France offers far more than sightseeing — it’s a country built for experiences. Whether you’re chasing art, adventure, food, or coastline, here are the best things to do across France, organised by interest so you can build the trip that fits you.
Iconic Experiences (First-Timers’ Must-Dos)
1. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
Every evening, the Eiffel Tower lights up with a five-minute sparkling show on the hour. Best viewed from Trocadéro Gardens or during a Seine river cruise.
2. Explore the Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa and over 35,000 artworks, the Louvre deserves at least half a day. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
3. Cruise the Seine River
A relaxed way to see Paris landmarks — Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower — lit up at night from the water.
4. Visit the Palace of Versailles
Beyond the Hall of Mirrors, don’t miss the sprawling gardens and the Musical Fountains Show, held on select spring and summer weekends.
Food and Wine Experiences
5. Take a Vineyard Tour in Bordeaux or Burgundy
France’s wine regions offer guided tastings straight from the source. Many vineyards near Bordeaux offer day trips from the city with château visits included.
6. Join a Paris Food Tour
Sample fresh croissants, cheese, and wine while walking through neighbourhood markets like Marché d’Aligre or Rue Mouffetard.
7. Take a French Cooking Class
Learn to make classics like croissants, macarons, or coq au vin in a hands-on class — widely available in Paris and Lyon.
Nature and Adventure Activities
8. Ride the Cable Car to Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix
Get panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the French Alps from one of the highest cable car stations in Europe.
9. Walk Through Lavender Fields in Provence
Best experienced between late June and late July in the Valensole plateau — a favourite for photography and slow travel.
10. Cycle Through the Loire Valley
Rent a bike and follow the Loire à Vélo trail past vineyards and châteaux — one of Europe’s most scenic cycling routes.
Things to do in the Loire Valley →
11. Watch the Tides Transform Mont Saint-Michel
Time your visit around high tide for a dramatic view of the island abbey surrounded by water.
12. Hike or Kayak the Gorges du Verdon
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this limestone canyon offers dramatic scenery and some of the most turquoise water in France.
Culture and History
13. Wander Montmartre and See Sacré-Cœur
Explore Paris’s artist quarter, with cobbled streets, street performers, and panoramic views over the city from the basilica steps.
14. Tour a Loire Valley Château
Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau are the most visited, but smaller châteaux like Château d’Amboise offer a quieter experience.
15. Walk Strasbourg’s Petite France Quarter
Half-timbered houses, canals, and (in December) some of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets make this a unique stop.
16. Explore Èze and the French Riviera’s Perched Villages
Clifftop villages like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence combine medieval architecture with sweeping Mediterranean views.
Things to do on the French Riviera →
Coastal Experiences
17. Relax on the French Riviera
From Nice’s Promenade des Anglais to Saint-Tropez’s beach clubs, the Côte d’Azur offers glamour alongside Mediterranean beaches.
18. Discover the Calanques National Park, Marseille
Dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves accessible by boat, hiking trail, or kayak.
19. Explore Corsica’s Beaches
France’s Mediterranean island offers some of Europe’s most striking beaches, including Palombaggia and Santa Giulia.
Shopping and City Life
20. Shop the Champs-Élysées and Le Marais
From luxury flagship stores to independent boutiques and vintage shops, Paris caters to every shopping style.
21. Explore Lyon’s Traboules
These hidden Renaissance-era passageways connect Lyon’s old town streets — a favourite for a self-guided walking tour.
Seasonal Experiences
- Winter: Ski in Chamonix or Courchevel; browse Strasbourg’s Christmas markets.
- Summer: Swim and sunbathe on the French Riviera; walk Provence’s lavender fields.
- Spring: Walk the blooming gardens of Giverny, Monet’s former home.
- Autumn: Join the grape harvest season in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley.
Sample 10-Day France Activity Plan
- Day 1–3: Paris (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Versailles day trip)
- Day 4–5: Loire Valley (château tour and cycling)
- Day 6–7: Provence (lavender fields, hilltop villages)
- Day 8–9: French Riviera (Nice, Èze, Monaco)
- Day 10: Return via Paris
See 7-, 10-, and 14-day France itineraries →
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting the Eiffel Tower and taking a Seine river cruise in Paris is the most popular first-time experience, but Provence’s lavender fields and the French Riviera are strong contenders for a more scenic trip.
Cycling the Loire à Vélo trail, exploring Lyon’s hidden traboules, and hiking the Gorges du Verdon offer a quieter alternative to the major tourist sites.
Yes — the French Alps around Chamonix offer skiing, cable car rides, and glacier visits, while the Gorges du Verdon offers hiking and kayaking, making France a strong choice for both culture and outdoor adventure.
A well-paced 10–12 day trip lets you comfortably combine Paris sightseeing, a wine region visit, Provence, and either the Riviera or the Alps.