by The French Republic, or France for short, is located in Western Europe and is a country with a long history and rich culture. Its capital, Paris, is known as the “City of Romance” and is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. France has a total area of 550,000 square kilometers (excluding overseas territories), a coastline of 2,700 kilometers, a land line of 2,800 kilometers, and the mainland is divided into 13 regions and 94 provinces. As of January 2024, the population of France is about 68.37 million people, mainly ethnic French, and the official language is French.
The history of France can be traced back to the Gaul period before the 5th century when the Franks settled here and established the Kingdom of the Franks. Between the 10th and 14th centuries, during the reign of the Capetian dynasty, the country was renamed the Kingdom of France. The French Revolution began on July 14, 1789, with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the abolition of the monarchy, and the establishment of the First French Republic in 1792. Since then, France has experienced many historical periods such as Napoleon’s First Empire, the Bourbon Restoration, the July Dynasty, the Second Republic, the Second Empire, and the Third Republic. The Fourth Republic was established in 1946 and the Fifth Republic in 1958, with Charles de Gaulle as its first president. Today, France is a founding member of the European Union, a member of NATO, and a world leader in nuclear power, aviation, space, and rail.
France not only has a rich historical background, but also many attractions worth visiting. Here are the top 8 places to visit in France:
- Eiffel Tower: As the landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly a must-check for tourists. Whether it is day or night, the tower exudes a unique charm and is the perfect location to take a panoramic view of Paris.
- Louvre: As one of the four major museums in the world, the Louvre has many precious works of art, including world famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa. The palace itself is a building full of history and art.
- Palace of Versailles: The Palace of Versailles is famous for its splendid Baroque and Rococo style. With its luxurious palaces and gardens and rich historical background, it is a good place to learn about the life of the French royal family.
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris: This Gothic building is not only one of the symbols of Paris, but also an important cultural heritage. Despite the fire of 2019, the restored Notre Dame is still worth a visit.
- Lavender Fields of Provence: From May to September every year, the lavender fields of Provence are strewn with mountains, and the whole valley is filled with a strong smell of grass, which is the perfect place to take romantic photos and experience pastoral scenery.
- Nice: Located on France’s Cote d ‘Azur, Nice attracts tourists with its colorful old town and charming seaside scenery. This place is not only suitable for vacation, but also for culture lovers.
- Bordeaux: As the world’s largest wine country, Bordeaux attracts many wine lovers with its excellent wines and beautiful natural environment. Visitors can visit the vineyards and taste the wines while enjoying the stunning pastoral scenery.
- Tours: Located in the heart of France, Tours is home to ancient churches and fine art. This is not only a rich historical background, but also the best place to experience the charm of French culture.Visitors can visit the Chateaux of Chenonceau and the Chateaux of Ambois to experience the medieval architecture of France.
France not only has a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery, but also unique cuisine and romantic atmosphere. Whether walking through the streets of Paris or driving through the lavender fields of Provence, you can feel the unique charm of France.
