Things to see and do in France

Once a royal palace, the Louvre is now home to one of the world’s largest and most important art collections. From the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo to endless galleries of paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts, the museum offers a journey through thousands of years of art history. Plan to focus on just a few sections—such as Italian Renaissance masterpieces or Egyptian antiquities—to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Stepping out afterward into the Louvre’s glass pyramid courtyard and the Tuileries Garden is the perfect way to let everything you’ve seen sink in.

Perched on a hill in northern Paris, Montmartre feels like a village within the city. Cobblestone streets, artists’ squares, and charming cafés give the neighborhood its timeless character. At the top, the white-domed Basilica of Sacré-Cœur offers one of the best views of Paris, especially at sunset. Stroll through Place du Tertre to watch painters at work, duck into quiet side streets, and discover the last remaining vineyards of Paris. Montmartre is the perfect place to slow down, wander, and soak up a more bohemian side of the city.

Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles showcases the full splendor of French royal life. Inside, you’ll find ornate halls, gilded details, and the famous Hall of Mirrors, where history-changing events once unfolded. Outside, the formal gardens stretch for acres, with fountains, statues, and manicured hedges as far as the eye can see. Allow time to explore the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet, Marie Antoinette’s rustic retreat. Visiting early in the day or outside peak season can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Rising dramatically from the tidal flats off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel looks like something out of a fairytale. The island abbey, with its narrow lanes and steep stairways, has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and remains one of France’s most unforgettable sights. Walk across the causeway, explore the medieval village, and climb up to the abbey for views of the ever-changing bay. Time your visit with the tides if you can, as watching the waters rush in and surround the mount is a truly unique experience.

The Loire Valley is known as the “Garden of France,” and its landscape is dotted with storybook castles. From the graceful arches of Château de Chenonceau to the dramatic rooftops of Château de Chambord, each estate tells a different chapter of French history. You can tour grand halls, wander through formal gardens, and stroll riverside paths that connect one château to the next. Whether you explore by car, bike, or guided tour, the Loire Valley is a dream destination for anyone who loves architecture, history, and gently rolling countryside.

Provence is the France of your daydreams: hilltop villages, markets bursting with local produce, and fields painted purple by blooming lavender in summer. Villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie invite slow exploration, with stone houses, narrow lanes, and sunny terraces. Visit in late June or early July to see the lavender at its peak, or come in spring and fall for quieter roads and softer light. Pair your village visits with local wine tastings, olive oil mills, and relaxed lunches under plane trees for the full Provençal experience.

Along the Mediterranean coast, the French Riviera blends seaside glamour with relaxed coastal charm. Nice, with its palm-lined Promenade des Anglais and colorful Old Town, makes an ideal base. From here, you can easily reach elegant Cannes, artistic Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or the perched village of Èze. Swim in the clear blue water, browse local markets, and take in the sparkling coastline from a boat or coastal path. Whether you’re drawn by film festivals, hilltop villages, or simply the sun, the Riviera offers a little bit of everything.

Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Gorges du Verdon in southeastern France is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Turquoise waters wind between towering limestone cliffs, creating dramatic scenery that’s best appreciated from both above and below. Rent a kayak or paddleboat to explore the gorge from the water, or follow one of the scenic hiking trails along the rim for breathtaking views. Combined with nearby Provençal villages, this area offers a perfect mix of adventure and laid-back charm.

The coastline of Normandy is not only beautiful, but deeply moving. Along the D-Day beaches—such as Omaha, Utah, and Juno—you can visit museums, memorials, and cemeteries that honor the events of June 6, 1944. A guided tour can bring the history to life, explaining key moments of the Allied landings and the broader story of World War II. Pair your visit with stops in nearby towns like Bayeux, known for its medieval tapestry, to round out your understanding of the region.

On France’s eastern border, Alsace blends French and German influences into something all its own. Half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and cobbled streets make villages like Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim feel like they’re straight out of a storybook. In Strasbourg, the region’s capital, you’ll find a soaring Gothic cathedral, charming canals, and a lively historic center. Drive or cycle along the Alsace Wine Route to combine village visits with tastings at family-run wineries.

For mountain lovers, Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc is a must. In summer, hiking trails, cable cars, and mountain railways open up spectacular viewpoints over glaciers and jagged peaks. In winter, the region transforms into one of Europe’s most famous ski areas. Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for a close-up look at Mont Blanc, or take the Montenvers train to see the Mer de Glace glacier. Whether you’re here for high-adrenaline adventures or just the fresh air and scenery, Chamonix offers a true taste of the French Alps.