France tourism is a billion dollar a year business. Per square mile, France has more attractions than any other country in the world. There are many reasons to travel to France, and here are just a few of the things to do and see while you’re there.

Paris, without a doubt, is the most well-known of the French cities. The capital of France and its most populous city (indeed, one of the most populous cities in all Europe) sits on the Seine in the northern region of France. Paris has been a world capital for two millennia, and its status as a global city is cemented by its influence in business and culture, the arts, education, science, entertainment, media and fashion. Tourism in Paris tops 45 million visitors every year, the vast majority of whom are foreign tourists visiting the city’s many landmarks, not the least of which is the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most noticeable landmarks in the world, is a 19th-century lattice tower located in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was originally constructed by Gustave Eiffel as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. The Eiffel Tower stands 324 m (1,063 ft) tall. The tower has three levels for which ticket purchase is required. The first two levels are accessible by lift or stairs (300 steps to each) and each features a restaurant. The third and highest level is accessible only by lift.

Disneyland Paris is also a popular tourist destination. Disney France has packages for all families, children, couples, and thrill seekers alike. Tickets and resort packages are available online or by calling your travel agent.

The Grand Louvre Museum in Paris is France’s largest national museum and a destination of many France tourists, making it the most visited museum in the world. The Louvre was originally constructed as a fortress on the right bank of the Seine. The Louvre opened in 1793, and is now home to a world-renowned collection of antiques, artifacts, paintings and sculptures from around the globe.

Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is a gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral and chair of the archdiocese in France. The Notre Dame Cathedral is an architectural marvel with ornate stonework and stained glass above flying buttresses (arched entryways) which itself makes it a must-see for tourists in France. The organ is another tourism marvel in the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Palace of Versailles, or Chateau de Versailles, is located 20 km southwest of Paris. Versailles was the seat of power in France from 1682 to 1789 when King Louis XIV left Paris. The palace there is not only a symbol of the absolute monarchy leading up to the French Revolution, but also an architectural and historical tourism destination in France.