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France had 89 Million Visitors Last Year

With almost 90 million visitors in 2017, France remains the world’s leading tourist destination for the third year in a row. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Culture and Digital, this boost is mainly due to an increase in international visitors (+ 3.5% vs + 2% domestic). These statistics are the result of an ambitious tourism policy implemented by the French government for several years. To remain at the forefront of global destinations, however, France needs now more than ever to reinforce its strategy and continue investing in its tourism industry. This article discusses what makes France such a popular tourist destination and why it should not rest on its laurels.

The Appeal of France as a Tourist Destination

As one of the world’s most historically and culturally rich countries, France has long been a desirable tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists. This is natural given the country’s diverse landscape, from the Alpine mountains to the Mediterranean beaches and the French Riviera. France is also home to many important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Loire Valley, the Palace of Versailles, the Canal du Midi and the Architecture of Lyon. France’s diverse landscapes have also made it a hot spot for outdoor tourism. In particular, the Alps have long been popular for skiing and other winter sports, and the Pyrenees are a popular destination for hikers and mountain climbers. The French Riviera is also a significant hub for beach tourism and has been a popular destination for the rich and famous since the 19th century.

Air travel to France

While tourists to France can travel by boat and land, more than 80% of all visitors arrive by air. The Paris region is home to France’s largest airport, and is also the world’s leading aviation hub with around 80 million passengers each year. France’s main hub is also its busiest airport, with a total of around 275,000 flights in 2017 alone. Other major airports in France include Lyon, Nice, Toulouse and Bordeaux. France’s main hub is also its busiest airport, with a total of around 275,000 flights in 2017 alone. Other major airports in France include Lyon, Nice, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

France’s Cultural Heritage is a Major Attraction

France’s rich cultural heritage is one of the country’s primary tourist attractions. France is home to many major museums, including the Louvre in Paris, the Orsay, the d’Orsay, the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the Musée National des Arts et des Traditions Populaires, the Musée National du Sport, the Musée du Cinéma and the Musée National de l’Histoire Naturelle. The Louvre, in particular, is one of the world’s leading art museums and was the most visited museum in the world in 2018. The Musée du Quai Branly is also notable for being home to indigenous art from Asia, Oceania and the Americas, and the Musée National des Arts et des Traditions Populaires hosts a collection of traditional arts and crafts from France.

The Top Tourist Attractions

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in France include the Palace of Versailles (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Catacombs, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée National des Arts et des Traditions Populaires. The Palace of Versailles is one of the most important tourist attractions in France and is also the most-visited site in the country. The Eiffel Tower is the second-most visited site in France and is the most-visited paid monument in the world. The Arc de Triomphe is another important attraction in Paris and is the most-visited tourist attraction in the Paris region. The Catacombs are also a major attraction in Paris, and the city is home to many important museums, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée National des Arts et des Traditions Populaires.

The Rise of Tourism in B&Bs

France’s tourism sector also includes a large number of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). B&Bs are France’s third-largest tourist accommodation type, behind hotels and hostels, and are most heavily concentrated in the country’s southern region. B&Bs in France has seen significant growth since 2010 and contributed to a more than 50% rise in tourism in France. This rise in B&B tourism can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the desire for a more authentic travel experience, an increasing awareness of cultural and social benefits, and the growing popularity of online booking platforms, which are prevalent in France’s B&B market.

Conclusion

France is the world’s leading tourist destination for the third year in a row. This boost is mainly due to an increase in international visitors (+3.5% vs +2% domestic). These statistics are the result of an ambitious tourism policy implemented by the French government for several years. To remain at the forefront of global destinations, however, France needs now more than ever to reinforce its strategy and continue investing in its tourism industry.