15 Things to Do in France

You’ll find France offers incredible experiences beyond the typical tourist traps, and you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy them. From timing your Eiffel Tower visit perfectly to discovering hidden corners of world-famous museums, there are smart ways to explore this country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historic treasures. Whether you’re drawn to wine country, coastal adventures, or charming medieval towns, knowing the right strategies will transform your trip from ordinary to unforgettable.

Climb the Eiffel Tower at Sunset for the Best Views and Smaller Crowds

While most travelers crowd the Eiffel Tower during peak daytime hours, you’ll discover a completely different experience by timing your visit for sunset. Arrive 90 minutes before sunset to avoid security lines and secure your spot on the second floor—it’s perfect for capturing Paris’s architectural context as the city shifts from daylight to twinkling nighttime illumination.

You’ll witness three distinct phases: golden hour, street lights emerging, and the tower’s spectacular hourly light show powered by 336 spotlights. After experiencing the views from above, descend via the stairs and cross the Seine to Trocadero for an ideal vantage point of the light show.

Visit after 5 p.m. to skip the worst crowds that plague the 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. window. Book tickets online beforehand, especially for elevator access to the summit (€36.10). Stair access costs just €14.50 but closes at 6 p.m., so plan accordingly for your sunset timing.

Wander Through the Louvre’s Must-See Wings Beyond the Mona Lisa

After soaking in Paris’s skyline from the Eiffel Tower, you’ll want to explore the world’s largest art museum—but skip the crowds stampeding toward the Mona Lisa. Head straight to the Richelieu Wing’s Cour Marly to see Guillaume I Coustou’s magnificent Marly Horses without fighting travelers.

The Denon Wing houses the dramatic Winged Victory of Samothrace at the top of Daru staircase—it’s Instagram gold with fewer selfie-sticks. Don’t miss the Venus de Milo, which you’ll actually get close enough to appreciate.

In the Sully Wing, explore the medieval fortress foundations for free historical context, then marvel at the 4,000-year-old Great Sphinx of Tanis. You’ll experience masterpieces without the claustrophobic crowds. Plan for at least 6 hours to truly appreciate the vast collection spanning centuries of human creativity.

Day Trip to Versailles Palace and Skip the Crowds in the Gardens

Since Versailles attracts nearly 8 million visitors annually, you’ll need strategy to avoid the crushing crowds at France’s most opulent palace. Visit on Wednesdays or Thursdays during low season (November-March) for the smallest crowds. Arrive at 9 AM when gates open, then explore the gardens before they fill up.

Skip the Musical Fountain Shows on weekends—they’re beautiful but draw massive crowds and cost extra. Instead, visit gardens on weekdays for free entry and peaceful wandering. Book tickets online beforehand to bypass entrance lines.

Head to Marie-Antoinette’s estate and Trianon after noon when most tour groups stick to the main palace. These quieter corners offer intimate experiences without the chaos.

Late afternoon visits (after 3 PM) also work well as large groups typically depart by then. The palace consistently ranks as one of France’s top attractions alongside the Louvre Museum, which draws 8 million visitors yearly.

Explore Montmartre’s Artist Quarter and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Back in Paris, climb the winding cobblestone streets of Montmartre to discover the bohemian quarter where Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec once lived and worked. Start at the Romano-Byzantine Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views, then wander down to Place du Tertre where artists still paint daily portraits and landscapes.

You’ll find affordable street art and can grab coffee at historic cafés that once hosted avant-garde debates. Visit the Montmartre Museum housed in 17th-century buildings to see artifacts from famous residents like Renoir and Modigliani.

Don’t miss the legendary cabarets like Lapin Agile for evening entertainment. This village-like quarter maintains its artistic charm while offering budget-friendly cultural experiences throughout the day. For the most authentic experience, arrive at Place du Tertre early morning when the light is optimal and crowds are thinner.

Tour Bordeaux Wine Country With Local Vineyard Tastings

Six main wine routes radiate from Bordeaux’s Tourist Office, offering you authentic access to world-famous appellations like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol without breaking the bank.

You’ll choose from half-day or full-day formats, with transportation ranging from cycling and e-bikes to vintage 2CV cars for memorable vineyard exploration.

Expert local guides lead you through cellar tours, vineyard walks, and tastings of reds, whites, and sweet wines paired with regional cheese and charcuterie.

Premium experiences include visits to legendary châteaux like Mouton Rothschild and Haut-Brion, plus hands-on blending workshops. The region features over 7,000 winemaking châteaux, providing endless opportunities for discovering unique vintages and family-run estates.

Expect pricing from €85-€250 per person depending on duration and inclusions.

Book online for guaranteed spots, especially during harvest season (September-November).

Many tours offer 24-hour cancellation policies for flexibility.

Hike the Dramatic Gorges Du Verdon in Provence

After savoring Bordeaux’s finest vintages, you’ll discover that France’s natural wonders offer equally spectacular experiences. The Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s largest canyon, delivers dramatic hiking through emerald waters and limestone cliffs without breaking your budget.

You’ll find trails for every skill level. The family-friendly Little Blanc-Martel covers 4.5km in 2.5 hours, while experienced hikers can tackle the challenging 15km Blanc-Martel Trail or technical Imbut Trail with its cliff-carved passages.

Plan your visit during spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat. Pack water, proper footwear, and navigation aids for longer routes. For the most challenging trails, consider booking shuttle services between trailheads like Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime.

The dramatic landscape features tunnels, metal staircases, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Lake Saint Croix. You’ll experience diverse ecosystems from Mediterranean scrubland to wooded hillsides.

Discover Loire Valley Châteaux by Bicycle

While the Gorges du Verdon showcases France’s rugged natural beauty, the Loire Valley offers a gentler adventure where you’ll cycle past fairytale châteaux without spending a fortune on expensive tours.

The Loire à Vélo route spans 900 kilometers with manageable daily distances of 30-55 km on mostly flat terrain. You’ll pedal through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes to major châteaux like Chambord, Chenonceau, and Villandry without breaking the bank.

Rent standard or electric bikes from April to October when the weather’s ideal. Mix dedicated bike paths with quiet country roads, stopping at local bistros and markets for affordable meals.

Book accommodations early during peak season, and don’t rush—allow time to explore château interiors and sample regional wines like Vouvray whites between cycling segments. Many tours include luggage transfer services between hotels, letting you cycle unencumbered while your belongings are transported ahead.

Experience Lyon’s Authentic Bouchon Restaurant Culture

Step into Lyon’s authentic bouchons to experience France’s most genuine working-class dining tradition without tourist markups. These cozy establishments, originally serving silk workers in the 17th century, offer hearty Lyonnais cuisine at affordable prices.

You’ll recognize certified bouchons by their Gnafron puppet symbol displaying a wine glass.

Order traditional dishes like sausages, terrines, coq au vin, or salade lyonnaise paired with regional Beaujolais wine. The atmosphere feels intimate and convivial, with red-checkered tablecloths and plain white china creating no-frills authenticity.

Look for restaurants preserving the legacy of Mères Lyonnaises, the legendary female chefs who elevated simple, robust cooking into culinary art. Expect servers in traditional aprons who provide gruff but efficient service that adds to the authentic bouchon experience.

You’ll discover why Lyon earned its reputation as France’s gastronomic capital through unpretentious, flavorful meals that celebrate local ingredients and working-class heritage.

Walk the Medieval Streets of Rocamadour’s Cliffside Village

Perched dramatically on a limestone cliff in southwestern France, Rocamadour offers you a chance to explore one of Europe’s most spectacular medieval villages without breaking the bank.

You’ll discover three distinct levels reflecting medieval social classes: shops and eateries at the bottom, religious sanctuaries in the middle, and a château with panoramic valley views at the top.

Take the traditional pilgrimage route up 216 stone steps to reach the sanctuary complex, or use the budget-friendly elevator if you’re short on time.

Don’t miss the famous Black Madonna statue in Notre-Dame Chapel and the rock-carved Saint Michael Chapel.

The village attracts 1.5 million visitors annually, so arrive early to avoid crowds and fully appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site’s authentic medieval atmosphere. For the most stunning perspective, visit L’Hospitalet village en route from Toulouse to see the entire cliffside village from a distance before exploring up close.

Explore the Underground Paris Catacombs

Twenty meters beneath Paris’s bustling streets, you’ll find one of the world’s most haunting attractions where six million Parisians found their final resting place. The Paris Catacombs transform abandoned limestone quarries into an underground necropolis featuring skulls and femurs arranged in mesmerizing patterns.

You’ll descend 131 steps into this labyrinthine tunnel system that extends 1,500 meters underground. Created in the late 18th century to address overcrowded cemeteries, these ossuary tunnels house remains from multiple city graveyards, including French Revolution victims. As you enter, you’ll pass beneath the ominous warning sign that reads “Stop! The empire of Death lies here”.

The Catacombs welcome nearly 550,000 visitors annually and operate as an official Paris museum. You’ll experience exhibits showcasing old headstones and recovered artifacts while walking through historically significant tunnels once used by French Resistance fighters during WWII.

Sample Champagne in the Reims Cathedral District

Moving from Paris’s underground mysteries to France’s sparkling treasures, you’ll discover the world’s Champagne capital in Reims, where legendary houses like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery offer cellar tours and tastings within walking distance of the stunning Gothic cathedral.

Tours start around €35 for basic experiences, with Pommery’s UNESCO-listed chalk cellars featuring contemporary art and Taittinger’s old Benedictine Abbey setting. You’ll taste multiple cuvées during cellar visits, from fresh and fruity to complex blends.

Consider combining a renowned house with smaller family-run estates for intimate tastings and terroir explanations. Family estates in Grand Cru villages like Ambonnay specialize in Pinot Noir production and offer authentic insights into traditional champagne-making techniques.

Day trips from Paris include transportation and cathedral visits alongside Champagne experiences. Book tours with 24-hour cancellation flexibility, and pair tastings with traditional winemaker lunches for the complete cultural experience.

Kayak and Hike in Calanques National Park Near Marseille

Just an hour south of Marseille, you’ll find Calanques National Park’s dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets that create perfect conditions for both kayaking and hiking adventures.

You can tackle trails ranging from family-friendly walks at Port Miou to challenging scrambles through Sormiou and Morgiou. The Calanque de Sugiton trail offers spectacular summit views at 250 meters elevation, while the Callelongue to Les Baumettes route spans 10 kilometers of coastal beauty.

Kayaking provides access to hidden sea caves and secluded coves you can’t reach on foot. Rental services operate near Marseille and Cassis, with guided tours available for beginners.

Take metro and bus lines 19T or 20 from Marseille to reach trailheads affordably. For optimal comfort, plan your hike with an early evening start around 17:00 when temperatures cool and shade provides relief from the summer heat. The park’s mobile app helps navigate routes safely.

Stroll Through Strasbourg’s Franco-German Old Town

From the Mediterranean coast, head northeast to discover Strasbourg’s mesmerizing Old Town, where centuries of French and German influence have created one of Europe’s most distinctive architectural landscapes.

You’ll explore Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, featuring half-timbered houses and steep Alsatian roofs along historic canals.

Start at Strasbourg Cathedral with its stunning 12th-15th century stained glass, then visit the adjacent Palais Rohan’s free courtyards.

Wander through La Petite France quarter‘s pedestrian-friendly streets lined with authentic restaurants serving budget-friendly Alsatian cuisine.

Don’t miss the Renaissance Kammerzell House and defensive Ponts Couverts bridges.

The compact island layout makes everything walkable, while the Alsatian Museum offers affordable cultural insights into this unique Franco-German heritage that defines Strasbourg’s enthralling character. Browse the historic book stalls at Gutenberg Square, where a statue honors the inventor of movable type printing who contributed to Strasbourg’s legacy as a major printing center.

Visit Honfleur’s Harbor and Impressionist Art Connections

While exploring Normandy’s coast, you’ll discover Honfleur’s enchanting Vieux Bassin, where the Seine River meets the English Channel in a harbor that’s remained virtually unchanged since Impressionist masters like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin set up their easels here over a century ago.

You’ll find the same brightly colored umbrellas, timber-framed houses, and fishing boats these artists captured in their paintings.

Wander the cobblestone streets to see tall, narrow buildings from the 15th-18th centuries that inspired countless masterpieces. Don’t miss Saint-Catherine’s Church, France’s largest wooden church built by shipbuilders with an oak ceiling resembling an overturned ship hull. The church was constructed in the 15th century by Viking-style axe masters who built it without using saws.

Visit the Musée Eugène Boudin and local galleries to see how little this picturesque port has changed since its artistic heyday.

Unwind in Luxembourg Gardens Away From Tourist Chaos

When you need a breather from Paris’s bustling streets and crowded attractions, Luxembourg Gardens offers 25 hectares of green tranquility right in the heart of the 6th arrondissement. You’ll find free admission to what online users ranked Europe’s most beautiful garden in 2022.

Grab one of the iconic green metal chairs and settle by the Médicis Fountain or central pond for peaceful people-watching. The gardens blend French formal design with English landscape elements, creating varied atmospheres throughout your visit.

You’ll discover over 100 statues, including tributes to French queens, plus tennis courts, playgrounds, and food kiosks. The site’s rich history spans from ancient Gallo-Roman villas with polychrome frescoes to medieval castles, adding layers of cultural depth to your peaceful retreat.

Unlike crowded tourist spots, you’ll encounter locals playing chess and families enjoying picnics, giving you an authentic Parisian neighborhood experience without spending money.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless options across France without breaking the bank. Mix free activities like wandering Montmartre’s streets with budget-friendly experiences like picnicking in Luxembourg Gardens. Book train tickets in advance for cheaper day trips to Versailles, and remember that many museums offer free entry on certain days. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, or nature, you’ll find France delivers incredible experiences that fit your travel style and wallet.