Top 6 Things To Do In France That May Sound Cliché But Are Totally Inevitable

For decades, France has attracted people from all over the world. Be it the dreamers, couples, intellectuals or the artists, everyone has experienced the spectacular history and beauty that France is well known for. Bathed in natural beauty and dotted with architectural wonders like the Palace of Versailles and Chateau de Chenonceau, the entire country is nothing less than magic.

Although this country offers a wide range of activities to indulge in, there are some best things to do in France without experiencing which, your trip to this fantasyland cannot be complete.

Best Things To Do In France For Every Traveler

6. Stroll Through The Old Quarters Of Paris

If you want to soak up the ambience of medieval Paris, you should explore the charming neighborhoods of the Quartier Latin, the Marais, and Ile Saint-Louis. You can hear the antique bell’s chime from the ancient churches, and take a leisurely stroll through the winding cobblestone streets that lead to shaded peaceful squares. After discovering the Quartier Latin eclectic book shops and boutiques, you can cross the Seine River to the Ile de la Cite, or the Island of the City, which is where the world-famous Notre-Dame Cathedral stands and visiting which is one of the favorite activities to do in France. Make sure you explore the Marais, which is a historic quarter with many old mansions and palaces other than the Rue le Regrattier, Rue Saint-Louis en I’lle, Place de Vosges and Rue des Francs Bourgeois and many more.

Best Time To Visit: June to August
Entry Fee: Free
Walking tours starting: €18 per person

Suggested Read: 27 Incredibly Charming Places To Visit In France

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5. Visit The Arc de Triomphe

When you are in Paris, especially if it is for the first time, one of the things you must do is get an up-close and personal look at one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in France, the Arc de Triomphe. You will experience a surreal moment as you visit the monument that has adorned hundreds of postcards. While you are here, you can visit the marker where the Unknown Soldier is interred by descending into the tunnels below the monument. If you stay on till 6:30 PM, you can experience one of the top things to do in France that is lighting of the flame of remembrance which softly illuminates the panoramic views of the beautiful city of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe.

Best Time To Visit: All round the year after dusk around 6.30 pm
Timings:
From April 1 to September 30: 10 AM-11 PM
From October 1 to March 31: 10 AM-10:30 PM
Entry Fee: €5 to €8 per person

Suggested Read: 21 Best Places To Visit In France In Winter For A Blissful Holiday Experience!

4. Discover The Charming Artists’ Villages In Provence

Artists have always been attracted to the special beauty of Provencal villages. Many renowned expressionist and impressionist painters have fallen in love with the quaint villages of the region, the breathtaking natural landscapes, and Provence’s vibrant light. You can discover more about the artists who lived there as you explore Provence’s seaside towns and hilltop villages. The quintessential Provencal artists’ village is the fortified hilltop town, Saint-Paul de Vence – a must-visit while you are in this region. Other villages you can explore are Vence, Biot, Gordes, Saint-Rémy de Provence, and Saint Tropez. Exploring and discovering these villages in Provence is one of those France special things to do that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world.

Best time to Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: 12 Museums In France Where You Get To Be A Part Of Its Glorious History

3. Bike Around Bordeaux

When it comes to attractive scenery, nothing comes quite close to France’s Bordeaux region. If you are looking for cheap things to do in France, biking around Bordeaux is the perfect activity. You can pedal through picture-perfect country lanes winding around rolling hills, covered in vines, past quaint historic villages, and grand castles that have stood for centuries. The Entre-deux-Mer region’s Roger Lapebie bike path is one of the most popular cycling routes from Bordeaux. You can take this path to Creone, a medieval town that was entirely fortified once upon a time. Bordeaux’s picturesque landscape makes it one of the most ideal places for cycling tours.

Best time to Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: Free
Bordeaux Cycling tours: Private operators starting at €30 for 1 hour electric bike

Suggested Read: 13 Festivals In France That You Cannot Afford To Miss On Your Visit To L’hexagone

2. Explore The Adventurous Auvergne

Suggested Read: 5 Best Places For Skydiving In France That’ll Make Your Heart Skip A Beat

The cities are not the only places in France where you can enjoy your holiday. In fact, getting away from the city is the best decision you can make during your stay. One of the most adventurous things to do in France is visiting the Auvergne region where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, cycling and hiking in the Regional Park of Volcans d’Auvergne. The park’s freshwater streams and rivers are also ideal for fishing. If you are looking for things to do in France in August, you can go boating as well as attend many summertime festivals, such as a gastronomic festival and a music festival in August. An international folk music festival is held in July while the King of the Bird, or Roi de l’Oiseau Festival takes place in September. You can also commune with nature at the Regional Park of Livradois-Forez in the Auvergne region. This is an ideal place for hiking, nature walks and bird watching.

Best Time To Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: Free

1. Watch The Sunset From The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is without a doubt one of France’s most iconic structures and known all over the world. It is always on top of visitors’ must-see list when they travel to France for the first time. While it is majestic and imposing during the day, the Eiffel Tower is most enchanting just before sundown. This is when the soft, gentle natural lighting has a magical effect. One of the most memorable things to do in France, Paris is watch the sunset from the Eiffel Tower and take in the stunning panoramas of the cityscape from every level of the tower.

Best Time To Visit: Mid-June through early September are 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM
Timings: Open every day all year long: from 9 AM to midnight from mid-June to early September
Entry Fee: €2.50 to €25.00 per person

You never have to wonder what to do in France when you are on holiday in this stunning country. From its stunning cities with bright lights to the charming countryside of quaint villages, the country has something to offer each and every one that one must experience on their next holiday in France.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in France

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Christina Patrick

An empty vessel in Christ’s hands. Rest we can talk over chai. :)