Feb 23 • 07:24 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

France Maintained First Place in Tourism – Record 102 Million Visitors

Over 100 million foreign visitors traveled to France in 2026, solidifying its status as the world's top tourist destination.

In 2026, France welcomed more than 100 million foreign tourists, a 2 million increase from the previous year, as reported by the tourism development agency Atout France. The international tourism revenue reached €77.5 billion, highlighting France's dominance as the most popular tourist destination worldwide. Key attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur continue to draw millions to Paris each year.

European tourists made up the majority of visitors, with nearly 15 million arriving from Germany and Belgium, over 13 million from the United Kingdom, and 9 million from Switzerland. Among non-European visitors, the largest groups came from the United States and Canada, indicating the global appeal of French culture and landmarks. The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Chartres Cathedral, located about 80 kilometers from the capital, were among the most visited sites.

The increasing number of tourists reflects the ongoing trend of digitalization in tourism, with tools such as mobile applications enhancing the visitor experience. Tour guides and interactive translations are becoming commonplace, allowing tourists to engage more deeply with the history and significance of sites like the Chartres Cathedral, where an app explains the symbolism of its stained-glass windows. This trend underscores a growing intersection between technology and traditional tourism, promising a more engaged and informed visitor experience in France's key attractions.

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