Europe’s third-largest country has nabbed the prize for the most visited country in the world since 2016, welcoming around 90 million globetrotters each year. Which is no surprise, considering its haul of world-famous cities, bonanza of beaches, and full house of iconic landmarks that are guaranteed to grab a like on social media. Add to this the country’s foodie scene and you’ve got yourself a blinder of a holiday roster – it is the country where the Michelin Guide was created, after all.
A city break to Paris is basically a rite of passage when vacaying in France. The cloud-brushing spire of the Eiffel Tower gazes over the city, while the museums – like the maze of the Louvre and the romantic Musée Rodin – are top choices for arty types. The eye-widening architecture of the Arc de Triomphe is another attention-seeker, plus it’s the gateway to luxury shopping along the Champs-Elysées. Paris is easy-as-pie to get around, too, thanks to its Metro system – it works just like the London underground.
Outside its cities, France is decked out with all sorts of lovely landscapes. It’s home to Europe’s tallest mountain – Mont Blanc – which lords it over the rest of the French Alps. There’s a 20-minute scenic cable car ride from Chamonix if you don’t fancy the 12-hour hike to the summit. Skiing holidays are a doozy in these parts, too. And if beaches are more your cup of tea, hit up Nice, Saint Tropez or Cannes. They attract more than their fair share of A-listers, and deal in sofa-soft sand and glitzy cocktail bars.
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