10 Best Places to Visit in France – Travel Video

For more than two decades, France has reignedas the world’s most popular tourist destination, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual.

People from all over the world are drawn toFrance’s sophisticated culture, dazzling landmarks, exquisite cuisine, fine wines, romantic chateaux and picturesque countryside.

Here’s a look at the best places to visitin France: Number 10.

Marseille.

One of Europe’s oldest cities and France’ssecond largest city, Marseille is a major Mediterranean seaport located off the southeastcoast of France.

Boasting an idyllic climate, Roman ruins, and medieval architecture, Marseille is also a working city with several universities andindustries.

At the core of Marseille is its old port.

Dominated by two historic forts, this bustlingharbor is lined with waterfront cafes, shops and bars.

One of Marseille’s best natural attractions, the Calanques are a series of small inlets with astonishing blue water and majestic limestonecliffs.

Number 9.

Lyon.

The third largest city in the country, Lyonis located where the Rhone and Saone Rivers join.

Its strategic location has enabled it to attractmerchants to the city ever since it was founded by the Romans in 43 BC.

An orderly and sophisticated place, renaissancebuildings dot its streets.

Lyon seamlessly mixes the new with the old, with a rich cultural heritage that encompasses gastronomic delights and fine architecture.

Lyon Cathedral is one of the most impressivesights, and the old town is lovely to walk around.

Make sure to try some of the sumptuous cuisinebefore you continue on your way.

Number 8.

Strasbourg.

Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has a stunninghistorical center and occupies a strategic setting on the west bank of the Rhone.

Consequently, it has been fought over by Franceand Germany throughout its long history.

Now, however, the glassy European Union buildingsglitter in the sun and, along with the teeming student body, help to give a modern air tothis ancient city.

The gothic cathedral is simply stunning tobehold, as is the delightful La Petite France that is home to the old part of town.

Number 7.

Loire Valley.

About a two hours drive south of Paris, theLoire Valley is a region regarded for its spectacular scenery, picturesque vineyardsand historic villages.

The valley’s biggest attraction is its largenumber of chateaux scattered throughout the rolling green hills.

Ranging from grand country manors to defensefortresses and luxurious palaces, these chateaux were built by French nobility.

The valley is also home to many wineries thatoffer tours and wine tastings.

Number 6.

Bordeaux.

Straddling the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a large city with a lot to offer.

Its impressive old town is delightful to walkaround, and the architecture on show is ravishing.

Surrounding Place de la Bourse, you can find18th century mansions rubbing shoulders with decadent palaces, as well as a number of greatart museums.

At night, the view of the city lights fromthe Napoleonic-era Pont de Pierre is magical.

Home to some of the best wines in the world, make sure to give them a taste before you head off.

Number 5.

Cannes.

Up until the 19th century, Cannes was justa quiet fishing village, but today it is a glamorous seaside city made world famous bythe annual Cannes Film Festival.

Every May when Cannes hosts the film festival, hordes of fans flock to see the rich and famous in person as the celebrities walk the redcarpet up the steps of the Palais des Festivals where thousands of films are screened.

Leading up to the Palais des Festivals isthe beautiful waterfront promenade that is lined with palm trees, upscale hotels, restaurantsand designer shops like Gucci, Chanel and Dior.

Number 4.

Mont Saint-Michel.

Rising up from the midst of vast mud flatsis the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, located off France’s northwestern coastin Normandy.

The medieval structures on the island arebuilt as if stacked upon one another and crowned with the star attraction, the Abbey of MontSaint-Michel.

The awe-inspiring abbey was built by devotedmonks in 708 AD after the Bishop of Avranches was allegedly visited by the Archangel Michael.

The bay around Mont St-Michel is famed forhaving Europe’s highest tidal variations.

Number 3.

Dordogne.

Unless you have weeks or months to spend inthe scenic Dordogne region of southwestern France, you’re going to pick and choosethe things you want to see.

There is just so much to see and do here, beginning with picture-postcard villages and chateaux, including the well-preserved Chateaude Beynac, a hilltop castle.

The scenery is pretty awesome, too, with theDordogne River running through it.

The Dordogne also has some of the best prehistoriccave art in France.

Number 2.

Nice.

Located on the French Riviera, Nice is constantlybathed in sunshine.

As the fifth largest city in France, it hasa vibrant mix of cultures.

During the day, travelers can enjoy a strollthrough its historic center or find a place along Nice’s pebbly beaches to take in thebeauty of the Mediterranean Sea.

Walking along the famous Promenade des Anglaisand gazing out over the turquoise waters is simply heavenly.

A charming place to spend some time, Nicehas something for everyone, as it combines city life with a beautiful setting.

Number 1.

Paris.

Attracting more than 45 million visitors annually, Paris is the world’s most popular tourist destination.

Situated on the banks of La Seine, the elegantand stylish capital of France is a romantic place, with lovely boulevards, beautiful buildings, and sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral, rising towards the heavens.

From the stunning art collections at the Louvreto the eerie catacombs beneath the streets and the breath taking Notre-Dame Cathedral, you could spend a lifetime getting to know all of Paris´ wonderful sights.

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