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Famous places in France

Where do you think of when asked to name the most famous sights in France? Here we have prepared a list (in no particular order) of what we believe are the most famous places, that any visit to the country should include if possible. We have allowed just 10 places to start with. Your own list will be different, I'm sure, and there are many top places in France that are contenders for the list...make suggestions in the comments box below the list

Paris

The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Moulin-Rouge and many more instantly recognisable sites. We could have filled the whole list with the best loved places in Paris and perhaps we should have done. But for the sake of completeness it seemed best to wander outside France a little...see Paris Guide for more suggestions of places to visit in Paris

The Normandy landing beaches

The beaches where the D-Day landings took place, on the northern coast of Normandy, are  a very popular pilgrimage spot, both for the beaches themselves and for the nearby war memorials and cemeteries...see Normandy landing beaches

Versailles Palace

Versailles is a famous chateau that was home to the French monarchy during the 100 years before the French revolution. 'Grand and impressive' doesn't even begin to describe the size and luxury of this palace.

Carcassonne

Famous medieval walled city in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France...see Carcassonne

Lourdes

This pilgrimage destination in the pyrénées attracts many, many thousands of pilgrims each year, for the healing powers attributed to the cave where local girl Bernadette spoke to the virgin Mary in 1858. Alone on this list, the fame of Lourdes does not indicate that you should visit - simply that it is famous!...see Lourdes

Pont du Gard

This roman aquaduct in Languedoc-Roussillon is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most impressive roman constructions still standing in France...see Pont du Gard

Lascaux caves

Discovered in the middle of the 20th century, these caves contain extraordinary fine examples of prehistoric cave painting. The caves being closed to the public need not deter you - there is a very high quality copy at Lascaux caves II next door...see Lascaux caves

Mont-Saint-Michel

Three million visitors a year can't be wrong - this is the most visited site in France outside Paris. The abbey on an island is an instantly recognisable landmark in Normandy on the northern coast of France...see Mont St Michel

Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix

I think you already know why Disney is famous! If not or if you want to book your tickets you can visit the sites for Disneyland Paris and  Parc Asterix.

Monet's garden at Giverny

At the end of the 19th century the world of art was changing forever, as the French impressionists explored new ways of painting and representing landscapes and scenery. Among these was Monet, and many of his most famous paintings are clearly recognisable scenes from the gardens at Giverny.

In addition to the most famous sights in France, see also 'top French places to visit by number of visitors