The world's most popular destination is France. Discover the reasons behind its attractiveness.

Contrary to popular belief, the United States is not the most visited country globally; instead, it is France that holds this title.

In 2019, 90 million international tourists visited France, contributing 8% to the country's GDP, as per the French ministry of foreign affairs. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of tourists decreased significantly, and revenue from visitors to France was reduced by half in the first seven months of 2020.

The United States and France share similarities in their abundance of mountains, wineries, famous sights, and dramatic coastlines, with a wine-making heritage that dates back thousands of years. Spain ranks second in tourist numbers, with 83.5 million in 2019, while the United States follows closely behind with 79.3 million, according to the World Tourism Organization.

CNBC reported that France is easily accessible from neighboring European countries, is relatively small, and has a certain "je ne sais quoi" - something that you can't quite put your finger on - according to those who know the country well.

Something for everyone

An eight-generation vineyard and business exists in the Urville region, where vines were first planted around 2,000 years ago during Roman times.

Charline Drappier, who works alongside her family in managing the Champagne Drappier label, stated that the vineyard attracts a large number of visitors from the United States, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Germany. She emphasized that people are drawn to France due to its vast selection.

You can explore a small part of the world and experience cultural or natural diversity," she said in a phone interview with CNBC. "Everyone finds something unique to discover about France, whether it's in its history, the Alps, the beach, the wilderness, or cultural interests.

According to Virtuoso Vice President Misty Belles, based in Washington D.C., France is one of the most popular destinations for clients of the travel agency network, with good airlift and rail service being a factor, but not the only one.

The allure of France lies in its delectable cuisine, rich culture, stunning landscapes, and the emotions it evokes. France's diversity and ease of travel make it an attractive destination.

Belles, who has visited France over 20 times, considers Paris a personal highlight and admits, "I reach a point when I'm away too long and my soul misses Paris."

Pau, with its stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains, is one of Drappier's favorite places in southwest France. She describes it as "very authentic" and recommends wine bar Les Papilles Insolites as a must-visit.

During the first year of the pandemic, Drappier, her husband, and baby daughter embarked on a road trip through Le Massif Central, a mountainous region in the south that she was unfamiliar with. The remote Aubrac region stood out to her as a highlight. She recommended Restaurant Serge Vieira, which boasts two Michelin stars, for its stunning views of the countryside. Additionally, she suggested Le Suquet, which made headlines in 2018 when chef Sebastian Bras relinquished his three Michelin stars, citing the pressure to maintain such high standards.

La Coorniche, a hotel designed by Philippe Starck and located on the site of a 1930s hunting lodge, is a "gem of a place" that Drappier recommends. Additionally, she suggests visiting Alice Cap Ferret, a bookstore and wine merchant nearby.

Practical and emotional appeal

Michael Baynes, a real estate agent from the U.K. who moved to France 15 years ago, is also fond of Cap Ferret, a residential area that stretches about two miles along a finger-shaped peninsula. He describes it as "very chichi" and popular with French people on vacation.

According to Baynes, France is highly organized to welcome guests due to its efficient transportation system. He stated that France has excellent roads, making it easy for guests to travel by train, road, or aircraft. As a result, France is well-positioned to receive guests from all over the world.

The majority of businesses in France are small- or medium-sized, with 99.9% having fewer than 250 employees, according to the OECD. Baynes stated that many of the smaller hospitality firms are family-run and of high quality. He added that if one is looking for high-quality bedrooms in the Bordeaux region, they will find a list of excellent options. These businesses are often family-run and excel in providing terrific food as well.

Baynes, who is based in the Dordogne region, said that he moved to France almost 15 years ago and has not looked back. His real estate firm, Maxwell-Baynes, sells luxury homes in southwest France to clients from various countries, including France, America, and Israel.

La Rochelle, a small beachside city in western France, is at the top of Baynes' list of places to visit due to its high ratings for shopping, restaurants, beaches, and affordability compared to other places. The islands of Ile de Rey and Ile d'Oleron, which are connected to La Rochelle by bridge, are great for cycling and seafood, and are relatively unknown to many, according to Baynes.

He enjoys the sophistication of Cannes, a location where one can wear a special jacket for special occasions or put on a coat during winter.