Trips to France are at all times particular, no matter which a part of the nation you’re visiting. Whether you’re heading to Paris for a couple of days or planning a street journey alongside the nation’s southern coast, you’ll be spoiled for selection in terms of landmarks and vacationer sights.
The greatest issues to do in France vary from partying in Saint Tropez to mountain climbing in the footsteps of 18th-century customs officers for two,000 kilometers. And there’s a myriad of issues to do in between, together with castles, artwork museums, volcanoes, and, after all, landmarks in Paris.
No matter the place you select to remain or which locations you resolve to go to, you’ll at all times have entry to among the greatest meals and wines in the world. It’s the nation that produced the Michelin Guide, one of the related authorities in the restaurant and journey trade.
From the gorgeous Mont St. Michel in Normandy to the seashores of Côte d’Azur, listed below are all the most effective issues to do in France!
For a first-time go to to France, it’s greatest to remain in Paris. Focus on the highest sights of the capital, that are quite a few and spectacular, and make as many day journeys as you may throughout your keep.
Versailles, Bourges, Champagne, and even Normandy are all comparatively near Paris and might be visited on day journeys both by automobile or public transport.
Best of France Quick Guide
Must See: The Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Bourges Cathedral, Chateau de Chambord Where To Stay: Alcôve Hôtel (Nice), Hôtel La Maison Champs Elysées (Paris), Hôtel Mont-Blanc (Chamonix) Fun To Do: Dune of Pilat, House and Gardens of Claude Monet, Skiing in Chamonix, Mont Saint Michel Day Trips: Bordeaux, French Riviera, Nimes Must Try Foods: Coq au Vin, Ratatouille, Crepes, Pain au Chocolat
Best Things To Do In France
With huge cities, gorgeous seashores, and numerous mountain climbing trails, there’s loads to do in the nation for everybody. Want to spend your journey lounging on the seaside and sipping cocktails? Head to the French Riviera in southern France for probably the most magical expertise.
Do you like mountain climbing and out of doors journey? That shouldn’t be an issue, contemplating that just about a 3rd of France is a forest with too many trails to depend. You may even climb to the highest of a volcano and keep in a village on the foot of the very best summit in the Alps. And for brief metropolis breaks, there’s hardly a greater vacation spot in Europe than Paris, the town of lights and love.
1. Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is a tiny island and commune in Normandy. The island is legendary for 2 issues – the Romanesque abbey on the heart of the island and Europe’s highest tides. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its significance as a Catholic web site.
This is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in northern France, and it’s to not be missed by vacationers in Normandy. I like to recommend combining a visit to Mont St. Michel with a go to to Jersey Island and its gorgeous citadel with secret rooms.
Practical Information
Mont St. Michel is open from 9 AM till 6 PM. Tickets are 11€.
2. Visit The Louvre
The Louvre has managed to carry on to the title of probably the most visited museum in the world for a number of years. Millions of individuals queue in entrance of the glass pyramid for a once-in-a-lifetime probability to see the Mona Lisa in particular person.
What’s unhappy is that many individuals don’t get have a look at Da Vinci’s most well-known work due to the large crowd in entrance of it. Even in the low season, the Louvre is insanely crowded, and getting the most effective spot in entrance of the long-lasting portray is just about inconceivable.
But that’s okay as a result of there are a great deal of different fascinating artworks on the museum.
Venus de Millo, The Wedding at Cana, and The Coronation of Napoleon are among the different iconic artworks on the Parisian museum, and the crowds in entrance of them are a lot smaller. Get the Paris museum cross.
Insider Tip: Head to Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and stroll down the steps to enter the Louvre with out ready in line for hours.
Practical Information
The Louvre is open each day from 9 AM till 6 PM aside from Tuesdays. A regular ticket is 17€.
3. Drink Champagne in Champagne
It’s not champagne if it doesn’t come from the Champagne area of France, and that is the proper alternative to move straight to the supply for the actual deal. Champagne occupies the northeastern area of France and might be simply visited on day journeys from Paris.
The Pressoria Champagne Museum is a deal with for all 5 senses. It incorporates a detailed exhibit on the historical past, manufacturing, and tendencies in champagne making, in addition to tastings.
The Champagne area is residence to numerous wineries, which supply excursions and tastings to guests. By far the preferred one is Moët et Chandon, and different nice wineries to go to are Champagne Taittinger, Leclerc Briant, and Paul-Etienne Saint Germain.
Practical Information
Tours of the Champagne area are organized from many locations in France, however most depart from Paris.
4. Tour The House and Gardens of Claude Monet
The backyard of Monet’s home in Giverny is what impressed his iconic Water Lillies portray. A go to to the artist’s former home is an absolute should for all artwork lovers in France.
Set in Giverny, simply an hour and a half exterior Paris, Monet’s home is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from the capital. The house is adorned with interval furnishings, and the partitions are coated with work from ground to ceiling.
The Garden is so expansive {that a} map is offered to guests to assist them get round. Walking round it’s an journey in itself and my favourite factor about the whole place. We already know simply how a lot it impressed Monet, and simply think about what it may do on your creativity.
Practical Information
Monet’s House and Garden are open from 9:30 AM to six PM from late March till the first of November. Tickets are 13€.
5. See The Dune of Pilat
Set in the Arcachon Bay space of France, the Dune of Pilat is Europe’s tallest dune. It’s like a mini-desert and a surprising pure landmark anybody ought to go to. My favourite factor in regards to the Dune of Pilat is that it’s not extraordinarily well-known, so it’s hardly ever as crowded as among the different well-liked locations in France.
The dune is 100-115 meters tall, relying on the wind. It takes about 10-20 minutes to climb to the highest of the dune from the automobile park, relying in your bodily health. Walking the ridge gives a splendid view of the ocean.
Insider Tip: Kick off your footwear and really feel the sand between your toes as a result of climbing the dune is the best once you’re barefoot.
Practical Information
The Dune of Pilat is freed from cost and accessible by automobile and public transport from Bordeaux.
6. Kayaking in the Verdon Gorge
Verdon Gorge is without doubt one of the most gorgeous pure landmarks in France and a prime vacation spot for mountain climbing, climbing, and water enjoyable. It’s dubbed the “Grand Canyon of France” and gives all kinds of sights and some ways to find its pure magnificence.
It’s even attainable to drive to the highest of the very best cliffs in the gorge and uncover some breathtaking panoramic vistas. Travelers on foot can have enjoyable kayaking, climbing the cliffs, mountain climbing by the gorge, and even paragliding. You may simply spend a number of days right here having enjoyable and discovering the most effective of France’s nature.
Practical Information
Verdon Gorge is most simply accessible by automobile, however public transport is obtainable to the positioning.
7. Tour The Palace Of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in the nation. The 18th-century palace is understood for its gilded residences, fountain present, and the Hall of Mirrors. It’s a giant motive why so many vacationers select to remain in the Versailles commune, which is simply 45 minutes exterior Paris by public transport.
A correct tour of the Palace of Versailles will take a complete day. With greater than 2,300 rooms all through the palace, it’s straightforward to spend hours roaming across the property and marveling on the opulent decor.
Practical Information
Palace of Versailles is open from 9 AM till 5:30 PM. Tickets are 19.5€. Buy tickets on-line for assured admission throughout busy occasions.
8. Go Skiing At Chamonix
Situated on France’s border with Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix is without doubt one of the greatest locations for snowboarding in the nation. With 5 ski resorts in the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps and entry to World Cup pistes, Chamonix is by far the most effective place in France for an energetic winter trip.
Chamonix lies on the foot of Mont Blanc, the very best summit of the Alps. Cable vehicles from the city transport passengers to the mountain slopes for simple entry to France’s greatest pistes. Chamonix can also be nice for mountain climbing, Alpine climbing, mountain biking, and just about the rest you are able to do in the mountains.
Practical Information
The closest airport to Chamonix is the Geneva International Airport, simply 2 hours exterior the city by prepare.
9. Stand At The Top Of The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks on the planet, so naturally, it’s on the listing of the most effective issues to do in France. Climb to the highest of the long-lasting tower to expertise a spectacular view of Parisian rooftops and really feel such as you’re on prime of the world.
It’s a should should you’re in Paris except you’re afraid of heights. The Eiffel Tower is a busy landmark, however the queue to climb it isn’t almost so long as anticipated. Most guests hang around at Champ de Mars, the sprawling park on the foot of the landmark, and simply benefit from the views from there.
For gorgeous pictures of the well-known Parisian tower, head to Rue de l’Université. The charming alley gives an uninterrupted view of the tower, and it’s by no means as busy because the park.
Insider Tip: It’s at all times windy on the tower’s prime ground, so deliver a jacket.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Eiffel Tower are from 11.3€ to twenty-eight.30€. It is open for visits from 9:30 AM till midnight.
10. Learn About Perfume History at Grasse
Situated in the hills above Cannes, Grasse is a city on Côte d’Azur well-known for its fragrance trade. The city is residence to the International Perfume Museum, which homes a captivating exhibit on the artwork of perfume-making over the ages.
It’s fasting to see all of the completely different instruments used for perfume-making all through historical past, in addition to how the containers have advanced. The museum even features a few samples to scent, that are largely staple elements used for manufacturing perfumes.
Practical Information
Grasse is well accessible by prepare rides from Cannes and different cities on the French Riviera. The Perfume Museum is open on daily basis from 10 AM to six PM, and tickets are 6€.
11. Discover French Cuisine
French delicacies is without doubt one of the most influential in the world. It has formed the way in which {many professional} kitchens function and produced the world’s main restaurant information. Michelin stars have turn out to be synonymous with superb eating and excellence, and France is fully liable for that.
A culinary tour of the most effective French dishes is in order for anybody touring in the nation. Personal favorites embody French onion soup, Coq au Vin, Ratatouille, and Quiche Lorraine. Some dishes are skippable, and I’d quite chew on Michelin tires than attempt escargot.
For dessert, I can at all times go for some crepes, macarons, profiterole, or ache au chocolat. I’m getting ravenous simply interested by the scrumptious flaky pastries full of sizzling, melted chocolate. BRB.
Practical Information
The Michelin information recommends Kei (Paris), AM par Alexandre Mazzia (Marseilles), and La Vague d’Or – Cheval Blanc (Saint Tropez) as among the greatest superb eating eating places in the nation.
12. Roman Ruins at Nimes
Set in the Occitanie area of southern France, Nimes is without doubt one of the greatest cities for historical past and structure. Once upon a time, it served as an vital outpost of the Roman Empire, and it’s obtained the Roman Ruins to show it.
The double-tiered Amphitheatre of Nîmes is without doubt one of the prime sights in city. Ancient Roman towers, church buildings, and metropolis gates are additionally scattered all through the town, and a traditional strolling tour of Nimes will help you uncover all of its greatest landmarks.
If you’re already in Nimes, you need to go to Pont du Gard. The spectacular aqueduct bridge dates again to the first century AD, solely half an hour exterior Nimes.
Practical Information
Nimes is located in southern France, an hour and a half exterior Marseilles.
13. Tour Château de Chenonceau
Situated on the River Cher, Château de Chenonceau is a mesmerizing French citadel from the Sixteenth century. The medieval citadel is a superb instance of Late Gothic and Early Renaissance architectural kinds.
Château de Chenonceau additionally redefines the citadel moat, as the whole constructing spans the River Cher. On the northern river financial institution are the sprawling citadel gardens with a maze, and a fine-dining restaurant.
The most well-known attraction on the gorgeous citadel is the gathering of the Old Masters work. Artworks by Rubens, Van Dyck, Tintoretto, and others adorn the partitions of the chateau.
Practical Information
Château de Chenonceau is open for excursions on daily basis from 9:30 AM till 5:30 PM. Tickets are 15.5€.
14. Visit the Bourges Cathedral
Situated in the center of France, Bourges Cathedral is without doubt one of the nation’s most well-known non secular buildings. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed for its outstanding Gothic structure. The cathedral can also be well-known for housing the crypt of Jean de Berry.
Tours of the crypt can be found on daily basis, they usually’re the spotlight of visits to the cathedral. Don’t miss out on the inside of the church both; it’s as extravagant as its High-Gothic exterior, with gorgeous stained glass home windows, vaulted ceilings, and opulent chandeliers.
Practical Information
Bourges Cathedral is open on daily basis from 9:30 AM till 11:30?AM and from 2 PM to six PM. The tickets are 6-12€.
15. Cruise the Canal du Midi
Stretching from Toulouse to Sète, Canal du Midi is one phase of the Canal des Deux Mers, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts beautiful nature, historic cities, and a wealthy historical past, that are greatest found by the canal’s biking trails or on the river.
Canal du Midi accounts for 80% of all river tourism in France. It gives guests the chance to remain in lodge barges and dine in restaurant boats for a novel approach of experiencing France. Water sports activities are additionally widespread in the world, and in addition to biking, Canal du Midi can also be well-liked for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and extra.
Practical Information
Cycling trails following Canal du Midi are accessible at any time when freed from cost. Summer is the busy season, and most eating places and motels are closed for upkeep in the winter.
16. Hike to a Volcano Summit
Auvergne area of France is rural, mountainous, and residential to round 80 dormant volcanoes. The tallest is Puy de Dôme, which is well accessible by mountain climbing trails. Two paths result in the highest of the volcano, and each are really easy, even for inexperienced hikers.
The summit gives spectacular views of the area’s landscapes. There’s even a restaurant right here the place you will get one thing to eat, nevertheless it’s dear. Camping is allowed in the world and is an effective way to find the gorgeous surroundings of Auvergne.
Insider Tip: Bring a windproof jacket as a result of it is rather windy on the summit.
Practical Information
Puy de Dome summit is accessible by trains and strolling paths. The path up the volcano is straightforward and we advocate mountain climbing to economize and have enjoyable.
17. Lounge on the Beaches of Corsica
A ship journey from Nice or Marseilles will take you to Corsica, the gorgeous French island in the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its crystal clear turquoise sea and huge sandy seashores, Corsica is a extremely popular vacation spot for relaxed summer season holidays.
What’s nice in regards to the island is that it appeals to anybody. Whether you’re trying to keep in a five-star resort or in a secluded bay the place you may have a complete seaside to your self, Corsica delivers. The island boasts lovely cities, a sprawling nature park, and tall mountains accessible by mountain climbing trails.
Practical Information
Corsica is accessible by flights and boat journeys from France and different nations.
18. Road Trip Along Côte d’Azur
The French Riviera, also called Côte d’Azur, is the proper excuse to lease a automobile in France. Drive from Nice to Montpellier for days, visiting each city you need on the coast. Cannes, Marseilles, and even Monaco are all wonderful locations on Côte d’Azur, however they’re definitely not the one ones.
This area of France is by far the most effective place in the nation for seaside holidays. With numerous resorts, limitless sandy seashores, and azure blue sea, it’s a small slice of paradise you’ll by no means need to go away.
While the likes of Saint Tropez and Cannes are perpetually busy and crowded, loads of smaller cities provide a extra serene vibe.
Practical Information
The border of the French Riviera is just not outlined legally or formally. It encompasses the whole coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea.
19. Uncover Secret Rooms in Mont Orgueil Castle
Mont Orgueil Castle is a logistical nightmare to go to, and completely definitely worth the problem. It’s located on Jersey, one of many Channel Islands, with ferry entry from Granville and Saint-Malo. Also, the Channel Islands are technically not French soil however are most simply accessible from the northern coast of the nation.
The citadel gives sweeping views of the ocean, with sandy seashores simply minutes from the chateau entrance. But my favourite factor about this citadel are its secret rooms, which really feel like one thing out of an Agatha Christie novel.
The citadel’s exhibit on witchcraft can also be fascinating, as are all of the completely different sculptures discovered inside its partitions.
Practical Information
Mont Orgueil Castle is open on daily basis from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tickets are £16.90.
20. Winter Wonderland at Alsace
Alsace is the area of France on the border with Switzerland and Germany. Strasbourg is the capital of the area, greatest recognized for its historic metropolis heart, Grande Île, which is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The structure and environment of the place are completely different from these in France’s greater cities. They remind me extra of the smaller cities in Switzerland and Germany, which is a direct results of Strasbourg’s place on the border.
This great metropolis can also be residence to the most effective Christmas markets in France, making it a prime vacation spot for a winter journey in the nation.
Practical Information
Strasbourg in Alsace is most simply accessible by prepare from the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport.
21. Thermal Baths at Vichy
Situated in the center of central France, Vichy is without doubt one of the greatest spa cities in France. Visit the city to calm down in the thermal baths and reap all the advantages of the therapeutic waters.
When you’re sufficiently relaxed, head into the previous city of Vichy to see its eclectic structure and Art Deco church buildings. Stroll down the riverfront promenade and benefit from the views of the Allier River, ideally at sundown for probably the most magical expertise.
Practical Information
The airport in Lyon is the closest worldwide airport to Vichy. Trains and buses can take you from Lyon to Vichy in about three hours.
22. Wine Tasting at Bordeaux
The Bordeaux area of France is internationally well-known for producing among the greatest (purple) wines in the world. Tour the area’s greatest wineries, which supply perception into the manufacturing of the completely different Bordeaux wines, in addition to limitless tastings.
Cité du Vin is a museum devoted to winemaking in Bordeaux, well-known for its weird curved constructing. The high-tech exhibition gives perception into the manufacturing of wine, overlaying every part from the variations in the forms of grapes to the aim of the in a different way formed wine glasses.
Practical Information
Cité du Vin Museum is open from 10 AM to six PM (7 PM on the weekends). Tickets are 22€ and embody wine tastings.
23. Hike the GR34
The GR34 is a well-known long-distance mountain climbing path in northwestern France. It stretches for greater than 2,000 kilometers from Mont Saint Michel to Saint-Nazaire, following in the footsteps of the customs officers in the 18th century.
The mountain climbing path traverses the whole shoreline of Brittany, providing spectacular views of the ocean the whole time. This is a path appropriate just for vacationers with expertise in long-distance hikes because it takes a number of months to finish.
Hiking a small phase of the long-distance path is one of the simplest ways to partake in the journey, with out really setting out on a three-month-long journey. Head to Crozon for untouched nature and among the greatest views in western France.
Practical Information
GR34 is a long-distance mountain climbing path of greater than 2,000 kilometers, which takes roughly 85 days to finish in its entirety. Segments of the path are appropriate for fast mountain climbing day journeys.
24. Party At Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is internationally well-known for its nightlife. With many wonderful bars and golf equipment, it’s the most effective occasion city on the French Riviera. And if dancing all night time lengthy is one thing you’d love to do in France, there’s hardly a greater vacation spot than Saint Tropez.
The metropolis can also be well-known for its huge seashores, lots of which function seaside bars and seaside golf equipment so the occasion by no means stops. For tanning, swimming, and partying, Saint Tropez is without doubt one of the greatest locations in France.
Practical Information
Saint Tropez is located on the French Riviera. The closest airport to the town is in Nice.
25. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
Set on a tiny island in the River Seine, Notre Dame is undoubtedly probably the most well-known non secular constructing in France. The church has been well-known for hundreds of years and made much more so after the devastating fireplace in 2019, which destroyed a lot of the church’s roof.
The Notre Dame in Paris is greatest recognized for its stained glass home windows, that are thought of Gothic masterpieces. As one of the well-known landmarks in the French capital, it’s an attraction to not be missed by anybody in Paris.
The unhappy information is that Notre Dame has been closed to the general public because the fires. But it ought to reopen in December of 2024 when most people will once more be capable of see the mesmerizing inside of the cathedral and go to its statement decks.
Practical Information
Notre Dame is at present closed to the general public. The entrance to the cathedral (earlier than the hearth) was 8€.
26. Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is probably the most well-known and vital citadel in France. It was inhabited by French kings and dukes, and it serves as the most effective instance of French Renaissance structure.
The historical past of the chateau is assorted and tumultuous.
It was initially constructed as a looking lodge in the mid-Sixteenth century by Francis I, King of France. During the French Revolution, furnishings from the citadel had been bought. It was deserted for many years, and restoration wouldn’t occur till the nineteenth century.
Today, the chateau is without doubt one of the most well-known vacationer sights in the Loire Valley. Visitors are fascinated by its structure, opulent inside, and wealthy historical past, all of which make it a must-visit vacation spot in France.
Practical Information
Château de Chambord is open each day from 9 AM till 5 PM. Full-priced tickets are 14.50€.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is France A Cheap Place To Visit?
France isn’t essentially an inexpensive place to go to, however touring to the nation on a tighter funds is feasible. Paris is the most costly a part of France; the opposite cities ought to have rather more reasonably priced motels and eating places.
What Is France Famous For?
France is legendary for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Mont Saint Michel, Notre Dame de Paris, and the Palace of Versailles. Champagne, Mont Blanc, and Côte d’Azur are additionally very well-known French locations.
What Are The Three Most Visited Places In France?
The three most visited locations in France are Disneyland Paris, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. All three are located both in Paris or near the capital.
Why Is France A Fun Place To Visit?
France is enjoyable to go to due to its unimaginable range. From sandy seashores to mesmerizing castles, the nation gives one thing to everybody.
Tips And Information For Visiting France
Best Time To Visit
Any season is an efficient time to go to France, and the most effective time on your journey is dependent upon the way you need to spend your time in the nation. For mountain climbing and seaside time, summer season is the most effective season. But France has a light local weather, and the seaside may be very enjoyable in September as nicely, when the crowds are half as giant as in July and August.
Winter is the most effective season for snowboarding in the French Alps and exploring the extra well-liked vacationer locations when the crowds are smaller. Overall, there’s no unhealthy time to journey to France, aside from possibly strikes. Or protests.
Getting There
Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the busiest airport in France, with probably the most direct flights to worldwide cities. Chances are you’ll be touchdown at this airport simply exterior Paris and you may catch a prepare or a bus to central Paris.
Other main airports in France are Lyon Airport, Nice Airport, and Toulouse Airport. Lyon Airport serves central and japanese France, whereas the opposite two provide quick access to the French Riviera and the French Basque nation. The airports in Basel and Geneva additionally provide straightforward connections to cities in japanese France.
Getting Around
Renting a automobile and driving round France is greatest for visiting as many locations as attainable. But should you can’t or don’t need to achieve this, trains will provide help to get round. High-speed trains that develop speeds of 300 km/h function on some routes, so prepare journey is usually sooner than driving.
Buses function on the routes with no prepare connection they usually can take you to the extra distant locations. Taxis are additionally an opinion, though they’re usually rather more costly than prepare and bus tickets.
For visits to islands off the coast of France, ferries are the same old mode of transport. And if you wish to go to Corsica, you are able to do so by both aircraft or ferry.
How Much Time Do You Need
France might be carried out in per week or a month, relying on what you need to do in the nation. For big-city journeys, Paris is the perfect vacation spot.
Anywhere from three days to per week might be sufficient for Paris, however I at all times advocate an extended keep so you may discover extra and go on day journeys. Five to seven days is sufficient for a Côte d’Azur street journey or a seaside/snowboarding trip.
Where To Stay In France
Paris is without doubt one of the greatest locations to remain in France. The capital has so much to supply to vacationers, and it’s centrally situated for simple entry to the most effective sights in northern, central, and japanese France. For Côte d’Azur street journeys and seaside holidays, any city between Nice and Marseilles is an efficient place to remain.
Stay in Chamonix should you’re touring to France in the winter and need to go snowboarding or snowboarding. The resort gives quick access to the French Alps with among the greatest ski pistes in the whole nation. Here are among the greatest motels in France for all budgets:
Choose your base in France fastidiously, in keeping with the sights which can be shut by, particularly should you don’t plan to lease a automobile. Trains aren’t at all times dependable and will affect your plans to journey across the area. Buses are gradual, however that shouldn’t matter an excessive amount of if all of the sights you need to see are near the place you’re staying.
Hopefully, this information to the most effective issues to do in France gives sufficient data that can assist you plan your superb journey to the nation.