What is France Famous For? 25 French Things to Know!
WONDERING WHAT FRANCE IS FAMOUS FOR? I’VE COVERED ALL OF THE MAJOR THINGS TO KNOW BELOW!
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it’s easy to see why. I’ve spent weeks exploring cities like Paris, the beaches of Normandy, and the fantastic Loire Valley… just a few of the things France is well-known for. And it’s easy to see why people revere and love the French culture.
France is famous for so many things, from this rich French culture known worldwide to years of history, fashion, food, and wine, and, of course, stunning landscapes and landmarks.
France is one of those countries where you can feel the culture as soon as you step foot on a busy street (I’ve been carried away by the scent of fresh-baked pan chocolats and the hustle and bustle of French cities far too often!).
But what is it that makes France so special?
Most of all, France is known for its capital city of Paris, which really needs no explanation. Paris is most famous for being the home of the Eiffel Tower, a place that ranks at the top of many people’s bucket lists. Other popular things in Paris include the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.
But, beyond Paris, France is also known for a number of other things!
Knowing what France is famous for is sure to help you understand French culture, as well as get the most out of a future trip. So let’s dive in!
So, What is France Known For?
1. Paris
France is most famous for its capital city, Paris. The city is located along the Seine River in northern France.
Paris is a major European city with over 2 million residents. It is one of the most visited cities in the entire world, with an estimated 30 million visitors or more each year.
Nicknamed the City of Love, Paris is known for many things, from its Eiffel Tower to its Haussmann-style architecture which gives the city a romantic feel.
Paris is also famous for its fashion, art, cafe-culture, beautiful gardens, and for its numerous museums and landmarks.
Paris might be one of the most visited cities in Europe, but it is well worth the hype! It’s one of those places I keep coming back to, even if only for a weekend getaway, simply because there is so much to see and do in the city!
2. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is easily the most iconic landmark in France (or maybe even in the world!). Nicknamed the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower that is located on the Champ de Mars in Paris.
It was built by the engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair. The original plan was to deconstruct the Eiffel Tower after the World Fair, but, thankfully, that never happened.
Today, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous French tourist attraction and receives millions of visitors each year. You can climb or ride to the top of the tower and take in all of Paris beneath you.
3. Champagne
France is famous for its Champagne, which is 100% a French creation. Champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France, so anything made outside of that region is a different type of sparkling wine.
Champagne is a version of sparkling wine that has more of a dry, full-bodied flavor due to the aging process. Other types of sparkling wine tend to have fruiter, sweeter flavors.
France is absolutely famous for champagne, and having a glass during your next trip is the perfect way to celebrate!
4. Wine
France is one of the largest wine-producing countries in the entire world and produces around 7-8 billion bottles per year. The only other countries that produce more wine than France are Italy and Spain.
France has 11 major wine-producing regions- the largest being the Bordeaux region which is known for its amazingly flavorful red wines.
The most popular wine in all of France is the Mouton-Cadet Bordeaux, a light-bodied wine with a hint of sweetness.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
France is known for having many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are defined as buildings, objects, or regions with “outstanding universal value,” and they are therefore protected sites.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are categorized as cultural heritage sites, natural sites, or mixed sites. And as such a historical world city, you can imagine why France has them in spades- currently there are 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France to be exact!
Some of the most famous UNESCO sites include the Palace of Versailles, Chartres Cathedral, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
6. Cathedral Notre Dame
One of the most important cultural sites in France is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This Cathedral is in the heart of Paris, and it is recognized for its mesmerizing Gothic architecture and impressive size.
Construction first began in 1163 and was completed in 1364. But it’s important to note that Notre Dame is more than just a beautiful cathedral. It has actually played an important role in the history of Paris.
Sadly, in 2019, a massive fire broke out within the cathedral, destroying a good portion of it. Currently, the cathedral is being rebuilt as it is one of the most important historical sites in France.
Having seen it prior to the fire and after the fire as well, I would highly recommend that you stop for a visit…even if you can’t see the inside just yet. The exterior of Notre Dame is incredibly detailed and fantastic; plus, it is easily reachable in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.
7. The French Revolution
French history is another thing France is known for, and one of the most significant historical events that you might have heard of was the French Revolution.
The French Revolution began in 1787 with the storming of the Bastille, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy, the Reign of Terror, and eventually to the rise of Napoleon in 1799.
One of the main reasons for the French Revolution was the extravagant spending of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and their fellow aristocrats, while everyday people were left starving.
In fact, Marie Antoinette was famously quoted as saying “Let them eat cake” after being told the people had no bread. However, historians debate whether she actually made this statement or not.
8. Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military commander who became Emperor of France. He came to power at the end of the French Revolution in 1799 due to all of the instability that was happening throughout the country..
In 1804, he declared himself Emperor of France. To this day, he is considered worldwide to be one of the greatest strategic military commanders in history, as he led France to conquer much of Europe.
His rule and conquest of Europe came to a halt in 1815 when he was defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo and sentenced to exile.
9. Normandy and D-Day
Another historical event that France is famous for took place during World War II. At this time, France had been overtaken by Germany and the Nazis.
On June 6th, 1944, the Allied forces began one of the largest invasions of both land and sea in military history: the storming of the beaches in Normandy.
D-Day was a success and was the start of the Allied force’s ability to push back the Germans, eventually liberating all of Europe.
Today, the beaches of Normandy serve as an important memorial to those who fought and lost their lives during D-Day. There are museums, monuments, and memorials covering the Normandy region.
Visiting the sites there was an incredibly powerful learning experience that I recommend everyone have at some point in their lifetime.
10. Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal commune located on an island off Normandy. The commune is surrounded by medieval walls, with an abbey located on the top.
The abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is believed to have been originally built in the year 708 AD, and it is one of France’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites.
What makes Mont Saint Michel so special is that when the tide is high, it makes the commune an island, but when the tide is low, all you see is sand.
11. Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival, formerly called the International Film Festival, is a movie event that is held annually in Cannes, France. The festival celebrates the year’s best films and is an exclusive event.
The Cannes Film Festival is popular amongst celebrities from around the world.
Many movie producers and movie stars attend the festival in order to view movies and exchange ideas.
12. French Riviera
One of the most famous areas of France is the French Riviera, also referred to as the Côte d’Azur. The French Rivera is one of the most popular places to visit in France.
Located on the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France, it became famous in the 1960s and has since been known as a luxurious destination that is incredibly popular amongst the rich and famous.
The French Riviera is known for its many glamorous beaches and coastal towns such as Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Cannes.
However, there are also many charming villages throughout the French Rivera, such as the historic village of Èze.
13. Fashion & Fashion Designers
It goes without saying that France is known for its fashion. In fact, Paris is considered one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Fashion trends often come to light in France, as the high fashion here is closely intertwined with French culture.
Many famous fashion designers have called France home, including names like Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Dior.
These and other designers have truly shaped French fashion in the country and around the world.
14. Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is in the French Alps and stands at an astounding 4,810 m (15,782 ft) above sea level. This mountain is known for being the highest peak in the Alps and throughout Western Europe.
Mont Blanc is located near the French ski town of Chamonix. During the winter, Chamonix becomes a popular tourist destination for adventurers who enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and paragliding.
15. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a French cabaret show featuring music and dancers in dazzling costumes. Attending a Moulin Rouge show in the Montmarte district is one of the most popular things to do at night while in Paris.
The most famous dance performed during the show is the French Can-Can, a high-energy dance involving high kicks that is now seen in other popular places around the world.
The Moulin Rouge building itself is also famous for its unique red windmill, which is a well known landmark in Paris.
16. Loire Valley
I had no idea how famous the Loire Valley was (and how amazing) until I actually went there.
The Loire Valley seems like it’d be less-than-amazing, as it’s just a region of France located along the Loire River. But it’s not.
It is characterized by its stunningly beautiful landscapes, adorable and welcoming historic towns, and its Renaissance-style châteaus. One of the most popular places to visit in Loire Valley is Château de Chambord, which seriously looks just like a fairytale castle.
It’s worth noting that the Loire Valley is also one of France’s wine regions and specializes in the production of a dry, white wine which you should absolutely enjoy as you take in the spectacular views.
17. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the largest palace in France, known for its dazzling Hall of Mirrors and its beautiful gardens (just don’t get lost in them like I did 🙂
Versailles was originally a hunting lodge but was transformed into an equisite palace with expansive gardens by King Louis XIV, who was known as the Sun King.
For many years, Versailles was the home of the French court, but it was abandoned during the French Revolution. It has since been revitalized and is now one of the most popular places to visit on a quick trip from Paris.
18. Artists
Another thing that France is known for is its artistic culture. Over the course of history, it was home to many famous artists and writers such as Victor-Marie Hugo, Voltaire, Claude Monet, and more.
Paris has always been a sort of haven for artists, especially the neighborhood of Montmartre.
In fact, many great artists and writers from around the world lived in Paris for a time, including Ernest Hemmingway, and Pablo Picasso.
19. The Louvre Museum
Located in the heart of Paris, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. It has over 73,000 sq feet of exhibit space and is home to many famous works of art.
The biggest highlight of the Louvre is Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. But, I would argue that this artwork is massively overrated, and it’s actually much smaller in person than you think it is!
Another must-see piece is the Venus de Milo, a sculpture from ancient Greece. However, my personal two favorite pieces are Winged Victory, a statue also from ancient Greece, and Liberty Leading the People, a famous painting by French artist Eugène Delacroix.
The magnificent exterior of the Louvre Museum features a massively large glass pyramid, which is well-known as a cultural landmark of Paris. Truly, you cannot miss it!
20. French Cuisine
France is also famous for its food- everything from its freshly baked croissants and baguettes to its large variety of cheeses, including Camembert, Roquefort, and Brie.
Other popular French foods include Boeuf Bourguignon, Escargot (snails), French Onion Soup, and Crêpes.
The French city of Lyon is known as one of the gastronomical capitals of the world for its incredible cuisine. Not only is French cuisine famous, but certain styles of cooking, such as Sautéing, originated from France.
21. Disneyland Paris
The only Disney park in all of Europe, Disneyland Paris, calls France home. Disneyland Paris is a large entertainment resort with two theme parks, hotels, and dining experiences.
The park’s most iconic feature is Sleeping Beauty’s castle, which is sure to make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
22. French Alps
The French Alps are located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions.
These mountains are known for their incredible hiking opportunities, as well as winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
There are also several charming lakeside towns near the French Alps, such as Lake Annecy. These towns make fantastic places to visit along the Alps during all seasons!
23. Lavender Fields of Provence
Provence is a region in southeastern France that is known for its beautiful landscapes and charming towns such as Aix-en-Provence.
The most famous thing about Provence is its lavender fields.
In the months of June through August, lavender fields are in full bloom, creating a picture perfect landscape. This lavender is then used to produce all manner of things such as French lavender soap, perfume, and body oil.
24. The Alsace Region
Located near the German border, the Alsace Region of France is a charming place to visit. It is known for its white wine, food, and historic towns.
This region is also famous for its colorful half-timbered houses, which can be found in towns such as Strausbourg and Colmar.
Both of these towns are also excellent places to visit to wander through the best Christmas Markets in France.
25. The French Language
Last but not least, France is known for the French language.
French is a language of romance and is considered by many to be a strikingly beautiful language. French is not only spoken in France, but around the globe.
In fact, it is around the 5th most spoken language in the world, with around 300 million French speakers worldwide.
FAQ: What is France Famous For?
France is known for many things, including some of the facts listed below:
What is France Best Known For?
France is best known for its capital city, Paris, which is home to the Eiffel Tower. The country of France is famous for its rich history, culture, food, and wine. It is also home to many types of landscapes from the slopes of the French Alps to the Lavender fields in Provence.
What Food is France Famous For?
France is famous for a variety of foods from baked croissants and baguettes to sweet treats like Crêpes. Popular French entrees include Coq au vin, Ratatouille, Croque Monsieur, and Boeuf Bourguignon. France is also well known for its cheese, including Camembert, Comte, and Brie.
What is Paris Most Famous For?
Paris is most famous for being the French capital city. It is known for its landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and the Louvre Pyramid. Paris is also famous for its fashion, food, historical sites, art museums, and gardens.
Wrapping Up: Things France is Known For
There are so many things that France is famous for, from its unique history, lovely châteaus, and diverse landscapes to its charming towns, famous landmarks known worldwide, and the capital city Paris.
The number of things that make France famous truly adds to the richness of the French culture, making it one of the top places to visit in Europe.
Not only is France a popular destination to visit, but French culture has influences around the world. French fashion, art, language, food, and wine are just a few of the things that have spread around the globe from France.
