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What comes to mind first when you think of tourist destinations in France? “Light,” “art,” “music,” or “joy”? There are so many expectations when dreaming of a trip to one of the most vibrant countries on the planet. Now, let's explore the famous travel spots in France with Klook Vietnam!
For over three decades, France has been a top global destination, attracting around 90 million international tourists every year. They come to explore the architectural heritage, history, cultural sophistication, exquisite cuisine, picturesque countryside, and to experience the hospitality as well as the unique lifestyle of the people.
Traveling to France can be costly for many, making it challenging for budget-conscious individuals to fully experience what France has to offer. However, don't fret, because #teamKlook has selected many tips to help you travel to France affordably without missing out on its most enticing offerings.
Let's plan the most financially and time-efficient trip to France with Klook, so you can be ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting Parisian autumn that captivates countless hearts.
Independent Travel Tips for France
For a successful independent trip to France, Klook has some useful tips for you to pocket.
1. Ideal Time for Independent Travel in France
One of the determining factors for your dream vacation is the timing of your visit to the destination. For France, the best time is not tied to a specific season but depends on the purpose of your trip and what you want to experience.
For instance, summer (from July to August) is the ideal time for beach vacations in the South of France, but it's also peak season, with crowded traffic, packed attractions, and locals often vacationing elsewhere to avoid the domestic hustle and bustle.
Meanwhile, late spring (March, April) is perfect for leisurely chats at sidewalk cafes and strolls through flower fields.
Those who love autumn in France often plan their visit around September to October. During this time, the weather remains warm but without the crowds, and prices tend to decrease.
To save as much as possible, consider traveling to France in winter (from November to March), which is also the low season. Hotel prices and some services will be much lower compared to summer.
#teamKlook, interested in cultural events or festivals, can find an art performance they like in July, or join the Christmas Market in December for the most authentic local experiences.
2. Transportation When Traveling Independently in France
From Vietnam, the fastest way to get to France is by plane. Most flights to France depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), or Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang) with a total flight time from 13 to 18 hours.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines is the only airline operating direct flights from Vietnam to Paris. Additionally, if you choose other prominent names like Eva Air, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates with a layover. On average, there are about 100 flights to Paris per day, so you can easily choose an airline with ticket prices and flight schedules that suit your needs.
To travel between cities in France or between France and some neighboring countries, you can choose from airplanes, renting a self-driving car, public transportation such as buses, trains, trams, and subways.
3. Essential Amenities When Traveling Independently in France
You need to explore art, architecture, and culture, taste pastries and wines, and check-in at the most beautiful places in France. So, to share information with friends, family, and update dazzling photos, don't forget to prepare an international SIM card if you travel alone, or a Wi-Fi 4G router for larger groups to save on roaming costs while in France.
Famous Tourist Destinations in France with Unique Beauty
French cities are vibrant with art, architecture, culture, cuisine, and fashion. Your trip to France should include as much as possible. It may sound exhausting, but part of the experience is relaxation and absorbing all the energy; so don't tire yourself out in shops and pastry shops. French cities are easy to navigate, full of surprises, and each city has its own unique cultural charm.
Famous Tourist Destinations in Paris, France
Located in the central region of Île-de-France is the capital city of Paris, which has held a significant position in this country for over 2,000 years. From a fishing village on an island in the Seine River - Île de la Cité, the city of Paris has developed into a place called the “City of Love,” the “City of Lights,” and many other poetic titles.
The capital city of Paris holds a central position in the world for business, fashion, entertainment, art, and culture. Just mentioning Paris is enough to evoke a series of landmarks, museums, churches, quaint street cafes, or the most luxurious restaurants.
1. Musée du Louvre Museum in France
Situated in a stunning location along the banks of the River Seine, the Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting over 9 million visitors each year.
Established in 1793, the Louvre Museum regularly displays about 35,000 artifacts, including world-famous masterpieces of painting and sculpture like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Even if you're not deeply passionate about art, strolling through the tranquil museum gardens or admiring the Louvre's Pyramid du Louvre from the outside is still a worthwhile experience.
2. The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete until you've ascended to the 3rd level of the Eiffel Tower and witnessed the city's splendor at night. This architectural marvel, constructed of steel, stands in the Champ-de-Mars park alongside the Seine River and is regarded as an icon of Paris.
Opened to visitors in 1889, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of tourists every year. Beyond its unique architecture and fascinating historical tales, visitors also come to the Eiffel Tower to partake in activities like ice skating on the first level in winter or dining at the restaurant inside the tower.
3. The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, also known as the Triumphal Arch, is one of France's famous historical landmarks. Situated at the center of the Charles-de-Gaulle square, it marks the end of the Champs-Elysées avenue.
The Arc de Triomphe memorial was completed in 1836, commissioned by Napoleon to honor the French First Empire's armies. Since then, it has been a venue for ceremonies, New Year's celebrations, significant events, and sports victories.
Millions of tourists visit the Arc de Triomphe annually. You can climb its 50 stairs to the top for a panoramic view of the city center.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral
If you've ever admired the architecture of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon, then Paris awaits you with its Gothic masterpiece located on the eastern side of the Île de la Cité: Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The French waited 182 years for this holy edifice to be completed, and their patience was rewarded when it became the heart and soul of the city for nearly 860 years, attracting 13 million visitors annually.
Notre-Dame Cathedral offers free admission to all visitors and tends to be crowded during Christmas and summer.
5. Seine River Cruise
Taking a cruise along the Seine River is one of the most delightful ways to immerse yourself in the enchanting scenery of Paris. Cruising on the Seine allows you to admire the landmarks from a different perspective.
Cruising in the morning reveals a vibrant landscape bathed in sunlight, while the evening offers a romantic experience as everything is immersed in dazzling, mystical lights.
Beloved Tourist Attractions in Avignon, France
Avignon is a city located in the southern part of France. In the 14th century, Avignon became the most important city in Europe. This period endowed Avignon with a splendid landscape featuring magnificent Gothic buildings of immense historical significance.
6. Place du Palais Square
Place du Palais is the most famous square in Avignon, featuring three main attractions: the Papal Palace Palais des Papes, Rocher des Doms Park, and Hôtel des Monnaies Hotel. These architectural marvels have stood for over 700 years and are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Place du Palais resembles a postcard, offering the perfect spot for leisurely strolls or enjoying a fragrant cup of coffee amidst a nostalgic setting.
7. Papal Palace Palais des Papes
The grandeur of the 14th-century Papal Palace cannot be fully imagined until you see it with your own eyes. It boasts the most magnificent Gothic architecture in Europe, serving as the top attraction in Avignon's World Heritage Sites and one of France's most historically significant buildings.
8. Basilique Saint-Pierre d'Avignon Cathedral
Dating back to the 14th century, Basilique Saint-Pierre d'Avignon is a prominent landmark of Avignon. Built upon the foundation of a previous church, it incorporates elements from various architectural styles.
Notable features include the octagonal tower and the intricate Gothic facade, but particularly attention-grabbing are the elaborately carved wooden doors.
9. Pont Saint-Benezet Bridge
If you've ever heard the cheerful tunes of the song Sur le Pont d'Avignon, then you know the legendary Pont Saint-Benezet Bridge. This bridge, which was built around the 12th century, lies in the historical area of the city of Avignon.
Upon completion, the Avignon bridge had 22 spans, but after several demolitions by floods, only 4 spans remain. The Avignon Bridge site along with the Papal Palace Palais des Papes is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Rue Des Teinturiers Street
Rue des Teinturiers is a charming cobblestone street, tracing along the small canal of the Sorgue River from Rue des Lices to the city walls.
The allure of Rue des Teinturiers is likened to a hidden gem of Avignon, once the city's textile hub. You can soak up the fresh air from morning to late night, listen to everyday tales, and uncover Avignon's history.
Tourist Attractions in Grenoble France That Captivate Visitors
Unlike the grandeur of Paris, Grenoble offers simplicity and tranquility nestled at the foot of the Alps in southeastern France. Known as the 'Capital of the Alps,' Grenoble is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests between the Drac and Isère rivers, making its landscape one of the finest in Europe.
11. Musée de Grenoble Museum
As one of France's most reputable museums, the Musée de Grenoble showcases a remarkable art collection in a magnificent setting. The exhibition building is surrounded by a beautiful park adorned with numerous sculptures.
The museum's vast collection ranges from medieval artifacts to renowned European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century.
12. Fort de La Bastille Fortress
From the city center of Grenoble, you can quickly reach La Bastille: a 19th-century military fortress perched on a hill overlooking the urban area of Grenoble. Formerly a prison, Fort de la Bastille is now home to several art exhibition museums. To get there, hop on the bubble-shaped cable cars of the Téléphérique de la Bastille for an exciting journey.
13. Ride the Le Petit Train de la Mure
Embark on an unforgettable journey departing from La Mure. The small train will take you on a 40-minute ride over viaducts and through tunnels. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to admire the emerald waters of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet and enjoy the serene scenery along the Drac River.
14. Local Markets in Grenoble, France
For souvenir shopping and street food enthusiasts, Grenoble is a paradise. Colorful scenes await you at the local markets, where you'll find a variety of fresh fruits, local vegetables, cheeses, free-range meats, honey, organic produce, and wines. Visit renowned markets such as Place aux Herbes, Sainte-Claire Les Halles, L'Estacade, or fashion boutiques near Place Grenette.
Nîmes, France: A Dreamy Destination
Nestled at the foothills in southern France, between Avignon and Montpellier, Nîmes is an ancient city seemingly frozen in time, preserving a treasure trove of ancient cultural heritage. Founded by the Romans, Nîmes boasts a collection of Roman relics scattered throughout the city. Beyond its historic charm, Nîmes exudes a lively atmosphere with seasonal festivals and cultural events.
15. Arènes de Nîmes Amphitheater
Arguably the most iconic landmark of Nîmes, the Arènes de Nîmes is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Europe. This structure has a rich history and has undergone various uses from Roman times to the present day.
Initially, the Arènes de Nîmes hosted gladiatorial contests around 70 BCE; later served as a refuge camp during the Medieval Great Migration; and eventually transformed into a bullfighting arena in 1863.
16. Pont du Gard Aqueduct Bridge
The Pont du Gard is a three-tiered stone aqueduct bridge built before the Common Era, featuring a nearly 50km-long water channel across the Gard River. Each day, this system supplied about 20,000 liters of fresh water to the city of Nîmes, then a territory of ancient Rome.
This ancient bridge is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering of its time and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. In the summer, the French often flock here for camping, river swimming, or kayaking.
17. Jardins de la Fontaine Gardens
Jardins de la Fontaine is a neo-classical style garden built around a natural spring fountain. It is considered the first public garden and one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. Constructed in the 1740s by order of King Louis XV of France, at the site of the ancient spring, also the birthplace of Nîmes.
The original plan was to create a landscape for the spring fountain, but during the process, a series of archaeological remains and ancient temples were discovered. Some remain intact, while others are deeply buried or significantly damaged.
18. Maison Carrée Temple
Maison Carrée is one of the best-preserved Roman temples found within the Roman Empire's territories and the only complete Roman temple in the world. Built of sparkling limestone around 5 AD, to honor the two stepsons of Emperor Augustus. Despite the name, Maison Carrée is actually rectangular. For the Romans, “Square House” simply meant a building with square corners.
19. Carré d'Art
Opposite the Maison Carrée temple stands the modern building Carré d'Art, an intriguing contrast.
Carré d'Art is constructed with prominent glass and steel. Established in 1986, the museum's collection comprises over 600 artifacts spanning from 1960 to the present day. Carré d'Art Museum focuses on painting, sculpture, and to a lesser extent, photography and films. Visitors can relax and enjoy light dining at the museum's rooftop restaurant.
Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Lyon, France
Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon ranks as the third largest city in France, attracting tourists with luxurious amenities, green spaces, and historical landmarks.
With a history dating back to ancient Roman times, Lyon has earned a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Additionally, Lyon's special attraction is the Festival of Lights, Fête des Lumières, held every December.
20. Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica
The first place you should visit in Lyon is the Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica. Dubbed the “Crown of Lyon,” this grand cathedral sits atop Fourvière Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Consecrated in 1896, the cathedral boasts a unique design blending Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, attracting 2.5 million pilgrims and visitors annually.
21. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is the most fascinating spot in Lyon for art lovers. It showcases famous French paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries, along with a collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt to the present day.
Housed within a former Benedictine monastery active in the 17th and 18th centuries, the museum is one of the most important in Europe.
22. Aquarium de Lyon
Lyon Aquarium will immerse you in a magical and diverse environment under the sea with over 300 species of fish representing 5,000 individuals nurtured in 47 tanks. The highlight of Lyon Aquarium is the shark and ray tank 'Fosse Aux Requins', representing the ecosystem of Reunion Island. Families with children will surely enjoy visiting this fascinating destination.
23. Théâtre Antique de Lyon
One of the most important landmarks from the Roman era in Lyon is the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a vivid testament to the city's millennia-old history. Constructed around 15 BC, when Lyon was still the Roman colony of Lugdunum, its unique circular architecture makes Lyon's Ancient Theatre one of the major tourist attractions in the city.
In June and July every year, it hosts the Nuits de Fourvière festival featuring outstanding artistic performances.
24. Parc de la Tête d'Or Park
Nestled along the banks of the Rhône River, Parc de la Tête d'Or Park is a green oasis located in the heart of Lyon. It encompasses botanical gardens, a zoo, lush green lawns, and playgrounds for children.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities, from leisurely boat rides in the park to canoeing, carousel rides, and a zoo with a variety of animals. Whenever you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Parc de la Tête d'Or.
Within the scope of this article, Klook Vietnam can only introduce 5 typical cities and the most famous landmarks, and of course, the list never stops there!
What Do You Know About Traveling to France?
It's a beautiful country with sunny beaches, fragrant lavender fields, world-class wines, architectural marvels, and cultural, historical, and artistic masterpieces. France sits right in the heart of Europe, and when you're here, you can feel the pulse of an entire continent.
Nowhere inspires artistry quite like France. Whether you're a writer, painter, musician, chef, or a wanderer, you can find a flow of ideas here.
France is called the culinary capital, as its culinary creations can make you forget all other meals you've ever had; it's called the fashion capital, with legendary fashion houses and aesthetically pleasing boutiques; it's called the academic art capital, as it preserves some of the most incredible artworks in human history. And if you ask the French, they'll say France is simply the capital of the world. But sometimes, a riverside hike along the Seine or a day in the French countryside is enough for you to feel the beauty of this country.
Is a Visa Required for Traveling to France?
This is the question on the minds of most #teamKlook members dreaming of the 'City of Light' Paris! France is one of the first countries to join the Schengen Agreement, the agreement on freedom of movement within 26 European countries. Therefore, to travel to France as well as other countries in the Schengen area, you need to be granted a Schengen visa.
The Schengen visa approval process is quite strict and requires many conditions. However, based on #teamKlook's experience, the French visa approval process is relatively quick and flexible. A French visa allows you to stay in France for a maximum of 90 days and allows multiple entries within 180 days.
However, you should note that the maximum stay period indicated on the French visa may vary depending on the decision of customs officers when you enter France. They may agree to allow you to stay in France for 90 days as regulated, or only 3 days, or even deny entry if they suspect you intend to stay illegally or have a different purpose for entering France than initially stated. Therefore, to avoid risks, you should determine your hotel address or accommodation clearly in France in advance to be ready to declare to customs officers.
In addition, #teamKlook recommends submitting a French visa application at least 90 days before departure, preferably 20 days, as the average processing time is 15 days.
France is likened to a century-old lover: no trip can reveal all the hidden beauty of France, and after each journey, you are urged to plan for your next adventure.
Don't forget that Klook Vietnam is always here to accompany you with travel tips, information on restaurants, hotels, enticing European travel destinations, travel experiences in Provence, France, famous museums in Paris,... so you can confidently explore the land of love multiple times.
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