France’s attractions can be divided into three tiers: museums and landmarks in Paris, palaces and castles in the surrounding areas and river valleys, and the sunny coasts and mountain towns of the south. Below is a regional list of the most worthwhile places to visit, with suggested stay times in parentheses.

Paris

• Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris, where you can go up to the second floor or the summit. The light show on the hour at night is particularly captivating. (2–3 hours)
• Louvre Museum: One of the world’s largest art museums, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. (3–4 hours)
• Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: Climb to the top for views of the twelve radiating avenues, a key feature of Parisian urban planning. (1.5 hours)
• Musée d'Orsay: A temple of Impressionist art, with rich collections by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. (2 hours)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, reopened in late 2024 following the fire. (1–2 hours)
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica: An artistic neighborhood on a hill, offering panoramic views of Paris. (2 hours)
• Centre Pompidou: Home to modern and contemporary art, with the building’s exposed pipes as a highlight in itself. (2 hours)
• Seine Riverbanks: Riverside promenades, vintage bookstalls, and bridges — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for an evening stroll. (1–2 hours)

Paris Suburbs & Castles

• Palace of Versailles: Famous for the Hall of Mirrors and French gardens, representing the height of Bourbon power. (Half day – 1 day)
• Loire Valley Castles: Including Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, which can be visited in a single day trip and are known as the “Gardens of France.” (1–2 days)
• Mont-Saint-Michel: A tidal island abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (1–2 days)
• Giverny Monet Garden: Home to the water lily pond and Japanese bridge, about a one-hour drive from Paris. (Half day)
• Château de Fontainebleau: A former royal residence surrounded by forests, with fewer visitors than Versailles. (Half day)

Southern France & Alsace

• Palace of the Popes & Pont d’Avignon in Avignon: Once the seat of the medieval papacy, with a well-preserved old town. (Half day)
• Lavender Fields in Luberon: Around Sault and Valensole, in full bloom from June to July. (Half day – 1 day)
• Nice & the Promenade des Anglais: Featuring the famous seaside walk and vibrant old town markets, a Mediterranean holiday icon. (1–2 days)
• Èze & Monaco: A cliffside village and the Principality of Monaco, ideal for a day trip. (1 day)
• Strasbourg & Colmar: Alsatian towns with half-timbered houses, especially famous for their Christmas markets. (1–2 days)
• Bordeaux & Burgundy: Renowned wine regions, great for arranging a day of vineyard visits and tastings. (1–2 days)

Visiting Tips

Most museums in Paris are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays — check before planning your itinerary. It’s advisable to enter the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre early in the morning to avoid peak crowds. Southern France’s attractions are spread out, so driving or joining a local small-group tour is more efficient.