Welcome to France, the land of romance, culture, and culinary delights. From the vibrant streets of Paris to the charming villages of Provence, France offers an enchanting blend of history and modernity waiting to be explored. While France boasts many paid attractions, there are also plenty of free things to do. Let’s delve into some of the must-visit destinations that promise an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Notre Dame Cathedral: A French Gothic Masterpiece
The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, meaning “Our Lady of Paris,” is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture built back in the 12th century. The cathedral’s grand exterior, elegant bell towers, and ornate decorations make it a sight to behold. Inside, visitors can view Neo-Gothic artwork and furniture, immersing themselves in centuries of history and culture.
Luxembourg Gardens: A Charming Oasis in Paris
Luxembourg Gardens, located in the heart of Paris, is a serene oasis loved by both locals and travelers alike. With manicured gardens, towering trees, and the grand Luxembourg Palace overlooking the grounds, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the Parisian atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy picnics, lawn bowling, and chess areas while learning about the park’s rich history on a walking tour.
Cathedral Notre Dame Strasbourg: A Gothic Marvel
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Cathedral Notre Dame in Strasbourg, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in France. Admire its towering spire, intricate facade, and stunning stained glass windows, including the famous astronomical clock. Step inside to marvel at ornate chapels, majestic columns, and historic artifacts, transporting yourself through centuries of history and spirituality.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur: A Hilltop Basilica in Paris
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, a stunning hilltop basilica in Paris known for its Romano-Byzantine architecture and panoramic views of the city. Marvel at the gleaming white domes, intricate mosaics, and golden statues inside the basilica, offering a peaceful retreat or breathtaking vistas of Paris.
La Petite France: The Essence of Strasbourg’s Charm
Discover the enchanting charm of La Petite France in Strasbourg, a historic neighborhood filled with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and picturesque canals. Stroll along the scenic waterways, admire the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral, and immerse yourself in a bygone era of medieval splendor and riverside ambience.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Spiritual and Architectural Beauty
Ascend to the heights of spiritual and architectural beauty at Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, France. Marvel at its Neo-Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics, and stunning stained glass windows while enjoying panoramic views of Lyon’s historic cityscape and rivers.
Le Marais: A Charming Neighborhood in Paris
Get lost in the vibrant neighborhood of Le Marais in Paris, known for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and rich Jewish heritage. Explore winding streets lined with historic architecture, vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, and bustling nightlife scene. Take a walking tour or food tour to uncover the neighborhood’s hidden gems and culinary delights.
Pont Alexandre III: An Iconic Bridge in Paris
Experience the grandeur of Pont Alexandre III, an iconic bridge spanning the Seine River in Paris. Admire its ornate details, gilded sculptures, and panoramic views of Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Stroll along its elegant promenade, lined with historic monuments and lush gardens, and immerse yourself in the elegance of Parisian architecture.
As we wrap up this journey through the enchanting beauty of France, remember to stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way. Happy travels!
Top 10 Popular Foods to Try in France
Cream Puffs and Éclairs
The same easy choux pastry batter makes the light and airy confections we know as cream puffs, éclairs, and profiteroles. Cream puffs, round and fat, are filled with whipped cream and dusted with a blizzard of confectioners’ sugar. Pipe the choux pastry into longer ropes, and you end up with log-shaped éclairs, ready to be filled with pastry cream and drizzled with chocolate icing. For an elegant dessert, make profiteroles by filling cream puff shells with ice cream and drizzling with chocolate sauce.
Duck Confit
Duck confit, also called “confit de canard,” is a tasty French dish made with duck, although some chefs use goose or pork. It is one of the finest French dishes, with the meat specially prepared using an ancient preservation and slow-cooking process. The duck is marinated in salt, garlic, and thyme for around 36 hours and then slow-cooked in its own fat at low temperatures, a healthier alternative to frying. Duck confit is typically served with confit roasted potatoes and garlic on the side, and this dish is popular all over France.
Macarons
Macarons may be the best dessert in the world to eat on the go. These small, colorful cookies are one of Paris’ most popular sweet treats, made of meringue, almond flour, and sugar, and filled with butter cream, jam, or ganache. Macarons come in a variety of flavors, such as coffee, pistachio, raspberry, caramel, chocolate, and vanilla.
Escargots à la Bourguignonne
This dish, also known in English as “herb-buttered snails,” is a staple food of French families during the holidays. No visit to France is complete without trying these snails, which are what we tend to associate with French cuisine. You’ll feel like a true Frenchman as you use your snail fork and snail tongue to extract the juicy interior from the shell, savoring the garlic goodness that sets your taste buds on fire.
Breton Buckwheat Pancakes
This magnificent dish is gluten-free and, although it doesn’t quite look like a pancake, it tastes even better. It can be eaten at breakfast or dinner, usually served with a salad and filled with ham or eggs. The nutty taste of this “piece of timeless art” will immerse you in French culture, leaving you craving the recipe for this magnificent dish.
Croque-Monsieur
A staple on the menus of Parisian brasseries and cafes, the croque-monsieur is an oozy and crisp grilled ham and cheese sandwich, usually moistened by a touch of béchamel sauce. For an extra-hearty option, order the croque-madame, which adds a fried egg on top.
Paris-Brest
Named after a long-established bicycle race that sees competitors cycle from Paris to the tip of Brittany, the Paris-Brest is among the best-selling pastries in Parisian shops. The wheel-shaped choux pastry shell is garnished with praline buttercream and sprinkled with caramelized almonds, a guaranteed bliss for sweet lovers.
Cheese Soufflé
This luxurious dish is made of flour, eggs, and cheese whipped into a delicate cloud. A popular dessert, the cheese soufflé is one you won’t soon forget as you savor every last bite, perhaps even feeling inclined to lick the bowl clean to enjoy every last morsel.
Bouillabaisse
The creation of this fish chowder varies from chef to chef, but they all agree that it is amazing no matter how it’s made. Essentially a fish chowder, the best bouillabaisses are made with fresh fish straight from the Mediterranean. It is usually served to large groups of people, as it contains at least six different types of fish. You’ll regret not tasting the masterful bouillabaisse dishes France has to offer, as their fresh fish can’t be beaten.
Baguette
A baguette is a long, thin type of bread of French origin, commonly made from basic lean dough. The dough, though not the shape, is defined by French law. Distinguishable by its length and crisp crust, some historians believe that the French bakers imported the idea of a long bread from Vienna in the 19th century, while others claim the baguette originated during the French Revolution.
From starters to desserts, tasty snacks to fine wine, France boasts a rich culinary heritage that has made its way to various parts of the world. Indulge in the flavors of France and discover the unforgettable dishes that have earned French cuisine its place as an intangible cultural heritage.
