France

Enchantment with the past, the masters and visionaries along with exquisite cuisine, charming countryside villages, and glamorous cities render France a timeless destination.
High-angle view of Girolata fishing village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Corsica, France. Photo: Schroptschop/Getty Images

Overview

France stands as a beacon of culture, history, and natural beauty in the heart of Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year to both its mainland and diverse array of islands. A trip to France isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower and a day at the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. The richness continues to the French Riviera with the stunning bevy of beaches. Nice with its colorful and vibrant markets offers a handful of strands; swanky beach bars and clubs of St. Tropez and the quiet spot of Massif des Calanques with jagged limestone cliffs are A-listers.

While Côtes-d’Armor is technically not an island but rather a department known for its dramatic coastal beauty and historic towns, it sets the stage for the unique island experiences France offers. Corsica, fiercely proud and strikingly beautiful, boasts an imposing landscape where mountains meet the sea, alongside a vibrant local culture that captures the essence of Mediterranean life. The island of Porquerolles, a lesser-known gem of the French Riviera, offers an escape to an idyllic world of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes, largely protected as part of the Port-Cros National Park. Île de Bréhat, with its gentle microclimate and floral abundance, exudes rustic charm to be explored entirely on foot or by bike.

Size

213,011 square miles (551,695 square kilometers)

Population

67 million

Int'l Dialing Code

33

Time

Central European Time (CET, UTC+01:00)

Capital

Paris

Driving Side

Right

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Voltage

230V, 50Hz

Government

Unitary semi-presidential republic

Visa/Entry

Language

French

Airport

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Plan Your France Trip