Eleven Memorable Activities to Experience in France
Rethink Your French Adventure Beyond Paris
Gawking at a shimmering Eiffel Tower, elbow-to-elbow at the Mona Lisa, and belting out French tunes a la Moulin Rouge might've been your first France experiences - mine too, buddy. But if you're yearning for more than a Paris-heavy tourist trail, you're in luck. France, the globe's most visited country, has a colossal list of activities - and I've seen my fair share after a dozen plus trips!
Hit the powder slopes of the southeast, find your sun in the sultry shores of the Cote d'Azur or willing waves in Corsica, or immerse yourself in historical narratives along Normandy's D-Day beaches or traced atop its secluded island abbey.
And let's not forget the food and wine. Oh, laissez les bon temps rouler! Finding France's joie de vivre is as simple as gobbling up your way through some of Europe's top food cities, like Lyon with its bouchon eateries, or Bordeaux where wine and food pair perfectly. But the culinary adventure doesn't end there. From prancing between lavender blooms to crossing micro-nation borders, this is a collection of the best experiences France has to offer.
Taste your way through an appellation (or two)
"Madame et monsieur, what'll it be?" An oaked Chablis? A light and lively Beaujolais? A criminally good Chateauneuf-du-Pape? No matter your choice, you're embarking on one of France's finest experiences: wine tasting. But don't just raise glasses in crowded tasting rooms; opt for a vineyard visit, a boozy wine marathon, or a night in a winery to fully appreciate the land of award-winning vintners and heavily credentialed sommeliers.
Cruise along renowned appellations such as Bordeaux and Champagne or venture to Alsace, sneakily accessible if you're at Colmar's Christmas markets. The bad news? A designated driver in France is mandatory.
Embark on a river cruise
France is picturesque from every angle, but its beauty is particularly breathtaking as castles and countryside glide by gracefully on a river cruise. Say goodbye to Paris and glide towards Normandy or the Loire Valley for a trip filled with history and natural charm.
First-timers can experience a Seine river cruise from the romantic city. One week will whisk you away from the City of Love to Calvados distilleries, Rouen's magnificent cathedral, and quaint half-timbered houses of Honfleur. Opt for a slightly offbeat journey along the Loire Valley's River Cher, meandering towards the 17th-century Chateau de Chenonceau.
Stay in a chateau
Not ready to set sail? No worries. You don't have to leave the country to upgrade your accommodation game. Experience the luxury of staying in a chateau, and you might be surprised by the affordable prices. Sure, there are some show-stopping chateaux with equally eye-watering prices - a night at Airelles Chateau de Versailles can make a river cruise a bargain! But hunt around for a small, family-run retreat, and you could live like French aristocracy at nearly lemonade prices. Best of all, there are thousands of these beauties scattered across the nation.
See the lavender fields
Ever craved a picture-perfect, vibrant lavender-filled landscape, complete with the sweet scent of blooms and buzzing bees? Make it a reality in Provence's lavender fields, one of France's most-photographed tourist attractions.
Time your visit between late June and early August to see the vivid fields, but be mindful that climate change has caused a shift in when they bloom. If the idea of expensive stays and crowded landscapes doesn't appeal, head to Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes in mid to late June for a peaceful, affordable experience with a splash of lavandin.
Pop to a micronation
Fancy increasing your passport tally? You can! In the south of France, two micronations, Andorra and Monaco, lie within easy reach. While these tiny countries burst with wealth, preparing for an affordable day trip means you won't break the bank!
Monaco, nestled between France's Cote d'Azur, offers a quick train ride from Nice or a lavish helicopter ride from Monaco's famous Monte-Carlo Casino, where I miraculously splurged on my return helicopter ticket! Explore the 15th-century Prince's Palace, stroll pretty gardens, and take in the Formula 1 circuit, which forms the nation's actual roads. For a more unique experience, time your visit for late May or June to score race-day tickets for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Across the border, landlocked Andorra hides away in the Pyrenees, boasting ski resorts and mountains in winter and hiking, sunshine, and duty-free shopping in summer. Luxembourg, on the other hand, is worth lingering in for a night or two, offering enchanting, multi-layered Old Quarters in Luxembourg City.
Escape to medieval villages and towns
Looking to journey off the beaten path in Europe? France makes it a delight with its gorgeous medieval villages and picturesque hilltop towns. Carcassonne, Najac, Semur-en-Auxois, and Fougeres are just a few hidden gems that'll leave you wondering where the rest of the crowds hid. Sample regional delicacies, stroll ramparts, or kayak along the Dordogne – these hidden corners of France are just waiting to be explored.
Linger a little longer in the Louvre
Visiting the Louvre Museum is a must in France, but it might leave you underwhelmed if you only seek the Mona Lisa. This world-class museum requires time to appreciate its thousands of art pieces. If you can only spare a limited time, consider investing in a guided tour to explore the best pieces and learn about the museum's fascinating history.
Eat everything
One of the most compelling reasons to visit France is the food. Expect excellent charcuterie, cheeses, refined cooking techniques, classic sauces, and flakey, UNESCO-listed baguettes. Don't forget the region-specific dishes like Truffade from Clermont-Ferrand and Fine de Claire oysters from Marennes. Tuck in, bon appétit!
Make for Mont St Michel
Mont St Michel is a unique island prized for its monastery, convent, and prison history. Crossing the water-flanked bridge gives an eye-catching entrance to this stunning abbey-crowned island. Spend a night or two in one of the heritage hotels for a once-in-a-lifetime experience - if you can spare the coin! Explore the Gothic abbey, wander the ramparts, and picnic in the gardens. For a truly magical visit, plan around the full moon to witness the tides at their peak, completely isolating the island.
Roadtrip the French Riviera
From the wind-whipped coasts of St Malo to the golden shores of Corsica, France offers unrivaled beaches. The French Riviera – or Cote d'Azur – is undoubtedly the most glamorous and popular stretch. Beginning in Menton near the Italian border and ending near Marseille, this coastal road trip takes you through some of Europe's best beaches, including Menton's pastel seaside homes, Monaco's race track, and Saint-Tropez's trendy scene. Pair your trip with summer sun, sandy shores, and a splash of islands for a perfect French adventure.
Book a city break beyond Paris
Some say Paris is the best city break in France. I'd argue otherwise. While the City of Light is a lust-worthy destination, it's not for everyone. Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and other “smaller” cities offer their own unique charms. Discover art, history, stunning architecture, river strolls, and local markets without the City of Light's crowds or sheer size. Paris may be a must-visit, but don't forget to explore the rest of France.
Additional Resources:
- Southern France: Six of the Best Places to Visit
- 10 Fantastic France Weekend City Breaks (That Aren't Paris)
- 9 Best Places to Visit in Europe in May
- 15 of the Best Places To Visit in January in Europe: Skiing, Snow, Sun...
- 10 Alternative Family-Friendly Holiday Ideas in Europe
- 15 Best Places To Visit in February 2025 in Europe: Sun, Skiing,...
Experience the unique food-and-drink culture by visiting France's top food cities like Lyon and Bordeaux, where you can indulge in culinary delights and pair them with award-winning wines.
Expand your travel horizons beyond Paris and explore the picturesque landscapes of France, whether it's the shores of the Cote d'Azur, the powder slopes of the Southeast, or the historical narratives of Normandy's D-Day beaches.
