PARIS — With 102 million international visitors in 2025, France broke records and formally established its position as the top travel destination in the world. The French Ministry of Tourism announced this accomplishment, which is the first time a country has exceeded 100 million in a single year (an international change in travel).
Even though France has always been popular, something changed in 2025. More tourists, especially from Europe and Canada, started choosing to visit France instead of the United States.
“Travelers today are looking for authentic experiences, not just famous landmarks.”
The average cost of a two-week trip in the United States has nearly doubled since 2020. The number of visitors from North America to France went up by 10%, even though tourism within the U.S. has slowed down. This is because even Americans are choosing international trips over traveling within their own country to experience the “French Art de Vivre.”
Other than Paris: Things to Do in 2026
To help reduce “overtourism” in Paris, France has expanded its attractions as the 2024 Olympics continue to build excitement. The current highlights for travelers go far beyond the Eiffel Tower:
-Cultural Rebirths: Visit the Grand Palais, which has fully opened after major renovations, or check out the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is now open to the public for the second year in a row.
-The Monet Trail: 2026 will be the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet’s death. People are coming to Giverny in droves to see the beautiful scenery that inspired the Water Lilies and to go to interactive shows at the Musée d’Orsay.
-Alpine Adventures: The French Alps now have the Travelski Night Express, a new sleeper train that makes the mountains easier to get to and better for the environment.
Slow Tourism in Brittany: The rugged coastlines of Brittany have become the “it” place for hikers and seafood lovers who want to get away from the crowds and have an authentic experience.
“France is no longer just a destination for Paris lovers; the entire country is becoming an experience.”
The economy is breaking records.
The surge has given the French economy a huge boost, with international sales hitting a record of €77.5 billion. Serge Papin, the Minister of Tourism, called the year a “winning bet” and said that the industry now supports almost 3 million jobs.
France is still the clear winner on the world travel stage, with a mix of history and modernity that the U.S. just couldn’t match this year. France wants to make €100 billion in revenue by 2030.
