What is France known for? From iconic landmarks to cabaret shows

What makes France so special? The country is the most visited in the world, with its capital Paris consistently ranking as one of the most visited cities. From its fashion and culture to its landmarks and landscapes, here are some things we know and love about France.

France is home to a range of iconic landmarks, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris is top of the list. The wrought-iron lattice tower, constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair, was initially criticized by French artists but has since become a global cultural icon. Head straight up to the top floor of this popular monument on this skip-the-line tour.

The French capital is also home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture featured in Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. The cathedral, which saw 12 million visitors in the early 21st century, has been closed since 2019 when it caught fire while undergoing renovation and restoration. However, you can still admire its magnificent towers from the outside and even explore its crypt on this walking tour.

From medieval to modern art, France’s museums have it all. Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre Museum is widely considered to be the world’s greatest art museum. With more than 380,000 works and objects on display, it’s best to join a guided tour so you can hit all the highlights.

You can also find a range of museums dedicated to specific time periods or artists, such as the Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie which focus on Impressionist art, and the Musée Rodin which houses works by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

From buttery croissants to melt-in-your-mouth macarons, French pastries are a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth. Adored for their rich flavors, fluffy texture, and impeccable quality, these sweet treats attract aspiring chefs to learn the art of pastry-making in culinary institutions like L’École Ducasse.

Are you hoping to tuck into a freshly-baked pastry? A pâtisserie (bakery) is the place to go. Iconic spots include Ladurée, a historic confectionery established in 1862, and Pierre Hermé, named after its creative founder. Or, try your hand at baking your own macarons and enjoy the fruit of your own labor.

France boasts seven main mountain ranges, of which the French Alps is the most famous. Its peak, Mont Blanc, is the second-most prominent mountain in Europe and a popular spot for hiking, climbing, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Those looking for a thrill can even soar over rocky ridges on a paragliding flight over the Alps.

Chamonix, located in the foothills of Mont Blanc, is also worth a visit. The charming village is a winter sports resort town known for hosting the first Winter Olympics in 1924, and was also featured in the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough. From here, you can board the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the area.

France has a rich sporting history, and the French are extremely proud of their national athletes. Every year in July, France holds the Tour de France, the oldest and most prestigious of the three major European professional cycling races known as the Grand Tours. The race typically lasts for 23 days, attracting over 12 million visitors who watch the race in person and 3.5 billion people tuning into worldwide broadcasts.

Football is another well-loved sport in France, with the national team clinching multiple World Cup and UEFA European Football Championship titles. The country’s primary football competition, Ligue 1, features top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain. While you’re in Paris, be sure to swing by Parc des Princes for a stadium tour, or even a live football match.

In 2001, the musical film Moulin Rouge starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor catapulted the Parisian cabaret into international awareness. Moulin Rouge was first opened in 1889, and is best known as the birthplace of the modern can-can. Today, the iconic cabaret continues to hold nightly shows and performances, which you can watch while enjoying a multi-course French meal. 

Or, why not appreciate the glitz and glamor of Paris as you sail down the Seine? Hop on an evening cruise and drift past the city’s top attractions while being serenaded by a live singer.

Anyone who drinks wine has heard of Bordeaux and Burgundy, also known as France’s wine country. Bordeaux wine first exploded in popularity in the 12th century and has remained in favor until today. The wine produced in the region has a distinctive character due to the soil’s mixture of gravel and clay. There are over 8,500 châteaux (estates) that produce Bordeaux wine, like Château Cantenac and Château Laniote, and you can visit some on this winery tour of Saint-Emilion.

Located in eastern France, Burgundy is renowned for its “Burgundies,” dry red wines made from pinot noir grapes and white wines made from chardonnay grapes. The region’s viticulture history can be traced back to monks and monasteries of the Roman Catholic Church; over time, many Burgundian domaines (vineyards) also began producing deeper, more complex wines, increasing Burgundy’s global stature.

Subtropical weather, seaside resorts, and sandy beaches are hallmarks of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera). The Mediterranean coastline off southeastern France was one of the first modern resorts, and has welcomed royalty and celebrities from all over the world.

Frequently name-dropped by musicians like Pink Floyd, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent, Saint-Tropez is a playground for the rich and famous. Tropezian beaches are popular for sunbathing, windsurfing, and scuba diving; you might also recognize the clothing-optional Tahiti Beach from the film And God Created Woman. Cannes is also home to small islands like Iles de Lérins and Ile Sainte-Marguerite, ideal for a day of island-hopping.

During the 17th century, France’s Royal Minister of Finances once famously declared, “Fashion is to France what the gold mines of Peru are to Spain.” For centuries, France has made a name for its haute couture, with Paris earning the title of global fashion capital. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent are just some examples of French designers who have achieved international fame.

Paris’ Champs-Elysées is one of the world’s most famous shopping streets and large-scale department stores like Galeries Lafayette stock brands from all over the world. Check out some of these best brands to buy when shopping in Paris or duck into a vintage shop for second-hand gems. For a complete makeover, you can even embark on a personal shopping and styling experience to ensure you look as chic as a local Parisian.

Whether you’re a fan of theme parks, a parent, or simply filled with childlike wonder, Disneyland Paris is likely one of the first things you think of in France. Disneyland Paris was the second Disney park to be launched outside the United States and remains the largest. It’s also the most visited theme park in Europe, with millions of visitors flocking here every year to experience the happiest place on earth. Offering everything from well-loved rides like Space Mountain to enchanting seasonal shows, you’ll never run out of magical moments at Disneyland Paris. Read our Disneyland guide for tips and tricks to visiting and the best rides to stand in line for.

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