10 Best Things to Do in France

Paris’s Eiffel Tower has been dazzling visitors since 1889. The top floor of this magnificent, iron structure is an impressive 276 metres high, providing panoramic views over the French capital. Gustave Eiffel’s iconic landmark is most spectacular in the evening when it sparkles with golden lights from top to bottom, making it a great spot for a romantic date night. Enjoy a drink at the top floor champagne bar before indulging in delicious French cuisine on the lower levels.

To avoid long queues, book your e-ticket in advance and use Entrance 2 (East) when you arrive. It’s often much quieter than Entrance 1 (South). Don’t forget to visit the souvenir shops and Gustave Eiffel’s office while you’re here.

The Louvre Museum lies in a former royal palace in central Paris. Step into Ming Pei’s magnificent glass pyramid and enter a breath-taking world of art. You’ll discover stunning sculptures including the Venus de Milo, as well as spectacular paintings such as the Mona Lisa. Everything is neatly arranged so you can tour the sections you prefer, whether it’s artefacts from Ancient Egypt, busts of Roman emperors or masterpieces by French Impressionist painters.

You’ll likely need an entire day (and more) to visit the Louvre, so it’s a good idea to check out the website beforehand to plan your trip. Access is free for under 18s (and for EU residents under 26), so be sure to take ID with you.

Disneyland Paris is a sprawling theme park to the east of the French capital. If you love the buzz of white-knuckle rollercoasters, Big Thunder Mountain is a popular choice, and there are plenty of rides for little ones, including Slinky Dog and Dumbo rides. Kids will love the meet ‘n’ greets with Mickey and Minnie, and having their photo taken with the dastardly Darth Vader.

Take in a lively show or a colourful parade, then enjoy one of the themed restaurants and the many boutiques. Be sure to install the Disneyland Paris app on your phone before visiting, as there’s a useful interactive map and you’ll be able to check out live waiting times for the rides.

The châteaux of the Loire Valley are scattered over 330 km from Chalonnes, in western France, to Sully-sur-Loire, located 2 hours south of Paris. There are over 300 magnificent castles in this region, some dating back as far as the 10th century, with many built during the Renaissance era. If you love spectacular architecture, fascinating history and beautiful, landscaped gardens, why not spend a day at one of the royal châteaux?

Château de Chambord is a popular choice with its fairy-tale charm and packed event calendar. Or why not explore Château de Saumur with its amazing, panoramic views over the valley? Admission to some of these majestic châteaux is by reservation only, so make sure you check online before visiting.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a stunning island, just 1 km off the Normandy coast. Towering over the surrounding bay, with its pyramid-shaped, Gothic-style outline, it’s a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the winding, cobblestone street right up to the top and you’ll discover a beautiful Benedictine abbey perched on high.

As you stroll back down, you can stop off at the dozens of gift shops and boutiques lining the street, and the delicious aroma of French cuisine will tempt you into the many restaurants and crêperies. You can take the shuttle bus from the main car park to the island, but if you’re feeling energetic, the walk (just over 2 km) offers some spectacular views of Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay.

The Provence lavender fields and hilltop villages will take your breath away with their beauty. Drive along the winding country roads of south-east France to admire the symmetrical rows of bright purple lavender. Breathe in the fragrant aromas and enjoy the mesmerising views from the Valensole Plateau or beautiful Sault.

If you’re looking for the vibrant colours of lavender fields mixed with olive groves and vineyards, head to the Luberon Valley. It’s a popular spot with both locals and tourists alike, who flock here for stunning photo opportunities and to visit Sénanque Abbey in Gordes. This beautiful building is home to a community of monks who produce fantastic lavender-based products, including candles, perfume, essential oils and even lavender honey.

The French Riviera seaside stretches across the south-east Mediterranean coastline to the Italian border. You’ll find high-end boutiques, upscale restaurants and luxury yachts all along the coast, not to mention pristine beaches with golden sands and dazzling, azure water. Spot the stars in Cannes, sunbathe in Saint-Tropez or go snorkelling in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

For a romantic evening in a quieter part of the Riviera, visit the beautiful town of Menton. Known for its annual lemon festival in February, it’s a sunny choice year-round. Dine al fresco in one of the promenade’s restaurants and take in the amazing views as the sun sets over the white beach and neighbouring Italian hillsides.

Five Normandy D-Day beaches played a crucial role in World War II. On the morning of 6th June 1944, the allied invasion began on the beaches of Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword, marking a key moment in history. Begin your visit at the D-Day Museum in Arromanches-les-Bains where you’ll learn the fascinating history of this amphibious invasion and see military equipment demonstrations.

Head to the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and you’ll see rows of white crosses forming a memorial to the thousands of American soldiers who lost their lives. It’s a sobering sight. Then stroll along the peaceful sands of Omaha Beach below and you’ll see Les Braves sculpture, a beautiful monument dedicated to the courageous soldiers who died heroes.

The Champagne caves in the Champagne region of north-east France have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. The caves sprawl over 3 locations, including the Saint-Nicaise Hill area and Epernay, just outside Reims. You may know your Pommery from your Dom Pérignon, but did you know how Champagne is produced? You can take an amazing tour of the crayères (former chalk quarries) to find out.

Millions of bottles of Champagne are stored in these crayères which provide perfect temperature and humidity conditions for the alcohol. On a guided tour, you’ll wind through the caves discovering the ins and outs of Champagne production and the intriguing history of this region.

The Monet gardens in Giverny are located just an hour from Paris. Set against the backdrop of Claude Monet’s distinctive pink house, the gardens here are a stunning explosion of colour and floral fragrances. Stroll along the tranquil paths, surrounded by lush greenery, and admire the enchanting scenery that inspired one of France’s most famous painters.

You’ll see the little, green bridge and the waterlily pond recreated in Les Nymphéas (The Water Lilies) and if you visit in late May, you’ll be treated to spectacular poppies and roses in bloom. It is said that Monet’s gardener was told to remove every single dead leaf in the garden to keep it beautiful, and you’ll find that it’s just as immaculate today.