The most visited European country in the world, France has a lot to offer the discerning tourist such as beautiful scenery, iconic landmarks, and of course, fine cuisine. Considering a French vacation? We take you on a journey through history, culture, and cuisine and give you 7 reasons to visit France.
Historical Significance
A trip to France is a trip through a long and rich history. This nation played a large role in philosophical thought, the arts, and also the various scientific disciplines throughout the years.
Famous philosophers like René Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Voltaire hailed from France. And let’s not forget Louis Pasteur and Marie Curie who contributed so much to the world of science and medicine. But France is also of great historical significance for its involvement in the Second World War.
Here, on the shores of the Normandy beaches, events changed the course of the battle in Europe. The Allies’ brave D-Day invasion is remembered thanks to military history tours such as the Band of Brothers Tours.
Cultural Value
The renowned painters Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir were French, as was the sculptor Auguste Rodin. Indeed, France has a long history of producing talented artists. And theirs are not the only treasures you will find here.
When visiting France, take the time to stop at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Louvre houses more than 380,000 objects of artistic, historical, and cultural value, 35,000 of which are works of art. A few hours in the Louvre will bring not only French but European history to life like no book ever could.
The Louvre building itself is a work of art. This national art museum, a Baroque-style masterpiece, features a more modern addition too. The Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass and metal structure, looks even more spectacular all lit up from the inside against the dark of night.
Architectural Marvels
The Louvre Museum is not the only architectural marvel in France. The country is full of them. But the most famous, one of the world’s most photographed attractions, is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower. Or as they say in France, la tour Eiffel.
This imposing wrought-iron beast that dominates the Parisian landscape has a much more affectionate moniker, too–La dame de Fer (the Iron Lady). It was originally built as a centerpiece of the 1889 World Fair held in Paris, and to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution (1789 to 1799).
Fine Wines
When you think of France, you think of good food, right? That’s only part of the taste adventure. The French are also known for their fine wines, and you may want to consider doing a wine tasting in France.
French winemaking goes back to the 6th century BC! It’s no wonder that the French have a reputation for good wine. That’s a long time in which to perfect the art. Tours are available to the top wine-making regions, with the Bordeaux region the most popular for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Beautiful Scenery
Get ready to take a lot of vacation photos because you won’t travel far to see beautiful scenery. There’s something for every kind of holidaymaker.
Provence’s lavender fields and the Loire Valley’s sprawling vineyards will please nature lovers. Sunseekers, head on to the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) sandy beaches. And if you are a fan of the medieval, make your way to Dordogne for a glimpse of its medieval castles.
Let’s not forget the French Alps, with its opportunities for breathtaking views while mountaineering, hiking, and skiing. There are too many examples of beautiful scenery to mention. You have to go and experience it for yourself.
Quaint Villages
If you’d like to step into the past, France is the place to do it.
You’ll find charming villages like Eze perched over the French Riviera, Rocamadour nestled against the cliff side in the Dordogne valley, and Annecy, a picturesque village in the Alps. These are only a few examples. France has many such villages, where time seems to have stood still.
The quaint towns of the Southern French and Italian Rivieras are also a must-see. Hire a car, take a leisurely drive, and stop along the way at one of the waterfront cafes. It’s the perfect way to spend the day.
Zest For Life
The French are known for something called Joie de vivre, which translates into English as ‘joy of living’. This joy of living is something people the world over aspire to, yet the French seem to achieve it, effortlessly.
Perhaps it is because of all they have overcome, or all they have achieved. Maybe it is because they are surrounded by beauty at almost every turn. It could be the fine wine and cuisine, celebrated in their cafe culture and many festive celebrations.
Whatever has given the French this zest for life, it’s a good thing. So pack your bags and ‘Bon voyage’. Take yourself on a journey through France, and you might capture some of that zest for life, yourself.
I really like France.
I hope one day I can go there with my wife