France




Top 10 Tourist Attractions in France.
These are enough to make you say “ooh la la”. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 French Tourist attractions and destinations.
For this list, we’ve chosen those monuments, buildings or of France that draw many per year, as opposed to just specific cities that are popular for tourists to visit.

#10: Lascaux
Found the village of Montignac in southwestern France, these caves showcase from the late sStone age and are estimated to be over 17,000 years old. The subjects of the paintings range from animals like and horses to and varied symbols. The caves were briefly open to the public in the mid-forties following their , but this, along with environmental factors quickly took their toll; now, wannabe cave explorers can visit the facsimile that’s been constructed for their viewing .

#9: Gorges du Verdon
While we could have picked the cliffs and inlets of the Cassis, we the Gorges du Verdon for this spot. as one of the most stunning of its kind in Europe, this pristine river canyon runs for more than 15 miles in southeastern France and stands out due to the water’s distinctive turquoise-green color. Tourists are particularly to the Verdon Gorge because it’s so the French Riviera, and because of the activities available there, like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing.

#8: Arena of Nîmes
While it may initially remind you of the Colosseum, this Roman located in the southern French city of Nîmes is a sight in its own right. While the Pont du Gard is another Roman site to check out in France, it’s this arena built around 70AD, that grabs our attention. Used for diverse , including bullfights, the Arena of Nîmes gives us a taste of while also allowing us to watch our favorite bands – as its 16,000-plus capacity has often been used as a concert venue for acts like Rammstein and Metallica.

#7: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Sights
These in Normandy are among the most recognizable sites of World War II, and for good reason. On June 6, 1944, from the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and others joined together to launch Operation Overlord against the Nazis in Western Europe. The Allies ended up winning the . Because of their historical importance, and the D-Day museums that have been set up in the country, the has become and remains a tourist attraction.

#6: The French Riviera
Known as the Côte d’Azur, this in France’s southeast region is one of the most popular resort destinations in the world – and it doesn’t take a rocket to see why. Attracting artists, and celebrities, as well as regular tourists, the region boasts a Mediterranean climate, like the Cannes Film Festival, and water-based activities like yachting and cruising. Its biggest city is Nice, though it also surrounds the city-state of Monaco.

#5: Palace of Versailles
Talk about a big transformation: Versailles started off as a country village, but now it’s one of Paris’ most affluent . It’s most famous for being the site of the Palace of Versailles, a chateau with strong roots in French history, as it was a major hub for political for Louis XIV starting in the late 1600s. It's grand building with multiple “appartements,” “salons” or rooms, and more, with The being especially notable. While the palace was converted into a museum in the mid-1830s, it is also now used for functions.

#4: L'Arc de Triomphe
This landmark just screams Paris. One of the most famous and most monuments in the city, l'Arc de Triomphe has got from both the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, and was commissioned by Napoleon following France’s at Austerlitz. With its Roman design, representations of academic and an eternal flame accompanying the , it’s definitely something not to be missed especially if you’re near the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

#3: Notre Dame de Paris
Located in Paris’ fourth arrondissement, this catholic cathedral is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Not only is the exterior of the cathedral breathtaking, the interior boasts all the makings of a classic church. Even the basement has a history, as it has an crypt to protect historical ruins. This is remarkable considering the cathedral was during the French Revolution; fortunately, actions were undertaken to it in the 1840s and it’s still quite a site to see.


#2: The Louvre
There’s not much to say about this that you haven’t already heard. It’s one of the most distinctively Parisian landmarks and one of the most well-known museums in the world. Calling Paris’ 1st arrondissement home, the institution houses a collection of works ranging from antiquities, , paintings and more – but it is, of course, most famous for the being the home of the Mona Lisa. With thousands of , it’s no wonder The Louvre is the most visited museum on the planet.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Mont Saint-Michel, Carcassonne, - Château de Chambord, - Mont Blanc
- Dune of Pilat

#1: The Eiffel Tower
Nothing says Paris quite like this. Built in 1889 for that year’s world’s fair by Gustave Eiffel, it’s become not only the world’s most-visited paid but also an of the country. Standing over 1,000 feet tall, the man-made offers an observatory restaurants, which can be by stairs or an elevator. The striking landmark might be the cheesiest place for a , but the Eiffel Tower remains a bucket list item for many a traveller.
Do you agree with our list? Which French tourist attraction or destination is your favorite? For more entertaining top 10s published daily, be sure to to WatchMojo.com.


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