France has an almost unfair share of the world's great experiences — Renaissance châteaux, Michelin-starred restaurants, sun-soaked beaches, prehistoric caves, and the most visited city on earth. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to discover a new region, these are the best things to do in France that will stay with you long after you've come home.
1. Climb the Eiffel Tower, Paris
No trip to France is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889, Gustave Eiffel's iron masterpiece remains the most visited paid monument on earth. Take the lift to the summit for a 360-degree panorama over Paris, or walk up to the second floor for a more active experience. Evening visits are magical — the tower sparkles with lights every hour after dark.
Tip: Book tickets online well in advance — queues without pre-booked tickets can be 2–3 hours long in summer.
2. Explore the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum, housed in a former royal palace on the banks of the Seine. Home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo among tens of thousands of other works. A focused 3-hour visit with a plan is far more rewarding than trying to see it all.
3. Drive or Cycle the Alsace Wine Route
The Route des Vins d'Alsace winds for 170 km through some of France's most scenic countryside — vineyard-covered hills, half-timbered villages, and medieval castles above the Rhine plain. Stop at family-run wineries to taste exceptional Riesling and Pinot Gris. The route is best explored in autumn when the leaves turn gold and harvest is underway.
4. Wander Provence's Lavender Fields
In late June and July, the Luberon plateau in Provence transforms into a sea of purple lavender — one of the most iconic sights in Europe. The villages of Sault and Valensole are surrounded by the densest lavender fields. Combine a lavender drive with visits to the hilltop village of Gordes, the ochre village of Roussillon, and the weekly markets in Apt and Lourmarin.
5. Visit the D-Day Beaches, Normandy
The beaches of Normandy — Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword — are among the most historically significant sites in the world. The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach, is profoundly moving. The nearby town of Bayeux houses the extraordinary 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman Conquest of England in 70 meters of embroidered cloth.
6. Cruise the Loire Valley's Châteaux
The Loire Valley contains over 300 châteaux, making it one of the densest concentrations of historic architecture anywhere in the world. Château de Chambord alone has 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. Rent a bicycle to glide between châteaux along the flat riverside paths, stopping at vineyard tasting rooms along the way.
7. Eat Your Way Through Lyon
Lyon's claim to be the gastronomic capital of France is hard to argue with. The city's traditional bouchons (small bistros) serve classics: quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings), andouillette sausage, and tarte aux pralines. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is the city's iconic covered market, named after the legendary chef who put Lyon on the world culinary map.
8. Hike in the French Alps
The French Alps offer some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery, with hiking trails for all abilities. The Tour du Mont Blanc — a 170 km route circumnavigating Western Europe's highest peak across France, Italy, and Switzerland — is one of the world's classic long-distance hikes. In winter, Chamonix, Val d'Isère, and Courchevel are among Europe's premier ski destinations.
9. Take a Cooking Class in Paris or Provence
French cuisine is a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, and taking a cooking class is one of the most immersive ways to connect with French culture. Paris has dozens of excellent cooking schools offering half-day classes covering everything from croissant-making to classic sauces. In Provence, market-to-table classes often begin with a morning visit to a local market before cooking a seasonal lunch.
10. Visit Mont Saint-Michel at High Tide
Mont Saint-Michel is one of those rare places that genuinely exceeds expectations. The tidal island — crowned by a Gothic abbey and surrounded by Europe's highest tidal range — changes character completely with the tide. At high tide, the granite rock appears to float above the water; at low tide, you can walk across the sandy bay to the island with a guided group.
11. Explore the Prehistoric Caves of the Dordogne
The Dordogne valley contains the highest concentration of prehistoric sites in Europe. The Lascaux cave paintings — dating back 17,000 years — are considered the Sistine Chapel of prehistory. The original cave is closed to preserve the art, but Lascaux IV offers a faithful full-scale replica with an impressive modern museum.
12. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, Nice
Nice's famous Promenade des Anglais runs for 7 km along the Bay of Angels. Early morning on the Prom is a joy — locals jog, cyclists cruise, and the light on the sea is extraordinary. Follow the promenade east to the colorful Old Town (Vieux-Nice), with its Baroque churches, fresh-pasta shops, and daily flower market.
13. Taste Wine in Bordeaux
Bordeaux's wine country — divided into prestigious appellations like Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Margaux, and Sauternes — is one of the world's great wine destinations. The medieval village of Saint-Émilion, surrounded by limestone plateau vineyards, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux city is a spectacular museum dedicated to wine culture worldwide.
14. Explore Strasbourg's Old Town
Strasbourg's Grande Île is a UNESCO-listed island in the Ill river, packed with half-timbered Alsatian houses, the soaring Gothic Cathédrale de Strasbourg, and the charming La Petite France quarter. It's equally beautiful in summer and winter, when the city hosts one of Europe's oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets.