A France Travel Guide: The Must-See Places

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about getting lost in the croissant-scented streets of Paris or feeling like a hero in the shadow of majestic châteaux, you’ve come to the right place.

The goal of this article is to offer more than just another tourist checklist. My aim is to help you design your own perfect French itinerary and, most importantly, to provide practical and logical answers to the question, “Where should I stay?” This guide is a roadmap for first-time visitors to France and a promise of new discoveries for those who have been before.

If you’re ready, let’s embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of France!

Tips Before You Go

A perfect trip begins with good planning. Here’s what you need to know before starting your French adventure:

• When to Go? France is beautiful in all four seasons, but the most ideal times are Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October). During these periods, the weather is generally mild, the tourist crowds are smaller than in the summer, and nature displays its most beautiful colors. Summer (July-August) can be hot and crowded, while winter can be quieter, especially in the south, and cold and rainy in the north.

• Transportation: France has one of the most advanced train networks in the world. The fastest and most comfortable way to travel between cities is by using the TGV (High-Speed Train). The earlier you book your tickets, the more affordable they will be. If you want to explore rural areas, such as Provence or the Loire Valley, renting a car will offer you incredible freedom.

Part 1: The City of Lights and Beyond – Paris

When one thinks of France, the first place that comes to mind is undoubtedly Paris. This city is more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum; every street, every bridge, and every café is like a living art gallery.

Must-See Sights:

• Eiffel Tower: A cliché? Perhaps. But nothing can beat the magic of watching Paris from the top of the Iron Lady. My advice is to go up around sunset.

• Louvre Museum: Worth visiting even if only to see the Mona Lisa. However, to avoid getting lost in this vast ocean of art, identify the works you want to see beforehand and make a plan.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: One of Paris’s iconic landmarks. After suffering significant damage in the fire on April 15, 2019, the Cathedral has reopened its doors after five years of restoration work.

• Montmartre: Gaze at the city from beneath the white dome of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and take an art-filled stroll among the painters working at Place du Tertre.

• Seine River Cruise: Seeing Paris from the river, gliding past illuminated buildings and bridges, is a wonderful experience, especially in the evening.

Where to Stay in Paris?

Paris is divided into 20 districts called “arrondissements.” Your choice of accommodation should depend on your travel style.

• Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements): With its historic texture, chic boutiques, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants, this is one of Paris’s most important districts. It’s perfect for those seeking a central and lively atmosphere. The boutique hotels here offer a great way to experience the Parisian spirit.

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement): Known for its literary cafés, luxury shops, and historic atmosphere, this area is the intellectual heart of Paris. It’s ideal for those who want a calmer, more elegant, and central accommodation experience.

• Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement): Home to the Sorbonne University, this district offers more energetic, youthful, and budget-friendly options. It’s always vibrant with its bookstores, jazz clubs, and lively streets.

• Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): For those seeking a more bohemian and authentic experience away from the city center, Montmartre is unique. With its cobblestone streets and artist studios, it feels like a movie set.

Recommended Duration: 3-4 days

Part 2: Provence & The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)

When you hop on a train from Paris and head to the south of the country, a completely different France awaits you. Here, you’ll find the scent of lavender, the deep blue sea, and that famous light that has been the muse of artists.

Must-See Sights:

• Nice: Considered the capital of the French Riviera, Nice offers both a vibrant city life and Mediterranean relaxation. Walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, get lost in the narrow, colorful streets of Vieux Nice (Old Nice), and enjoy the city view from the waterfall on Castle Hill.

• Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence: These two hilltop villages look like they’ve been plucked from a fairy tale. Gazing at the Mediterranean from the exotic gardens of Èze or wandering through the art-gallery-filled streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is unforgettable.

• Monaco: Just a short train ride from Nice, this small principality is the center of luxury and glamour. See the Monte Carlo Casino, visit the Prince’s Palace, and imagine yourself in a James Bond film in the harbor filled with luxury yachts.

• Aix-en-Provence: This is the heart of Provence. It’s an elegant and bohemian city with hundreds of fountains, boulevards shaded by giant plane trees, and streets that inspired the painter Paul Cézanne.

• Valensole Plateau: If your trip is in late June or early July, you must see the endless lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Where to Stay in the South of France?

Choosing the right city as your base is crucial for exploring this vast region.

• Nice: The most ideal hub for exploring the French Riviera (Monaco, Cannes, Èze, Antibes). It has excellent train and bus connections. You can find a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels with sea views to charming guesthouses in the old town.

• Aix-en-Provence: A fantastic starting point for exploring the inland parts of Provence, the lavender fields, and the charming villages of the Luberon (like Gordes and Roussillon). If you’ve rented a car, staying in this city provides great flexibility.

Recommended Duration: 4-5 days

Part 3: The Loire Valley

Located southwest of Paris, the Loire Valley is known as the “Garden of France.” This region is home to hundreds of magnificent châteaux, lush green nature, and some of the country’s best white wines.

Must-See Sights:

• Château de Chambord: The most impressive château in the valley, with its massive size and an iconic double-helix staircase believed to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

• Château de Chenonceau: Built like a bridge over the Cher River, this château is also known as the “Ladies’ Château.” It is incredibly photogenic, thanks to its architecture and gardens.

• Château de Villandry: Famous for its stunning multi-layered Renaissance gardens. Simply strolling through the gardens is an experience in itself.

• Château d’Ussé: Said to be the inspiration for the tale of Sleeping Beauty, this château is truly magnificent with its turrets and grandiose appearance.

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley?

• Tours: The largest city in the valley, it has an excellent transport network for organizing day trips to the châteaux. It offers a lively city atmosphere and numerous restaurant options.

• Amboise: This charming town, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, is home to its own château and the Clos Lucé Museum. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer to stay in a smaller, more authentic town. Staying by the river or in the historic center here will allow you to better feel the spirit of the region.

Recommended Duration: 2-3 days

What to Eat in France?

Paris: Bistro Classics and the Art of Pâtisserie

In Paris, a culinary delight awaits you on every corner. The best way to start your day is with a fresh, flaky croissant and a café au lait from a local boulangerie (bakery). For lunch or dinner, you must experience an authentic bistro, with its charming red-checkered tablecloths, and try a classic French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’oignon) or Steak Frites (steak and fries).

Provence & Riviera

In the South of France, the cuisine is a dance of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and fragrant herbs. While in Nice, be sure to taste the famous Salade Niçoise, made with tuna, fresh green beans, and olives. In the heart of Provence, a hearty and flavorful dish of harmoniously cooked vegetables, Ratatouille, awaits you. The fresh goat cheeses and olives sold at the local markets (marché) will also add a delicious touch to your journey.

Loire Valley

In this fertile land known as the “Garden of France,” the cuisine is shaped by nature’s bounty. The region is particularly famous for its goat cheeses; Crottin de Chavignol is one of the most well-known. Another local specialty is Rillettes, a type of pâté made from slow-cooked meat, perfect for spreading on bread. Of course, pairing these delicacies with one of the valley’s famous white wines, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, will make your experience truly unforgettable.

France Trip Planning Table

Region	Base City	Recommended Duration	Highlights
Paris & Surroundings	Paris	3-4 Days	Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Seine River
Provence & Riviera	Nice or Aix-en-Provence	4-5 Days	Lavender Fields, Coastline, Artist Villages
Loire Valley	Tours or Amboise	2-3 Days	Châteaux (Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry), Wine Tasting
Alsace Region	Strasbourg or Colmar	2-3 Days	Colorful Houses, Christmas Markets, Alsace Wine Route
Normandy	Rouen or Honfleur	2-3 Days	Mont Saint-Michel, D-Day Beaches, Étretat Cliffs E-Tablolar’a aktar

Which France is Yours?

Remember, the best travel plan is the one that includes your own dreams. Use this guide as a starting point, shape it according to your interests, and write your own unforgettable French story.

Feel free to enrich this conversation by sharing your own France experiences or dreams in the comments!

Happy travels and happy exploring to everyone!

🎧 You can also listen to this article as a podcast (created with NotebookLM).