 | France is one of the world's most fascinating countries to visit. We believe that our recommendations on the best places to visit in France will provide you with an incomparable travel experience. France is a scenic country whose people and culture have been at the center of world history for over a thousand years. It is the visitor's good fortune that the French have determinedly preserved their culture and heritage. Examples of the country's spectacular attractions, particularly in the form of famous buildings and architecture, can be found almost everywhere, but particularly in the country's historically important cities, cathedrals, abbeys and incredibly lavish châteaux and palaces. Classic art and sculpture abound in this country and you can wander the collections of France's great museums surrounded by world-renowned collections filled with works by the world's master artists. If you prefer the outdoors, France offers a variety of outstanding and photogenic natural landscapes including beautiful coasts and magnificent mountains.  Across the many regions of France, there are innumerable cities whose wonderful food, |
Paris and Ile de France
Ile-de-France is a region of France that includes and surrounds Paris, the country's capital. Ile-de-France is the country's most populated area, but one with numerous charms and many outstanding attractions.
The City of Light is one of the world's great cities and a trip to Paris is, for many, the vacation of a lifetime. Paris offers the tourist numerous attractions that are unique and without match. The best art, fabulous architecture, visible history, leading museums, and romantic settings surround you when visiting Paris.
Château de Versailles
- The splendor of Versailles, along with its splendid architecture and lavish parkland are unequalled in the modern world. The opulence of Versailles can be appreciated only by visiting this historic, ostentatious home of the French monarchy. Click on the link above for our description (and photographs) of Versailles and its many attractions.
Chartres Cathedral
- Notre Dame of Chartres, a remarkably preserved Gothic-style cathedral, dates from the late 12th century and was built over a religious site previously used by Druids. The Chartres Cathedral towers above the surrounding plain and is a remarkable architectural achievement. The cathedral's structure is magnificent, while its interior contains some of Europe's best stained glass windows. Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a spectacular package and well worth a visit.
- The cathedral's construction marked a unique point in the evolution of building construction, as the size and height of the cathedral proposed for Chartres surpassed what was thought possible at the time (for, example, its tallest tower is as tall as a 38 story building).
- During your tour of the interior be sure to see the immense, beautiful Rose Window and its five lancets dating from the 13th century.
- The Cathedral is well-known for its unusual circular labyrinth that dates from the late 12th century. Scholars believe that walking the path of the labyrinth was once considered a mini-pilgrimage undertaken by the faithful in a plea for the forgiveness of their sins.
- If you visit on the weekend, you might be lucky enough to listen to one of the cathedral's famous organ concerts.
- This site from the San Jose State University has a detailed photographic tour of the Chartres Cathedral.
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Fontainebleau
- From its beginnings as a royal hunting lodge, Fontainebleau developed into a stately grand palace with expansive, lush grounds, exceptional interior design, and elegant furnishings. Touring Fontainebleau is an afternoon well spent. The buildings are cavernous and the grounds are expansive, so bring your most comfortable walking shoes.
Giverny
- Monet's home in Giverny has put this lazy, quaint town on the map. The house and the gardens have been revitalized to match the look of the property when Monet lived and painted in this evocative parcel nested in a small country village. Although quite popular and crowded, visiting Giverny is a visual and emotional treat.
- The water garden, comprised of lazily leafed willows, ponds, water lilies, and the famous Japanese Bridge, is the most popular of Giverny's many areas. The Clos Normand, a formal French-style Garden close to the house, is another delightful area to wander.
- The gift store has an enormous collection of posters, books, calendars and other trinkets, all memorializing Monet, aspects of his life and his amazing paintings.
Provins
- Provins, a location famous in medieval times for its annual trade fares (including the Champagne Fairs), is a fortified city protected by a defensive wall and towers constructed before the 12th century. The town is known to have been in existence by the 9th century and later gave rise to the Counts of Champagne, as well as playing a key role in French history.
- Located about 60 miles (91 km) southeast of Paris, the Old Town area that hosted the medieval trade fares has been well preserved. Most visitors, however, come to see Provins' amazing fortifications, and a castle-keep known as Caesar's Tower. The experience of visiting a city that has authentic medieval roots makes Provins a popular destination with sightseers.
Vacation Destinations in Normandy, France
- Normandy is a delightful place to visit. It is an area with a unique culture and tradition and your travels here will be unlike anywhere else in France. Its modestly sized cities contain many unique treasures, its coasts are delightful and its regional cuisine can be excellent.
- For numerous visitors, touring Normandy is based on their interest in the historic D-Day Invasion that led to the end of World War II. Be prepared for an unexpected, emotional reaction when you visit the D-Day Invasion beaches and memorial cemeteries.
