Fun, Cool, Weird & Interesting Facts About Champagne
• A Guide to the Best of Bouzy Champagne
• A Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Champagne
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Epernay, Champagne
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Fontaine-sur-Ay
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Hautvillers, Champagne
• A Visit to Champagne Billecart-Salmon in Champagne
• A Visit to Champagne Gounel Lassalle in Chigny-les-Roses
• Château de Boursault (Champagne Château de Boursault)
• How to Visit the Faux de Verzy, Champagne
• How to Visit the Phare de Verzenay, Champagne
• Your Complete Guide to Champagne Bottle Sizes
• A Guide to The Best Things to do in Reims, Champagne
• Café du Palais: A Delightful Art Collection & Bistro in Reims
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Reims You Should Know About
• Les Jardins du Mess Hotel Review: A Stay in Verdun
• Reims Christmas Market Guide (+ Insider Travel Tips)
• Your Insider’s Guide to Reims Cathedral
• A Quick Guide to the Best Things to do in Metz
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Verdun
• Château des Monthairons: Staying in a Real French Château!
• Must try foods in Lorraine
• Royals on the Run: Louis XVI’s Flight to Varennes
• Visiting Dragées Braquier Factory in Verdun

Hauts-de-France

• How to Visit the Vieille Bourse Book Market in Lille
• Senlis, France: The Perfect Day Trip from Paris!

Ile-de-France

• 20+ Beautiful Locations to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris 2023
• 5 Best and Most Famous Department Stores in Paris
• 10+ Best Green Spaces, Gardens & Parks in Paris Worth Visiting
• 5+ Best & Most Beautiful Bridges in Paris
• 10 Best Museums in Paris: Must-See Cultural Parisian Destinations
• 25+ Breathtakingly Beautiful Places to Visit in Paris
• 30+ Day Trips from Paris Every Francophile Must Take!
• 5+ English Language Bookstores in Paris
• 75+ Incredible, Fun & Free Things to do in Paris
• 10+ Lost & Secret Villages in Paris That You Must Visit!
• 10+ Paris Mistakes: What You Can Miss & Where to Avoid
• 50+ Paris Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting
• 10 PARISIAN ROOFTOPS YOU MUST VISIT
• 12 ROMANTIC DATE IDEAS IN PARIS
• 59 Rue de Rivoli: An Artist’s Atelier in the Heart of Paris
• 10+ Small Museums in Paris You’ll Simply Love!
• 10+ Spots Where You Can Really Escape the Crowds in Paris!
• 5 Unusual Metro Stations in Paris You Should Visit
• A Complete Guide to the Best of the Secret Covered Passages of Paris
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Paris in the Winter
• A Guide to All The French Desserts in Paris You MUST Eat!
• An Insider’s Guide to Vintage Clothing Shops in Paris
• Beautiful Christmas Trees in Paris You’ll Absolutely Love
• Beautiful Fountains in Paris You Won’t Want to Miss
• Behind the Scenes of the Paris Metro Line 14 Extension
• Best Outdoor Cinemas in Paris to Watch Movies for Free!
• Best Paris Bloggers, Instagrammers & Content Creators 
• Carousels in Paris: A complete guide
• Christian Dior Balloon in Paris: Twinkling Lights on Avenue Montaigne
• Christmas Markets in Paris 
• Churches in Paris (Other than Notre Dame Cathedral)
• Complete Paris Picnic Guide (What to Bring & Where to Go)
• Don’t go up the Eiffel Tower! (and what to do instead)
• Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Paris Metro Tickets
• Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Paris Plages
• Flooding in Paris: Photos, History & A Statue on the Bridge
• Fun, Weird & Cool Facts About Paris, France
• Harry Potter in Paris
• Here’s where you can REALLY see the fall foliage in Paris!
• How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost? (2023 Budget Breakdown)
• How to Avoid Common Tourist Paris Scams & Pickpockets
• How to Not Get Your Phone Stolen in Paris
• How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in Paris
• How to See the Paris Statue of Liberty, Pont de Grenelle
• How to Spend a Rainy Day in Paris (and still have fun!)
• How to Spend the Perfect Sunday in Paris
• How to Experience the Best of Paris Like a Local!
• How to Experience the Best of Paris in a Citroën 2CV Tour
• How to Visit Bread Festival in Paris
• Largest advertisement in the world
• My Favourite Places in Paris (that I Miss the Most!)
• Offbeat Paris Destinations
• On the Trail of Art Nouveau in Paris (Architecture Guide)
• Paris at Night: How to Spend an Evening in Paris
• Paris Bouquinistes along the Seine
• Paris Coffee Guide: The Art of Ordering Coffee in Paris
• Paris General Knowledge Crossword
• Paris Hidden Gems: 10+ Secret Spots in Paris You’ll Love!
• Paris Instagram Spots
• Paris is Always a Good Idea: 30+ Quotes About Paris
• Paris on a Budget: 10+ Expert Tips for how to Save Money in Paris
• Snow in Paris: Magical Photos of Paris in the Winter & FAQ
• Solo in Paris: Best Things to do in Paris on your Own!
• Spring in the City: Where to Find Magnolia Trees in Paris
• Surprise! The Hidden Paris Vineyards You’ve Never Heard of..
• The Curious History of the Paris Meridian
• The Petite Ceinture: Paris’ Secret Abandoned Railway!
• These Paris Cafés Are Using Teddy Bears to Social Distance Customers
• THESE PARISIAN DOORS ARE SO CUTE
• These Pretty Paris Streets Are Unreal
• The Ultimate Paris Bucket List of 50+ Activities & Attractions
• Where to Buy House Plants in Paris (10+ Best Plant Shops)
• Valentine’s Day in Paris: Romantic City of Love, Date Ideas, and More!
• Vintage Photo Booths in Paris You’ll Love to Visit
• Virtual Paris Tours: Visit Paris from Your Couch via the Internet
• Wallace Fountains: An Unexpected Iconic Feature of Paris
• What is the meaning of Fluctuat Nec Mergitur?
• When & Where to Find the Best Wisteria in Paris
• Where to Eat Truffles in Paris (Truffle Restaurants & Shops)
• Where to Eat Vegetarian & Vegan in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Choux Pastry in Paris (Cream Puffs)
• Where to Find the Best Bakery & Macaron Class in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Brunch in Paris!
• Where to find the Best Macarons in Paris, France
• Where to Find the 20+ Best Eiffel Tower Views in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Flea Markets in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Sacré-Coeur Views in Paris
• Where to See the Sunset in Paris (10+ Photo Locations!)
• WHERE TO STUDY IN PARIS
• WWI Military Bunker Under the Eiffel Tower
• You Can’t Visit Paris and Miss These Cute Parisian Cafes!
• Your Complete Guide to the Islands of Paris
• Your France Guide to the Best Bakeries in Paris
• Your French Guide for Choosing the Best Seine River Cruise
• Your Ultimate Guide to Paris in Autumn (Fall things to do)

Paris by month

• When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
• Paris in January: What to do, Events & What’s On
• Paris in February: What to do, Events & What’s On
• Paris in March: What to do, Events & What’s On
• Paris in April: Your go-to-guide on Where to Go & What to See
• What’s On? Paris in May: What to See, Where to Go
• Paris in June: What to do, Events & What’s On
• Paris in July: What to do, Events & What’s On
• Paris in August What to do, Events & What’s On
• Paris in September: What to do, Events & What’s On
• What’s On? Your Go-to Guide for Paris in October
• Paris in November What to do, Where to go & What’s On
• Paris in December: Where to Go, Events & Tips

Paris walking tours

• 5 Free Paris Walking Tours You Won’t Want to Miss
• A Free & Self-Guided Latin Quarter Walking Tour of Paris
• Free & Self-Guided Ile de La Cite Walking Tour
• In Search of Medieval Paris: Self-Guided Le Marais Walking Tour
• Montmartre Walking Tour: Self-Guided Walk of the 18th
• Old Paris Walking Tour: Self Guided Tour, Vintage Paris + Map

Paris by arrondissement: Paris Arrondissements Guide

1st arrondissement

• 10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Louvre (& FAQs)
• 10 Quirky, Unknown & Unusual Facts About the Louvre
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Île de la Cité
• Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel: Paris’ Other Triumphal Arch
• CAFE KITSUNE: A REVIEW OF A PARISIAN COFFEE SHOP
• COLONNES DE BUREN & PALAIS ROYAL
• Fontaine des Innocents & Cimetière des Innocents
• Fontaine Molière: A Beautiful Fountain in the 1st Arrondissement
• Galerie Veró-Dodat: An Antique Lover’s Haven in Paris
• How to Visit the Temple Protestant de l’Oratoire du Louvre
• Hôtel de Royaumont
• Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market in Paris
• Louis Vuitton Christmas Tree in Paris, Place Vendôme Façade
• OLDEST CLOCK IN PARIS
• Paris Canopée des Halles Christmas Market Guide
• Paris Point Zero in France and Why All Roads Lead to Rome!
• Place de Valois: A Secret Courtyard in the 1st Arrondissement
• Pont des Arts (Passerelle des Arts), Paris, France
• Pont Neuf, The Oldest Still Standing Bridge in Paris
• Practical Guide to Visiting Notre Dame
• Ritz Christmas Chalet at Place Vendôme
• Square du Vert Galant & the Seine River Weeping Willow
• Ultimate Guide to the Best of Jardin des Tuileries (+ A History)

2nd arrondissement

• 2nd Arrondissement Neighbourhood Guide to Paris
• Boneshaker Doughnuts Paris: A Sweet Treat in the 2nd
• Galerie Vivienne, A Covered Passage in the 2nd Arrondissement
• Passage Choiseul: A Covered Passage in the 2nd Arrondissement
• Passage de la Trinité, a Slice of Medieval Paris
• Passage du Grand-Cerf
• Place des Petits-Pères: A Charming Square in the 2nd Arrondissement
• Rue Montorgueil: Market Street in the 2nd Arrondissement
• Rue du Nil: A Shopping Street in the 2e Arrondissement
• Stohrer: Visiting the Oldest Patisserie in Paris

3rd arrondissement

• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Le Marais (3rd & 4th)
• Arts et Metiers Metro Station: A Steampunk Subway in Paris
• Auberge Nicolas Flamel: Alchemy & A Historic House in Le Marais
• Best Le Marais Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Brocante de la Rue de Bretagne de Noel: Vintage in the 3rd
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Le Marais You’ll Love!
• How to Visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Le Marais
• Le Défenseur du Temps (The Defender of Time) Clock
• Le Marais at Christmas: Lights, Illuminations & Places to Visit
• Passage de l’Ancre
• Rue de Sévigné, A Pretty Street in Le Marais
• Rue de Turenne: A Delightful Road in Le Marais
• Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory
• The Broken Arm Coffee Shop in Le Marais

4th arrondissement

• 10+ Quirky, Unusual & Secret Spots in Île de la Cité
• Affaire de la rue des Marmousets: The Butcher Barber and Baker of Île de la Cité
• A Practical Guide to Visiting Sainte-Chapelle, Ile de la Cite
• Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, Île de la Cité
• Bibliothèque Forney
• Creating a Signature Scent with Le Studio des Parfums
• Gravestone Courtyard in Paris
• Hôtel de Ville Christmas Village: Market, Events & Illuminations
• How to Visit Merci Concept Store in Le Marais, Paris
• How to Visit the Île de la Cité Flower Market
• Hôtel de Sens in Le Marais: My Secret Paris Locations
• Hotel-Dieu de Paris: A Peek Inside the Oldest Hospital in Paris
• Le Perchoir Marais: A Parisian Rooftop Bar with an Eiffel Tower
• Librairie Le Piéton de Paris: A Little Bookshop About Paris
• Place des Vosges: A Gem in the Heart of le Marais, Paris
• Rue des Chantres: A Little-Known Lane on Île de la Cité
• She’s Cake: Where to Find the Best Cheesecake in Paris
• Square Jean XXIII, A Delightful Park next to Notre Dame
• The Grotestque Chimerae & Gargoyles of Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
• The Unexpected Medieval Lovers of Rue de la Colombe
• Tour Saint Jacques: The Gothic Remains of a 16th-Century Church
• Village St Paul: Paris’ Antique Market in the heart of Le Marais

5th arrondissement

• Arènes de Lutèce: Inside Paris’ Roman Theatre
• A Visit to Shakespeare & Company Cafe on the Left Bank
• Best Latin Quarter Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• CLOÎTRE DES BILLETTES: A GLIMPSE OF MEDIEVAL PARIS
• Collège des Bernardins: A Cistercian College in Paris
• DODO MANÈGE
• Église Saint-Éphrem-le-Syriaque
• How to Visit the Grande Mosquée de Paris (Paris Mosque)
• In Search of Roman Paris: Ancient & Historic Roman sites in Paris
• In search of the oldest tree in Paris…
• Latin Quarter Guide: Wandering around Medieval Paris!
• Librairie Le Point du Jour in the Latin Quarter, Paris
• Notre Dame de Paris Christmas Market, Square René Viviani
• Odette Paris Review: Choux Pastries in the Latin Quarter
• Paris Panthéon, Feminism, Voltaire’s Identity & His Remains!
• Place de l’Estrapade: A Delightful Square in the 5th Arrondissement
• Rue Mouffetard, the Shopping Street of the 5th Arrondissement
• Saint-Étienne-du-Mont: Final Resting Place of Saint Genevieve
• Square René-Viviani: A Parisian Park on a Former Cemetery
• The Abbey Bookshop
• The Surprising History Behind the Original Shakespeare and Company

6th arrondissement

• 19th-Century Feature Fontaine Saint-Michel in the 6th Arrondissement
• CAFÉ DE FLORE REVIEW
• Cour du Commerce Saint-André, 6th Arrondissement
• San Francisco Book Company
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market Guide
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighbourhood Guide (6th Arrondissement)
• Seeking History at the Medici Fountain, Jardin du Luxembourg

7th arrondissement

• 10+ Fun Activities & Things to do Near the Eiffel Tower
• 10+ Things to Know Before Visiting the Musée d’Orsay
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 7th Arrondissement
• How to Enjoy the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
• How to Visit Les Invalides: Final Resting Place of Napoleon
• How to Visit the Champ de Mars
• How to See Christmas at Paris Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
• Paris Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts) in France
• Passerelle Debilly: A Footbridge Close to the Eiffel Tower
• Practical Advice, Tricks & Tips For Your Eiffel Tower Visit
• Square Rapp & Avenue Rapp: History & an Eiffel Tower View

8th arrondissement

• Armenian Cathedral in Paris: A 20th-Century Ecclesiastical Building
• How to Visit Hôtel de la Marine, Place de la Concorde
• How to Visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France
• L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped by Christo and Jeanne-Claude
• Notre-Dame-de-Consolation
• Pagoda Paris, France: An Architectural Gem in the 8e
• Parc Monceau, Hidden Gem of the 8th Arrondissement
• Pont Alexandre III: The Most Ornate Bridge in Paris
• Your Parisian Insider’s Guide: The 8th Arrondissement

9th arrondissement

• 14 rue d’Abbeville: The Art-Nouveau House Hiding in the 9th
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 9th Arrondissement
• An Insider’s Guide to Printemps Christmas Windows 2019
• Discovering the Art Nouveau Galeries Lafayette Cupola
• Eglise Saint-Philippe-du-Roule
• Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree: Festive Season in Paris
• Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace: A view over Paris
• How To Go Ice Skating at Galeries Lafayette
• Le Shack Paris Review: A New Concept in the 9th Arrondissement
• Passage des Panoramas
• Passage Jouffroy: A Historic Arcade in the 9th Arrondissement

10th arrondissement

• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 10th Arrondissement
• Canal Saint Martin Guide
• Cour des Petites Écuries: A Hidden Gem of the 10th
• Exploring the History & Architecture of the Mairie du 10e
• How to Visit Du Pain et des Idées, Paris
• Le Marché de Noël en Alsace à Paris
• Tien Hiang : A Vegetarian Restaurant in the 10th

11th arrondissement

• A Local’s Guide to the 11th Arrondissement of Paris
• Café Mericourt review, 11e arrondissement, Paris
• Paris Septime Restaurant Review in the 11th Arrondissement

12th arrondissement

• How to Visit Bercy Village, Paris
• Rue Cremieux: A Pastel Candy Coloured Street near Bastille

13th arrondissement

• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 13th Arrondissement
• Château de la Reine Blanche
• Cité Florale: A Micro Arrondissement in the 13e, Paris
• La Butte Aux Cailles: A Forgotten Micro-Arrondissement in Paris

14th arrondissement

• Alésia-Leclerc Christmas Market
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 14th Arrondissement
• How to visit the Paris Catacombs (A Secret History!)
• How to Visit the Vanves Flea Market (Les Puces de Vanves)
• Jardin des Colonnes
• NOTRE DAME DU TRAVAIL
• Rue des Thermopyles: Hidden Gem of the 14th Arrondissement
• Square de Montsouris, A Secret Village in the 14th Arrondissement

15th arrondissement

• A Guide to the Best Things to do in the 15th Arrondissement
• Eglise Saint-Seraphin-de-Sarov: Hidden Gem of the 15th
• How to Visit The Tour Montparnasse Rooftop Terrace
• Old and Used Book Market Georges Brassens
• PARC ANDRE CITROEN: GOING HOT AIR BALLOONING IN PARIS!
• Rue du Commerce Shopping Street in Paris

16th arrondissement

• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Passy, Paris
• Bois de Boulogne Boat Rental Paris, France!
• How to Visit the Parc de Bagatelle
• SUNRISE OVER PARIS

17th arrondissement

• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 17th Arrondissement

18th arrondissement

• Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre
• A Magical Guide to Autumn in Montmartre (With Photos!)
• An Insider’s Guide to the 30+ Best Things to do in Montmartre
• Best Montmartre Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Chantilly Day Trip from Paris: Château & Museée Condé
• Château des Lys: A History & How to Visit
• Cimetière du Calvaire, Paris’ Oldest & Smallest Cemetery
• Cool, Interesting & Fun Facts About Montmartre
• Curious Montmartre: Rue André Antoine & The First Free Theatre
• Funiculaire de Montmartre (Montmartre Funicular)
• How to Find the Instagram Lamppost of Montmartre in the Fall
• How to Visit La Musee de la Vie Romantique, Montmartre
• How to Visit Place Dalida in Montmartre
• ‘I Love You Wall’ or ‘Le Mur des Je t’aime’, Montmartre
• In Search of the France of Yesteryear: The Lost Windmills of Paris
• La Maison Rose: The ‘Pink House’ of Picture Perfect Montmartre
• Le Clos Montmartre: A Secret Vineyard in the heart of Paris
• Le Consulat Café
• Le Petit Moulin Montmartre
• Le Refuge des Fondus: An Evening in Montmartre’s Famous Fondue Restaurant
• Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival
• Musée de Montmartre
• Place du Tertre: An Artists’ Square in the Heart of Montmartre
• Rue de l’Abreuvoir: A History & How to Visit in Montmartre
• Rue Lepic: The Birthplace of Renault Cars is in Montmartre!
• Rue Saint-Rustique: The Oldest Street in Montmartre
• Secret Spots in Montmartre 
• Square Marcel-Bleustein-Blanchet, Montmartre
• Two Little Streets Dressed up like 1940s Montmartre
• Villa des Platanes: Hidden gem of Montmartre
• Villa Léandre
• Where is the Sinking House in Paris? (Montmartre, France)

19th arrondissement

• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in the 19th Arrondissement
• Butte Bergeyre: A Secret Micro-Arrondissement & Forgotten Vineyard!
• In search of Paris’ Best Kept Secret Space, Parc des Buttes Chaumont

20th arrondissement

• A Guide to Wonderland Paris Festival by We Love Green
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Paris’ 20th Arrondissement
• Heloise and Abelard : Fated Love in Pere Lachaise Cemtery
• La Campagne à Paris: The Countryside in the 20th Arrondissement

Towns and places to visit outside of Paris

• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Auvers-sur-Oise
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Enghien-les-Bains
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Étampes, France
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in La Défense
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lagny-sur-Marne
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Nemours
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Yerres, Île de France
• A MEDIEVAL EXPERIENCE AT BLANDY LES TOURS
• Barbizon: A Secluded and Peaceful Painters’ Village in Île de France
• Canal de Meaux à Chalifert: Meaux to Esbly Walk
• Candlelit Evenings at Vaux le Vicomte
• Château de Vaux le Vicomte 
• Château de Vincennes Guide: 14th-Century Castle, Chapel & Forest
• Chevreuse Guide: Fairytale French Town & Medieval Château
• Crécy-la-Chapelle: A Guide to the ‘Venice of Brie’
• Fontainebleau
• Goussainville : Abandoned Ghost Town of Vieux-Pays
• How to Visit La Vallée Village Paris Shopping Outlet
• How to Visit Parc de la Vallée aux Loups, Hauts-de-Seine
• How to Visit Paris Pet Cemetery (Cimetière des Chiens)
• La Défense Christmas Market Guide
• La Roche-Guyon, A Beautiful Village in Île de France
• Librairie Goussainlivres
• L’ISLE-ADAM: DAY TRIP FROM PARIS
• Louveciennes: An Unexpected Road Trip in France
• Meaux Guide: A Half Day Trip from Paris
• Parc de Saint-Cloud
• Planning a Trip to Disneyland Paris: Tips & Advice
• Port Royal des Champs Abbey, Chevreuse National Park
• Provins: A Charming Day Trip from Paris to a Medieval City
• Provins Medieval Tunnels France
• SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE
• THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CASTLE ON ILE DE FRANCE: Sceaux
• Visiting Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
• An Alternative Guide to Versailles Town (things to see and do!)
• Best Versailles Tickets & Tours: Which Tickets Should You Buy?
• Hameau de la Reine: Marie Antoinette’s Farm
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Versailles
• How to go Fruit Picking in Versailles, France
• Musée Lambinet: Architecture, Culture & House Museum
• These Versailles Bookshops Will Steal Your Heart
• Versailles Guide: How to visit Versailles as a day trip from Paris

• 10+ Most Beautiful Towns in Normandy to Visit
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Étretat, Normandy
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Honfleur, Normandy
• A History of the Château des Ifs (Seine-Maritime)
• Best Étretat Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Best Things to do in Normandy (Bucket List)
• Chateau du Tilleul (Château de Fréfossé), Normandy, France
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Étretat
• Hidden Gems & Unusual Secret Spots in Honfleur
• How to Take the Perfect Day Trip from Paris to Deauville & Trouville-sur-Mer
• Yport Guide: A Charming Fishing Village in Normandy
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Giverny: Monet’s House, Garden & Waterlilies

Mont Saint Michel

• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Mont Saint Michel
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Mont Saint Michel
• A Free & Self-Guided Rouen Walking Tour
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Rouen
• Best Rouen Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• How to visit Rouen Cathedral (and a history)
• In Search of Renaissance France: Le Gros Horloge of Rouen
• Rouen Christmas Market Guide 2022 (Events & Illuminations)

Nouvelle Aquitaine

• Agen Guide: The Nouvelle Aquitaine City You’ve Never Heard Of
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Île de Ré
• Limoges Guide: An Underrated City in South West France
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Poitiers

Bay of Arcachon

• Arcachon Bay Travel Guide
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Andernos-les-Bains
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Cap Ferrret
• 10 Secret Spots in Bordeaux You Simply Need to Know About!
• A Girls Getaway Weekend in Bordeaux Itinerary
• A Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Bordeaux
• A Vegetarian Foodie Experience at the Kitchen Garden
• Contrast Bordeaux: Coffee Shop & Brunch Place Review
• Where to Find the Best Brunch in Bordeaux
• Wine in Bordeaux: The Best Experiences, Tours & Tastings

French Basque Country

• A Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Biarritz
• A Guide to the Best of Guéthary
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Ciboure
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Bayonne
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Saint Jean de Luz
• How to Visit the Rocher de la Vierge, Biarritz

• 5 Incredible Reasons to Visit Béziers, One of France’s Oldest Cities
• 10 Secret Spots in Toulouse, Hidden Gems of ‘La Ville Rose’
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Uzès
• 10+ Most Beautiful Cities and Towns in Occitanie You Must Visit
• Best Day Trips from Montpellier You Must Take
• Free & Self-Guided Montpellier Walking Tour
• Free & Self-Guided Walking Tour of Narbonne City
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Montpellier Itinerary
• How to Visit Les Halles de Narbonne, France
• La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa Review: A Luxury Stay in Toulouse
• L’Hotel Particulier Beziers Review: Luxury in the Heart of Occitanie
• Narbonne Travel Guide
• Where to Find the Best View in Béziers
• Where to Find the Best View of Narbonne

Pays de la Loire

• 10+ Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Nantes
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Clisson
• Best Nantes Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Following in the Footsteps of Jules Verne in Nantes
• Le Nid Nantes: Where to Find the Best View in Nantes
• Passage Pommeraye: A Covered Passage in the Heart of Nantes
• Where to Find the Best Bookshops in Nantes

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

French riviera.

• 10+ Charming & Mediterranean-Inspired Day Trips from Nice
• 10+ Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Nice You Should Know About
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Antibes
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in La Ciotat
• A Historic & Free Walking Guide to the Promenade des Anglais
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Cannes
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Cassis
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Menton
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Saint Paul de Vence
• A Visit to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice
• Beautiful Villages, Cities & Towns on the French Riviera
• Best Cassis Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Best Menton Hotels: Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
• Cagnes-sur-Mer & Haut-de-Cagnes Guide
• Calanques de Cassis
• Château de Cassis: 13th-Century Provence Carolingian Castle
• How to Visit the Cannes Walk Of Fame ( Chemin des Étoiles )
• How to Visit the Menton Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron)
• Where to Find the Best Socca in Nice
• 10 Day Trips from Aix-en-Provence You’ll Want to Take!
• 5+ Fun, Cool, Weird & Interesting Facts About Provence
• A Guide to the Best of Grambois, Provence
• A Guide to the Best of Revest-des-Brousses
• A Guide to the Best of Saint-Martin-de-Castillon
• A Guide to the Best of Simiane-la-Rotonde
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Fontaine de Vaucluse
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Gordes, France
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Banon, Provence
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Marseille, France
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Roussillon in Provence
• An Insider’s Guide to the 20+ Best Things to do in Provence
• A Guide to the Best Things to do in Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire
• Avignon or Aix-en-Provence: Which Should You Visit?
• Beautiful Villages & Towns in Provence You Simply Must See!
• Café Tulipe: Where to Find the Best Coffee in Avignon
• Hidden Gems and Secret Spots in Aix-en-Provence
• Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Avignon You Must Visit
• How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Marseille
• How to Visit Le Sentier des Ocres, Roussillon
• How to Visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, Provence
• How to visit the Colorado Provençal in Provence, France
• Les Vignerons du Mont Saint-Victoire, A Vineyard in Provence!
• The Best of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt in the Luberon
• The Complete Gorges du Verdon Travel Guide
• Your ultimate guide to the Best of Lavender Fields in Provence

Islands of France

• Saint Pierre and Miquelon, France Guide: What to See & Do

A Guide to the Best Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

A pleasant town which is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours such…

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Île de France

Most famously known as the region in which Paris sits at the heart of, Île…

A Local’s Guide to the 4th Arrondissement of Paris

Home to one of the world’s most famous cathedrals and spanning two islands on the…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Lyon Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Neighborhoods to Explore

Best Hotels

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Lyon

Top Things to Do

Best Museums

Shopping in Lyon

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Lyon: The Complete Guide

Lyon Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip

Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France, is the country's third-largest city after Paris and Marseille. With a history stretching to the Gallo-Roman period, Lyon is now an important hub for art, culture, gastronomy, winemaking, and commerce. Keep reading to learn how to plan your trip to Lyon, with info on getting there, where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit:  Lyon is generally most pleasant from mid-spring to fall, when warmer weather makes activities such as wine tasting, strolls, cycling, and day trips ideal. However, you should also consider visiting in early December, when holiday lights, Christmas markets, and other festivities awaken the city from its winter lull.
• Language:  French is the official language in Lyon.
• Currency:  The Euro has been France's official currency since 2002.  
• Getting Around:  Central Lyon and the main areas of interest for tourists are fairly compact and easy to navigate by foot; make sure you're equipped with either a good navigation app on your phone or a print map. If you decide to take public transportation, the city has an inexpensive Metro, bus, and tram network. Tickets can be purchased in stations or onboard buses, but be aware that single tickets purchased on buses cost significantly more than ones purchased in advance. There are also two funicular lines bringing you up the city's two steep hills; you can use regular metro/tram tickets or travel passes on these lines. Meanwhile, if you wish to take a day trip to nearby vineyards or surrounding towns, local trains run regularly and efficiently from central Lyon.
• Travel Tip: You won't feel you're in a huge city if you find a hotel somewhere close to the major tourist attractions—and you'll save money on transportation, too.

Things to Do

Built up on a hilly site around the Rhône and Saône rivers  , Lyon offers plenty to see and do, whether it's your first visit or third. Especially on a first trip, you'll want to explore the winding streets of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon); the St-Jean Cathedral at its western edge is a stunning example of medieval Gothic architecture, while warm Italian-style buildings in ochre and warm pink mostly date to the Renaissance period. Be sure to walk along the banks and poetic bridges of the two rivers, and perhaps enjoy a picnic somewhere along the way. Finally, have lunch or dinner at one of Lyon's iconic bouchons : traditional, mostly family-owned eateries famous for their simple but delicious local fare.

Here are more of the top things to see and do during your stay:

• To the west of Old Lyon is Fourvière hill, dominated by Notre-Dame de Fourvière; you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city from the lookout point outside the basilica. The ruins of two Roman arenas, along with Lyon's fascinating Gallo-Roman archaeological museum ( Musée Lugdunum ), are located here as well. Fourvière is reached by a funicular that departs from the base of the hill in Vieux Lyon.
• By the 18th century, Lyon was renowned throughout Europe for its silk production. Tour the silk weavers' district on the high slopes of the area known as La Croix Rousse; wander through the old passageways, or traboules, that permitted silk workers to transport goods to the city center below.   The Croix-Rousse neighborhood itself is also worth exploring, and is full of interesting street art, quirky boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
• Lyon is an important historic site for film and cinema. Visit the Lumière Institute and the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema to learn more about the city's key role in the development of moving pictures.

Explore more local sights and attractions in our full guide to the top things to see and do in Lyon , and our photographic tour of the city's highlights .

What to Eat and Drink

Lyon is widely considered the gastronomic capital of France, and boasts more than 1,000 restaurants. You won't have trouble finding a good meal in Lyon. The city is awash with traditional, inexpensive tables—including the previously mentioned bouchons, with their intimate dining rooms and authentic vibe. Local specialties include a soft, herbed "silkweaver's" cheese called cervelles de canuts; tripes; quenelles de brochet (pike fish in a rich, creamy sauce); and Lyonnais-style salad. If you want to learn how to cook with the region's traditional ingredients, consider signing up for a single-day class with Plum Teaching Kitchen Lyon .

While you're in town, check out the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a covered market and food hall named after the renowned and late French chef. Wander through 48 bustling market stalls to taste and/or buy some excellent cheeses, produce, wines, pastries, and typical Lyonnais treats. Some of the city's better restaurants, both informal and formal, are situated in and around the market.

Located in the heart of the Rhône winemaking region, Lyon is also an excellent place to taste superb French wines, whether by visiting a local wine bar, or by taking a day trip to a regional winery or tasting cellar. Learn more about wine tours in and around Lyon on the city's Tourist Office and Convention Bureau website .

For more on where to eat in the city, explore our guide to the best restaurants in Lyon.

Where to Stay  

As the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and one of France's largest cities, Lyon counts plenty of hotels—from familiar global chains to quirky boutique accommodations and B&B-style lodgings. Many in the three- and two-star categories offer excellent value for money and above-average amenities. If you're traveling during peak season (mid-spring through early fall), make sure to book well ahead to secure the best rates.

If you don't mind preparing some of your meals, staying in a furnished vacation rental equipped with a kitchen can be an excellent way to save money on eating out. And with the number of high-quality markets and bakeries available in Lyon, you might find yourself in the mood to experiment with the fresh ingredients you get your hands on anyway.

In terms of where to stay within the city, expect hotels in Vieux Lyon and the Presque-île area to charge more per night. Areas a bit outside of the city center—such as Perrache (near the train station) or in Croix-Rousse—are often less expensive. Before booking any accommodations, consider factors such as access to the city center by public transport.

Getting There

Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is located 15 miles from the city center and features excellent links with France's high-speed rail (TGV) network. There is also a shuttle bus connection, called the Navette Lyon, that links the airport to the city center.

Air France, Austrian Air, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, KLM, Emirates, and Lufthansa are among the national and low-cost carriers to offer both domestic and international flights to and from LYS. Several airlines, including Air France, offer direct service from Paris and other major cities around France; if you're flying from North America, you will generally need to connect through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

If you're taking the train from another city in France or elsewhere in Europe, you'll arrive at one of Lyon's main rail stations: Part-Dieu or Perrache. There's a third rail station at LYS, which can be useful for continuing onward to cities and towns near Lyon, if you decide to explore the region further. TGV trains arrive and depart several times daily to and from Paris, and serve the Part-Dieu station. There are also direct Eurostar trains from London to Lyon ; it takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes in total, and brings you from one city center to the next.

See more about getting to and from Lyon by train by visiting France's National Rail network, SNCF (in English) .

Money-Saving Tips  

• The Lyon City Card gives you free access to all bus, metro, tramway, and funicular lines in the city; free and discounted admission to many museums and shows; and some shopping discounts. The Lyon Card is available as a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass; there are separate rates for adults and children.
• Consider visiting Lyon in low season (roughly late October to early April). In addition to enjoying more of the city to yourself and benefiting from shorter lines at popular attractions, flights and hotel rooms are often less expensive at this time.
• Lyon has a number of annual festivals and events that are free, including the Fête de la Musique (June 21), which allows you to enjoy free music performances throughout the city.
• You can travel around cheaply on two wheels by using Lyon's city bike scheme . The first 30 minutes are free, and the hourly and daily rates after that are budget-friendly.
• In the spring and summer, Lyon's many riverbanks and parks can be perfect for enjoying a picnic. Stock up on inexpensive but delicious pastries, bread, fruit, and French cheeses from one of Lyon's neighborhood bakeries or farmers' markets.
• If you want to take advantage of Lyon's world-famous cuisine while watching your bank account, opt for eating out during lunch. Pre-set lunch menus are generally much more affordable than dinner à la carte.

European Commission. " France and the Euro ." Web. Consulted December 11, 2020.

Encyclopædia Britannica. " Lyon, France ". July 6, 2018.

Only Lyon Tourisme. " Courtyards and Traboules of Croix-Rousse ." Updated August 8, 2019.

Getting Around Lyon: Guide to Public Transportation

The Top 20 Things to Do in Lyon, France

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

A Complete Guide to the Neighborhoods of Lyon

48 Hours in Lyon: The Ultimate Itinerary

Albi: Planning Your Trip

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 10 Best Hotels in Lyon

The Top 10 Museums in Lyon, France

The 6 Best Places for Shopping in Lyon

How to Travel from Frankfurt to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel From Paris to Lyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

The Best Time to Visit Lyon

Prague: Planning Your Trip

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Jeanne Damas on Paloma Picasso and How to Avoid Dressing Like a Tourist in Paris

By Hannah Jackson

Everyone and their mother is heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics —the first time the French capital has hosted the Games since 1924. With a projected 15 million visitors streaming into the city this summer, tourists will be a dime a dozen.

While fashion can be used as a tool to stand out, dressing like an out-of-towner draws attention for all the wrong reasons. Luckily, French Girl Style ambassador Jeanne Damas —designer and founder of Rouje—is here to help.

Some things, of course, are undeniable. If you’re gawking at the Eiffel Tower, chances are you’re not a local. “It’s more about the neighborhood,” Damas says. In the nineteenth and twentieth arrondissements “it’s impossible that you see a tourist here,” she observes, because they just don’t tend to journey that far. At other times, certain items of clothing can make visitors stand out to her. “A baseball cap! I think that seems so tourist,” she notes.

For anyone hoping to blend in this summer, Damas suggests some infallible staple pieces: “I think there is a certain minimalism in Paris,” she says. “People wear color-block [looks], no prints, simple flat shoes—maybe ballerinas.”

Given her fashion background, it made perfect sense for Damas to take on the role of designer Paloma Picasso —one of Pablo Picasso’s daughters—in Hulu’s Becoming Karl Lagerfeld . “She was completely original and out-of-the-box. For example, it was the ’70s, but she would always go to the flea market to buy some vintage clothes from the ’40s. At this time it was not really fashionable to dress like that,” Damas says of Paloma. “She really inspired Yves Saint Laurent for his collection because, for him, [her style] was completely new and inspiring. She really was a wonderful fashion icon.”

Despite her pedigree as a French style expert, Damas adores Paloma Picasso’s exuberant fashion philosophy. “We are so boring about style because in France we all dress the same. It’s all simple jeans, trench, blazer,” she says. “When I come to New York, it’s so inspiring. Everybody is wearing crazy clothes, transparency, they don’t care. It’s really original.”

Jeanne Damas as Paloma Picasso in Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.

More Great Fashion Stories from Vogue

Lily Collins Has Found a French-Girl Alternative to the Adidas Samba

Meghan Markle’s New Look Is Taking Shape for Spring

Angelina Jolie Will Wear This Pair of Shoes Anywhere—Even a Shopping Run

Katie Holmes’s Baggy Slip Dress Is a Lazy Girl’s Shortcut to Cool

Goodbye, Manolos! Sarah Jessica Parker’s Unlikely Summer Shoe Is a Clog

Rihanna Gives a ’90s Coat a Totally 2024 Feel

Sign up for Vogue Shopping to receive the insider’s guide to what to shop and how to wear it

Listen to The Run-Through with Vogue , a weekly podcast featuring the most exciting stories and hot takes from the worlds of culture, politics, sports and–of course–fashion

Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month.

Vogue Daily

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Vogue. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Olympics 2024

Your Guide to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics: When and How to Watch—and What to Expect

T he Summer Olympics are returning to Paris after 100 years. The last time the French capital hosted the international competition was in 1924, when there were 22 sports. This time, there will be 32, including one that’s making its Olympics debut.

Also, for the first time in Summer Games’ history, the Olympics Opening Ceremony won’t be held in a stadium. Instead, organizers are planning to parade a flotilla of boats down the Seine that runs through the heart of the city.

Read More: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo Has a Lot Riding on the 2024 Olympics

Here’s everything you need to know to be ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

When is the Paris 2024 Olympics?  

The Opening Ceremony of what is officially the XXXIII Olympiad is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. ET on July 26—though soccer and rugby sevens events kick off on July 24. The closing ceremony takes place on Aug. 11.

What are the sporting events?

This summer, 10,500 athletes from over 200 national committees as well as a refugee team will compete in 329 events.

The Paris Olympics will include 28 returning sports, following the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics (which took place in 2021 due to COVID-19), as well as four special additions: sport climbing, skateboarding, surfing, and breaking—the last of which is making its Olympics debut. The International Olympic Committee accepted Paris 2024 organizers’ proposal to include these additional sports because they “contribute to making the programme of the Olympic Games more gender balanced, more youthful and more urban.”

Read More: Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris for Her Sport’s Olympic Debut. Just Don’t Call It ‘Breakdancing’

Below are the competition dates for each sport. For a detailed schedule, click here .

• Archery: July 25 to August 4
• Artistic gymnastics: July 27 to August 5 
• Artistic swimming: August 5 to 10
• Athletics: August 1 to 11
• Badminton: July 27 to August 5
• Basketball: July 27 to August 11
• Basketball 3x3: July 30 to August 5
• Beach volleyball: July 27 to August 10
• Boxing: July 27 to August 10
• Breaking: August 9 to 10
• Canoe slalom: July 27 to August 5
• Canoe sprint: August 6 to 10
• Cycling BMX freestyle: July 30 to 31
• Cycling BMX racing: August 1 to 2
• Cycling mountain bike: July 28 to 29
• Cycling road: July 27 to August 4
• Cycling track: August 5 to 11
• Diving: July 27 to August 10
• Equestrian: July 27 to August 6
• Fencing: July 27 to August 4
• Football (Soccer): July 24 to August 10
• Golf: August 1 to 10
• Handball: July 25 to August 11
• Hockey: July 27 to August 9
• Judo: July 27 to August 3
• Marathon swimming: August 8 to 9
• Modern pentathlon: August 8 to 11
• Rhythmic gymnastics: August 8 to 10
• Rowing : July 27 to August 3
• Rugby sevens: July 24 to 30
• Sailing: July 28 to August 8
• Shooting: July 27 to August 5
• Skateboarding: July 27 to August 7
• Sport climbing: August 5 to 10
• Surfing: July 27 to 31 (pending weather conditions)
• Swimming: July 27 to August 4
• Table tennis: July 27 to August 10
• Taekwondo: August 7 to 10
• Tennis: July 27 to August 4
• Trampoline: August 2
• Triathlon: July 30 to August 5
• Volleyball: July 27 to August 11
• Water polo: July 27 to August 11
• Weightlifting: August 7 to 11
• Wrestling: August 5 to 11

Where are the various games being held?

Most—but not all—of the Summer Games will be played within or in the outskirts of the city of Paris. Ten of the 35 official venues are outside the host metro area, including in the French cities of Nice, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Meanwhile, the surfing competition will take place 10,000 miles away on the waves off of the French Polynesian island of Tahiti.

Paris 2024 organizers have emphasized their commitment to sustainability by using mostly pre-existing venues, such as the Stade de France—which is the home stadium of the French national soccer team and will be the site of the closing ceremony as well as several athletic events—in addition to eco-friendly temporary structures, including the Athletes’ Village, which was built on a former industrial wasteland site. Only one permanent competition venue—the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis—was built specifically for the 2024 Summer Games.

Paris 2024 organizers announced ambitious—and controversial—plans to hold the marathon swimming events and swimming legs of the Olympics and Paralympics triathlons in the Seine, which has been closed to swimming for over a century due to persistent pollution. But even after an extensive and expensive cleanup effort, officials have acknowledged that swimming events planned for the river may have to be postponed or canceled if the water remains too dirty.

Read More: Inside the Billion-Dollar Effort to Clean Up the World’s Most Romantic River

Are tickets still available?

Millions of spectators are expected to watch the Summer Games in-person, according to Paris 2024 organizers, and while some sessions are sold out—early birds have already purchased their tickets after registering as far back as December 2022—tickets to a number of events remain available , including some for as low as €15 (about $16).

How can I watch the Olympics on TV?

NBCUniversal is the official U.S. broadcaster of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, and while Paris is six hours ahead of Eastern time, every day NBC will air at least nine hours of daytime coverage in addition to a three-hour primetime show recapping the biggest moments. Meanwhile, streaming platform Peacock will feature—for the first time in Summer Games history—every sport and event live as well as full replays. NBCU’s Telemundo will provide Spanish-language coverage of the Games.

BBC is the official U.K. broadcaster, while other Olympics broadcasters can be found here .

What countries are expected to do best?

Team USA is expected to bring home the most medals, which would be the eighth successive Summer Games that they top the leaderboard. According to a May forecast by data analytics company Gracenote, Team USA is projected to win 39 gold medals, 36 silver, and 50 bronze, for a total of 125, besting the 113 medals the team earned during the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Read More: Fred Richard Is Team USA’s Next Olympic Hope for Men’s Gymnastics

China is forecast to follow suit, taking home a projected 90 medals. And Great Britain is expected to come in third place with a projected 62 medals. Host country France is projected to win 55 medals—almost double what it won in Tokyo.

When and where are the next Olympics?

The Summer Paralympics follows shortly after the Summer Games, starting on Aug. 28 and ending on Sept. 8.

The Winter Olympics are set for February 2026 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. And the next Summer Games will take place in Los Angeles in 2028.

More Must-Reads from TIME

• Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone
• Lai Ching-te Is Standing His Ground
• Do Less. It’s Good for You
• There's Something Different About Will Smith
• What Animal Studies Are Revealing About Their Minds—and Ours
• What a Hospice Nurse Wants You to Know About Death
• 15 LGBTQ+ Books to Read for Pride
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

A first-time guide to Luxembourg

Aug 16, 2023 • 7 min read

Get to know the best things to do in Luxembourg with this first-timer's guide © RossHelen / Getty Images © © RossHelen / Getty Images

Squeezed in between France , Belgium and Germany , tiny Luxembourg (pop. 655,000) is something of an oddity, yet is arguably also the most European of the continent’s many nations.

A multilingual global hub of business and commerce, Luxembourg is also the world’s only grand duchy and its cinematic capital city was once an imposing fortress that used its dramatic topography to battle waves of Spanish and French armies. 

In short, it’s an intriguing place. But despite those alluring accolades, it’s a country that’s often overlooked thanks to its diminutive size. Those who do venture here find dense hiking wildernesses, languid wine regions, bizarre local festivals and arguably the most distinct capital city in Europe. 

A country this small won't be without its quirks however, so here are a few things to think about before traveling to Luxembourg. 

When should I go to Luxembourg?

Luxembourg’s relative mystique means its streets won’t be clogged with swelling crowds, lost tourists and stressed tour guides, even during the summer months. And while summer (June to August) is indeed the busiest time, the pleasant weather also makes it the best time to visit. 

The thick foliage lining the gorges and valleys of Luxembourg City explodes into orange, gold and red during fall (September to November) and these delightful scenes coupled with slightly lower hotel prices make it another fine time to visit.

The Winterlights festival in Luxembourg City during December's festive period is magical, though travelers passing through in January and February will face near-freezing temperatures and reduced opening hours, with closures of some attractions and restaurants.

How long should I spend in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg City is an ideal weekend break destination, with plenty to see and do between Friday and Sunday. If, however, you have more time at your disposal then take advantage of the country’s short distances between locations (it takes less than 90 minutes to drive from the northern to the southern end of Luxembourg!).

With four days available, there’s ample time to spread out to the wine region of Moselle and explore the unique museums of Esch, the 2022 European Capital of Culture . Expand that to seven days and you’ll be able to head north and hike the Mullerthal’s dense forests and gentle hills.

Is it easy to get in and around Luxembourg?

Luxembourg Airport is the country’s only international airport and is located around 5km (3 miles) east of the capital, meaning a relatively short bus or taxi ride into the city. While the ravines of Luxembourg City may look intimidating at first, it's a small place of just 132,000 and is easily walkable. 

And in news that always brings a surprised smile to first-time visitors' faces, all public transit in Luxembourg (buses, trams, and trains) has been free of charge since February 29, 2020.

Top things to do in Luxembourg

More than 10 times smaller than neighboring Belgium, Luxembourg is not a big place and its capital city is the best place to start any journey. Begin by taking in the finest views of this picturesque city from the Chemin de la Corniche and the mighty Pont Adolphe bridge. 

In the city center, Luxembourg’s rather tumultuous history can be explored at the fascinating cliffside Musée d'Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg . After soaking up the city’s stirring past, you can then see up close how Luxembourg defended itself at the Bock Casemates  –  a complex network of subterranean tunnels and rocky fortifications lined with cannons protruding out of carefully cut holes. It’s no surprise this place was once nicknamed the "Gibraltar of the North". 

Let off steam in the evening by making the winding walk down to the lively Rives de Clausen neighborhood, a 12th-century brewing district that’s been regenerated into an eclectic entertainment area with bumping bars and modern restaurants. 

While Luxembourg’s current riches are based around financial services, its past wealth was built on the cast iron industry and nowhere is that displayed better than at the hulking remains of Belval’s former blast furnaces in the southwestern city of Esch. With their massive steel skeletons available to climb on guided tours, the sublime panoramic views stretch as far as France. Over at the Minett Park Fond-de-Gras , the old mining railroad has been transformed into a network of bucolic walking trails, with many of the historic stations and warehouses free to explore.

In Luxembourg’s pastoral southeast, the Moselle Valley wine region is also perfect for a short 20km (12 mile) day trip from the capital and its rolling vineyards growing grapes make for pleasant summer afternoons sampling local whites such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay.

With a little more time on your hands, there’s scope to take the train north into beautiful Mullerthal. Often referred to as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, walk parts (or all of) the 112km (70 mile) Mullerthal Trail for some sublime summer hiking, passing by rare sandstone rock formations, ancient fern forests and wonderful views over the river Sûre.

Over in border-straddling Echternach, the town’s handsome twin-spired abbey dominates the surrounding landscape and looks deep into neighboring Germany. This place though, is also famous for more unconventional reasons. If you happen to be here on Whit Tuesday, then you’ll be on hand to witness the traditional Lechternacher Sprangprëssessioun – a hopping procession where participants dressed in white shirts and black trousers hop like bunnies to a polka melody through the town’s medieval streets to pay tribute to St Willibrord, founder of the local Benedictine Abbey .

My favorite thing to do in Luxembourg

My first trip to Luxembourg was booked on a whim, very much a last-minute decision driven by itchy feet and a desire for an easy weekend of escapism from the monotony of a crushingly dull 9–5 job during a former life. But like most people, I had no idea what to expect and did even less research into what this mysterious country a two-hour hop from the UK looked like. I guess I wanted to be surprised. 

And that’s exactly what happened the first time I walked out onto the capital city’s Chemin de la Corniche. From the elevated balcony of this winding promenade, Luxembourg’s widescreen cityscape was revealed like an establishing shot of an epic Golden Age Hollywood movie. So spend as long as you like here soaking in tumbling gorges, vertiginous cliffs, twisting roads, distant spires, dense foliage and grand stone bridges. It’s a remarkable scene that’s never left me.

How much money do I need for Luxembourg?

Luxembourg is the world’s richest country going by GDP per capita, though its prices for visitors aren’t exceptionally high (like you may see in Scandinavia, for example). It’s not a cheap country either, but for those simply traveling through, Luxembourg isn’t too different from its neighbors and should be treated as such.

As mentioned earlier, Luxembourg’s free public transit is a huge boon for visitors and should be taken advantage of as often as possible. Maybe treat yourself to a hotel upgrade or fancy meal perhaps?

Hostel room: €35 Hotel room for two: €112 Public transport ticket: free! Coffee: €3.50 Sandwich: €5 Dinner for two: €50–70 Beer/pint at a bar: €6

Frequently asked questions

How many languages do they speak in luxembourg.

Germanic in character, Luxembourgish is the national language of Luxembourg though the country also has two other official languages: French and German. French is more prominent than German, though English is widely spoken too (thanks to Luxembourg’s large multinational workforce).

What type of food will I find in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg’s cuisine is reflective of its location between France and Germany, blending ingredients and styles from both but perhaps closer to the heartier fare of German dishes. Made from smoked pork collar, potatoes and broad beans, Judd mat Gaardebounen is a classic Luxembourgish dish and is ideal in colder months.

What’s a grand duchy?

A grand duchy is a country or territory whose official head of state or ruler is a monarch bearing the title of grand duke or grand duchess. During the 19th century, there were as many as 14 grand duchies in Europe, but Luxembourg is the only one remaining upholding the tradition.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Jun 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Experience the best of Argentina without devastating your wallet – here are our tips for traveling on a budget.

Jun 15, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 14, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 12 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 7 min read

May 30, 2024 • 6 min read

May 30, 2024 • 10 min read

May 29, 2024 • 4 min read

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read