🇮🇳 Discovering Varanasi – A Spiritual Journey for Visitors from France 🇫🇷

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, offers a deeply spiritual and unforgettable experience to all who visit. For French tourists seeking a profound connection with India’s soul, Varanasi (Bénarès) is more than a destination – it’s a journey into eternity.

🛕 Why French Travelers Are Drawn to Varanasi

Varanasi, located along the sacred Ganges River, is the spiritual heart of India. French visitors often find themselves captivated by:

• The mystical Ganga Aarti

• The maze of ancient temples and ghats

• The intimate rituals of life, death, and devotion

This contrast of intense spirituality and raw humanity fascinates culturally curious travelers from France.

🌅 Key Spiritual Experiences in Varanasi

🔥 1. Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness hundreds of oil lamps, chants, bells, and fire rituals in a moving tribute to Mother Ganga.

🚣 2. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

A serene, surreal experience as the first light falls on the ghats and temples – highly recommended for photographers and spiritual seekers.

🕉️ 3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this Shiva temple is a pilgrimage magnet. Foreign visitors can enter via a special queue (ID required).

🧘‍♀️ Cultural & Soulful Activities

• Learn meditation or yoga at local ashrams

• Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon

• Explore Banarasi silk workshops – perfect for souvenirs

• Enjoy classical music or a sitar recital in a local courtyard

🎨 Tip: Many French travelers love to take short workshops in painting, tabla, or Indian cooking while staying in Varanasi.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Riverside guesthouses with Ganga views in the old city (Assi Ghat, Munshi Ghat)

• Boutique hotels or heritage stays in quieter areas

• Spiritual ashrams or yoga retreats for a meditative experience

🍛 What to Eat

• Banarasi Thali – local vegetarian platter

• Kachori Sabzi – a must-try street breakfast

• Malaiyyo (winter only) – airy saffron milk froth

• Lassi & paan – local refreshments with a twist

✈️ Getting There from France

• Flight route: Paris → Delhi → Varanasi (daily domestic flights)

• Best months to visit: October to March (pleasant weather for walks and boat rides)