Things to do in France

Fairytale castles

Scattered throughout the entire country, thousands of picturesque chateaux and fortified towns with a rich history are waiting to be explored. France has more castles than a person can see in a lifetime! Impressive and beautiful forts have stories to tell, sometimes older than we can imagine. These architectural marvels often have beautiful sculpted gardens and can easily be a highlight of any trip to France. Sometimes you do not have to venture too far from Paris to see a beautiful chateau, such as Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte or Versailles. But then there is the Loire Valley with a dozen of stunning palaces, towering up at the horizon, and more, and more, and more.

Wine and Food

No trip to France is complete without wine and food. Take a private guided tour of a champagne house or a winery ( do not forget cognac!), savor the exquisite French cuisine and learn about all things French. Each region has its traditional snacks and recipes, and you will definitely learns the difference between a few types of cheese before you leave. Enjoy al-fresco picnics, take cooking classes, go wine tasting – anywhere, anytime! France will show you that all the simple things in life, such a food and wine, can make a difference. There are plenty of Michelin-starred restaurant, surprisingly, sometimes even in the most remote villages.

Paris - City of Light

Your first visit to Paris will be magical, but even if you return dozens of times, you will never run out of new things to see and do in this city. The cozy bistros, the iconic landmarks, the artsy medieval streets of the Marais, the hidden squares with fountains, the blossoming parks in spring, the rooftop terraces, the bucolic dead ends and flowery alleys, the cruise on river Seine – I could go on and on and on. Ah, and the shopping, the fashion, the museums, the concerts, the food and wine, the merry-go-rounds, the nights full of light, the glittering Eiffel on top of the hour, the bookstores with books older than time, the hot chestnuts in autumn, that lemon pie …

Vintage Car Road Trips

Take a tour in a vintage convertible along the winding roads of Provence – let the romance get into you! The traffic-free roads of the French countryside are perfect for slow classic car trips, with picturesque hilltop villages, stunning vineyards and dramatic landscapes to enjoy on the way. Be it a Morgan, a Bentley, a Beetle, a 2CV, a Cocinelle or a Combi – you can pick and choose according to your favourite colour, size and style. A picnic basket with fresh products and good wine will always come along, so you can make spontaneous stops, and enjoy the views at your own pace.

Provence

Provence sums up all the good things about the French lifestyle: fantastic food, hilltop villages, spectacular natural wonders, legendary wines, bustling markets and a balmy climate. For anybody who is a bit of an artist at heart, this is the region to come to. Markets in Provence are a big deal – every city, town and village in the region has a market day. From the last week of June till the beginning of August the lavender fields turn the entire region into purple. Provençal rosé is crisp, dry and refreshing, the local desserts are fruity and tasty – you’ll want to eat everything in sight. And then there are all the cultural sites, and the art, and the lovely coast, bridges, gorges – you can’t miss it.

Romantic Villages

France has many extraordinary villages which will make you fall in love with the countryside. Old stone houses sinking in flowery canopies, peaceful alleys along crystalline streams, old mills and lavoirs, small market squares, churches and castles – each village is unique and beautiful in its own way. There are too many to count, but you will well love Gordes, Riquewihr, Veules les Roses, Gerberoy, Rochefort-en-Terre, Moustiers Sainte Marie, Rocamadour. Many villages are located on top of hills, opening up breathtaking panoramas of the surroundings. Stop on a terrace, and enjoy the view with a glass of red.

French Riviera

Put some glamour in your trip to France and head to the coast. With over 316 days of sunshine a year and luxury hotels, the region is perfect in any season. Visit Eze and marvel at the panoramic views over the sea from the village, swim in the turquoise waters of the Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, enjoy the nightlife in Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monaco, take a boat trip to the marvelous coves of the Calanques – two weeks will fly by and there will still be things undiscovered. Then, there are the pretty slopes which you can discover by bike and all the other hilltop villages with ocre houses … one needs to plan for a second trip.

History and Culture

When it comes to history and culture, France is like a baguette – crusty on the outside, but soft and full of flavor on the inside. Its museums and monuments are like the butter and jam that make the bread even better, and its fashion and art scenes are like the toppings that take it to the next level. But be warned, just like a baguette, France can be addictive and leave you constantly craving for more! In every corner of the country, you’ll find significant history that shaped France, Europe, and the world. French cuisine, fashion, and cinema have become synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and creativity. Set your limits – at times it might be too much to take in, so balance out with some downtime for reflection … and a glass of wine.

Lakes and Mountains

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris, the French Alps is the place to go. With its pristine lakes and rugged peaks, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking a little bit of peace and quiet. The snow-capped peaks offer world-class skiing and plenty of trails for hiking. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few chamois or ibex. And if the coast is too crowded for you, Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva are perfect for swimming, with picturesque mountains in the backdrop. Then, further south, there are the Pyrenees, the natural border between France and Spain, with picturesque valleys, scenic hiking trails and cascading waterfalls in Pont d’Espagne and Gavarnie.

Corsica

If it is a beach holiday that you’re after in France, Corsica is the place to go. Still very much a hidden gem, this unspoiled and authentic Mediterranean island is home to a gorgeous coastline, dotted with some of the finest beaches in Europe. Enjoy an azure blue sea, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. To truly experience Corsica’s beauty first-hand, boating for a few days is a good idea. Expect to see many dolphins! Additionally, Corsica’s cuisine and wine are delectable, and the island’s rich history is worth exploring – after all, it was Napoleon’s birthplace. The seaside towns, mountain villages and remote hamlets offer something for everybody, from vibrant and lively holidays to relaxed and tranquil getaways.