France vs Portugal is always a feisty football match. In a similar sense, it is never straightforward when both western European nations are pitted against each other in choosing where to visit. They are on the bucket lists of millions of tourists and are two of the most inviting destinations for travelers. 

Portugal used to be the world’s maritime leader and the longest-lived of the continent’s modern empires. It has a complicated history to study with striking geographic landscapes, turquoise beaches, and a copious gastronomy scene. There is a lot to explore, from natural springs, Fado folk music, whale watching, a chapel made from human skeletons, to a village built from boulders. Portugal will fascinate you.

France, on the other hand, is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. It boasts of rich history, arts, culture, vineyards, beaches, and an enchanting and quaint holiday experience. Whether it is Brittany, Alsace, Provence, Normandy, or any other region in France, you will be dazed at what the country has to offer.

Here is How France and Portugal Compare

World Heritage and Architecture

The two countries have a strong bond between their cultures, geographical location as well as history. As for Portugal, its cultural heritage and the affable, welcoming nature of the Portuguese people have been characterized by African, Asian, and American influences and also by the peoples who resided there before the country was established. 24 sites are classified as World Heritage, including landscapes, monuments, historic city centers, and intangible heritage. 

For example, tiles are a regular characteristic in Portuguese architecture. There is no place in the world where you will find these tiles used extensively to embellish the exteriors and interiors of houses, palaces, churches, and other buildings. There is the National Tile Museum in Lisbon, where you can learn about the history of the tiles. 

Manueline architecture is another heavy feature in the Portuguese heritage credentials. When Gothic cathedrals were being constructed across the continent, Portugal introduced a style in its sculpture and architecture that had elements inspired by the sea and by components of royal authority like armillary spheres. There are also Baroque-styled sculptures you will see when you visit Portugal that is made from precious stones and gold imported from Brazil. The Aqueduct of Free Waters in Lisbon and the University of Coimbra Library are among such works. 

At the moment, 44 French sites have been identified as World Heritage. Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-Sur-Gartempe is a dramatic Romanesque church from the 11th-century featuring wall paintings made around the time. The murals are well preserved, as you will see. The Roman and Romanesque monuments in the city of Arles are also great spots to have a peek into France’s glorious past. They are located in a protected area that measures 65 hectares and includes the Roman Theater, Arles Amphitheater, the Thermes of Constantine, Cryptoporticus and Roman forum, the Church of St. Trophime, Ramparts of the Roman castrum, and the Roman exedra. 

The city of Bordeaux has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in entire France outside Paris. When you visit, do not forget to indulge in some wine tasting sessions as the city is the French capital of wine since the 8th-century. The Banks of the Seine River are one of the romantic sides of Paris. The area is also made up of many significant attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The river and its bank reveal the transformation of France and the architectural masterpieces encircling it. Even though it is tight, I suppose France edges it in who has the most captivating architecture.

>>Also Read: Most Famous Monuments and Landmarks In France

Beaches

Both countries have Atlantic coasts, but only France has a Mediterranean coast. Some of the best beaches in Europe can be found in the two countries, so you will be spoiled for choices for your summer beach vacation options. In France, from the laidback stretches of the northern coast to the charms of Corsica and the shimmering idylls of the Cote d’Azur, you can’t be short of shores to explore and areas to discover. 

Plage de Palmobaggia in Porto-Vecchio, Plage de l’Espiguette in Montpellier, Grande Plage in Biarritz are all amazing places to visit for water sports. Plage de Porticcio in Ajaccio has incredible facilities, cocktail bars, and magnificent views. In St. Tropez, Plage de Tahiti is the perfect place to be if you want to go nude, as it is a spot for nudists. French beaches are either publicly or privately managed. Ensure you follow instructions before heading to anyone.

In southern Portugal, the Algarve is popular among tourists for its perfect 150 beaches. If you want to enjoy your time at the shores, avoid crowded areas and go to the west, where the beaches are often less developed and visited. The less-visited beaches are spectacular for surfing experts and beginners. Praia do Amado on the Costa Vicentina is one of such beaches. 

There is the massive sweep of Praia de Bordeira – one of the best beaches in Portugal. It can be identified with limestone cliffs, great waves, dunes, and kilometers of golden sand. You can windsurf, surf, or bodyboard at Praia do Martinhal in Baleeira’s bay, close to Sagres. After your adventure at the beach, step aside to savor garlic prawns and oysters in the nearby restaurants. As an aside, the French capital city of Paris doesn’t have beaches, but Lisbon in Portugal does.

>>Also Read: Best Beaches in the French Riviera

Food

Talking about cuisine in Portugal, bacalhau (salted cod) has been popular for centuries. Lobster, sardines, octopus, shrimp, robalo, eel, and dorado are other popular fish selections. Roasted suckling pig and goat are popular as well. Foods like rice and potatoes, a blend of salad of lettuce, sliced onions, and tomato all complement meat or fish meals. You are likely to also come across Sopa de legumes made from puréed with carrots and potatoes. When you are invited to a household, you might be served sopa de legumes before lunch or dinner. 

Without a doubt, French cuisine and wine are loved both in France and around the world. And while “French cuisine” is often used to refer to all foods from France, every region boasts of its own styles and specialties, often based on local ingredients. For example, Boeuf Bourguignon (cubed beef cooked in red wine) is native to Burgundy, olive oil is preferred over butter, and local traditional dishes include garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbs (rosemary, basil, and oregano) in Provence, and the Alsace region close to the German border tends to have choucroute (sauerkraut), meat dishes, and other German-influenced specialties.

>>Also Read: Most Popular Traditional French Dishes

Festivals

Portugal and France observe festivals throughout the year, but pandemics can hamper celebrations. In France, the harvest festivals start in September through October. During the time, participants wear traditional ancient costumes and converge at the village or town center where celebrations are held. The atmosphere is charged, and food with booze can be surplus. I recommend that you attend a French festival if you can. It’s an enriching experience to be part of a fete that brings people of all ages together, sharing their joy. Christmas traditions, Mardi Gras, are a few of the many celebrations held in France. 

In Portuguese villages and towns, cultural activities are on queue throughout the year, and they are often about food. There are festivals of olive oil, garlic, wine, cheese, and so on while groups perform traditional songs and dance. In June, celebrations are held in honor of Peter (2th-29th), Saints Anthony (23rd-24th), and Peter (28th-29th). Participants enjoy Caldo Verde (collard greens topped with chourico- a delicious spiced sausage), and sardines are grilled in the streets. Other festivals include Saint Martin’s Day, Christmas, etc. 

>>Also Read: Spain vs. France: Which is Better to Visit?

France vs. Portugal – Summary

From high-class receptions to fascinating arts and cultures, Portugal and France will continue to remain trendy among tourists. Instead of choosing either country, you can design a rich itinerary that features places in both. Considering this post, you will always find dozens of brilliant reasons to make your travel to France and Portugal this year.