5 good reasons to travel in France

Travelling in France consistently ranks as one of the world’s top tourist experiences, attracting visitors year after year. What is it that draws so many travelers to the Hexagon? It’s the wide range of activities France offers, from its diverse heritage and rich history to the natural beauty of its regions and to its gastronomy. France is home to numerous cultural, architectural, environmental, and historical treasures

1 1. Tour the world without leaving the regions of France
2 2. A captivating historical heritage
3 3. A rich architectural and cultural heritage
4 4. Gastronomic delights
5 5. Nature holidays

1. Tour the world without leaving the regions of France

Explore the heart of the French regions and tour the world without leaving France. The great American parks, the desert, the African savannah, and the tropical rainforest – so many dream landscapes that take us to the ends of the earth… And yet we’re in France. France boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes: most of the planet’s landscapes can be found here! Discover purple gorges, ochre-colored canyons, capped damselflies, breathtaking waterfalls, and expansive forests as far as the eye can see, just like in Canada – there are so many landscapes to discover at the ends of the earth. You don’t have to go far to be amazed! Whether it’s the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean off the Brittany coast, the snow-capped peaks in the Alps, or the vast lavender fields of Provence, France offers a stunning array of landscapes.

The Provencal Colorado is located in the heart of France's Lubéron region. These ancient ochre quarries resemble canyons formed by erosion and shaped by man over time. They come in a range of colors, from pale yellow to bright red, brown, orange, green, and mauve!

The Provencal Colorado in the heart of France’s Lubéron region

2. A captivating historical heritage

France is a country of history. This rich past can be found in every region, offering immersive experiences that bring the past to life. Beginning in prehistoric times with the magnificent cave paintings of Lascaux in the Dordogne, you can step back in time to the Middle Ages in the Lubéron, wandering through one of the many hilltop villages. Traverse Paris’ cobblestone streets to see where Marie-Antoinette was guillotined or explore Loire Valley chateaux, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the twists and turns of French history, from the Renaissance to the French Revolution. In Normandy, you can learn about World War II by visiting the D-Day landing beaches. Whether you are passionate about art, politics, religion, or war, France offers fascinating stories in every corner.

A tour of the D-Day Beaches in a vintage military vehicle

3. A rich architectural and cultural heritage

France has an exceptional heritage with many monuments: castles, churches and museums. Among France’s most well-known monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint-Michel, the Louvre, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Versailles, the Palais des Papes and the Hospices de Beaune.

Visit Paris by night! The Obelisk in the Concorde is the oldest monument in Paris and one of the most iconic. It was created over 3,000 years ago during the reign of Ramses II and stood at the entrance to the Temple of Amun in Luxor.

The Obelisk in the Concorde, Paris By Night

Today, France is home to a diverse array of UNESCO World Heritage sites, each offering a unique and enriching experience. These include 44 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site (Mont Perdu in the Pyrenees). From the iconic Mont Saint-Michel to the historic center of Avignon and its famous bridge, from the palaces and parks of Versailles and Fontainebleau to the natural beauty of the Loire Valley, each site is a treasure waiting to be explored. It’s up to you to find the most inspiring corner of France for your travel plans.

4. Gastronomic delights

Traveling in France without experiencing its gastronomy would be sacrilege! In 2010, UNESCO recognized “French cuisine” as part of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind. Each region of France boasts its culinary specialties, making your journey an authentic Tour de France of flavors. Discover sauerkraut in Alsace, aligot in the Auvergne, buckwheat pancakes in Brittany, gougères or snails in Burgundy, bouillabaisse in the Southeast, cassoulet and foie gras in the Southwest, or classic moules-frites in the North? And let’s not forget cheese, an essential part of any authentic French meal. For wine enthusiasts, must-visit regions include, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, the Bordeaux region, and the Champagne region. These areas offer the opportunity to explore vineyards and wine cellars, meet local producers, and enjoy wine tastings.

Oysters from the Bay of Arcachon and Cap Ferret

5. Nature holidays

Did you know that national parks cover 10% of the French territory and regional nature parks cover another 15%? France is also famous for its extensive network of long distance hiking trails named Grande Randonnée. More than 60,000 kilometers of trails crisscross the country. Some, such as the GR20 (Corsica crossing), the GR10 (Pyrenean crossing), or the GR65 (The Way to Santiago de Compostela from Le Puy-en-Velay), are internationally famous!

By bike or on foot, you can easily follow the marked routes and immerse yourself in the most beautiful landscapes that France has to offer. Whether you have a day or several weeks to spare, from the coast of Brittany to the beaches of the Mediterranean, from the peaks of the Alps to the forests of the Périgord, there’s a trail waiting for you.

Some sea scallops on the “Chemin Saint Jacques de Compostelle” in France. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the “Way of St. James,” winds through flat meadows and verdant valleys, boasting over 5,000 km of well-marked paths