6 French Holiday Attractions Not To Miss

France is the top tourist destination in the world, which comes as no surprise since it has many spectacular attractions. Indeed, France is home to many historic and interesting sites which are all equally captivating, which is why you might have a hard time knowing where to start. It doesn’t matter where you do, though, as long as you visit these top France attractions during your stay.

The Palace of Versailles

First constructed in 1624 under the reign of King Louis XIII, Versailles became the French royal residence from 1682 to 1789, during which it served as a seat of political power and a symbol of luxury. Today, it is one of the most popular France attractions – a place of national importance, as well as incredible beauty, with its magnificent rooms, ornate furniture and stunning gardens – all of which are sure to take your breath away, send shivers down your spine or even move you to tears as they remind you of the grandeur of an era gone by. Versailles is located just a few minutes away from Paris, and is open most days of the year.

The Louvre

The Louvre Museum is also one of the most visited France attractions, with roughly over five million visitors a year. Aside from this, it is a Parisian landmark and a national museum. In fact, it is one of the best art museums in the world, housing various pieces of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as over 6,000 paintings. Its most famous paintings are those of Leonardo da Vinci, such as the ‘Madonna of the Rocks’ and the fascinating ‘Mona Lisa’. Aside from the Louvre, there are also other great museums in Paris, such as the Georges Pompidou Centre and the Musee d’Orsay.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower has many distinctions. It is the tallest building in Paris at a height of 324 metres, and was the tallest in the world from 1889 to 1930. It is the most visited paid monument in the world, as well, receiving nearly 7 million visitors annually. It is also the most recognizable structure in the world. Indeed, the Eiffel Tower easily symbolizes the romantic City of Lights and all of France, which is why you should take some time to visit it instead of merely bringing home one of its miniatures. The lines may be long, especially in the peak season, but the views from the top are sure to be worth the wait.

Notre Dame Cathedral

There are also many amazing churches in France, such as the cathedrals of Rodez and Reims, although the most popular is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Aside from being prominently featured in one of the novels of Victor Hugo, the Notre Dame in Paris is famous all over the world for its rich history, having been the setting for events such as the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte and the canonization of Joan of Arc, as well as its remarkable Gothic architecture. Indeed, even if you are not a Christian, you are sure to be awed by its symmetry and its stunning rose windows, as well as its 13-ton Emmanuel Bell and its set of gargoyles.

Chambord Castle

Just as the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture, the Castle of Chambord is an excellent example of French renaissance architecture. On the outside, it has over 800 sculpted columns and an elaborate roofscape lined with various types of towers and chimneys, all meant for decorative and not defensive purposes, while on the inside, it consists of 440 rooms, four vast hallways and 84 staircases. It is particulary popular for its unique double-helix staircase which runs up three floors and serves as its centerpiece.

The Loire Valley

During your vacation in France, don’t just linger in Paris. Rather, make it a point to discover the beauty of the French countryside, like the Loire Valley. Aside from the Chombard Castle, the Loire Valley offers many other enchanting castles, as well as charming towns and historic cities like Bourges and Orleans. It is also known for its excellent wine and breathtakingly romantic natural scenery, earning it the title of the Garden of France, which is why it is one of the best France attractions in itself.

If you still have some time left, you can also visit other France attractions, such as the Futuroscope, the Fontainebleau Forest and the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera. While you won’t be able to visit them all, you might as well try to see as many of the scenic spots in France as you can, so you can truly say that you have experienced France instead of merely visiting it – an experience sure to be on the top of your list for a lifetime.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including France, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout France, including, car hire Dinard airport. To book a car rental in France, or learn more about car rental worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com