Popular Destination Names — French destinations

La Tour Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower

In French, 'tour' means 'tower'. It's a feminine noun, hence 'la'.

A global icon of France, the Eiffel Tower was initially criticized but is now a beloved landmark.

La Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral

'Notre-Dame' means 'Our Lady', a reference to the Virgin Mary.

Located in Paris, it's one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Le Musée du Louvre

The Louvre Museum

Remember 'musée' for 'museum'; it's masculine in French.

Home to the Mona Lisa, it was originally a royal palace before becoming a museum.

Le Château de Versailles

The Palace of Versailles

'Château' can mean 'castle' or 'palace', and here it's masculine.

Famed for its Hall of Mirrors and gardens, it's a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.

Le Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel

'Mont' means 'mount', a term for a hill or mountain.

A magical island topped by a medieval monastery, it's surrounded by mesmerizing tides.

La Côte d'Azur

The French Riviera

'Côte' means 'coast', and it's feminine ('la').

Known for its beautiful beaches and glamorous lifestyle, it attracts the rich and famous.

Les Gorges du Verdon

The Verdon Gorge

'Gorges' is plural and feminine, so it's 'les' for 'the'.

Often called the 'Grand Canyon of Europe', it's great for hiking and kayaking.

La Cité de Carcassonne

The City of Carcassonne

'Cité' means 'city', specifically a historical one.

A medieval fortress renowned for its extensive ramparts and castle.

Les Arènes de Nîmes

The Arena of Nîmes

'Arènes' is plural, hence 'les'. It refers to ancient Roman amphitheaters.

Better preserved than Rome's Colosseum, it still hosts events today.