THE 9 BIGGEST REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT FRANCE THIS YEAR

When it comes to planning a holiday, there are several elements that you will need to consider, like your budget, the weather you want, the type of holiday that you prefer, cultural differences and any other factors that are going to dictate your enjoyment. France continues to be a popular destination attracting millions of tourists every year, and it is easy to see why between the culture, the sights, the food and the atmosphere. Read on for all of the reasons why you should visit France this Year.

The City of Romance

Obviously, one of the top reasons to visit France – more so for couples than anyone else but still – is to visit Paris: the city of love and romance. For a lot of tourists, France is worth visiting for Paris alone. As the capital city, it does indeed have a lot to offer; there are all of the famous landmarks which have to be seen, like the Arc de Triumph, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and even the Pantheon. After you have seen the sights, you can take in some culture in the form of one of the world-famous museums like the Louvre. Don’t forget the patisseries for when you start to get a little hungry.

Its Rich History & Cultural Influence

France, like most countries, of course, has a long and interesting history. Visitors can still see influences and architecture that can be traced back to the French Revolution and Napoleon. In fact, churches, cathedrals and battlegrounds are among some of the most popular tourist traps in France. Paris, as mentioned above, has plenty of historical elements to explore, but outside of the capital, Bordeaux, Nice, Lille, and Strasbourg are all great choices too. France has over 40 UNESCO world heritage sites to explore, and each region has its own history, heritage and culture to explore too.

The Geographical Range

France has a pretty unique landscape which allows travellers a multitude of different options when it comes to the geography that they are looking for. There are mountainous regions, wild rivers, and caves to try and tame and explore. There are also built-up or urban areas for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city breaks. If relaxation is what you are after, then there are also beaches and sunshine too. France truly does have it all; regardless of what you want, there is likely to be somewhere there for you.

The Alps

As mentioned above, France does have a truly diverse topography. The Alps is a mountainous range which does span three countries; however, the French Alps are definitely worth visiting. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Western Europe. The views are phenomenal, and a trip would be worth it for that alone. However, the winter sports are also a draw for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. There are a few towns within the Alps that should be on your list, like Chamonix or Megève, and you can find amazing chalet rentals from Fée Pour Vous.

It’s Instagrammable

Wherever you go in France, you are almost certainly guaranteed a great background for an Instagram shot. Social media is especially prevalent in today’s society, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to share your experiences and memories online. That being said, it makes sense to want to have to best possible pictures to share. Think about it, what pictures are going to look better: the picturesque French countryside or the urban drudgery where you live? The French countryside is truly breathtaking. Between the rolling hills, rivers, mountains, beaches, pink salt plains, and everything in between, there is absolutely a lot of fodder for your Instagram grid.

The Architecture

France has some of the best examples of stunning architecture of anywhere in the world. The medieval influence is still apparent in the abundance of Gothic cathedrals and majestic castles which are dotted across the country. There is Loire Valley, Cathar country, Notre Dame de Paris, Mount Saint Michel Monastery and Sainte-Chapelle. All of these places should be on your list for sure. Almost every town or city you visit will have some truly stunning buildings to look at, too; most of them have some version of an old town or old quarter to explore. There is also Toulouse which is often referred to as the pink city because most of its buildings have a pinkish hue to them.

The French Riviera

The south of France is an incredibly popular destination spot; it oozes luxury. The weather tends to be pretty good. There are a number of beaches, coastlines and towns, and villages dotted along the French Riviera for you to visit, including Saint-Tropez, Cote d’Azur, Nice and Villefranche sur Mer. It is an iconic destination between the turquoise waters, sun loungers and beach umbrellas. If you want relaxation, then look no further. Spend your days indulging in the delicious food and freely flowing wine whilst enjoying the Mediterranean weather.

For the Fashion

Paris fashion week is a global event; this is because France has always been at the forefront of fashion, being home to a number of iconic and influential designers. This is why France is a great destination for fashion lovers; the shopping is amazing. There are, of course, designer stores for brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior, but there are also independent brands and smaller clothing stores too. You can absolutely look for fashion on a budget in France too, or just window shop in Champs Elysees, Rue de Rivoli or Boulevard Saint Germain.

For the Food (& Wine)

French cuisine is world-renowned. People flock to France from all over the world in order to learn how to cook and bake in France from some of the best chefs. Obviously, most casual tourists are not going to enrol in a French cooking school or take a class while they are there; they simply get to enjoy the gastronomy on offer. Regardless of whether you are more of a sweet or savoury person, there will be something for you. And it is all likely to be washed down with wine. Almost every region has its own wine styles and grapes, and wine tasting is a hugely popular pastime.

The Bottom Line

France has a lot to recommend it as a holiday destination. It is easy to see why it continues to attract millions of tourists every year. There are a great many things to do, see and experience in France, so make sure to consider it for your holiday this year.