France is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit twice. My first visit was in my early 20s, when I was serving as an active-duty Marine. U.S.-French relations were at a particularly low point, and although most people were friendly, a few made it clear that Americans weren’t especially welcome. When I returned more than a decade later, the atmosphere was completely different. Everyone seemed much more welcoming, and it was remarkable to see how much attitudes could change over the years.
So far, I’ve visited Marseille once and Paris twice. Although I’ve experienced some of France’s most famous landmarks, there’s still an enormous amount of the country I’d like to explore. On my next trip, I’d especially like to focus on France’s World War II history, including the historic battlefields and landing beaches of Normandy. I’d also love to climb Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps.
Explore Paris →
Paris is one of the world’s most celebrated travel destinations, famous for its romantic atmosphere, historic architecture, exceptional cuisine, and cultural heritage. The French capital offers an extraordinary concentration of museums, monuments, churches, gardens, and neighborhoods to explore. From the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the banks of the Seine, Paris combines centuries of history with the energy of a modern European capital.
Beyond its best-known landmarks, the city offers fascinating attractions such as the underground Paris Catacombs, the botanical gardens of the Jardin des Plantes, traditional neighborhood markets, and countless cafés and bakeries. Whether visiting for art, architecture, history, food, or simply wandering its streets, Paris has enough to occupy travelers for weeks.
