France

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

France

$29.99

Shop Book

Woman enjoying the lavender fields in Provence. France. Aerial view.

CACTUS Creative Studio / Stocksy United

Overview

France seduces travelers with iconic landmarks and cafe terraces, epic history and bustling village life. Experiences - and cuisine - to be savored.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Cité de l’Espace
Toulouse
The fantastic space museum on the city's eastern outskirts brings Toulouse's illustrious aeronautical history to life through hands-on exhibits, including…
Couvent des Jacobins
Toulouse
With its palm tree vaulted ceiling, the Couvent des Jacobins is one of Toulouse’s oldest and most recognizable buildings
Eiffel Tower
Paris
There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its…
Centre Pompidou
Paris
Home to Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, Centre Pompidou has amazed and delighted visitors ever since it opened in 1977, not…
Sainte-Chapelle
Paris
Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day when Paris’ oldest, finest stained glass (1242–48) is at its dazzling best. The chapel is famous for its stained…
Musée du Louvre
Paris
It isn’t until you’re standing in the vast courtyard of the Louvre, with its glass pyramid and ornate façade, that you can truly say you’ve been to Paris.
Château de Chambord
The Loire Valley
If you only have time to visit one château in the Loire, you might as well make it the grandest – and Chambord is the most lavish of them all, and the…
Les Catacombes
Paris
It’s gruesome, ghoulish and downright spooky, but it never fails to captivate visitors. In 1785, the subterranean tunnels of an abandoned quarry were…

View more attractions

02 / Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

(Warning: this article will make you want to book a trip.)

Read article

Things to Know

It's easy to assume familiarity in France, where it's ubiquitous in art and cinema. Here's the inside track on travel advice only French locals can give.

Read article

Transportation

From cycling to catching trains, buses and river barges, here's everything you need to know about getting around in France.

Read article

Visa Requirements

From visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone to working holidays, here's everything you need to know about the visa requirements for France.

Read article

Money and Costs

France is a country associated with luxury, but with these top tips, it's possible to experience it on a limited budget.

Read article

Traveling with Kids

A Parisian break with children needn’t be a pain. Here’s our guide to traveling in France with children, whatever their age.

Read article

Best Road Trips

Hidden towns and rolling vineyards – France has it all on offer on a road trip. Explore this stunning country behind the wheel with our pick of the best.

Read article

Spending Diaries

Senior Director of Publishing Laura Motta shows us how she threw together a quick, inexpensive weekend in Bordeaux, France.

Read article