It’s no accident that France is the world’s most visited country. Few metropolises match the capital Paris for sheer enchantment, while vibrant hubs like Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon promise culture, cuisine, and heritage in equal measure. The Côte d’Azur is a byword for summer vacation, and wine regions like Champagne and Burgundy are synonymous for luxury. The best things to do in France are subjective—whether your style is more Disneyland Paris or Versailles, Alps or beaches, Louvre or Tour de France, you’ve got a getaway like no other ahead.
There’s no bad time of year to visit Paris or anywhere else in France—except perhaps August, when most locals decamp to the Mediterranean. The country is lovely all year round, with lots of things to do, from the frothy frivolity of Bastille Day on July 14th to the moody hues of its wineries’ fall harvest season to the chill of winter, when its Alpine fringes become prime skiing territory.
France’s capital Paris is also its biggest travel hub, with three international airports, six major train stations, and a well-served public transit network that includes the Métro, RER commuter trains, and buses. Intercity trains like the TGV also make it easy to hop to many of the country’s other hubs, including cities like Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice, each of which also have their own transit options.
There are few wine regions around the world that are revered like Burgundy in northern France, but that doesn’t mean wine is Burgundy’s only offering. Recently, a new tide of innovative brewers are setting up shop in the vinous region, brewing wine-inspired (and occasionally grape-infused) beers. Look for names like Ammonite and Vif, and next time you’re in Burgundy, sip more than just the wine.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +33 | Language(s) French | Attractions 698 | Tours 8,076 | Reviews 304,620 |
France is known for its world-famous wines and cheeses, delicious cuisine, and rich art history. As a tourist destination, France’s most iconic sights include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the lavender fields of Provence, the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera, and the ski resorts of the French Alps.
...MoreRide the rollercoasters and meet your favorite characters at Disneyland Paris, hire a bike and cycle between fairy-tale châteaux and Loire Valley wineries along the Loire à Vélo bike route, or head into the French Alps to ski, snowboard, or ride the highest mountain zipline in the world.
...MoreBelieve it or not, the Eiffel Tower isn’t France’s most visited attraction—that honor goes to Disneyland Palace, which draws up to 16 million annual visitors. The Louvre, Versailles Palace, and Eiffel Tower also top the list, while outside of Paris, the Futuroscope and Puy du Fou theme parks are most popular.
...MoreThere are 160 villages awarded the status ‘most beautiful villages of France’, found everywhere from Normandy to the Alsace. Aside from these, some of the most picturesque sights include the lavender fields of the Dordogne, the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley, and the rose-colored lagoons of the Camargue.
...MoreFrance is packed with cultural activities, whether browsing the art museums of Paris, wine tasting in Bordeaux or Burgundy, or visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Carcassonne Medieval City and the Mont St-Michel. To experience authentic French culture, visit the local markets, attend a traditional festival, or take a cooking class.
...MoreFrance is hugely popular with hikers and cyclists, with long-distance trails covering the French Alps, Pyrenees, Loire Valley, and beyond. In summer, hit the west coast beaches to surf and enjoy water sports, or go rock climbing or rafting in the Verdon Gorge. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
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