Known as the fashion capital of the world and home of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysees, France basks in its distinction as one of the world’s top travel destinations and favorite vacation spots. France offers something for everyone – fine art and architecture, world-class wines and gourmet cuisine, top sporting events, beautiful beaches, and a diverse geography which ranges from serene countryside to majestic Alps. If you’re headed to France, here are some of the attractions and events you can look forward to in Paris and beyond.
French Art: To view the works of great artists such as Da Vinci, Degas, Gauguin, Matisse, Monet, Manet, Picasso, Renoir and Van Gogh, head to France’s array of famous art museums, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Jacquemart-André, Musee d’Art Moderne, Musée Marmottan-Claude Monet, and many more.
The Louvre: The Mona Lisa and Venus of Milo are not the only masterpieces on display in Paris’ most famous museum. In fact, you can
literally spent days admiring the displays in the Louvre’s eight sections, which include Paintings, Sculptures, Prints and Drawings, Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, and Decorative Arts. France’s premiere art museum features a collection of over 35,000 items and is visited by millions each year.
French Beaches: France may be best known for its chalets, historic buildings, and the Eiffel Tower; however France is also home to some gorgeous beaches which attract scores of sun-tanners, swimmers, and surfers of all ages. With seven cities located along the French Riviera and the mainland surrounded by the Atlantic, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean, you’ll especially enjoy France’s Côte d’Azur (“blue coast”) and beautiful sunny beaches located in Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, Antibes, Juan le Pins, Menton, Nice, Villeneuve, Loubet, St. Tropez, and more.
Normandy D-Day Tours: Travel back in time to learn about the history of World War II and one of the most monumental events in world history: D-Day. D-day marks the Invasion of Normandy
when more than 200,000 allied troops and 6,900 vessels joined forces in a military operation which ultimately led to the downfall of Nazi Germany. With Normandy being the final resting place for men who lost their lives fighting for freedom, millions of visitors visit the region each year to pay their respects to the fallen heroes, visit military graveyards, and participate in a Normandy D-Day tour. Normandy is also a high-demand vacation destination, as the coastal city boasts a beautiful countryside, sandy beaches, private holiday cottages, and some of France’s best seafood restaurants.
Tour de France: If you’re visiting France in May or June, don’t miss cycling’s most exciting and famous event of the year. Taking place over a
period of three weeks, the Tour de France is a fan favorite, with millions of local and international onlookers arriving to line the streets and cheer their favorite riders on to the finish line. The race covers more than 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) and traverses every type of terrain imaginable, including flat lands, picturesque country roads, steep, treacherous mountain ascents, and winding roads. By far one of the most thrilling and competitive races in the world of sports, the Tour de France alone is a great reason to visit France in person.
Famous Festivals: At any time of the calendar year you can look forward to one of France’s famous festival events. These include the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, Bastille Day, the Marseille Carnival, Monte Carlo’s summer International Fireworks Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, and more.
Disneyland Paris: One of Europe’s favorite family destinations, Disneyland Paris or EuroDisney features two theme parks, seven resort hotels, six associated hotels, a golf course, a railway station, and a slew of rides and attractions appealing to people of all ages. For great deals on Disneyland Paris passes, check out the official Disneyland Paris website, which offers flexible packages that can be tailored to your family’s needs and which offer great savings on entrance passes if you buy in advance. The popular theme park also features great shows, parades, and other live events.
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Einat Mazafi is the owner of NYShipping, an International Shipping and moving company based in New York. She is also a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients worldwide.