France is the most visited country in the entire world. The beauty of Paris is constant. However, France is not just the Eiffel Tower and the city of love. There is far more beauty beyond the romantic destination.

There is a common stereotype that the only reason France is the most popular country for tourism is mainly because of Paris. According to getgis.org, a global immigration service, based on 2024-2025 projections, the most visited countries will be France, Spain, and the United States. And projections are that 89.4 million tourists will visit France. I’m predicting that more than half of those tourists visit France solely to see Paris.

Positively, the history is endless in the beautiful city. French music reminds many of romance and the food is said to be luxurious. Not only does Paris have the aesthetics of a romantic getaway but the culture shown through centuries of art is a must see. And of course, no one can forget about the Eiffel Tower — the symbol of Paris, and some may even say the whole country. During the day, individuals spend their time snapping photos of the monument and taking in the beauty. At night, couples admire the glittering lights that shine from the elegant tower. Having said that, Paris may deserve the attention of tourists, but many do not truly understand the real beauty that lies beyond Paris.

For a true perspective of not only Paris but also the atmosphere outside of the city I turned to Harper Kenny, a friend who lived in Paris for many years. She is starting her first year at Boston University. Kenny and her family left the United States before she started middle school, for a job opportunity. She spent most of her teenage years in the city.

“Living in Paris helped me see the side of France that oftentimes is not represented in the typical French stereotypes,” Kenny said. “Being immersed in French culture for five years showed me how diverse France really is with its large variety of cultures, food, regions, languages, style, and more.”

She mentioned the typical French stereotype that she expected to encounter in Paris but with time she discovered that France is much more than an overused label. She comments on the diversity of France and how French culture helped her genuinely immerse herself in her new life.

Kenny had many positive things to say about Paris but she also recalls how the remainder of the country is genuinely stunning. She visited several beautiful places outside of Paris and recalled her favorite. “My personal favorite is Provence. Not only does the south of France have beautiful beaches and quaint little towns, but the people are so kind.”

She described the south of France with gentleness as she reminisced on fond memories of the area. She also highlighted the fact that the people were friendly. The attitude of locals can be a deciding factor for some tourists as they may be scared to be judged or feel unwelcome.

“The pace of life is very slow as well, allowing time for family, and personal enjoyment,” Kenny said. She noted that the flow of life in Provence is very slow and relaxed. This way of life is vital in some tourists’ decisions in coming to explore France. Most working visitors want a place to relax and have a peaceful vacation. Provence is another part of  why France is so loved.

Now if some don’t necessarily want leisure and tanning on the beach there is history and culture in other parts of France as well. “I also really enjoyed Normandy,” Kenny said. “One of my favorite places I visited was le Mont Saint-Michel: a tidal island with medieval architecture, great restaurants, and the vibe of a Harry Potter movie.”

This is a destination that would appeal to many people. There are endless traditions and an allure to a historical location like Normandy, another reason why France is the most visited country in the world.

France has so much diversity and many visitors want to experience authentic French culture. Kenny mentioned a popular activity of most Parisians, “one of the best things to do in Paris, that Parisians themselves love to do the most, is have an evening picnic on the Seine. Any night of the week, you will find friends and families sitting along the water, drinking wine and enjoying a charcuterie board as the sun sets.”

This illuminates French culture and the true appeal to experience the life of a Parisian.

France has so much to offer: a city full of culture, quiet beaches, and historical destinations that create amazing experiences for visitors. There is so much authenticity in the country that it creates amazing beauty. To sincerely experience France, you must look beyond the city of love and find the areas that make France truly the most visited country in the world.