Top 6 French Holiday Attractions
Great food. Great wine. Great scenery. These are just a few reasons to visit France, which is considered one of the most beautiful countries and the top tourist destination in the world. Indeed, you should visit France at least once in a lifetime. While there, make the most of your trip by stopping by these must-see France attractions.
Chateau de Versailles
Versailles is one of the most popular France attractions for its historical significance and outstanding beauty. Located just a few miles outside of Paris, the palace still exudes the grandeur of a royal residence – which it was from 1682 to 1789. It has 700 rooms, the most popular of which are the royal bedchambers, the Hall of Mirrors and the Salon of Hercules, all decorated with ornate furniture and beautiful artworks. Its subsidiary buildings, the Trianon and the Lanterne Pavilion, are also magnificent, and its gardens are among the most stunning in the world.
Grand Louvre
Some of the best France attractions are excellent museums such as the famous Louvre. The Louvre Museum houses more than 400,000 pieces distributed into three wings, including over 6,000 masterpieces from French, Spanish, Italian and other European painters. It is particularly known as the home of the ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo da Vinci, which is one of the most controversial works of art ever produced. Aside from being a world-renowned museum, the Louvre is also one of the central landmarks in Paris, with its distinct pyramid situated on the right bank of the River Seine. The equally interesting Georges Pompidou Centre and the Musee d’Orsay are only a short drive away.
Eiffel Tower
Towering at a height of roughly 324 metres, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris. More importantly, it is the most recorgnizable symbol of France. Therefore, there is no better proof of your visit to France than a picture of you against the base of this magnificent structure. Don’t stop there, though. Rather, climb to the first floor to shop for souvenirs or to the second floor to enjoy a great meal while being surrounded by spectacular views. The best views, though, are those seen from the top of the tower, especially at night when the City of Lights comes to life.
Notre Dame de Paris
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has a rich history. First constructed in 1163, it is the site of many historical events, including the coronation of King Henry VI, the wedding of Mary, Queen of Scotland, the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte and the canonization of Joan of Arc. What draws millions of visitors year after year, though, is its remarkable Gothic architecture and its collection of artistic religious pieces. Its rose windows are stunning to behold on sunny days, while the gargoyles and chimera perched around its tower are fascinating. You can also catch a glimpse of its bells, particularly the 13-ton Emmanuel Bell, which is sure to transport you into the pages of Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.
Chambord Castle
Just as the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture, the Castle of Chambord is an excellent example of French renaissance architecture. On the outside, it has over 800 sculpted columns and an elaborate roofscape lined with various types of towers and chimneys, all meant for decorative and not defensive purposes, while on the inside, it consists of 440 rooms, four vast hallways and 84 staircases. It is particulary popular for its unique double-helix staircase which runs up three floors and serves as its centerpiece.
The Loire Valley
During your vacation in France, don’t just linger in Paris. Rather, make it a point to discover the beauty of the French countryside, like the Loire Valley. Aside from the Chombard Castle, the Loire Valley offers many other enchanting castles, as well as charming towns and historic cities like Bourges and Orleans. It is also known for its excellent wine and breathtakingly romantic natural scenery, earning it the title of the Garden of France, which is why it is one of the best France attractions in itself.
If you still have some time left, you can also visit other France attractions, such as the Futuroscope, the Fontainebleau Forest and the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera. While you won’t be able to visit them all, you might as well try to see as many of the scenic spots in France as you can, so you can truly say that you have experienced France instead of merely visiting it – an experience sure to be on the top of your list for a lifetime.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including France, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout France, including, car hire Brest. To book a car hire in France, or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com