The city of light
It almost goes without saying that the French capital is a great attraction for foreign visitors – over 30 million tourists a year, more than any other city in the world.
There’s the city’s romantic image, the stunning architecture, the Louvre museum, the iconic Eiffel Tower as well as the simple pleasure of sitting at a café terrace and watching the world go by (not to mention the stunning sunsets).
And don’t forget Disneyland, which is a destination in itself for foreign visitors. With around 15 million visitors each year, the theme park, just to the east of the French capital is Europe’s top touristic destination.
A variety of sun, sea and mountains
France has managed to retain its crown as the most visited country in the world thanks to the 89 million visitors that come to see its sights in 2017.
Many French people shun international destinations for their summer holidays and instead choose to travel within their own country. Why? Well, as they’ll be keen to tell you, it’s because France has everything, from sandy beaches, to snow covered mountains and vast expanses of countryside.
Basically France offers something for everyone. While the Germans may come for the beaches, the Brits come for the countryside and the Americans come for the chateaux and the culture.
Escape to the countryside
Around 80 percent of France is countryside – and most of it is stunning and tranquil. In addition to Paris, most tourists are attracted by the beautiful regions of the Loire Valley, Provence, the mountains “Les Alpes” and the southern coast of France.
Art, history and culture
France is extremely proud of its long and often tumultuous history. From the French revolution to Napoleon and the two world wars, and historical sites are often an important milestone on the itinerary of visitors. There are the famous battle sites of the Somme and the D-Day landings, as well as the stunning chateaux, churches and cathedrals that decorate the landscape.
In fact, France has around 39 sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, making it fourth in the global rankings. Museums and art galleries are also a major pull for tourists. The Louvre alone, home to the Mona Lisa among around 35,000 other artifacts and artworks, attracts 9.7 million visitors a year, more than any other museum in the world.
