The 32 Essential Things to Do in France (By a Local)

As a Paris local, I love spending my weekends exploring all the fun and unique things to do in France.

I’ve put together this list of my favorite activities and attractions around the country. This includes popular places like Mont Saint-Michel, but also hidden gems, like the Île de Ré and Île de Bréhat. This way, you can plan the best trip possible no matter where you stay in France.

Without further ado, here are the best things to do when you visit France!

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Best Things to Do in France

The Eiffel Tower

This iconic landmark is one of the world’s most famous attractions and offers stunning views of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is a classic Paris attraction. But this monument in the Left Banks offers so much more than just stunning views of the city. It’s also a great destination for food lovers.

Diners who want to splurge should go to Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor. Those wanting a less expensive meal can go to Madame Brasserie on the first floor instead.

Eiffel Tower tickets take you to either the second floor viewing platform or the top of the tower. You can take the elevator to either location. You can also climb the stairs to the second floor. Ticket prices vary depending on your age, where you’re going, and how you get there. Note that even those who qualify for free tickets need to book.

I love recommending that visitors come when the tower’s lights go on. To plan your visit around this moment, search for “Paris sunset time + your date.” Then, book tickets around 15-30 minutes before that time. Book them farther in advance if you plan on walking to the second floor.For more tips, read my visitor’s guide to the Eiffel Tower.

👉 Pro Tip: The 7th arrondissement where the Eiffel Tower is located is one of the best places to stay in Paris!

Arc de Triomphe

A classic symbol of France that serves as a memorial and a site for spectacular Parisian views.

The Arc de Triomphe is a classic symbol of Paris. It’s also a memorial to France’s soldiers and one of the best places to see unusual views of Paris.

Wander the outside of the Arc de Triomphe to examine the decorations and carvings. You’ll also see the eternal flame here, between the two parts of the arch. You can buy a ticket to go inside and climb the stairs. Snap a photo of the city from the rooftop!

I definitely recommend seeing the Arc de Triomphe from the outside. It’s grand and impressive! But I find other views of Paris to be more compelling. If you haven’t been up the Eiffel Tower or to Sacré Coeur yet, try those first.

Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles)

The former castle of Marie Antoinette, with acres of gilded treasures to marvel at.

The view inside the hall of mirrors in the central wing of Palace of Versailles — *The famous Hall of Mirrors (photo: f11photo / Shutterstock.com)*

King Louis XIV turned his family’s country home outside of Paris into the huge luxury estate it is today. The Versailles Palace is the perfect place to spend a few hours outside the city — or a few days! The Hall of Mirrors still impresses visitors centuries after its construction.

Outside the main place, the Trianons and the gardens provide more royal history to explore. Check the palace’s schedule, too. Evening performances are occasionally held.

I’ve found the palace to be as overwhelming and incredible as I’d heard! This is also a destination I recommend seeing over two days, if you can. The palace and grounds are just so big that you won’t want to feel rushed.

Note that ticket prices vary depending on the season and what you want to see. It’s cheaper to visit the palace alone. For slightly more money, you can see the estate with a “Passport” ticket. This includes the Trianon Estate and Palace, too. Passport prices are lower between November and March.

Visitors under 18 can visit Versailles for free. However, as with other monuments, tickets are still needed.

Mont Saint-Michel

This iconic island abbey has intrigued visitors for centuries with its architecture.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Take a Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip from Paris

Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island on the Normandy and Brittany border in Northern France. It features an impressive abbey from the Middle Ages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is only accessible by foot from the mainland at low tide.

But the pilgrimage site is worth the trip for history fans! The abbey was an important educational site for centuries. Classical music enthusiasts should also check the event calendar. The Mont Saint-Michel abbey puts on concerts throughout the year.

I recommend combining Mont Saint-Michel with a trip to Normandy or Brittany – or both! The areas have their own rich cultural heritage. For example, check out the Normandy beaches while you’re in the area.

The Loire Valley Wine Route

A wine-tasting route set against the backdrop of the idyllic Loire Valley, which is dotted with castles in the countryside.

The Saumur Castle from afar and a vineyard — *Saumur Castle and vineyard*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Wine and Castles Loire Tour

Wine lovers shouldn’t leave France without visiting the Loire Valley Wine Route. Stay in Nantes, Tours, or Angers, and rent a car or hire a guide. Then, explore the vineyards that offer wine tastings between Chalonnes-sur-Loire and Sully-sur-Loire. The valley itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The best times of year to visit are late spring and early fall. Plan to spend more than one day in the Loire Valley region. The route covers nearly 500 miles, so there’s a lot to choose from!

The author Rachel Kapelke-Dale in front of the Arc de Triomphe

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Hidden Gems

Marché aux Puces

This flea market covers nearly 20 acres, promising treasures and bargains for eager shoppers.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm Mon, 8 am – 12 pm Fri, Closed Tue-Wed | 👉 Book Flea Market Guided Tour with Antiques Dealer Chats

The Marché aux Puces in the Paris suburb of Saint Ouen combines 14 markets over 20 acres. Vintage lovers can find treasures here, but plan your trip accordingly. Visiting the Marché aux Puces involves a lot of walking!

I advise visitors to get a local guide to take them around the market. This is useful if you’re looking for a particular object. A tour guide can also help you connect with sellers and find the best spots in this antique market.

Wandering the market without a plan can also be a great way to find treasures – if you have time. I found a gorgeous Art Nouveau mirror here at an incredible price!

L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes

Stunning stained glass windows in a Romanesque-style abbey that architecture fans will love.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)2 31 30 42 81 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 7 pm Mon-Thu, 9:30 am – 7 pm Fri-Sun | Entrance: €4 adults, €2 ages 18-26, free under 18

L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen is one of the best French attractions if you love history. William the Conqueror founded this abbey in 1063. Its interior is simple, although it does feature stained glass decorations.

L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes has particular importance for those interested in religious architecture. The two churches in the complex contain the first ribbed vaults in France. It also features innovative vaulting.

Pont du Gard

A stunning, impressive, and well-preserved three-story Roman aqueduct.

The Pont du Gard is a three-story Roman aqueduct near Avignon. Visitors celebrate it for its height, as it’s the world’s largest Roman aqueduct bridge. It’s also impressive for its preservation: it dates from the first century AD.

This construction will particularly appeal to engineering and architecture enthusiasts. A guided tour can give you more details and context about this unique construction.

Île de Bréhat

A secluded island escape from mainland France known for its rocky coastlines and water sports.

Aerial view of the Ile de Brehat — *Île de Bréhat, right off the coast of France*

📍 Google Maps

Sailing in Bréhat is one of the best activities in France for water lovers. You can sail quickly because the island is small. You can also take a boat trip tour for a half-day exploration of the island and its surroundings. You’ll see why it’s nicknamed the “Island of Flowers.”

Bréhat can get crowded in the summer. Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit this rocky island. Don’t bring a car: the island is for bicycles and pedestrians only.

Museums & Culture

Louvre Museum

The world’s most famous museum, the Louvre houses some of the world’s most important works of art in an ancient palace.

The Louvre Museum is a must-see for any Paris visitor. Art fans can get lost in the museum for days. But even if you don’t care about art, you’ll find something to interest you in this huge museum. The Louvre has 10,000 works of art on display in its 650,000-square-foot space!

The building is also one of the best places to visit in Europe. Before the French Revolution, it was a palace. Then, artists lived here, using the rooms as studios. Finally, it became a museum in 1793.

No matter what country you’re from, you can visit the Louvre for free if you are under 18. However, you will need an ID. You will also need to get a ticket or book in advance.

📚 Related Reading: Check out our guide to the best time to visit Paris if you want to avoid crowds at popular attractions like the Louvre.

Claude Monet’s House

A peaceful haven of flowers and ponds, Giverny is easily reachable from Paris on a day trip.

Clear blue sky over the House of Claude Monet and its garden — *Monet’s house and garden at Giverny*

Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived less than 90 minutes from Paris in Giverny. Today, visitors seeking solitude or who want to learn more about his art can visit his house and its beautiful grounds. The House of Claude Monet is just a quick day trip from Paris.

Monet’s garden at Giverny contains the water lilies that Monet famously painted. You can see these flowers in murals when you’re back in Paris. The L’Orangerie Museum in the Tuileries has a room filled with them!

Moulin Rouge

An infamous cabaret that hosts two shows a night, entrancing visitors with the can-can.

The Moulin Rouge in Paris is a must-see for many people. You might be a fan of old dance styles like the can-can. You may love cabarets. Or, you may want to see the historic location that director Baz Luhrmann based his 2001 film on!
The Moulin Rouge offers two shows a night, at 9 pm and 11 pm. You can purchase tickets with dinner. Be sure to enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace while you’re there!

👉 Local Tip: Take a taxi home after the show for some added safety in Paris. The Moulin Rouge is in the red-light district.

Explore the Sanctuary at Lourdes

Join the millions of annual visitors discovering this historic religious site in southern France.

View of the candles in front of the statue at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes — *A detail of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes*

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes became famous in the nineteenth century when a young girl had a vision of the Virgin Mary. Since then, the city has become a renowned pilgrimage site for Catholics. It particularly draws those in search of healing. However, it’s also an important historic site in its own right.

The Massabielle Grotto takes center stage as the site of the vision. The spring inside it attracts pilgrims, who drink it or use it for washing. Finally, the Sanctuary includes three basilicas in different styles.

Palais Garnier

A Baroque-style opera house that features ballet and opera performances in its luxurious gilded interior.

Seeing a show at the Palais Garnier Opera is one of the best things to do in Paris — and Europe. The Baroque exterior and interior of the building are stunning in their size, detail, and gilding.

Fans of ballet and opera can see performances between September and July. Be careful when you book your tickets, though. There is another opera house in Paris at Bastille. It is modern and less glamorous.

History Attractions

Chartres Cathedral (Notre Dame de Chartres)

An amazingly preserved cathedral from the 12th and 13th centuries that fans of Gothic art and architecture will love.

The Notre Dame de Chartres from the outside — *Notre Dame de Chartres’ steeple*

Chartres Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see for fans of Gothic art and architecture. This 12th-century Catholic church features impressive sculptures outside. There’s also a labyrinth that is occasionally open to visitors. The exterior and interior of the cathedral are remarkably preserved, given that it’s almost 1,000 years old.

Chartres is only about 50 miles from the French capital, making this an easy day trip from Paris. You can even combine the trip with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (Notre Dame de Paris).

Palais des Papes

A palace and an important example of Medieval architecture that was once the home of Catholic popes.

The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is the perfect destination for Gothic architecture and history. This former palace housed popes in the 14th century. It’s the biggest Gothic building from the Middle Ages.

The Palais also offers cultural events throughout the year. The art exhibitions are particularly notable, including the Festival d’Avignon. This art festival takes place around the Palais’ courtyard every July. Hundreds of performances happen in just a few weeks.

Food and Drink

Lyon Food Tour

The city of Lyon delights visitors with its local dishes and unique takes on classic French meals.

A Quenelle dish served with wine on a restaurant in France — *Quenelle, a typical dish from Lyon*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Lyon Food Tour

Lyon is the food capital of France. Its many restaurants with Michelin stars support this. After Paris, it has the most Michelin stars in France: 20. Lyon is also home to distinctive dishes. Lyonnais dishes include quenelle, coq au vin, and the Salade Lyonnaise.

Those with a sweet tooth should purchase “maroons glacés,” candied chestnuts. These are some of my favorite French treats.

Aix-en-Provence Market

A vibrant market in Provence that offers fresh ingredients that chefs will love.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8 am – 1 pm daily | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Aix-en-Provence Food Tour

Aix-en-Provence is a great destination for art lovers and those seeking a warm climate. But it’s also a great destination for chefs. It has numerous markets, both covered and open-air. The city’s southern location means that its fresh produce is particularly impressive.

Plan on shopping on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday for different market experiences. If you’re in town on another day, don’t worry: the daily market is open at the Place Richelme.

The Champagne Region

A region of rolling hills and charming towns, famous for its sparkling wine.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Champagne Region Half-Day Wine Tour

Sparkling wine fans should plan a trip to Champagne. It takes around an hour and a half to reach the area from Paris. Plan to center your trip in Reims, Épernay, or Troyes if you want to stay longer and explore more vineyards.

The Champagne area is the northernmost area where winemakers can grow grape vines in France. Champagne is an entirely French drink: only sparkling wine produced in this region receives the name “champagne.”

Alsace Wine Route

The unique vineyards of Alsace are perfect for fans of white wine.

Aerial view of the Alsatian vineyards — *Alsatian vineyards*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Alsace Wine Cellar Tour

Wine lovers often focus on the Loire, Bordeaux, and Champagne regions. These are all important, but the Alsatian wine region is a top destination for white-wine lovers. This is an excellent place to find varietal wines. It’s also full of vineyards making great dry rieslings.

The Alsatian wine region makes a great stop on a drive from France to Germany. I suggest using Strasbourg as a base and then driving east to the vineyards.

Unique Experiences

Île de Ré

An island on the West Coast of France with a charming seaside town, perfect for a peaceful French retreat.

📍 Google Maps

Île de Ré is a French island in the Atlantic Ocean that’s the perfect location for water sports. Île de Ré is also a great destination for seeing monuments or just relaxing. It’s one of my all-time favorite summer vacation spots as well as one of my favorite things to do in France.

Check out the 12th-century Abbey des Châteliers if you’re interested in history. The 19th-century Phare des Baleines lighthouse provides stunning views over the island. You can relax on the Conche des Baleines beach afterward.

The Île de Ré is a favorite French vacation spot, so book early for the summer. It makes a great combined trip with the nearby La Rochelle. In fact, this was a combo my study abroad trip took us on one spring!

Fish on the Marseille Coast

Fishing enthusiasts will fall in love with the turquoise waters and portside attractions in Marseille.

Aerial view of the clear water at the Marseille Coast — *The Marseille coast*

📍 Google Maps

The port city of Marseille doesn’t get as much attention as other Mediterranean cities in France. But this is a great location for seafood, swimming, and fishing. The Vallon des Auffes is a fishing area that will take you outside of the town center and let you relax while you fish.

Seafood lovers who don’t want to fish can go to the Vieux-Port market. Here, you’ll find everything from sardines to monkfish (depending on weather and seasonal factors).

Surf the Biarritz Coast

A luxurious coastal getaway, Biarritz offers iconic surfing for beginners and experts alike.

Aerial view of the marina of Biarritz at sunset — *Biarritz at Sunset*

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book Surf Lessons on Biarritz’s Côte des Basques Beach

I spent one of my best summers ever in Biarritz. My only regret? I never surfed there! The city’s known as the French birthplace of surfing. It may even be the first surfing location in Europe.

Today, the city has six beaches where you can surf. Pay close attention to tides!. You can find this information on the city’s website.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, going with an instructor for the first time is a good idea. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the coast. The official Biarritz website recommends Milady Beach, for example, for beginners – but only at low tide.

Seasonal Activities

Skiing in the French Alps

The stunning vistas and varied slopes of the French Alps are a paradise for winter sports fans.

A group of friends having a rest during their ski trip at the French Alps — *A group of friends relaxing mid-ski in the French Alps*

📍 Google Maps

The French Alps are the perfect place for a ski holiday. The most lively ski area is “Les Trois Vallées,” the biggest ski region in the world. It is open from December to April. You can access the highest mountain peak in France, Mont Blanc, from Courchevel in this area.

Athletic non-skiers will enjoy hiking and awe-inspiring views. Meanwhile, the wooden chalets in this area provide the perfect location for a cozy day inside.

Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik)

A lively and joyful annual Christmas market that combines the best of French and German cultures.

Shoppers looking at some products at the Strasbourg Christmas Market — *The Strasbourg Christmas Market (photo: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock.com)*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies each year | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Strasbourg Christmas Markets Walking Tour with Mulled Wine

The Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the best places to do some holiday shopping in Europe. Visit this market during December to check out presents ranging from traditional to bizarre.

Meanwhile, the bright lights, huts, and treats that Strasbourg Christmas Market offers will put you in the holiday spirit. Stop for a glass of mulled wine to warm up on a chilly day.

In previous years, the market opened in the late morning and stayed open until around 9 pm. Each year’s hours may vary, though. Check the official website for updates!

Carcassonne Festival (Festival de Carcassonne)

This medieval village explodes with music, dance, and theatre every summer during the lively Carcassonne festival.

People wearing the traditional costumes during the Carcassonne Festival — *Carcassonne during the festival (photo: david muscroft / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)4 68 11 59 15 | Website | Entrance: Varies by show

Music lovers should head to Southern France in July for the Carcassonne Festival. The festival has been running for the past ten years and attracts around 200,000 viewers per year.

You’ll find 120 performances throughout July at 11 sites. 80 of these are free. Between shows, explore the town of Carcassonne and its charming Medieval surroundings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a performance in the town’s ancient amphitheater.

Parks and Nature

Canal du Midi

A canal that connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which follows a beautiful path through France.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Barge Cruise on the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi is a 17th-century network of waterways connecting the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. It may not appeal to everyone at first. But it is one of the best activities in France for nature lovers as well as engineers.

The Canal stretches for more than 200 miles. A boat tour will take you through the aqueducts, bridges, and other structures that make it up. You can also see medieval French towns and panoramic landscapes along the way.

Brière Regional Natural Park (Parc naturel régional de Brière)

Bird watchers should flock to this Brière park to spot varied bird species in peaceful surroundings.

View at the Brière Regional Natural Park — *The Brière park*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)2 40 91 68 68 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 6 pm daily, 3 pm – 5 pm Sundays and holidays (low season); 9:30 am – 7 pm daily, 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 7 pm Sundays and holidays (high season) | Entrance: Free

Walking through the Brière Regional Natural Park in Brittany is a spectacular experience if you love nature. You’ll see an enormous peat bog with seven islands. You can take a boat out onto the marsh to look at flowers. Witness the will-o’-the-wisps on the water!

This national park is a top destination for bird-watching. Look out for everything from the Eurasian teal to spoonbills and herons.

French Riviera

A glamorous region that offers picturesque beaches, views, and great shopping.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book the Best of the French Riviera Full Day Trip from Nice

The French Riviera has a reputation for its casinos, film festivals, and shopping. But I love it for its beaches. You won’t find better views of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern France. Be prepared for the turquoise water to stun you!

There are lots of great French cities to stay in for your Riviera trip. My favorite is Saint-Tropez. It’s bustling and warm, with a vibrant old town area. Many parts are pedestrian-only, which makes the city feel calmer.

Normandy Coastline

Hikers can seek out challenging and picturesque routes along the picturesque Normandy cliffs.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book From Paris: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Full-Day Tour

The Normandy coastline is perfect for hikers. Some of the best hikes of my life have been on the coastline near Dieppe. The panoramic views are stunning year-round. Take time to lounge on one of the sandy beaches after your hike!

The Normandy coastline is long, but you can’t go wrong. The cliffs at Etretat are famous for their stunning natural formations. The area farther west contains the D-Day landing beaches. The memorials and monuments provide a stark contrast with the natural beauty surrounding them.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes if you plan on walking along the cliffs and beaches. I’ve ruined both sneakers and loafers just strolling here!

👉 Local Tip: Avoid the D-Day beaches in June. Private memorial services take place then. You may not be able to access the beaches at this time.

Family Outings

Disneyland Paris

The French version of an iconic American site, Disneyland Paris is perfect for family entertainment.

Disneyland Paris makes an ideal day trip for families staying in Paris. Only 27 miles from the city, the attraction is easy to visit by car or public transport. If your kids are tired of sightseeing – or you’re Disney fans – it’s unmissable!

You’ll find tons of rides and attractions at the park. Some of its most popular attractions are It’s a Small World and Big Thunder Mountain.

Choosing when to go can be tricky. The park is less crowded from October to April, and ticket prices are lower. Prices also vary depending on the ticket type you buy. Compare dated Family & Friends, dated, and undated tickets for the best deals.

Puy du Fou

A unique theme park that provides historical-themed spectacle shows.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)820 09 10 10 | Website | Hours: Varies by season & show (check calendar) | Entrance: €39.86, adults (in advance; €50.25 without reservation), €28.59, under 18 (in advance; €35.52 without reservation) | 👉 Book Puy de Fou Transport from Paris with Day Ticket

France has some great theme parks. I recommend Puy du Fou for a unique experience. It’s the fourth-most visited theme park in France for a reason. It combines historically themed hotels with 26 shows about history. These feature everything from falconry to gladiators.

The main shows offer electronic translations. Avoid immersive shows if you don’t speak French, though, because these are often not translated.

***

The amount of fun and unique things to do around France is endless. I hope this guide helped you discover something new! For more trip-planning ideas, check out my favorite places to visit in France next!

Best Things to Do in France

The Eiffel Tower

Arc de Triomphe

Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles)

Mont Saint-Michel

The Loire Valley Wine Route

Paris Custom Itinerary

Hidden Gems

Marché aux Puces

L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes

Pont du Gard

Île de Bréhat

Museums & Culture

Louvre Museum

Claude Monet’s House

Moulin Rouge

Explore the Sanctuary at Lourdes

Palais Garnier

History Attractions

Chartres Cathedral (Notre Dame de Chartres)

Palais des Papes

Food and Drink

Lyon Food Tour

Aix-en-Provence Market

The Champagne Region

Alsace Wine Route

Unique Experiences

Île de Ré

Fish on the Marseille Coast

Surf the Biarritz Coast

Seasonal Activities

Skiing in the French Alps

Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik)

Carcassonne Festival (Festival de Carcassonne)

Parks and Nature

Canal du Midi

Brière Regional Natural Park (Parc naturel régional de Brière)

French Riviera

Normandy Coastline

Family Outings

Disneyland Paris

Puy du Fou

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