What Places Should I Visit in Paris, France?| Must-See Places in Paris, France | Top Attractions & Day Trips

What Places Should I Visit in Paris, France?

Must-See Places in Paris, France | Top Attractions & Day Trips

Paris: A Timeless Must-See for First-Timers

Let’s start where every dream begins—Paris! Don’t listen to anyone who tells you to skip it. For first-time travelers, Paris is a must. The Eiffel Tower sparkling at night? Pure magic. Cruise the Seine for dinner, explore the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and get lost in Montmartre’s artsy charm.

Top Paris Spots:

• Eiffel Tower (visit by day and night!)
• Louvre Museum & Musée d’Orsay
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
• Moulin Rouge (late night but unforgettable!)
• Seine River dinner cruise
• Day trips: Versailles & Monet’s Garden in Giverny

Nature & Hiking Lovers—France Has You Covered!

If city life isn’t your full vibe, check out France’s 7 stunning National Parks! Whether you’re into mountain views or seaside strolls, there’s a park with your name on it. Bonus: check out the many Parcs Naturels Régionaux too for even more off-the-beaten-path beauty.

Nature Spots to Consider:

• Alps (3 parks here!)
• Pyrenees National Park
• Côte d’Azur (2 seaside parks)
• Cévennes National Park – great hiking & traditional villages

Expand Your Adventure: Beyond Paris

France isn’t just Paris. Hop on a train and go!

Day Trip or Longer Journey Ideas:

• Auvers-sur-Oise – Van Gogh’s final days & quaint vibes
• Etretat – epic coastal cliffs painted by Monet
• Normandy – think old-school France: apple orchards, brandy, WWII history, and fairytale villages like Deauville & Calvados
• Loire Valley – châteaux and lush gardens
• Bordeaux – wine lovers, rejoice
• Lyon & Beaujolais – food capital of France and nearby vineyards

South of France: Mediterranean Magic

If you have extra days, escape winter chill and embrace southern sunshine

Must-See Spots:

• Nice – Mediterranean beaches, art, and glamor
• Villefranche-sur-Mer – close to Nice, calm & charming
• Avignon – papal history, great base for Provence
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape – wine tasting heaven
• Arles – Roman ruins + the Van Gogh trail
• Verdon Gorge – France’s Grand Canyon!
• Aix-en-Provence – artsy and relaxed
• Monaco – luxury, views, and casinos!

Bonus Tip: Read Before You Go!

To truly appreciate France’s regional diversity, grab a copy of The Discovery of France by Graham Robb. It’s a fascinating dive into the country’s history, geography, and evolution—perfect to spark your wanderlust and give your journey extra depth.

Final Thoughts: Mix Big & Small, City & Country

For your French adventure, start with Paris but don’t stop there. Blend in some countryside charm, Mediterranean vibes, or mountain escapes. France has something for everyone—history lovers, foodies, hikers, romantics, and dreamers.