Since the Middle Ages, travellers have admired France and described France’s landmarks as unique and breathtaking.
Whether you visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Château de Chenonceau, Millau Viaduct, or the lavender fields in the countryside, you will certainly not be disappointed with the famous landmarks of France that you will want to visit.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
List of Famous France Landmarks
Below, I have listed some of the famous French attractions so that you can conveniently plan your next trip.
· Eiffel tower
· Pont du Gard
· Arc de Triomphe
· Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
· Palais des Papes
· Château de Versailles
· Mont Blanc
· Louvre Museum
· Mont Saint Michel
· Lavender Fields of Provence
· Cité de Carcassonne
· Centre Pompidou
· Mona Lisa
· Château de Chambord
· Place Charles de Gaulle
Famous Landmarks in France
France is rich in both famous monuments and natural attractions, all of which are unique and unrepeatable.
Below you will learn detailed information about the famous landmarks in France and what you can see if you go.
#1 The Eiffel tower
If you are in France, you must visit one of the most famous monuments in France.
You will have the opportunity to go up to the high floors from where there is an incredible view of other famous France landmarks.
Gustave Eiffel was the French civil engineer who designed it, and it was built for the world exhibition in Paris in a short time.
The citizens of Paris did not want the Eiffel tower and wanted it abolished for a long time. The Eiffel tower has been the subject of many political disputes and quarrels.
Despite everything, Parisians got used to the Eiffel tower. Today, the Eiffel tower is one of the world-famous monuments in France that bring a lot of income to the French economy.
This is one of the most famous French landmarks so it would be good to buy a ticket in advance. Get your tickets here for skip the line entry >>
#2 Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is one of the most famous buildings in France.
The famous landmark offers a wide range of attractions and entertainment to be enjoyed both outdoors and indoors, including exhibitions and swimming.
It is worth visiting this attraction with your children to enjoy the rich cultural program of original shows throughout the year.
In the summer, people from all over the world visit the famous French attraction to enjoy the Rendez-Vous river and the incredible light show that takes place every night.
#3 Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in France.
Many tourists who visit France take pictures there, but most do not know that they can also go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
If you want to get to the top of the famous French landmark, a security guard will check you for weapons or sharp objects.
You can get to the top both by stairs and by elevator, but the elevator is only for disabled people.
#4 Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
The Notre Dame de Strassbourg Cathedrale is one of the most famous buildings in France. It is one of the most visited attractions in France, which is worth a visit.
The construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral began in 1163 and ended in 1345.
The building is a typical example of unique French Gothic architecture.
Notre Dame de Strassbourg is close to other famous landmarks in France.
#5 Palais des Papes
This famous landmark in France was built in the 13th century during the reign of Pope Benedict XII.
When you visit, don’t forget to tour it completely to enjoy the amazing rooms and halls.
You will need at least an hour to explore the entire area, and a cafe on the roof offers unique views of the surrounding area. Get your tickets here for skip the line entry >>
#6 Chateau de Versailles
The Chateau de Versailles is one of the most famous landmarks in Europe.
If you visit this Unesco world heritage site, you will have the opportunity to walk along the corridors and gardens where the famous kings and queens used to walk.
The Palace of Versailles was formerly used for diplomatic meetings but has now been transformed into one of the most famous monuments in France.
You should book tickets before you go as this is one of the most famous French landmarks and has a lot of tourists.
Read More – Best Museums in Europe
#7 Mont Blanc
When it comes to natural landmarks in France, Mont Blanc tops the list. Mont Blanc is the highest peak of the Alps, as much as 4,810 meters above sea level.
From the top, there are incredible views of the other mountain ranges in the surrounding area, and it is one of the best places to practice winter sports in France.
If you are an experienced climber, you can climb to the highest peak point, although it will take a lot of time and effort.
#8 Louvre museum
The Louvre museum is maybe the best in the world. It is home to the most famous paintings in the world.
Nowadays, visiting the Louvre can take a long time if you haven’t booked a ticket before you go. Get your tickets here for skip the line entre >>
Even if you can’t shell out for a ticket, it’s still worth visiting this Unesco world heritage site.
#9 Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is one of the most famous landmarks in France, and everyone wants to live on this island.
If you wish, it is possible to arrange a day trip to one of France’s most famous natural landmarks, although it is recommended to stay at least one night by the sea.
#10 Lavender Fields of Provence
The lavender fields are a good place to spend time in France with kids.
They are one of the most famous France landmarks. It is the symbol of France, and the pleasant smell captures the senses of every visitor.
The most lavender-rich region is in the south of France, and the most convenient way to get there is by car.
#11 Cité de Carcassonne
Catharism flourished in the 12th century. This French landmark is one of the most visited in France.
It is one of the last Cathar strongholds.
By visiting this landmark in France, you will enjoy a trip back to medieval times between the 12th and 13th centuries.
Anyone can visit this landmark in France, but an entrance fee is required to visit. Get your tickets here >>>
#12 Centre Pompidou
You will recognize this French landmark by its industrial look. Millions of tourists have visited this famous landmark in France.
The cultural centre houses the public library and one of Europe’s largest museums of modern art.
You can either walk around the museum on your own or hire a tour guide. Get your tickets here >>>
It is worth visiting this place because of the exhibitions held here.
#13 Mona Lisa
Of course, we cannot miss the Mona Lisa painting regarding famous France landmarks.
The picture was painted in the 16th century by Leonardo da Vinci, after which it became part of the collections of the court of France.
Today, the painting is exhibited in the most popular museum in France, namely the Louvre.
If you want to go and see the painting, it is advisable to book a ticket in advance as this is probably the most famous museum in the world.
#14 Chateau de Chambord
If you are travelling through the Loire Valley, you must stop by the most impressive monument in France.
It was built with the idea of being a hunting lodge for King Francois I in the 16th century.
The castle is famous for its staircases, which look like double spirals. The whole tour of the castle will take you almost the whole day.
#15 Place Charles de Gaulle
Star Square, as it is called, is one of the other famous landmarks in France.
In the centre of this huge square is the Arc de Triomphe. It is one of the busiest places in the capital city of France.
FAQ’s
One of the most popular cities to visit in France in Lyon. The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to visit the capital of gastronomy in France, you should definitely visit Lyon with your kids, because for them it will be an amazing adventure.
France is rich in natural and historical sights such as the Hall of Mirrors, Millau viaduct, Sainte Chapelle, stained glass windows, Strasbourg cathedral, Mont Saint Michel, Pont d’Avignon as well as many others but definitely the three most famous sights which are world famous. There is no way you haven’t heard of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles.
Forty-two of the french landmarks are Unesco world heritage sites. The Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Loire Valley, and the Pont du Gard are the most famous.
Plan Your Trip to France with Kids
Find Cheap Flights to France with WayAway, and get 10% off Way Away Plus with this link
Find Family Friendly Accommodation on Booking.com >>>
… Or Find a Holiday Home on Vrbo >>>
Discover Tours and Activities >>>
Find the Perfect Rental Car >>>
Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.