tourist attractions in manche france

Manche travel guide

Visit Manche (Normandy, France)

The Manche department of Normandy is best known as being home to the famous island and monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, but be sure to allow time to explore the coast and countryside elsewhere on the Cotentin peninsula, and the sites of the first Normandy D-Day landings

Manche tourism

The department takes its name from the English Channel, called La Manche in France. Manche is the French word for sleeve, which the English channel is said to resemble.

Because the ferry port town of Cherbourg is at the north of the peninsula many visitors pass through the Manche, but rather less take the time to explore - we suggest you slow down, there are some highlights along the way!

If you spend some time here you will find sandy beaches, in particular in the resorts along the western coast, great scenery both along the coast and inland, and a quiet rural backdrop that combines woodlands and open fields, marshlands and coastal clifftop walks - all play their part in shaping the appeal of the Manche department.

Manche: the north

The far north-west of the Cotentin peninsula, called the Cap de la Hague, is an impressive section of coast with cliffs and natural rock bays - see the views from the Nez de Jobourg and the Nez de Voidries in particular.

From here it is only a short distance to the north-east corner of the Cotentin peninsula to visit the pretty village of Barfleur , classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.

On the eastern coast there are two destinations that are unmissable to those interested in the Normandy D-Day landings:

• Sainte-Mere-Eglise was the first place in France to be liberated, by US parachutists, commemorated in the Airborne Museum here
• Utah Beach and the D-Day Landings Museum at Sainte-Marie-du-Mont is the site of the first part of France to be liberated by the troops arriving across the channel by boat (four hours after the airborne landings)

Another town of interest here in the northern Manche is Valognes, which has several interesting historical buildings and is listed as a 'town of art and history'.

On the western coast you can visit the resort at Barneville-Carteret (notable for me because it was the first place I ever visited in France, more than 30 years ago...) and also the abbey church at Lessay, an impressive example of romanesque architecture.

At Canville-la-Rocque to the north of Carteret the village church has some 16th century frescoes that were uncovered during renovation work 20 years ago.

Manche: the south

A little further south and you reach the resort of Granville . Take a stroll along the beach looking out across the bay before continuing the short distance around the coast to visit the island and abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel . This historical pilgrimage centre on the border with Brittany is a very beautiful site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.

Rather overlooked because of its famous neighbour, there is a second much more modest abbey at La Lucerne which is also interesting to visit.

A short distance east of Mont-Saint-Michel the town of Avranches is also pleasant to explore and contains several historical monuments including a medieval castle. Further east, Mortain has a 12th century abbey church with cloisters, and also a scenic waterfall called the Grand cascade.

Historical Monuments

Given the enormous amount of damage suffered by the region during the 1944 invasion of northern France it is incredible that any important historical monuments are still standing, but they are (often with considerable renovations since the war) and there are several of note to visit in the Manche.

The abbeys at Hambye and Lucerne and Coutances cathedral are the most important religious monuments, although there are many smaller churches and chapels to discover in Manche.

There are also castles of interest across the Manche such as those at Baudreville, Bricquebec, Cerisy-la-Salle, Crosville-sur-Douve, Gratot, Nacqueville, Parigny, Pirou, Regneville, Saint-Sauveur Lendelin, Vergoncey and others - often these castles are 'fine manor houses' rather than grand castles, but each has its own appeal and interest.

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What to see and do in Manche Normandy

• Janine Marsh

The majority of people who arrive at the port of Cherbourg in La Manche in Normandy, hit the road and head south. Or the Loire Valley, or somewhere else. Sometimes they stop at Mont Saint-Michel en route, and who can blame them, it’s one of the most famous sites of France. But, this Norman department has plenty to offer visitors who stay. Discover its history and charms including the little-known-outside-France village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, voted “Le Village préféré des Français” in 2019 (favourite village of the French).

Top things to see and do in Manche

Mont-saint-michel.

The no. 1 must-see in Normandy, in fact it’s a top site in France, is the UNESCO listed the Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. It is one of the most incredible medieval feats of architecture in the world. From the 8 th to the 18 th century it was one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites. Now it’s one of France’s important tourist sites.

Thanks to a long bridge built in 2015, Mont-Saint-Michel has been returned to its island status. You can walk the bridge, take a shuttle bus or even ride by horse and carriage. As the tides here are some of the most dramatic in the world you need to be careful of walking across the quicksand.

The Abbey consists of several stunning clerical buildings including a church, cloisters, refectory, monks’ ambulatory and the gardens of what is known as the Merveille (marvel). It’s a steep walk to the top but worth it for the amazing views and buildings. Lower down is a charming helter skelter of wiggly winding streets lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. The great French writer said of it “Mont-Saint-Michel is to France what the Great Pyramid is to Egypt”, he wasn’t wrong … Read more about Mont-Saint-Michel

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

Located on the east coast of the Cotentin peninsula, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a land of sailors. You’ll find traditional boats in the harbour and parked on the pretty barrow streets in the town. At low tide, the oyster beds provide a link between the French mainland and the exquisite island of Tatihou which you can visit by boat. Explore Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue’s charms from the lighthouse to the marine chapel. Taste the famous oysters, wander the streets to see the charming little houses and watch the to-ing and froing at the picturesque port. Voted favourite village of the French in 2019, it’s now one of the top things to see in Manche.

Jardin des plantes de Coutances

The Jardin des plantes de Coutances is the oldest public plant garden in Normandy a legacy of its early botanical traditions. Cherbourg has a famously mild climate and plants thrive here making it a great park for relaxing.

Airborne Museum

The Airborne Museum is based in the square of Sainte-Mere-Eglise. American paratrooper John Steele was famously caught on the pinnacle of the town’s church on D-Day, June 6, 1944. A dummy hangs their today in homage to the young soldier who hung for hours, pretending to be dead in order to survive the battle taking place above and below him. The town is an ideal starting point to discover the D-Day landing beaches. The Airborne Museum takes you through the drama of D-Day alongside American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. www.airborne-museum.org/en/

Barfleur – one of the most beautiful villages in France

Barfleur with its pretty and colourful port is officially one of the prettiest villages in France. You’ll fall in love with its authentic good looks and lovely little streets which huddle around the busy port. Taste the famous mussels “Blonde de Barfleur” and visit the lighthouse of Gatteveille. Situated two kilometres to the North of Barfleur, the 75 metres high lighthouse is the second tallest in Europe. Walk up the 365 steps and enjoy a magnificent panorama. But mostly just enjoy the chocolate box lid prettiness of this lovely town. Read more about Barfleur

Take a cruise on a passenger boat, yacht or old sailing ship. You can go island hopping to the Chausey Islands, the Channel Islands or Tatihou Island and other smaller, lesser known islands off the coast of La Manche.

Cathedrale de Coutances

The great gothic cathedral of Coutances dominates the town and can be seen from miles around. Begun in 1056, it miraculously survived the bombing of WWII. Take a guided tour to explore the upper levels and discover the Romanesque parts of the edifice – the views over the coast are truly superb.

Utah Beach stretches from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont as far as Quinéville, about 5 km. It was the first of two zones selected for the American landings. Visit the Utah Beach Museum to discover more about the history of the D-Day landings.

Close by you can visit the German battery at Azeville which marked the beginning of the presence of the Germans on this stretch of the coast.

3 towns to visit in La Manche

Cherbourg is at the tip of the Cotentin Peninsula and is home to the largest man-made harbour in Europe. There’s plenty to do and see here, from museums to fabulous sea food restaurants. Don’t miss La Cité de la Mer, a scientific theme park located in the old transatlantic harbour station of Cherbourg. Here you can see the submarine “le Redoutable”, take a virtual tour to the bottom of the ocean and discover sea life in the aquarium.

Granville , known as the “Monaco of the North”, became a popular seaside resort at the end of the 19th Century. It’s an elegant city, great for a stroll around the ramparts, marvellous seafood restaurants and lovely beaches. Don’t miss the Christian Dior Museum, we think it’s one of the top things do in Manche. The couturier Christian Dior spent his childhood here and each year his former family home, now a museum, hosts an exhibition dedicated to the stylist.

Saint-Lô is home to the State Stud Farm, constructed under Napoleon. Visit to find out more about the horsey history of this area. The Musée des Beaux Arts is well worth a visit with paintings by some of the greats, including Boudin. Don’t miss the Norman Bocage Museum at a 17 th century farm. It has a huge collection of traditional artefacts which depicts farm life in Normandy over the centuries.

Discover lots more to see and do in La Manche on the tourist office website: www.manche-tourism.com

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Manche guide

An insider’s guide to Manche in Normandy, including the main attractions to visit on holiday, the best towns and villages to live in, and buying property in Manche.


Named after the English Channel into which it extends, Manche is the most westerly department of Normandy . The word manche in French means sleeve, and La Manche is the French name for the English Channel, which is said to be because of its sleeve-like shape.



A predominantly rural department, Manche has a few towns and a long coastline. It is also home to one of France’s most visited attractions – Mont-St-Michel.



 Getting to Manche



Plane: The nearest airport to Manche is in the neighbouring department of Caen , approximately an hour’s drive away.



Train: Take the Eurostar to Paris where there are regional trains to St-Lô via Caen .



Ferry: The nearby ferry ports of Cherbourg , St-Malo and Caen have regular ferries from the UK.



Places to visit in Manche



St-Lô: Coutances was the first capital of Manche and became the capital once more when St-Lô was virtually destroyed during the Battle of Normandy in World War II. Originally called Briovère (meaning ‘the bridge on the River Vire’ in Gaulish), St-Lô began as a fortified settlement, and once rebuilt, resumed its role as capital.



Barfleur: Manche is home to Barfleur , an important port in the Middle Ages which continues to be a big yachting and fishing port today. The Gatteville lighthouse stands at the tip of Barfleur and was first lit in 1775.



Beaches: Manche also boasts some 330km of coastline and has a wealth of beautiful beaches along its shores, many of which have been awarded European blue flag status.


Things to do in Manche


Mont-St-Michel: Outside of Paris, Mont-St-Michel is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in France and it was one of the first monuments to be classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO . Built on a small granite top on the estuary flats of the River Couesnon, the medieval walled city is crowned by a spectacular gothic abbey.


Food: Local specialities include lots of seafood: mussels, oysters, scallops and clams. Agneau de pré-salé – salt marsh lamb fed on grass of the Mont-St-Michel bay – and terguole, a rice pudding dish baked with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Yum!


Property in Manche


If you’re looking for close proximity to the sea, Manche is a great place to start. What’s more, house prices average out at €125,000 – that’s €33,000 less than the average house price in France.


The more expensive area of Manche is Cherbourg-Octeville , a seaside city in the department. Houses here cost, on average, €140,000. If that’s slightly out of your price range, houses in Avranches are approximately €35,000 cheaper than Cherbourg-Octeville and you are still close to the sea.


If you’re looking to buy property in Manche, visit France Property Shop .


For more information about Manche, visit: http://www.manche-tourism.com/ 



 For more department guides, visit:



 Morbihan Guide 



 Dordogne Guide 



 For region guides, visit:



 Normandy Guide 



 Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes 



 Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes 



 Languedoc-Roussillion-Midi-Pyrenees  



 Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur 


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What to do in Avranches

Welcome to Avranches, a little town in the south of La Manche, with cobbled lanes, ramparts, gardens and picturesque squares. Head to the gorgeous Jardin des Plantes for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, laid out before you as if Avranches is protecting it. The town is a former bishopric, and has some important religious heritage, including sacred buildings and objects. It’s also home to the manuscripts from Mont Saint-Michel, which are kept in the Scriptorial. Places to visit, ideas for outings, restaurant recommendations: see our suggestions for a day out in Avranches.

Must-see places in Avranches

The Scriptorial

The Scriptorial will take you on a surprising journey to discover its ancient manuscripts . From Egyptian papyrus to digital books, via hand-written and printed books, the museum guides you through the history of writing. As you walk around the 10 exhibition rooms, you’ll learn about how the authentic Mont Saint-Michel manuscripts were made . The interactive visit includes models, multimedia displays, texts, visual documents and films, and is suited to all ages.

Practical information : the Scriptorial is open all year round, except in January. Visits take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

The jardin des plantes

Avranches boasts a magnificent Jardin des Plantes. Situated on a hill, this park offers a superb view of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel . The 12 different areas of the park are enchanting all year round, and include a camellia garden, a hydrangea garden, a cherry blossom meadow, an alley of lime trees, a copse of maples, and a gunnera pond.

Tip: take a picnic, sit down on one of the benches at the viewing point and admire Mont Saint-Michel in the distance!

Practical information: free admission, open all year round

Religious monuments

With its eventful past, the former bishopric of Avranches has some remarkable religious heritage . Among the must-see buildings in the town, be sure to visit the Saint Gervais Basilica to see the treasure it holds: the relic of Saint Aubert. Notre Dame des Champs church, with its two towers and two pipe organs, and Saint-Saturnin church are also worth a visit during your trip to Avranches.

Other suggestions for places to visit

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 What to do nearby?

Admire mont saint-michel and the saltmarsh sheep.

Just 10 minutes from the centre Of Avranches, Le Gué de l’Épine is a breathtaking natural site. On the banks of the Sélune estuary, the sheep graze freely on the saltmarshes, with the magical view of Mont Saint-Michel as a backdrop. During the spring tides, the sea covers the salt meadows and the landscapes are completely transformed.

Fly over Mont Saint-Michel

Not far from there, Avranches aerodrome is also subject to the tides, and the runways are sometimes submerged during the equinox tides.

Why not take the opportunity during your visit to try a pleasure flight, a microlight experience or a parachute jump? There are plenty of ways to discover the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel from above.

Watch the spring tides

Just a few kilometres from Avranches, La Pointe du Grouin du Sud, La Roche Torin and Le Gué de l’Épine are all unmissable spots to watch the spring tide and the famous Mascaret tidal bore . If you’re a keen surfer or kayaker, you could try riding this unique wave for an unforgettable experience.

Top spots to see the spring tides

Follow the Operation Cobra historical trail: the Avranches breakthrough

During the Second World War, several military operations took place here, including Operation Cobra. Under General Bradley, this was one of the key offensives of the Battle of Normandy , and began on 25 July 1944. Its goal was to break through the German defences to the west of Saint-Lô to enable General Patton’s tanks to advance to Avranches.

From Cherbourg to Avranches this trail takes you to follow the advance of the Allied tanks led by General Patton to the Avranches breakthrough. After the liberation of Avranches on 31 July, some of the troops under General Patton continued into Brittany, while others headed towards the Loire and the rest towards Le Mans and Alençon to the rear of the enemy. The battle changed shape and attrition warfare gave way to manoeuvre warfare.

In Avranches, an obelisk stands on Place Patton as a reminder of this decisive episode in the war. The art and history museum has several rooms dedicated to the Second World War and Operation Cobra.

All the D-Day sites and museums

Where to eat in Avranches? 

Le Gué du Holme

Meat from the south of La Manche, lobster from Chausey, dairy products from Tessy-Bocage, vegetables from Huisnes-sur-Mer, cider apples from Ducey: the chef here serves up delicious dishes made with the finest local ingredients . Selected by the Michelin guide and awarded a Gault & Millau toque, this restaurant just 5 km from Avranches is well worth a visit.

Do you fancy a quick bite to eat and a delicious Kusmi Tea? Then La Dînette is just the place for a light lunch, an afternoon chatting with friends or a vegetarian brunch . This charming restaurant serves up dishes made with locally sourced organic ingredients, and has a great choice of home-made cakes and unusual teas.

Le Grand café de l'Union

The go-to place in Avranches, this brasserie is one of the oldest in the town. The menu changes with the seasons, and everything is freshly made. Tuck into one of their delicious daily specials, either inside or outside on the big terrace.

La Croix d’or

The traditional setting here contrasts with an inventive, modern cuisine. This old 17th century post house, situated in the centre of Avranches, is also a lovely hotel. In good weather, you can enjoy your meal outside in the wooded garden.

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A magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey , the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay count among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay.

TRAVEL tipS

Check out our new webpage with top tips on how to experience the Mont-Saint-Michel differently, away from the crowds!

AN UNFORGETTABLE SIGHT

The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights. Set in a mesmerising bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, the mount draws the eye from a great distance.

This staggeringly beautiful location has long captured the imagination. The story of how the mount came to be a great Christian pilgrimage site dates back to the early 8th century, when Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea.

From 966 onwards, the dukes of Normandy, followed by the French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel. Magnificent monastic buildings were added throughout the Middle Ages, one vertiginous wing in particular being nicknamed the Marvel. The  Abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel  became a renowned centre of learning, attracting some of the greatest minds and manuscript illuminators in Europe. Vast numbers of pilgrims visited, despite endless cross-Channel conflict; in fact, the ramparts at the base of the island were built to keep the English forces out. Other fine buildings line the steep village street, now converted into museums, restaurants, hotels and shops for today’s tourists.

RESTORING THE Bay of the MONT-SAINT-MICHEL tO ITS FORMER GLORY

The Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel has been prone to silting up over the last couple of centuries. Man-made activities, including farming and building a causeway to the mount, have added to this problem. However, a  major conservation project  back in 2015 has helped restore island status to the Mont-Saint-Michel. The main river into the bay, the Couesnon, has now been left to flow more freely so that sediments are washed out to sea, and a bridge has replaced the former causeway, enabling the sea to once more fully surround the mount at particularly high tides .

HOW TO GET TO the MONT-SAINT-MICHEL

The visitor car parks have been moved further inland to preserve the Mont-Saint-Michel’s exceptional landscape. The car parks are around 1.5 miles from the mount. Once you have parked, head for the Place des Navettes, where specially devised shuttle buses called passeurs will take you to the mount. The shuttle bus stop is 800m (half a mile) from the car parks and the passeurs stop 450m away from the mount itself.   The passeurs operate every day at regular intervals between 7:30am and midnight.

Alternatively, you can walk all the way from the car parks to the mount, taking in the magnificence of the Mont-Saint-Michel as you approach.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in France

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in Paris after college, enjoys returning to France as often as possible, and most recently visited France in March 2023.

Take a dream vacation in a country that's full of dreamy destinations. Fairy-tale castles, storybook country villages, fashionable seaside resorts, snowcapped mountains, and of course Paris , the elegant City of Light.

Begin with the Eiffel Tower, the modern emblem of France. Then discover famous masterpieces of art at the Louvre Museum. Spend a day pretending to be royalty at the elegant Palace of Versailles. Save time for leisurely gourmet meals. Traditional French gastronomy has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Each region of France boasts its own distinctive cuisine and culture. The coastal region of Brittany offers the old-world charm of quaint fishing villages and ancient seaports, while the French Alps boasts a hearty cuisine of cheese fondue and charcuterie served in cozy chalets near ski slopes.

Every corner of the country has a certain magic. Discover the wonders of travelers' favorite places and learn about the best things to do with my list of the top attractions in France.

1. Eiffel Tower

2. musée du louvre, 3. château de versailles, 4. côte d'azur, 5. mont saint-michel, 6. castles of the loire valley, 7. cathédrale notre-dame de chartres, 8. provence, 9. chamonix-mont-blanc, 10. alsace villages, 11. carcassonne, 12. brittany, 13. biarritz, 14. rocamadour, 15. prehistoric cave paintings in lascaux, best time to visit france.

The Eiffel Tower is a feat of ingenuity as much as it is a famous landmark. This structure of 8,000 metallic parts was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair of 1889. Originally loathed by critics, the 330-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline.

Upon the first glimpse, you'll be impressed by the tower's delicate airiness despite its monumental size. Next, the panoramas at each of the three levels will take your breath away.

You can dine with a view on the 1st floor or indulge at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the 2nd floor. At the exhilarating height of 276 meters, the top floor offers a sweeping outlook over the city of Paris and beyond. Vistas extend as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day.

The most prestigious museum in Paris, the Louvre ranks among the top European collections of fine arts. Many of Western Civilization's most famous works are found here, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture.

The collection owes its wealth to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre, in centuries past when it was a royal palace. Other pieces were added as a result of France's treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I.

The Louvre displays around 35,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces. It's impossible to see it all in a day or even in a week. Take a private guided tour or focus on a shortlist of key artworks for the most rewarding experience.

The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles immerses you in France's glorious regal history. Step back in time to the era of the ancien régime , when Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), Louis XV, and Louis XVI ruled France. During that period, the Palace of Versailles set the standard for princely courts in Europe.

The most spectacular space in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors , where courtiers waited for an audience with His Majesty. This dazzling gallery sparkles with sunlight that enters through the windows and is reflected off hundreds of ornamental mirrors, while dozens of glittering chandeliers and gilded details make the overall impression even more marvelous.

Versailles is equally renowned for Les Jardins , formal French gardens featuring decorative pools, perfectly trimmed shrubbery, numerous statues, and magnificent fountains. The gardens were created in the 17th century by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre and are surrounded by 800 hectares of lush parkland.

Beyond the formal gardens is the Domaine de Trianon , which includes Le Grand Trianon palace; Le Petit Trianon château; and Le Hameau de la Reine (The Queen's Hamlet), Marie-Antoinette's fabricated pastoral village featuring quaint cottages set around a lake.

The buildings of Marie-Antoinette's hamlet were inspired by the rural architecture of the Normandy region. (Faux pastoral hamlets were a typical feature of aristocratic estates during the 18th century.) The "farmhouse" and "cottage" buildings have a weathered finish that was intentionally rendered to lend a rustic look (although the interiors were exquisitely furnished).

Marie-Antoinette's hamlet originally had a working dairy and farm, which served educational purposes for her children. This idyllic spot was designed as a place for Marie-Antoinette to escape from the formality of court life, take walks, and visit with friends. Le Hameau de la Reine provides a rare glimpse of Marie-Antoinette's private world.

The most fashionable stretch of coastline in France, the Côte d'Azur extends from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. Côte d'Azur translates to "Coast of Blue," a fitting name to describe the Mediterranean's mesmerizing cerulean waters.

To English speakers, this glamorous seaside destination is known as the French Riviera , words that have a ring of sun-drenched decadence.

During summer, the seaside resorts cater to beach lovers and sun-worshippers. The rich and famous are also found here in their lavish villas and luxury yachts.

The town of Nice has panoramic sea views and stellar art museums but nothing beats the views from the hilltop village of Eze . Cannes is famous for its celebrity film festival and legendary Belle Epoque hotels.

The best sandy beaches are in Antibes , which also has an atmospheric Old Town and superb museums. Saint-Tropez offers fabulous public and private beaches plus the charm of a Provençal fishing village, while Monaco seduces with its exclusive ambiance and stunning scenery.

Rising dramatically from a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most striking landmarks. This "Pyramid of the Seas" is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by imposing defensive walls and bastions.

The main tourist attraction, the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture with soaring Gothic spires. You will be awed by the serene beauty of the Abbey Church, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.

Since it was built in the 11th century, the Abbey Church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, known as "The Heavenly Jerusalem." Modern-day pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay by foot as it was done in the Middle Ages.

Traveling through the Loire Valley gives the impression of stepping into a children's storybook. Turreted fairy-tale castles grace a luxuriant countryside of dense woodlands and gently flowing rivers. The entire Loire Valley, an area known as the "Garden of France," is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Some of the Loire castles are medieval fortresses built on hilltops and surrounded by ramparts. However, the most famous Loire châteaux are sumptuous Renaissance palaces that were designed purely for enjoyment and entertainment, as an extension of court life outside of Paris.

The Château de Chambord , built for King Francis I, is the most magnificent château; the Château de Chenonceau has a distinctive feminine style; and the Château de Cheverny is a Neoclassical-style manor house estate that includes a Tintin exhibition, English gardens, and a forest.

It is also worth visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges as well as the city of Orléans , where Joan of Arc helped defeat the English army in 1429, and the Château Royal d'Amboise , the residence of French kings for five hundred years.

For more than eight centuries, the magnificence of Chartres Cathedral has inspired the faithful, and some say this sublime sanctuary has restored belief in the doubtful.

The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture, renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows. Covering 2,500 square meters, the brilliant windows allow colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The intricately detailed windows reveal the incredible craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.

The rose windows are especially noteworthy for their incredible size and details. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window which dates from the 12th century.

On the third Saturday of September, the city of Chartres presents Chartres en Lumières (Festival of Light) during European Heritage Days . The festival includes street art, music, and guided tours. During this annual event, the Chartres Cathedral dazzles crowds with its colorful multimedia show featuring illuminations and sound. The illumination show also takes place at the cathedral in July and August every evening after 10pm.

Escape into a bucolic landscape of olive groves, sun-drenched rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with little villages nestled in the valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scenery has enchanted many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.

The rustic natural beauty, country charm, and laid-back atmosphere of Provence allow the region's art de vivre (art of living) to flourish. Sultry weather encourages leisurely strolls along cobblestone streets and afternoons spent on sunny terraces of outdoor cafés.

Among the many attractions of Provence is its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. You can choose from a wide range of culinary establishments, from family-run bistros to Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants.

The quintessential Provençal town, Aix-en-Provence is famous for its colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France. Fascinating ancient ruins and traditional festivals distinguish Arles , while the medieval city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes.

Even tiny villages, like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Rémy, and Gordes, have amazing historic sites, fantastic museums, and an irresistibly quaint ambiance.

The awesome spectacle of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an unforgettable sight. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc soars to 4,810 meters. Thanks to its elevation, Mont Blanc ("White Mountain") is always blanketed in snow.

Beneath its majestic peak is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix , nestled in a high-mountain valley. This delightful little town is filled with historic churches, traditional alpine restaurants, and charming auberges.

Chamonix is a great base for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing. The village is one of the best places to visit in France for inspiring natural scenery and alpine accommodations. Upscale mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.

Catering to diners with good appetites, local restaurants serve hearty meals typical of the Savoie region, as well as international cuisine. To sample the Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue , and raclette (melted Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler cheese served with boiled potatoes).

Some of the prettiest villages in France are tucked away in the green, rolling hills of Alsace, where the Vosges Mountains border the Rhine River of Germany. These picturesque Alsatian villages feature pastel-painted, half-timbered houses clustered around small parish churches. Cheerful flowering balconies and pedestrian cobblestone streets add to the appeal.

Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaux Villages de France

Many of the villages have won France's Villages Fleuris award for their lovely floral decorations, such as Obernai , with its characteristic burghers' houses; the charming little village of Ribeauvillé , where many homes are adorned with potted flowers; the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Region of Art and History) of Guebwiller ; and the captivating medieval village of Bergheim .

Some of the flower-bedecked Alsatian villages are so pretty that they have been designated as both Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), including the storybook hamlet of Riquewihr and the enchanting village of Eguisheim , nestled in a valley. Another of the Plus Beaux Villages is Mittelbergheim , known for its gastronomy and gorgeous pastoral landscape, at the foot of the verdant Mont Saint-Odile.

If you're planning an Alsace vacation itinerary, Colmar is a good base to explore the Alsatian villages and surrounding nature trails.

With its turreted towers and crenelated ramparts, Carcassonne seems straight out of a fairy-tale scene. This well-preserved (and renovated) fortified city offers a total immersion into the world of the Middle Ages.

Known as La Cité , the UNESCO-listed walled medieval town of Carcassonne is a warren of narrow, winding cobblestone lanes and quaint old houses. Nearly every street, square, and building has retained its historic character. Within la Cité, the 12th-century Château Comtal reveals the Cathar heritage of the Languedoc region .

Must-see tourist attractions are the double-circuited ramparts with 52 towers and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse , which features splendid 13th-century stained-glass windows.

Carcassonne draws many visitors on July 14th for its fireworks show, to celebrate Bastille Day , a national holiday (Fête Nationale). Despite being a small town, Carcassonne presents one of the most dazzling July 14th fireworks displays in France.

The Brittany region in northeastern France brims with natural beauty and historic charm. A rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and weathered seaports characterize this region. The distinctive local culture is steeped in ancient traditions and famous for its costumed religious festivals.

A mystical land of myths and legends, Brittany has a Celtic influence and a dialect related to Gaelic. The local cuisine is based on seafood and is renowned for its savory buckwheat crêpes and sweet dessert crêpes.

The quintessential Breton port is Saint-Malo surrounded by 17th-century fortifications. Quimper is a picture-postcard town with handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a spectacular château and is where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants.

Other highlights of Brittany are the pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles. Belle-Île-en-Mer , the largest of the Breton islands, appeals to vacationers in search of a peaceful seaside setting. Ferry boats run from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes to Belle-Île-en-Mer.

This fashionable seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic air; it was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie , wife of Napoleon III. Empress Eugénie loved the beautiful setting on the Bay of Biscay in France's Basque country.

The imperial couple's grandiose Second Empire palace has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz , a luxury hotel featuring a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant and sensational views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its broad seafront promenade, has attracted high-society vacation goers since the Belle Epoque.

Other must-see sights of Biarritz are related to the ocean: the Biarritz Aquarium ; the Lighthouse ; and the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock) which stands along the coastline on an immense rock beaten by the Atlantic's wild waves.

For a taste of the town's regal past, visit the chic Miremont tearoom that has served exceptional pastries since 1872.

Rocamadour resides between heaven and earth, suspended on a sheer limestone cliff as if providing a medium for spiritual wonders.

In the 11th century, this pilgrimage destination was the third most important in Christendom after Jerusalem and Rome. Rocamadour was on the medieval Chemin de Saint-Jacques (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The village has seven ancient sanctuaries, but pilgrims flock to the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which possesses the venerated Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour). This precious Virgin Mary figure was carved from walnut wood that naturally darkened over the centuries and is associated with miracles.

Another must-see sight is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur , the largest church of Rocamadour built in Romanesque and Gothic styles between the 11th and 13th centuries. For a challenging spiritual experience, pilgrims can ascend the steep flight of steps, with 12 Stations of the Cross, leading up to the château at the highest point in the village.

About 145 kilometers from Limoges in the Limousin , Rocamadour is surrounded by the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy , a natural park in the Dordogne region.

Discover the fascinating world of prehistoric art in Lascaux, the finest example of Paleolithic art in the world. This UNESCO-listed site is in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne region . Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux Cave contains exquisite prehistoric paintings, but in 1963 was closed to the public to prevent damage.

A replica of the cave was created at the nearby Lascaux II site in Montignac, 200 meters from the actual cave. Opened in 1983, Lascaux II is a faithful reproduction of the Lascaux Cave and its paintings. The Paleolithic art has been carefully recreated, including every detail of the animal paintings in authentic ochre hues.

Opened in 2016, the sleek ultra-modern International Centre for Cave Art (also in Montignac) presents a complete replica ( Lascaux IV ) of the original Lascaux Cave along with museum exhibits that provide context for the prehistoric artworks. Virtual reality exhibits and a 3-D film help bring the prehistoric period to life.

Highlights of the Lascaux prehistoric cave paintings are the Salle des Taureaux (Hall of the Bulls) with panels featuring unicorns and bears and the Diverticule Axial , a narrow 30-meter-long hall with impressive drawings of bulls, cows, and horses. The art reproductions of the replica caves are so accurate that visitors would not be able to tell the difference from the original.

France appeals to travelers through the four seasons. For most tourists, the best seasons to visit are in the late spring, summer, and early autumn . Summertime is the most popular season because of school vacations and warm weather. Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant, mild weather and less crowds.

For those who appreciate beautiful gardens, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit France and especially Paris. One of the top day trips from Paris, Monet's Garden in Giverny is spectacular when tulips bloom in April, in May when wisterias bud, and in June when roses blossom. By July, the famous water lilies of Monet's paintings appear in the garden's pond.

In terms of warm weather and long days, summer is the best season to visit. The months of July and August are great for beach vacations on the French Riviera or the elegant resort of Biarritz on the Atlantic Coast. Outdoor sports enthusiasts enjoy the countryside of Provence, the Auvergne region , and the French Alps during summertime, when the sunshine and comfortable temperatures make hiking and boating enjoyable.

For budget travelers, the winter is a good time to visit France because hotel prices are reduced. However, from December through February the weather can be very chilly (low 40s to mid 40s Fahrenheit in Paris and northern France), as well as rainy.

Many travelers enjoy visiting during the holiday season (end of November through January 1st) since Paris and other cities feature lovely Christmas decorations. In addition, the holidays are the time for Christmas music concerts and traditional Marchés de Noël (Christmas markets) especially in the small towns of Provence, Annecy in the French Alps, and the quaint villages of the Alsace region .

More on France

Erroneous information about New Brunswick included in tourism pitches to Europeans

Shuttered attractions, mixed-up cities appear in materials posted by companies hired by province.

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A number of European tour operators that government tourism officials met with in London and Paris last year to discuss promoting New Brunswick routinely mix up basic facts about the province in their ads and have been suggesting visits to defunct or shuttered attractions.

"Spend time in Saint John, the provincial capital," suggests one ad currently being run by British-based Prestige Holidays.

"Relax before your flight to Saint John, New Brunswick's largest city," proposes another advertisement from U.K tour operator Wexas.   

Saint John is neither New Brunswick's largest city, nor its capital. Those titles belong to Moncton and Fredericton, respectively.

Prestige and Wexas are two of the private tour operators New Brunswick Tourism Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace said she met and signed contracts with last September during a trip to London and Paris by her, her deputy minister Yennah Hurley and two other department officials.

During a legislative committee session last week, Scott-Wallace said her department works in close "partnership" with the companies and it was important to meet directly with them.

Some of the tour operators "had interests in the province they wanted to discuss" and all, she said, signed contracts of some kind with New Brunswick for the upcoming year.

"I sat at the table with tour operator companies," said the minister. 

"These were face-to-face meetings with these businesses — senior executives, owners of these companies."

Despite those direct meetings and contractual ties with the province several of the tour operators appear to be in the dark about basic New Brunswick facts, locations and attractions.

"New Brunswick's capital is steeped in history," Wexas writes in one blurb that then suggests visitors to the capital take in the historic Martello Tower and the New Brunswick Museum. Both sites are in Saint John, not Fredericton.

Little harm will follow, however, since neither Saint John attraction is open.

Martello Tower has been closed to the public for the last eight years and is currently shrouded in construction materials and scaffolding. The museum shut its doors in 2022 and its collections are currently in storage.  

A proposed new museum building will not be open until at least 2026.

Tour operator Canadian Sky also suggests a visit to the shuttered museum while in Saint John and for "families" adds the Cherry Brook Zoo as a preferred outing.

The zoo was closed permanently four years ago.

Moncton's status as a regional shopping centre, one of Canada's fastest growing metropolitan areas and New Brunswick's largest city, appears unknown to any of the tour operators. Instead, an aging 50-year-old arena in the city got top billing in one write-up

"Moncton is known for its Coliseum," claims Wexas.

Scott-Wallace told MLAs that selling New Brunswick as a tourist destination to Europeans is something the province is depending on the tour operators to execute.

"We have contracts signed with each and every person on this list," Scott-Wallace said about the companies she met personally with.

"These are signed contracts with every person on this list for '24-'25. That's a good seven days' work from me."

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It is unclear if New Brunswick's Tourism department checks the accuracy of what those tour operator partners say about the province in ads or if the minister raised the issue during her face-to-face meetings with company officials.

However, on Friday a department spokesperson said in an emailed statement changes are now being requested.

"The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture has been in contact with the European tour operators to make updates to the information," said the email.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Jones has been a reporter and producer with CBC New Brunswick since 1990. His investigative reports on petroleum pricing in New Brunswick won several regional and national awards and led to the adoption of price regulation in 2006.