Many of us have limited time off from work each year and with so many vacation destinations out there calling our name, how can we narrow it down? If you’re after history, culture, and some of the best food and wine in the world, France has to be at the top of your list of places to vacation. Let’s talk about all the reasons why.
Oooh France… lovely, romantic, and sophisticated. What comes to mind when you think of this magnificent country? Maybe you’ve already visited once, but there’s always more to see and do. And if you haven’t visited, you can do so virtually via my list below.
You can never see too much of France. From the delectable food and wine to the sights and sounds, France is absolutely worth your time.
Here are a just a few reasons why a trip to France is an amazing experience:
1. France is one of the top gastronomic capitals of the world, so indulge in some of the most amazing meals of your life. In fact, France is home to 621 Michelin-starred restaurants! Food and cafe culture is enough of a reason to visit on its own.
2. So many varieties of affordable wine and cheese at your fingertips. Enough said. 😉
3. Let’s not forget the bread. Fresh, warm, crusty baguettes and other varieties of bread will have you sampling something new for weeks on end.
4. Macarons! Between inventive flavors from Pierre Hermé or tried-and-true favorites from Ladurée, you can’t go wrong.
5. PARIS! France’s capital city is a destination everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. The romantic city attracts over 30 million visitors per year. Paris’ charm is undeniable and the energy in the air is contagious. Be a tourist and take in everything Paris has to offer.
6. You’ll see some of the most popular tourist attractions in the world up close and personal and cherish the memories forever. The Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth the effort, especially at night!
7. France is a shopper’s paradise. You’ve got farmers’ markets, artisanal wares, high-end department stores on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris and other big cities, and all kinds of little boutiques to keep the shop-a-holic in you more than satisfied.
8. Laugh until your belly aches at some of the funniest French culture-infused comedy shows around like Olivier Giraud’s How to Become Parisian in One Hour and Paul Taylor’s #Franglais.
9. The diversity of landscapes is breathtaking, so choose from the rugged coasts of Brittany, to bustling cities like Paris, the beaches of the Charente-Maritime, castles of the Loire Valley, a ski trip to the Alps, the history of Normandy and the D-Day beaches, and so much more. France has it all and there’s something for every type of traveler.
10. France has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites all worthy of a visit, including the Canal du Midi, le Mont Saint-Michel, the Amiens Cathedral and so many more.
11. You’ll get to practice your French with native speakers and be immersed in what’s arguably the most beautiful language in the world.
What else would you add to my list?
PIN ME:
I wouldn’t mind visiting France but I do not speak a word of French and that worries me, will I be understood
You won’t be understood as you would in an english speaking country but you’ll be able to get by. Most French people will have at least some notion of english, enough to help you or at least point you in the direction of someone who can.
Besides, I would argue that not understanding everything and being a bit confused is part of the experience of discovering a new culture and country. That’s how you make good memories and try out things you wouldn’t have if you knew what they were beforehand.
As long as you start with a ‘Bonjour’ or ‘Excusez-moi’, most of us will be happy to speak (maybe somewhat broken) english.
So if you only know ‘Bonjour’, ‘Excusez-moi’, ‘S’il-vous-plait’ and ‘Merci’ you’ll be good as long as you DO use them 😉
I agree with PL. While I do speak French, I also have visited many countries where I didn’t speak the local language. Comparing the two experiences, I’d say they are a bit different (it is very fun to eavesdrop on strangers) but they are both very enriching. Travel is always worth it. And France is so beautiful, so easy to get around and so full of ways to live the good life that you can’t go wrong.
Nice article. Although only 4 out 11 of the reasons are about food. That’s suspiciously low haha!
Born and raised in Amiens, I’m so glad you included its Cathedral. Granted I might not be 100% objective but it’s the most beautiful to me.
You mentioned the diversity of landscapes, I might add to the list the diversity of culture be it through food, architecture or customs. Lille will feel very different from Toulouse or Rennes from Lyon.
Also France has many neighbours so it’s quite easy to visit multiple countries if you so wish (even though there is already more than enough for a lifetime of vacation in France but you know…)
More of an advice than a reason to go to France but if you can do not spend all of your time in Paris. Paris IS amazing, an absolute must-see and there’s enough to be busy a month there. But Paris is not France and France is not Paris. Go and have a feel of ‘la province’ so you can have a better picture of what France looks and feels like.
Oh to go to Paris….life-long dream. I can barely breathe …