By Liza Hollis
Places of Interest in France for Sightseeing
France is one of the world's most beloved
travel destinations, with more than 80 million visitors a year. Between the bright lights of Paris, the historical monuments, the one-of-a-kind culture, the fine cuisine and the fantastic views of coastline and countryside, France has no shortage of activities and attractions. Here are some sights that should not be missed.
The Eiffel Tower
Photo by Larissa M from www.sxc.hu
The Eiffel Tower, by far the most popular symbol in all of France and one of the best-known structures in the world, stands at 324 feet in the center of Paris. While it is a thrilling sight from the ground, the first and second levels of the tower can also be explored via stairways and elevators. Tickets are sold at the base of the tower, which is accessible throughout the year.
The Louvre
Photo by Rayanne Alves from www.sxc.hu
Paris's Louvre Museum is a fine arts lover's dream. Since its opening in 1793 it has been home to some of the world's most well-known and beautiful classic masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. It is a historical landmark and a must-see for all who appreciate art and culture.
The French Riviera
Photo by helenej from www.sxc.hu
The French Riviera, or the Cote d' Azur in French, is the Mediterranean coastline in the southeast of the country. It is home to numerous breathtaking seaside resorts. There are also a large variety of golf resorts, restaurants and ski resorts. It is a tourist's paradise, offering 300 days of sunshine every year. There are several seasonal festivals each year, like the Cannes Film Festival in May and Carnival in February.
Chateau de Versailles
Photo by John Nichols from www.sxc.hu
Often just referred to as Versailles, this royal chateau and its museum are visited by a multitude of people every year. Versailles, once a sprawling country village, is now a suburb of the larger city of Paris. In addition to being a well-known building, it is a symbol of the ancient regime of Louis XIV.
Arc de Triomphe
Photo by Ryan Jones from www.sxc.hu
After the Eiffel Tower, this is one of the most popular sites in all of France. Located in the western end of the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe (or Arch of Triumph in English) stands in honor of all servicemen who fought for France during the Napoleonic Wars. Written inside the arc are the names of generals who fought in these wars. Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, from World War I.
About the Author:
Liza Hollis has been writing for print and online publications since 2003. Her work has appeared on various websites, including PropPrint.com and OandP.com. Hollis earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and mass communication from the University of Florida.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Lukáš Patkaň from www.sxc.hu
