This amazing country is home to a great deal more than just the city of Paris. Add these destinations to your list of things to do in France once you’ve checked off Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Mona Lisa on your itinerary. You will be astounded at the diversity of things there are to do in France, which range from ancient villages to inlets and sand dunes. Bon journey!
Menton
Menton, on the French Riviera, is often referred to as the “Pearl of France,” and it is easy to see why. The charming harbor and pastel-colored houses of this town, which is located on the border between France and Italy, will transport you to a time when there were no high-rise structures.
Annecy
This town in the French Alps, which is situated on a lake, is breathtaking. This city in France has a number of attractions, some of which include snow-capped mountains, a lake with crystal clear water, stunning historic buildings, and canals.
Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion is a breathtaking region that is only a half-hour drive from the center of Bordeaux and is often referred to as the “hill of 1,000 Chateaux.” It is well-known for its sophisticated wines, medieval settlement, vineyards verified by UNESCO, and the largest monolithic church cut out of rock in all of Europe.
Etretat
Compare the white chalk cliffs and natural arches of Etretat to the Cliffs of Dover in England. Etretat is located in France. Impressionist painters such as Eugene Boudin, Gustave Courbet, and Claude Monet traveled to the Normandy village of Etretat because it is located on the coast.
Loire Valley
Get yourself to the Loire Valley as soon as possible if seeing castles in France is high on your travel agenda. The Loire Valley, which was once a playground for kings, queens, and officials, has enough castles to suggest that it was once important to the royal family; there are over one hundred of them. The huge moat that surrounds the castle at Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, which is still filled with water, makes it one of the most beautiful.
Mont Saint-Michel
Is it all in your head? It’s actually the Mont Saint-Michel! Since the Middle Ages, this abbey on an island that straddles the border of Normandy and Brittany has served as a destination for Christian pilgrims. At low tide, the expansive bay transforms into a mudflat; nevertheless, the best time to visit is when the water is high so that you can see the reflection of the island.
Cassis
Cassis, which is located to the east of Marseille, is often regarded as one of the best-kept secrets in all of France. The Mediterranean town of Cassis, which is known for its limestone cliffs and calanques (protected inlets), is a wonderful destination for a summer vacation. In addition to its role as a port, the small city is famous for the charming architecture and rose wine produced there.
Reims
Reims, which is pronounced similarly to the word “rance,” is the city that serves as the capital of the Champagne region and is replete with history dating back thousands of years. Champagne, which is produced in the city of Reims, has helped the city earn a reputation on a global scale. Reims was formerly the location where French kings were crowned.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne, which is located in the south of France, is a fortified city that dates back to pre-Roman times and seems like something out of a fairy tale. The city is encircled by nearly three miles of walls and fifty-two enormous towers, and its interior is filled with tunnels and lanes that are ideal for taking a leisurely stroll.
Honfleur
One of the most charming port towns in all of France, Honfleur was originally developed solely for commercial purposes (it was here that Samuel de Champlain set out to found Quebec City). It is well-known now for its historic timber houses, old harbor, seafood restaurants, and museums.
Dinan
Dinan is a popular tourist destination in Brittany due to the excellent condition in which its medieval village has been preserved. Due to the fact that they were spared for the most part during World War II, many of Dinan’s buildings from the 13th century have been preserved in their original state. It is also regarded as one of the finest locations for eating crepes.
Nantes
Nantes, the capital of Brittany and the largest city in the region, prides itself on being the “quirkiest” city in all of France. The enormous mechanical and steam-powered monuments known as The Machines de L’lle are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nantes. These structures were inspired by the works of the futurist author Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes.
Dijon
Dijon isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also the gateway to some of the best wine in France. The city’s historic core, which was formerly the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, is filled to the brim with one breathtaking sight after another. Do not leave without first indulging in its delicacies, particularly the mustard made with dijon.
Corsica
To reach this wild island in the Mediterranean, you will need to travel beyond the borders of mainland France. Corsica is perhaps most well-known for being the home of Napoleon, but island also features a breathtaking variety of landscapes and a culture that is uniquely its own.
Riquewihr
After exploring the major cities of Strasbourg and Colmar in Alsace, go on to Riquewihr, which is often regarded as one of the most picturesque towns in all of France. This town on the Alsatian Wine Route is famous for its half-timbered buildings, its streets that are paved with cobblestone, and, of course, its outstanding Riesling.
Montpellier
The southern city of Montpellier is now getting the recognition it deserves after being passed over in favor of Nice and Toulouse for a long time. Take a stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets and attractive squares as you pass by the universities that Nostradamus attended in his younger days. You should get a rental car and drive about to see the local area.
Dune du Pilat
Dune du Pilat, which boasts the title of being Europe’s highest sand dune, is without a doubt one of the most unexpected places to visit in all of France. The dune, which can be found along the Atlantic coast in Arcachon Bay, is a favorite destination for vacationers and athletes looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush.
Dordogne
The region known as the Dordogne in southern France is a gorgeous area that showcases both natural and man-made wonders. This is a region that should not be missed because of its picturesque landscapes, quaint little towns, and delicious food.
Verdon Gorge
There is more to Provence than just lavender fields and picturesque towns. One of the natural beauties that absolutely cannot be missed when visiting France is the Verdon Gorge, sometimes known as the Grand Canyon of Europe. The melting of ice from the Alps over the course of millions of years has created stunning canyons, which are best explored in kayaks.
Biarritz
The fashionable resort town that serves as the capital of the French Basque Country is located only a few kilometres from the border with Spain. The waves of the Atlantic Ocean, which are considered to be a paradise for surfers, attract a large number of tourists to the city of Biarritz, which is known for its singular blend of glamor, glam, and chill coastal moods.