France Travel Guide
From the Palaeolithic cave art in the Dordogne and the megalithic structures of Neolithic Brittany, through the later prehistoric periods of the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman occupation of Gaul, the Medieval and Renaissance and the vast number of castles and churches standing still today in various states of repair, and the numerous memorials from two World Wars, there is no questioning that France has some of the most iconic archaeology and history in the world.
Reasons to Visit France
Gothic Cathedrals,
Museums & Art Galleries,
… Food & Wine.
About Our France Travel Guide
Whether you want to visit a few highlights of France’s heritage or are planning a more extensive trip, you are sure to find what you need here. From recommendations for the best sites and museums to visit to more extensive thematic lists. From suggested itineraries to tools to create your own itinerary and travel lists. As well as many other resources, travel tips and ideas. This guide focuses on the art, archaeology and history of France through the various sites, landmarks and museums open to the public. It is produced and maintained by Thomas Dowson, the founder of Archaeology Travel. Thomas lived in France for 10 years, leading archaeology and history tours, and still visits frequently. Read more about the authors and how we create these guides, as well as our mission and vision. The page was last checked and/or updated on 25 October 2023.
Interesting Things to Know About France
France is not only a country in western Europe, it also includes overseas territories in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Metropolitan France is the third largest country in Europe. France is regularly the world’s most visited country, with Paris usually always in the top three most visited cities in the world. The Louvre Museum, at the historic centre of Paris, is the most visited art gallery and museum in the world. Gard du Nord is the busiest train station in Europe. But it is Marseilles that is the oldest city in France, having been established around 600 BC.
France is popular for its immense cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage. As of 2021 there are 49 sites in France on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Of these, 42 are cultural and 6 are natural, with one that is mixed. There are a further 37 sites that are on the tentative list. The gastronomic meal of the French was added to the list of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.
Over the last 2,000 or so years Metropolitan France has undoubtedly witnessed more than its fair share of war and conflict. The first recorded being the Gallic Wars between 58 and 50 BC when the Roman general Julius Caesar fought to subdue the peoples of Gaul. Since then there have been numerous Anglo-French conflicts, from the Capetian-Plantagenet rivalry from the mid 12th to mid 13th century, the first Hundred Year’s War from 1337 to 1453, and the second Hundred Year’s War from 1689 to 1815. The French Revolution, which started in 1789. And the two World Wars, from July 1914 to November 1918 and September 1939 to August 1945. The sites of these conflicts, from the battlefields of Alesia to the many memorials of World War I and II attract many visitors each year.
The final breakthrough in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs was made by the French philologist Jean-François Champollion. Musée Champollion, in the decipherer’s birth town of Figeac, is devoted to the town’s most famous son and the history of writing.
Find Places to Visit in France
Featured Destination
BURGUNDY
From Solutré to Sens, 20,000 years of History
As one of France’s world-famous wine producing regions, the Burgundy region is as internationally renowned for its wide ranging historical heritage as it is for its gastronomic traditions. Although taking its origins in the medieval Kingdom of Burgundy, with the city of Dijon a European centre of arts and science in the Middle Ages, Burgundy has one of the most important Stone Age site in France.
Five Popular Attractions in France
Explore France more deeply
Where to Go in France
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Brittany
Centre-Val de Loire
Corsica
Grand Est
Hauts-de-France
Île-de-France & Paris
The world’s leading tourist destination, with 4,000 historical monuments, 140 museums, including the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles.
Normandy
Roughly equivalent to the historic Duchy of Normandy, today visitors come for the Bayeux Tapestry, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Beaches and Monet’s home in Giverny.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The indirect successor of Eleanor’s historic Duchy of Aquitaine, also known for the most well known decorated Ice Age cave of Lascaux.
Occitanie
Pays de la Loire
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Historic Cities in France
Amiens
Bordeaux
Nice
Paris
Rouen
What to See in France
Rock Art & Cave Art
Fortresses, Castles & Palaces
Egyptian Revival & Ancient Egypt
Franc has not one but two ancient Egyptian obelisks. Most know of the Luxor Obelisk on the Place de la Concord in Paris. Another, brought to France hundreds of years earlier now stands in the Place de la Republique in Arles.
