tourist events in france

Events in France

Events diary, list by theme.

List by date

Events of the moment

Paris Events, Holidays, Celebrations

Biggest Events Happening Each Month

• Paris Events

Paris Events, Holidays, & Celebrations

Exciting Paris events, festivals, and holiday celebrations take place during throughout the year.

If you're visiting the City of Light or planning when to come, check our recommendations to see what's happening each month.

Our month-by-month Paris events calendar shows you the big picture.

For details, click through to see the monthly calendar.

Of course you'll find famous Paris events such as the famous Winter and Summer Sales, Fashion Week, Mardi Gras, the Paris Marathon, Bastille Day, top museum exhibits, concerts, and Christmas/New Year Eve festivities - but we also tell you about lesser-known "insider" activities and free fun things to do in Paris that you won't find in most other guides.

Quick links to monthly event articles:  January   |  February   |  March   |  April   |  May   |  June   |  July   |  August   |  September   |  October   |  November   |  December

Top photo: Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

January Events in Paris

Winter sales start early in the month, offering deep discounts on everything you can imagine, and toward the end of the month, Paris Fashion Week haute couture shows for spring/summer collections give you the chance to spot famous designers, models, and celebrities near the show venues.

Meanwhile, the ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde and ice rinks around the city lure you outdoors, and a huge selection of Paris concerts give you lots in entertainment indoors.

More Paris events during January

February Events in Paris

February events in Paris include two festive celebrations:  Mardi Gras (usually) and Chinese New Year, both featuring massive parades with music, dancing, and lots of entertainment.

Paris goes all out for Valentine's Day, and you can enjoy special Valentine's dinners in practically every bistro and restaurant, plus romantic Seine River cruises.  And of course the City of Love offers many romantic locations for you and your special someone to enjoy.

Although the first days of the month may still be chilly or cold, plenty of museum shows and concerts give you lots of opportunities to stay warm.  And by the end of the month, you may be seeing the first signs of spring!

More Paris events during February

March Events in Paris

Exciting new shows open at several Paris museums , and plenty of concerts give you the chance to hear your favorite type of music.

If you're visiting Paris this month, copy the Parisians - find an outdoor table at your favorite cafe and soak up some sun!

More Paris events during March

April Events in Paris

Paris in April is legendary - and for good reason.  The city bursts into full bloom, sidewalk cafes fill up, and everyone plans picnics in the park.

The Paris Marathon attracts athletes and their supporters from all over the world, and attracts large crowds along the marathon route, which just happens to pass by many of the city's top attractions.    Easter also often falls in April.

More Paris events during April

More things to do in Paris in April

May Events in Paris

Look for lots of other wonderful concerts as well, plus exciting shows at Paris museums.

More Paris events during May

June Events in Paris

Look for lots of free concerts including the Fête de la Musique and Jazz Festival in Parc Floral.  The huge Paris Pride Parade culminates a week of Pride Week parties.  The famous Summer Sales begin, and every other year, the renowned Paris Air Show attracts large crowds.

More Paris events and things to do during June

July Events in Paris

More things to do in Paris during July's long days and warm nights:   Firemen's Balls, Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week, the continuing summer sales, Paris Jazz Festival, free outdoor art shows, movies, and concerts.

More Paris events and things to do during July

August Events n Paris

August events in Paris take on a golden haze as Parisians flee the city heat for their annual vacations.  Suddenly, entrance lines grow shorter and you'll enjoy the relaxed vibe - especially because there's still plenty to do.

The biggest August events in Paris take place outdoors:   free concerts and other events along the Paris "beaches," free outdoor events at Paris City Hall to celebrate the Liberation of Paris, free (there's a theme here!) outdoor movies at Parc de la Villette, and at the end of the month, France's famous and huge  summer musical festival :  Rock en Seine.

More Paris events and things to do during August

September Events in Paris

Paris sizzles with excitement during September as Parisians return from vacation, relaxed, energized, and eager to enjoy all the fall activities, new shows at museums, and festivals. 

With European Heritage Days giving you access to rarely seen treasures throughout the city's cultural institutions, Paris Fashion Week bringing fashionistas from around the world, and beautiful weather luring you in the parks and long walks around the city, you'll find lots to do this month!

More Paris events during September

October Events in Paris

October events across Paris let you enjoy the still-balmy weather while viewing swaths of golden fall foliage.

Galleries, performance spaces, museums, and studios fling open their doors and offer free admission during the all-night Nuit Blanche cultural festival and the ParisArtists shows and exhibitions. 

A Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre celebrates the neighborhood's vineyard and wine-making with 5 days of fun-filled festivities, Jazz sur Seine fills the city with music, and at the end of October, Halloween events let you see the scary side of the city.

More Paris events and things to do in October

November Events in Paris

November events in Paris include lots of concerts and museum shows, as well as the moving Armistice Day Ceremony on November 11 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

But by mid-month, signs of the coming holiday season begin to appear as stores put up decorations and even a few Christmas Markets, including the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, open for the season.  Disneyland Paris puts on a huge celebration, which continues through early January - go enjoy it while November weather remains fairly balmy!

More Paris events during November

December Events in Paris

Sparkling holiday decorations transform Paris in December, turning it into a real City of Light as days grow shorter.

Find out about Christmas in Paris and Hanukkah in Paris celebrations this month.  Do your holiday shopping and sip hot mulled wine at the traditional Christmas Markets that pop up all over Paris, admire dazzling Christmas lights and window decorations at the grand department stores and along Champs Élysées, and enjoy a classical music concert or attend Christmas Eve Mass in a magnificent Paris church or cathedral.  If you're visiting with kids, joining the Christmas celebrations at Disneyland is a must!

And if you're lucky enough to be here for New Year's Eve, get ready for a celebration to remember!

More Paris events during December

Paris Events Taking Place Every Month

Car-free sundays in paris.

"No-Car Days" on the first Sunday of each month along the Champs Elysees and in many other neighborhoods throughout Paris let pedestrians, bike riders, and skateboarders enjoy fresh air and tranquility while most vehicles (including electric) are banned from the city's streets.  Allowed exceptions:   emergency and police vehicles operate as usual while taxis, city buses, and regular tourist buses (Open Tour and Big Bus lines) run at a slower-than-normal speed.   Find out more about hours, locations, and additional car-free days on the City of Paris's website   

Best Things to Do Each Month in Paris

Looking for the best things to do in Paris during a specific month?  You'll find fun suggestions in these articles:

• 22 Best Things to Do in Paris in February
• 22 Best Things to Do in Paris in March - coming soon!
• 22 Best Things to Do in Paris in April

More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris

• Disneyland Paris - Visit everyone's favorite theme park - Disneyland Paris tickets - Entry tickets + private coach transport
• Versailles - Explore the magnificent palace, Hall of Mirrors, and lush gardens - Skip-the-Line Entry with Private Tour -  More about best ways to tour Versailles
• Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Terrace - View all of Paris from the top of this iconic monument - Skip the line entry tickets
• Musée d'Orsay - See Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in this former train station -  Priority tickets   - Private tours
• Seine River Cruise - Enjoy panoramic views of top Paris monuments & landmarks - Evening dinner cruise - Hop On Hop Off "Batobus" cruise

Want to Book a Paris Hotel or Apartment?

Enter your travel dates to see best rates for available Paris hotels and apartments:

Find newest Paris hotels

More Paris Events & Attractions Articles

• Top 10 Paris Attractions - Places and sights you won't want to miss!
• Paris Arrondissement Map & Paris Neighborhoods - "Getting Around Paris 101" - See at a glance where all the top attractions are located!
• Easy Day Trips from Paris - Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland Paris, Champagne tastings, Loire Valley castles, London, Bruges, & more!
• Best Paris Christmas Markets - Looking ahead to these seasonal pop-up attractions
• First Day in Paris - What to do and see while jet lagged

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Paris
• How to Get from Paris to Giverny
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris
• Happening Now in Paris - Find Our Latest Articles  

Book Your Paris Hotel

Eiffel Tower Hotels

• See the Eiffel Tower from your balcony

Arc de Triomphe Hotels

• Great hotels with bargain rates

New Hotels in Paris

• Experience the latest & greatest

Paris Hotels near the Louvre

• Where to stay near the famous palace museum

Central Paris Hotels

• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

Deals & Discounts

• How to save on your Paris hotel

Plan Your Paris Trip

• Why visit Paris?
• Best Paris guide books
• Find cheap flights to Paris
• Choose your Paris hotel  
• 7 Reasons why you need travel insurance
• Electric adapters and converters  
• Best ways to get Euros
• Check out 10 top Paris attractions
• How to skip the ticket lines
• Paris Museum Pass:  Should you get one?
• Which neighborhoods are best to stay in?
• What to do & see in each Paris district
• How to spend your first day in Paris

THE 10 BEST France Events

Events in france.

• Cultural Events
• Exhibitions
• Music Festivals
• Sporting Events
• Food & Drink Festivals
• Seasonal Fireworks
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 8th Arr. - Élysée
• Champs-Élysées
• Champs-Elysées Quartier
• 20th Arr. - Ménilmontant
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Christmas Market (Christkindelsmarik)

2. La Cinéscénie

3. L'Horizon De Khéops - Expédition Immersive

4. La Grande Braderie de Lille

5. Bastille Day

6. Palais des Congres de Paris

8. French Open

9. Paris Marathon

10. Festival des Lanternes

11. La Nuit du Petit Saint Jean - 23 Juin a Valreas - Enclave-Des-Papes

12. Nice Carnival

13. Embrunman

14. The Vieilles Charrues Festival

15. Solidays

16. Paris Photo

17. Hellfest

18. Les Miserables

19. Exposition Johnny Hallyday

20. Centre Culturel Coréen

21. Station De Luges D'été À Métabief

22. L''artsolite

23. Marche de Noel de Kaysersberg

24. Paris Techno Parade

25. Festival Des Lumieres Celestes

26. Eurocks

27. Ephemeral Garden

28. Festival of Giants

29. Vibrations, Cour D'honneur Du Palais Des Papes

30. La nuit aux Invalides : Lutèce, 3000 ans d'histoire

What travelers are saying.

France Travel Blog

10 of the Best Local Festivals in France

Wherever you travel, festivals are often the best way to get a first-hand experience of the local culture. They bring life and color, music and tantalizing smells to otherwise quiet streets, and lend you the opportunity to share in an event that is marked on the locals’ calendars months in advance. Stumbling across the best festive travel destinations is a real treat for travelers, whether you’re a devout foody or the sort to start dancing in the street.

If you want to attend a local French festival then you have come to the right place. Here, you will find out what the top festivals in France are, so you can have the best time the next time you go. Take a look below to find out more.

Dunkirk Carnival (Carnaval de Dunkerque)

• Historical Roots : The Dunkirk Carnival’s origins trace back to the 17th century. Fishermen from Dunkirk would embark on lengthy fishing expeditions to the icy waters of Iceland. Before their departure, a festive send-off celebration took place. The festival, over time, grew in significance and scale.
• Transformation : The carnival was not solely a pre-departure festivity for fishermen. It evolved over the centuries into a massive public celebration, adapting various traditions and customs.

Main Events

• Tossing of the Herring : One of the most iconic events during the carnival is the throwing of salted herring from the belfry in the town’s main square. Thousands gather below, eager to catch these fish as a part of the tradition.
• Balls (or “bals”) : Traditional and rowdy dances are held, where attendees dress up in colorful and sometimes eccentric costumes. The “fishermen’s ball” (bal des pêcheurs) is among the most renowned.
• Chanting Sea Shanties : Given its maritime origins, singing traditional sea shanties (or “chahuts”) is an integral part of the celebrations.
• Costumes : While there isn’t a fixed theme, many participants don fisherman-like outfits, referencing the carnival’s roots. However, cross-dressing and wearing colorful, eccentric costumes are also widespread.

Duration and Timing

• The carnival spans several weeks, typically taking place between January and March. The exact dates can vary, and there are multiple events throughout this period.

Modern-Day Significance

• Cultural Preservation : The carnival serves as a testament to Dunkirk’s rich maritime history and the evolution of its cultural practices. By celebrating it annually, the city keeps its historical roots alive.
• Tourism Boost : The Dunkirk Carnival is one of the most famous in France, drawing numerous tourists. This influx provides a significant economic boost to the region.

Unique Features

• The “Kop-Cœur” : This is a ritual where attendees form tight-knit circles, locking arms and dancing while singing traditional songs.
• Masks and Disguises : Anonymity is a key component of the celebration. People often wear masks or disguises, a practice rooted in the idea of ensuring unity and erasing social distinctions during the carnival.
• Prejudice Erosion : The essence of the festival lies in its ability to blur social boundaries. People from all walks of life come together, shedding their daily identities and prejudices.

The Dunkirk Festival is very colorful and it is celebrated by locals, far and wide. It is held every year from January to March, and people love to dance, sing, and march through the streets. If you live in France then you should know that people tend to wear masks or disguises, because you have to be anonymous. Of course, the main essence of the festival is that it brings people from several social classes together. You can also leave behind a lot of prejudice which is great. The festival tends to be celebrated in the towns of Dunkirk and Flanders, so if you want to go for yourself then make sure you check it out.

Menton Lemon Festival

The first time that Mentonians celebrated this festival, which is called the La Fete Du Citron, was around 1933. It was primarily celebrated in the Bioves Garden and it took place from the 12th of February until the 27th of February every single year. The festival was celebrated on the French Riviera and this area is known for producing some of the finest lemons around.

During the festival, it is very easy for you to see cars or even trains that are made out of fruit, so it’s no surprise the locals love it so much. You also have several parades of oranges and lemons. Marching bands and entertainers wear great costumes and you also have the general exhibition of fruit sculptures which stretch way above the audience. This is a real show stopper and sometimes up to 15 tons of fruit is used. If you love to see France for everything it has to offer then you will not want to miss out on this treat.

La Fête de la Musique (Music Day)

• Concept : The idea for La Fête de la Musique was conceived in the 1980s by Maurice Fleuret, the Director of Music and Dance at the French Ministry of Culture under Jack Lang, the then French Minister of Culture. The inspiration behind this event was a 1982 study which revealed that five million French people, half of whom were young people, played a musical instrument.
• First Edition : The first Fête de la Musique took place on June 21, 1982. June 21 was chosen not only because it’s the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, but also to symbolize the new beginning and growth that music brings to society.
• The guiding principle of the event is free music for all, breaking down barriers between people and making music accessible to everyone. All concerts and performances are free for both the artists and the audience.
• It celebrates the universal nature of music, crossing all genres and demographics. This democratization of music encourages both amateur and professional musicians to showcase their talent.
• Nationwide Participation : Almost every city, town, and village in France participates. Streets, parks, squares, courtyards, museums, castles, and other public places are transformed into performance spaces.
• Diverse Genres : The festival spans a vast array of music genres – from classical to jazz, rock to hip-hop, traditional to electronic, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Open Participation : Anyone can participate. As a result, besides planned events, many spontaneous performances also pop up everywhere. It’s not uncommon to see children, senior citizens, amateurs, and professionals playing side by side.
• Night-long Celebrations : While the festival officially begins in the evening, it often continues throughout the night, turning cities into a night-long musical extravaganza.

Global Impact

• Given its success in France, the concept of La Fête de la Musique has been adopted by numerous countries around the world. It’s now celebrated in over 120 countries, each adding its unique cultural touch to the festivities. Some countries refer to it as “World Music Day.”

Modern Day Evolution

• With the rise of digital technology, many artists and groups now promote their Fête de la Musique appearances on social media, broadening the festival’s reach.
• In some places, themed stages or specific genres have become popular, where multiple acts perform under a shared musical style or theme.

La Fête de la Musique isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement that champions the unifying power of music. For one day, it transforms public spaces into stages, cities into audiences, and every individual into both a performer and a listener. It’s a testament to the magic of music and its ability to bring people together, transcending differences. If you ever find yourself in France on June 21, you’ll witness a nation united in melody.

Bayonne Festival

The Bayonne Festival is also known as the Fetes De Bayonne. It is celebrated in the town of the same name at the end of July every year. The French tend to observe this celebration by watching fireworks and also going out into the streets. They are dressed in Basque clothing and they make a real part out of it. During this festival, which locals look forward to, people tend to enjoy Basque dances, parades and concerts.

You also have things like cow races and even Basque balls. Fireworks are common and so are public balls. The festivities are not to be missed and if you want to have the best time then you will want to make sure that you get there early so you can make the most out of all the local attractions. It is a fantastic festival with so much to offer, not to mention that the local food scene is nothing short of amazing.

Nice Carnival (Carnaval de Nice)

• Historical Roots : The Nice Carnival is one of the world’s oldest, with its origins dating back to at least 1294. This was when the Count of Provence, Charles Anjou, mentioned the joyous carnival days in the city of Nice in his writings.
• Transformation : Over centuries, the celebration evolved from simple gatherings and dances into a large-scale event with elaborate parades, costumes, and more.

Themes and Events

• King of Carnival : Each year, the carnival revolves around a specific theme, and a giant “King” figure is designed in line with this theme. This “King” is a central figure in the parades.
• Bataille de Fleurs (Battle of Flowers) : This is one of the event’s most colorful and anticipated spectacles. Magnificently decorated floats drive along the Promenade des Anglais, with performers throwing thousands of flowers into the crowds. It celebrates the region’s floral industry.
• Corso Illuminé : A nighttime parade that lights up the streets of Nice with illuminated floats, dancers, and musical performances.
• Burning of the King : On the last night of the carnival, the King is set on fire, symbolizing the end of the event and, traditionally, the ushering in of spring.
• Floats and Effigies : The parade consists of 18 large floats and other smaller ones, each meticulously designed to be visually striking and pertinent to the theme.
• Performers : Over 1,000 musicians and dancers from around the world participate, bringing a rich cultural diversity to the event.
• Street Events : Aside from the parades, there are also street performances, including theater acts, acrobats, and other entertainers that engage the audience.

Modern Day Significance

• Tourism : The carnival is a significant attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Nice every year. It contributes immensely to the local economy.
• Cultural Preservation : While the carnival has modernized and expanded, it remains a cornerstone of Nice’s cultural heritage, showcasing local traditions, artistry, and more.

Masks and Costumes

• Historically, masks were a significant part of the carnival, allowing attendees, regardless of their social status, to mingle freely. Today, while masks are less prevalent, costumes are still widely encouraged, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• The Nice Carnival typically lasts for about two weeks and is held in February. The exact dates vary from year to year.

The Nice Carnival isn’t just a celebration; it’s an embodiment of the city’s vibrant culture, history, and spirit. The event transforms Nice into a world of color, music, and revelry, making it a must-experience for anyone visiting the French Riviera during this time. Whether you’re watching the Battle of Flowers, dancing along to the bands, or simply soaking in the ambiance, the carnival ensures memories that last a lifetime.

Les Fêtes Johanniques (Joan of Arc Festival)

• Historical Significance : Les Fêtes Johanniques commemorates the heroics of Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d’Arc in French. She is celebrated for her role in leading the French army to a crucial victory over the English at Orléans during the Hundred Years’ War.
• Canonization : Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by the English and their French collaborators as a heretic in 1431. Later, she was posthumously retried and found innocent, and then canonized as a saint in 1920.
• Grand Parade : A pivotal highlight of the celebrations is a grand parade where a young girl, representing Joan of Arc, rides on horseback dressed in armor, leading the procession. This role is an honor, and the selection process for the representative is quite rigorous.
• Medieval Fairs : The historical backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War is brought to life with medieval markets, camps, and craft workshops. Attendees get a glimpse of the era through activities such as archery, sword fights, and other medieval games.
• Battle Reenactments : Actors recreate scenes from the siege of Orléans, allowing spectators to witness and feel the intensity and significance of the battles Joan of Arc led.
• Religious Ceremonies : Given Joan’s sainthood, various religious ceremonies are held in her honor, including masses and processions.
• The primary celebrations occur in Orléans, given its direct historical connection with Joan of Arc’s heroics.
• The festival typically spans several days in early May. The choice of May aligns with the lifting of the Siege of Orléans on May 8, 1429.
• National Pride : Joan of Arc remains an emblematic figure for the French, symbolizing courage, faith, and patriotism. The festival serves as a reminder of her sacrifices and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
• Tourist Attraction : Over time, the festival has grown in popularity, drawing not only locals but also international visitors keen to experience the historical reenactments and immerse themselves in medieval French culture.
• Torchlight March : A nighttime procession illuminated by torchlights, evoking the mood and ambience of medieval times.
• Concerts and Performances : Apart from the historical focus, the festival is also a celebration of art and culture. Numerous musical and theatrical performances are held during the festival, catering to a broad audience.

Les Fêtes Johanniques is not just a historical reenactment but a vibrant celebration of French culture, history, and the spirit of resilience. The festival brilliantly juxtaposes the past with the present, allowing attendees to step back in time while also enjoying contemporary festivities. For anyone interested in French history, Joan of Arc, or simply a unique cultural experience, this festival in Orléans is a must-visit.

Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale)

• Historical Context : Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, a key event that led to the French Revolution. The fall of the Bastille symbolized the end of the absolute monarchy and the rise of the republic in France.
• National Significance : This day commemorates not just the storming of the Bastille but also the unity of the French people during the revolution. The day signifies liberty, equality, and fraternity — the core values of the French Republic.
• Military Parade : One of the highlights is the annual military parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris. The French president presides over this parade, which involves various divisions of the French military showcasing their capabilities.
• Fireworks : Firework displays are held in many cities and towns, with the most famous being at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
• Public Celebrations : Throughout the country, there are dances, parties, and communal meals, often organized in local neighborhoods or by municipalities.
• Bals des Pompiers : Firefighter’s balls are traditional parties organized in fire stations across France. They are public and often serve as fundraisers for the firefighters.
• Celebrations occur all over France. However, the most notable events take place in Paris, given its historical and political significance.
• National Unity : Bastille Day serves as a reminder of the values that bind the French Republic together. It’s a day for the French to express national pride and reflect on their shared history.
• Cultural Diplomacy : Many French embassies and consulates worldwide host Bastille Day celebrations, fostering a sense of community among the French diaspora and sharing French culture with others.
• Concerts and Performances : Various music concerts, ranging from classical to contemporary genres, are organized throughout the country.
• Historical Reenactments : In some parts of France, there are reenactments of the storming of the Bastille, allowing people to relive this significant moment in history.
• Open Visits : On Bastille Day, many museums and historical sites offer free entry or host special exhibitions related to the French Revolution and the history of the republic.

Bastille Day is more than just a national holiday; it encapsulates the essence of the French spirit and its undying quest for liberty, equality, and fraternity. Whether witnessed through the grandeur of the military parade in Paris or the communal meals in smaller towns, the spirit of unity and celebration is evident throughout the country. For visitors, experiencing Bastille Day in France offers a unique insight into the nation’s soul and its enduring values.

Feria de Nîmes

• Inspiration : Feria de Nîmes is deeply influenced by Spanish Feria traditions, especially given the geographical proximity and historical ties between the two regions. Nîmes has a rich Roman and later Hispanic heritage, which contributes to the event’s flavor.
• First Feria : The first Feria de Nîmes took place in 1952, and since then, it has been an integral part of the city’s cultural calendar.
• Bullfights (Corridas) : The arenas of Nîmes, originally built by the Romans, become the stage for traditional bullfights. These bullfights are the centerpiece of the Feria and attract aficionados from across the world.
• Bodegas : Streets of Nîmes are filled with bodegas, which are temporary bars or clubs set up for the Feria. Here, revelers can dance, drink, and socialize.
• Camargue Races : Unlike traditional bullfights, Camargue bull races involve riders attempting to snatch ribbons from the horns of bulls. It’s a less violent form of entertainment rooted in local tradition.
• Parades and Processions : The streets come alive with various parades, featuring traditional costumes, horse-drawn carriages, and dance performances.
• Music and Concerts : From Flamenco to contemporary genres, the city echoes with music throughout the Feria.
• Feria de Pentecôte : Held during the Pentecost weekend (50 days after Easter), it lasts for about five to six days.
• Feria des Vendanges : This “Harvest Feria” takes place in September, marking the grape harvest season and is generally shorter than the Pentecost Feria.
• Cultural Fusion : Feria de Nîmes stands as a symbol of the amalgamation of Roman, French, and Spanish cultures. This blending gives the festival a unique ambiance, distinguishing it from other Ferias in Spain or France.
• Tourism Magnet : The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The vibrant festivities, combined with the historical allure of Nîmes, make it a prime tourist destination during the Feria.
• Historical Setting : The backdrop of Nîmes, with its well-preserved Roman monuments like the Arena, Maison Carrée, and Tour Magne, offers a unique setting for the Feria’s events.
• Night Revelries : The celebrations stretch well into the night, with bodegas and streets buzzing with activity till the early hours.
• Diverse Celebrations : While bullfighting is central, the Feria ensures inclusivity by offering various other forms of entertainment, catering to a broad spectrum of visitors.

The Feria de Nîmes is more than just a festival; it’s a vibrant display of multicultural heritage, set against the backdrop of a city rich in history. While the bullfights might be its most talked-about feature, the Feria’s soul lies in its streets – where music, dance, and communal revelry bring together locals and tourists in a grand celebration of life and culture. Whether you’re an aficionado of bullfighting, a history buff, or someone looking to soak in the festivities, Feria de Nîmes promises a memorable experience.

Festival d’Avignon

• Beginnings : The Festival d’Avignon, also known simply as Avignon Festival, was founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, a renowned actor and director. Vilar was invited to present his production at the “Semaine d’Art” in Avignon, and he subsequently transformed this event into the festival as we know it today.
• Humble Start : What began as a modest theater event has blossomed into one of the world’s most significant and renowned performing arts festivals.
• In Festival (In) : This is the official part of the festival, where selected performances are showcased in various historical sites around Avignon, the most famous being the “Cour d’honneur” of the Palais des Papes.
• Off Festival (Off) : A more spontaneous, fringe event that runs parallel to the main festival. It features thousands of performances in various locations throughout Avignon — from established venues to more improvised settings.
• When : The festival typically takes place in July and lasts for about three weeks.
• Scale : Over the duration of the festival, Avignon becomes a city-theater, with performances happening almost everywhere and at all times of the day.
• Global Spotlight : Festival d’Avignon has become a global hotspot for theater enthusiasts, professionals, and critics. It sets the tone for contemporary performing arts and is a platform where new talents are discovered.
• Cultural Exchange : With participants coming from all over the world, the festival is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and artistic expressions.
• Diverse Performances : Apart from theater, the festival showcases dance, visual arts, and sometimes even cinema and music, offering something for everyone.
• Interactive Platforms : The festival organizes debates, discussions, and workshops where artists, critics, and audiences can interact, share ideas, and discuss the performances.
• Historical Venues : The historical settings of Avignon, especially the Palais des Papes, provide a unique ambiance that enhances the festival’s charm.

Economic and Social Impact

• Tourism Boost : Every year, the festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, providing a significant boost to Avignon’s economy.
• Artistic Launchpad : Many artists who showcased their work in Avignon, especially in the Off Festival, have gone on to achieve international acclaim.

The Festival d’Avignon is not just a celebration of performing arts but a congregation of art, history, and global cultures. In the heart of Provence, for a few weeks, the medieval streets of Avignon resonate with contemporary artistic expressions, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about theater and performing arts. The festival’s legacy and ongoing contributions to the global arts scene make it an unparalleled event in the world of theater.

Lille Braderie (Braderie de Lille)

• Ancient Tradition : The Lille Braderie is one of Europe’s oldest and largest flea markets, with its origins dating back to the 12th century.
• Serving Servants : Initially, the braderie was an annual fair where servants were allowed to sell off their masters’ discarded items.
• Street Stalls : Over 10,000 exhibitors and traders set up stalls, transforming Lille’s streets into a massive open-air market, stretching over 100 kilometers.
• Mussel and Fry Feast : A unique tradition associated with the Braderie is the serving of “moules-frites” (mussels and fries). Restaurants compete to create the largest pile of empty mussel shells outside their premises.
• When : Held annually during the first weekend of September.
• Duration : It typically lasts for 48 hours, from Saturday to Sunday.
• Tourist Magnet : The Braderie draws in between 2 to 3 million visitors each year, making it a major event in France’s cultural calendar.
• Cultural Symbol : Over the centuries, it has grown from a local flea market to a significant cultural event, representing Lille’s vibrant community spirit and history.
• Diverse Offerings : The market boasts a vast array of items – from antiques and collectibles to books, clothes, and household items. It’s a treasure trove for collectors and bargain hunters.
• Races : The Braderie also features fun races, such as the “half-marathon of Lille” and events for roller-skaters and cyclists.

Economic Impact

• Boost to Local Economy : With millions of visitors flooding the city, local businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, and cafes, enjoy a significant boost during the weekend.
• Trade Opportunities : For many traders and sellers, the Braderie is an essential annual event that provides a considerable portion of their yearly sales.

Safety and Modern Challenges

• Security Concerns : In light of global events and the vast influx of visitors, there have been increased security measures in recent years to ensure the safety of participants and attendees.
• Environmental Concerns : The massive turnout and extensive stalls sometimes raise concerns about waste management and environmental impact. The city, in response, has taken initiatives to manage waste better and ensure a cleaner Braderie.

The Lille Braderie is more than just a flea market; it’s a celebration of community, history, and shared experiences. The bustling streets, filled with vibrant stalls and the unmistakable aroma of “moules-frites”, capture the essence of Lille’s spirit. Whether you’re hunting for a rare antique, savoring the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, the Braderie promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

10 of the Best Local Festivals in France – Summary

France’s festivals, with their rich history and exuberant celebrations, offer travelers an unparalleled experience. Each festival, deeply rooted in its local traditions, provides a lens into the diverse and vibrant tapestry of French culture. So, on your next visit, ensure you align your dates with one of these festivals and prepare for an immersive journey into the heart of France.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

Related Posts

What is France Famous For?

Things To Do In Ajaccio

Top 10 Things To Do In Provence

Must-See Places To Visit in Paris

Recent posts.

• Marseille Unveiled: Immerse Yourself in the Charm of the Mediterranean with a Captivating City Break
• A Beginner’s Guide to Road Cycling
• 5 Things to Look for When Buying Digital Cameras
• How to Take High-Quality Photos: Essential Tips And Composition Rules to Consider
• Can You Drink Tap Water In Paris? (2023)
• Entertainment
• Things To Do
• Travel Guides
• Travel Ideas

Social Links

Is Nimes Worth Visiting?

Best Escape Rooms in Paris

Is Brittany Safe?

Things To Do In Cannes

Best Clubs in Paris for Tourists

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

50 Best Things to Do in France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

What to Do in France?

Looking for some epic ideas to help you decide what to do in France? Look no further.

With so many interesting regions , beautiful landscapes, and endless landmarks scattered throughout the land, France is an excellent travel destination, and discovering the best things to do in France (and write about it!) is a lifelong project for us.

Based in Paris, we take every opportunity to explore different corners of France, and yet our France bucket list seems to keep getting longer instead of shorter!

Here are our favorite things to do and things to see in France – from the obvious to the unusual – for when you visit this great country. Some we’ve done, some we haven’t, and some we like to do again and again. Now, how many have you ticked off your list?

TIP: Start planning your next French adventure; check out our France Travel Planner !

Best Things to Do in Northern France

1. be moved by mont saint-michel.

Be moved by  Mont Saint-Michel , the wonder of the Western World and one of the best places to visit in Northern France . This superb Benedictine abbey and renowned center of pilgrimage is set on a rocky island at the mouth of the Couesnon River, where the regions of Normandy and Brittany meet.

The area is known for its high tides, which leave the abbey inaccessible for some hours and give Mont Saint-Michel a picturesque setting.

MONT SAINT-MICHEL TRIP PLANNING

• Quick Guide to Mont Saint-Michel
• Best Hotels in Mont Saint-Michel
• Buy your Tickets to Mont Saint-Michel

2. A Royal Day in Versailles

The Château of Versailles is a wonder of French baroque architecture and one of the top things to see in France on any holiday to Paris.

Visit the fabulous rooms and halls inside the Château, which was home to three French kings and their courts. Then explore the magnificent French-style gardens , with beautiful fountains and grooves, and the grounds around the Grand Canal, perhaps on two wheels or on a rowboat.

VERSAILLES TRIP PLANNING

• Quick Guide to Versailles Palace and Gardens
• Best Hotels near the Palace of Versailles
• Buy your Tickets to Versailles

3. Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches

The Normandy Landing Operations was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The invasion took place on the beaches of Normandy (Omaha, Utah, Sword Gold, and Juno Beach) on Tuesday, 6 June 1944, by the Allies, and it was the beginning of the liberation of German-occupied France (and later Europe) from Nazi control.

The Normandy D-day Landing Beaches is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. However, if you have the time, explore the area on a multi-day road trip to visit the beaches and some war cemeteries and memorials.

D-DAY LANDING BEACHES TRIP PLANNING

• Normandy WW2 Sites Road Trip
• Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour from Paris

4. Spend a Night (or Two) in a French Château

Spending a night in a French château is one of the unique things to do in France. France is home to more than 40,000 châteaux of all periods and styles. Some of these French châteaux are home to nobles or rich people, while others have been beautifully restored and turned into boutique hotels, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway in France.

Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu (in the picture above) and Château d’Ermenonville are two beautiful examples near Paris, but there are many more!

• Best Château-hotels in the Loire Valley
• Best Château-hotels in Burgundy
• Best Château-hotels in the Champagne region

5. Climb Up the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic monument in Paris (and France), and the climb up to the summit is always on the top of any Paris bucket list .

The views from the top of the Eiffel Tower are amazing, especially at sunset. On the second floor, there’s also an interesting exhibition about the history of the Eiffel Tower and its construction – Click here to buy your tickets to the Eiffel Tower

6. Visit the Burial Place of the Kings of France at Saint-Denis

The Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis is the burial place of the Kings of France from the 12th century to the 19th century. This magnificent building also represents the birth of Gothic architecture in France.

Indeed, this is the first French cathedral rebuilt using new techniques like the pointed arch, the pointed ribbed vault, or the use of stained glass windows to get more light inside.

Located in the city of Saint-Denis, a few kilometers north of Paris, the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis makes for an easy half-day trip from the French capital – Click here to Buy your Tickets to the Basilica of Saint-Denis

7. A Day at the Louvre Museum

Visit the Louvre, the world’s best museum, and admire some of the greatest masterworks of all time!

Also, take the time to learn the history of this former Royal Palace. For many centuries, the Louvre was the seat of the French Kings until King Louis XIV moved to Versailles. Explore the Louvre’s medieval moats and walls, Napoleon iii’s apartments, the royal galleries, and more!

LOUVRE MUSEUM TRIP PLANNING

• Buy your Tickets to the Louvre Museum
• How to Visit the Louvre in 2 hours or Less

8. Follow the Cider Route in Normandy

If you are looking for fun things to do in France, take the Cider Trail in Normandy . Here, apples abound, and the region is famous for its cider and other famous French drinks like Calvados or Pommeau.

Get ready to unfold the journey of apples from farms to your glasses by following the Cider Trail – a well-marked 40km tourist circuit through the region of Pays d’Auge in Lower Normandy.

The Pays d’Auge is popular for typical half-timbered houses, stud farms, apple orchards, and distillers who open their cellars and pressing sheds to visitors to taste their products.

9. A Night of Can Can Dance and Bubbles in a Parisian Cabaret

Parisian cabarets are a fun way to enjoy Paris at night in style and a popular option for special celebrations.

Today, the most famous cabaret shows in Paris, like the Moulin Rouge or the Paradis Latin , are a mix of music hall and burlesque shows offering lavish musical and theatrical productions with elaborate costumes, singing, and dancing.

In Paris, a cabaret show is traditionally served with dinner, paired with some of the best French wines and champagne into an all-evening extravaganza. It is an evening of entertainment, fun, and lots of bubbles.

CABARET SHOW PLANNING

• Quick Guide to the Best Cabarets in Paris
• Buy your Tickets to the Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show
• Buy your Tickets to the Paradis Latin Cabaret Show
• Buy your Tickets to the Crazy Horse Cabaret Show

10. Admire the Spectacular Cliffs of Etretat

Our France Bucket List is also full of natural wonders. Etretat is a small town on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, famous for its spectacular vertical cliffs and other rock formations that inspired some of Monet’s masterworks. There are arches, sea stacks, and tunnels cut into the 50 to 80 m high chalk walls.

Etretat also has beautiful architecture built in the Anglo-Norman style and some interesting sites. It is possible to visit Etretat on a weekend trip from Paris – or even better – as part of a Normandy road trip .

11. Feel the Divine at the Grandes Cathédrales

The historical region of Picardy , in Hauts-de-France , is probably the region with the most awesome Gothic cathedrals per square meter in the world!

From  Laon , one of the first Grandes Cathédrales inspired by this new Gothic art, to the cathedrals of  Amiens  or  Beauvais , visitors can witness the main steps of the evolution of Gothic architecture in France, extraordinary buildings, all listed UNESCO heritage and usually surrounded by charming old towns.

12. Nature as its Best at the Bay of Somme

The Bay of Somme  is the largest estuary in Northern France, an unspoiled place composed of dunes, marshes, and salt meadows.

Situated on the route of migrating birds, the Bay of Somme is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 250 different species of birds spending a part of the year in the area. It is also home to the largest colony of French seals, which can be spotted resting on sandbanks that emerge as the tide recedes.

Enjoy the Bay of Somme and its wildlife from the water, on foot, or by bike. The Belle Époque steam train ( Le Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme ) is also fun to discover these beautiful landscapes.

13. Look for the Water Lilies at Monet’s Garden

Explore Monet’s Gardens in Giverny , the object of some of Monet’s masterworks. Admire the water lily pond, where Monet painted his world-famous water lilies series.

The artist’s house and the attached workshop are also worth the visit, and they are an excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of Monet’s life and work in Giverny – Click here to book a Giverny day trip from Paris

Best Things to Do in Central France

14. fly over the valley of the kings on a hot-air balloon.

A hot air balloon flight , wherever it is in the world, is a truly magical experience. But it is even more magical if you can fly over some of the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley .

Glide through the sky in a massive floating vessel while enjoying sunrise or sunset — and perhaps a glass of champagne — over magnificent Renaissance châteaux and their beautiful grounds in the Loire Valley – Book your Hot Air Balloon Experience over the Loire Valley

LOIRE VALLEY TRIP PLANNING

• Loire Valley Trip Planner
• Loire Valley Road Trip Itinerary

15. The Loire Valley by Bike

La Loire à Vélo is one of the top activities in France for bike lovers. The Loire by Bike is a unique 800 km cycle route that links Nevers to Saint Brevin-Les-Pins in the Atlantic Ocean. Follow France’s last great wild river on two wheels while exploring the Loire Valley with its beautiful Renaissance châteaux, medieval towns, and good wines!

Best Things to Do in Southern France

16. go in search of the blue gold of provence.

The lavender fields in Provence are some of the most striking landscapes in Southern France. From mid-June to late August, explore the Valensole Plateau , the Luberon Valley , and the Sault Plateau , well known for its “blue gold,” lavender distilleries, and pretty small towns.

A trip to the lavender fields in Provence is one of the unique things to do in France. For the best pictures, plan your trip carefully around the blooming periods in each area.

LAVENDER FIELDS TRIP PLANNING

• Quick Guide to the Lavender Fields in Provence
• Lavender Season in Provence
• The Ultimate Lavender Route Road Trip

17. Explore the World of Perfumes in Grasse

Worldwide known as the perfume capital, Grasse is a small town in Provence where the perfume industry has prospered since the end of the 18th century.

Today, Grasse attracts visitors worldwide willing to learn about the art of perfumes in France at the Musée International de la Parfumerie (2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon). Grasse is also the last stop of the Route du Mimosa , which is especially beautiful to drive in wintertime.

Grasse has several perfume factories, but Fragonard’s Historical Factory (20 Boulevard Fragonard, free entrance) is the most famous. There are also many perfume workshops where you can learn the art of perfume making and create your own essence – Click here to design your own Fragrance in Grasse

18. The Gorges du Verdon by Kayak

Set in the Verdon Regional Park, Gorges du Verdon is one of Europe’s most fabulous natural settings and one of the most beautiful places to see in France. This limestone canyon with turquoise waters runs for 25 kilometers through the Park, and at points, it reaches depths of more than 700 meters.

Among the different ways to explore the Gorges du Verdon, kayaking is the most popular. Rent a kayak for half a day and paddle through the canyon alone or in two. There are some spots where you can tie the kayak to take a refreshing bath.

The list of outdoor activities around the Gorges du Verdon includes canyoning, rafting, hiking, via ferrata, paragliding, and rock climbing. Click here to browse all outdoor activities in Gorges du Verdon .

TIP: This Gorges du Verdon Road Trip covers the Gorges and some pretty neighboring villages.

19. Explore the Magnificent Palace of the Popes in Avignon

If you are wondering what to see in France for great architecture and history, Avignon is a good place to visit. Avignon , in Southern France, was in the 14th century the heart of Christendom and home to six Catholic Popes. Standing high above the city, visitors will find the Palais des Papes , the magnificent 14th-century building where the Popes lived and celebrated the most important religious events.

Listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is also the world’s largest and most important civil construction built in Gothic style, with more than 15,000 square meters of living space – Click here to buy your Tickets to the Palace of the Popes

20. A Breath of Fresh Air at the Calanques of Marseille

The National Park Calanques of Marseille–Cassis , in Southern France, offers spectacular landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and endless outdoor activities. This National Park includes coastal ranges of creeks, a vast marine area of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the richest submarine canyons in the world.

The best way to explore the Calanques is by walking one of the hiking trails that follow the coast, but you can also book a catamaran tour and explore this wonderful area from the water.

21. Explore the Hilltop Villages of Provence

The region of Provence is dotted with many hilltop villages, a world of winding roads, beautiful stone houses, stunning panoramas, and silence. These villages were usually built on the top of the hills to protect their population from different threads.

If the Luberon Villages  ( Roussillon , Gordes, Menerbes , and more) are the most popular villages of Provence , there are still many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

22. Corsica Island by Car

The best way to explore the beautiful Corsica Island is on a road trip. This is also the only way to reach Corsica’s best beaches.

For short stays, we suggest staying in one of the biggest cities and exploring its surroundings on day trips by car. For more extended holidays, go off the beaten path, inland, and also visit the smaller islands nearby – Check out our Best Tips for Renting a Car in France

23. Whisper to Horses at the Camargue Nature Reserve

A trip to the Camargue is one of the top things to do in France for nature lovers. This protected area in Southern France, mostly made of marshlands, is famous for its herd of horses and pink flamingos. The Camargue is also an excellent place for bird watching or just for a relaxing mini-holiday among great nature.

TIP: This Road Trip in Southern France covers the Camargue and much more!

24. Explore the Cathar Region of France

The Cathar Route takes you to some of the most incredible fortresses, intriguing abbeys, and medieval towns in Southern France. These sites are related to the Cathars, a Christian dualist movement in the Languedoc region between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Cathars were considered heretics by the Catholic Church, and they were the main target of some of the most violent crusades.

A Cathar Country road trip with your own car is the best way to explore the Cathar sites like the Cité de Carcassonne , Château de Montségur, or Fontfroide.

25. Walk the Ochre Trail in Roussillon

Le Sentier des Ochres (the Ochre Trail) in Roussillon is a beautiful hike through Roussillon’s remains of the ochre quarries. Walk between the cliffs and the red tints, surrounded by a lush forest, and learn about the ochre exploitation in Provence.

There are two different trails of 30 and 50 minutes. Although it is not adapted for people in wheelchairs, the first 50 meters are accessible (and free to visit for them) and end with a panoramic view.

The site is closed to the public from 1 January to 9 February. Out of these dates, Le Sentier des Ochres is open every day.

26. Winter Fun at Menton’s Lemon Festival

If you are looking for fun things to do in France in wintertime, don’t miss Menton in February. The picturesque town of Menton , close to the Italian border, is famous for its lemons: very bright, yellow, and elongated fruits prized by chefs for their rich essential oil.

Menton is one of the best places to visit in France in winter . Every February since 1934, the  Fête du Citron (Menton’s Lemon Festival) takes place. This unique event that celebrates lemons involves giant sculptures of lemons and other citrus fruits. The displays are also accompanied by parades, shows, music, and dances.

27. A Journey to the Center of the Earth at Gouffrede Padirac

The Gouffre de Padirac (Padirac Chasm) is another of the best things to see in France. This is the monumental entrance to a natural cavity 53 meters wide and 103 meters deep located in the Lot department in Occitanie.

After a vertiginous descent, embark on a boat trip along the underground river to explore one of the most interesting geological sites in France,

The best part of the visit comes after the boat trip, where the caves are stunningly brilliant. Book your tickets well in advance!

28. Dreamy Days in the French Riviera

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is one of the most beautiful parts of southern France, which always seems to be bathed in sunshine.  Nice  is the French Riviera’s capital and a convenient place to stay to explore the surroundings.

Clustered around  Nice , there are some compelling destinations like  Antibes , the hilltop villages ,  Cannes ,  Menton,  or  Saint Tropez , perfect for exploring on day trips from Nice. You can really spend some dreamy days on the French Riviera!

FRENCH RIVIERA TRIP PLANNING

• Best Places to Visit in the French Riviera
• Best Beaches in the French Riviera
• Best Resorts on the French Riviera
• French Riviera Road Trip

29. Canal du Midi on a Boat Barge or by Bike

Stretching from Toulouse to Sète, the Canal du Midi is a feat of architectural genius that links the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This 17th-century construction required the work of 12,000 men over fifteen years.

The Canal du Midi is listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is an unmissable tourist destination in Southern France. Visitors can explore the Canal du Midi by boat, hotel barge, and bike.

30. Get Lost in the Markets of Provence

The markets of Provence are lovely and a ritual that is truly part of living in Provence. Just about every village in Provence has a weekly market, usually in one of the main squares, while markets in bigger towns occur twice a week or even daily.

The markets of Provence sell prepared foods and fresh produce but not only. There are also stalls with flowers and provençal goods such as lavender, tablecloths, clothes, and more.

We have some favorites, like the markets of Saint-Rémy, Lourmarin, Apt (voted one of the most beautiful markets in France), and Aix-en-Provence market (the most famous). You can easily spend a day wandering through the colorful stalls and people-watching, or you can sit at a wonky table with a coffee or a glass of rosé.

Best Things to Do in Eastern France

31. follow the alsace wine route.

The Wine Route of Alsace is one of the best road trips in France . The legendary 170-kilometer stretch along the historic region of Alsace in Grand Est takes you through a string of picturesque villages, well-known wine-producing towns, and exceptional landscapes.

To get the most out of the Alsace Wine Route, consider a minimum of three days, but of course, you can take more time! Be sure to include places like Strasbourg , Colmar , and perhaps a short hike through the vineyards.

ALSACE WINE ROUTE TRIP PLANNING

• Alsace Wine Route Road Trip
• Things to Do in Strasbourg
• Things to Do in Colmar
• Most Beautiful Villages in Alsace

32. Join a Food Tour in Lyon

If you are wondering what to do in France to enjoy great food, head to Vieux Lyon. Generally acknowledged to be the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is the ideal place to discover French cuisine and fall in love with it .  

Lyon is a city with more restaurants per head and where food is taken to another level and people, it’s a way of life!

Join this top-rated food tour to discover the secrets of Lyon’s traditional cuisine . This tour visits a traditional bouillon Lyonnais, a cheese shop, a chocolate shop, and other shops selling local products.

33. Explore the Lakes and Waterfalls of the Jura

In the region of Bourgogne-Franche Comté, the department of Jura offers a magnificent succession of forests and lakes with wooded banks. Some belvederes are perfect for admiring the lakes and getting some fresh air.

The Jura is also land to many waterfalls, usually linked through beautiful hikes.

The Jura and its natural wonders are best explored by car. Have a look at this  road trip through the Jura , one of the best road trips for nature lovers.

34. Stunning Modern Architecture by Le Corbusier

This France things to do list also has space for iconic architecture. The Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier is the father of Modern Architecture, and he designed many iconic buildings all around France.

Villa Savoye near Paris is Le Corbusier’s most famous work, the first project to which he applied the five pillars of Modern Architecture. Other famous buildings by Le Corbusier include Ronchamp Chapel (in the picture above), L’ Unité d’Habitation in Marseille, and La Tourette Convent.

35. Enjoy Some of the World’s Best Wines along the Route des Grands Crus

The Route des Grands Crus is the most famous wine trail in Bourgogne. This Burgundy wine trail from Beaune to Dijon is an ideal road trip for wine lovers who also enjoy picturesque small towns and beautiful landscapes.

Explore the beautiful region of Burgundy and learn about its winemakers’ savoir-faire while enjoying some of the world’s best reds and whites.

36. Winter Getaway at Les Trois Vallées

The French Alps are an excellent destination for a winter getaway in France, home to iconic snow-capped peaks, charming old towns, and endless ski slopes.

Les Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world, with 600 kilometers of pistes and some of the best ski resorts in the French Alps . Enjoy a ski holiday in one of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe, as well as other thrilling activities guaranteed to keep dedicated skiers and non-skiers alike happy all holiday.

37. Lyon’s Festival of Lights Awaits

In Lyon , the coldest season kicks off with the Festival of Lights ,  one of the best things to do in France in wintertime.

The  Fête des Lumières (usually the first weekend of December) began as a spontaneous celebration of the Virgin Mary when her bronze statue was erected, and all the Lyonnais placed candles in their windows to honor Her.

Today, different artists light up buildings, streets, squares, and parks all over the city. The city has a magical atmosphere with more than forty light installations to discover.

38. Admire the Top of Europe from Aiguille du Midi

The Aiguille du Midi is a 3,842-metre-tall mountain in the Mont Blanc massif within the French Alps. It can be directly accessed by cable car from Chamonix for a closer view of the Mont Blanc (4,810m).

Once up, several terraces offer panoramic views of beautiful glaciers and the Alps. Don’t miss The Vertical Space , a museum dedicated to the adventure of ascending Mont Blanc throughout history.

Chamonix is also home to many fun outdoor activities all year round. Click here for the full list of fun things to do in Chamonix .

39. Champagne Tasting in Epernay

Epernay , in the region of Grand Est, is the capital of the Champagne region, where the most important champagne houses succeed one another along its famous Avenue de Champagne .

Visit the city with its beautiful 19th-century private mansions and join a tour of one of the best Champagne houses in Epernay to learn about the history and production of champagne wine . Most of the time, these tours end with some champagne tastings.

40. Hike the Volcanoes of Auvergne

Auvergne , in the Massif Central, is one of the most beautiful things to see in France, a land of 450 dormant volcanoes spread in the Chaîne des Puys, Monts Dore, Artense, Cézallier, and Monts du Cantal. The Volcanoes of Auvergne are a paradise for hikers, with long and short trails that suit all levels.

The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park is the largest French regional natural park, home to the famous Puy-de-Dome and other stunning volcanos. It has unique landscapes but also a beautiful heritage built with volcanic stones and remarkable biodiversity.

The city of Clermont Ferrand is a good base to explore the Volcanoes of Auvergne. From here, you can do many fun activities like paragliding, quad bike, canyoning, and karting – Click here for the full list

41. A Spa Day in Vichy

Thanks to the richness of its volcanic soil, the region of Auvergne contains a variety of thermal sources to treat many conditions, also perfect for a quick recovery after a long hike.

Among the Auvergne’s spa towns, Vichy is the spa resort par excellence, well known for its springs’ healing and therapeutic properties and its beautiful Art-Déco architecture.

Enjoy Vichy Thermal Spa , one of the biggest spas in Europe, but also be sure to explore Vichy’s rich Art-Déco heritage, its Opera House, eclectic villas, grand hotels, and two casinos.

42. Christmas Wonderland in Alsace

Alsace’s Christmas Markets are the best Christmas Markets in France to visit. As Alsace sits on the border with Germany, some of the German traditions of Christmas have become part of the culture in Alsace.

From mid-November to December, the Christmas Markets of Alsace are a must-do in France. There are huge Christmas trees, many lights, and many Christmas decorations in the different old towns, and it truly feels like a Christmas wonderland.

Wander around the different wooden chalets, do your last Christmas shopping, and eat some sweets or gingerbread. When it gets too cold, you can always keep yourself warm with a hot chocolate or a jar of mulled wine.

ALSACE CHRISTMAS MARKETS TRIP PLANNING

• Best Christmas Markets in Alsace
• Quick Guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market
• Quick Guide to the Colmar Christmas Market
• Where to Sleep in Strasbourg
• Where to Sleep in Colmar

Best Things to Do in Western France

43. surf the waves in biarritz.

In the French Basque Country, Biarritz is a surfing haven, the undisputed epicenter of surfing in France.

In the beginning, only foreigners came to surf in Biarritz. Soon, the locals adopted the sport and promoted it to the point that today, Biarritz is at the top of anyone’s places-to-surf bucket list, the place where some of the biggest international surfing competitions take place.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, we are sure that you will find your sweet surfing spot in Biarritz. Check out this list of places in Biarritz where you can learn or improve your surfing skills . 

44. Hike the Sentier des Douaniers (GR34)

The GR34 , also known as  Le Sentier des Douaniers , is one of the top hikes in France. This path borders the coastline of Brittany for over 2,000 kilometers, and it was originally used by customs officers to prevent smuggling.

Walk the whole hike (or only a part of it) and explore Brittany’s impressive cliffs, lonely beaches, and picturesque coastal towns.

45. Visit the Quirky Machines de l’Ile in Nantes

Les Machines de l’Ile , is the must-attraction in Nantes and one of the quirkiest things to do in France. Located on an isle in the middle of the Loire River, in the city’s former shipyards, this artistic project brings together a set of crazy machines that seem straight out of Jules Verne’s imagination and Leonardo Da Vinci’s invention.

Ride the  Sea World Carousel  on the back of the strangest marine creatures. Wander around the island on a  crazy elephant  who likes to shower all the kids he finds on his way! Visit the  Galerie des Machines , where a team of crazy inventors and machinists are working on new projects and machines.

46. Get Mystic at the Alignments of Carnac

The Alignments of Carnac , in Bretagne, Western France, is an exceptional site of megalithic alignments with more than 3,000 menhirs over more than 4 kilometers. These menhirs were erected between 6,000 and 2,000 AD, and even if we still don’t know the purpose of these alignments, they are just amazing.

Carnac is one of the unique places to see in France. Start with an introductory video and exhibition at the Maison des Mégalithes . Then take the time to wander around the stones and soak up the special atmosphere of this unique site.

47. Run the Quirky Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc  

If you are looking for fun things to do in France, don’t miss the Marathon du Médoc . This unique event takes place every year in September through the world-famous vineyards of Médoc, near Bordeaux . Here, participants run with fun costumes on, and wine tastings and other activities are organized along the course.   

This marathon race is considered “the longest marathon in the world” because of the numerous activities for runners scattered around the course. The various wine tastings do not help either!

The Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc attracts every year around 8,500 participants, representing more than 50 nations, as well as many spectators. The marathon is organized by a volunteer association with more than 2,800 volunteers, and it’s a joyful event that we suggest to try at least once in your life.

48. Climb up the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s Largest Sand Dune

Dune du Pilat is an impressive sight, spanning around 3 km in length, 600 m in width, and a lofty 100 or so meters high. It is located in the Arcachon Basin, and it is one of the best places to visit near Bordeaux .

Dune du Pilat is one of the most unique things to do in Western France . Climb up to the top of the dune to admire the nature on offer, or book in for a paraglide over the dune to gain a bird’s eye view of the nearby forest and the Atlantic Ocean – Click here to book a Dune du Pilat day tour from Bordeaux

49. Enjoy Amazing Prehistoric Art At Lascaux IV

Lascaux , near Sarlat-la-Canéda , is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world! A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cave features over 600 parietal paintings, considered to be masterpieces of Stone Age art.

Lascaux was discovered in 1940 by a group of local young boys and opened to the public in 1963. Unfortunately, human breath started to make the paintings deteriorate, so the original site was permanently closed in the 80s.

The current site is a perfect replica of the original. It is called  Lascaux IV , being Lascaux II and Lascaux III partial replicas that you can also visit. Don’t miss Lascaux IV’s great guided visit, which starts with an emotional approach to the discovery. You can visit Lascaux IV on a day trip from Sarlat or as part of a Dordogne road trip . Book your tickets well in advance!

50. The Sweet Life in the Gulf of Morbihan

The best things to do in France list ends on the Brittany coast. With its many islands and islets, its microclimate that warms the sea, and its sweet life, the Gulf of Morbihan is one of the most beautiful landscapes in western Frane to discover all year.

Morbihan means little sea in the local language, and it is the perfect place for sailing on a catamaran, hiking, or exploring the little islands protected from the vagaries of the ocean. Among the fifty or so islands in Morbihan,  Île aux Moines  and Île d’ Arz  are locals’ favorites.

More France Bucket List Ideas

• Things to Do in Northern France
• Things to Do in Southern France
• Things to Do in Eastern France
• Things to Do in Western France

And there you have it, our France Bucket List, the list of what to do in France for a unique French holiday. Do you have any favorites not included in this list? Let us know in the France Travel Facebook Group ; we will be happy to enlarge the list!

Click here for more Travel Inspiration .

Back to Homepage

Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible French content for you. We trust all products and brands promoted here and would never recommend anything that isn’t of value. Please read disclaimer for more info.

(C) Copyright 2019 - 2024 France Bucket List. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by France Bucket List || Disclaimer || Privacy Policy || Contact |

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in France

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in Paris after college, enjoys returning to France as often as possible, and most recently visited France in March 2023.

Take a dream vacation in a country that's full of dreamy destinations. Fairy-tale castles, storybook country villages, fashionable seaside resorts, snowcapped mountains, and of course Paris , the elegant City of Light.

Begin with the Eiffel Tower, the modern emblem of France. Then discover famous masterpieces of art at the Louvre Museum. Spend a day pretending to be royalty at the elegant Palace of Versailles. Save time for leisurely gourmet meals. Traditional French gastronomy has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Each region of France boasts its own distinctive cuisine and culture. The coastal region of Brittany offers the old-world charm of quaint fishing villages and ancient seaports, while the French Alps boasts a hearty cuisine of cheese fondue and charcuterie served in cozy chalets near ski slopes.

Every corner of the country has a certain magic. Discover the wonders of travelers' favorite places and learn about the best things to do with my list of the top attractions in France.

1. Eiffel Tower

2. musée du louvre, 3. château de versailles, 4. côte d'azur, 5. mont saint-michel, 6. castles of the loire valley, 7. cathédrale notre-dame de chartres, 8. provence, 9. chamonix-mont-blanc, 10. alsace villages, 11. carcassonne, 12. brittany, 13. biarritz, 14. rocamadour, 15. prehistoric cave paintings in lascaux, best time to visit france.

The Eiffel Tower is a feat of ingenuity as much as it is a famous landmark. This structure of 8,000 metallic parts was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair of 1889. Originally loathed by critics, the 330-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline.

Upon the first glimpse, you'll be impressed by the tower's delicate airiness despite its monumental size. Next, the panoramas at each of the three levels will take your breath away.

You can dine with a view on the 1st floor or indulge at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the 2nd floor. At the exhilarating height of 276 meters, the top floor offers a sweeping outlook over the city of Paris and beyond. Vistas extend as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day.

The most prestigious museum in Paris, the Louvre ranks among the top European collections of fine arts. Many of Western Civilization's most famous works are found here, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture.

The collection owes its wealth to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre, in centuries past when it was a royal palace. Other pieces were added as a result of France's treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I.

The Louvre displays around 35,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces. It's impossible to see it all in a day or even in a week. Take a private guided tour or focus on a shortlist of key artworks for the most rewarding experience.

The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles immerses you in France's glorious regal history. Step back in time to the era of the ancien régime , when Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), Louis XV, and Louis XVI ruled France. During that period, the Palace of Versailles set the standard for princely courts in Europe.

The most spectacular space in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors , where courtiers waited for an audience with His Majesty. This dazzling gallery sparkles with sunlight that enters through the windows and is reflected off hundreds of ornamental mirrors, while dozens of glittering chandeliers and gilded details make the overall impression even more marvelous.

Versailles is equally renowned for Les Jardins , formal French gardens featuring decorative pools, perfectly trimmed shrubbery, numerous statues, and magnificent fountains. The gardens were created in the 17th century by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre and are surrounded by 800 hectares of lush parkland.

Beyond the formal gardens is the Domaine de Trianon , which includes Le Grand Trianon palace; Le Petit Trianon château; and Le Hameau de la Reine (The Queen's Hamlet), Marie-Antoinette's fabricated pastoral village featuring quaint cottages set around a lake.

The buildings of Marie-Antoinette's hamlet were inspired by the rural architecture of the Normandy region. (Faux pastoral hamlets were a typical feature of aristocratic estates during the 18th century.) The "farmhouse" and "cottage" buildings have a weathered finish that was intentionally rendered to lend a rustic look (although the interiors were exquisitely furnished).

Marie-Antoinette's hamlet originally had a working dairy and farm, which served educational purposes for her children. This idyllic spot was designed as a place for Marie-Antoinette to escape from the formality of court life, take walks, and visit with friends. Le Hameau de la Reine provides a rare glimpse of Marie-Antoinette's private world.

The most fashionable stretch of coastline in France, the Côte d'Azur extends from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. Côte d'Azur translates to "Coast of Blue," a fitting name to describe the Mediterranean's mesmerizing cerulean waters.

To English speakers, this glamorous seaside destination is known as the French Riviera , words that have a ring of sun-drenched decadence.

During summer, the seaside resorts cater to beach lovers and sun-worshippers. The rich and famous are also found here in their lavish villas and luxury yachts.

The town of Nice has panoramic sea views and stellar art museums but nothing beats the views from the hilltop village of Eze . Cannes is famous for its celebrity film festival and legendary Belle Epoque hotels.

The best sandy beaches are in Antibes , which also has an atmospheric Old Town and superb museums. Saint-Tropez offers fabulous public and private beaches plus the charm of a Provençal fishing village, while Monaco seduces with its exclusive ambiance and stunning scenery.

Rising dramatically from a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most striking landmarks. This "Pyramid of the Seas" is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by imposing defensive walls and bastions.

The main tourist attraction, the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture with soaring Gothic spires. You will be awed by the serene beauty of the Abbey Church, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.

Since it was built in the 11th century, the Abbey Church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, known as "The Heavenly Jerusalem." Modern-day pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay by foot as it was done in the Middle Ages.

Traveling through the Loire Valley gives the impression of stepping into a children's storybook. Turreted fairy-tale castles grace a luxuriant countryside of dense woodlands and gently flowing rivers. The entire Loire Valley, an area known as the "Garden of France," is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Some of the Loire castles are medieval fortresses built on hilltops and surrounded by ramparts. However, the most famous Loire châteaux are sumptuous Renaissance palaces that were designed purely for enjoyment and entertainment, as an extension of court life outside of Paris.

The Château de Chambord , built for King Francis I, is the most magnificent château; the Château de Chenonceau has a distinctive feminine style; and the Château de Cheverny is a Neoclassical-style manor house estate that includes a Tintin exhibition, English gardens, and a forest.

It is also worth visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges as well as the city of Orléans , where Joan of Arc helped defeat the English army in 1429, and the Château Royal d'Amboise , the residence of French kings for five hundred years.

For more than eight centuries, the magnificence of Chartres Cathedral has inspired the faithful, and some say this sublime sanctuary has restored belief in the doubtful.

The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture, renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows. Covering 2,500 square meters, the brilliant windows allow colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The intricately detailed windows reveal the incredible craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.

The rose windows are especially noteworthy for their incredible size and details. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window which dates from the 12th century.

On the third Saturday of September, the city of Chartres presents Chartres en Lumières (Festival of Light) during European Heritage Days . The festival includes street art, music, and guided tours. During this annual event, the Chartres Cathedral dazzles crowds with its colorful multimedia show featuring illuminations and sound. The illumination show also takes place at the cathedral in July and August every evening after 10pm.

Escape into a bucolic landscape of olive groves, sun-drenched rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with little villages nestled in the valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scenery has enchanted many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.

The rustic natural beauty, country charm, and laid-back atmosphere of Provence allow the region's art de vivre (art of living) to flourish. Sultry weather encourages leisurely strolls along cobblestone streets and afternoons spent on sunny terraces of outdoor cafés.

Among the many attractions of Provence is its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. You can choose from a wide range of culinary establishments, from family-run bistros to Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants.

The quintessential Provençal town, Aix-en-Provence is famous for its colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France. Fascinating ancient ruins and traditional festivals distinguish Arles , while the medieval city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes.

Even tiny villages, like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Rémy, and Gordes, have amazing historic sites, fantastic museums, and an irresistibly quaint ambiance.

The awesome spectacle of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an unforgettable sight. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc soars to 4,810 meters. Thanks to its elevation, Mont Blanc ("White Mountain") is always blanketed in snow.

Beneath its majestic peak is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix , nestled in a high-mountain valley. This delightful little town is filled with historic churches, traditional alpine restaurants, and charming auberges.

Chamonix is a great base for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing. The village is one of the best places to visit in France for inspiring natural scenery and alpine accommodations. Upscale mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.

Catering to diners with good appetites, local restaurants serve hearty meals typical of the Savoie region, as well as international cuisine. To sample the Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue , and raclette (melted Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler cheese served with boiled potatoes).

Some of the prettiest villages in France are tucked away in the green, rolling hills of Alsace, where the Vosges Mountains border the Rhine River of Germany. These picturesque Alsatian villages feature pastel-painted, half-timbered houses clustered around small parish churches. Cheerful flowering balconies and pedestrian cobblestone streets add to the appeal.

Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaux Villages de France

Many of the villages have won France's Villages Fleuris award for their lovely floral decorations, such as Obernai , with its characteristic burghers' houses; the charming little village of Ribeauvillé , where many homes are adorned with potted flowers; the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Region of Art and History) of Guebwiller ; and the captivating medieval village of Bergheim .

Some of the flower-bedecked Alsatian villages are so pretty that they have been designated as both Villages Fleuris and Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), including the storybook hamlet of Riquewihr and the enchanting village of Eguisheim , nestled in a valley. Another of the Plus Beaux Villages is Mittelbergheim , known for its gastronomy and gorgeous pastoral landscape, at the foot of the verdant Mont Saint-Odile.

If you're planning an Alsace vacation itinerary, Colmar is a good base to explore the Alsatian villages and surrounding nature trails.

With its turreted towers and crenelated ramparts, Carcassonne seems straight out of a fairy-tale scene. This well-preserved (and renovated) fortified city offers a total immersion into the world of the Middle Ages.

Known as La Cité , the UNESCO-listed walled medieval town of Carcassonne is a warren of narrow, winding cobblestone lanes and quaint old houses. Nearly every street, square, and building has retained its historic character. Within la Cité, the 12th-century Château Comtal reveals the Cathar heritage of the Languedoc region .

Must-see tourist attractions are the double-circuited ramparts with 52 towers and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse , which features splendid 13th-century stained-glass windows.

Carcassonne draws many visitors on July 14th for its fireworks show, to celebrate Bastille Day , a national holiday (Fête Nationale). Despite being a small town, Carcassonne presents one of the most dazzling July 14th fireworks displays in France.

The Brittany region in northeastern France brims with natural beauty and historic charm. A rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and weathered seaports characterize this region. The distinctive local culture is steeped in ancient traditions and famous for its costumed religious festivals.

A mystical land of myths and legends, Brittany has a Celtic influence and a dialect related to Gaelic. The local cuisine is based on seafood and is renowned for its savory buckwheat crêpes and sweet dessert crêpes.

The quintessential Breton port is Saint-Malo surrounded by 17th-century fortifications. Quimper is a picture-postcard town with handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a spectacular château and is where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants.

Other highlights of Brittany are the pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles. Belle-Île-en-Mer , the largest of the Breton islands, appeals to vacationers in search of a peaceful seaside setting. Ferry boats run from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes to Belle-Île-en-Mer.

This fashionable seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic air; it was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie , wife of Napoleon III. Empress Eugénie loved the beautiful setting on the Bay of Biscay in France's Basque country.

The imperial couple's grandiose Second Empire palace has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz , a luxury hotel featuring a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant and sensational views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its broad seafront promenade, has attracted high-society vacation goers since the Belle Epoque.

Other must-see sights of Biarritz are related to the ocean: the Biarritz Aquarium ; the Lighthouse ; and the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock) which stands along the coastline on an immense rock beaten by the Atlantic's wild waves.

For a taste of the town's regal past, visit the chic Miremont tearoom that has served exceptional pastries since 1872.

Rocamadour resides between heaven and earth, suspended on a sheer limestone cliff as if providing a medium for spiritual wonders.

In the 11th century, this pilgrimage destination was the third most important in Christendom after Jerusalem and Rome. Rocamadour was on the medieval Chemin de Saint-Jacques (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The village has seven ancient sanctuaries, but pilgrims flock to the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which possesses the venerated Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour). This precious Virgin Mary figure was carved from walnut wood that naturally darkened over the centuries and is associated with miracles.

Another must-see sight is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur , the largest church of Rocamadour built in Romanesque and Gothic styles between the 11th and 13th centuries. For a challenging spiritual experience, pilgrims can ascend the steep flight of steps, with 12 Stations of the Cross, leading up to the château at the highest point in the village.

About 145 kilometers from Limoges in the Limousin , Rocamadour is surrounded by the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy , a natural park in the Dordogne region.

Discover the fascinating world of prehistoric art in Lascaux, the finest example of Paleolithic art in the world. This UNESCO-listed site is in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne region . Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux Cave contains exquisite prehistoric paintings, but in 1963 was closed to the public to prevent damage.

A replica of the cave was created at the nearby Lascaux II site in Montignac, 200 meters from the actual cave. Opened in 1983, Lascaux II is a faithful reproduction of the Lascaux Cave and its paintings. The Paleolithic art has been carefully recreated, including every detail of the animal paintings in authentic ochre hues.

Opened in 2016, the sleek ultra-modern International Centre for Cave Art (also in Montignac) presents a complete replica ( Lascaux IV ) of the original Lascaux Cave along with museum exhibits that provide context for the prehistoric artworks. Virtual reality exhibits and a 3-D film help bring the prehistoric period to life.

Highlights of the Lascaux prehistoric cave paintings are the Salle des Taureaux (Hall of the Bulls) with panels featuring unicorns and bears and the Diverticule Axial , a narrow 30-meter-long hall with impressive drawings of bulls, cows, and horses. The art reproductions of the replica caves are so accurate that visitors would not be able to tell the difference from the original.

France appeals to travelers through the four seasons. For most tourists, the best seasons to visit are in the late spring, summer, and early autumn . Summertime is the most popular season because of school vacations and warm weather. Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant, mild weather and less crowds.

For those who appreciate beautiful gardens, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit France and especially Paris. One of the top day trips from Paris, Monet's Garden in Giverny is spectacular when tulips bloom in April, in May when wisterias bud, and in June when roses blossom. By July, the famous water lilies of Monet's paintings appear in the garden's pond.

In terms of warm weather and long days, summer is the best season to visit. The months of July and August are great for beach vacations on the French Riviera or the elegant resort of Biarritz on the Atlantic Coast. Outdoor sports enthusiasts enjoy the countryside of Provence, the Auvergne region , and the French Alps during summertime, when the sunshine and comfortable temperatures make hiking and boating enjoyable.

For budget travelers, the winter is a good time to visit France because hotel prices are reduced. However, from December through February the weather can be very chilly (low 40s to mid 40s Fahrenheit in Paris and northern France), as well as rainy.

Many travelers enjoy visiting during the holiday season (end of November through January 1st) since Paris and other cities feature lovely Christmas decorations. In addition, the holidays are the time for Christmas music concerts and traditional Marchés de Noël (Christmas markets) especially in the small towns of Provence, Annecy in the French Alps, and the quaint villages of the Alsace region .

More on France

• Become a Member

What To Do in France in September

As the shcool summer holidays come to an end and everyone heads ‘back to school’, September is indeed a busy month. The cultural calendar is also packed with plenty of events and great exhibitions. This year is marked of course by the start of the Rugby World Cup which will run throughout autumn. Here is France Today’s selection of events and festivals in France in September 2023.

The American Film Festival, Deauville, Calvados – Sep 1-10

The coastal resort of Deauville and its beautiful belle-époque sea-view villas is the backdrop to this renowned film festival celebrating American cinema, from block-busters to indie movies, short to feature films.

Visa pour l’Image, Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales – Sep 2-17  

The 35th anniversary of the International Festival of Photojournalism is held in the southern city of Perpignan this year. Each year, this free festival welcomes about 200,000 visitors and this year, it will present a total of 25 exhibitions covering themes that go from the climate change to the artificial intellifence, including the uprising of the population in Iran.  

Village de la Gastronomie, Paris – Sep 7-10  

This extravaganza of French and international cuisine with cookery demonstrations, tastings, and food stalls takes place at the foot of the Eiffel tower.  

Village International de la Gastronomie © Agora-Expo

The Rugby World Cup kicks off! – Sep 8  

The 2023 Rugby World Cup will kick off with a bang, or should we say, with a Hakka as France take son New Zealand in the opening game of the competition. In France for a few games? Be sure to bookmark our guides to the host cities and day trip ideas in between fixtures. Read our complete guide to the Rugby World Cup .

Rugby : Jeu, Passion, Légende : au delà du terrain !, Montpellier, Hérault – Sep 8 – Oct 30

A brand new photo exhibition is taking place on the forecourt of the City Hall, in Montpellier, and will remain for the duration of the Rugby World Cup. A curation of eight photographers from the Occitanie region, the exhibition delves into the heart of the emblematic world of rugby. The different photographs capture and enhance the values ​​of this sport, anchored in the culture and tradition of the game.

European Heritage Days, France-wide – Sep 16-17  

European Heritage Days is an annual event celebrating cultural and historical treasures. For this 40th edition, based around the theme of ‘living heritage’, countless landmarks, monuments, and sites, even some which are normally inaccessible, open their doors to the public. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse heritage of France , and a perfect excuse to visit one of the more than 100 monuments under the umbrella of Centre des Monuments Nationaux.  

The chapel of Mont Saint Michel’s abbey, celebrating its 1000th anniversary © Barnyz / Flickr

Festival de Marionettes, Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes – Sep 16–24  

Charleville-Mézières extends an invitation to excitement, inventiveness and fantasy. It’s the perfect time to discover the World Festival of Marionette Theatre this year, as the largest puppet festival in the world celebrates its 60th anniversary.   

Modigliani at the Orangerie, Paris – Sep 20 – Jan 15  

This exhibition held in the lovely Orangerie Museum in the Jardin des Tuileriesexplores the collaboration between the artist and gallery owner Paul Guillaume who discovered Modigliani and went on to become his art dealer.  

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Musée de l’Orangerie (@museeorangerie)

Le Grand Pavois, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime – Sep 20-25

Held in the port of La Rochelle under the gaze of its picturesque gates, this nautical boat fair gathers sailing and watersports enthusiasts, eager to check out the latest creations of manufacturers.

British Film Festival, Dinard, Ille-et-Vilaine – Sep 27 – Oct 1

Created in 1990, this colourful festival serves as a gateway to European audiences for British cinema. Held in the most British of French seaside resorts, it remains a small event, hosting screenings of six competing films, a dozen previews and many short movies.

Lead photo credit : The puppet festival in Charleville-Mézières © Herve Dapremont

Share to:  Facebook  Twitter   LinkedIn   Email

More in events in France , France Rugby World Cup 2023 , what to do in France , What's on

Related Articles

New at the Carrières des Lumières: Time of the Pharaohs

How (Not) to Be Parisian: Driving Through the City

Match: Design & Sport, an Exciting Exhibition in Paris

By sophie gardner-roberts.

Sophie is Digital Editor for France Today. Raised in Burgundy to British parents, she grew up bilingual in a small village where summers were about forest walks and lazy swims in the river. A Franco-British citizen, she studied literature, then journalism in Paris and Cardiff before quickly dipping her toes (and quill) into travel writing. She’s been specialised and writing about France since 2016 and now works from her home office in north-east France.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Important Cookie Information

We collect information from our users – this is for administration and contact purposes in connection with contributions you may wish to make to the site or your use of certain site features such as newsletter subscriptions and property enquiries.

13 of the best places to visit in France

Nov 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Have you been to France if you haven't got a shot in the lavender fields of Provence? © iStock / Getty Images

France  consistently tops the list as the world’s most visited destination – and it doesn’t take much imagination to see why.

Its winning formula of captivating cities, awe-inspiring landscapes – including the  Alps and the  Pyrenees – an enviable coastline and some of the world’s best food and wine is hard to resist. Affordable public transportation and a sprawling network of motorways mean you can cover a lot of ground if you want to visit more than one region. But it’s just as tempting to stick to one place and enjoy the country's seductive lifestyle.

Wondering where to go in France? Have a look at these top destinations for some inspiration.

1. Paris has great urban vibes

Much as you’d like to tick the main sights of  Paris off your list – world-class art at the  Louvre and  Musée d’Orsay , the  Eiffel Tower ,  Sacré-Coeur – make time for some of its lesser-known attractions. Wander the atmospheric streets of the  Marais – popping into the free  Musée Carnavalet as well as  Musée Picasso – before checking out the vintage shops of the 10th arrondissement . Make your way over to buzzing Belleville and take in fabulous views of Paris from Parc de Belleville. For full-on greenery in the city, follow the footpaths around the elegant 19th-century  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

Local tip : For authentic local dining experiences, avoid restaurants that tout a menu touristique, or display a sample meal of plastic food on the pavement outside.

Read more: Where locals go on vacation in France

2. the loire valley's castles are best explored by bike.

At some point, you’ll want to be on two wheels as you explore the gently rolling landscapes of the  Loire Valley – especially as cycling is made so much easier thanks to the extensive Vélo Verte network of bike routes. Combine visiting vineyards with glimpses into lavish Renaissance life in the 42 sumptuous chateaux, particularly the fantastically elaborate  Chateau de Chenonceau and the more intimate and romantic  Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau on its own island on the Indre tributary.

Local tip:  Don't leave your bicycle locked up outside on the street overnight if you want to see it (or at least most of its parts) again. Some hotels offer enclosed bicycle parking. 

3. Normandy’s coast is the place to learn about WWII history  

Normandy ’s long coastline is packed with historical landmarks, the D-Day beaches being the most striking. It’s impossible not to be moved by the many poignant memorials, including the  American cemetery at Omaha Beach and the  Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer. Head further east, and you end up in a 19th-century time capsule in the alluring resorts of Cabourg, Deauville, Trouville and  Honfleur .

4. Strasbourg and Alsace’s wine routes are full of fairy-tale charm

Strasbourg is half-timbered heaven, with an outrageously picturesque old town set on its own island on the  River Ill . Wander round its imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame before relaxing on one of the cafe terraces in little Place du Marché Gayot just behind. The city is an excellent starting point for a tour of the  Alsace Wine Route, the oldest in France. Beer drinkers aren’t left out: Alsace is the only region in France that makes wine and beer.

5. The Luberon in Provence has many lovely hilltop villages

Terracotta rooftops and honey-colored stone cottages tumble down pine-clad hills, while vineyards crisscross the valleys with olive groves and lavender fields. That’s when you know you’re in Provence, specifically the wonderfully mellow  Luberon . Wander from village to hilltop village and lose yourself in the medieval lanes of some of the most gorgeous places in France. Put Bonnieux, Gordes, Ménerbes, Roussillon and Saignon on your list just for starters.

Local tip : Buy a baguette from the boulangerie (bakery) and fill it with Camembert, pâté or charcuterie (cold meats). Finish sweet with macarons, buttery kouign amann (Breton butter cake) or cherries in summer. 

6. Mont-St-Michel is a top destination for medieval history buffs

The 10th-century Benedictine abbey at  Mont-St-Michel casts its spell even before you arrive. The walk to this tidal island takes at least 20 minutes, during which you have this magnificent abbey, monastery and snail-like spiral of village houses in your sights. You certainly won’t tire of that view. Once you’ve explored the gothic interiors, take your pick from one of the panoramic restaurants circling the island.

7. Dune du Pilat is France's most scenic place to camp

Soaring more than 100m (328ft) above sea level, the otherworldly Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune. Sheltered by the Arguin sandbank, its waters are much gentler than further up the Atlantic coast on the western side of Cap Ferret. It’s ringed with campsites, giving you not only one of the loveliest views but also utterly mesmerizing sunsets. When you’re not running up the mountain of sand, you’ll be transfixed by the antics of the paragliders who rarely leave this place.

Local tip : There is a large car park about 400 meters (437 yards) from the dune, which charges a small fee for parking. However, you cannot park here overnight without being fined €50. 

8. Lyon is a top food destination

Even Parisians have to admit that  Lyon is gastronomic royalty in France. Bring a big appetite to do justice to eating in Lyon’s trademark bouchons , intimate little bistros that specialize in hearty meat-heavy lyonnaise cuisine. Start your bouchon tour in the UNESCO-listed Renaissance lanes of Vieux Lyon, where you can also spot the old secret passageways known as traboules .

9. Bordeaux is the best place to go for wine lovers

Mixing easy elegance with liveliness, France’s wine capital hums with the sounds of people enjoying themselves in  Bordeaux ’s cafe-filled 18th-century lanes of Saint-Pierre and Place du Parlement. Take the pleasant, pedestrianized path along the River Garonne to  La Cité du Vin , whose audacious design holds a thoroughly enjoyable museum celebrating wine from Bordeaux and beyond.

Local tip : Dress up when dining out, even at mid-range restaurants, clubs and bars. Leave the jeans and sneakers in your suitcase (unless you're at the local village bar where a more casual style is fine).

10. Annecy has the best Alpine beauty

On the doorstep of the French Alps,  Annecy is another one of those sigh-inducing gorgeous cities that France does so well. Its medieval heart squeezes into gaps between the Thiou River and Canal, with tall pastel-colored townhouses towering over the quayside cafes. You can’t miss the  Vieille Ville ’s most distinctive landmark,  Palais de l’Île , a medieval castle and former prison that’s now a museum. Your wanderings will inevitably take you to the glorious shores of Lake Annecy, one of France’s most beautiful.

11. Biarritz and Basque Country is packed with boho chic

Royalty has been flocking to  Biarritz for more than two centuries since Napoleon III’s mother, Queen Hortense, fell in love with this fishing village on the Atlantic coast. Then the surfers joined in from the 1950s onward, bringing some laid-back cool to go with Biarritz’s superb beaches. Once you’ve had a swim in the  Grande Plage and  Plage de la Côte des Basques , check out the  Basque Country coastal towns of  Bayonne and  St-Jean-de-Luz before heading into the Pyrenees.

12. Nice is a vibrant taste of life on the Mediterranean

The sun-drenched capital of the Côte d’Azur is everything you want in a Mediterranean city, and then some. Explore the labyrinthine lanes of  Vieux Nice , with an obligatory trawl through the morning food market at  Cours Saleya  before taking in the views from the top of  Colline du Chateau . Chill out on one of  Nice ’s many beaches before getting a culture fix at the  Chagall and  Matisse museums. Hop on one of the most scenic train lines in Europe and pop into the attractive coastal villages of  Villefranche-sur-Mer and  Èze .

Planning tip: If you're heading to the Côte d’Azur in May, book time to get over to star-studded Cannes for Europe's biggest cinema extravaganza. Every evening from 9:30pm, the Cinéma de la Plage provides free open-air screenings on the beachfront.

13. Auvergne has a captivating natural landscape

The lush volcanic landscape of the  Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne is one of the most dramatic in France. Among its four volcanic massifs, the green-covered lava domes, cinder cones and craters of the Chaîne des Puys – more than 80 volcanoes – are a dream to explore on foot, on two wheels or from an exhilarating paraglide flight.

Local tip : If you're traveling with children, head to the surprisingly educative Vulcania theme park and learn about Auvergne's long-extinct volcanoes. 

This article was first published June 2012 and updated November 2023

Explore related stories

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

While it’s hard for anyone to leave Paris, these day trips offer bucolic nature, gorgeous cathedrals and more – all only an hour or so away.

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 10, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 7, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 6, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in france.

France is home to some of the most lively cities, bucolic villages and renowned wine regions on the globe. U.S. News considered factors like variety of attractions, lodging, weather and culinary scenes to create this ranking of the best places to visit in France. Whether you're seeking an action-packed sightseeing adventure or a relaxing wine retreat, you'll find a fun French vacation here. To influence next year's ranking, vote below for your favorite destinations in France.

Mont Saint-Michel

Montpellier, french alps, chamonix-mont-blanc, aix-en-provence, loire valley.

As the world's best place to visit , it's no surprise that the electrifying City of Light tops this list. France's capital city is a year-round tourist destination with iconic attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and incredible architecture (think: the dazzling Basilique du Sacré-Coeur). Not to mention, Paris offers unparalleled dining and shopping scenes and more museums than you could hope to visit in one trip. Keep in mind, Paris is often flooded with tourists and room rates can be pricey. If you're looking for a deal, travel in winter or early spring.

The capital of the Alsace region offers the perfect mix of French and German culture thanks to its location on the France-Germany border. While here, travelers should see Strasbourg's Gothic-style cathedral and stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petite France quarter with its half-timbered houses and postcard-worthy waterways. Plus, those with an interest in politics can tour several important European institutions during their visit, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. For an extra dose of charm, arrive in December to see one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets.

Rising above the sea like a castle in a fairy tale, Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy is one of France's most-visited sights. Legend says the archangel Michael, the island's namesake, repeatedly appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in dreams, telling him to build a church on top of the island in A.D. 708. Since its completion, it has become an important pilgrimage site for Christians and European intellectuals. Visitors can tour the picturesque abbey and admire its incredible medieval architecture or wander its surrounding streets, which are lined with tiny shops and quaint cafes.

Dubbed La Ville Rose due to the prominence of distinctive clay bricks in its architecture, Toulouse is a feast for the eyes. Throughout this city, which is located in the South of France, you'll find marvels like the neoclassical Le Capitole on the main square, the stately Basilica of Saint-Sernin (an 11th-century UNESCO site) and the Hôtel d’Assézat, which houses a noteworthy art gallery. What's more, several canals with shady footpaths pass through the city, including the idyllic Canal du Midi. For some of the best views of Toulouse, take a cruise on the River Garonne, or just sunbathe on its banks.

Sunny Montpellier glows with a combination of old world charm and a trendy university lifestyle. This city in the south of France evokes Parisian appeal with Haussmann architecture and stylish promenades. And like Paris, adornment is everywhere in Montpellier, from fashionable boutiques to street art to France's oldest botanical garden. Plus, since Montpellier is located 7 miles from the coast of the Mediterranean, a beach break is close at hand. Once the sun sets, take part in the city's youthful nightlife scene, which includes everything from music halls to dance clubs.

It's easy to see why Colmar, located in the heart of Alsace's wine region, is considered one of France's most beautiful cities. Colorful houses that look as if they belong in a fairy tale line the Little Venice district, where you can take a boat tour through Colmar's canals or reach boutiques and eateries on foot. The setting is picturesque regardless of when you vacation here, but for even more charm, visit Colmar at night when lights illuminate the city during annual events like the Colmar International Festival, Alsace's wine fair and Colmar's Christmas market.

To see some of France's most spectacular art and architecture, head to Avignon. This city in southeastern France is full of stunning structures, including the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, and the arched bridge, Pont d'Avignon. A number of can't-miss museums are spread throughout Avignon as well, such as the Musée Angladon, which houses works by highly regarded artists like Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. Visit in July to attend the Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's largest performing arts festivals.

If your ideal French vacation involves a little more nature and a little less city, head to the French Alps . Here, you'll find some of the best ski slopes in Europe, as well as beautiful scenery that rivals any work of art or architecture. In summer, the typically snow-covered mountains thaw just enough to create perfect conditions for hiking and biking. Enchanting villages sit at the base of the range, offering several places to unwind when you've had enough fun on the slopes or trails.

Despite its war-filled past, this region in northern France is also a place of great beauty and culture. Étretat's white cliffs are a great place to take in the area's natural scenery. Then, visit the region's capital city, Rouen, to admire works of art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and stroll past the quaint half-timbered houses. Be sure to sample some of the city's culinary specialties to see why it is now a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Or, see some of the remnants of Normandy's heavy history at the D-Day Landing Beaches and The Bayeux Tapestry.

Glamorous Nice occupies a picturesque spot along the French Riviera. Beach bums and culture hounds alike will enjoy the city's pebbly shores, engaging museums, boutique shops and Baroque-style palaces. Be sure to stroll along the coastline's Promenade des Anglais and pick up some fresh flowers and produce at the vibrant Cours Saleya market, located in old town. You'll likely spend a pretty penny on lodging and beach access, but experiencing Nice is worth it. To save some coin, travel between mid-March and April or from September to October, the area's shoulder seasons.

Often called "France's Isle of Beauty," Corsica features diverse landscapes and a unique culture that make it seem like a miniature continent. The Mediterranean island's clear blue water and white sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and kayaking, while its mountainous terrain and dense forests provide ample opportunities to hike trails like the highly regarded (albeit challenging) GR20. Those looking to take in some history can visit the Maison Bonaparte museum to see Napoleon's birthplace. What's more, Corsica offers a one-of-a-kind food scene that showcases various local delicacies, such as lonzu (dry-cured ham) and brocciu (cheese).

While it may not be as well known as big-name cities like Paris, Lyon competes with the best of them. Despite being the third-largest city in France, Lyon is much calmer and less touristy than other similarly sized destinations. The streets are filled with public art, including the city's famous trompe l'oeil murals, and there are museums that focus on everything from movies to history. Plus, it's surrounded by hundreds of wineries and home to 4,000-plus restaurants, several of which boast Michelin stars, making it especially appealing to oenophiles and foodies.

If you love to ski, chances are you'll enjoy shredding powder at Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. In the bustling Chamonix (the main place to stay if you want to ski at Mont Blanc), you'll have easy access to the longest off-piste run in the world (Vallée Blanche) and rugged, challenging slopes. But this destination, which hosted the 1924 Winter Olympics, offers more than just top-notch skiing. Chamonix is also a great place to go hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. For some family-friendly fun, visit the town's adventure park to zip down its Alpine coaster and various slides.

Quaint, charming Aix-en-Provence is a university city known for its tree-lined boulevards, cute cafes and lively markets. Life moves at a more leisurely pace here than in other French cities, meaning it's the perfect place for travelers to get lost in the scenic streets. Make sure to add Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and Le Grand Marché – two of the city's top attractions – to your itinerary. You can also see where artist Paul Cézanne (an Aix-en-Provence native) painted some of his masterpieces at Atelier de Cezanne, or venture outside of the city to see the Provencal scenes that inspired him.

Vincent Van Gogh fans may recognize the streetscapes of Arles: This small city in Provence inspired some of the artist's best-known works with its bright colors and rustic feel. Art aficionados can walk in Van Gogh's footsteps and explore his favorite haunts on a walking tour through this romantic city or visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles. Beyond this noteworthy connection, Arles is renowned for its Roman ruins, including a two-tiered amphitheater, the Alyscamps necropolis and the Constantine Baths. And as the gateway to the Camargue region, Arles is a great base for visitors looking to explore this marshy, flamingo-filled area.

Another popular wine region, Burgundy is home to rolling hills, superior cuisine and an array of vineyards. Those visiting Burgundy must spend time exploring the medieval villages, historical abbeys and museums that call this area home. Dijon, the region's history-rich capital, makes a great home base for touring the area. And, of course, you can't leave without trying the region's wine, which mainly uses the pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and dining on some of its rich cuisine.

Northwestern France's Brittany region stands out from the rest of the country in more ways than one. Locals are proud and protective of their Celtic heritage, including their unique language, traditions and festivals. As a result, visitors will find many well-preserved historical sites throughout the area, including prehistoric megaliths and medieval towns like Saint-Malo, a popular port town with a 12th-century citadel. Brittany also features breathtaking coastlines with fantastic beaches that are known for their phenomenal waves for surfing, dive spots and dolphin-spotting opportunities. 

As the capital of France's Champagne region, Reims is a must-visit destination for both history buffs and those who love bubbly. The city offers many Champagne cellars where visitors can learn about how the popular wine is produced before tasting it. Additionally, Reims features breathtaking Gothic architecture at attractions like the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, where 25 French monarchs were crowned between 1223 and 1825, and the adjacent Palace of Tau, the former residence of France's archbishops. No visit would be complete without perusing the exhibits in one of Reims' museums, which cover a range of topics from war history to art and automobiles.

The gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is perfectly situated for touring the region's wineries. But with Tours' historical elements and prime location along the Loire River, you may just want to stay in town. Place Plumereau, a medieval marketplace that remains one of the city's oldest squares, exudes irresistible charm with half-timbered houses, while churches like the Saint-Gatien Cathedral stun with their stately façades. Visitors will also have their pick of green spaces, from parks like Prébendes d’Oé Garden to riverside guinguettes (open-air cafes) at Tours sur Loire. What's more, several of the region's famed châteaux (including the Château de Villandry) sit just outside the city.

For a romantic escape, visit the Loire Valley in central France. Situated along the Loire River, the area is peppered with châteaux, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, farms and wineries renowned for their sauvignon blanc. The region itself is even a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beauty and historical villages. Plan to spend some time in a few of the valley's laid-back cities and towns, such as Orléans and Saumur, and you can't miss the emblematic Château de Chambord.

This wine-producing hub woos travelers with its riverbank location and surrounding countryside. With nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards, Bordeaux offers ample choices for those looking to sip some of the best (typically bold red) wines in the world. In the city center, marvel at the Gothic-style Basilique Saint Michel, walk across the Pont de Pierre (a beautiful stone bridge), snap a photo of the iconic Place de la Bourse and enjoy the Jardin Public's pathways and flora.

Located on the French Riviera just 8 miles from Nice, the tiny hilltop village of Èze makes for an excellent daytrip. The best way to spend your time in this medieval town is meandering through its cobbled streets that look as though they've been pulled from a postcard. In doing so, you'll find picturesque views of the coast, as well as luxury hotels and shops from another era. Top sights include the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and Jardin Exotique d'Èze, as well as the walking path of Nietzsche, who was inspired to write here. Before leaving town, stop by the Fragonard Parfumeur factory for a fragrant tour.

Located 35 miles northeast of Montpellier, Nîmes delights history buffs with some of the world's best-preserved Roman treasures like its emblematic arena and La Maison Carrée, a temple dating back to 10 B.C. Museums throughout Nîmes also cover its past. But lest you get the wrong impression, Nîmes is anything but stuffy. The city embraces the joie de vivre of the South of France with countless festivals, from structured events like the concert lineups of the Festival de Nîmes to lively Ferias de Nîmes – multi-day celebrations that occur twice a year at Pentecost and in September, and center around bullfighting, dancing and music.

France's oldest and second-largest city has become an exciting, up-and-coming tourist destination. Marseille has a number of sights to see, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Château d'If, the ominous prison made famous by Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." When the weather is nice, the rocky cliffs and secluded beaches of the Calanques are excellent for swimming, boating and hiking. No trip to Marseille would be complete without a stop by the Mucem, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization. Plus, its rooftop terrace makes the perfect vantage point to admire the city.

Famous for its annual film festival in May, Cannes is just as impressive (and much less congested) other times of the year. Cannes is another French Riviera hot spot that welcomes travelers looking for a little relaxation (think: sun-soaked beaches and meandering walks through the steep streets of Le Suquet, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods). Visitors can sightsee as they stroll along La Croisette, a 2-mile-long promenade, or sit down for an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Feeling lucky? Stop by one of Cannes' casinos.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Carcassonne

Cirque de Gavarnie

You May Be Interested In

Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

Best Places to Visit in Spain

Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

Best Family Vacations in Europe

Best Beaches in France

Best Beaches in Italy

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

• Regions of France
• French Departments
• Atlantic Coast
• Centre-Val de Loire
• Champagne-Ardenne
• Loire Valley
• Midi-Pyrénées
• Nord Pas de Calais
• Poitou-Charentes
• Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA)
• Battlefields & Memorials
• Museums & Art Galleries
• Theme Parks
• Christmas Markets
• Cruises/Canals
• Walking & Cycling
• Towns & Cities
• Travel to & around France
• Accommodation
• Restaurants

Major Events & New Attractions in France in 2021

There’s an exciting list of major events and new attractions in France in 2021. Some were due to take place or open last year but were prevented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Others were scheduled for 2021. Let’s hope there’s not a further lockdown in France postponing them again.

Major Events in France in Spring 2021

Major new attractions in paris, bourse de commerce – pinault collection.

The French billionaire and art collector François Pinault has an extraordinary collection of great works. He will show many of them in his new Parisian attraction – the Bourse de Commerce . It was scheduled to open last year. It will open on May 22, 2021 and offer an extraordinary collection.

The historic Bourse de Commerce or Stock Exchange was originally built in the 16 th century. Transformed two centuries later, it retained its iconic circular dome.

This is part of a huge renovation of this large site and will include a restaurant from French chef Michel Bras.

The first exhibitions are curated and organised from Pinault’s other museums. From Palazzo Grassi comes works by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. A second exhibition, from the same museum, Once Upon a Dream features the artist, Youssef Nabil (Cairo, 1972). Untitled, 2020 , presenting works by over 60 artists held by the Pinault Collection, international museums and private collections comes from the Punta della Dogana.

Bourse de Commerce – Collection Pinault 2 rue de Viarmes Paris 75001 Tel: +33 1 55 04 60 60 Website Check website for opening times and entrance prices

Palais Galliera Fashion Museum

Paris’ Palais Galliera fashion museum shut in 2016 for major renovations. Opened for a short time in October 2020, Covid-19 restrictions closed it again. France’s first permanent fashion museum will be on everyone’s must see attractions in Paris.

This spring, 2021, the Palais Galliera will open new galleries and the Gabrielle Chanel Rooms, showing the history of fashion from the 18 th century to today. From June 2021 you can take a guided tour through fashion history and the collection. In the autumn 2021, catch the exhibition Vogue Paris, 1920-2020 .  

Palais Galliera Fashion 10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie Paris 75116 Tel: +33 (0)1 56 52 86 00 Website Check website for details of entrance

Fondation Pernod Ricard

The Fondation Pernod Ricard is a new venue aimed at supporting the young, contemporary French arts scene. You’llf ind it in the global headquarters of Pernod Ricard in the Saint-Lazare district in central Paris. There’s a big exhibition space, an auditorium and other spaces for performances or one-off installations. Grab a coffee or light snack at the Café Mirette which opens onto a large terrace and courtyard and meet fellow enthusiasts. It is scheduled to open on February 6 th , 2021.

Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard 1 cours Paul Ricard Paris 75008 Tel: +33 (0)1 70 93 26 00 Website Guided Tours Wed 12.30pm; Sat 12.30pm & 4pm Admission Free Metro St Lazare (lines 3, 12, 13, 14)

Hôtel de la Marine

The apartments of the Hôtel de la Marine , overlooking Place de la Concorde are spectacular. The building was opened in 1774, and housed the Court’s collection of furniture and works of art. It was also in overall charge of the great tapestry manufactories of the Gobelins and Beauvais that made France such an important tapestry centre . The Hôtel de la Marine stands opposite an identical building, now housing the Hôtel Meurice.

After the French Revolution the building was taken over by the Ministry of the Navy. They finally moved out in 2015.

You take a handset with 3D visual and audio effects as you stroll through the riches of the past and look out over a view that takes in Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée d’Orsay, the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower.

Temporary exhibitions come from the spectacular Al-Thani Collection of works of art. This extraordinary Quatar Foundation has in its possession over 6,000 works from the ancient world to today from antiquities to jewels, paintings to manuscripts. It organises exhibitions on different themes around the world.

It will open in May April 2021.

Hôtel de la Marine 2 place de la Concorde Paris 75008 Tel: +33 (0)1 44 61 20 00 Website Open daily 10.30am-7pm (Friday to 10pm). Closed Jan 1, May 1, Christmas Admission Grand tour: €17 – Salons & loggia: €13 – Collection Al Thani: €11.50

Temporary Grand Palais (Grand Palais Ephémère)

While the Grand Palais is closed for extensive restoration, exhibitions will be held in a temporary Grand Palais on the Champs de Mars at the base of the Eiffel Tower. One of the major events in France in 2021, the temporary building will remain there until Autumn 2024. The renovation of the Grand Palais is taking place so the glorious over-the-top building can dazzle as a host venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.

Temporary Grand Palais 3, avenue du Général Eisenhower Paris 75008 Tel: +33 (0)1 44 13 17 17 Website Check the website for all information on exhibitions, times and prices

La Samaritaine

La Samaritaine is one of the great department stores of Paris. Founded in 1870 it was a mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco and was the model for the modern department store. Prices were clearly displayed, customers could wander at will, and a revolutionary idea was introduced…customers could try on the clothes!

La Samaritaine was closed for safety reasons in 2005 and has been totally renovated by the LVMH Group at a cost of 500 million euros. Spread over two blocks between the Quai du Louvre and the Rue de Rivoli, the site includes a department store, a five-star Cheval Blanc hotel with 72 rooms, housing, offices and a crèche. Postponed from 2020 it’s hoped to open in February 2021.

This may not be among the museums and galleries that form the major events in France in 2021, but La Samaritaine has always been an iconic building, much loved by Parisians and the world.

La Samaritaine 9 Rue de la Monnaie Paris 75001 Tel: +33 1 56 81 28 40 Temporary website Metro Pont Neuf (Line 7) or Chatelet-Les-Halles (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)

Major Events & New Attractions in France in 2021 outside Paris

Events, openings & news from normandy, les franciscaines – the franciscan project, deauville.

Built in 1876 as the home of Franciscan sisters, the neo-classical building has been restored and The Franciscan Project is now a museum, exhibition space, auditorium and media library. It’s divided into the different themes that represent Deauville and its history: horses, cinema, entertainment, photography, lifestyle and youth.

There’s a permanent exhibition of works by the French artist André Hambourg (1909-1999). He led an interesting life, studying art in Paris when a young man, then becoming a correspondent in World War II. Appointed as the official painter to the Navy in 1952, André Hambourg travelled around the world, sketching and painting wherever he went. Alongside his paintings there are pieces he collected or exchanged with contemporary artists from Van Dongen to Derain.

The museum opens officially on March 20, 2021. The first temporary exhibition explores how Paradise is expressed in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. On the Paths of Paradise runs from Mar 20 to Jun 6, 2021 with exhibits from major French and international museums and galleries.

Les Franciscaines – The Franciscan Project 145B Ave de la République 14800 Deauville Tel: +33 (0)2 31 14 02 02 Website Check website for more details

Bicentenary of the Birth of Gustave Flaubert

The great French writer is best known as the author of Madame Bovary , his first novel. Gustave Flaubert was born in Rouen on Dec 21, 1821, was educated there and left for Paris in 1840 to study law. He met Victor Hugo, was an indifferent student and returned to Normandy. He went to Croisset near the Seine and lived there for the rest of his life.  The house where he was born in Rouen is now a museum, but you’ll discover more about his father, a doctor, and 19th-century medicine, than the writer.

Normandy is celebrating its famous son with exhibitions, shows, tourist trains, dramatized walking tours and more throughout 2021.

Museum of Flaubert & the History of Medicine 51 rue Lecat 76000 Rouen Tel: +33 (0)2 35 15 59 95 Website

His house in Croisset, Pavillon Flaubert, is also open.

Pavillon Flaubert 18 quai Gustave Flaubert 76380 Canteleu Tel: +33 (0)2 76 08 80 88 Website Free Admission

The Marcel Proust Museum

In 1919 Marcel Proust (1871-1922) won the Prix Goncourt literary prize after he published the second volume of À la recherche du temps perdu  (known as Remembrance of Things Past or In Search of Lost Time ). It appeared in seven parts between 1913 and 1927, though he died  before completing the final revisions of the last three volumes. Critics from Graham Greene to most of the French literary establishment have called him one of the most influential authors of the 20th century.

In spring 2021 the Villa du Temps Retrouvé in Cabourg (originally the Villa Bon Abri) will open as the Marcel Proust Museum . Proust spent many of his holidays here, and it provided the inspiration for his famous novel.

19 th -century Belle-Epoque France brought about a sea change in every aspect of life. Railways criss-crossed the country, bringing in new rich visitors from Paris and other cities. They built flamboyant villas, casinos and theatres, transforming once sleepy fishing ports. The Marcel Proust Museum recreates the life of the time and shows the history of the Côte Fleurie through Proust’s vision. There’s a garden, shop and café.

Marcel Proust Museum/Villa du Temps Retrouvé 15 Avenue du Président Raymond Poincaré 14390 Cabourg Tel: +33 Website Check the Cabourg Tourism website for times and prices of entry

British Normandy Memorial, Gold Beach

22,000 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen died while fighting under British command in the Battle of Normandy in June 1944.

The British Normandy Memorial was designed by Liam O’Connor, award-winning architect behind the Bomber Command Memorial in London’s Green Park. Here you’ll see a ‘D-Day Sculpture by David Williams-Ellis and the D-Day Wall featuring the names of those who fell on D-Day. 160 stone columns are inscribed with the names of those who died between D-Day and the Liberation of Paris at the end of August 1944.

There’s also a French Memorial dedicated to those French civilians who died at the time.

You’ll find it just outside the village of Ver-sur-Mer, overlooking Gold Beach .

The memorial will open on Jun 6, 2021.

More about Normandy and what to see and do .

Opening in Provence

Marseille underwater museum (musée subaquatique de marseille).

The Marseille Underwater Museum must be a first and it’s certainly unusual. It’s not exactly a museum, but a series of sculptures submerged in the sea. To get there? You have to dive. It’s inspired by the MUSA Museum in Cancun , Mexico, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

The ‘museum’ consists of  10 sculptures submerged 5 metres down and located 100 metres off the plage des Catalans in Marseille. It’s dedicated to art, marine biology and protecting the environment. More information here .

You can book a dive and visit with the partner of the museum, the dive club le GRASM .

More about Provence .

Opening in Isère

Musée champollion.

The Musée Champollion is the first French museum entirely dedicated to Egyptology and is inspired by two brothers. Jean-François Champollion deciphered the hieroglyphs from the Rosetta Stone. His elder brother, Jacques-Joseph Champollion-Figeac, was one of the most important archaeologists and expert on Egypt and the ancient world.

The museum is set in one of the family’s houses in Vif near Grenoble in Isère . Furnishings and items from the family and private collections will take you back to the 19 th century. More importantly, it brings the excitement of the Egyptology quest to life.

The park and vegetable garden will be newly planted and the orchard will have local species of fruit trees. It will open on May 21, 2021.

Musée Champollion 38450 Vif Isère Tel: +33 Website

More Events in France in 2021

Events in France in January 2021 Events in France in February 2021 Events in France in March 2021 Events in France in April 2021 Events in France in May 2021 Events in France in June 2021

More about great  Food Festivals  in France Public Holidays in France

Events in France in 2020

These are not yet updated, but to get an idea of what might be on as many of these are annual events, here’s last year. I’ll update them in the next few weeks.

Events in France in July 2020 Events in France in August 2020 Events in France in September 2020 Events in France in October 2020 Events in France in November 2020 Events in France in December 2020

Privacy Preference Center

Consent management, advertising.

Tourism in France: A Comprehensive Overview

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism in France is a huge industry. But why is tourism in France so important and why does it bring in so much money? Read on to find out all about tourism in France…

Overview of France

The tourism industry in france, why people travel to france, most popular types of tourism in france, most popular tourist attractions in france, what types of tourists travel to france, crime and safety in france, required budget to visit france, tourism in france: general tips for visiting, 10 interesting facts about france, faqs about tourism in france, tourism in france: to conclude, tourism in france .

Tourism in France is one of the most important industries that the country has. But what is tourism in France all about? Why do people travel here and what do they do during their visits? Lets take a deeper look at tourism in France…

Part of the success of tourism in France is attributed to its accessible location. France is a country located in Western Europe. It is the largest country in the European Union , covering an area of approximately 643,801 square kilometres. France shares its borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland , Italy, Spain, and Andorra. The country also has coastlines along the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean , and the Mediterranean Sea.

France has a diverse geography , with several mountain ranges, rivers, and plains. The Alps mountain range is located in the southeastern part of the country and includes Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The Pyrenees mountain range forms the border between France and Spain in the south.

The Massif Central is a mountain range located in the centre of the country, and the Vosges and Jura mountain ranges are in the northeast. France also has several large rivers, including the Seine, Loire, Garonne, and Rhone. The country’s largest lake is Lake Geneva, which is shared with Switzerland.

The French coastline is approximately 3,427 kilometres long and includes several famous beaches and seaside resorts, such as Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. The country also has several islands , including Corsica, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea.

France has a varied climate, with mild winters and hot summers in the south, while the north experiences cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall. The country is also known for its diverse wildlife and is home to several national parks and nature reserves, including the Vanoise National Park, the Pyrenees National Park, and the Mercantour National Park.

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world , and tourism in France is a major contributor to the country’s economy. Here are some statistics about tourism in France:

• In 2019, France welcomed over 90 million international visitors, making it the most visited country in the world.
• The tourism industry in France generated over 60 billion euros in revenue in 2019.
• The country has over 500,000 hotel rooms and more than 40,000 campsites, making it one of the largest hospitality industries in Europe.
• Paris is the most popular tourist destination in France, with over 33 million visitors in 2019. Other popular destinations include the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, and the wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.
• The tourism industry in France employs over 2 million people, making it one of the largest employers in the country.
• Chinese tourists are the largest group of international visitors to France, followed by visitors from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
• In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the tourism industry in France, with international arrivals dropping by 70% compared to the previous year.
• France has a well-developed transport infrastructure, including high-speed trains, an extensive network of airports, and a large fleet of rental cars. The country is also popular for river cruises and cycling holidays.
• France is known for its cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, and the Mont-Saint-Michel.
• The country is also famous for its gastronomy, with French cuisine recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visitors to France can enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences, including Michelin-starred restaurants, local markets, and wine tastings.

Tourism in France is popular for many reasons, including its rich culture , history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the main reasons why people travel to France:

• Culture and History: France is renowned for its culture and history, including its art, architecture, and museums. Visitors can explore famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Versailles. France is also home to some of the world’s most famous museums, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Pompidou Center.
• Food and Wine : French cuisine is famous around the world, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, from croissants and baguettes to coq au vin and bouillabaisse. Tourism in France is also known for its excellent wine drinking opportunities, with many famous wine regions such as Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy.
• Fashion and Shopping: France is a world leader in fashion, and visitors can explore high-end designer boutiques, as well as more affordable fashion outlets. Paris, in particular, is known for its fashion shows, designer shops, and iconic department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
• Natural Beauty: France has a diverse landscape, including mountains, forests , beaches, and vineyards. Visitors can explore stunning natural landmarks such as Mont Blanc, the French Alps, the lavender fields of Provence, and the beaches of the French Riviera.
• Language and Culture Immersion: French is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, and visitors can immerse themselves in French culture by learning the language, experiencing the local customs and traditions, and staying with local families.

Tourism in France is known for having various types of tourism . Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in France:

• Cultural tourism : France is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including its museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Popular cultural attractions include the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and the Roman amphitheater in Nimes.
• Gastronomic tourism : French cuisine is known worldwide, and France is home to some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments. Visitors can also explore local markets and food festivals to discover regional specialties.
• Wine tourism : France is one of the world’s largest wine producers and is home to many famous wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Wine lovers can visit vineyards and cellars for tastings and tours.
• Beach tourism: France has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea. Popular beach destinations include the French Riviera, Biarritz, and Saint-Malo.
• Nature tourism : France has a diverse landscape, including mountains, forests, and rivers. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, skiing, kayaking, and cycling.
• Historical tourism: France has a rich history, and visitors can explore its many historic sites, including castles, cathedrals, and medieval towns.
• City tourism: Paris is the most popular city destination in France, attracting millions of visitors each year. Other popular cities include Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse.
• Luxury tourism: France is renowned for its luxury goods and services, including fashion, perfumes, and hotels. Visitors can enjoy five-star accommodations, designer shopping, and exclusive experiences.
• Shopping tourism: France has some great shopping opportunities, especially during winter when the French Christmas markets are in full swing!

France has many famous tourist attractions that are popular with visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in France:

• Eiffel Tower : The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Paris. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.
• Louvre Museum : The Louvre is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, and is home to thousands of artworks, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
• Palace of Versailles: The Palace of Versailles was once the residence of the French kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent rooms and gardens.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• Mont Saint-Michel : Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey located on an island off the coast of Normandy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its stunning architecture and scenic views.
• French Riviera : The French Riviera is a popular destination for beachgoers and is home to many famous towns and cities, including Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez.
• Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is a famous monument located at the end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It was built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
• Château de Chambord: Château de Chambord is a Renaissance castle located in the Loire Valley. It is famous for its stunning architecture and extensive gardens.
• Pont du Gard: The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct located in the south of France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its impressive engineering.
• Normandy D-Day Beaches: The Normandy D-Day beaches are a popular destination for history buffs and are famous for the role they played in the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.

Tourism in France attracts a diverse range of tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the main types of tourists who travel to France:

• Culture and History Tourists: France has a rich cultural heritage and a long history, and many tourists travel to France to explore its museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks.
• Food and Wine Tourists: French cuisine is famous around the world, and many tourists travel to France to sample its delicious food and wine. France has many famous wine regions, such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours and vineyard visits.
• Fashion and Shopping Tourists: France is a world leader in fashion, and many tourists travel to France to shop in its high-end designer boutiques and department stores. Paris, in particular, is known for its fashion shows and designer shops.
• Natural Beauty Tourists: France has a diverse landscape, including mountains, forests, beaches, and vineyards, and many tourists travel to France to explore its stunning natural landmarks, such as the French Alps, the lavender fields of Provence, and the beaches of the French Riviera.
• Language and Culture Immersion Tourists: French is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, and many tourists travel to France to immerse themselves in French culture, learn the language, and experience the local customs and traditions.

France is generally a safe country for tourists, but like any country, there are certain areas or situations where travellers may face risks. Here is some information about crime and safety when considering tourism in France:

• Petty crime : Theft, pickpocketing, and purse-snatching are common in tourist areas, especially in large cities like Paris. Tourists should be aware of their surroundings, avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuable items, and keep their belongings close to them
• Scams : Tourists may also encounter scams, particularly around popular tourist attractions. Examples include people offering to take pictures for money, people pretending to be deaf or mute and asking for donations, or individuals trying to sell fake souvenirs.
• Terrorism : France has experienced several high-profile terrorist attacks in recent years, including the 2015 Paris attacks. While security measures have been increased since then, visitors should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Demonstrations : Demonstrations and protests are common in France and can turn violent. Visitors should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Public transportation: Public transportation in France is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions, such as keeping their belongings close and being aware of pickpockets.
• Driving : Driving in France can be challenging, especially in large cities like Paris. Visitors should be aware of local driving laws and regulations, and consider hiring a local driver or using public transportation instead.
• Natural disasters : France is prone to natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. Visitors should check weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities during such events.

Visitors to France should exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure their safety. It is recommended to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid areas where crime is known to be prevalent. Additionally, keeping important documents and valuables in a safe place and not carrying too much cash is also recommended.

The required budget to visit France will depend on various factors, such as the duration of the trip, the cities and attractions you plan to visit, and your travel style. Here are some estimated costs to give you an idea of what to expect:

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in France varies widely depending on the city and type of accommodation. Budget hotels or hostels can cost around £30-50 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost £80-120 per night. Luxury hotels can cost £200 or more per night.

French cuisine is world-renowned, but dining out in France can be expensive. A meal in a budget restaurant can cost around £15-25, while a mid-range restaurant can cost £30-50 per person. Fine dining can cost £100 or more per person. To save money, visitors can consider purchasing food from local markets and grocery stores.

Transportation

Public transportation in France is relatively affordable. A single metro or bus ticket in Paris costs £1.90, while a one-way train ticket between cities can cost £20-50 depending on the distance. Taxis can be expensive, with a starting rate of around £2.50 plus £1.10 per kilometer.

Attractions

Admission fees to popular attractions in France vary widely. For example, the Louvre Museum in Paris costs £15 for adults, while admission to the Palace of Versailles costs £18. Some museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

Miscellaneous expenses

Other expenses to consider include travel insurance, visas (if applicable), and souvenirs.

Here are some general tips for visiting France:

• Learn some basic French : While many French people speak English, learning a few basic French phrases can go a long way in making a good impression and communicating with locals.
• Dress appropriately: French people tend to dress stylishly, so it’s a good idea to dress up a bit, especially when visiting religious sites or fine dining restaurants. Additionally, be sure to check the dress code for any attractions you plan to visit.
• Follow dining etiquette : When dining out, it’s customary to wait to be seated, use proper cutlery, and keep your hands on the table. Additionally, it’s considered rude to ask for separate checks, so be prepared to split the bill.
• Be aware of business hours: Many shops and businesses in France close for several hours during the afternoon, especially in smaller towns. Additionally, many shops and businesses are closed on Sundays.
• Be aware of public holidays: Many attractions, shops, and businesses in France close during public holidays, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
• Use public transportation: Public transportation in France is generally safe, affordable, and efficient. Consider using the metro, bus, or train to get around, especially in larger cities.
• Be aware of pickpockets : Pickpocketing is a common problem in tourist areas in France, especially in larger cities like Paris. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Respect cultural norms : French culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and courtesy. Be sure to say “Bonjour” when entering a shop or restaurant, wait to be seated, and avoid speaking too loudly or aggressively.
• Plan ahead: Many popular attractions in France, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, require advanced booking. Be sure to plan ahead and book tickets in advance to avoid long lines or disappointment.
• Enjoy the local cuisine: French cuisine is world-renowned, so be sure to try some local specialties during your visit. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes or ask for recommendations from locals.

Here are 10 interesting facts about France:

• France is the largest country in the European Union, covering an area of 643,801 square kilometers.
• The Eiffel Tower in Paris, one of France’s most iconic landmarks, was originally built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair.
• French is the official language of France, and it is also spoken in many other countries around the world, including Canada, Switzerland, and parts of Africa.
• The Louvre Museum in Paris is the world’s largest art museum, with over 380,000 objects in its collection.
• France is famous for its wine, and it is the second-largest wine-producing country in the world after Italy.
• French cuisine is renowned around the world for its sophistication and variety, with dishes like escargots, foie gras, and macarons.
• French fashion is also famous, with designers like Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent making their mark on the industry.
• French mathematician Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical calculator in 1642.
• The Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris, was the residence of the French monarchy from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.
• The French celebrate Bastille Day on July 14th every year, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789. It is a national holiday and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.

Lets finish off this article by answering some of the most common questions about tourism in France. Here are 10 frequently asked questions about tourism in France:

• What is the best time of year to visit France?

The best time to visit France depends on your preferences. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and many festivals and events. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are also popular times to visit, with milder weather and fewer crowds.

• Do I need a visa to visit France?

Citizens from many countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia , can visit France for up to 90 days without a visa. Check with your local embassy or consulate to see if you need a visa for your trip.

• What is the currency used in France?

The official currency of France is the euro (€).

• What is the best way to get around France?

France has a well-developed transportation network, including trains, buses, and domestic flights. The most popular way to get around is by train, with the SNCF offering high-speed trains between major cities.

• What are the must-see attractions in France?

France is home to many iconic attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French Riviera.

• What is the drinking age in France?

The legal drinking age in France is 18.

• What is the tipping etiquette in France?

Tipping in France is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. A service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave an additional 5-10% tip for good service.

• Is it safe to travel to France?

France is generally a safe country to visit, but tourists should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crime in tourist areas. It’s also a good idea to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

• What is the food like in France?

French cuisine is world-renowned, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and classic techniques. Popular dishes include croissants, baguettes, cheese, wine, escargots, and steak frites.

• What is the official language of France?

The official language of France is French, but many people in tourist areas also speak English.

As you can see, tourism in France is a large industry, that yields significant economic benefits for the country. There are a number of reasons that tourism in France is such big business, from the range of tourist attractions to the different types of activities on offer.

If you enjoyed this article about tourism in France, I am sure you will enjoy these too:

• What is France famous for?
• 40 Fascinating facts The 17 Most Impressive Rivers in France
• 35 fascinating facts about France
• 21 Mesmerising Landmarks of France

Liked this article? Click to share!

Convention Bureau

Prepare your stay

Activities & Visits

Chateaux & Gardens

Museums & Cultural Sites

Guided tours

Sports & Leisure activites

Boat strolls

Wine & Gastronomy

Indoor activities

Stroll with a Greeter

Where to sleep

Bed & Breakfast

Campsites & Camping car areas

Youth hostels & group gites

Furnished accommodation & Gites

Where to eat

Restaurants

Brunch & Tea Rooms

Gourmet shops

Excursions & Stays

Half-day excursions

Day excursions

Stays from 2 to 5 days

Castles & tourist sites

Concerts, Festivals & Events

Tours City Pass

Tours Val de Loire BOX

Tours Boutique

Discover Tours & surroundings

The unmissables

Inspirations

Access to the professional spaces

Reception Agency / DMC

3 days in Tours and in Touraine

Discover our stays

Cycling break

Guided tours of Tours

For a truly memorable stay in Touraine, see our irresistible offers in order to discover, explore and savour the region! Châteaux, gardens, art, vineyards and gastronomy, you'll find the essence of your stay here…

Visit the castles of the Loire Valley

Enjoy art, culture and urban exploration

Discover vineyards and food

Explore the “Garden of France”

Travel slow

Looking for ideas and good addresses for a day, a weekend or a stay in Tours? Find your inspiration here!

Artistic stroll among the graffiti

Pedalling through the Loire à Vélo®

Addresses for a day at the spa

An unusual weekend in Rochecorbon

Our best offers.

Find out our best offers !

The Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office and the city of Tours offer a thematic tour of the Old Town of Tours, led by a guide. A guided tour of the emblematic Vieux Tours district around Place Plumereau, led by an expert guide.  Medieval half-timbered and stone houses stand side by side with exceptional townhouses. These mansions bear witness to the prosperity of this part of town, which grew up around a huge collegiate church dedicated to Saint Martin. Once home to the saint's body, it was the center of one of the oldest pilgrimages in Christendom. This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Come aboard a tuk-tuk for an original tour of the city of Tours! For 45 minutes, Pascal will be delighted to take you to discover the city's most emblematic sites: the old town of Tours, Les Halles, the Quartier des Arts, the Basilica Saint-Martin and, of course, the riverside of the Loire.

Enjoy the destination's must-see attractions: Castle and Gardens of Villandry, Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, Castle of Tours, Centre of Contemporary Creation Olivier Debré, Fine Arts Museum, « Compagnonnage » Museum, Natural History Museum, Saint-Cosme Priory, Psalette Cloister and a guided tour of Tours. This 48h Pass also includes bike hire, access to the little tourist train (available end of March 2024) and exclusive benefits from our partners (e.g. €3 discount per player with Escape Yourself, 10% discount in the pub « Au temps des Rois »)

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. Program: 9.30am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! 9:30am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau! Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard... Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place. Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place! More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable! Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix staircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Head west for half a day! Nature and relaxation guaranteed. Accompanied by a guide, a 15km loop will take you along the "La Loire à Vélo" itinerary to the Ile de la Métairie in La Ville-aux-Dames, formerly known as the Ile de Rochecorbon, characterised by its sandy meadows. A fun, educational trail to help you identify the flora and fauna present.

Events calendar

Here, events come and go and none is alike other ! The metropolis know how to cultivate its art of living. Numbers of events from traditionnal and old music, to gastronomy or sport are organized throughtout all seasons. This eclectic program also allows to discover some nice historic, or out the ordinary, places.

Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

How to come? What weather in Tours? Where to leave my luggage? Find all practical information here.

The Tourist Office is located: 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours.

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm

For any information, please reach our team +33(0)2 47 70 37 37

Our Tourist Offices

Car, train, bus... How to come to Tours's region ?

Come and move

Practical services

currency exchange, luggage storage and car rentals.

Rain or sun ?

Prepare your day with Tours's weather.

Consult the weather

Brochures Need practical information, inspirations, professional documents ?

Read our brochures

• Solar Eclipse 2024

Meet the Eclipse Chasers Traveling Thousands of Miles for the Astronomical Event

A mong ancient civilizations who regarded solar eclipses as an evil omen , the sight of the cosmic phenomenon would have been cause for despair. But for many enthusiasts traveling thousands of miles to see the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, the opposite is true.

“I'm not in any way religious at all. But [the eclipse is] almost as close to a religious moment as I think you can get,” says Sarah Marwick, a 51-year-old doctor based in the U.K. “It makes you feel enormous and tiny at the same time.”

Marwick—who has seen six eclipses in the last 25 years in the Arctic Circle, China, France, Libya, the U.S., and Zimbabwe—is an eclipse chaser, or umbraphile. The neologism cannot be found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, but the word, meaning shadow lover, is used to describe the people who flock across the globe for a chance to see the moon obscure the sun. Eclipses happen anywhere from four to seven times a year, according to NASA . But solar eclipses are a much rarer phenomenon to see than lunar eclipses because they are only visible from a small area of the Earth each time they occur. 

“If it's 10 seconds or several minutes, it doesn’t matter. It's always too short for you,” says Tunç Tezel, a 46-year-old civil engineer from Turkey who has seen 13 solar eclipses and three lunar eclipses since 1999. He is traveling more than 6,000 miles from Istanbul to Houston this April. “The light comes back, and then you start to think, ‘When's the next one? Where's the next one? I think I need to see another one.’” 

For many, the obsession with eclipses began in childhood. “Growing up in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, one of the big things that I remember seeing were the two great comets we had,” says 35-year-old Aditya Madhavan, who has been chasing eclipses since he saw the “great American solar eclipse” in 2017. Others credit science teachers who inspired their love of space. But for most, the eclipse bug bit soon after they saw their first. 

Read More : How Astrologists Are Preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse

It’s hard to say how many people identify as an umbraphile. On Facebook, a public solar eclipse chasing group has nearly 21,000 members—an increase of about 13% since March. Not all of them are enthusiasts—some join to advertise their product or offer accommodations to see the eclipse—but filmmaker Nelson Quan, a member, says he noticed an explosion in interest after the 2017 eclipse. “Because these eclipses are in these narrow paths and certain places in the world, you kind of meet the same people,” says Quan, who directed a documentary about eclipse chasing called Chasing Shadows . 

In 2023, for instance, some 20,000 people traveled to Exmouth, Australia for the eclipse. That town had a population of 2,800. “Take a place like Australia. You think, ‘Australia is a big country?’ Well, yes, it is. But when the eclipse only hits the tip of it in Exmouth, it becomes a very small country,” says Mandie Adams, a 59-year-old landlord working in real estate.

Quan says the first online umbraphile community he remembers was a group on Yahoo called “the solar eclipse mailing list,” which included leaders of the previous generation of eclipse chasers, like astrophysicist Fred Espenak, otherwise known as “Mr. Eclipse;” cartographer Michael Zeiler, creator of GreatAmericanEclipse.com; and Xavier Jubier, the mastermind behind an interactive Google Maps site that details the timing and phases of an eclipse.  

Now that the community has grown , amateurs and newly-identifying eclipse chasers are using online platforms to share lodging plans, ask for tips, and recount tales of past trips abroad. Of the ten eclipse chasers TIME spoke to for this story, two traveled only in the U.S. for the 2017 eclipse and for this year’s astronomical event, six are traveling from other countries to see the April 8 eclipse in the U.S., and many already had plans to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026, with the most popular destination being Spain. “We are trying to do anything we can to see these eclipses as long as it's possible,” says Tezel, a moderator of the Facebook group. “Maybe we are a bit more dedicated or a bit crazy. You decide.”

The most significant barrier to becoming an eclipse chaser might be the cost. Atlanta-based Madhavan paid $14,000 to travel to Antarctica via ship for an eclipse in 2021—and wasn’t able to see that eclipse due to cloud cover . The eclipse tourism industry is gaining traction. This year, Delta Air Lines is marketing flights for eclipse chasers to see the event from the sky and a $1.5 billion economic boom is expected to impact states in the 115-mile wide path of totality. 

Read More : Why These Passengers Are Flying up to 30 Hours to See Four Minutes of the Eclipse

Olivier Steiger, 65, says he strategically plans his eclipse trips to save costs. To maximize his time for his buck, Steiger plans on spotting other natural phenomena on this trip: he’s going to follow the northern lights for a few nights before heading to the U.S. for the eclipse, and hopefully do some storm chasing and see a tornado in Texas afterwards. Steiger says it's cheaper to travel within Europe, and he can usually spot deals depending on where he wants to go. For this trip, he is driving down from Switzerland to Milan to take a cheaper flight to Iceland, before flying to Denver and then driving down south. 

Marwick, a mother to two children, says the cost of traveling with her family dictates her destination, accommodations, and length of time away from work. “If you've got a family, there's a difference between taking a flight to Toronto that costs $400, or one that's, you know, going to be $3,000 to Texas, and much longer time,” she says. 

Read More : Helpful Tips for Planning Your Solar Eclipse Trip

Being frugal has allowed Adams, based in England, to backpack through Chicago, Nashville, Austin, and Fort Worth during the four weeks leading up to the eclipse. “I don't go for luxuries back home. I don't go out and buy handbags and expensive clothes,” she says. “I want my money to be for experiences like the eclipse.”

For many umbraphiles, traveling for an eclipse will be their one extended vacation of the year. “It kind of is an excuse for us to get out of the country and go to places that maybe we wouldn't have been before,” says Madhavan. Tunzel, who has a copy of the Fifty Year Canon of Solar Eclipses, which has maps of eclipse paths through 2035, jokingly refers to his catalog as his vacation planner. 

This year, Madhavan is traveling to Torreon, Mexico for the first time, but has also gone to countries like Australia in 2023 for an eclipse that only lasted for around a minute. “We traveled halfway around the world for [about] 56 seconds of totality, which makes it sound really crazy,” he says, “but the sun itself and the phenomena that we saw around this eclipse were just beautiful.”

That moment is never guaranteed, but the anticipation is worth it. “It's like a calling,” says Tezel. “We drop everything, meet… that eclipse happens, and then we go back to what we are doing in our normal lives.” And then the cycle begins again.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Exclusive: Google Workers Revolt Over $1.2 Billion Contract With Israel
• Stop Looking for Your Forever Home
• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Hormonal Birth Control Doesn’t Deserve Its Bad Reputation
• The Sympathizer Counters 50 Years of Hollywood Vietnam War Narratives
• Essay: The Relentless Cost of Chronic Diseases
• The Best TV Shows to Watch on Peacock
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

You May Also Like

Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Monday 8 April 2024 06:40, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes

• Ethics & Leadership
• Fact-Checking
• Media Literacy
• The Craig Newmark Center
• Reporting & Editing
• Ethics & Trust
• Tech & Tools
• Business & Work
• Educators & Students
• Training Catalog
• Custom Teaching
• For ACES Members
• All Categories
• Broadcast & Visual Journalism
• Fact-Checking & Media Literacy
• In-newsroom
• Memphis, Tenn.
• Minneapolis, Minn.
• St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Washington, D.C.
• Poynter ACES Introductory Certificate in Editing
• Poynter ACES Intermediate Certificate in Editing
• Ethics & Trust Articles
• Get Ethics Advice
• Fact-Checking Articles
• International Fact-Checking Day
• Teen Fact-Checking Network
• International
• Media Literacy Training
• MediaWise Resources
• Ambassadors
• MediaWise in the News

Support responsible news and fact-based information today!

Is CERN activating the world’s most powerful particle accelerator for the April 8 eclipse? No

Cern restarted its large hadron collider after a regular winter stop for maintenance. it is unrelated to the eclipse. .

As people around the country await the April 8 total eclipse, conspiracy theories about a Switzerland-based nuclear research facility have some social media users on edge. In their view is CERN, also known as the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

“Why is CERN being reactivated on April 8, the same day as the infamous eclipse?” asked a  March 29 Facebook post , referencing what it called the group’s plan to activate “the large hadron collider” on the day of the eclipse. “My gut instinct is that something really big is being planned for that day… perhaps a total takedown of both the grid and society in general worldwide.” In  another post  April 1, a man in a baseball cap speculated that CERN is deliberately starting back up April 8 to “open up a gateway, a portal.”

(Screenshot/Facebook)

These posts were flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our  partnership with Meta , which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

It is not unusual for scientists to conduct research during an eclipse, when the sun’s corona becomes visible and areas in totality go briefly dark in the moon’s shadow.  Total solar eclipses   allow researchers “to study Earth’s atmosphere under uncommon conditions.” NASA, for example, is launching three sounding rockets on the day of the eclipse to study its effects on the ionosphere (a mission that also became a  subject of   misinformation ).

But CERN’s research is different. The primary research focus of CERN — an acronym derived from the French name “Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire” — is  particle physics , or “the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces acting between them.” The organization seeks to find answers about the  universe’s fundamental structure .

CERN houses the Large Hadron Collider, the  most powerful particle accelerator in the world , which measures around 16.8 miles (27 kilometers) in circumference. The collider’s aim, as  Britannica explains , is to “understand the fundamental structure of matter by re-creating the extreme conditions that occurred in the first few moments of the universe according to the big-bang model.”

CERN spokesperson Sophie Tesauri told PolitiFact in an email that the collider’s activities have nothing to do with the April 8 eclipse.

“What we do at CERN is doing particle physics with accelerators such as the LHC, and this has little to do with astrophysics in a direct way,”  Tesauri said. “So there is no link between the solar eclipse on Monday 8th April, and what we do at CERN.”

CERN has an  accelerator complex  composed of machines with “increasingly higher energies.” A beam of particles is injected by one machine to the next one, bringing the beam to a higher energy — and the Large Hadron Collider is the last element in this complex.

“Hadrons” are a group of particles that include protons and ions. In the Large Hadron Collider,  two beams  travel in opposite directions at nearly light speed and are made to collide. In 2012, Large Hadron Collider experiments led to the discovery of the  Higgs boson particle , a particle named for British physicist Peter Higgs, who in the 1960s postulated about the existence of a particle that interacted with other particles at the beginning of time to provide them with their mass.

Tesauri told PolitiFact that the accelerator complex is restarted every year after a brief winter technical stop, when beam production ceases so that the accelerators can undergo maintenance. Restarting an accelerator like the Large Hadron Collider “requires a full commissioning process in order to check that all equipment works properly.”

“Now that all the checks have been performed, the LHC is ready to provide particle collisions to the LHC experiments, and first collisions for this year should actually happen today 5th April,” Tesauri said in her email. “This will mark the beginning of the physics run for 2024.”

The beams were initially expected to enter collision April 8, according to a  March 14 report . It said, “Depending on how work progresses, this milestone may shift forwards or backwards by a few days.”

On April 5, CERN  announced  that the Large Hadron Collider achieved its first stable beams in 2024, “marking the official start of the 2024 physics data-taking season.” The statement said that from March 8 to April 5, the Large Hadron Collider was set up to handle the beam and tested for any issues.

“Although the solar eclipse on 8 April will not affect the beams in the LHC, the gravitational pull of the moon, like the tides, changes the shape of the LHC because the machine is so big,” CERN’s announcement said. This phenomenon is not unique to an eclipse; a  2012 news release  discussed distortions in the machine brought about by a full moon.

According to CERN’s frequently asked questions page, the Large Hadron Collider is  expected to run over 20 years , “with several stops scheduled for upgrades and maintenance work.”

Conspiracy theories surrounding CERN’s work have been circulating for  years . In a statement to  Verify  fact-checkers, CERN said that its research “captures the imagination of lots of people, which is why CERN has been featured in a lot of science fiction books / even movies, around the world.” CERN said works inspired by its research are fictional and “should not be confused with the actual scientific research.”

False claims about the group’s work are so common that the organization addresses some common theories on its  FAQ page : No, it won’t “open a door to another dimension,” and no, it won’t “generate black holes in the cosmological sense.”

We rate the claim that CERN is activating its Large Hadron Collider in connection with the April 8 solar eclipse False.

More from Poynter:

• MAN ON MOON: Reflections on how mankind and the media came together on the surface of the moon 50 years ago
• Gannett journalists in the solar eclipse’s path go on strike
• What if newsrooms treated every day like eclipse day?

Opinion | Newsrooms should treat the electorate like the hiring committee it actually is

At its core, the electorate is a hiring committee for public servants. Yet very few of the best practices for hiring are followed in the process.

AI is already reshaping newsrooms, AP study finds

Despite ethical concerns, nearly 70% of newsroom staffers recruited for an Associated Press survey say they’re using generative AI to create content

Donald Trump is wrong on Democrats’ abortion stance. They don’t support the ‘execution’ of babies

Willfully terminating a newborn’s life is illegal in every state and situations resulting in a fetal death in the third trimester are exceedingly rare

Opinion | Where did the sun go? A look back at a special day and the media coverage around it

News networks went all-in on coverage of what was just the second total solar eclipse visible from the US during the 21st century.

At nonprofit newsrooms, is good journalism but sparse audiences a recipe for irrelevance?

Nonprofits offer hope in a dire media world. But, at too many startups, disappointingly few readers actually see the work.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Start your day informed and inspired.

Get the Poynter newsletter that's right for you.

10 immersive experiences you must try

The apaches of paris: pretending to be a peaky blinder at the grévin museum.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Sculpteurs de Rêves (@sculpteursdereves)

At the Musée Grévin, the artist collective Les Sculpteurs de rêves has created an experience that combines immersive theater, a theme bar and role-playing for a return to the Paris of the Belle Epoque! The visitor disembarks in 1900, in the capital's general headquarters of organized crime, and takes part in a 1h30 adventure in the middle of the French "Peaky Blinders", the Apaches of Paris. Investigate at the Musée Grévin with Les Apaches de Paris (External link)

Ganymede: Saving humanity in a space mission

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par The EDGE (@theedge_vr)

The mission is quite classic: you must save humanity! Using the latest virtual reality techniques, this escape game plunges you into a science fiction universe. Robots, planets, unknown threats: equipped with a helmet, controllers, and standing on a vibrating station, you are the hero of this adventure to be lived by four players.

Ganymede (External link) (the premises are located in a temporary location in the 11th arrondissement of Paris)

Notre Dame is burning: Fight the fire of Notre Dame de Paris with Illucity

April 15, 2019: the whole world, dumbfounded, witnesses the fire that ravages the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral on live television. Thanks to this virtual reality escape game, inspired by Jean-Jacques Annaud's eponymous film, put on the uniform of the Paris firefighters: you are at the heart of the fire! In pairs, you must fight your way through the flames and save a precious relic.

In the skin of a Paris fireman during the Notre-Dame fire (External link)

Bassins des Lumières : Admire great projections of digital art in Bordeaux

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Les Bassins des Lumières (@bassinsdelumieres)

In Provence, there are the Carrières des Lumières; in Paris, the Atelier des Lumières: the Bordeaux version of Culturespaces' immersive works opened in 2020, in a former submarine base dating from the Second World War. With four 110-meter long basins, 12,000m² of projection surface and 90 video projectors, the Bassins des Lumières are recognized as the largest digital art center in the world. Projected on the walls, the works are reflected in the water for a breathtaking play of mirrors.

Bassins des Lumières (External link)

FlyView 360 : Fly over France in virtual reality

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par FlyView Paris (@flyviewparis)

After having proposed a flight over Paris and its iconic monuments, the start-up FlyView proposes a new experience in virtual reality to tourists and visitors passing through the capital: the flight over the whole of France and its most beautiful cultural sites such as the Mont Saint-Michel and the Loire Castles. An immersive experience that is worth the detour thanks to the jetpack transmitting sensations of flight. Ready for takeoff?

FlyView (External link)

Bon Marché Rive Gauche : Introduction to immersive theater in a Parisian department store

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche offers a unique and immersive experience to celebrate its 170th anniversary. At closing time, the oldest department store in Paris is transformed into a gigantic immersive theater scene, bringing back to life Emile Zola's literary masterpiece, Au Bonheur des Dames. The public is invited to mingle with the actors.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (External link)

The Office of Legends: Pretending to be a secret agent for France

All we know is that you have to go to the Odeon district. "Don't trust anyone", says the organizers' website. Welcome to an escape game like no other, inspired by the successful French series The Office of Legends. In this experience halfway between escape game and immersive theater, you play an agent of the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE), in other words the intelligence service of France, in the middle of an investigation. Talk with the characters, solve riddles, make the right choices... Two hours of play, for 3 to 6 players in a 300m² cinema setting.

Take part in an immersive escape game inspired by the series The Office of Legends (External link)

Jam Capsule: The Earth as you've never seen it

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Jam Capsule (@jamcapsule)

After a great start, the JAM Capsule experience is back this winter at Porte de Versailles in Paris. This 360° scenic device allows spectators to immerse themselves in a sound and visual work for the duration of a 50-minute film such as "Legacy: The Courage of Truth", an extraordinary journey directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand to admire the beauty of the Earth while becoming aware of its fragility at a time of climate change. Among the other capsules presented this year, an artistic dive into the masterpieces of the Flemish painters, a fairy-tale equestrian show or an odyssey around the Earth to understand the influence of the moon on our environment (starting February 17).

Jam Capsule Experience (External link)

The Secret of the Mines: In search of the Templar treasure at Louvre-Lens

Collecting clues and solving puzzles with the help of your smartphone to unravel the mystery of the Templars is the challenge awaiting (young) visitors to the Louvre-Lens museum until the end of 2023. An immersive experience through time inspired by the successful video game series Assassin's Creed to be lived in augmented reality to learn while having fun. Throughout the adventure, players discover the works of the museum and the emblematic monuments of the city. Captivating!

The Secret of the Mines at the Louvre-Lens Museum, in Hauts-de-France (External link)

Eternal Notre-Dame : Discover the construction site of Notre-Dame de Paris

Equipped with an immersive device, visitors explore Notre-Dame de Paris through the centuries. The Parisian monument is completely recreated thanks to a 3D digital model. We discover the secrets of the cathedral, its emblematic characters, and we admire its masterpieces. A real journey through time, from medieval times to today in only 45 minutes, to be discovered just a step away from the cathedral, under the square of Notre-Dame or within the Cité de l'Histoire, a new space dedicated to immersive experiences whose inauguration was in October 22, 2022 under the Grande Arche de La Défense, in Paris.

Eternal Notre-Dame (External link)

Journalist passionate about wild nature, travel and rock. As happy to write about bearded vultures as Lou Reed. Often accompanied by my two best critics, my daughters.

Top 5 nudist beach destinations in France

An archaeologist reveals the secrets of the Valley of Wonders

Romantic tales around the Châteaux

5 little-known Loire Valley châteaux worth a visit

New generation hotel

24 hours at Jo & Joe Hossegor

A 24-hour thalasso break in Le Touquet