Best Things France is Famous For

2024-02-29

15 Best Things France is Famous For

France - the land of love, art, and fine wine. With its iconic landmarks and deep-rooted history, it's no surprise that countless tourists and enthusiasts aim to uncover the best that this enchanting country has to offer. However, given France's multifaceted charm, narrowing down the top 15 things it's most famous for can be a daunting task. One might find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of websites, books, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Are you looking for the most iconic foods? Or perhaps the architectural wonders? Maybe you're curious about the cultural feats that make France a haven for art and literature aficionados.

This is where most people face a dilemma. With an overflow of information and limited time, how does one sieve through the abundance and pinpoint the most quintessential experiences that France is celebrated for? That's precisely the problem we aim to solve in this blog post. No more endless scrolling or second-guessing. We have meticulously curated a list of the 15 best things France is renowned for, saving you time and effort. Dive in and let us guide you through the heart and soul of France!

Top 15 best things France is famous for!

1. The Eiffel Tower

When you say France, the Eiffel Tower is the first thing that comes to my mind. Counted as one of the wonders of the world, the Eiffel Tower was built to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower is 276 meters tall and has access up to the second floor. After waiting in long queues, the wait is worth it once you get to see the whole of Paris from a height of 116 meters.

This iron-built monument was constructed between 1887 to 1889 as the main attraction at the Paris World Trade Fair. The monument made people fall in love with it the year it was made attracting a footfall of around 2 million people. Today around 7 million tourists visit the Eiffel Tower every year.

As pretty as the Eiffel Tower is during the day, it looks mesmerizing at night with twinkling lights on it. Fun Fact, no one is allowed to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night as it is seen against the French Law. The lights on the Eiffel Tower were added in 1985 and are seen as a work of art. According to the Copyright laws of the European Union, the work of an artist is protected during the lifetime of the artist and the next 70 years, and hence taking pictures is against the law.

2. Musée du Louvre

Muse du Louvre, also known as The Louvre Museum, was once a royal residence that today is seen as one of the top places France is famous for. The iconic museum was opened in 1793 with 537 paintings. Many of Western Civilization’s most famous works are found here, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture. Today the museum houses around 38,000 pieces of art and historic objects. It is impossible to see all the masterpieces in a day, but you can book a private tour to learn more about the paintings and other objects in the museum.

3. Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris is another monument Paris is famous for. Notre-Dame de Paris is a French Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century in honor of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is located in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité island in the middle of the Seine which is counted as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Notre Dame holds a special place in the heart of people in Paris as in 2019 the cathedral was on fire accidentally and faced a lot of damage. After the news was spread across the world, many celebrities decided to contribute to the cause of rebuilding Notre Dame back to its original beauty.

4. Palace of Versailles

Château de Versailles also called as Palace of Versailles symbolizes the royalty of the French monarchy before the French Revolution. You can see the magnum of the Château in 2,300 rooms spread across 8.15 km. You can also visit the private apartment of Louis XIV, which features a Guard Room, two antechambers, a chamber, and a cabinet. And beyond all those, there is the king’s private apartment, which could not be entered without an invitation.

Château de Versailles is a UNESCO-listed monument as a glorious moment in the history of France under the reign of Louis XIV. He renovated the small hunting lodge into this beautiful palace. In the 17th century, Jules Hardouin-Mansart embellished the beauty of the chateau with the Hall of Mirrors. The hall is known for its dazzling beauty during the day when the sun enters the hall and reflects from hundreds of mirrors and glittery chandeliers.

5. Gourmet Food

We can’t deny the fact that France is famous all over the world for serving gourmet foods like Croque monsieur, Bisque, Foie Gras, Rillettes, Coq au vin, Bœuf bourguignon, Ratatouille and Bouillabaisse. The French have a sweet spot in their heart for the widely famous range of Cheese and an exquisite glass of wine.

Not forgetting the remarkable loaves of bread and pastries. Baguette, Boule de pain, Brioche, Croissant, and Fougasse are some of the most loved breads to have alongside their meals with meat and cheese, or just enjoy the crispy bread with sweet chocolate and some jam.

Another thing France is famous for is its desserts. Mouthwatering sweets like the Calisson d’ Aix in Provence, flaky croissants, puffed-up soufflés, delectable chocolate mousses, super-thin crepes, and crunchy, light macarons are some of the sweet courses we all know and love.

6. Mont Blanc

One of the many things France is famous for is its luxurious ski resorts and various skiing tracks along the French mountains. Mont Blanc is the most beautiful and the highest mountain in the French Alps soaring to a height of 4810 meters. Mont Blanc translates as White Mountain because of the white snow blanket covering the cliff.

Beneath this gigantic beauty is nestled a small alpine village, Chamonix. The charming town is filled with historic churches, authentic restaurants serving French meals, and cozy Alpine inns. The delightful town welcomes all its guests with love. The village is known for delivering mesmerizing landscapes, and small local diners serving scrumptious local meals of the Savoie region as well as international cuisine. To sample the local Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue, and raclette.

Chamonix is a perfect destination to explore thrilling activities like skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and hiking or you can take a cable car to the top and relax with the shooting view of the mountains.

7. The French Rivera

Côte d’Azur also known as The French Rivera is a fashionable coastline stretched across the southeast side of France. The largest city in the region, Nice, is considered the capital of The French Rivera which is a gateway to many famous cities like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Montpellier, Marseille, and many more. The glamorous seaside is famous for its beaches, casinos, lavish villas, and luxury yachts.

You must visit the town of Nice to enjoy the alluring views of the ocean, art museums, the Castle of Nice, Palais Lascaris, and the Cannes Film Festival.

8. Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe is a historic monument on the European landmark, built on the west of Champs-Elysee in Place Charles de Gaulle. The monument pays tribute to the brave martyrs who lost their lives fighting in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars.

You can see the names of French victories and generals inscribed on the arc. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napolean in 1806 but couldn’t be completed as it was completed in 1836 when Napolean was banished to Elba. Every year the Bastille Day parade on July 14 starts at this triumphal Arch and the Tour de France also finishes here. France is famous for various monuments that vividly tell a tale about French history and revolutionary wars.

9. Mont Saint Michael

Mont Saint Michael is a beautiful medieval structure found along the Normandy coast. According to UNESCO’s list, Saint Michael is one of the most striking locations in France. The monument rises 80 meters above the bay surrounded by strong walls and bastions. The structure is nestled on a rock but looks like an island when the tide comes in creating an even more incredible view. The Abbaye du Saint Michael is the divine Christian pilgrimage destination. It is also known as “The Heavenly Jerusalem” which still inspires the modern pilgrims to follow the tradition of crossing the bay barefoot.

You can also walk around exploring the only street, Grand-Rue, to experience the beauty of medieval architecture. Mont Saint-Michael is a must-visit place if you are looking for a day’s visit from Paris.

10. Loire Valley Chateaux

Take a stroll in the fairy-tale castle at Loire Valley Chateaux. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chateaux is surrounded by green gardens, dense forests, and calm-flowing rivers. Some of the Loire Chateaux are built on the hilltop giving you an old fantasy castle vibe surrounded by tall walls and gardens. The Loire Chateaux was designed in a Renaissance palace just for enjoyment and entertainment

11. Provence

When you France you must visit Provence to explore the purple lavender fields, beautiful landscapes of olive farms, golden sunny mountains, and tiny villages tucked in the valley. The rural vibe, country charm, aesthetic views, and outdoor cafes attract a lot of tourists. The cafés serve delicious Mediterranean cuisine based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Tourists can choose from a wide range of local family-run bistros to Michelin-star restaurants. Aix-en-Provence, a small town in quintessential Provençal town is famous for its colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France.

12. Alsace Village

Other than the food, art, and PARIS, France is famous for its dreamy villages. Probably the prettiest towns in France are concealed in the green, slopes of Alsace, where the Vosges Mountains line the Rhine River of Germany. These pleasant Alsatian towns include pastel-painted, half-wooded houses bunched around little churches. Bright blossoming galleries and passerby cobblestone roads add to the allure. Many villages have been awarded the “Village Fleuris Award” for their floral decoration, rustic homes, and the art and history of the village. “Most Beautiful Village” in Mittelbergheim, known for its gastronomy and gorgeous pastoral landscape, is at the foot of the verdant Mont Saint-Odile.

13. Brittany

Brittany is a beautiful historic region on the northeastern coast of France. A rugged seashore, quaint fishing villages, and weathered seaports symbolize the region, which is steeped in ancient traditions and famous for its costumed religious festivals. Known for fantasies and legends, Brittany has a great Celtic impact which is seen through its dialect. The food around is tasty, mostly popular for its exquisite buckwheat crêpes and sweet pastry crêpes.

Saint-Malo, Quimper, and Nantes are some of the villages famous for their handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes is famous for a spectacular château where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants. Other significant attractions of Brittany are pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles. The largest of the Breton islands appeals to vacationers in search of a peaceful seaside setting

14. Biarritz

15. Fashion

France has had a great impact on the fashion industry. Counted in one of the four capitals of fashion in the world, Paris is famous for its notable fashion week and other fashion events. Not just the events, it also is the branded French fashion labels like Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Thierry Mugler, Givenchy, and Pierre Cardin rule the fashion statement all over the world. France is likewise extremely well known for a solitary garment – the beret. The flat crowned hat was a part of the military uniform but today is seen as a fashion statement majorly symbolizing the French culture.

Conclusion

I hope you understand now why France remains an eternal favorite for travelers and enthusiasts alike. From architectural marvels to world-class art, and historical landmarks to gourmet delights, the essence of France lies in its diversity and unparalleled charm. As you soak in the details of each of these 15 treasures, remember that the true magic of France is best experienced in person. So, whether you're revisiting or planning your first trip, this guide offers a glimpse of the best of France. If you have any doubts or want to learn more about it, feel free to get in touch, we would be happy to help you plan your perfect getaway.