Trips to France are all the time particular, no matter which a part of the nation you’re visiting. Whether you’re heading to Paris for a number of days or planning a street journey alongside the nation’s southern coast, you’ll be spoiled for alternative in relation to landmarks and vacationer points of interest.
The finest issues to do in France vary from partying in Saint Tropez to 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, in fact, landmarks in Paris.
No matter the place you select to remain or which locations you resolve to go to, you’ll all the time have entry to a few of the finest meals and wines in the world. It’s the nation that produced the Michelin Guide, one of the vital related authorities in the restaurant and journey trade.
From the beautiful 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 finest 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’ll be able to 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, beautiful seashores, and numerous climbing trails, there’s lots 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 favor climbing and out of doors journey? That shouldn’t be an issue, contemplating that almost 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 middle of the island and Europe’s highest tides. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its significance as a Catholic website.
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 beautiful fort 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 likelihood to see the Mona Lisa in particular person.
What’s unhappy is that many individuals don’t get an excellent take a look at Da Vinci’s most well-known work due to the huge 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 unimaginable.
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 a few of 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 normal 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 right 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 encompasses a detailed exhibit on the historical past, manufacturing, and tendencies in champagne making, in addition to tastings.
The Champagne area is house to numerous wineries, which provide 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 finest day journeys from the capital. The house is adorned with interval furnishings, and the partitions are lined 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 to 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 shocking pure landmark anybody ought to go to. My favourite factor concerning the Dune of Pilat is that it’s not extraordinarily well-known, so it’s hardly ever as crowded as a few of 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 sneakers and really feel the sand between your toes as a result of climbing the dune is the best if 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 beautiful pure landmarks in France and a high vacation spot for climbing, climbing, and water enjoyable. It’s dubbed the “Grand Canyon of France” and gives all kinds of points of interest 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, climbing by means of 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 offered 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 thought for its gilded flats, fountain present, and the Hall of Mirrors. It’s a giant purpose 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 finest 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 lively winter trip.
Chamonix lies on the foot of Mont Blanc, the very best summit of the Alps. Cable automobiles from the city transport passengers to the mountain slopes for simple entry to France’s finest pistes. Chamonix can be nice for 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 practice.
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 high of the world.
It’s a should in case you’re in Paris until you’re afraid of heights. The Eiffel Tower is a busy landmark, however the queue to climb it isn’t practically 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 beautiful 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 all the time windy on the tower’s high 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 house to the International Perfume Museum, which homes an enchanting 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 developed. The museum even features a few samples to scent, that are principally staple components used for manufacturing perfumes.
Practical Information
Grasse is well accessible by practice rides from Cannes and different cities on the French Riviera. The Perfume Museum is open each day 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 best way {many professional} kitchens function and produced the world’s main restaurant information. Michelin stars have develop into synonymous with high quality eating and excellence, and France is solely accountable 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 slightly chew on Michelin tires than strive escargot.
For dessert, I can all the time 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 a few of the finest high quality 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 finest cities for historical past and structure. Once upon a time, it served as an necessary outpost of the Roman Empire, and it’s bought the Roman Ruins to show it.
The double-tiered Amphitheatre of Nîmes is without doubt one of the high 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 permit you to uncover all of its finest landmarks.
If you’re already in Nimes, you have 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 fort from the Sixteenth century. The medieval fort is a superb instance of Late Gothic and Early Renaissance architectural kinds.
Château de Chenonceau additionally redefines the fort moat, as the whole constructing spans the River Cher. On the northern river financial institution are the sprawling fort gardens with a maze, and a fine-dining restaurant.
The most well-known attraction on the beautiful fort 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 each day from 9:30 AM till 5:30 PM. Tickets are 15.5€.
14. Visit the Bourges Cathedral
Situated in the guts of France, Bourges Cathedral is without doubt one of the nation’s most well-known spiritual buildings. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed for its exceptional Gothic structure. The cathedral can be well-known for housing the crypt of Jean de Berry.
Tours of the crypt can be found each day, and so they’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 beautiful stained glass home windows, vaulted ceilings, and opulent chandeliers.
Practical Information
Bourges Cathedral is open each day 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 attractive nature, historic cities, and a wealthy historical past, that are finest 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 be well-liked for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and extra.
Practical Information
Cycling trails following Canal du Midi are accessible every time freed from cost. Summer is the busy season, and most eating places and inns 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 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, however it’s expensive. Camping is allowed in the world and is a good way to find the beautiful surroundings of Auvergne.
Insider Tip: Bring a windproof jacket as a result of it is extremely 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 suggest 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 beautiful French island in the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its crystal clear turquoise sea and huge sandy seashores, Corsica is a highly regarded vacation spot for relaxed summer time holidays.
What’s nice concerning 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’ll be able to have a complete seaside to your self, Corsica delivers. The island boasts lovely cities, a sprawling nature park, and tall mountains accessible by 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, often known as Côte d’Azur, is the right excuse to hire 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 glorious 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, infinite sandy seashores, and azure blue sea, it’s a small slice of paradise you’ll by no means wish to depart.
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 isn’t 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 well worth the trouble. 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 fort gives sweeping views of the ocean, with sandy seashores simply minutes from the chateau entrance. But my favourite factor about this fort are its secret rooms, which really feel like one thing out of an Agatha Christie novel.
The fort’s exhibit on witchcraft can be fascinating, as are all of the completely different sculptures discovered inside its partitions.
Practical Information
Mont Orgueil Castle is open each day 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, finest recognized for its historic metropolis middle, Grande Île, which is assessed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The structure and environment of the place are completely different from these in France’s larger 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 fantastic metropolis can be house to the most effective Christmas markets in France, making it a high vacation spot for a winter journey in the nation.
Practical Information
Strasbourg in Alsace is most simply accessible by practice from the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport.
21. Thermal Baths at Vichy
Situated in the guts of central France, Vichy is without doubt one of the finest spa cities in France. Visit the city to loosen up 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 a few of the finest (crimson) wines in the world. Tour the area’s finest wineries, which provide perception into the manufacturing of the completely different Bordeaux wines, in addition to infinite 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, protecting every little thing from the variations in the varieties of grapes to the aim of the otherwise 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 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 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 the easiest way to partake in the journey, with out really setting out on a three-month-long journey. Head to Crozon for untouched nature and a few of the finest views in western France.
Practical Information
GR34 is a long-distance 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 climbing day journeys.
24. Party At Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is internationally well-known for its nightlife. With many glorious 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 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 finest 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 spiritual 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 many of the church’s roof.
The Notre Dame in Paris is finest recognized for its stained glass home windows, that are thought of Gothic masterpieces. As one of the vital 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 for the reason that fires. But it ought to reopen in December of 2024 when most people will once more have the ability to 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 fireplace) was 8€.
26. Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is probably the most well-known and necessary fort 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 fort had been offered. 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 points of interest 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 affordable 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 way more inexpensive inns 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 effective time to go to France, and the most effective time to your journey will depend on the way you wish to spend your time in the nation. For climbing and seaside time, summer time is the most effective season. But France has a gentle 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’ll catch a practice or a bus to central Paris.
Other main airports in France are Lyon Airport, Nice Airport, and Toulouse Airport. Lyon Airport serves central and jap 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 jap France.
Getting Around
Renting a automobile and driving round France is finest for visiting as many locations as attainable. But in case you can’t or don’t wish to achieve this, trains will enable you to get round. High-speed trains that develop speeds of 300 km/h function on some routes, so practice journey is usually sooner than driving.
Buses function on the routes and not using a practice connection and so they can take you to the extra distant locations. Taxis are additionally an opinion, though they’re usually way more costly than practice and bus tickets.
For visits to islands off the coast of France, ferries are the standard mode of transport. And if you wish to go to Corsica, you are able to do so by both airplane or ferry.
How Much Time Do You Need
France might be performed in every week or a month, relying on what you wish to do in the nation. For big-city journeys, Paris is the best vacation spot.
Anywhere from three days to every week might be sufficient for Paris, however I all the time suggest an extended keep so you’ll be able to 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 finest locations to remain in France. The capital has quite a bit to supply to vacationers, and it’s centrally situated for simple entry to the most effective points of interest in northern, central, and jap France. For Côte d’Azur street journeys and seaside holidays, any city between Nice and Marseilles is an effective place to remain.
Stay in Chamonix in case you’re touring to France in the winter and wish to go snowboarding or snowboarding. The resort gives quick access to the French Alps with a few of the finest ski pistes in the whole nation. Here are a few of the finest inns in France for all budgets:
Choose your base in France rigorously, in response to the points of interest which are shut by, particularly in case you don’t plan to hire a automobile. Trains aren’t all the time dependable and will impression your plans to journey across the area. Buses are sluggish, however that shouldn’t matter an excessive amount of if all of the points of interest you wish to see are near the place you’re staying.
Hopefully, this information to the most effective issues to do in France gives sufficient info that will help you plan your very best journey to the nation.