Top Tourist Attractions in France

The top 20 most visited sites in France might come as a surprise. There are quite a few museums here that attract both foreign and French visitors. The French have a strong inclination towards cultural institutions. Consequently, visitor figures refer to December 2014 and come from INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies).

Disneyland Paris

16 million visitors
The enduring appeal of Disney magic and beloved characters came to Europe in Disneyland Paris. Opened in 1992, it’s a straightforward hour-long ride by commuter train from Paris. This iconic destination features two full theme parks, hotels, shopping, and entertainment offerings.

Louvre Museum, Paris

9.4 million visitors
The Louvre Museum stands as the preeminent museum in Paris, showcasing a vast collection of art from Greek and Roman centuries through to the early modern period. It’s a must-visit for anyone in the city, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous masterpiece, the Mona Lisa.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

7.5 million visitors
The Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris’s skyline, an iconic structure that has graced the City of Light since 1889 during the World Exposition. Interestingly, when it was first constructed, it faced calls for demolition. Today, it illuminates the night sky with a spectacular light display every hour.

Château de Versailles near Paris

6.7 million visitors
It’s hardly surprising that Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranks highly. This stunning palace just a short ride from Paris is a must-see for anyone visiting France. Additionally, it’s an excellent opportunity for luxury shopping at the Courtyard of the Senses.

Pompidou Centre (National Museum of Modern Art, NMMA), Paris

3.8 million visitors
The Centre Georges Pompidou is located in a remarkable structure in Beaubourg. Established in 1977, it showcases the National Museum of Modern Art, featuring an impressive collection of contemporary artworks from renowned artists such as Matisse and Picasso, and hosts top-tier temporary exhibitions.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

3.5 million visitors
This museum, often a favorite for many, is notable for its stunning setting within a former grand Beaux-Arts railway station. The Musée d’Orsay displays four floors filled with exceptional Impressionist works from influential artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec, covering the period from 1848 to 1914.

Science & Industry Museum, La Villette, Paris

2.6 million visitors
The Science and Industry Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie) is particularly appealing for families and is lesser-known among tourists. Designed for children aged 2 to 18, the museum features interactive exhibits across various scientific themes, making learning enjoyable. The location in La Villette is also noteworthy.

National Museum of Natural History, Paris

1.9 million visitors
The Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle resides in a beautiful garden established in 1640. The museum offers a collection that includes mineralogy, geology, and paleontology exhibits. It also features the Great Gallery of Evolution, where thousands of creatures are on display alongside informative exhibits regarding their habitats.

Futuroscope Theme Park, Poitiers

1.8 million visitors
Futuroscope, an innovative theme park that opened 25 years ago in Poitiers, centers around differing themes for rides and shows, making it a must-visit for those interested in futuristic experiences.

Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Champs-Élysées, Paris

1.5 million visitors
Restored and reopened in 2008, the Grand Palais hosts major art exhibitions. Initially unveiled for the Great Exhibition of 1900, it has become a venue for numerous acclaimed exhibitions, making it a cultural hub.

Omaha Beach American Cemetery, Normandy

1.6 million visitors
Omaha Beach was pivotal during the D-Day Landings on June 6^th, 1944. The American Military Cemetery nearby is the most frequented World War II site in Normandy, commemorating the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives.

Parc Astérix, Picardy

1.5 million visitors
Located just 30 km north of Paris, Parc Astérix provides family-friendly fun with rides and attractions referencing the wildly popular comic book characters, making it a delightful day trip.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

1.7 million visitors
The Arc de Triomphe is another emblematic structure in Paris, located at the top of the Champs-Élysées, honoring Napoleon Bonaparte and his victories. This architectural masterpiece took over 30 years to complete, and remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Puy du Fou Theme Park, Atlantic Coast

1.4 million visitors
This delightful theme park features captivating attractions, such as chariot races and Viking ship displays, all enhanced by nighttime shows that are truly spectacular. It’s popular for both locals and tourists.

Quai Branly Museum, Paris

1.3 million visitors
Opened in 2006, the Quai Branly Museum is dedicated to the arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It features a remarkable permanent collection and hosts diverse temporary exhibitions, which enrich its cultural offerings.

Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée Invalides), Paris

1.4 million visitors
The Army Museum in Les Invalides houses an extensive collection of weaponry and armor from various historical periods. It stands as one of the world’s largest army museums, detailing significant events from both World Wars extensively. Visitors often find the exhibits on jousting and historical weaponry from diverse cultures fascinating.

Mont St-Michel, Normandy

1.3 million visitors
Mont St-Michel, situated on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy, has been a site of pilgrimage and worship since the 9^th century. Recently improved infrastructure allows visitors to explore this remarkable sanctuary, which is one of the great sacred sites of France.

Millau Viaduct, Mid-Pyrénées

1.2 million visitors
The Millau Viaduct, completed in 2004, is a remarkable structure designed by Lord Norman Foster, connecting the Causse Rouge to Causse du Larzac on the A75 autoroute. At its tallest point, it surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower, making it a stunning architectural feat.

Chateau and Museum of the Dukes of Brittany, Nantes

1.3 million visitors
The Château built by the Dukes of Brittany in the 15^th century is now a museum that tells the vibrant history of Nantes. This amazing city is often overlooked but deserves exploration and appreciation from all visitors.

Bois de Boulogne Zoo (Jardin d’acclimatation), Paris

1.1 million visitors
Established in 1860, the Jardin d’acclimatation grew from a collection of exotic animals into a vibrant amusement park filled with attractions for children. Today, it offers lush gardens, lakes, and diverse plant species, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and nature observation in the popular Bois de Boulogne.