According to you, what are the elements that make France an attractive country for tourists?

[Julie4]

[KostasKouvalis]

I only visited one town, from my research I see that there are many free or very cheap attractions, like ancient ruins and museums. Especially in less popular towns. And it seems that everyone pays the same regardless of where they're from.

Also, contrary to what you hear, I don't find the French rude or snobby at all, certainly not as bad as in other European countries. I've heard stories of Indians being denied Schengen visas by other countries, but the French told them if they would have applied through France, they would've granted them. It seems to be one of the countries where the locals actually have respect for tourists.

The food prices, even in the Riviera don't seem anymore expensive then in California and you're actually good quality. Even tours aren't super expensive.

I've also noticed it's one of the only European countries that have American style accommodations at reasonable prices. They also have camping and hiking shelters. Some of my family members went to the Riviera and they had never seen a hotel with a swimming pool before and were making such a huge sensation of it, saying it was "5 stars", when it looked no different from our roadside motels we have in the States.

Not to mention the towns are so pretty and colorful, and there's so much diversity. You got Alsace and Corsica. You got Nimes and Carcassone. You got wetlands and the Alps. And most places are easily reachable and can be visited with on a day or overnight trip. The only thing that seemed really expensive is public transportation, especially trains.

I went to Italy and Malta in October and it was the first time I had seen so many French tourists, and the difference between the Frenchies, and tourists from countries like Germany, Russia the US and even locals, was staggering. The Frenchies were always so polite curious and respectful, compared to Germans and Russians.

There were several instances where I genuinely regretted that I didn't go to France, just because of how pleasant you guys were.

I honestly never had much interest in France, but after visiting, I realized why it's the most visited country on earth. It really does live up to the hype and I'm starting to notice a pattern in that the places that are TRULY amazing never boast about how awesome they are.

For my next Caribbean trip, I'd like to visit one of the French islands. And I'll France over Spain or Italy any day. I might even do France in Europe next time, instead of Portugal or the UK.

[Julie4]

Oh wow thank you so much for this nice comment about my country , it's really nice to read.

I don't know why tourists often find French people snobby, rude etc.

I think that there may be a cultural aspect that can be considered rude by some cultures and for others not

[KostasKouvalis]

I think it's because the French don't kiss the asses. Though I DO think the "Dogs in restaurant" thing is kind of rude. They should definitely be considerate of people who don't like dogs or are allergic. I really don't think the restaurant where people are eating is a place to bring your dog.

And my French friend on here said, hotel staff isn't for calling taxis, even though almost every hotel I've stayed at does this.

But those are really the only things I don't like.

And to be fair, I think most of the negative stereotypes are about Parisians, and capital cities are almost always the most assholish

[RavVid]

It is the iconic elements and the style for most and for me the history as well. A little story to illustrate. On the flight from Australia to Paris I developed a tooth abscess and on landing I just wanted a dentist instead of seeing the sights. The hotel organized a dentist on the weekend for me (quite considerate of the dentist).

Following the route sketched for my partner and we came out of the underground and slap bang in front of us was the Eiffel tower. Magnificent. The dentist ushered us in with old school charm into a large office with a Louis the XIV desk with an enormous amount of space around it. Then he took me into the surgery - which was in a large cupboard.

Any Australian dentist would have jammed at least three surgeries into that floor area. But style is important right? Large expansive office and a small desk. Loved the form over utility of it all.

Thank you Napoleon III for the beauty and style of Paris.

Aside from the Notre-dame, historically I was quite excited by the foundations of a castle under the Louvre. And the French people are fun. At a suburban bar, the bar keep politely waited for me to excruciatingly get out 'un vin rouge' then said 'You mean you want a red wine'. The whole bar laughed. It was a fun night.

[Julie4]

What is interesting is that you Anglo-Saxons are much more pragmatic than the French and in your daily life you always look for what will always be the most useful and efficient. In France we don't have this culture and it's still a big flaw, especially for pragmatism which is the most important in politics.

[RavVid]

Hadn't thought about that. The English have long made a virtue of pragmatism. Australians are possibly even a little more so. It immediately surprised me when you said French culture doesn't have this so much.

Is form over substance more important - or is that just a scurrilous thought bubble? It just occurred that this might explain 'the project' in your other recent question. It is true that a politician in Australia who went for the big vision, despite the impracticality, would be thought an idiot and would quickly finding himself drawing upon his parliamentary pension. The last two Labor Prime Ministers went out that way.

Quite impressed that Napoleon III got away with remodeling Paris.

[midnightmoon05]

From others. It’s romantic.
I personally have travelled to other parts of France. The country is just beautiful, nice people, good food. Will be back this summer.

[Anonymous]

France is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, including:

1. Rich history and culture: France has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its architecture, art, music, and cuisine. The country is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

2. Beautiful landscapes and natural beauty: France is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the French Alps, the Mediterranean coast, and the Loire Valley. The country is also known for its vineyards and wine regions, such as Champagne and Bordeaux.

3. Fashion and luxury: France is known for its fashion and luxury industries, with many famous brands and designers based in the country. Paris is also home to some of the world's most famous shopping districts, such as the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

4. Excellent cuisine: French cuisine is renowned around the world for its quality, variety, and sophistication. The country is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants and culinary destinations, as well as more casual bistros and cafes.

5. World-class museums and art galleries: France is home to many world-class museums and art galleries, including the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. These institutions house some of the world's most famous art collections and exhibitions.

Overall, France offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and luxury that make it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world.

[Avicenna]

Great natural beauty, historic buildings and history in general. Great cuisine. Also the regional differences. My mother lives in France and I have always enjoyed my visits there.

[RyanEC]

The culture in general.
The architecture.
The natural beauty.
I like the language and wish to learn it.
The cuisine.
The landmarks.

[kellytheman]

Well I never really liked France and the people was kinda rude just cause I was a tourist and a American but it is kinda romantic with the lights and quite historical city.

[greenice27]

For example, one of them is the Louvre Museum in Paris.

[KrakenAttackin]

Before the migrant invasion, France was a great place to visit, especially Paris. Now, I'm not so sure.

[Still-alive]

Cheese, snootyness jk lol

love ❤️

[msc545]

Grea food, wine and art, friendly kind people, wonderful scenery.

[Anonymous]

Nothing.

[Julie4]

" everything that is exaggerated is insignificant " Talleyrand