Top Things to Do in France: Attractions, Hidden Gems & Experiences

Find yourself in the “city of lights”—France. This fairytale location radiates the perfect chic European energy that allures the visitors. France is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, lavender fields, cobblestone streets, and the whole shebang, looking nothing less than a beautiful postcard image. It offers various experiences, from family-friendly fun to offbeat locations to wine tours, day trips, and local culinary experiences.

 

France is the most popular choice among first-time travelers. If you're planning your trip, don’t forget to check out our detailed guide on The Best Time to Visit Paris – Month On Month Guide to choose the perfect season for your visit. And with the best hop-on hop-off bus tours in France, they get the best of both worlds. With the affordable prices, unparalleled services, and best deals and discounts, this is your all-access pass to the city’s best. This France travel guide will take you to the best things to do in France. From family-friendly activities to day trips, we’ve got it all covered. 

 

Explore some of the best things to do in France below: 

 

Must-See Attractions in France

 

Fulfill your Parisian dreams with some of the most iconic landmarks and top attractions in France, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, and more. Discover some of the best things to see in France. 

 

Here’s everything you can’t miss while in France: 

 

1. The Louvre Museum is one of the most-visited museums in the world, featuring a collection of over 350,000 objects, with approximately 35,000 on display. Its iconic glass pyramid design and the most notable works, like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, French painting, historical elements, and 19th-century art, enthrall the visitors.
    

 

 

2. Palace of Versailles: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace of Versailles is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, boasting royal grandeur with grand halls, the Opera Royal, the Hall of Mirrors, and more. Its vast gardens, lush with greenery, fountains, statues, and canals, reflect the true French fashion. This is one of Paris best attractions.
    

 

 

3. Mont Saint-Michel: Known for its gravity-defying structure, Mont Saint-Michel is also adorned with the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Gothic architecture, witness the mesmerizing bay views from the Ramparts and Towers, observe this iconic location, and get your Instagrammable pictures clicked.
    

 

 

4. Eiffel Tower, Paris: One of the most iconic locations in the world and known to everybody, the Eiffel Tower is a 330-meter-tall tower featuring panoramic views, public spaces like restaurants, exhibition space, shops, and fine-dining options. The breathtaking spectacle of the nighttime sparkles and illuminations is priceless. Planning a romantic escape? Explore our curated list of The Best Romantic Paris Bus Tours For Couples to elevate your Eiffel Tower experience.
    

 

Hidden Gems and Offbeat Experiences

 

Ditch the guidebook and experience the true France by exploring some iconic hidden gems in France. From the Dordogne region to the picturesque lavender fields of Provence, these offbeat places in France will ensure you have a perfect regional exposure.

 

Here’s every hidden gem you can’t miss exploring: 

 

• Colmar and Alsace Village: This village puts you into the cosmopolitan, continental vibe with its half-timbered houses and colorful cobblestone streets. Live up to your Bollywood dream in Alsace’s fairytale villages. Don’t forget to take a scenic journey towards the vineyards and charming villages like Egusheim and Kayserberg.
   

 

• Annecy and Lake Annecy: Also known as “Venice of the Alps,” Lake Annecy is situated amidst the mountains and is a heaven for water activities like kayaking, canyoning, water hiking, and more. The scenic beauty of colorful streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views captivates the hearts of its visitors.
   

 

• Dordogne Region: Dordogne is one of the best hidden gems in France, known for its medieval castles and local cuisine. Indulging in the local cuisine of Dordogne, featuring truffles, walnuts, foie gras, and wine, is unmissable. The best part is that you can take a hot air balloon ride and witness the breathtaking landscape.
   

 

• Lavender Fields of Provence: Lavender fields in Provence look straight out of a blockbuster movie. The stunning spectacle of nature’s grandeur is breathtaking. You should visit the lavender fields between June and August, when they are in full bloom. You can capture the best pictures during early morning and late afternoon. 
   

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in France

 

Explore freely and discover boundlessly with the best Hop On Hop Off tours in France. Explore some of the best things to do in France and unravel the iconic landmarks that you’ve been dreaming of visiting. With our affordable prices, exclusive services, and best deals and discounts, this is your best chance to explore the city of dreams—France. 

 

Here’s everything you need to know about our HOHO tours: 

 

Covers Multiple Cities: This hop-on, hop-off bus tour covers major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice, allowing visitors to hop on and hop off at any location of their preference. This flexible sightseeing option will help you avoid the regimented itinerary and allow you to explore what interests you. Not sure which operator to choose? Read our comparison guide on Tootbus vs Big Bus Paris: Which Tour Company is Best for You? to make an informed decision.

 

• Convenience for first-time visitors: HOHO tours make it convenient for first-time visitors to explore the city extensively without the hassle of navigating public transport. It also provides audio guides featuring interesting facts and the historical significance of the place to level up the tour experience of our visitors.
   

 

• Walking Tour Options: You can explore the option to either opt for walking tours or public transport, offering a more intimate experience and making it more convenient and suitable for people with diverse preferences. Traveling with kids? Discover The Best Paris Bus Tours For Families to ensure a fun and stress-free sightseeing experience.
   

 

• Key Sights Covered: This HOHO tour covers all the iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to Notre Dame, Champs-Élysées, and many more. This tour will offer an all-inclusive experience and allow you to explore all the places at your own pace without a rigid group tour.
   

 

• Tips: HOHO bus tours provide flexible ticket options ranging from 24, 48, and 72 hours, depending upon your preference. The bus arrives every 10-15 minutes, making it convenient for travelers and avoiding the hassle of waiting for long hours. It is advised to begin your journey from the first stop and in the early morning to beat the heat and the crowd.
   

 

Explore our top-rated Paris bus tour options:

 

TooTBus: Paris Discovery Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Big Bus Tours: Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Big Bus Tours: Paris Panoramic Night Bus Tour by Open-Top Bus

TooTBus: Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus with Optional Seine Cruise

 

 

Family-Friendly Attractions in France

 

Hunting for a family vacation? This is your sign to visit France because it offers some of the best family-friendly and kid-oriented things to do in France. From the dreamlike Disneyland to stunning beaches, France offers an all-inclusive, family-friendly vacation. 

 

Here are some family-friendly things to do in France: 

 

1. Disneyland Paris: Live your fairytale dream at Disneyland Paris, offering distinct theme parks showcasing the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Marvel Avengers Campus, and more. Explore the world-class dining, themed hotels, and incredible shows. This place will be a heaven for the family and kids.
    

 

 

 

 

2. Arc De Triomphe: Known for its neoclassical architecture, breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, and its masterpiece sculptures featuring the battles, heroes, and allegories of victory and peace, Arc de Triomphe is something that cannot be missed. 

 

 

3. Orsay Museum: Explore the stunning architecture and the Impressionist art at the Orsay Museum. From Monet, Van Gogh, to Rodin’s Gates of Hell, you can spot everything and immerse yourself in the decorative art and history of the place.  

 

 

 

Day Trips Across France

 

Looking for a short excursion, just a few hours away? Then consider some of the best day trips to make your adventure memorable. Your one-day escape is finally here.

 

Here are some destinations where you can enjoy a short day trip: 

 

From Paris:
 

• Pack your bags and enjoy a short excursion from Paris to Giverny (Monet’s garden) to take a home tour where Monet breathed and painted, and witness the breathtaking water garden and flower gardens.
   

• Discover the historic vineyards and champagne houses in the Champagne region.
   

• Explore the Renaissance Gothic architecture of the Loire Valley Castles. 
   

 

 

From Nice:
 

• Admire the opulence of Monaco and map out the city by visiting the Japanese Garden, Port Hercules, Formula 1 Track, and finally the sunset at Tete de Chien.
   

• Eze looks like a live postcard, with cobblestone streets and cosmopolitan views so beautiful that they will take your breath away.
   

• You can’t miss the filmy glamour of Cannes and its iconic red carpet.
   

 

 

From Lyon:
 

• Take a wine tour to one of the most iconic Beaujolais wine regions and enjoy the stunning panoramas of vineyards while tasting the world-class wine.
   

• The Pérouges medieval village is extremely tranquil and offers a quaint vibe, perfect for getting your Insta-worthy pictures clicked.
   

 

 

Culinary Experiences and Local Culture

 

Satiate your hunger pangs and taste the local culture of France in every bite with an impressive culinary experience and unique flavors. Savor the essence of France with its scrumptious boulangeries, wine, buttery croissants, crepes, and whatnot!  The taste will definitely give you the best culinary experiences in France, and keep you coming back.

 

Here are some things to do in France to have the perfect culinary experience: 

 

• French Cuisine Highlights: Experience the rich, delicate, and buttery flavors of France with some of the best dishes that you cannot miss trying while in France. Try the staple and freshly made baguettes, sourdough, croissants, and pastries at French boulangeries. French wine defines excellence, and the Michelin-starred restaurants, for their exceptional culinary quality, flavor harmony, and excellent cooking.
   

 

• Food Markets: Experience it all like a local and begin your culinary adventure at the food markets in France. From the local and traditional produce, cheese, meat, exotic fruits, and vegetables to artisanal and gourmet products, food markets in France are taking it to the next level.
   

 

Here are some food markets and the specialties they offer: 

 

 

• Wine Tours: Uncork the essence of France with the opulent wine tours in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Provence. Experience a private or a group wine tasting, and enjoy a stay in the luxury château. This wine tour offers an experience of cultural immersion and offers you a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
   

 

Conclusion 

 

Experience the elegance of France with this France travel guide. The true magic of France lies in its breathtaking locations, medieval cities, and Mediterranean beaches. This place is an all-encompassing location; from hidden gems and family-friendly attractions to markets, culinary tours, and must-visit attractions, it covers all the bases.  

 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and begin your France adventure now. Discover the best things to see in France, from wine tours and offbeat places in France to iconic landmarks; we’ve got it all covered.