I want to show you some of my favorite places in the enchanting country of France. So here is my French top 10. France is known all around the world for its endless history and jaw-dropping scenery from the towering French alps to the Mediterranean coast of the French riviera France has so much to offer.
1. Annecy
Let’s start this article off at the picturesque city of Annecy, now Annecy is located at the foot of the alps, it’s famous for its medieval old town and it’s been nicknamed the Venice of the alps. Thanks to its canals now, the city is just absolutely magical, but what I love about the region is lake Annecy, it’s known as one of the cleanest lakes in all of Europe, and I just love the surrounding mountains. I mean I just can’t think of a better place to enjoy on a hot summer day. Now one of the crowning features of the area is the Chateau de Menthon Saint Bernard. The castle began construction back in the 13th century and it’s just hard to beat the view of this medieval castle.
2. French Alps
After Annecy, we’re going to head over to the nearby French Alps. Now, this is my favorite region in all of France, it’s home to the incredibly massive Mont Blanc, which is the highest mountain in all the alps at fifteen thousand. Seven hundred and seventy-four feet. If you want to, get a close-up view of Mont Blanc. The Aiguille Du Midi was constructed back in 1955 and when you see it, you just can’t fathom how they were able to build this. On top of a mountain top. Now, to get there, you can take a 20-minute cable car ride, which holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent by a cable car, with an elevation gain of 9000 feet and when you reach the top you’ll be able to witness one of the best. 360 views in all of the alps now, if you’re into hiking you’ll have to experience the Tour du Mont Blanc. It’s a roughly 170-kilometer trek that loops around Mont Blanc, you’ll not only hike in France, but you also go through Italy and Switzerland. If you hike at a decent pace, you can expect to complete the loop in about 10 days. If I can travel to France this summer. I want to attempt the Tour de Mont Blanc. I mean just looks like pure paradise out there
3. Alsace
After the alps, we’re going to head over to the Alsace region now located in eastern France, boarding, Germany, and Switzerland. The Alsace region is famous for its fairytale cities, wine country, and rich history. Over the centuries, the region has alternated between French and German control, and today it represents a mix of those cultures. The capital of Alsace is Strasbourg, it’s home to the formal seat of the European parliament. Another enchanting city in the region is Colmar.
Colmar looks like something straight out of a Disney movie. The city’s old town is lined with timber medieval buildings. I love the canal that runs throughout the city. It just adds to the magic of the place. If you want to escape the cities, you can experience the Alsace wine route. It’s a 170-kilometer-long route that passes through some of France’s greatest wine country and picturesque towns. One of my favorites is the quaint village, a Riquewihr. It’s believed to be the village that inspired the town from beauty and the beast. Even if you don’t drink wine like me, it’s impossible to not fall in love with this region of France.
4. Paris
After that, we’re going to France’s capital Paris. Now, since the 17th century, Paris has been Europe’s major center of finance, diplomacy fashion, and the arts, Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities, and with all its attractions and fascinating history, it’s easy to see why Paris's most recognizable attraction is the Eiffel tower. It was built in 1889 for the world fair. The Eiffel tower is 324 meters high, which made it the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930. You can take it over it up there to get an incredible 360 panoramic view of all of Paris. Another popular attraction is the louver museum. It’s the world’s largest art museum and it’s home to Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. You can also take a drive around the arctic triumph or walk the grounds of the Palace of Versailles and there’s just so much to see in this grand city.
5. Etretat
If you want a road trip outside the capital you can head to France, the northern coast visit, the coastal town of Etretat, located about three hours outside of Paris, etc, is famous for its white, cliffs and rock formations. One of the most well-known is the Falaise de Aval arch. It has such a unique shape. I guess you could say they are the French cousins of old hairy rocks.
6. Mont Saint-Michel
While we’re still on the coast we’re going to visit the magical island of Mont Saint-Michel. Now located one kilometer off the coast of France, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most magical destinations in all of Europe. The island is full of small shops and homes with a monastery perch on the top of the island’s highest point. The construction of the monastery began in the 10th century and was finished in 1523 due to its strategic position and dangerous changing tides. The island remained protected throughout history. Today, Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re ever in northern France or Paris. You need to visit this magical island.
7. Brittany
After we’re going to head to the neighboring region of Brittany. Now located on the northwestern tip of France, Brittany is full of rugged beaches and countless lighthouses. One thing that is particularly fascinating about Brittany is its presence of megalithic monuments. There are thousands of stones scattered around the region, ranging from ancient tombs to single-standing stones that were arranged by neolithic people over seven thousand years ago, which is pretty interesting. If you ask me now, aside from the ancient megaliths, Brittany is home to some stunning coastal towns, one of my favorites is Le Conquet. It’s an ideal maritime city with a picturesque harbor. One of the highlights of the area is the Kermorvan lighthouse, it is such a beautiful setting aside from Le Conquet, Brittany is full of hundreds of seaside towns and beaches just waiting to be discovered.
8. Carcasonne
After Brittany let’s head over to the medieval fortress of Carcasonne. Now, when I imagine medieval Europe, I don’t think there’s a better place than exemplifies it better than this fortified city located in southern France. Carcasonne began as a Roman fortified hilltop and was given to the Visigoths in the 5th century, who continued to fortify and build the city throughout the centuries, Carcasonne proved to be an impregnable fortress, as army after army failed to overtake the protected city. Today, the city consists of 53 towers that are protected by its two outer walls. It remains one of Europe’s greatest medieval gems while we’re still on the topic of medieval cities.
9. Uzes
We’re going to head over to Uzes now located about two and a half hours from Carcasonne. Uzes is a small town with quite the medieval charm. What I love about the Uzes is the duke’s castle. It has such a unique look to it. The main tower, with its four mini spires, gives off medieval vibes now, while you’re in the Uzes, you can make this short 15-minute drive to the ancient Roman Pont Du Gard. It’s over 2000 years old and carried water over 50 kilometers to a Roman colony, it’s the highest of all Roman aqueducts, and it’s one of the most well preserved. Another nearby place to visit in Avignon. It’s a stunning French, medieval city, full of intriguing architecture and history.
10. French Riviera
After Uzes we’re going to head down to southern France to the French Riviera now located in the southeast corner of France, I have to say that the French Riviera is home to some of the world’s best coastline. It’s the perfect contrast between mountains and the Mediterranean ocean. One stunning city on the French Riviera is Menton: it’s a stunning coastal city sandwich between Monaco and the Italian border. I just love its ports with the backdrop of the queen mountains and compared to other popular cities on the riviera. This one’s not as crowded so it’s the perfect place to visit to escape the crowds. Now, if you’re looking for some medieval vibes, you can visit the nearby hilltop village of Eze. The village dates back to the 1300s and when you explore the city, you’ll feel like you’re. Going back in time, you can hike to the summit of the town, with a fortress on top and you’ll get some of the best views of the French Riviera.
Well, that is it for my France top 10.