Top Tourist Attractions In France: Complete 2025 Guide By Malik Express
France is the world’s most visited country, welcoming over 100 million international tourists in recent years. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to medieval abbeys on tidal islands, vineyard-covered hills, snowy Alpine peaks and golden Mediterranean beaches, France offers enough variety for a lifetime of trips.
For travellers from Pakistan, France is often the first dream destination in Europe. It combines iconic landmarks, rich Islamic and European history, world-class museums, halal-friendly food options in major cities, and easy access to neighbouring Schengen countries.
In this France travel guide, Malik Express Travel and Tours walks you through the top tourist attractions in France, shares practical tips and shows how our team can help you plan a smooth, memorable journey from Pakistan.
Why Visit France?
- World-Class Landmarks In Every Region
France has more than forty UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless famous attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles and Mont Saint Michel.
- Diverse Landscapes In One Country
Within a single trip you can experience Parisian boulevards, Normandy’s coast, Loire Valley castles, lavender fields in Provence, Alpine ski resorts and the beaches of the French Riviera.
- Food, Fashion And Culture
France is famous for its cuisine, cafes, markets, haute couture fashion and art museums. Paris alone contains some of the world’s largest and most visited museums, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
- Central Location In The Schengen Area
With a France Schengen visa you can travel to other Schengen countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands within the same trip, as long as you follow visa conditions.
Top Tourist Attractions In France
1. Paris - Eiffel Tower, Louvre And The Seine
France’s capital is usually the first stop on any France travel itinerary and remains one of the most attractive cities in the world for visitors.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s defining symbol and the most visited paid monument in the country, with more than six million visitors a year.
From its viewing platforms you can see the river Seine, major monuments and classic Haussmann boulevards.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world’s most visited art museum, home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of works from ancient to modern times.
Other Essential Paris Sights
- Notre Dame Cathedral, recently reopened after restoration and already receiving millions of visitors.
- Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées
- Montmartre and the Sacré Cœur Basilica
- Seine River cruises offering views of the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and historic bridges
Paris Travel Tips
- Pre-book timed entry tickets for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to avoid long queues, especially in summer.
- Stay near a Metro station; the network is dense and saves time and money.
- Plan at least three full days in Paris for a relaxed first visit.
2. Palace Of Versailles - Royal Splendour Near Paris
Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a vast royal château known for its Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments and formal gardens. It is one of the most visited sites in France and a key symbol of French royal history.
- Highlights include:
- The Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments
- Musical fountain shows in the gardens on selected days
- The Grand and Petit Trianon palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet
Travel Tip
Versailles is an easy half-day or full-day trip from Paris by suburban train. Go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds.
3. Mont Saint Michel - Island Abbey In Normandy
Mont Saint Michel is a medieval abbey set on a tidal island off the coast of Normandy. At high tide it seems to rise directly from the sea; at low tide, surrounding sands are exposed. It is one of France’s most iconic silhouettes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors Can:
- Climb winding streets to the hilltop abbey
- Explore ramparts and viewpoints over the bay
- Join guided walks on the tidal flats with safety-trained guides
Travel Tip
Mont Saint Michel can be very busy in peak season. Consider staying nearby and visiting early morning or evening for a calmer experience.
4. Loire Valley - Chateaux, Gardens And Rivers
Southwest of Paris, the Loire Valley is known for its castles, gardens and vineyards, and is often called the Garden of France.
Major Chateaux Include:
- Château de Chambord, the largest Loire chateau and a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture
- Château de Chenonceau, built over the Cher River with elegant arches and historic interiors
- Château d’Amboise, once home to kings and associated with Leonardo da Vinci
Travel Tips
- Base yourself in a town like Tours, Amboise or Blois and explore a few chateaux over two or three days.
- Rent a car or join small-group tours to move efficiently between sites.
5. French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) - Nice, Cannes And Beyond
The French Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean from around Toulon to the Italian border and includes glamorous resorts like Nice and Cannes. It is famous for pebbly and sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades, yachts and bright blue sea.
Key Stops
- Nice, with its Promenade des Anglais, old town and hilltop views
- Cannes, known for its film festival, luxury hotels and harbour
- Smaller towns and villages such as Antibes, Èze and Menton
Travel Tips
- Spring and autumn often offer good weather with fewer crowds compared with midsummer.
- Use regional trains and buses to move along the coast without needing a car.
6. Provence - Lavender Fields And Villages
Provence in south eastern France is known for its landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, stone villages and seasonal lavender fields, especially around the Luberon and Valensole plateau.
Popular Highlights:
- Hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon
- The lavender routes, usually blooming from late June to mid July depending on the year
- Roman sites in cities like Avignon, Nîmes and Arles
Travel Tip
A car or organised tour gives the most flexibility in Provence, especially for visiting lavender fields and smaller villages.
7. French Alps - Chamonix, Mont Blanc And Ski Resorts
- Along France’s eastern border lie the Alps, with famous peaks like Mont Blanc and resorts such as Chamonix, Courchevel and Val d’Isère.
- In winter, the Alps are among Europe’s top ski destinations. In summer, they offer hiking, cable cars, alpine lakes and panoramic viewpoints.
Travel Tips
- Winter ski trips require advance booking, especially during Christmas, New Year and February school holidays.
- Summer is excellent for hiking and cable car rides with fewer crowds than winter in some resorts.
8. Alsace And Strasbourg - Half-Timbered Houses And Wine Routes
On France’s eastern border with Germany, Alsace is known for its colourful half-timbered houses, vineyards and a distinct blend of French and German influences.
Strasbourg, the regional capital and seat of the European Parliament, has a UNESCO-listed historic centre with canals and the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg. Nearby, the Alsace Wine Route leads through villages like Colmar, Riquewihr and Eguisheim.
Travel Tip
Visit in December for famous Christmas markets, or in spring and autumn for quieter streets and vineyard scenery.
9. Bordeaux, Burgundy And Other Wine Regions
France’s wine regions are attractions in their own right. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and others draw visitors for vineyard landscapes, cellar tours and tastings.
- Bordeaux - known for grand chateaux and red wines
- Burgundy - praised for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, plus historic towns like Beaune
- Champagne - centred around Reims and Épernay, famous for sparkling wine
Travel Tips
- Many vineyards require advance booking for tours and tastings.
- If you do not drive, consider guided day trips from major cities.
Best Time To Visit France
France offers something in every season, but the best time depends on your interests.
Mild temperatures, blooming gardens and fewer crowds than in midsummer. Excellent for Paris, Loire Valley and Provence.
Warmest weather and school holidays, but also the busiest and often most expensive period, especially in Paris, the Riviera and major coastal areas. Good for beaches and mountain hikes.
- Autumn (September To October)
Cooler but usually pleasant weather, grape harvests in wine regions and fewer tourists. A great time for city breaks, countryside drives and food festivals.
- Winter (November To March)
Ideal for Alpine skiing and Christmas markets. Paris can be quieter and more affordable except around Christmas and New Year. Coastal regions are cooler but atmospheric.
Essential Travel Tips For France
1. Visa And Entry For Travellers From Pakistan
France is in the Schengen Area. Pakistani citizens must usually obtain a France Schengen short-stay visa before travelling. This visa generally allows up to 90 days of stay within a 180-day period across France and other Schengen countries, subject to the 90/180 rule.
Malik Express can guide you through the process and provide supporting bookings, but final decisions always rest with the French consulate or visa centre.
2. Getting Around France
France has an extensive rail network, including high-speed TGV trains linking Paris with major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Lille.
- Regional trains and buses connect smaller towns and tourist areas.
- Domestic flights can be useful for reaching Corsica or for time-saving routes, though trains are often more comfortable and central to city centres.
- In cities, public transport systems (metro, trams, buses) are well developed. Ride-hailing apps and taxis fill gaps when needed.
3. Money, Language And Safety
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and public transport.
- Language: French is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though learning a few French phrases is appreciated.
- Safety: France is generally safe for tourists. As in any busy country, remain alert in crowded areas, especially around major stations and popular attractions.
4. Budgeting And Planning Tips
- Avoid the very peak of summer if you want lower prices and fewer crowds. Late spring and early autumn often provide the best balance of weather and value.
- Consider rail passes or advance-purchase TGV tickets for major journeys to save on transport.
- In large cities, staying slightly outside the most central districts but near a Metro or tram line can reduce hotel costs without sacrificing convenience.
How Malik Express Travel And Tours Can Help Wth Your France Trip
Malik Express Travel and Tours, based in Islamabad, has long experience arranging Europe holidays and France tour packages from Pakistan.
1. Flight Planning And Ticketing
Our Team Can:
- Suggest convenient routes from major Pakistani cities to Paris and other French airports via hubs like Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or major European gateways
- Compare airlines to balance fare, travel time and baggage allowances
- Provide confirmed flight reservations and itineraries that match embassy guidelines for visa applications
2. France Schengen Visa Guidance
While only the embassy or visa centre can approve your visa, Malik Express can:
- Explain the France Schengen visa process clearly for Pakistani applicants
- Help you organise required documents such as hotel bookings, return tickets, travel insurance and day-by-day itineraries
- Guide you on how to structure your trip if you are visiting multiple Schengen countries with France as your main destination
3. Hotels, Transfers And Tours
Using our network of partners, we can:
- Book hotels in Paris, Nice, Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and other cities according to your budget and preferences
- Arrange airport transfers, Paris city tours, Seine cruises, day trips to Versailles, Loire Valley, Mont Saint Michel and French Riviera excursions with trusted local operators
- Suggest family-friendly, honeymoon or group itineraries, including halal-friendly meal suggestions where possible in major cities
4. Tailor-Made Europe Itineraries Including France
France is perfect as a base for wider Europe trips. Malik Express regularly designs itineraries such as:
- Paris - Brussels - Amsterdam
- Paris - Swiss Alps - Italy
- Paris - Nice - Barcelona
- Multi-country Schengen tours that combine France with Spain, Switzerland, Germany or Scandinavia
We tailor trip length, hotel category, transport type and sightseeing according to your budget, schedule and travel style.
5. Support Before And During Your Journey
From the first planning call until you return home, our team can:
- Advise on the best time to visit France for your interests (museums, shopping, beaches, Alps, wine regions)
- Help with changes to flights or hotel bookings, in line with airline and supplier policies
- Share up-to-date information about local events, public holidays, strikes or seasonal conditions that could affect your plans
Plan Your France Adventure With Malik Express
France is much more than one city or one landmark. It is a country of world-famous icons and quiet villages, of coastlines and castles, of mountain trails and city boulevards. Whether you want a classic first-time itinerary through Paris and the Loire, a romantic trip along the Riviera or a longer Europe route with France as the highlight, there is an itinerary to match every dream.
If you are in Pakistan and ready to discover the top tourist attractions in France, contact Malik Express Travel and Tours. Our travel experts will help you design a personalised France travel plan, arrange flights and hotels, support your Schengen visa application and stay by your side from planning to return so you can enjoy your European holiday with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting France
1. Do Pakistani citizens need a visa to visit France?
Yes. Pakistanis require a France Schengen short-stay visa to visit France. The visa generally allows up to 90 days in France and other Schengen countries within a 180-day period. Malik Express can guide you through the complete application process, documentation and travel preparation.
2. What is the best time to visit France?
It depends on your travel goals:
- Spring (April-June): Ideal weather, fewer crowds, perfect for Paris and countryside trips.
- Summer (July-August): Peak season for beaches, French Riviera and festivals.
- Autumn (Sept-Oct): Beautiful weather, vineyard harvests and great value.
- Winter (Nov-Feb): Best for Christmas markets, Paris deals and ski trips in the French Alps.
3. How many days do I need to explore France?
- 5-7 days: Paris + Versailles or Disneyland
- 10-12 days: Paris + Loire Valley + South of France
- 14+ days: A full France itinerary including Normandy, Provence, French Riviera and Alps
- France is large, so plan according to your interests and pace.
4. What are the must-visit attractions in France?
Top attractions include:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Mont Saint Michel
- Loire Valley chateaux
- Nice and the French Riviera
- Provence lavender fields
- Chamonix and Mont Blanc
Each region offers unique experiences, from beaches to medieval towns and wine routes.
5. Is France safe for tourists?
Yes, France is generally safe for tourists. However, like any major tourist destination, pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Stay alert at train stations, around attractions and on public transport.
6. Is France expensive?
Major cities like Paris and Nice can be pricey, especially in high season. You can control your budget by:
- Booking early
- Travelling in spring or autumn
- Using public transport
- Staying a short metro ride outside central zones
7. How do I travel within France?
France has one of Europe’s best transport systems:
- TGV high-speed trains for long distances
- Regional trains (TER) for small towns
- Metro & trams in major cities
- Domestic flights to far regions
- Buses and tours for countryside attractions
- Trains are the most efficient way to explore the country.
8. Can I visit other countries from France?
Yes. France is centrally located and ideal for multi-country Schengen trips. Popular routes include:
- Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam
- Paris → Geneva → Zurich → Milan
- Paris → Barcelona
High-speed trains make these connections easy.
9. What food is France famous for?
France is known for:
- Croissants and bakery items
- French cheese and pastries
- Crepes and macarons
- Soups, stews and gourmet dishes
- Halal food availability in Paris and major cities
Food culture is a major part of the French travel experience.
10. How can Malik Express Travel & Tours help me plan my France trip?
Malik Express can assist you with:
- Flight booking and itinerary planning
- France Schengen visa guidance
- Hotel reservations across France
- Tours and transport (Loire Valley, Disney, Riviera, Alps)
- Fully customised multi-country Europe itineraries
- On-trip support and travel insurance