Intro
When it comes to planning your ultimate French adventure, there is no shortage of incredible sights and experiences to discover.
From the iconic landmarks in Paris to the charming cities scattered throughout the country, France is a destination that promises to enchant and delight travelers of all kinds. In this guide, we will
explore the best things to do in France, including where to meet in Paris and other must-visit spots across the country.
Exploring the City of Lights – What to Do in Paris
Diving into the heart of France, Paris stands as a beacon of culture, history, and gastronomy.
This vibrant city, often dubbed the “City of Lights,” encapsulates the essence of French sophistication and charm.
For those wondering what to do in Paris, the city unfolds as a treasure trove of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires.
Embarking on a journey through Paris, the Eiffel Tower rises majestically as the city’s most celebrated monument.
Its iron lattice structure not only symbolizes French artistic ingenuity but also offers breathtaking views of the cityscape from its summit.
A visit here, especially at twilight when the tower is aglow, is quintessentially Parisian.
Another cornerstone of Parisian culture is the Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum.
Home to thousands of works, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a testament to humanity’s artistic achievements through the ages.
Art enthusiasts and history buffs could spend days wandering its halls, immersed in the narratives of civilizations past.
Not to be overlooked, the Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
Though it suffered damage in a recent fire, its restoration efforts symbolize the resilience and enduring legacy of Parisian heritage.
Visitors are often captivated by its intricate facades and the peaceful ambiance of its interiors.
For those seeking to experience the local Parisian lifestyle, a stroll along the Seine River is highly recommended.
The riverbanks, lined with historic buildings and charming bookstalls, offer a picturesque setting for an afternoon walk.
Additionally, exploring the narrow streets of Montmartre reveals a bohemian world where artists and poets find their muse, and where the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers panoramic views of Paris.
Paris, with its blend of monumental landmarks, artistic treasures, and quaint corners, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its unique allure.
Each step through this city not only uncovers the grandeur of Paris landmarks but also reveals intimate moments and stories that resonate with the spirit of exploration and discovery.
The 7 Best Places to Visit Beyond Paris
France’s allure extends far beyond the glittering lights of Paris, encompassing a diversity of landscapes and cultures across its regions.
Each destination offers its own unique slice of French life, promising unforgettable experiences. Here’s a glimpse into the 7 best places to venture to beyond the capital:
1. **Nice**: Nestled on the French Riviera, Nice boasts a stunning coastline with pebbled beaches and azure waters. Its vibrant markets, Italian-influenced architecture, and the famous Promenade
des Anglais invite visitors to bask in its Mediterranean charm.
Art enthusiasts will revel in the Marc Chagall National Museum, housing one of the most significant collections of Chagall’s works.
2. **Bordeaux**: A haven for wine enthusiasts, Bordeaux is synonymous with some of the finest
wines in the world. Beyond its vineyards, the city impresses with its neoclassical architecture and the reflecting pool at Place de la Bourse.
The Cité du Vin, an avant-garde museum, explores the history of wine across civilizations and continents.
3. **Lyon**: Renowned for its culinary artistry, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture in Vieux Lyon, and a vibrant cultural scene.
The city is a gastronomic delight, offering a mix of traditional bouchons and innovative cuisine.
4. **Carcassonne**: Step back in time in this medieval fortress town in the Languedoc region.
Carcassonne’s massive fortified walls and fairy-tale turrets seem plucked from a storybook, offering a glimpse into the Middle Ages.
The town is also a gateway to the region’s vineyards and the serene Canal du Midi.
5. **Cannes**: Beyond its famed film festival, Cannes exudes luxury with its designer boutiques, palatial hotels, and sandy beaches.
Take a stroll along La Croisette to soak in the glamorous atmosphere or venture to the Lerins Islands for a tranquil escape.
6. **Toulouse**: With its distinctive terracotta-brick architecture, Toulouse shines in the Midi-Pyrénées region.
Known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City), it’s rich in history and space exploration, home to the Cité de l’Espace theme park and a vibrant student population that enlivens its cafes and bars.
Culinary Adventures – Meet in Paris and Beyond
France’s culinary landscape is as diverse and rich as its cultural heritage, offering a plethora of dining experiences that cater to every palate.
The capital city, Paris, is a veritable playground for food enthusiasts, where the art of cuisine is celebrated at every turn.
Here, you can indulge in classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and decadent pastries that have become synonymous with Parisian gastronomy.
The city’s array of bistros, cafes, and high-end restaurants provide the perfect setting to savor
these delights, whether you’re looking for a casual meal by the Seine or a sophisticated dining experience in a Michelin-starred establishment.
Venturing beyond Paris, each region of France boasts its own unique culinary traditions and specialties that reflect the local culture and history.
In Provence, the air is perfumed with the scent of herbs and lavender, and the cuisine features
fresh, Mediterranean flavors with dishes like socca and salade niçoise. Burgundy, on the other
hand, is famed for its rich, hearty fare, including beef bourguignon and coq au vin, accompanied by some of the world’s most renowned wines.
For those keen on exploring the depths of French cuisine, participating in a cooking class offers a hands-on way to learn traditional techniques and recipes.
Many regions, from Alsace with its Germanic influences to the seafood-rich coasts of Brittany, offer
cooking workshops that not only teach you how to prepare local dishes but also immerse you in the regional culture and lifestyle.
Additionally, food tours provide a curated experience of local markets, artisanal producers, and hidden-gem eateries, guided by experts who share their passion and knowledge of French food.
Engaging in these culinary adventures allows travelers to connect with the essence of French culture, where food is not just nourishment but an art form to be shared and celebrated.
Whether you’re meeting friends for a leisurely lunch in Paris or exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, the flavors of France promise to enchant and inspire.
Discovering the Best Cities to Visit in France
As you journey through France, you’ll quickly discover that each city has its own unique charm and allure, beckoning travelers to explore its streets, history, and culinary delights.
France’s tapestry of cities extends well beyond the illustrious Paris, inviting visitors to uncover the rich diversity that defines this storied country.
Venturing into Lyon, you’re met with a city that prides itself on being the gastronomic capital of France.
Its vibrant culinary scene is matched by the historical depth of the Old Town, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here, ancient Roman theaters whisper tales of the past, while the Renaissance district, Vieux Lyon, boasts a labyrinth of traboules – hidden passageways that once served silk merchants.
Marseille, nestled along the Mediterranean coast, offers a different slice of French life.
As the country’s oldest city, it is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, reflected in its dynamic food markets and the bustling Vieux Port.
The call of the sea is strong here, with the Calanques National Park providing a spectacular backdrop for hiking and swimming adventures.
Toulouse, with its signature terracotta bricks that glow a warm pink at sunset, offers an intriguing mix of old and new.
Known for its role in aerospace, the city is also steeped in history, featuring the stunning Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of the largest remaining Romanesque buildings in Europe.
The Garonne River adds a picturesque charm, perfect for leisurely strolls or cycling along its banks.
Each of these cities, with their distinct personalities and offerings, contributes to the mosaic that makes France an endlessly fascinating country to explore.
From the culinary excellence of Lyon to the historic port of Marseille and the pink hues of Toulouse,
France’s cities beckon with the promise of discovery and enchantment, making them indispensable stops on your French adventure.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: Places to Visit in France
Venturing beyond France’s bustling cities and iconic landmarks reveals a treasure trove of hidden gems that capture the heart and soul of the country.
Among these lesser-known destinations, the Alsace region beckons with its storybook villages,
such as Eguisheim and Riquewihr, where winding cobblestone streets are framed by vibrantly colored half-timbered houses.
These villages, nestled among rolling vineyards, offer a glimpse into Alsace’s rich history and a taste of its renowned wines, like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
In the south, Provence seduces visitors with its idyllic landscapes and sensory pleasures.
Beyond the famous lavender fields that bloom in radiant hues of purple each summer, Provence is home to the Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as France’s Grand Canyon.
Here, the turquoise waters of the Verdon River cut through steep limestone cliffs, creating a paradise for kayakers and hikers seeking spectacular natural scenery.
The Dordogne region, known for its pastoral beauty, is another must-visit for those looking to
uncover France’s hidden jewels. With its enchanting medieval towns like Sarlat, prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, and tranquil rivers perfect for leisurely boat rides, the Dordogne offers a
captivating journey back in time.
For a truly unique experience, the Camargue, a natural region located at the Rhône River delta, showcases wild landscapes unlike any other in France.
Famous for its white horses, pink flamingos, and sprawling salt flats, the Camargue provides a
stark contrast to the urban elegance of Paris or the sun-drenched Riviera, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems and natural beauty that France harbors.
Exploring these hidden gems allows travelers to connect more deeply with the varied tapestry of French culture, landscapes, and history.
Each destination, with its unique charm and story, enriches the journey, making every discovery a cherished memory in your French adventure.
Why SkyScanner is Your Go-To for Budget-Friendly Flights to France
Embarking on a journey to France doesn’t have to strain your wallet, especially when it comes to airfare.
SkyScanner emerges as a formidable ally for travelers eager to discover the myriad of things to do in France without breaking the bank.
This platform stands out for its robust search capabilities, which meticulously scour through an
extensive array of airlines and travel agencies to present you with the most cost-effective flight options available.
One of SkyScanner’s most compelling features is its flexibility. Whether you’re pinpointing exact dates for exploring landmarks in Paris
or seeking the best cities to visit in France with open travel dates, SkyScanner accommodates your search preferences.
This adaptability is a boon for travelers with flexible schedules, allowing them to capitalize on the lowest fares by adjusting their travel dates accordingly.
Moreover, SkyScanner is designed with the savvy traveler in mind, offering tools like price alerts that keep you informed about price changes for your chosen destinations.
This proactive approach ensures that you’re always in the loop about the best time to book, maximizing your savings and letting you allocate more of your budget toward immersive
experiences in France, from meeting in Paris to uncovering hidden gems across the country.
For those planning their French getaway, whether it involves marveling at Paris landmarks or venturing beyond to the lavender fields of Provence, SkyScanner provides an invaluable resource.
Its user-centric platform simplifies the flight booking process, making it a seamless task to find flights that align with your travel aspirations and budget.
With SkyScanner at your fingertips, the dream of exploring France’s beauty becomes an
accessible reality, paving the way for an adventure that promises both enchantment and affordability.