When it comes to tourist destinations, France is among the top countries in the world, a position it has enjoyed for years, stretching back really into centuries. The combination of arts, history, natural beauty, and climate make France one of the most interesting places in the world. Add to that the country’s reputation as a place for great romance (including the most romantic city in the world in Paris) and the security most developed countries of the Western world enjoy, and it is easy to see why tourists flock to the country every year. As you might guess, there is a lot to do throughout France, but here is a list of the five things that seem to be on every tourist’s agenda.
Cities
The big pull in terms of French tourism is the unique and ancient culture that can be found in the cities around the country. Paris is of course preeminent among the cities of France. As the capital, it is home to rich storehouses of information about France and the French people, from ancient to current times. All of the cities of France have a certain degree of romance about them, but it is Paris where lovers worldwide dream of going together. Paris has seen many important architectural designs commemorating great developments in the Western world, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Other cities around France that are popular with tourists include Nice, Orleans, and Avignon.
Museums
Paris is also home to one of the most important buildings in the art world in the Louvre museum. This museum is one of the largest centers of art display in the world, and houses pieces famous the world over such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The national Museum of Natural History is also located in Paris. For military history buffs, the museums of the army and navy include some of the most important pieces in the development of the western world, including the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Wine Tours
France, of course, is well known for its production of some of the world’s finest wines and champagnes. It should come as no surprise in this age where wine tasting and collecting has become a hugely popular hobby that the wineries and vineyards of France have experienced a growth in terms of popularity among tourists. Thus, the countryside has become as much of an integral part of France’s tourist economy as the cities have always been. There are vineyards located all over France, with some of the most popular located in the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine.
Skiing
Skiing became a big draw for tourists in France when the government began to promote the activity in the French Alps in the 1960s. Since then, the skiing along one of the most famous mountain ranges in the worlds has extended so much that the country can boast some of the world’s longest ski trails.
The Beach
The French Riviera stretches along the southern border of the country where it borders the Mediterranean Sea. The whole area is known for its luxurious beaches and its mild weather in both winter and summer. One of the most popular sites here includes Menton, which holds an annual festival celebrating the citrus fruits which grow in the area.