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What is France known for? 11 Famous French things
What is France known for? Discover 11 iconic things that define France—from cuisine and culture to landmarks and history—with travel tips for each.
France is full of surprises and there are so many fun facts about France. Thanks to far-flung territories, it’s the only country in the world that spans 12 time zones. There’s a vineyard hidden in Montmartre, a museum dedicated to the Paris sewer system, and even a law that strictly defines what qualifies as a “baguette.” Not to mention the existence of a UFO landing pad—just in case extraterrestrial visitors happen to stop by.
These may be some of the lesser-known sides of France, but before you dive into the quirky and hidden, let’s get to the heart of it and talk about famous things in France. What is France known for? What makes this beautiful country in Western Europe one of the most admired and visited places on Earth?
Whether you’ve never been or already love it, here are 11 ultimately French things that represent France—from food and fashion to iconic landmarks and rich cultural traditions.
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1. Paris
What is France most known for? Many will say – Paris! Few cities capture the imagination quite like Paris. With its romantic ambiance, iconic architecture, famous landmarks, and world-class museums, the French capital is one of the most visited places in the world. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the fifth, traveling to Paris alone or with a loved one, there are always more things to do in Paris.
What makes it iconic: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, rich history, and timeless elegance
Local experiences to try:
- Stroll along the Seine River: Get a Paris travel guide and let it guide you past bridges, bookstalls, and riverside cafés with postcard-perfect views. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
- Visit the Louvre Museum: The world’s largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The glass pyramid is a modern icon.
- Climb the Arc de Triomphe: This historic monument offers sweeping views of Paris from the top.
- Admire Notre Dame Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece known for its towers and rose windows, still awe-inspiring even during restoration.
- Go to the Eiffel Tower: What is Paris known for if not for this recognizable tower? Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable as the Eiffel Tower. Designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, it continues to draw millions each year.
Travel tips: Buy a museum pass to save time and skip long entry lines.
2. French cuisine
French cuisine is more than a way to eat or something France is famous for—it’s a way of life. French people love their meals slow, seasonal, and celebrated, whether you’re in a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cozy village bistro. It’s no surprise that French gastronomy has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
What makes it iconic: A delicious blend of technique, regional pride, and fresh ingredients
Local experiences to try:
- Try coq au vin in Lyon: A comforting dish of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and herbs.
- Visit open-air food markets: Wander stalls filled with fresh produce, French cheese, and crusty bread.
- Sample different French cheese: France has over 1,000 varieties, from creamy Brie to pungent Roquefort.
- Enjoy pastries at a Parisian café: Order a buttery croissant or rich éclair and linger like a local.
Travel tips: Get mobile internet in France so you can Google for the nearest restaurant with a prix fixe lunch menu—it’s gourmet dining at a fraction of dinner prices.
3. World-class wines and vineyards
Wine is part of the rhythm of life in France. The country is home to legendary regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, where traditions stretch back centuries. It’s no wonder France is famous for setting the global standard in winemaking.
What makes it iconic: The birthplace of sparkling wines and centuries-old vineyards
Local experiences to try:
- Tour the Loire Valley vineyards: Take a day trip from Paris and explore the iconic hillside châteaux with vineyards throughout the Loire Valley and taste the unforgettable French wine.
- Visit Champagne for sparkling wines: Sip bubbly where méthode champenoise was born.
- Taste reds in Bordeaux and Rhône: Sample earthy, powerful wines that define their regions.
- Pair French wine with local cheese: A match that’s more cultural than culinary.
Travel tips: Many vineyards in Western Europe offer tastings—book in advance to avoid disappointment.
4. Art and architecture
France is a living gallery—from the stained glass of medieval cathedrals to the bold brushstrokes of famous artists like Claude Monet. The country’s love for beauty is built into its streets, monuments, and museums. In many ways, the architecture here is its own kind of storytelling.
What makes it iconic: From Claude Monet’s masterpieces to Gothic cathedrals and beyond
Local experiences to try:
- Explore Notre Dame Cathedral: One of France’s most iconic landmarks, rich in detail and history.
- Admire Claude Monet’s Water Lilies: See them in their original setting at the Musée de l’Orangerie.
- View Venus de Milo at the Louvre: A symbol of classical beauty housed in a modern-day treasure.
- Visit Gothic churches across the country: Architecture that spans centuries and tells France’s story.
Travel tips: Many museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
5. French fashion and luxury brands
Fashion in France isn’t just about clothing—it’s about heritage, creativity, and influence. From the runways of Paris to the windows of haute couture boutiques, this European country has long been a trendsetter in global style. France is famous for some of the most iconic names in the fashion industry.
What makes it iconic: Haute couture from brands like Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton
Local experiences to try:
- Window shop on the Champs-Élysées: A dazzling display of French elegance and international design.
- Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Step into the world of a designer who helped define modern France.
- Tour Christian Dior’s childhood home: Discover where one of fashion’s greatest stories began.
- Explore vintage fashion boutiques: Find timeless looks in Parisian side streets.
Travel tips: Use your cell phone in France to look out for pop-up shops and annual sales in January and July—an affordable option for luxury lovers.
6. The French Revolution and history
The French Revolution didn’t just create the French Republic—it helped shape modern democracy around the world. Museums, monuments, and even street names still carry the imprint of the French Revolution in daily life.
France’s past is full of revolutions—both literal and cultural. From the storming of the Bastille to the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, this country has shaped global ideas of liberty, identity, and resistance. French history is complex, dramatic, and deeply woven into the fabric of modern France.
What makes it iconic: A defining moment that reshaped France and inspired revolutions worldwide
Local experiences to try:
- Visit the Palace of Versailles: A symbol of opulence, politics, and the people’s revolt.
- Explore the Bastille area: While the prison is gone, its legacy lives on in French memory.
- Walk through the Panthéon: Final resting place of figures who defined France’s history.
- Learn about Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI: Their downfall marked the beginning of a new era.
Travel tips: Use a self-guided walking tour to connect major historical landmarks in central Paris.
7. French Riviera and natural beauty
The south coast of France offers more than glamour—though there’s plenty of that, too. Stretching along the Mediterranean Sea, the French Riviera dazzles with turquoise coves, lavender hills, and coastal towns that have inspired artists, writers, and royalty alike. It’s one of the most scenic corners of the European Union.
What makes it iconic: A glamorous stretch of the Mediterranean coast loved by artists and French kings and royalty
Local experiences to try:
- Swim off the beaches of Nice: Warm waters, sun-soaked shores, and that famous Riviera light.
- Hike coastal paths near Cassis: The Calanques blend sea cliffs and pine forests.
- Visit medieval towns in southern France: Perched villages with shuttered windows and quiet charm.
- Enjoy a seaside meal in Cannes: Sip rosé and people-watch on the promenade.
Travel tips: Visit in spring or fall for great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
8. French culture, language, and lifestyle
What makes France unique? There are many popular things in France, but to understand France, you have to slow down. Life here is about savoring the moment—whether it’s a long lunch, a walk through a town square, a day on the French Riviera, or a quiet “bonjour” exchanged with a stranger. The French language, social rituals, and pride in tradition make everyday life feel meaningful.
Events like the Cannes Film Festival continue to place France at the cultural center of the world, while the Tour de France, with its dramatic climbs and small-town charm, showcases national pride.
What makes it iconic: Deeply rooted in tradition, elegance, and the French language
Local experiences to try:
- Practice basic French at a market: Locals appreciate the effort—and it opens doors.
- Sip coffee at a sidewalk café: Sit back and watch the rhythm of the street unfold.
- Watch locals play pétanque: A laid-back competition seen all over small towns.
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Everyday life happens near preserved history.
Travel tips: Learn a few phrases in French—it’s the official language and shows respect for local culture.
9. French cinema and literature
France doesn’t just tell stories—it crafts them with style, depth, and influence. From sweeping 19th-century novels to films that shaped the global film industry, it’s a country where storytelling is part of national identity. This cultural richness makes France a true world leader in creative arts.
What makes it iconic: From Victor Hugo’s novels to the global prestige of the Cannes Film Festival
Local experiences to try:
- Watch a film at an independent cinema: Look for “VOSTF” to catch films in their original language.
- Explore the works of Victor Hugo: Visit his home in Paris or stroll through scenes from Les Misérables.
- Visit the Cinémathèque Française: A temple to cinema history in the heart of Paris.
- Browse independent bookstores: Especially in the Latin Quarter, a hub for writers, students, and thinkers.
Travel tips: Look for seasonal film festivals across many cities—France celebrates cinema year-round.
10. Disneyland Paris
Fairy tales, fireworks, and a little bit of French flair—Disneyland Paris is more than just a theme park. It’s one of the most beloved popular tourist destinations in Western Europe, blending classic Disney charm with local touches like croissants for breakfast and nods to French legends.
What makes it iconic: Europe’s most visited theme park with a touch of French flair
Local experiences to try:
- Ride Phantom Manor: A darker, storytelling-rich cousin of the Haunted Mansion.
- Watch the parade at Sleeping Beauty Castle: Daily magic, music, and your favorite characters.
- Explore Walt Disney Studios Park: Behind-the-scenes thrills and Pixar-themed adventures.
- Shop for French-themed Disney souvenirs: Think Mickey ears with a beret.
Travel tips: Book your tickets online for better prices and to skip long entry lines.
11. Perfume and cosmetics
In France, fragrance isn’t just a product—it’s an art form. The country has been crafting perfumes for centuries, with the town of Grasse considered the cultural center of the industry. Today, France is famous not just for luxury scents, but also for world-renowned skincare and beauty brands found in every pharmacy.
What makes it iconic: World-renowned French fragrances crafted with tradition and elegance
Local experiences to try:
- Visit perfume houses in Grasse: Walk through blooming fields and explore scent-making labs.
- Take a fragrance-making workshop: Create your own custom scent with expert guidance.
- Tour the Fragonard Museum in Paris: Dive into the history of perfume from bottle to blend.
- Shop at French pharmacies for skincare: Trusted brands, quality ingredients, and good value.
Travel tips: Make sure your packing list for Paris leaves room for some products you’ll definitely want to take home. French pharmacies are an affordable option for top-tier skincare and gifts.
The final answer: What is France known for?
France is known for its timeless blend of beauty, history, elegance, and artistry. It’s a country where iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, meet quiet villages. It’s where long lunches turn into late-night strolls along the French Riviera and where culture lives in everything from cuisine to conversation.
So, what is France famous for? Whether you come for the food, fashion, Tour de France, or fairy-tale cities, one thing is certain—France is famous for making everyday life feel extraordinary.
With so much to see, taste, and experience, your trip will be full of unforgettable moments you’ll want to share. To avoid roaming in France, it’s best to choose from the best eSIMs for France you can find. Holafly’s eSIM for France is a great option, offering unlimited data for as many days as you need.
And if you’re planning to stay more than 30 days or want to connect multiple devices, go for Holafly Connect—a flexible monthly eSIM plan that keeps you covered wherever your adventure takes you.
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With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
