Created in 1790 during the French Revolution, the aim of the départements was to create a more equitable and accessible administration for all citizens. Today, France has 101 departments : 96 in mainland France and 5 overseas (DOM). Each department has its own numberused for license plates and postal codes, as well as a capital which is the prefecture.

Visit French departments are spread across the country's 18 regions, and each offers its own identity, shaped by its history, landscapes and traditions. Explore their cultural, gastronomic and tourist diversity. For example, the department of Calvados at Normandy is famous for its D-Day beaches, while the Bouches-du-Rhône at Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur attract by the beauty of Marseille and the Calanques. To find out more, consult our detailed guide to French departments.

Visit France - French heritage must-sees

Visiting France also means taking advantage of its wealth of history, culture and landscapes, packed with treasures. Some of them are essential to appreciate the diversity and splendor of France's heritage. Let's discover three historic monuments, three exceptional natural sites and three cities steeped in art and history that are well worth a visit.

Historic monuments: the Eiffel Tower, Mont-Saint-Michel and the Palace of the Popes

Emblematic of Paris and France, the Eiffel Tower was erected for the 1889 Universal Exhibition. Rising to 324 meters, it offers a breathtaking view of the capital and welcomes over 7 million visitors a year, making it the world's most visited paying monument.

Visit Mont-Saint-MichelThis Norman island, crowned by a 10th-century Benedictine abbey, is a jewel of Gothic architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, it attracts over 3 million visitors every year.

The Palais des Papes in Avignon was the residence of the popes in the 14th century. Europe's largest Gothic palace, also a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, covers 15,000 square meters and receives some 650,000 visitors annually.

Exceptional natural sites: Dune du Pilat, Gorges du Verdon and Cirque de Gavarnie

At 110 metres high, the Dune du Pilat is the highest in Europe. Located near Bordeaux, it is 3 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, offering a magnificent view of the ocean, the pine forest and the Arcachon Basin, and attracts over 2 million visitors a year.

The Gorges du Verdon, a spectacular canyon carved out by the Verdon River, are famous for their beauty and outdoor activities. With limestone cliffs ideal for climbing and waters ideal for canoeing or kayaking, this site welcomes around 700,000 visitors annually.

The Cirque de Gavarnie, an impressive glacial cirque in the Pyrenees, is famous for its 1,500-meter-high rock face and Europe's highest waterfall. Accessible by hiking, this UNESCO-listed site attracts some 400,000 visitors every year.

Cities of art and history: Bordeaux, Lyon and Strasbourg

Known for its wine and architectural heritage, Bordeaux has the world's largest UNESCO-listed urban ensemble, with remarkable buildings such as the Place de la Bourse. The dynamic city also boasts numerous museums and welcomes some 6 million tourists a year.

Lyon, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, is renowned for its gastronomy and history. With UNESCO sites such as Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill, Lyon is a vibrant cultural center that welcomes nearly 5.5 million visitors a year.

Strasbourg, home to several European institutions, is famous for its UNESCO-listed historic center and its Christmas market. With attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Petite France district, it attracts around 4 million tourists every year.

Discover France's major cities

To prepare your next stay, read our dedicated article on France's major cities and their must-sees.

Visit major French cities are the beating heart of the country, blending history, culture and economic dynamism. From ParisThe capital is world-famous for its iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. MarseilleAt the gateway to the multicultural Mediterranean, these metropolises offer incomparable diversity. As you explore the list of major french citieswe discover must-see destinations: Lyonrenowned for its gastronomy and UNESCO-listed heritage, Toulousethe "Ville Rose" at the heart of European aeronautics, and Nicethe jewel of the Côte d'Azur.

Each city reveals its identity through its architecture, gastronomy and unique atmosphere. For example, Nantes seduces with its cultural innovations, Strasbourg with its European quarter and historic center, and Bordeaux with its renowned wines and urban elegance. These major cities are also major economic hubs that structure the French regions.

Practical tips for an unforgettable visit to France

Discovering France means exploring a mosaic of landscapes, cultures and heritages. To get the most out of your adventure, you need to prepare properly: choose the best time to visit, the most appropriate mode of transport and accommodation that meets your needs and budget. Here are some essential tips for a memorable stay in France.

Best time to visit France: avoid the crowds and enjoy the weather

The ideal time to visit France varies according to region and activity. May, June, September and October are characterized by a pleasant climate and moderate visitor numbers, ideal for discovering natural and historical treasures away from the tourist crowds. These months also offer the advantage of reduced rates for transport, accommodation and catering.

July and August, with their higher temperatures, particularly in the south and on the Mediterranean coast, are attractive for their dynamism and numerous cultural and sporting events. However, to avoid price hikes, early booking is advisable.

Winter, from November to March, although less favorable for sightseeing, offers opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts or Christmas markets, despite the harsher climate and shorter days.

Getting around France: transport tips

Visiting France is relatively easy, thanks to its extensive and varied transportation network. Depending on your travel preferences, there are several options open to you:

Trains, especially the TGV, offer a practical and environmentally-friendly way to discover the country. Advance bookings can save you money.

Air travel remains the quickest choice for long-distance or remote destinations, with a plethora of flights on offer, including low-cost. It is advisable to take into account transfers to and from airports.

Buses offer an economical alternative, although they are generally slower. Companies like Ouibus and Flixbus serve a wide range of destinations.

The car is the most flexible solution, allowing you to explore to your heart's content, via rental or carpooling, despite the cost of tolls and fuel.

Accommodation and dining: how to enjoy the French art of living

France offers a wide range of accommodation and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

When it comes to accommodation, whether you opt for a hotel, B&B, gîte or campsite, you'll easily find a solution that meets your expectations, whether in terms of comfort, location or experience.

When it comes to dining, French culinary diversity can be savored in traditional restaurants offering regional specialties, as well as in exotic or unusual restaurants for an offbeat experience. Reservations are generally recommended to guarantee a seat.

Conclusion

France is a captivating country, rich in diversity and possibilities for discovery. Whether you're passionate about its enchanting panoramas, deep-rooted culture, exquisite cuisine or historic heritage, France is sure to meet your expectations. This article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of France's regions and must-see tourist destinations, along with useful tips for planning your trip.

We hope you have found this information useful and informative. aroused in you the desire to visit or revisit the wonders of France. We look forward to your feedback, questions and suggestions. It will be our pleasure to assist you in planning your trip.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

FAQ

What's the most beautiful place in France?

Identifying the most beautiful place to visit in France is a matter of subjectivity, as everyone has their own criteria and preferences. However, a number of remarkable places stand out, combining natural beauty, cultural richness and historical heritage. Notable among these are :

• Visit Mont-Saint-Michel : Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers spectacular views of the bay and is home to a majestic medieval abbey.
• Visit Côte d'Azur : With its glamorous, sunny atmosphere, this region is famous for its beaches, charming towns and Mediterranean landscapes.
• Mont Blanc: Western Europe's highest peak, famous for its glaciers and snow-capped peaks, majestically dominates the Alps.
• Visit Loire Valley : Nicknamed the "Garden of France", this valley is dotted with castlesvineyards and picturesque villages.
• La Provence: This region is renowned for its lavender fields, olive groves, calanques, hilltop villages and exceptional gastronomy.

Which is the most beautiful region of France?

The beauty of France varies according to personal perspective, but Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is often cited as one of the most beautiful regions. Located in south-eastern France, it offers an impressive diversity of landscapes, from sea to mountains, and is home to picturesque villages, vibrant towns and remarkable sites such as the Calanques National Park, the Luberon and Mont Ventoux. It's also known for its delicious gastronomy, art of living and Mediterranean climate.

What's the most beautiful city to visit in France?

Choosing the most beautiful city in France is subjective, but some stand out for their heritage, culture, natural spaces and pleasant climate. Among the must-see are :

• Paris, the City of Light, rich in history and culture.
• Nice, jewel of the Côte d'Azur.
• Menton, at the gateway to Italy.
• Lyon, city of light and gastronomy.
• Bordeaux, the world's wine capital.
• Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps.
• Lille, in the heart of Flanders.
• Marseille, a vibrant Mediterranean port.
• Strasbourg, a European capital rich in history.
• Saint-Malo, a corsair town steeped in adventure.
• Aix-en-Provence, city of art and history.
• Dijon, capital of the Dukes of Burgundy.

What's there to see in France for a day?

Visiting France offers a multitude of possibilities and destinations for a day trip, to suit all tastes:

• For nature lovers: the Gorges du Verdon offer spectacular landscapes ideal for hiking and kayaking. The calanques of Cassis offer turquoise waters and coves accessible on foot or by boat.
• For culture and history buffs: Paris is packed with iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Strasbourg, with its picturesque Petite France district and Gothic cathedral, is also an attractive option.
• For a relaxing moment in the sun : Nice invites you to relax with its colorful facades and famous Promenade des Anglais. The golden islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant offer sandy beaches and hiking trails in the heart of nature.

What are the tourist departments in France?

There are many tourist departments in France, but those on the Atlantic coast and in the Mediterranean basin are particularly well known.

• Atlantic coast departments: the charente maritimethe vendée, FINISTEREor Morbihan are particularly popular and visited at the height of the season.