Is France Worth Visiting? What To Expect From Your Visit (2023 Travel Guide)
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We were asked, “Is France worth visiting?” The answer: Only if you like beauty, architecture, romance, and spectacular food. So, yes. Visiting France is worth it.
France has something to offer everyone. Each of France’s 13 regions has its own character, traditions, cuisine, and even French dialects. From Paris to the French Riviera in the south to the Champagne region in the northeast, Brittany all the way west.
The romantic beauty of France is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
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Accommodations: Booking.com 🏨
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IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
So, Why Is France Worth It and Why You Should Visit
France is the world’s most popular tourist destination, with nearly 90 million visitors annually.
Home to over 65 million people, France can be intimating to Americans. And so can the French people. With their Parison style, air kisses, and art (the Mona Lisa is, after all, housed in The Louvre), the French and the aesthetic beauty of France can be intimidating.
Don’t let them or France intimidate you.
Just ditch your tracksuit and white sneakers for some black garb. Don’t air kiss anyone you don’t know (good advice, no matter what country you land in). Take in their art and culture. Make an effort to speak their language and try not to rush through their sumptuous meals that are meant to be savored.
The French will spend hours eating a meal. This reflects how much they value themselves and their work/life balance.
Americans can learn a thing or two about the good life from the French and their master over the art of doing nothing.
Lunch can take from noon to two in the afternoon. The French take sitting at a café with an espresso seriously. These are the simple things of life not to be rushed through.
This may be why I’ve always wanted to be French. I crave any lifestyle that takes downtime and being in the present moment seriously—c’est la viv.
You are on vacation, after all.
What better time to slow down and enjoy the moment?
One of the best things to do in France is to sit at a café with whichever legal additive substance is your jam – caffeine or a stout or both – and watch the fabulous people walk by on ancient cobblestone streets, all for the price of a drink.
There is more to France than the amazing food and world-class art that makes France the number one destination for travelers.
What Is So Amazing About France?
There is so much to take in, eat and experience in France that it would take living there for a year to experience it all, which is something on my bucket list.
France is roughly the same size as Texas or two Colorados — but you can comfortably stuff Switzerland alongside it like an accessory.
Common knowledge tells us France is home to some of the world’s most iconic art museums, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the beautiful French countryside we see in European films.
The cities in France are renowned for their world-class art and architecture but don’t forget about the many charming towns throughout France that boast castles, rolling green hills, beautiful bridges, and cobblestone streets.
France also has stunning beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Visiting France is worth it to be emersed in the brilliant and romantic culture, and all that is French.
While visiting France, you should visit the iconic tourist destinations listed above: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, Palace of Versailles, all of which are stunning in person but make sure to see other parts of France and not just Paris.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
Getting Around France
Traveling in France is easy because of its many train systems. The train ride from Brussels to Paris is a little under two hours.
I met my mom in Paris, where we spent a few days visiting museums, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower and Versailles. We then rented a car and drove to Cannes on the French Riviera, stopping at ancient castles along the way.
CA Girl is a bit of a Francophile. In my dreams, I’m a French woman (I do have some French lineage).
When I lived in Brussels for six months, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in France.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
How Many Days to Spend in France?
That depends on how many days you want in the city of love. A ten-day trip is a great choice. You could comfortably fit in two regions in France plus Paris on a ten-day trip.
If you have less time, you could do one region and Paris or forego time in Paris and include at least two regions.
For those lucky travelers who can spend two weeks in France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
Ten days in France is the sweet spot. With ten days, you comfortably have enough time to explore a few different regions via France’s amazing train system and spend a few days in their most famous city, Paris.
How Many Days in France Should You Spend?
Is Paris Worth Visiting
Yes. We here at CA Girl stand firm in the opinion that one must see Paris.
You could spend a month in Paris and not run out of things to do and see or great food to eat.
Paris is home to the world’s most iconic art and architecture. To skip Paris would be a mistake.
Having said that, when you get past the must-do’s like Paris or the must-do’s of any foreign destination, often the best part of any trip is the unexpected adventure on your way to less iconic and less traveled parts of any new country.
If you only have a week in France, it might be best spent in Paris for the great food, shopping, and culture.
If you have more than a week, like ten days or two weeks, to spend in France, do Paris and Versailles for a few days and then take the train south to see smaller towns and the southern part of France with its beautiful beaches.
Spend a night or two in Nice or Cannes on the French Riviera or go east to the Champagne region. Both great choices. If you have more time head south, less time head east.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
Taking the Train in France Is an Experience on Its Own
Taking a train is a unique way to spend time in France and worth doing on its own. The view from the train is part of the experience when traveling in Europe – you get up close and personal with the French countryside from the comfort of French trains.
We aren’t talking about America’s Amtrack.
Some of the trains in France are high-speed trains that offer luxury – good food and accommodations- while getting to your next destination.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
What Part of France Is Worth Visiting?
Visiting France’s smaller towns offers a different experience from the experience you’ll get from France’s major cities.
Some say the Alsace wine region is home to the prettiest town in France called Colmar. It has canals, like Venice, but smaller.
The canals are lined with brightly colored houses as it snakes through the town.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
Which Part of France Must You Visit?
Paris and Versailles are must-see destinations when visiting France.
Palace of Versailles, located in northern France, is about 10 miles southwest of Paris. When you see Versailles in real life, it is pretty impressive. Versailles is the former French royal residence and center of government, now a national landmark, located in the city of Versailles.
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is another spectacular landmark I will never forget seeing for the first time. Make sure to check to see if it has reopened.
Travel Tip: The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is still closed due to the fire that destroyed much of it in 2019. It is set to reopen in 2024 in time for the Olympics.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
Small Towns in France Worth a Visit
Reims
Reims is a lovely historical city located in the Champagne region of France, an hour from Paris by train.
As the name suggests, the Champagne region is where champagne hails from. The grapes and drink must originate from the Champagne region of France to be actual champagne.
There are many Champagne houses you can tour with champagne tasting tours in Reims. We suggest the tour below.
There are many Champagne houses you can tour with champagne tasting tours in Reims. We suggest the tour below.
This full-day tour from Paris to Reims is limited to small groups under ten people. The tour takes you to visit the unique Reims Cathedral, the vineyards of Champagne, and champagne tastings.
✅From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour
How to Get to Reims
The best mode of transportation from Paris to Reims is the 45-minute high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims.
If you travel during peak hours, the fare is about 40 euros. During off-peak hours, you can get a round-trip for about 20 euros.
Make sure to book the TGV train in advance. You can risk it and book at the rail station, but you might not get a ticket for the same day as tickets do sell out.
We book all of our France train travel through Omio. They also have a convenient app you can download onto your smartphone.
Travel Tip: It is wise to purchase your champagne tasting before you head out. These tours tend to be booked in advance.
You could drive. A car trip takes 90 minutes for Paris to Reims. But then it’d be best to stay overnight if you plan to take a champagne tour.
We suggest taking the train and buying tickets in advance.
If you are going to Reims to visit one of the many Champagne Houses, make sure they are open, there are certain days when they are closed.
Reims’ Main Champagne Houses:
- Taittinger
- G.H. Mumm
- Lanson
- Ruinart
- Veuve Clicquot
- Pommery
- Krug
- Louis Roederer
Travel Tip: Just like the cellars in the wineries of Napa Valley, CA, the champagne cellars in Reims can be pretty chilly so bring a jacket or a sweater.
Nice
France is worth visiting even if you only plan to spend time in Nice in the South of France. The city is nicknamed Nice La Belle (Nissa La Bella in Niçard), meaning ‘Nice the Beautiful.”
It’s an apt name. Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, is breathtaking.
The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, and it is stunning.
I will never forget the beauty of the French Riviera. It always makes me think of the great Alfred Hitchcock film, To Catch a Thief, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.
The bright blue water is even more magnificent, juxtaposed by the colorful buildings that line it like a painting.
Besides taking in the beautiful seaside vistas from strolling down the Promenade des Anglais, there are many things to do in this cultural mecca.
How to Get to Nice
The best way to get to Nice from Paris is via train. There are several places where you can catch the train to Nice.
- The train from Paris (Paris-Nice) takes a little under 6 hours.
- The Marseille-Nice is a little under 3 hours.
- Lyon-Nice takes a little under 5 hours.
The best place to view train schedules, check prices, and make reservations is on this website.
We book all of our France train travel through Omio.
Omio has a convenient app you can download onto your smartphone.
As we have mentioned, book train reservations in advance if you have your heart set on visiting towns outside of Paris, as they book up quickly.
You can take a sleeping train from Paris to Nice, which is quite the experience.
The train departs Paris around 9:20 pm and arrives in Nice at 9:00 am. The nice thing about this plan is you get the travel part done while you sleep, so you have more daylight hours in Nice if you are only there for a short time.
There is daily service in both directions.
Things Worth Visiting in Nice, France
Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and admire the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Take a swim in the beautiful blue waters. The beaches are covered with large pebbles, so bring flip-flops.
You will most likely pass the iconic Hôtel Négresco, a symbol of the French Riviera.
The Baie des Anges (Bay of the Angels) is large bay in the Mediterranean Sea that is a seven-kilometer stretch.
Nice’s main shopping street is Avenue Jean Médecin which starts at Place Masséna, the main town square in the city, where you’ll find luxury boutiques and larger stores.
The Place Rosetti, with the pretty Sainte Réparate Cathedral, sits in the center of the Old Town. This religious building is also in Baroque style and worth a short visit.
The Alsace Wine Region
If you prefer wine to champagne, as I do, you must visit the Alsace wine region.
The capital of the Alsace wine region is Colmar and one of the prettiest towns in France. It is rumored that Colmar was the inspiration for Belle’s village in Beauty and The Beast.
The small town has canals, like Venice, but smaller.
The canals are lined with brightly colored houses as it snakes through the town. Grab lunch along the river and take in the spectacular view as you eat.
Colmar is located in eastern France on the border with Germany, a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris.
Tours, France
Tours, France, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is one of the most visited towns in France.
Tours is known for Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn, and its stunning, unique, picturesque half-timbered houses.
Tours is about an hour and a half from Paris by train from Gare de l’Est.
What’s Worth Seeing in The City of Love?
When I visited Paris, I did the tourist traps: The Eiffel tower, Versailles, Notre Dame.
I even walked through the Pere-Lachaise cemetery in eastern Paris, where The Doors’ frontman, Jim Morrison, is buried—walking around Paris to these different spots is part of the adventure.
The city is charming with a unique vibe, as all great cities possess. It is easy to fall in love with Paris.
When visiting Paris, be prepared to walk. That is the best way to see the city.
You don’t want to drive in Paris. Not only are they insane drivers, and the streets are narrow, but you’ll miss a lot from the window of a car.
As you walk through Paris, you’ll see many interesting nooks and crannies you’d miss by any other mode of transportation.
If your feet and legs get tired – and they will – take a brief respite at a café and do some people-watching. Or go back to your hotel for a siesta and come back out for dinner.
The metro is inexpensive and safe in Paris, so you could also hop on a train to give your tired feet a rest.
Is Paris Safe?
As in any city, you can’t walk around like Will Ferrell as Elf when he landed in New York City from the North Pole. Act as if you belong, you know what you are doing, and keep your touristy equipment and loud self to a minimum.
Be mindful of your belongings, especially expensive cameras and passports. There are pickpockets in all cities, put on your “I know what I’m doing face” and don’t fall victim to tourist scams.
Free and Highly Romantic Things to Do When in Paris.
The great thing about all cities is you only need a little money to enjoy them.
- Stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg.
- Picnic under the Eiffel Tower instead of spending time, money, and energy going up it. It is worth the money and trek if you want to do that as well, but now necessary to have a great time.
- Picnic (a baguette, cheese, and wine) by the Seine with your love.
- Take an evening stroll to the Eiffel Tower.
- Walk by the Wall of Love in Montmartre, stroll through the beautiful streets and stop at one of the many cafes to enjoy France’s café culture.
- Go visit Jim Morrison’s grave in the Pere-Lachaise cemetery in eastern Paris.
Is Taking a Wine/Food Tour In France Worth It?
Taking a wine and food tour is a fun and inexpensive thing to do in France.
We have listed one below that tours the fashionable Marais district in the 4th arrondissement. The SoMa (South Marais) neighborhood is filled with hip boutiques, galleries, and bars.
Once the city’s Jewish quarter, the area still hosts numerous kosher restaurants.
The grassy Place des Vosges is home to elegant arcades and the Musée Victor Hugo, where the writer lived.
✅Tour – Paris: Walking Food Tour with Cheese, Wine and Delicacies
The tour is limited to ten people and takes about two hours to complete. Taste a variety of cheeses, hams, pastries, and chocolates from local Marais producers and authentic markets.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
How Do You Get To France?
When I’m in France, I usually use the Omio to schedule local and regional train reservations before I go or while in Paris.
It outlines the different routes and prices and provides a convenient app.
For travel from France to neighboring countries like Germany, Belgium and Amsterdam, a Eurail pass is best. You can get one here.
If you are not a native European, you will travel via a plane to France.
However, once in Europe, depending on how long you plan to stay, you can travel by train through much of the country. A Eurail pass is the most cost-effective way to travel, as is renting a car.
If you are planning on relying on France’s many trains to travel in France and have a Eurail pass, make a train reservation in advance.
Travel Tip: Trains fill up fast, and have limited seats for Eurail pass holders. Book train travel in advance.
The majority of trains in France, as many of the popular routes in France, get busy. Make your reservations as early as possible.
A Eurail pass gives you access to most trains in Europe.
There are limited seats for international France trains for Eurail pass holders, make reservations at the train station or head to the Eurail website and have the reservation team arrange tickets for you.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
How Difficult Is it to Get Around France?
It is easier to get around France via train because of their amazing and efficient train systems.
Locals and tourists use the trains in France, so get a reservation in advance depending on what time of year you visit France.
Two Types of Trains in France
The two types of trains in France are worth knowing about, and the kind of travel you plan to do will determine which train you will make reservations on.
The first is high-speed trains, known as TGV. TGV is perfect for traveling between France’s major cities.
The second, TER trains, allow travelers to reach numerous small towns and villages.
CA Girl Travels will briefly explain each type of train company in France because there are so many, and it can be confusing if you’ve never been to France.
It’s clear once you know.
Train Companies and Train Types
SNCF
National Society of French Railways (SNCF) is France’s national rail provider and is responsible for all the train routes at the local level.
Regional trains and intercity trains are covered by TGV and iDTGV. The SNCF also covers international routes going in and out of France from neighboring countries like The Netherlands.
TGV
TGV trains, or TGV INQUI, are high-speed trains operated by SNCF. Not all routes actually use high-speed trains. Only a few do: Paris-Lyon, Paris-Marseille, Paris-Montpellier, Paris-Lille, Paris-Tours.
They are expanding the high-speed services to include more routes eventually.
Eurostar
The Eurostar connects the UK with France and Belgium through the Channel Tunnel. The Channel Tunnel runs between Calais in northern France and Folkestone in south Kent.
Eurostar is a French-British company. The main route connects Paris and London. Eurostar also serves other French cities: Lille, Calais, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, and Marne-la-Vallée.
Thalys
Thalys trains connect France with Belgium and the Netherlands.
These trains connect cities like Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Marseille with Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in Belgium and the Netherlands.
TGV Lyria
Lyria trains travel between France and Switzerland.
You can reach Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Zurich – along with other major Swiss stations – from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Lille or Dijon.
Thello
Thello provides trains between France and Italy. Right now, there are three lines you can take:
✅ Paris-Venice (via Dijon and Milan)
✅ Milan-Marseille (serving major stations of the French Riviera)
✅ Milan-Nice
As you can see, France’s train system offers many options and routes within France or in and out of France to neighboring countries.
I took the Thalys while traveling. It was a pleasant experience as far as trains go.
They have the train system down in France. You simply have to have an itinerary to buy your train ticket in advance. Since the trains are so nice in France, many people use them.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit France?
If you want to avoid the crowds, which is what we try to do whenever possible, we recommend visiting France between October and April.
The busiest time in France is July, followed closely by June and August, then May and September.
April is a lovely time to visit France as the spring brings pleasant weather across the country and fewer crowds.
IS FRANCE WORTH VISITING
When Is the Least Crowded Time to Visit France?
France has the fewest tourists between October and April.
The most crowded will be the summer months when people visit with their families when kids are out of school.
Conclusion: Is France Worth Visiting?
So, is a trip to France worth it? Yes. Whether you have a few days or a fortnight, visiting one of the most aesthetically pleasing places on earth is definitely worth it.
It may be worth two or ten trips. Start with Paris and work your way out to the many small towns and villages France offers. And don’t forget about skiing in France as another way to see their beautiful country because it does snow in France.
Bon voyage!
