Liberty, equality, and fraternity, is France’s national motto, as written in French in the introduction of this text. It was part of the constitutions of 1946 and 1958 and can be seen today in government logos, coins, and postage stamps.

Some of the main ethnic groups in France are Basque, Africans, Germans, Jewish, Muslims, Polish, Roma, and French Indochinese. Meanwhile, French is the official language of the country and also the second most spoken language in the Europe.

Some other regional dialects used are Italian, Alsacian, Basque, Breton, Catalan, Occitan, and Flemish.

France has given a big part in the history and inventions. Nicolas Appert and Pierre Durand, both started the idea of canning in sealed jars and tin cans, are sons of this country.

Other inventions that were a product of French people are the Braille alphabet, stethoscope, hair dryer, hot air balloon, and the metric system. On the other hand, the first face and artificial heart transplant first took place in this country as well.

Moreover, France also has a big contribution to literature as writers/thinkers namely Descartes, Pascal, Voltaire, Baudelaire, Flaubert, Sartre, and Camus are all from this country. It is said that the country, compare to any other country, has won more Noble Prizes for literature.

After Italy, France is the second largest wine producers in the world creating more than an average of six billion each year – from dry white wine, sweet white wine, rose wine, to red wine.

Wine production in France started as early as the 11th century by the Benedictine and Cistercian monks. Some of the regions that are producing wine are Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire, Champagne, Alsace, Rhône, Languedoc and Roussillon, Provence and a lot more regions.

Main Cities in France

Based on demography, these are the ten most populated cities in France with its estimated number of populations as reported at World Population Review.

1. Paris – 2,138, 551 of population (check out our travel guide about Paris, where to stay in Paris and things to do and what to see)
2. Marseille – 794,811 of population
3. Lyon – 472,317 of population
4. Toulouse – 433,055 of population
5. Nice – 338, 620 of population
6. Nantes – 277,269 of population
7. Strasbourg – 274,845 of population
8. Montpellier – 248,252 of population
9. Bordeaux – 231, 844 of population
10. Lille – 228, 328 of population

Places to visit in France

1. Eiffel Tower (Paris)

When talking about France, this attraction is definitely the first that comes to mind. This, being located in the capital of France which is Paris, is the symbol of the city.

This famous landmark can be seen in any part of the world from postcards, movies, keychains, house displays, home wallpapers, to wallets and cellphone cases – literally everywhere. When it was first built, it was an eyesore to the people and some known people protested against this tower. However, when it was used as a radio antenna, it became useful and everything became history. A visit on this site is on the top of the list of every tourist.

2. Louvre Museum (Paris)

One of an iconic architecture, with its glass pyramid entrance, this museum has the world’s finest art. Some famous masterpiece that can be seen in this museum are Mona Lisa, Les Noces de Cana (The Wedding Feast at Cana), Vénus de Milo, Victoire de Samothrace (Winged Victory), The Coronation of Napoléon, La Liberté Guidant le Peuple, Psyche Revived by the Kiss of Love, La Dentellière (The Lacemaker), Marly Horses, and Le Tricheur à l’as de Carreau (The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds); some French crown jewels are on her as well.

3. Euro Disney (Paris)

The happiest place on Earth can also be found in Paris and it is the only Disneyland in the country. Bring along the kids and the whole family and no money can ever be wasted on this happy trip.

4. The Palace of Versailles (Versailles)

Located just outside of Paris. The palace is a home for three generation of Kings and Queens. All visitors of the palace are just in awe at all the magnificent things in every corner of the palace.

5. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (Paris)

This cathedral is included in the UNESCO list due to its fine sculptures, and outstanding 12th and 13th century stained glass windows. The Passion window and the Blue Virgin window are among the highlights of the cathedral. The Cathedral was shown all over the world in the successful Notre-Dame de Paris movie (1956). It was about the timeless tale of the seductive gypsy Esmeralda and the tortured hunchback Quasimodo.

6. Provence

The brightest place in the country of France from the bright yellow sunflowers, red poppies, and deep purple lavender fields. Some tourists destinations on this bright area are Ancient Ruins and provençal traditions in Arles, Marseilles: Cosmopolitan Seaport, Saint-Tropez’s Seaside Glamour, Avignon: Medieval City of the Popes, Aix-en-Provence: Quintessential Provence, Ancient Roman Ruins in Orange, and Vence: A Picturesque Artists’ Village

7. The French Riviera

Also known as Côte d’Azur with English translation of “Coast of Blue”, is the Mediterranean coastline in the South East part of France.

Popular cities from this group are Cannes, Nice, Monaco, and Toulon. It is known to be a luxury travel destination for the rich and famous with its private beaches, prestige restaurants and hotels.

8. Nice

It is considered as the Queen of the Riviera. Some of the tourists attractions in this city is Promenade des Anglais with a seaside where people can stroll along the long walkway while appreciating the sea; and a landslide that has very nice hotels and cafes and restaurants, Old Town of Nice contrary to the urban side of Promenade d Anglais, it has beautiful sceneries of Baroque churches and Palais Lascaris, The Cours Saleya Market has restaurants that offer croissants and coffee in the morning to drinks at night, and freshest vegetables in the market itself, Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) – it showcases the avant-garde French and American modern art movements.

9. Cannes

It’s famous movie festival guarantees to have famous people that visit the place every year. Some tourist destinations in the city are La Croisette – prominent boardwalk in the city that surrounds the bay, Palais des Festivals – the venue for the Cannes Film Festival, Le Suquet – forget about the glitz and glamour and take time to venture into the old town part of the city appreciating history and local delicacies.

10. Monaco

It is said to be the world’s second smallest country. Formula 1 Grand Prix, one of the prominent automobile races are held in this city, every year. Places to go in this city are Monte Carlo Casino (gaming, opera, ballet and its grand décor are just some of the reasons why people love to visit the place), Museum of Antique Automobiles – it is where to find personal car collection of Prince Rainier III, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo – indulge in activities on this place’s spa, salon, gym, and treatment rooms.

France countryside and mountains

Skip the busy cities of France and take time to explore these hidden beauties.

• Fontainebleau – an hour’s drive from Paris that offers a forest attraction, bird watching, and hiking that are great activities for the whole family.
• Vienne – Go back to the history with the ancient Roman ruins.
• Bourg-en-Bresse – Cathedral of Notre Dame of the Annunciation and Brou Royal Monastery is the main attraction of the place. 16th to 18th-century houses can also be found in this place giving you that historic feels
• Mâcon – a picnic spent in green grass on the riverside, in any time of the day, is just one of the simple joys in the world.
• Manosque – To see the surrounding nature and panoramic view of the city, a climb to the hill of Mont d’Or is the very best activity.
• Cluny – known for its medieval abbey, it is one of the brilliant sights of Romanesque architecture.
• Chamonix – or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a resort area. Skiing is the most popular activity in this area as Mont Blanc is considered to be the highest summit in the Alps. Aside from skiing, tourists on this place can also experience riding a cable car that can give a panoramic view.