What a headline! At more than 640,000 km2 with a population of more than 66 million people, finding 1,001 things everyone who loves France must see, do & experience shouldn’t be tricky. But we’re going to build up to it gradually. We don’t want to exhaust you at the off!
This article lives and breathes the very best experiences in France. Wherever you are in the country affectionately coined l’Hexagone by the natives, there’s something to fascinate, educate, enlighten and enjoy. From family friendly attractions and UNESCO world heritage sites to food and drink, we are never short of things to see, do and experience in France.
Contents:
- Alsace must see, do & experience
- Aquitaine must see, do & experience
- Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes must see, do & experience
- Brittany must see, do & experience
- Burgundy must see, do & experience
- Champagne-Ardenne must see, do & experience
- Franche-Comte must see, do & experience
- French Riviera must see, do & experience
- Languedoc-Roussillon must see, do & experience
- Limousin must see, do & experience
- Loire Valley must see, do & experience
- Lorraine must see, do & experience
- Midi-Pyrenees must see, do & experience
- Nord-Pas de Calais must see, do & experience
- Normandy must see, do & experience
- Paris & Ile de France must see, do & experience
- Pays de Loire must see, do & experience
- Picardy must see, do & experience
- Poitou-Charentes must see, do & experience
- Provence Alpes Cotes d’Azur must see, do & experience
Alsace things to see, do & experience
Why might you wish to visit Alsace? Oh, where do we start! The hard-fought territorial history of this part of France has contributed heavily to the region’s rich cultural heritage. And although it’s the waterways that we haul the conversation back to time and again, because they lend themselves idyllically to exploring this truly diverse region, we do encourage you to step ashore often. In this collation of Alsace things to see, do and experience, we highlight a region full of wondrous discoveries.
Best things to see in Alsace
The Alsace landscape aches with spectacular scenery. Rivers carve their way through mountainous peaks and canals flow steadily through some of France’s prettiest towns and villages. Colour and texture abound.
Spend a day in Colmar
Colmar is possibly the most photographed Alsation town with its pastel colour painted timber framed houses. Wander Little Venice, wonder at 15th-century Koifhus and feast on local delicacies from the covered market.
Book a hotel barge cruise through Alsace
Visit Strasbourg
Long before welcoming the offices of the EU to its centre, Strasbourg topped the list of Alsace attractions with its rich cultural heritage, including its pink sandstone cathedral that is acclaimed the world over as an example of ancient Gothic architecture.
View more must-see Alsace places
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Statistically one of the most visited monuments in France, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg combines fairytale turrets with Renaissance rooms and views you’ll linger over in search of the Alps in the distance.
Best things to do in Alsace
Out and about in Alsace, day trips consume strategic cities and monumental architecture alongside alpine lifestyle and activities. Alsace is a region rich in cultural heritage, the influences of which you can see every day. Here are just a handful of the best things to do in Alsace.
Explore the Alsace Wine Route
Cycle or drive the whole length of the route and that’s an entire holiday sorted, or dip into sections of the route and its circa 1,000 wineries as part of a self-drive boating holiday in Alsace.
Delve into the route in more detail
Visit Mulhouse
Head to Mulhouse and top up your general knowledge with visits to the National Automobile Museum, Train City Railway Museum and Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Find more things to do in Mulhouse
Come to Carnival
See Strasbourg in spring and tag on a few days in Mulhouse for Carnival, which will scoop you up in its joie de vivre the weekend after Shrove Tuesday.
Discover more events in France
Best things to experience in Alsace
The richesse of history that has graced the Alsace region brings with it traditions galore. Seasonal visits showcase some of the best things to experience in Alsace taking in festivities, food and wine.
Visit traditional Christmas markets
Alsace is home to the oldest Christmas market in France – in Strasbourg – and is the epicentre of December festivities.
Read more about Christmas markets
Savour Alsace cuisine
Identify the French and Germanic influences in Alsace cuisine and come hungry, an alpine feast awaits. Traditional dishes still grace menus proudly and rightly so, from Flammekueche to Choucroute via Coq au Riesling, regional ingredients shine through.
Discover what to eat in Alsace
> Consider an Alsace river cruise
Learn to love Alsace wines
Park all previous conceptions of Alsatian wines by tasting them at their finest from the cellar door. Indulge in real riesling and gewurztraminer while learning about the grapes and techniques that produce these delicious wines.
Read our guide to Alsace wines
> Drink the best Alsace wines aboard our luxury hotel barges
Aquitaine things to see, do & experience
Aquitaine is bordered by the Pyrenees and by the Atlantic in the southwest of France. Some argue, with the cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse, world renowned wines, a penchant for rugby, stunning coastline and mighty waterways, that it has it all. Come with us to discover Aquitaine things to see, do and experience.
Best things to see in Aquitaine
From the surf of its coastline to its winery doors further inland, you’ll quickly understand that the list of best things to see in Aquitaine runs long. The landscape changes from golden sand to prehistoric caves and lush meadow graced with castles and vineyards in between.
Châteaux of Aquitaine
With history rooted in the Hundred Years’ War, the many Aquitaine châteaux add a splash of royal flair and spectacular architecture to your day trips.
Read about our favourite chateaux in the region
> Book an Aquitaine hotel barge cruise
See pink in Toulouse
Lose yourself in the winding streets of old Toulouse while soaking up the stunning pink hued stonework and architectural gems galore.
Take in Toulouse from the Canal du Midi or Canal de Garonne
> Choose how you’ll cruise Aquitaine
Bordeaux’s old town (Vieux Bordeaux)
The stunning old quarter in Bordeaux has UNESCO World Heritage status and you’ll soon see why. Be prepared for a head tilting, head turning tour of what is actually a number of the city’s neighbourhoods nestled between Cours de l’Intendance and rue Peyronnet.
Best things to do in Aquitaine
The versatility of Aquitaine is what attracts tourists back time and again. The best things to do in Aquitaine range from city breaks to relaxation by the riverside. Vineyard tours and ancient moments frequent the list too – which will you choose first?
Visit Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the regional capital of Aquitaine and is a buzzing city on the banks of the river Garonne. Forever associated with some of the best wines in the world, wander to your heart’s content taking in the sights, the food and of course the wine.
Shop ‘til you drop in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to Europe’s largest shopping area, just make your way to Rue St Catherine and shop ‘til you drop in the big brand and high end independent boutiques that grace this indulgent street.
Find more things to do in Bordeaux
> See Bordeaux on a self-drive boating holiday
Taste Bordeaux at the cellar door
Red wines dominate the region’s wine production and reputation. Meet the makers and savour the wines of Medoc and Margaux, amongst others.
Read our guide to Bordeaux wines
> Plan your self-drive boating Bordeaux break
Follow in Rick Stein’s footsteps
World renowned chef, Rick Stein, made his French Odyssey series eating and cooking through Aquitaine along the Canal Entre Deux Mers.
> Download your free guide to Rick Stein’s France
Best things to experience in Aquitaine
Sate your senses with wine tastings and exquisite cuisine when looking for the best things to experience in Aquitaine. From truffles to chocolate and everything in between, savour everything during your stay.
Taste truffles
Aquitaine is home to Perigord Black Truffles – you may have heard them referred to as black diamonds. Dine on the very best local produce aboard a luxury hotel barge cruise.
Discover more Aquitaine foodie highlights
> Book your luxury hotel barge cruise
Develop a taste for canelé
In Bordeaux, the locals have developed their own recipe for this sweet morsel and adapted the usual French spelling for them too.
Eat like the locals while visiting Bordeaux
> Plan a self-drive cruise around foodie destinations
Discover Bordeaux wines
At the heart of the city of Bordeaux visit the Maison du Vin to get under the skin of the world’s best known wines, while tasting some of them too.
Get to know Bordeaux wines before you go
Eat chocolate in Toulouse
Toulouse is something of a chocolate connoisseur’s sweet spot. From chocolate sculptures to artisan chocolatiers, it’s a treat!
Follow in our chocolate tour footsteps
> Put Toulouse on your Aquitaine itinerary
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes things see, do & experience
From central France, stretching eastwards, this largely rural and perfectly picturesque region is awash with mountainous terrain incorporating forests, long ago active volcanoes and thriving ski resorts. But most excitedly for us, it’s also home to the Rhône Valley and its mighty river.
Best things to see in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes
The diversity of the landscape is one of the best things to see in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. You can switch between enormous cities and their monuments to mountainous settlements lush with greenery or white with snow and rich with mineral-infused water. Every corner is a treat for the senses – just pick one to get started!
Château de Grignan
Towering above a village of the same name is this spectacle of French Renaissance architecture that was rebuilt post-Revolution.
> Read about the Rhone’s finest historic homes
Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
Standing tall in the centre of Clermont is France’s largest construction built entirely from volcanic lava, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. Besides that claim to fame it houses rare Romanesque stained glass windows too.
Vienne’s Roman theatre
Steeply embedded into the hillside of ancient Vienne is one of the most important Roman structures in southern France. Yet perhaps most gloriously of all is that because it has been preserved and conserved so well it is back in use as an outdoor theatre today.
Best things to do in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes
Let the landscape guide your activities here. From the mighty Rhone to rugged volcanoes, some of the best things to do in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes involve the great outdoors. Are you ready to roam?
Visit Vichy
The region’s natural resources have created spa towns where hot springs and mineral water put places like Vichy firmly on the must-visit map.
Chaîne des Puys
Voyeurs of volcanoes are drawn to this pattern of dormant volcanoes, lava domes, maars and cinder cones as much for the dramatic landscape as for their non-tectonic plate position.
Take in Tournon
Here, a pedestrian suspension bridge spans the mighty Rhône offering you views back to the town’s medieval castle where houses have been built into the fortress’s walls and frescoes grace the interior of the Gothic church.
> Book your Saône-Rhone river cruise
Spend a day at Vulcania
Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll find a volcano themed amusement park in these parts. There’s a museum too.
Take a tour of Lyon
Lyon is France’s third largest city and will fascinate you for at least a weekend if you allow. But it’s also the nation’s food capital so come hungry and be ready to bring your tastebuds to life.
Best things to experience in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes
Food is one of the best things to experience in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and you will not be disappointed whichever part of the region you choose to visit first. From wine to cheese and nuts, there is some home-grown heaven on the table.
Savour Rhône Valley wines
More precisely, come taste some of the world’s best known cellars: Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
> Read our guide to Rhône Valley wines
Treat yourself to authentic nougat
Throw in an excursion to Montelimar and you’ll discover the home of almond and pistachio nougat. There is none better, in our humble opinion.
> Plan your Rhône cruise itinerary
Savour Saint-Nectaire and Salers
If these speciality cheeses haven’t made it to your dinner table yet, that’ll soon change once you’ve tasted the region’s headline produce.
> Discover more acclaimed French cheeses
Brittany things to see, do & experience
One of the six Celtic nations, Brittany is a land of maritime tradition, customs, people and culture. The sea – the Atlantic and English Channel – has sculpted its landscape, crisscrossed with rivers and canals. Rolling hills and majestic forests add greenery to the scenery in one of the most beautiful coastal regions in France.
Best Things To See In Brittany
With stunning scenery and a wealth of pretty towns and villages, Brittany offers a feast for the senses. Condensing its visual delights down to just three of the best things to see in Brittany is always going to be a challenge. But we’ve risen to it and combined ancient history with flowers and urban grandeur.
See the menhirs and dolmens
Well, at least some of them – Brittany is almost covered in ancient stone formations, some of which date back over 7,000 years. The biggest collection lies at Carnac where no fewer than 3,000 monumental stones await the visitor.
Find out more about the standing stones at Carnac
See a Breton town
Several towns and cities vye for your attention in Brittany and visitors are spoilt for choice. Choose Nantes for maritime history and a pretty waterfront; Saint Malo for ramparts and Atlantic views; Dinan for medieval splendour; or Brest for urban buzz by the sea.
> See Nantes up close and personal on a Loire River cruise
See the villes fleuries
The Bretons pride themselves on their flower-decked villages, many of which win prizes in the coveted annual awards. Some of the regular winners include Rochefort-en-Terre, famous for its window boxes designed by American artist Klots.
Admire the villes fleuries from the decks of a self-drive boat as you glide along the picturesque Nantes-Brest Canal. https://dev.french-waterways.com/boating-holidays-vacations/boats-brittany-anjou/
Best Things To Do In Brittany
Many of the best things to do in Brittany include water, but this is a place to discover on foot as well. And one of the best day’s out in the region combines a spell on a boat with a brisk walk in the magical woodland.
Discover the Breton Caribbean
If it wasn’t for the temperature of the sea, you would think you were in the Caribbean when you visit the Crozon Peninsula. Fragrant heather and goosegrass fringe the turquoise waters and white sands – best viewed from a boat trip from Camaret or Morget.
Read more about the Crozon Peninsula
Find Merlin
And King Arthur while you walk the ancient forest of Brocéliande, all that remains of the woodland that once covered the entire region. Soak up the magic and mystery as you stroll through the trees. And don’t forget to keep one eye open for the Fountain of Eternal Youth.
Walk the pink granite
The Côtes d’Armor are famous for their pink granite, particularly vibrant at sunset. Walk a stretch of the Sentier des Douaniers to discover the 50 shades of pink in the coves, rocks and cliffs.
Best Things To Experience In Brittany
While Brittany doesn’t rank among the gastronomic capitals of France, the region still has plenty to offer your taste buds. There’s also plenty of culture and as our final suggestion for the best things to experience in Brittany, we return to the sea.
Taste the crepes and galettes
When it comes to food, Brittany means butter and lashings of it. The traditional pancake includes plenty in both its sweet and savoury versions – the latter is known as a galette. Crêpe Suzette is the queen of pancakes and a finger-licking feast of caramelized sugar, orange zest, and Grand Marnier. Plus butter.
> Discover 19 other iconic French dishes
Pay homage to Chateaubriand
The father of Romanticism in 19th century France, Chateaubriand is buried on the island of Grand Bé. You can walk to his tomb at low tide from Saint Malo.
See the Little Sea
Our last experience in Brittany returns inevitably to the water and to Morbihan, whose name means Little Sea. Around 50 islands and islets dot the picturesque bay making it the perfect place to explore by boat or canoe.
For more inspiration on what to do and see in Brittany, read our mini-guide
Burgundy things to see, do & experience
For lovers of fine wining and dining, Burgundy possibly ranks among the best destinations in the world. Yet there’s much more to this fascinating region than a bottle of Charmes-Chambertin and beef stew. Burgundy is home to some simply stunning waterways, so beautiful that sailing options include luxury barge holidays, river cruises and self-hire boats. To help you discover the very best of this delightful region, read on for our suggestions of what to get up to in Burgundy.
Best Things To See In Burgundy
The part of France provides a treat for the eyes at every turn. Whether you’re drawn to the rolling vineyards, verdant canal basins, medieval villages or fine Renaissance architecture, Burgundy is one lovely sight after another. Our top three picks of things to see in Burgundy give you a sneak peek at all of them.
Reflect in a chateau in Burgundy
There are plenty of them, but we’ve chosen the Chateau de Commarin described as a “palace of stone on a mirror of water”. Its interiors come packed with objets, paintings and tapestries, but your eyes will be drawn to the reflection of the façades in the moat water.
Discover 9 other must-see chateaux in Burgundy
Marvel at the Ouche Valley
The Burgundy Canal runs through the Ouche Valley as it makes its way from Paris to Dijon. To say this is a pretty part of Burgundy is putting it very, very mildly. No wonder the mighty Dukes of Burgundy made this their own!
See what we mean when you take a luxury hotel barge cruise through the Ouche Valley itself
See the Hotel Dieu Hospices de Beaune
Founded as a hospital in the Middle Ages, the Hospices now rank among the finest monuments in France. Its Gothic exterior comes crowned with multi-coloured tiled roofs that sparkle in the sunlight. And of course, the estate has vineyards that produce wine sold at a charity auction on the third Sunday in November.
Best Things To Do In Burgundy
Our list for this section inevitably turns to food and drink as we savour the very best à table in Burgundy. Choosing the best was always going to be a challenge because this is a land of truly sensory experiences and we’ve had to leave out Dijon mustard and coq au vin…
Drive, ride or walk the Grand Cru Route
And discover the oldest wine route in France as well as some of the country’s finest reds and whites. A 60km trail that you’ll never forget.
> Read about the Grand Cru Route
Cruise one of the waterways
Burgundy comes crisscrossed with several magnificent waterways, all of which give you the chance to sample the very best of the region. Choose from the Nivernais Canal, River Yvonne, Loire Canal, River Saone and of course, the Burgundy Canal.
Taste boeuf bourguignon
Something of a taste sensation and the nation’s favourite dish, make sure you taste this succulent beef stew in its native land. Did you know the absolute purists insist the red wine is Pinot Noir or Gamay?
Get all of the history and some of the hacks for your own boeuf bourguignon
Best Things To Experience In Burgundy
And on to yet more treats. Again, centered around the king of vin français, but also giving you the chance to walk the scenery and take in some seriously fast traditions.
Walk a vineyard
Join the annual Saveurs de Vignes, a walk through 8km of Burgundy vineyards tasting wines from some of the best local cellars alongside traditional Burgundian food.
Read more about French wine festivals
Discover a climat
Terroirs define French wine regions, but in Burgundy a terroir is also divided into climats, a plot of land growing vines. Each climat has specific characteristics and this unique phenomenon to Burgundy has UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Find out more about Burgundy wines with our guide
Experience the Festival of the Ring
Semur-en-Auxois puts medieval tradition on horseback in May with a weekend of horse racing. The highlight is the Festival of the Ring, a 2-minute race along over 2km of track, but the event also includes chariot races and concerts.
Discover more spring events in Burgundy
Enjoy the very best of Burgundy scenery, cuisine and wine from the comfort of a luxury hotel barge. Visit the area and savour its charm as you glide down the Saône River and the Canal de Bourgogne.
Champagne-Ardenne things to see, do & experience
As the world capital of bubbly, Champagne-Ardenne needs little introduction, but as well as fizz, this is one of the most picturesque parts of France. The rolling landscape comes dotted with oak forests, a good smattering of lakes and of course, vineyard after vineyard. The Ardenne mountains stand tall in the north in a stunning natural park.
But perhaps the best thing about this part of France is the network of 600km of rivers and canals, allowing you to see the delights of the region from the waterways. And of course, it lies within easy reach of Paris, making it one of the most convenient places to get to for international travellers.
Best Things To See In Champagne-Ardenne
Like so many regions in France, you’re spoilt for choice here too. Nature lovers will find a paradise of beautiful landscapes while culture and history fans have a long list of towns and villages to explore. In our list, we’ve gone urban and rustic to showcase the best.
See Troyes
Known as the town of 10 churches, this medieval gem offers pretty timber-framed houses, stone mansions and a feast of stained-glass windows. Those at the Sainte Madeleine Church are among the prettiest and oldest.
Discover more about what to see and do in Troyes
See a lake (or two)
Champagne-Ardenne has plenty of lakes to offer the visitor. Lac du Der, the largest and best-known, offers some of the best bird-watching opportunities in France especially in the autumn when migratory visitors include cranes, storks and eagles. Summer visitors will enjoy the sandy beaches dotted around the 4,800 hectares of water.
See the UNESCO seals in Reims
As well as being the capital of Champagne, Reims boasts three UNESCO monuments: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palais du Tau and Saint Rémi Abbey. All very different, but all stunning.
More ideas for what to do in Reims? Try these
Best Things To Do In Champagne-Ardenne
Bubbles inevitably make an appearance, but this part of France offers so much more to do. We’ve included one of the region’s most famous festivals and a classic route on the European walking map.
Visit a Champagne House
Rub shoulders with the world’s most famous brands of bubble at Epernay. Moet-Chandon, Mercier, Boizel… all magnificent and must-visit houses on Champagne Avenue.
Discover the Champagne houses in Epernay
Enjoy the puppets
Charleville-Mezières celebrates its world famous International Puppet Festival every other September (next in 2021). The best puppeteers come together for a weekend of theatre, shows and fun.
Find out more about the world’s largest puppet festival
Walk the way
400km of the Via Francigena pass through Champagne-Ardenne on their way to Rome. The GR-45 pops in and out of some of the best sights in the region such as Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne and Bar-sur-Aube.
Need more inspiration? Discover the top 10 things to do in Champagne
Best Things To Experience In Champagne-Ardenne
Champagne takes top priority in this section where the region’s gastronomy also takes centre stage. And to work off all the culinary delights, how about a walk in a beech forest?
Experience the bubbles
No visit to Champagne would be complete without sampling the world-famous bubbles. So while you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to savour the real McCoy when it comes to fizz.
Know what you’re drinking – read our guide to Champagne
Beech it
The Faux de Verzy, not far from Reims, is home to the world’s largest collection of dwarf beech trees and ranks among the best things to do in Champagne if you’re a fan of nature. Some 1,000 trees make up the forest, beautiful at any time of year, but perhaps at its majestic best in copper gold in the autumn.
Taste Champagne-Ardenne
Not for vegetarians this list of meaty delights on your table. Must-tries include potée champenoise (meat and vegetable stew), sanglier à l’ardennaise (wild boar) and Andouillette de Troyes (pork sausage).
Discover Champagne in style from on board a luxury hotel barge.
Franche-Comte things to see, do & experience
Tucked away in the east between Burgundy and Alsace, Franche-Comté shares a long border with Switzerland. As you’d expect, this verdant region offers pastoral scenes with rolling meadows rising up to high mountains dotted with spruce forests.
The Doub and Saône rivers cross this region which remains verdant all year round, unlike some parts of France. But it isn’t merely rustic in Franche-Comté – you’ll find beautiful towns and villages and delicious gastronomy too.
Best Things To See In Franche-Comte
Among all the rural delights lie some urban gems too. Our list of the best things to see includes the region’s capital and one of the best art museums in France. And we couldn’t resist taking to the water either.
Discover Besançon
The capital of Franche-Comté is something of a well-kept secret in France, since its already brimming with stunning towns. Besançon offers a well-preserved historic centre whose gems include Granvelle Palace, a Renaissance jewel and the Citadal, a Vauban masterpiece.
Find out more about Besançon
See the rivers
The Saône ranks among the prettiest rivers in France while the Doubs offers one picture-postcard scene after another. And both lead to other great rivers and canals as well giving you the chance to experience French waterways at their best.
Admire the Doubs and Saône on board a luxury hotel barge – choose your itinerary
Visit Le Petit Louvre
The Museum of Fine Arts at Besançon comes packed with Old Masters and 19th century French artists. Rubens, Titian and Goya rub shoulders with Renoir and Matisse. A must for lovers of the best in classic European painting.
See what’s on the walls at the MBAA
Best Things To Do In Franche-Comte
On this activity list, we’ve included a look at automobiles, mountains and cheese. An eclectic collection definitely, but all part of the Franche-Comté experience and all unmissable.
Go va-va-voom
The Peugeot Museum at Montbéliard takes you on an automobile journey with one of the greatest names in the car industry. Over 200 historic cars await you as well as car parts and memorabilia.
Discover more about the Peugeot Museum
Ski in winter, hike in summer
Les Rousses-Lamoura natural park offers outdoor lovers spectacular scenery all year round. Whether you’re skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, these mountains are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Discover the Les Rousses resort
Try some Comté cheese
In a country literally oozing with cheese, it’s difficult to pick a favourite. But fans of Gruyère type fromage will love Comté cheese – leave room in your bag because the largest can weigh up to 48kg!
Discover 3 delicious recipes to make with Comte cheese
Best Things To Experience In Franche-Comté
All our suggestions are liquid – to drink, to watch and to cruise along. Between them, they offer a feast for all five senses and an experience to remember.
Try the straw wine
Jura is renowned for two main types of wine: vin jaune and vin de paille. The so-called ‘yellow wine’ is made from Savagnin grapes, harvested as late as the vineyard owners dare before the first frosts arrive. The wine is aged in oak barrels for at least six years and three months, and uniquely, never topped up. As a result, around a third is lost to fermentation. The intense, nutty wine with pronounced spicy notes is bottled in a clavelin, small squat bottle that holds less than 75cl. It pairs well with cheese and mushroom dishes.
> Discover more about Jura wines
Watch the falls
At the pretty village of Frasnée with one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Jura region. And while you’re there, don’t miss the peregrine falcons.
Cruise two mighty waterways
If you’re a fan of big rivers, why not experience the Saône and the Rhône on the same trip? A river cruise gives you the chance to do just that and get up close to the stunning scenery while you’re on board.
> Find out more about a Saône-Rhône river cruise
French Riviera things to see, do & experience
The French Riviera, aka Côte d’Azur, is the epitome of glitz and glamour for the world’s rich and famous. The red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, seafront promenade at Nice and the Monaco casino make this one of the most sought-after celebrity spots in Europe.
But away from the paparazzi, the French Riviera also offers stunning beaches, the world’s most fragrant lavender, culinary treats and (perhaps most surprising of all) 14 natural parks. Our round-up of things to do, see and experience on the Côte d’Azur include a sprinkling of each.
Best Things To See In the French Riviera
The sunniest place in France (the sun does its thing on over 310 days a year) and on the Mediterranean, the French Riviera offers some of its best things to see on the coast. Here you’ll find the prettiest resorts and some seriously beautiful beaches.
See Menton
Just as pretty as Nice and St Tropez but sans the crowds, Menton is a feast of pastel façades and quaint squares and alleyways. The town also has some lovely beaches and celebrates the Lemon Festival in late winter.
Explore Antibes
A must-see for culture vultures, the seaside town of Antibes brings together art and literature. Scott Fitzgerald found inspiration for Tender is the Night here and Picasso made it his home, now the world’s first museum dedicated to the artist.
Watch the fireworks at Cannes
Lesser known than the Film Festival, but just as loud and bright, the Cannes Festival Pyrotechnique brings together the best firework show designers in the world. For six weeks every summer, their vibrant displays light up the skies.
Discover the greatest events in France every year
Best Things To Do In the French Riviera
A region of contrasts, the Côte d’Azur really does offer something for everyone. Our list of things to do on the French Riviera includes a bit of celebrity spying, blue gold and some beautiful animals.
People watch at Plage de Pampelonne
At St Tropez it’s all about seeing and being seen. For the former, head to these sparkling white sands. Fashionable beach clubs line them and attract anyone who’s anyone in July and August.
Discover more gorgeous French beaches
Feel the fragrance
Just north of the Meditteranean coastline lies the blue gold. Miles and miles of lavender fields whose scent perfumes the air between mid-June and mid-August.
Find out more about the lavender fields of Provence
Cry wolf
A world away from the red carpet at Cannes, the three packs of wolves at Parc Alpha live in the heart of Mercantour Parc at an altitude of 1,500m. Visitors can watch their daily lives from hides within the park.
Read out more things to do in the French Riviera in the mountains
Best Things To Experience In the French Riviera
This list runs the whole spectrum of emotions. From sedate shopping to fast and furious on the zip line via a local signature dish. All proof that there’s plenty more to the French Riviera than A-list visitors.
Shop for Christmas
At the Nice Christmas Market in the Place Massena with more than 50 chalets selling festive crafts and food and drink. There’s also a ferris wheel and ice rink even though you’re in the sunniest part of France.
Discover more Christmas markets in France. https://dev.french-waterways.com/best-christmas-markets-france/
Zip the line
If you feel the need for some serious adrenaline, head for La Colmaine zip line. The 2,663m of cables make it the longest in France and allow you to reach the speed of 120kph.
Find out more about the French Riviera zip line
Savour a real Niçoise salad
Refreshingly light, this signature dish from Nice combines green beans, tomatoes, olives and anchovies drenched in a garlic dressing. Depending on the restaurant’s recipe, it may include potatoes too.
> Discover 17 other foodie treats on the French Riviera
Languedoc-Roussillon Things to see, do & experience
Stretching from Provence to the Pyrenėes, the region of Languedoc-Roussillon has plenty to offer the visitor over its vast area. And a long list of contrasts too because this is a land of sandy coastlines, lofty mountains, rolling vineyards, ancient monuments and cutting-edge modernity.
It’s also home to one of the most famous waterways in the world, the Canal du Midi, perhaps the most picturesque of the French waterways. All this variety means you’re spoilt for choice in Languedoc-Roussillon. But to help you decide what to see in this region of contrasts, we’ve put together a choice list of must-dos.
Best Things To See In Languedoc-Roussillon
In this section, we’ve gone for three of the region’s most beautiful towns and cities. All very different, but all well worth a visit for their architecture, history and vibrant atmosphere.
Take in Toulouse
Known as the Rose City because of its pink-orange bricks, Toulouse comes packed with things to see and do. Our highlights? The central Place du Capitole, any of the three Romanesque cathedrals, the view of the sunset from the Garonne River bridge and La Cité d’Espace.
Find out more about Toulouse
Castle at Carcassonne
With over 2km of rampants and 53 towers, the largest citadel in Europe is a must-see in Languedoc. Admire the Citė from down below before you climb up and explore the cobbled streets and squares inside.
Marvel at Montpellier
More maritime than Toulouse and Carcassonne, Montpellier combines the vibrance of the south with Mediterranean light and culture. Don’t miss the Place de la Comėdie, the labyrinth of medieval streets and no less than 80 patios tucked away in as many private mansions.
Discover more things to see and do in Montpellier
Best Things To Do In Languedoc-Roussillon
Here, we move away from urban culture and history into the great outdoors. And there’s plenty of it in Languedoc-Roussillon where you can just as easily go to the beach as you can ski or kayak down a gorge.
Beach it
For long, long beaches with almost no one on them, head for the Narbonnaise Natural Park, a protected paradise of lagoons and salt pans. Plus the jewel in the crown, 50km of sandy beaches.
Make the most of the coastline on a self-hire boat holiday in the Camargue
Tour the Tarn
Some of Europe’s longest and deepest gorges await you on the Tarn river where you can canoe along them, zipline over them, canyon through them or simply walk above them. Whatever your mode of travel, stunning views are a given.
Find out how to see the Tarn gorge
Lock it
Seven times in the case of the Fonserannes lock on the Canal du Midi (there used to be nine, but two are no longer used). Boats go up or down a 21.5m gradient over 300m as they glide through the wooden gates.
Navigate the locks yourself when you man the wheel on a self-drive hire boat on the Canal du Midi
Best Things To Experience In Languedoc-Roussillon
In our experience section, we turn to the region’s wining and dining. Perhaps not the finest in France but definitely one of the most delicious. And we end with a fiery festival, washed down with the best local rosé.
Taste the vin
The Languedoc produces over 183 million bottles of wine from over 30 AOCs. All very different reds, whites and rosés and many offering exceptional value for money.
> Read our guide to Languedoc wine
Catch the Cassoulet Festival
Make your way through the 40,000 cassoulets at the annual festival in Castelnaudary on the last weekend in August. As well as tasting the region’s signature stew (beans, duck and sausage), there are concerts and boat races.
See so much more in this part of France when you cruise the Canal du Midi on board a luxury hotel barge
Dance, eat, drink and be merry
At Béziers in mid-August when the region’s Spanish roots blossom into a week of all the fun at the fair. Bullfighting, horse shows and dancing come refreshed with plenty of Languedoc rosé.
> Combine the best of French vin with the delights of its waterways
Limousin Things to see, do & experience
Almost dead centre in France, Limousin offers the chance to discover a France off the beaten tourist trail yet packed with delights for all the senses. Part of the Massif Central, it contains picturesque mountain, valley and river landscapes dotted with pretty towns and villages.
An inspiration for Impressionist painters who loved the Creuse Valley and home to the famous Limoges porcelain, Limousin has always been a haven of creativity. Not for nothing does Limoges form part of the UNESCO global network of creative cities. Read on for your own inspiration in this ‘secret’ corner of France.
Best Things To See In Limousin
Home to a long list of pretty villages, attractive towns and some stunning landscapes, Limousin offers something of a visual feast. Our suggestions include one of the best of each.
See Limoges
The capital of Limousin needs no introduction to lovers of fine porcelain. But as well as admiring the over 10,000 pieces in the Adrian Debouché National Museum, visitors can enjoy some of the loveliest parks and gardens in France.
Discover what to see in Limoges
See red
A regular among the winners of prettiest village in France, Collanges-la-Rouge lives up to its accolade. Built in striking red stone, the narrow streets house picture-perfect façades topped by fairytale turrets.
See the river of happiness
Known as the ‘rivière du bonheur’, the Dordogne offers some of the most idyllic river scenes in France. Navigation is difficult though, being too shallow now along most of its length
> Here’s more information about the Dordogne
Best Things To Do In Limousin
Like everywhere in France, Limousin comes packed with things to do. We’ve gone for something historic, something active and something literary in our list. That way, we hope we please everyone!
Follow in Richard the Lionheart’s Footsteps
No less than 19 châteaux await you as you trace the legendary king’s journey. All are architectural gems set in stunning landscape.
Follow the route round 19 chateaux in Limousin
Take to the water
Known as the ‘Castle of water’, Limousin is home to three large lakes and numerous ponds all offering the chance to take to the water by canoe, boat or waterski. Or just to walk around and admire.
Find out more about the great lakes in Limousin.
Visit a book fair
Specifically, the second largest in France after Paris. In early November in the town of Brive, the fair brings together la crème de la crème of the French literary scene with over 300 authors and publishers.
Read more about the Brive Book Fair.
Best Things To Experience In Limousin
Our list includes three treats for the senses – sight, taste and feel – in the form of a beautiful monument, a culinary delight and a handful of leather. All unique experiences and among the best to discover in Limousin.
Fall in love with a château
Be won over by Château de Boussac, a favourite with George Sand who returned to the castle often with her lover Chopin. Soak up the literary vibes and feast your eyes on the current owner’s eclectic collection of money boxes and walking sticks.
> Discover other chateaux in Aquitaine
Taste the chestnuts
The chestnut leaf forms the region’s emblem and the nuts themselves an essential part of local cuisine. While you’re in Limousin, try the boudin aux châtaignes, a black pudding delicately flavoured with chestnuts.
> Find a Bordeaux wine to pair with your Limousin boudin
Fit like a glove
And probably the most luxurious your fingers will ever feel. Saint Junien is the glove capital par excellence – the artisans make some 480,000 pairs a year for haute couture houses including Hermes.
Read about the oldest glove factory in France
Loire Valley Things to see, do & experience
This central region of France forms part of the UNESCO’s world heritage list and as such offers a world of things to do and see. The scenery ranks among the most picturesque in the country – not for nothing is this the Garden of France – with the majestic Loire river itself running east-west towards the Atlantic..
Hundreds of châteaux dot the landscape and include some of the finest castles in Europe plus the Loire Valley has a generous helping of beautiful towns and cities. It’s also something of a natural paradise with a vast network of cycle routes and walking trails, many of which take in the extensive vineyards that produce the famous Loire Valley wine.
Best Things To See In the Loire Valley
Given its UNESCO status, we’ve gone for historical monuments in our round-up of the best things to see. Châteaux inevitably make an appearance and you’ll want to include at least two on your visit. Also worth adding to your must-see list are one of Europe’s finest cathedrals and a very famous city.
See a château or 999
Pretty riverscapes lend themselves perfectly to fairytale castles and nowhere better than in the Loire Valley. Take your pick almost a thousand that include historic fortresses, Renaissance palaces and royal residences plus stunning gardens.
Discover must-see 11 Loire Valley châteaux
See Chartres Cathedral
One of the very few French cathedrals to have survived history intact, Chartres offers a Gothic feast of architecture and stained glass. Don’t miss the famous Chartres bleu glass made locally with cobalt oxide.
> Read this guide to the most beautiful cathedrals in France
See Orléans
And pay homage to the Maid of Orléans while you’re there. The attractive city comes packed with attractions including Joan of Arc’s house and statue, a Gothic cathedral and three museums.
Plan your visit to Orléans
Best Things To Do In the Loire Valley
No list of the best things to do in the Loire Valley would be complete without a section dedicated to the river itself. The longest waterway in France also ranks as one of the prettiest so our suggestions for things to do focus solely on the meandering Loire.
Cruise the Loire
The Garden of France shows its most beautiful side from the river itself. Taking in the long stretch between Nantes and Angers, a Loire river cruise is one sensual treat after another – feast your eyes on the stunning scenery and your taste buds on the delicious wining and dining on board.
> Find out more about a Loire Valley river cruise
Sail the Loire yourself
One of the best ways to explore the rivers in this region of France is on a self-drive boating holiday. Book your craft and navigate the Loire, River Yvonne, Nivernais Canal, Briare Canal, River Cher…
> Choose your Loire boating holiday route
Admire some feats of engineering
Like most waterways in France, the Loire includes some major engineering works along the way. Highlights include the Briare aqueduct whose span stretches 662m across the river and the seven locks ‘stairway’ at Rogny.
Get up close and personal with the aqueduct and locks on a luxury hotel barge in the Upper Loire.
Best Things To Experience In the Loire Valley
In this section, we turn to the senses of taste and sound. Like all regions in France, the Loire Valley offers gourmet wining and dining with a long list of regional specialities. And you’ll also find a compelling soundtrack with an excellent choice of musical festivals throughout the year.
Try the wine
The Loire Valley is the third largest producer of wine in France giving you plenty of scope. White wines reign supreme, but as well as the finest Sauvignon blanc in the country you’ll also want to try sparkling Saumur and a young Anjou red.
Find out more about wines from the Loire Valley
Listen to jazz in Touraine
The Loire city celebrates its annual jazz festival (35th edition in 2021) in September, showcasing some of the world’s best musicians and singers. The 4-day event also includes the free Festival en Off.
See the programme for the next edition of Touraine Jazz Festival
Try before you buy at Loire Valley markets
As you’d expect in a land replete with market gardens and vineyards, the Loire Valley has plenty of markets. Just the city of Tours runs to 20 markets that include the marché du carreau des Halles whose stalls have served the best local produce since 1833.
Find out more about markets in the Loire Valley.
Lorraine Things to see, do & experience
Overshadowed in the guidebooks by Alsace next door, Lorraine is something of a quieter destination. But fewer crowds don’t equal less to do and see and this northeastern region packs in the attractions. They date back in time too with Gaul and Roman roots but Lorraine also has a good dash of modernity.
Our round-up includes something for everyone whether you’re looking for the old or the new. Want an urban vibe or something more rural? Fancy chilling in a spa or sweating on a mountain hike? And of course there are the great waterways including the Seille and Moselle rivers.
Best Things To See In Lorraine
In such a diverse destination choosing just three things to see is something of a challenge, but we’ve picked three gems as appetisers. Two rank among the finest monumental centres in this part of France and the third showcases some very beautiful water.
See the capital
The stunning city of Metz is justifiably the capital and has plenty to see and do. We recommend visiting the cathedral with its 6,500 square metres of stained glass before you lose yourself in the elegant squares and medieval alleyways.
Discover what else to see in Metz
See Place Stanislas
This elegant royal square dates back to the 18th century and connects the old and new towns at Nancy. Don’t miss the Art Nouveau heritage in the town or the Daum and Baccarat crystal houses, both glass treasures.
Find out more about Nancy
See the water
At Madine lake, 1,100 hectares at the heart of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park. Enjoy the sandy beaches, hiking trails and birdwatching on land or try your hand at boating or water skiing on the blue water.
Discover Lorraine from the water on a self-drive hire boat
Best Things To Do In Lorraine
Our recommendations make up an eclectic threesome, but between them represent things that Lorraine does very well. Read on for a tour of things to taste, admire and enjoy.
Taste a historic sugared almond
The Dragée Braquier at Verdun has been making this sweet delight since 1783, although the first almond coated in sugar dates back to 1220. See the dragées in production in all their colours and then take home a unique Lorraine souvenir.
Find out more about Lorraine sugared almonds
Take in some contemporary art
The Centre Pompidou in Metz is the largest provincial exhibition space in the country and comes with unique architecture and art. The centre’s iconic paper tube structure with a feature sail is one of Lorraine’s landmarks.
See what’s on the Centre Pompidou in Metz
Visit a botanical garden
One of the largest in France in fact with over 12,000 plants in its 35 hectares. Highlights at the Jardin Botanique at Villers-les-Nancy include the rhododendron valley (best in mid spring) and five tropical greenhouses.
See the botanical garden on film
Best Things To Experience In Lorraine
Our trio of experiences in Lorraine take you on a sensual journey of taste, light, sound and touch. Get ready to whet your taste buds, feast your eyes and ears and then sit back and relax.
Savour the quiche
The region’s most famous dish and a sample throughout the world. But once you taste the authentic quiche lorraine, there’s no turning back and no adding cheese – the real thing contains bacon and eggs only.
> Read our A to Z of typical French dishes
Experience the light and sound
Lorraine and the First World War go hand in hand and nowhere more so than at Verdun, site of one of the greatest battles. The Des Flammes à la Lumière light and sound show celebrates the victory of peace over war in a unique festival every summer.
Chill like a Roman
At Villa Pompei, a modern spa in the heart of the Amnéville forest. Natural thermal waters combine with just about any spa treatment you can imagine.
Discover your spa treat
Midi-Pyrenees Things to see, do & experience
One of the largest regions in France, Midi-Pyrenées is also one of the most varied. Stretching from the majestic Massif Central in the north to the imposing Pyrenées in the south, this landlocked region packs in stunning landscapes, pretty villages and (best of all), some great waterways. This is the land of the River Tarn, Canal du Garonne and the most famous canal in Europe, the Canal du Midi.
Read on to discover our pick of the best things to do in Midi-Pyrenees on and off land.
Best Things To See In Midi-Pyrenées
Choosing the best things to see in a region that encompasses so much variety was always going to be a challenge. And with the limit of three. But we think our selection of visual highlights do an excellent job of showcasing this lovely part of France. Check out our Midi-Pyrenées religious, civic and village picks below.
See how they punished sins
The seven deadly ones to be precise and in the 15th century Judgement fresco underneath the organ at Albi Cathedral. While you’re there, admire the red brick rampant walls of this unique place of worship.
> Discover more amazing cathedrals in France
See Toulouse
The capital of this vast region merits a whole day trip and packs in the monuments, gastronomy and cosmopolitan vibe. Don’t miss the three cathedrals, the Place du Capitole and the city beaches (the only ones in the Midi-Pyrenées!).
Toulouse makes a great place to start or end your Canal du Midi cruise. Here’s what you’ll see on the way
See a beau village
Or a whole selection of them in Aveyron, home to more ‘most beautiful villages in France’ than anywhere else in the country. Feast your eyes on gems such as Belcastel, Conques, Entraygues and Saint-Come d’Olt.
Best Things To Do In Midi-Pyrenées
In a region with some much magnificent scenery, it makes sense to include outdoor activities in our things to do section. You’re certainly spoilt for choice in this part of France, something of a hiker’s and skier’s paradise, but our selection goes up high and down low. Join us as we discover some of the natural and manmade wonders in this part of France.
Go deep underground
The Midi-Pyrenées are home to some of Europe’s largest caves including Padirac in Lot https://www.gouffre-de-padirac.com/en. You access the underground grottos and river via a giant chasm (it’s 300 steps or 3 lifts down) and discover a world of extraordinary geological features and natural beauty.
Do Midi-Pyrenées from up (really) high
From a hot-air balloon in fact as you admire the magnificent scenery below. Take a solo trip, go as a couple or treat the whole family to a ride you’ll never forget.
Find out more about hot-air balloon rides in Midi-Pyrenées.
Kayak under the world’s tallest bridge
At 343m tall, the Millau Viaduct takes the prize for the world’s tallest bridge. You’ll also be amazed by the seven stunning masts that span their way across the River Tarn below. You can drive across this engineering wonder, but the best way to admire it is from a kayak down below.
See more about kayaking on the Tarn
Best Things To Experience In Midi-Pyrenées
From mountain high hikes to valley deep spa treatments, natural wonders influence many of the best things to experience in the Midi Pyrenées.
Experience the waterways
Probably just as pretty as the Canal du Midi and definitely quieter, the Garonne Canal is one of the watery highlights in this part of France.
> Discover the canal in style on board a luxury hotel barge
Experience a natural amphitheatre
Set in 2,000m-high cliffs and home to some of the largest waterfalls in France. The Cirque de Gavarnie makes a great place to hike the Hautes-Pyrenées in summer and to ski in winter.
Find out more about Gavarnie
Experience the brandy
France makes three types of brandy and Armagnac is one of them. While you’re in the area, try some of the local spirit, a perfect postprandial, especially if it’s an Hors d’Age. This extra mature Armagnac spends at least ten years in the barrel making it one of the finest brandies in the world.
> Find out more about French brandies
Nord-Pas de Calais Things to see, do & experience 
The northern-most region of France doesn’t rank among the most visited – many visitors barely give it a glance on their way south from the ferry ports. But stay awhile and you’ll discover pretty landscapes with rolling hills, crisscrossed with rivers and canals (perfect!) and a fine selection of monuments.
Best-known for its world war association, Nord-Pas de Calais comes packed with poignant monuments and themed museums. Look out for the iconic poppies as you explore the region and enjoy its natural and manmade delights. Read on for our selection of the best.
Best Things To See In Nord-Pas de Calais
Offering both coast and country, Nord-Pas de Calais packs in the things to see, but for our trio we’ve gone for some seriously stunning coastline, a step back in time to some of Europe’s bloodiest history and an enormous cathedral. All very different sights, but indicative of the contrasts and variety you can explore to find in this region.
See the Opal Coast
Nord-Pas de Calais boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in France. Opal Coast, named for its stunning light, runs for 100km and most of them are sands. Highlights include Wimereux with its period holiday villas, jaw-dropping cliffs and basking seals.
Find out more about the Opal Coast
See and remember
This region witnessed some of the worst conflict during both world wars so take some time out to explore this poignant past. Highlights include the poet Wilfred Owen’s last resting place, Lutyen’s memorial to 73,000 missing men on the Somme at Thiepval and the Dunkirk War Museum dedicated to Operation Dynamo.
> Discover more about WWI in the Somme
See Amiens Cathedral
So huge that two Notre Dames would fit inside, this giant cathedral has a glorious ornate façade. See it at its very best at Christmas when it comes alive with festive lighting.
> See more amazing cathedrals in France
Best Things To Do In Nord-Pas de Calais
Our choice of things to do continues to reflect the variety in this region. One of them just had to celebrate the waterways in this part of France while our other picks celebrate one of the finest artists in the 20th century and then go very festive.
Do the garden waterways
Perhaps our favourite thing to do in Nord-Pas de Calais, the Hortillonages rank among the finest watery gardens in the world. Tucked among a rambling network of canals, the market gardens grow delicious produce in gorgeous surroundings just as they have been doing since the Middle Ages.
Discover the Hortillonages up close by car; unfortunately there are no cruises available on the Somme but drive south to enjoy a hotel barge cruise in the Champagne region
Do Matisse in his own museum
Henri Matisse set up his museum in the house where he was born in Cambrai and donated 82 of his works. Admire these plus masterpieces by Chagall, Corbusier, Léger and Miró in the building whose extension received the Van der Rohe prize for architecture.
Get more information about the Matisse Museum
Celebrate Carnival in Dunkirk
Festivities take place for over two months, but the high point comes around Mardi Gras for the ‘Three Happy Days’. Marching bands crowd the streets and everyone wears fancy dress and carries a bergenaere (an umbrella on an extra long stick).
Read more about this Dunkirk tradition
Best Things To Experience In Nord-Pas de Calais
Our three Nord-Pas de Calais experiences focus on the region’s gastronomy, rich in dairy and farm produce, and then suggest a serious hike to work up the calories before you feast or work them off afterwards.
Experience Waterzooi on a Sunday
This fish and vegetable dish stars on the Sunday lunch menu in Nord-Pas de Calais. The accompanying sauce comes rich in locally-produced butter and cream, perfect to combine with a crisp white from nearby Alsace.
Discover other delicious French gastronomic experiences
Experience the Via Francigena
On its way to Rome from Canterbury (UK), the Via Francigena enters France at Calais and continues 100km to Thérouanne before leaving Nord-Pas de Calais. On route? Abbeys, pretty towns and villages and miles of verdant countryside.
Follow the turkeys
The small town of Licques celebrates its famed poultry by herding turkeys through the streets in early December. Bands accompany the procession followed by feasting on local produce including (obviously) turkey and foie gras washed down with Champagne.
Find out more about the Fête de la Dinde
Normandy Things to see, do & experience
With miles of Atlantic coastline and rolling landscapes of green fields and orchards, Normandy ranks as one of the prettiest parts of France. Its natural colours and special light have inspired painters, particularly the Impressionists. The region is also famous for its stunning parks and gardens and boasts some of the best beaches in France.
Normandy features centre stage in the history books too with a rich religious heritage as well as ancient monuments. More recently, the region saw the three-month to commence the liberation of Europe in 1944. And like the rest of France, this is a land of delicious local produce led by cider and cheese.
Best Things To See In Normandy
The coastal region comes packed with things to see. In our selection of the best, we’ve included one of the most renowned monuments in Europe, a simply stunning town and a bit of Proust. An eclectic trio that illustrates the richness of Normandy.
See Mont-Saint-Michel
Along with the Eiffel Tower, Mont-Saint-Michel abbey ranks as the most famous monument in France if not Europe. And certainly few others can boast quite the same stunning location offshore in a bay shared by Normandy and Brittany. At high tide, the abbey and mount become an island, adding to its magic.
Find out more about Mont-Saint-Michel
See the best seaside resort in France
And walk one of its original seafront promenades at Trouville. Established as a prime spot for ‘taking the air’ during the Belle Époque, the resort offers a stunning sandy beach, elegant 19th century mansions and a magnificent casino.
Discover the other best beaches in France
See the new Proust Museum
Marcel Proust chose Cabourg as his favourite summer holiday destination and recreated it as Balbec in his famous À La Recherche du Temps Perdu. In honour of the great writer and thinker, the town has opened a museum dedicated to Proust’s work and the Belle Époque.
Find out more about Proust and Cabourg
Best Things To Do In Normandy
In our pick for the best things to do we’ve also gone for contrast. The coastline features yet again as does Normandy’s culture – this time in the form of one of the world’s best-loved art genres, Impressionism. And we all go arty with a recommendation to visit some very famous tapestries.
Admire the sculptures at Étretat
Another lovely beach resort, Étretat is also famous for its clifftop walk along the Alabaster Coast. Not only can you look down on one of the best pebble beaches in France, but admire the limestone sculptures carved by nature. Look out for the Aiguille (Needle) and three stunning arches in the cliffs.
Get up close and personal with the sculptures on a stand-up paddle board.
Do the tapestries
Probably the most famous tapestries in the world, the Bayeux masterpiece illustrates William the Conqueror’s victory over the English. Running a full 70 metres, the cloth probably encircled the nave at Bayeux Cathedral, but nowadays you can admire it in its own museum.
Be impressed by Impressionists
At the annual Impressionist Festival with five months of festivities in different centres including Caen, Rouen and of course, Monet’s gardens at Giverny. Music, dance, son et lumière shows and of course, lots of art await you.
Find out more about the Normandy Impressionist Festival
Best Things To Experience In Normandy
Discovering Normandy also involves the waterways and we couldn’t miss out the Seine. And then we turn to the taste buds with two of the region’s most famous gastronomical offerings. Both rich, delicious and scented.
Experience the Seine
The Seine is most famous as the waterway for Paris, but take a river cruise up and down water and you’ll discover the heart of Normandy too. Cruise your way through delights such as Giverny, Rouen and Honfleur. Find out how to book your Seine river cruise
Taste the cheese in the box
The region’s most famous cheese, Camembert is a favourite the world over. Presented in its flagship wooden box and the inspiration behind Salvador Dali’s famous melting clocks goes perfectly with some Normandy cider.
> Get the full story of Normandy’s famous soft cheese
Drink some Calvados
Normandy is home to Calvados, a unique spirit made from apples with a touch of pear and classed as a brandy. While you’re visiting the region, taste the three crus and for an extra special treat, sample an Hors d’Age Calvados, aged for at least six years in the barrel.
> Read more about Calvados and French brandies
Paris & Ile de France Things to see, do & experience
The City of Light (and Love) needs no introduction since Paris features on most travellers’ bucket lists. The big challenge though is condensing this wonderful city down to just nine suggestions because after all, Paris is just brimming with great things to do and see. In our recommendations we’ve gone a little bit out of the box and off the beaten track.
We’ve indulged ourselves with the Seine – one of the most famous rivers in the world, a big part of the city and impossible to miss out. But otherwise, our round up includes things that are a little different because you’re obviously planning to experience the main famous sights anyway!
Best Things To See In Paris & Ile de France
Our trio captures the best of the city with panoramic views, extraordinary colour and a walk around some of its sights. We think they represent some of the best things to see in Paris and give you the chance to see for yourself why Paris ranks among the world’s favourite cities.
Read about the most famous sights you can see from the Seine.
See the city from up high
Lots of places in Paris offer great views of the city, but if you’re looking for a free vista that includes the Eiffel Tour, head for Galeries Lafayette. Specifically the rooftop terrace where you can get your bearings and see the sights from above. And if you’re in Paris at Christmas time, don’t miss the Lafayette decorations and tree.
Marvel at Sainte Chapelle
Lovers of colour and light shouldn’t miss the upper floor at this chapel. Inside, you’ll find over 600 square metres of exquisite stained-glass windows. Visit on a sunny day to feel as if you’re inside a giant kaleidoscope.
Discover Sainte Chapelle
See the islands
Paris first started life on the Ile de la Cité in the middle of the Seine and together with Ile St-Louis makes an excellent walking tour. Discover some of the capital’s iconic monuments, pleasant squares and great views as you explore the two.
Read this guide to the Paris islands.
Best Things To Do In Paris & Ile de France
Waterways dominate our pick of things to do in the capital with the great Seine and a lesser known canal. And we also pay homage to one of the country’s greatest painters at a crowd-free art museum in Paris.
Cruise the Seine
The most famous river in France offers simply stunning views of the city’s iconic monuments when you take a river cruise through the capital. Sights such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries offer a completely different perspective from the water.
> Find out what you’ll see on a Seine river cruise
Discover Delacroix
At the museum dedicated to one of the most famous artists in France. The painter’s 17th century home on the lovely Place de Furstenberg contains his studio plus many of his painters. Don’t miss the monumental staircase Delacroix designed to access his atelier.
Read more about the Delacroix Museum in Paris.
Do the Marais and Canal Saint-Martin
One of the city’s hippest spots and home to all the latest trends in Paris, the area sandwiched between the Marais and Canal offers a treasure trove of funky art, delicious food and fashionistas. Don’t miss a ride on the canal itself.
Check out the hippest place in Paris
Best Things To Experience In Paris & Ile de France
Our triplet of experiences encompasses two great French traditions: architecture and gastronomy. And in true Parisian fashion, we go ultra-modern and then traditional with a feast for the senses.
Experience modern architecture
When you take a tour of La Defence, Paris’ business district and home to some cutting-edge design. Discover the history behind the skyscrapers and the Grand Arch as told by a professional architect.
Find out more about a tour of La Defence.
Taste the capital
With no less than 119 Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris is something of a foodie haven catering for all tastes and wallet sizes. While you’re there, be sure to try jambon beurre, duck confit, oysters, macarons… Check out the most famous foods in Paris.
Experience Paris with bubbles
Make the City of Light your starting point to discover one of the greatest wine growing regions in the world. Take a luxury hotel barge cruise from Paris to Champagne for a holiday combining city bustle with bubbles and the tranquility of the River Marne.
> Book your hotel barge cruise from Paris to Champagne now
Pays de Loire Things to see, do & experience
One of the newest regions in France, the Pays de Loire showcases pastoral countryside dotted with beautiful towns and cities. They include historic gems such as Nantes (the region’s capital), Angers and Orléans. The Loire Valley is also known as the Garden of France and produces fine fruit and vegetables, not to mention wine.
Best of all, this part of France is home to the country’s longest waterway. At 630km long, the Loire makes its way to the Atlantic through some picture-perfect scenery almost lined with the famous Pays de Loire chateaux. Plus there are plenty of other rivers and canals meandering across the pretty scenery. Read on for our selection of musts while you’re there.
Best Things To See In Pays de Loire
Our suggestions centre on the river because it’s the focal point for the famous chateaux and many of the region’s towns. Discover our pick of pretty waters, stunning castles and palaces and a spectacle of colour.
See the Loire
Cruising this sedate waterway offers the best way to see the Pays de Loire and appreciate its rustic beauty. Take in the best of the river as you glide the waters on a Loire river cruise from Angers to Nantes.
> Find out more about Loire river cruises
See a Pays de Loire château
Or several because the Pays de Loire is home to the largest number of châteaux in France. And many sit on the Loire itself. Feast your eyes on architectural and horticultural wonders fit for kings such as Ambois, Azay le Rideau, Blois, Chambord…
> See the 11 best Loire Valley châteaux
See 13th century stained glass
At one of the finest cathedrals in France in Chartres. On the outside, admire the unusual combination of a Romanesque tower near to a Gothic one plus the intricate stones sculptures. Inside, the original stained glass windows greet you everywhere and are especially stunning when the sun shines behind them.
> Find out more about Chartres cathedral
Best Things To Do In Pays de Loire
Recommending just three things to do in such a picturesque region is something of a challenge, but we’ve risen to it with a spectacular trio. Join us as we explore one of the prettiest villages, smell thousands of roses and admire architecture as old as it comes and as new.
Explore ‘My Treasure’
Montrésor is literally a treasure chest of village charm and beauty – unsurprisingly, it ranks as one of the prettiest villages in France. Don’t miss the château, half-timbered houses and stunning Halles de Cardeaux.
Discover more beautiful villages in the Pays de Loire.
Explore a rose garden
Roses are literally blooming marvellous at the Chemins de la rose gardens in Doué-la-Fontaine. Over 13,000 roses fill the park with colour and fragrance in the summer showcasing the world’s most romantic flower.
Plan your visit to the Loire Valley rose gardens
Do the bridges
As you’d expect from the longest river in France, the Loire is spanned by plenty of bridges. From the 23 12th century arches at Beaugency to the strikingly modern bridge at Saint Nazaire, there are over 40 bridges crossing the Loire including several aqueducts.
See the bridges as close as you can get on a self-drive boating holiday in France.
Best Things To Experience In Pays de Loire
In the Garden of France, we couldn’t miss the chance to taste its produce so our experiences focus on the food and the wine. And we suggest a great way to work up an appetite as you explore the different wine regions and delicious food.
Savour the vin
The Loire Valley ranks as the third largest wine producing area in France with an astonishing variety of wines. Whites reign supreme but in different guises from dry almost salty Muscadets to sparkling Saumur via Sancerre Sauvignon. Savour them all while you’re in the Pays de Loire.
> Discover the world of Loire Valley wines
Experience the waterway on two wheels
The Loire Valley lends itself perfectly to biking and you can cycle along the river almost in its entirety. Seeing the region from the saddle gives you the chance to get up close to the river and its monuments.
> Find out more about la Loire à vélo
Experience Loire sweet treats
Almost every town and village even has its own baking speciality in the Pays de Loire. Be sure to try the Berlingots and Petit Beurre from Nantes, the Anjou quernons d’ardoise, the brioches made in Vendée and, if you have room, the shortbread from Retz.
Discover the best of Pays de Loire wining and dining on board a luxury barge holiday.
Picardy things to see, do & experience
Tucked away in northern France and a little overshadowed by Paris and Champagne to the south, Picardy sits mostly off the tourism radar. But this part of the country more than merits a visit and packs in some great things to see and do. Picardy also has stunning scenery that ranges from sand banks and dunes on the Somme estuary to rolling hills dotted with rivers and lakes.
This region of France is famous for its association with WWI and the Somme witnessed some of its worst atrocities. But as well as a chance to reflect, Picardy also allows you to see some beautiful countryside, stunning monuments and sample French culture and gastronomy.
Best Things To See In Picardy
Our threesome of what to see in Picardy showcases the region’s architecture and history. We visit one of the amazing chateaux in the area, a truly pretty village and take some time out to remember.
See Chantilly Château
Picardy offers a good list of interesting châteaux and Chantilly ranks as one of the best. The palace itself is spectacular, but you’re really here for the art and literature. The Musée Condé within the château houses a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces while the library boasts a unique display of medieval manuscripts.
Find out more about Chantilly Château
See the roses
And one of the prettiest villages in France at Gerberoy, picture-perfect at any time of year but most of all in late spring when the roses bloom. Almost every house in the village has climbing roses adding extra charm to the cobbled streets and half-timbered façades. Visit on the third Sunday in June for the Fête des Roses.
Get more information on the prettiest village in Picardy.
See the memorials
No visit to Picardy would be complete without a visit to some of the memorials of WW1. Beaumont-Hamel and Thiepval both pay homage to the thousands of missing soldiers who died during the war. And the massive crater at Lochnagar reminds us of the irreparable damage explosives do.
Find out more about the Somme area.
Best Things To Do In Picardy
Our suggestions for things to do in Picardy all take on a cultural trio with literary, comic-book and musical themes. Join us as we discover the creator of Phileas Fogg, some fierce resistors of the Romans and enjoy music in truly pastoral settings.
Discover a world of fantasy
Jules Verne, one of the world’s best writers, lived in Amiens for 34 years and his last home is now a museum. The treasure trove on display includes first editions of his books, letters and a map of the world.
Find out more about the Jules Verne Museum in Amiens.
Go Gaul
At the second largest theme park in France where the adventures of Asterix and Obelix come alive with attractions and shows. The highlights at Parc Astérix? The Discobelix and the descent from Olympia.
Read about Parc Astérix.
Enjoy music in a forest
The annual Festival des Fôrets at Compiègne combines the stunning woodlands in Oise with classical music. Listen to concerts in 15 different locations as you experience the harmonious combination of nature and music. You can even take a guided forest tour with musical interludes!
See what’s on at the Festival des Fôrets.
Best Things To Experience In Picardy
Our recommendations for Picardy experiences turn to the region’s food and drink (the latter may surprise you) before we end up on a waterway. Our experience on the Somme comes as a fitting close to this section because it allows you to enjoy the best of everything in Picardy.
Experience the bubbles
It might come as something of a surprise to discover that one-tenth of Champagne comes from grapes grown in Picardy. The bubbly vineyards make a stunning backdrop to the scenery around Château-Thierry and give you the chance to sample the world’s best fizz in situ!
> Discover the world of Champagne
Experience Picardy cheese
All regions in France boast a specialty cheese and Picardy is no exception. Taking centre stage in the fromage department is Maroilles, made from cow’s milk and shaped into a square.
> Delve into this A to Z of French cheeses
Sail the Somme?
Unfortunately, it’s only possible to experience the famous Picardy landscapes and sights from the deck of your own craft. Cruise your way down river through Amiens en route to the English Channel.
Poitou-Charentes Things to see, do & experience
Nestling on the Atlantic and sandwiched between its two bigger sisters, the Pays de Loire and Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes is small, but very pretty and sunny. It boasts one of the milder climates in France and notches the second highest sunshine hours after Provence.
Plain coastal plains give way to rolling hills inland in this mostly rural region where even the capital Poitiers numbers less than 90,000 inhabitants. Read on to discover this unique part of France.
Best Things To See In Poitou-Charentes
The region has plenty of stunning sights so choosing just three isn’t easy – Poitou-Charentes has a good list of towns and villages that rank among the most beautiful in France. The landscape also provides a feast for the eyes. But we think our trio of picks bring together the best in the region.
See Poitiers
No list of the best things to see in Poitou-Charente could miss out on the region’s capital. Perched on a hilltop, Poitiers has an exceptional town centre dotted with beautiful churches and palaces. Don’t miss the medieval frescoes at Baptistière Saint Jean.
Find out more about what to see in Poitiers.
Discover La Rochelle
One of the most famous ports in France also has medieval roots – its fortified port flanked by two imposing towers date back to the 12th century. Admire the boats and then explore the side streets and alleyways before you visit the Aquarium, one of the best in Europe.
Discover more things to see in La Rochelle.
See Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
One of the most beautiful villages in France not only offers pretty façades and streets. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is also home to an extraordinary troglodyte church, dug out into the cliff in the 5th century. Highlights include a burial chamber whose 80 graves all point towards Jerusalem.
See more beautiful villages in France when you take a hotel barge holiday in Charente and Aquitaine.
Best Things To Do In Poitou-Charentes
Nature takes centre stage in our recommendations for things to do in Poitou-Charentes and you’ll see it at its best. And in complete contrast, our final suggestions go as futuristic as it comes.
Discover an island
Three lovely islands lie off the Poitou-Charentes coast and the most famous is Île de Ré. Pop over via the bridge and spend the day cycling round the island as you discover the beautiful sands and enjoy the sunshine. Don’t miss the Plage de Conche des Baleines.
Check out 14 other amazing beaches in France
Paddle Green Venice
The Marais Poitevin offers a green paradise of slow-flowing rivers and channels set in woodland, perfect for discovering by bike or in a flat-bottomed boat. Or if you want a faster experience, hire a kayak.
Find out more about Green Venice.
Go 3D and 4D
At Futuroscope in Poitiers where a world of 3D and 4D delights await you. Perfect for families, the film theatres offer thrilling virtual experiences including The Extraordinary Journey where you can travel to all four corners for the world from the comfort of your cinema seat.
Get more information about Futuroscope
Best Things To Experience In Poitou-Charentes
Despite being petit, Poitou-Charentes packs in the attractions with stunning things to see, fun things to do and great experiences.
Drink the world’s best brandy
Almost 6,000 vineyards in Charente grow the grapes that make the world-famous Cognac, the finest brandy you’ll taste anywhere. As well as classics such as Hennessy and Remy Martin, you can also experience the unique liqueur at small distilleries on the Cognac Trail.
Dine on oysters
A French festive feast would not be complete with at least a dozen huitres and the most exquisite in the country come from Poitou-Charentes. Specifically the Marennes Oléron, farmed off the island of Oléron, whose oysters are the only in France to enjoy protected status.
Read about 12 other protected French foods. https://dev.french-waterways.com/protected-french-foods/
Monkey around
In the 22 hectares that make up the Vallée des Singes Parc to the south of Poitiers. Some 34 species of monkeys and ape roam freely in the woodland and waterfalls giving you the chance to get close up to a mountain gorilla in wild surroundings.
Find out more about the Vallée des Singes.
Provence Alpes Cotes d’Azur Things to see, do & experience
One of France’s best-loved regions, this southern paradise treats you to a long list of sensual delights. From the picture-perfect landscapes (often crisscrossed by rivers and canals) to the stunning monuments that date back to the Romans, Provence always looks her best. Unsurprisingly, the scenery has influenced many great artists – Renoir, Van Gogh and Cézanne were all captivated by settings in the very south of France.
The region provides a feast for the palate too – Pastis and pink Provençal wine both pair perfectly al fresco with the delicious local cuisine. And where better to try them than with the sparkling Mediterranean as your backdrop? Read on to discover our highlights in Provence Alpes Côtes d’Azur.
Best Things To See In Provence Alpes Côtes d’Azur
This part of France comes packed with one holiday destination after another – Cannes, St Tropez, Nice, Cap d’Antibes… all with their own long list of things to do and see. Our trio combines a tour of almost the entire region from the vessel of your choice with a simply stunning mansion with gardens and plenty of stone.
See the waterways
Definitely our top pick of things to see in Provence and a must for anyone who loves messing around on a river or canal. Sail your way past the glorious landscape on the Rhônes (Little and Great) on a luxury hotel barge, self-drive boat or a river cruise.
See a villa
Not just any villa, but one built for the Rothschild and Ephrussi banking families. Perched on a hill near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Ephrussi-Rothschild contains a veritable treasure trove of objets d’art and sits in one of France’s ‘Remarkable Gardens’. No less than nine gardens in fact, each as pretty as another.
See just how gorgeous Villa Ephrussi is.
See the stone
Stone makes up many of the finest monuments (natural and manmade) in this part of France. Marvel at the bridge in Avignon, the Roman amphitheatre in Arles, the limestone cliffs in the Ardèche Gorge and the literally hundreds of beautiful houses and mansions everywhere.
Did you know? You can see the best stone from the Rhône and Saône. Find out how
Best Things To Do In Provence Alpes Côtes d’Azur
We’ve stuck to the water for our recommendations for things to do in Provence Alpes-Côtes d’Azur. By the seaside in Provence and the Côtes d’Azur and then by the river Rhône.
Do a beach on your own
Even in the height of summer, Plage de l’Espiguette on the Camargue has more than enough space for your towel. Settle down for a quiet day at the beach while you feast your eyes on pristine sands, lagoons and sand dunes.
Discover more wonderful beaches in France.
Do the chateaux
You might not think of the south of France when someone mentions châteaux, but this part of France boasts its own lovely collection of fine palaces. Each as stunning as the next, but perhaps none so extraordinary than Facteur Cheval, built by a postman and probably the most eclectic in France.
> Read about the top seven châteaux near Provence
Do the ‘hair-pull’ walk
Known as the ‘tire-poil’ walk because of the prevailing wind that sends your hair flying, the Chemin des Douaniers snakes around one of the prettiest parts of the Mediterranean coastline at Cap d’Antibes. Spend two hours in sparkling blue before you treat yourself to lunch in Antibes.
> Discover yet more great things to do in Provence
Best Things To Experience In Provence Alpes Côtes d’Azur
Your nose and mouth get all the attention in our selection of things to experience in Provence and the Côtes d’Azur. Get ready for a heady ride of fragrances, bouquets and taste sensation.
Smell the lavender
From mid-June onwards, the fields of Provence turn purple and fill the air with the heavenly scent of lavender. See and smell it at its best in Sénanque Abbey and Valensole.
> Read more about lavender in Provence
Feast on Provence
Fertile landscapes and lots of sunshine make Provence a foodie paradise. As well as the well-known treats such as ratatouille and tapenade, southern France also does delicious starters, yummy desserts and of course, the world-famous Marseille special, Bouillabaisse
> Discover 18 provençal foodie treats
Taste the rosé
Our last experience in Provence also centres on the palate and bouquet with a taste of local wine. Almost all rosé, and dry rather than sweet, wine in this part of France comes unsurprisingly packed with floral notes (yes, including lavender). And almost orange rather than pink.
