France and Italy rank as the most visited countries in Europe. Paris attracts the most visitors, but Lyon, the French Riviera and Provence also draw their fair share of tourists.
L’Hexagone, as France is called in French, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. Europe tour has something to everyone. It’s also renowned for fashion houses, classical art museums like the Louvre and monuments such as the Eiffel Tower. Explore Europe with Europe tour packages.
1. Paris
When it comes to Europe then you can’t forget Paris tour which always includes Europe tour packages. It is France’s most visited city, a global center of art, fashion and gastronomy.
Whether you’re admiring the Eiffel Tower on a winter afternoon or the Gargoyled Notre Dame cathedral, Paris has that certain je ne sais quoi. Wander the Left Bank neighborhood of Montmartre where Hemingway, Sartre and other writers gathered, or visit the Bibliotechque-Musee de l’Opera for a glimpse into three centuries of carefully documented opera history.
Outside the capital, medieval villages abound, and the lush forests of Lorraine captivate outdoor enthusiasts. Those seeking contemporary culture can sample the edgy design of the Centre Pompidou in Metz or Nancy’s wondrous art nouveau architecture. The Paris tour was a brilliant experience.
2. Lyon
Although it’s easy to see why France and Italy are the most visited countries in the world, a visit to either one requires a bit of planning. Both countries have an incredible trove of epoch-spanning cultural treasures and breathtaking natural settings. Lyon’s cosmopolitan vibe and enjoyable cityscape make it a prime destination in its own right. Top attractions include the historic old town (Vieux Lyon), the Presqu’ile peninsula, and Fourviere Hill where the white Notre-Dame Basilica glistens above the city. The Institut Lumiere museum recounts the brothers’ pioneering contribution to cinema, and Lyon is home to the annual Light Festival (Fête des lumieres) which takes place on 8 December each year. There are many Europe tour packages.
3. Bibliotechque-Musee de l’Opera
The Bibliotechque-Musee de l’Opera (BMO) is a library and museum located within the Opera Garnier building. It specializes in the history of opera, and it houses an impressive collection of art including model sets and paintings from famous operas. This is a must-see for any opera lover!
After the French Revolution, opera suffered a series of setbacks as rival theaters opened. It was only after the efforts of a man named Leroux that it managed to survive and get off the ground again.
The BMO was created to manage the library and archive of the Opera. It has been a part of the Bibliotheque Nationale since 1935. Its collections are conserved in the former pavilion of the emperor, a space donated to Garnier by Napoleon III.
4. Provence
Europe tour also includes provence which is the Hexagone’s extraordinary trove of epoch-spanning treasures and dazzling natural settings that draw in crowds. The colossal French Alps showcase jaw-dropping alpine views. And Provence’s flush of hilltop villages (foodie Bonnieux, chateau-capped Lacoste, lavender-stitched Abbaye de Senanque) makes for memorable getaways.
The dazzling light of Provence drew many renowned artists to the region, including Paul Cezanne, whose studio in Aix-en-Provence still stands. The area’s serene beauty is also captured in the city of Annecy, where pastel-colored homes and narrow alleys set upon an Alpine lake steal the show.
But France’s museums are also popular draws, and the Louvre leads the pack with nearly 9 million visitors annually. It would take days to see every exhibit here, but the Mona Lisa alone merits a visit. You can get an overview of the museum’s self-guided tour.
5. Corsica
With vertiginous mountains, crystalline lakes and miles of pristine shoreline, Corsica lives up to its nickname as L’Island of Beauty. Corsicans ferociously protect their land, which teems with wild magnificence and a Herculean cache of human treasures – ancient Roman towns, a capital that’s the last word in romance, rural jack-in-the-box hilltop villages, prehistoric relics and wineries. Europe tour gives an absolute experience to its visitors.
The birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio is a lively, sophisticated port city that offers plenty to discover. The citadel’s museums and churches honor the iconic leader, while shoppers can pick up a piece of style in its elegant shops. Ajaccio is also a gateway to the untamed wilderness of Corsica’s rugged interior, where travelers can discover secluded beaches and alluring seaports. Wine lovers can taste the island’s renowned varietals while learning about its unique terroir.