Ainsi, les trésors historiques ne sont pas tous des attractions touristiques. Avec de vastes étendues de désert pour les aventures en 4x4, des récifs de classe mondiale dans la mer Rouge et des épaves pour les plongeurs, et la navigation sur le célèbre Nil, il y a beaucoup de choses à faire en Égypte pour tous les types de voyageurs.
Les amateurs de plage se rendent dans le Sinaï ou sur la côte de la mer Rouge pour profiter du soleil, tandis que les amateurs d'archéologie s'en donnent à cœur joie à Louxor.
Le Caire est la grande ville incontournable en matière d'agitation urbaine, tandis que l'oasis de Siwa et la ville d'Assouan, au sud, offrent une tranche de campagne au rythme lent.
Avec tant de choses à voir et à faire, l'Égypte offre aux visiteurs la possibilité de créer des itinéraires qui combinent culture, aventure et détente, le tout en un seul voyage.
Planifiez votre visite grâce à notre liste des principales attractions et lieux à visiter en Égypte.
Pyramides de Gizeh
Another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the pyramids of Giza are one of the most famous monuments in the world. Having amazed travelers through the ages, the tombs of the pharaohs Khufu (Khufu), Khafre (Khafre) and Mycenos (Menkaure), guarded by the mysterious Sphinx, are usually at the top of the lists of tourist attractions to be seen in Egypt by most visitors, it is often their first sight after landing.
Today, on the edge of the desert that stretches all the way to Cairo, these rock-cut memorials to the dead pharaohs are as impressive as ever and are the highlight of any trip to Egypt.
Luxor temples and tombs
The city of Luxor, on the banks of the Nile in Upper Egypt, is known for its Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and the monumental Temple of Hatshepsut, and is full of tourist attractions.
It is the ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sites than most can see in one visit.
The east side of Luxor is home to the modern city with its bustling market. Temples of Karnak and Luxor. And the museum. The lush farmlands and barren cliffs of the West Bank are home to the vast majority of Luxor's tourist attractions, with so many tombs and temples called the world's largest open-air museum.
Spend a few days here exploring the colorful mural art of the tombs and admiring the monumental columns of the temples, and you'll understand why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.
Sailing on the Nile
Egypt is defined by the Nile. For many visitors, a multi-day cruise on this famous waterway that marked the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their trip to Egypt.
Sailing the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the riverside temples on the road between Luxor and Aswan, as well as the sunrise and sunset on the palm-fringed banks backed by sand dunes, one of the most tranquil views in Egypt.
Two popular sites on a Nile cruise are the temple of Kom Ombo and the temple of Horus at Edfu, where all the big cruise ships stop.
If you prefer a less crowded and slower experience, and don't mind being a little "rough around the edges," you can also cruise the Nile in feluccas (traditional Egyptian wooden boats with late navigation), which also allow you to create your own itinerary.
Many of the tourist boat routes leave from Luxor and Aswan, but a felucca can only be rented for multi-day trips from Aswan.
Aswan
The quietest city in Egypt is Aswan, located in the meandering Nile River. Backed by orange-hued sand dunes, it's the perfect place to stop and relax for a few days and enjoy the cool weather.
Take the river ferry through Elephantine Island and walk through the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. Then ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simon on the east side of Aswan. Afterwards, relax in one of the river restaurants while watching the late sailing ships pass by.
Be sure to hop aboard a felucca at sunset to sail around the islands of Aswan. This is by far the most popular activity in Aswan and the most relaxing way to enjoy the local landscape.
There are many historical sites here and many temples nearby, including the temple of Philae on its island, but one of the most popular things to do in Aswan is simply to relax and watch the life of the river.
Abu Simbel
Even in a country adorned with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. It is the great temple of Ramses II, decorated with huge standing statues on the outside, and inside it is luxuriously frescoed.
Famous for its rocky proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible engineering feat implemented by UNESCO in the 1960s, which saw the entire temple moved from its original location to prevent it from disappearing under the rising waters of the Aswan Dam.
Today, to explore Abu Simbel is as much to admire the triumph of this international effort to save the temple complex as it is to admire the interruption of Ramses II's own amazing construction work.
Diving in the Red Sea
Beneath the surface of the Red Sea, there is another wonderful world of temples and tombs on the ground.
The coral reefs of the Red Sea are popular with divers for the exposed soft corals and the large amount of marine life, ranging from colorful reef fish and wormholes to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays and even dugongs.
For divers, the most popular city to stay is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, which is closest to the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as the reefs of the Strait of Tiran.
For snorkeling at the Gubal Strait sites, head to Hurghada or El Gouna on the Red Sea coast, while advanced divers should visit the resort of Marsa Alam, the closest "deep south" dive site to Egypt.
In addition to fish life and coral reefs, the Red Sea is a major destination for wreck diving. The most famous wreck is the Thistlegorm, a World War II British freighter that was on its way to resupply Allied forces when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941.
Divers now consider the site one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the massive shipments of cars, motorcycles and WWII memorabilia that can be seen scattered on the seabed around the wreck and inside the ship itself.
Diving boat trips to the wreck are organized from Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
Discover Islamic Cairo
The narrow, atmospheric alleys of the capital's Islamic quarter of Cairo are filled with mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools of education) and monuments dating from the Fatimid to the Mamluk periods.
This is where you'll find the labyrinthine market of Khan El Khalili, where pottery makers and artisans still have their small workshops and stalls full of ceramics, textiles, spices and perfumes.
Surrounding the souk is a set of muddy roads, home to some of the finest preserved architecture of the ancient Islamic empires.
There is a rich history to explore here. Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque, and be sure to climb to the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best panoramic views of the minarets scattered around the area.
South Sinai beach life
The South Sinai region of Egypt, on the Sinai Peninsula, offers a beach for every type of traveler.
Sharm El Sheikh is a European-style resort filled with luxury hotels, international restaurants and many entertainment options. Many resorts here are favorites of Europeans on winter sun vacations, serving families on a break from the sun and sand for a week or two.
Dahab is a discreet beach town with a budget heart for the traveler, who enjoys travel and adventure in the desert as much as the sea. Particularly popular for its cheap snorkeling offerings and the lake area where windsurfing and surfing are the main activities.
On the coast, between the coastal town of Nuweiba and the border town of Taba, are bamboo huts that offer a complete escape from everything from beach life to basic living.
Saqqarah
Everyone has heard of the pyramids of Giza, but they are not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve. A day's drive from Cairo, Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids used in all eras of Pharaonic rule.
It is best known for the Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how ancient Egyptian engineers developed their engineering knowledge to eventually create a true pyramid figure.
There is much to see outside the Step Pyramid, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, displaying some of the best tomb paintings you will see in the country.
Nearby, the Dahshur Pyramid site is home to the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, which should be included in any visit to Saqqara.
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a treasure trove of the Pharaonic world and one of the largest museum collections in the world. The pale pink palace in central Cairo houses an impressive amount of exhibits.
It's a foggy place, with few visible markings and a sorely lacking weather system. Instead, every corner you turn here is home to magnificent works of art or ancient sculptures, which would be the highlight of any other museum.
The museum's star collection is the collection of golden treasures found in Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
Travelers should note that the Egyptian Museum's fortunes are being transferred to the new Great Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, near the pyramids, which is scheduled to open temporarily (after years of delay) in November 2022.
The Great Egyptian Museum (GEM) will finally present this world-class collection with a dignified display, and all of Tutankhamun's treasures, many of which have been preserved for years, will finally be on display.
White Desert
Egypt's most stunning natural wonder is the White Desert National Park in the Western Desert, just south of the Bahariya Oasis. Here, surreal chalk peaks and massive boulders dominate the desert plateau, creating a spectacle resembling icebergs and trapped in the middle of a sandy landscape.
This picturesque environment looks like something out of a science fiction movie and is a favorite destination for desert 4x4 trips and overnight camping, both of which are the easiest to arrange at Bahariya Oasis.
For desert lovers and adventurers, this is the most exotic playground, while all those who have been filled with temples and tombs will enjoy this incredible natural spectacle.
Alexandria
Alexandria has a history that many others cannot match.
Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, and a rebellious Mediterranean city of razzmatazz for most of his life, this sea-facing city has an inviting atmosphere that has become unbeatable.
Although some historical remnants of its illustrious past still remain, Alexandria's long seaside corniche road leading to its fortress (which sits on the site of the famous ancient lighthouse) remains a favorite summer destination for Egyptians to enjoy the cool sea breeze . as well as foreign visitors.
Underwater archaeological projects here have brought interesting exhibits to Alexandria's museums. The Modern Library of Alexandria is a contemporary interpretation of Alexandria's famous ancient library, and a handful of the city's historical attractions include the site of the atmospheric catacombs.
Temple of Abydos
The Temple of Osiris at Abydos is one of the most fascinating artistic treasures of ancient Egypt.
The temple, begun by Seti I, sits in the middle of a vast cemetery site where archaeological excavations are underway. There are many other temple remains to see here, but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit.
Its colonnaded halls, adorned with papyrus columns, contain some of the best reliefs in Egypt, with various scenes depicting the pharaoh and the gods of ancient Egypt.
Because the temple is located north of Luxor, it is not on the main route of the Nile cruise ships, so it receives fewer visitors than the sites of Luxor Temple itself and the temples adjacent to the Nile to the south. This means that you often have the chance to walk the temple corridors with a few other site visitors.
Siwa Oasis
Siwa, located in the secluded western corner of the Western Desert, is an invigorating respite from the hustle and bustle of Egyptian cities. This wonderful little oasis, surrounded by palm groves and numerous hot springs, is one of the most picturesque areas of the Western Desert.
Siwa is centered around the ruins of a vast adobe castle, known as the Shali Fort, which dominates the view, while the remains of various temples, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area. .
This is the best place to relax and take a slow walk for a few days, as well as an excellent starting point for planning adventures in the surrounding desert.
St. Catherine's Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's is located at the foot of Mount Sinai, amidst the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.
This desert monastery houses an impressive collection of religious icons, art and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as a burning bush.
For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also includes a hike up Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise or sunset. Take the Camel Trail for an easy route or climb the famous Penance Steps if you want better views.
The Beaches of the Red Sea
Egypt's Red Sea coast offers stretches of sand for travelers who want to get away from temple viewing.
During the winter, the resorts scattered along the beach surrounding Hurghada come to life when European families arrive for a tourist vacation.
The big advantage of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast rather than one in the Sinai Peninsula is that you are a short distance from Luxor, so it is the best place to visit for beach life if you still want to see some of Egypt's most beautiful sites.
Hurghada and El Gouna are the main producers, while the smaller town of Marsa Alam, which is still under development, is further south.
Coptic Cairo
The Cairo district, known as Coptic Cairo, is one of the most important Christian sites in the country.
Originally the citadel of Babylon, dating from the conquest of Egypt by the Achaemenid Empire in 525 BC, this area is home to the oldest church, synagogue and mosque in Cairo, as well as the excellent Coptic Museum which houses the largest collection of Coptic art in the world. . Christian Art and Antiquities.
Part of the walls of the Babylonian fortress, which was restored and enlarged under Roman rule, still stands and forms the entrance to the area.
Don't forget to visit the hanging church, which has an impressive collection of icons and was built half on a Roman-era water wheel (hence the name of the church). Then walk through the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, which, according to local tradition, was built on the site where the Holy Family lived with the infant Jesus in a shelter after King Herod fled.
Near the Ben Ezra Synagogue is famous for being the site where the cache of the Geniza documents was discovered.
A short distance from the Amr ibn al-Aas Mosque, it was built by the commander of the Arab-Muslim army (and later the first ruler of Egypt) after the conquest of Egypt.
Valley of the Whales
Wadi al-Hitan is located in the Faiyum region, a fertile depression fed by ancient canals and surrounded by desert.
Faiyum itself, with its Quran Lake, Tunisian pottery village, and pharaonic ruins scattered throughout the hinterland, is a fun place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here in the nearby desert is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi-Hetan .
Amidst the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a huge fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (Basilosaurus and Dorodontus) has been discovered, which has greatly helped humans understand the evolution of whales.
Some of the finds have been preserved on site, with walking trails from the visitor center to the sites of the skeletons sitting in the middle of the sand.
In the visitor center itself, a museum dedicated to the site does an excellent job of explaining the importance of Whale Valley, displaying many of the other finds from the site, including an 18-meter long Basilosaurus whale skeleton.
Temple of Hathor
The Temple of Hathor at Dendara was built in the late Pharaonic period and expanded during the Roman period, although Dendara itself was an important center of worship as early as the ancient Egyptian period.
The trip here is well worth a day trip from Luxor, as the temple's youth (compared to other Pharaonic temples) means that it is one of the most surviving temples in Egypt.
The sculptures and decorations here are in excellent condition. In particular, in the Hall of Columns, built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped with the heads of the Egyptian god Hathor and the emperor's frescoes honoring Egyptian deities.
Dendera is located outside the city of Qena, 80 kilometers north of Luxor.
Monastery of Anba Antonios
Nestled in the rugged mountains of the northern Red Sea coast, St. Anthony's Monastery has been in operation since the fourth century and is still home to some 120 monks.
The Church of St. Anthony, in the castle-like complex, has an interior of secco frescoes considered to be one of the most important collections of Egyptian Coptic art in the world and dating from around the 11th to 12th centuries. The church also houses the shrine of St. Anthony (the father of monasticism) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Egyptian Coptic Christians.
The monks give tours of the monastery that include visits to the church and some of the monastery gardens, as well as the opportunity to go out and walk on the monastery walls.
St. Anthony's Monastery is located in extreme isolation. If you do not have your own transportation, the easiest way to get there is to hire a driver from Cairo or Hurghada.