When you think chic, elegant, classy, and delicious, you think France, right? France is one of the most picturesque, romantic, and culturally rich countries in the world with no shortage of items to add to your bucket list. From traipsing through Paris in a daydream, to eating your way through Lyon, and hitting up the glittering French Alps, the possibilities of your French experiences are endless! In fact, deciding what to do and where to go can be a little intimidating in a country so deceptively diverse…
But if you have any hopes of completing France like it’s a video game side quest, then you’ve got to start somewhere! So here are 30 of the best things to do in France to get you started, dictated by us, les experts.
1. Take a walking tour of Paris’ many mounments
Paris is famous for many things, chief among them the sheer amount of beautiful old and new monuments that dot the city. From the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe to the Sacré Coeur Basilica and Fondation Louis Vuitton, there’s so much to see, and each one will give you a glimpse into France’s history and culture and the ways in which it has evolved as a country.
Make sure you take a tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views of the Haussmann architecture that are worth the workout, and don’t miss any of Paris’ many, many, museums, which cover art, heritage, and culture. The great thing about Paris is that it’s not that big either, and it’s super well connected, so you can easily cross these monuments off your bucket list during your walking tour!
Image source:Contiki
2. Cycle like you’re part of the Tour de France
Whether you’re a pro cyclist or someone who enjoys a leisurely pedal in the city, France’s many trails will welcome you with open arms! Cycling is truly one of the best ways to see France and capture its natural beauty, and with over 60,000km of marked cycle routes you have plenty of options. The Loire Valley and Burgundy are particularly popular areas for this activity, though you can keep it chill and spin around Paris’ cobblestone streets or along Marseille’s ocean-fronts. The choice is yours! But please wear a helmet.
3. Canoe and hike in l’Ardèche
The Ardèche region is located in the southeast of the country and it looks like a chunk has been pulled out of Croatia or Albania and grafted onto France. Which is to say, it’s absolutely gorgeous, with a climate slightly more on the arid side and rocky foliage-covered gorges and emerald waters.
Many people come to the Ardèche when they’re in need of a nature retreat or an active-wellness trip, and you should too! You can hike along the Païolive Woods, go deep in the Orgnac and Chauvet caves, and canoe or kayak down the clear waters of the Gorges de l’Ardèche. The latter is an especially popular activity, and you really cannot miss it – you won’t forgive yourself!
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4. Gawk at prehistoric art in the Dordogne
You may not know this, but France is littered with prehistoric art (some of it is found in the aforementioned Chauvet cave!), and the most impressive exposé of this is in the Dordogne region in Lascaux.
La Grotte de Lascaux was discovered back in 1940 when two boys randomly stumbled upon it – what a find – and it was later revealed that the cave paintings date back 17,000 years, created by the Cro-Magnon people. Here you’ll be able to see several different art styles depicting mammoths, bison, horses, people, etc. La Grotte de Lascaux is impeccably preserved and a visit here is easily one of the best things to do in France, not to mention unique and educational! The accompanying Lascaux museum will answer the many questions you’re sure to have and fill your brain with even more awesome knowledge.
Dordogne itself is stunning as well and peaceful, so we’d definitely recommend spending a few days in the area!
5. Go to the Cannes Film Festival
Every year for two weeks, Cannes is filled with creatives, actors, directors, and writers from all over the globe attending the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and you can walk the red carpet alongside them! This is obviously one of the best things to do in France, so what are you waiting for?
Not only will you get a taste of fame, you’ll also get to watch critically acclaimed films before their release date and make all your friends jealous, but also enjoy Cannes’ gorgeous weather and sites. With white beaches and ports filled with pearly boats, Cannes is one of the crowning jewels of the French Riviera, and it’s the perfect place to indulge in all of life’s pleasures.
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6. Get merry at the Alsacian Christmas Markets
Is there anything more magical than a Christmas spent cradling a cup of delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine in a twinkling market selling delicate handicrafts, your nose as red as Rudolph’s from the cold? No, there is not. While the south of France stays quite temperate in the winter, the north gets cold and even sees snow some lucky years! It’s here that you’ll find some of the cutest Christmas Markets in Europe, specifically in the Alsace region which borders. Germany.
Strasbourg, which used to belong to Germany during WW2, has retained some of that Bavarian charm with beamed-houses and a true love for the festive season. Marvel at the very tall and very ornately decorated trees and go crazy at the stalls buying whatever trinkets bring you the most joy. We would also highly recommend taking a trip down to Colmar, which is pastel and adorable (and the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle!).
7. Head north for some Moules Frites
Want to visit the north of France but don’t want to brave the cold? No worries, it’s just as beautiful in the summer and a stand-out activity is visiting Lille and gorging yourself on mussels. Moules frites, as it’s called, is a dish synonymous with the north of France and Belgium. It’s simple: mussels steamed and marinated in a succulent white wine broth, and not-too-thin not-too-thick cut fries served with a dusting of salt on the side. Moules frites are really quite elegant, actually (minus the sticky fingers and the slurping sounds that ensue).
The best time to eat Moules frites is during the annual Braderie de Lille, which is the biggest flea market in Europe, and takes place in September. As you meander through the market stalls which occupy approximately 60% of Lillie’s streets, not only will you find some really unique treasures, but also enormous piles of iridescent mussel shells! These get cleaned up later in the day of course, but during La Braderie’s opening hours they serve as a mark of the millions of people that have passed through.
8. Sip some real Champagne at a picnic
Not to sound pedantic, but unless you’re in the Champagne region, your golden fizzy drink isn’t real champagne. So, you’ll have to take the trip here, where the vineyards sprawl for miles and miles and the green and white grapes glint in the sun. This is THE perfect place for a romantic picnic (or platonic). A baguette is mandatory of course – some charcuterie wouldn’t hurt – and real champagne is the best way to do it. Enjoy a picnic overlooking one of the vineyards, or in the heart of one of Champagne’s idyllic towns.
9. Spend the day eating in Lyon
Lyon is known to be one of the most gastronomically rich cities in Europe, and it is often named the capital of gastronomy in France, which is a very hefty title to hold! You’ll find Michelin-star rated restaurants at every corner, or you can try one of Lyon’s quintessential ‘bouchons’. These are restaurants found exclusively in Lyon, which serve traditional Lyonnaise cuisine like sausages, coq-au-vin, and pâtés.
Top tip: visit Lyon during the gorgeous Fête des Lumières for a show alongside your meal!
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10. Explore the Paris Catacombs
If you’re in the mood for a spooky attraction, then one of the best things to do in France is to make your way to the Paris catacombs. The catacombs basically span the entirety of Paris, and they house the remains of over six million people. Definitely not an experience for the squeamish or those afraid of ghosts, bones and skulls line the walls of the corridors you’ll be walking through, along with a few stone plaques giving you more information about the history of this place.
11. See Mont Saint-Michel
Over on the western coast of France is dramatic Normandy and Bretagne, two stunning regions which are home to blustery and rainy weather, but wild and rugged landscapes. One of the most interesting attractions here is the Mont Saint-Michel which used to be a monastery and houses a gravity-defying abbey.
The most interesting part about the Mont Saint-Michel is that it sits on an island that appears to be rising out of the water like magic, and is only accessible during low tide. When the tide is out you can drive over and explore the charming town and enjoy some classic Normand sea-salt caramel treats.
Image source:Contiki
12. Take a Medieval walking tour in Reims
One of the wonderful things about France is how old it is. Anywhere you go, you can trace back the history of the land and the people and you can learn so much – and one such place to do this is in Reims, just north-east of Paris. Reims used to be a major city in the Roman Empire and was founded by the Gauls – so it’s very old! The Basilique Saint-Remi, Palais du Tau, and the Cathédral Notre-Dame de Reims are some stand-out sites in the city which you will have to stroll past on your educational journey. Yes, there is also a Notre-Dame de Paris, but the one in Reims looks exactly the same and has a few less tourists buzzing around.
13. Swim in the creeks of Marseille
Marseille, one of France’s edgier cities, is characterised by the old port and a Byzantine church, as well as a lively football community. But, if you head just a few minutes out of the main city you’ll find the Calanques, Cassis, and Cap Canaille (try saying that 5 times fast!) which have been dubbed some of the most beautiful places in Europe! These creeks are both the deepest blue and the clearest turquoise, and while they do give way to the Mediterranean, they’re quite secluded and calm. Coming here to take a dip is 100% one of the best things to do in France.
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14. Wander lavender fields in Provence
Maybe it’s because of the soothing properties of lavender, maybe it’s all for the ‘Gram, but either way you’ll find yourself drawn into these purple fields of bliss sooner or later! Provence is as famous for these lavender fields as The Netherlands are as famous for their fields of tulips, and both are breathtaking!
Don your flounciest linen outfit and run through the violet rows like you’re in the middle of the most dramatic scene in the movie of your life. While you’re in Provence, you can also indulge in a little shopping spree and pick up many lavender-based goods, ranging from soaps, moisturisers, and even candies!
15. Relax in the Old Town of Nice
Though Nice is notorious for its first-class beach scene, that’s not all there is to discover in this gorgeous sea-side city. Take a dip in the ocean, lounge in the sun, but once you’re all beached out, you should take a tour of Nice’s Old Town. This is one of the prettiest places to wander along the French Riviera, and has its fair share of cafés and boutiques so you can shop and snack at the same time.
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16. Spend a weekend at a French Château
A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without a taste of luxury, and boy do we have luxury for you! Visiting Contiki’s Château de Cruix in the bougie wine region of Beaujolais is definitely something you need to add to your bucket list.
Vineyard views and wine tastings, sunrise yoga and pool days, fresh and local homemade meals, and a hidden club thumping through the night. You can get a taste of the regal life that graced France’s history, and also a taste of modern luxuries (like indoor plumbing!) for the best of both worlds. A weekend at a French Château will make quick work of all your worries and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in France.
17. See the Pont du Gard
One of Europe’s most famous bridges, Le Pont du Gard, is yet another remnant of the Roman Empire in France, and it looks like a version of the Colosseum if it was unrolled and stood up flat. With two levels and arches in between, it’s a must-see, and the unique and impressive architecture of this bridge will really leave you in awe.
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18. Tour the battlefields of WW1 and WW2
Being as old as it is, France is littered with history and the clues and remnants of it, dating as early as modern history. If you’re a WW1 or WW2 (or both!) buff, then there are two areas in particular you should visit.
Omaha Beach in Normandy was the landing site of US forces during D-Day, a battle which changed the tides of WW2, and which has been depicted in many films like Saving Private Ryan. You can stroll the beach listening out for the solemn whispers of the past, and visit many museums which can deepen your knowledge.
If you’re interested in WW1 memorials, the Northern part of France, stretching from Dunkirk to Somme, is where you want to head. From the Lochnagar Crater, to countless cemeteries and memorials which lay to rest and honour soldiers from France, the UK, the US, Australia, and many more, as well as battlefields that nature has reclaimed but still hold the weaving pattern of trenches, there’s a lot to do.
This is a sobering sort of tourism, but a very interesting kind as well.
19. Visit Monet’s house and his beautiful water lillies
Known for many things including gastronomy and fashion, France is also heralded as the home of many brilliant artists, and one such artist is water-lily obsessed Monet.
Many of us have fallen in love with his impressions of his lush garden, willow trees, and ponds, and you can fuel this love even more by actually visiting Monet’s house and getting a glimpse of the real deal! Hop on a train from Paris and head to Giverny where you can view Monet’s world and spend a peaceful afternoon amongst the glorious landscapes he called it’s home. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Spring as this is when the garden will be at its brightest and best.
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20. Road trip along the French Riviera
Celeb spotting, yacht ogling, swimming in the stunning waters – it’s a life we could get used to. The French Riviera is filled with pastel coloured cities and towns, all home to the most charming views, brilliant sunsets, and the most perfect summer vibes. Some of these locations, like Cannes, Nice, or St. Tropez can do a number on the wallet, but you can balance out the cost by staying in Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer, or Èze. Either way, the luxurious vibes of this coastal destination are more than worth the temporary financial strain!
21. Soak in the Corsican sun
Yes, the Greek Islands are lovely, but have you ever experienced Corsica? This island just off the south coast of France is sunny, beachy, and heavenly: when you visit Corsica you’re basically in another world – it doesn’t even feel like Europe!
Enjoy the food, the total relaxation, the white beaches and the blue waters begging for you to indulge, and the glaring sun that’ll provide endless warmth. Corsica is located just above Sardinia as well, so you can always hop on a boat to the Italian island and knock two bucket list countries off in one!
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22. Go on a wine cycling tour in Burgundy
French wine is divine, duh, and there’s nothing like completing your own Pour de France through the French countryside. With rolling vineyards and storybook streets, the Burgundy region was made to explore on two wheels (and also safer if you’ve had a glass or two…).
Stop by local vineyards and enquire about the business, how the wine is made and which grapes are best as you sample an array of bottles. This is your chance to up your viticultural knowledge and wow all your friends back home next time you go out for a fancy dinner!
23. Visit the Festival d’Avignon
England may have Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon, but France has Avignon and a cracking theatre-filled festival that you just cannot miss. Started in 1947, the Festival d’Avignon’s goal was to bring to the stage both known and unknown playwrights from France and the rest of the world, and to introduce their stories and artistry to the younger generations.
This is still what the Festival d’Avignon is about today, but it has grown exponentially, and draws in massive crowds every year. The festival has since been opened to film and dance, as well as musicians and acrobats, and even circus performers; so if you choose to visit you’ll be treated to plenty of dazzling live entertainment. The best part? Many of the live shows take place on a stage in the heart of Le Palais des Papes, an outdoor amphitheatre akin to those found in Ancient Greece and Rome.
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24. Ski down the Alps
Ski lovers flock to the Alps for a reason: it’s one of the most stunning and pristine ski areas in the world, and with stations dotted all over the mountains, with adorable chalets and vibrant Après scenes to match, you’re totally spoiled for choice. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, there’s a slope or a mountain for you, and you can spend hours and hours gliding over the perfect snow, getting lost in the Alps.
Popular stations include Chamonix, Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, and La Plagne – but that’s only a small dip in a very large pool.
25. Catch a sight of the white Camargue ponies and flamingos
France isn’t exactly known for its wildlife experiences, therefore most people don’t travel here for that reason. But, if in between all your croissant eating and small-village merriment you find that you’re missing our fluffy friends, you should head down to Camargue. This is a southern coastal region of France, sat just between Marseille and Montpellier, and where Camargue salt comes from – a coarser kind of table-salt.
Camargue is a delta region with many rivers and flats, and along these rivers and flats you can find wild white ponies galloping freely, as well as flamingos! It’s sort of an odd pairing, but a whimsy one that’s sure to make a great Instagram photo and bring you lots of joy to look at. Camargue is also home to the Pélerinage des Gitan, which is a homecoming festival for people who define themselves as ‘stateless’ and arrive on the back of these white ponies, wading through the salty water.
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26. Shoot back in time at Château Chambord
With plenty of old ruins and castles to visit, it can be hard to plan your French itinerary. We’re here to tell you that you really can’t go wrong with touring the castles in the Loire region, specifically the Château Chambord – it’s simply one of the very best things to do in France. Versailles is pretty stunning and iconic, but there’s just something about the white walls and dark turrets of Château Chambord which makes it that much more impressive.
No matter what angle you view it from, your jaw will drop, though we really recommend facing it front and centre for the full effect: rows of manicured hedges, a bright empty blue sky, and the perfectly symmetrical structure ahead. It’s kind of insane, and this is only the exterior! It looks like it was ripped straight out of Bridgerton or Beauty and the Beast – and there’s even a semi-moat!
27. Experience a French Cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge
And finally, on this list of things to do in France, we’ve saved one of the very best for last!
There are so many amazing shows to see in France but the Moulin Rouge is right at the top – complete with great food and wine of course. This is a classic Contiki experience as we’ll take you and your newest travel buddies to enjoy a full evening of feathers, dancing, singing, music, and stunts, on your next trip to Paris.
Though you won’t spot Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman singing emotional renditions of ‘Come What May’, it’s arguably one of the most magical nights you’ll ever spend in your life, so get ready to soak it all in, take plenty of pictures, and fill up your brain will sparkling memories!
