Why Americans Are Seduced by France
It is no secret that France is attracting many American tourists every year. There is a special link between the two countries, that is even more pronounced in some specific cities like New York and San Francisco, for example. But what makes US citizens pack their bags and fly over the pond, often many times throughout their lifetime? Let’s take a closer look.
Beauty is an Important Part of the Answer
If you speak with tourists that travel frequently, most of them will tell you that the one thing that they always hope to find, wherever they go, is beauty. Of course, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so different people will be awed by different elements that they find along their route. But nature always offers the most beauty, and there is not a lack of amazing sites to visit in France. Americans would gladly hop on a New York to Paris plane just to visit the City of Light and all its attractions, but they will also desire to witness the rising of the tide around the Mont Saint-Michel or the look out to the sea at the English Channel, while standing at the top of the Etretat cliffs in Normandy.
There are so many incredible natural sites to see in France that a tourist would need to spend months touring the Hexagone, and it still wouldn’t be enough time. Just think of the Mont Blanc, in the Alps. There is no better place to hike than this mountain, as it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. No wonder why so many Americans come here in winter time to ski. And how about the Calanques National Park? Located on the Mediterranean coast near Marseille, this park is known for its turquoise waters and rocky cliffs. Pictures ready to be taken that visitors will take back to show to their families and friends, who will also want to come to France afterwards to see those beautiful sites by themselves.
An Art Lover Paradise
Although there are great museums all around the country, such as the Musée National Marc Chagall located in Nice and the Picasso Museum in Antibes, it is obvious that the reason why so many art lovers come all the way from the US West Coast on a flight from SFO to Paris is to visit the ones that are located in the city where they will land. There is not a person in the world who truly enjoys art that does not want to tour the Louvre Museum at least once in their life. With over 35,000 works of art on display, it is one of the most famous and visited museums in the world. Those who have a true passion for art can spend their whole vacation week inside this unique museum, enjoying every inch of every painting or sculpture that they find on their path.
However, it would be a sin if they did not make time for the Musée d’Orsay. Although it can’t compare in terms of size, walking from room to room inside this old palace is like a dream come true, as you find yourself in front of one famous work of art to another, throughout the whole course. A true pleasure that Americans appreciate greatly. If there is still time, tourists can also head to the Centre Pompidou to catch a special exhibition or they can roam the former house of Rodin, where they will discover the environment where he created some of the most amazing sculptures of all time.
Let’s Not Forget Food and Wine
French cuisine is something that Americans can’t get enough of. Just the words bring water to their mouth. It is no surprise since the country possesses a rich culinary heritage, built through centuries of tradition and culinary innovation. You will often find them ordering some of the French classics, such as the boeuf bourguignon and the coq au vin, which they will naturally accompany by the right French wine, as suggested by the sommelier. It is also quite common to see Americans in the French wine regions. In a group, they spend their holiday visiting various vineyards that they have carefully selected before leaving the comfort of their home.
France certainly has all of the elements that it needs to seduce Americans. That is why they keep coming back to discover new regions and various natural sites.
