But what exactly makes France such an attractive holiday destination? We figured it out for you (thanks us later), and we’ve listed the seven places you’ve got to see.

The French Riviera:

Many tourists visit France for its spectacular beaches, the miles of gorgeous coastline and azure waters of the southeast. The Côte d’Azur is bursting with fashionable resorts and offers a huge choice of activities for all tastes. Its sun-drenched coastal cities such as Nice, Cannes and St-Tropez are synonymous with elegance and chic, and are still the playground of the rich and famous. Don’t forget to bring your credit card though.

Normandy D-Day Beaches:

For one of France’s most emotional journeys, visit the innocuous beaches in Normandy; the scene of one of the most incredible military operations of all time. A D-Day Tour can guide you past the many war museums, wartime sites and the American cemetery, allowing you to gain invaluable insights into the wartime experience.

While many tourists are attracted to the area because of its D-Day beaches, there is much more to discover. You will find stunning, rolling hills and little villages that once inspired Maupassant and Monet. Visit the fantastic Mont Saint-Michel and its tidal island or Rouen, with its beautiful cathedral and old town. Or visit the world-famous Bayeux tapestry in the Centre Guillaume-le-Conquérant in Bayeux or the pretty little town of Honfleur?

Paris:

Of course, there is always Paris. With more than 45 million visitors every year, it is the world’s most popular tourist destination. With countless famous landmarks such as the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the impressive Notre Dame, the world famous collections of the Louvre and the romantic Seine, the City of Lights has something to offer for everyone. Did we mention the Eiffel Tower? Or simply pass the afternoon in a little bistro within the streets of Montmartre.

The Palace of Versailles:

The hugely grand and ornate palace, which once housed the Kings of France, consists of hundreds of rooms and is famous for its luxurious furnishings and perfectly manicured gardens. Being one of the biggest palaces in the world, and arguably one of the most beautiful, it is definitely a not-to-miss attraction when visiting France.

When you’re in Paris, you can easily book a day trip that will include the transport as well as a guided tour, or alternatively hop on an approximate 30 minute train near to Notre Dame.

Provence:

Filled with so many great views, sweet smells and deep purple colours of its endless lavender fields, as well as the fresh tastes of its herbs and wines, Provence definitely deserves a mention of its own.

As it is one of the most diverse regions of France, you will be seduced by very different views everywhere you look; from historic villages and olive groves to coastline panoramas and imposing mountains. The Mont Ventoux, the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape vines, the gothic Palace of the Popes in Avignon, the rich wildlife in the Camargue, and the Roman walls of Arles all bring thousands of visitors each year.

Alpine ski resorts:

The mesmerising French Alps are of course one of the most popular destinations for ski and snowboard holidays worldwide, which is not surprising considering the vast array of beautiful ski resorts to pick from. The larger ski resorts such as Courchevel, Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Tignes and Les Gets are generally most recommended by traditional ski holiday companies. However, there are still plenty of more exclusive ski resorts, such as Sainte Foy, waiting for you to be discovered.

The Loire Valley:

The Loire Valley, also known as the garden of France, has more than 300 beautiful castles, rolling green hills, historic villages, vineyards, and of course one of the most striking rivers in Europe. Its culturally and historically important architecture has even earned the valley a world heritage site status.

Image credit: Thinkstock