Things to Do in France: Unforgettable Experiences

France offers more than sights—it delivers moments you’ll never forget. From drifting above châteaux in a hot-air balloon to tapping a glass of Bordeaux clarets at sunset, each experience combines history, culture and scenery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Francophile, these ten activities—from iconic to off-beat—will enrich your journey. Dive in and start planning your bucket-list itinerary across the hexagon!

1. Cruise the Seine at Night in Paris

Glide beneath illuminated bridges and past landmark façades on an evening Seine river cruise. As the Eiffel Tower sparkles hourly, you’ll drift by Notre-Dame’s Gothic towers, Musée d’Orsay’s beaux-arts grandeur and the Louvre’s pristine pyramids—all bathed in golden light. Choose a glass-deck boat with live narration or a dinner cruise with fine French cuisine and Champagne. The gentle lapping of water and panoramic views transform Paris after dark into a fairy-tale realm. For the most romantic ambiance, book a slot just after sunset (around 21:00 in summer) and sip a chilled white Bordeaux as the city’s lights awaken.

2. Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Loire Valley

At dawn, ascend over the Loire’s “Garden of France” in a tethered basket soaring above vineyards and fairytale châteaux. From 300–500 meters up, you’ll drift past Château de Chambord’s ornate spires, Château de Chenonceau’s river-spanning arches, and the patchwork of sunflower fields below. Most operators include a post-flight champagne toast and a traditional “balloonist’s breakfast” of warm croissants and regional goat cheese. The soft sunrise glow and near-silent flight heighten the sense of wonder. Flights operate year-round, but spring’s blooming gardens and autumn’s golden vines are especially magical. Book well in advance, as groups are limited to 8–10 passengers for optimal views.

3. Wine Tasting in Bordeaux’s Vineyards

Bordeaux’s rolling vineyards are a wine lover’s pilgrimage. Join a guided tour from the Cité du Vin museum, then venture into Médoc appellations for tasting Cru Classé wines at historic châteaux. Learn the secrets of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc as you sample vintages paired with local oysters or foie gras. In Saint-Émilion, stroll cobbled lanes to family-run estates for intimate tastings of merlot-dominant reds. Many tours include cellar-door visits and barrel-room experiences, plus the chance to stomp grapes in autumn vendange festivals. Return to Bordeaux city center to taste whites in the Chartrons district, where riverfront bars offer “claret flights” showcasing regional diversity.

4. Ski or Hike in the French Alps

The French Alps cater to both snow-seekers and summer trekkers. In winter, tackle black-diamond runs in Val d’Isère or enjoy family-friendly slopes in La Plagne. Off-piste adventures and heli-ski days await expert skiers amid powdery bowls. Summer transforms lifts into access for high-altitude hiking: traverse the Tour du Mont Blanc’s dramatic passes or explore alpine wildflowers around Chamonix’s Aiguille du Midi. Mountain lodges (refuges) offer rustic meals and unmatched sunrise views. For a multi-sport challenge, combine via ferrata routes, paragliding flights and mountain-bike descents. Whatever the season, the Alps deliver adrenaline and awe—plan 3–5 days to truly absorb the grandeur and altitude of Europe’s highest peaks.

5. Explore the Verdon Gorge by Kayak

Known as Europe’s Grand Canyon, the Verdon Gorge’s turquoise waters and 700-meter limestone walls are best explored by kayak. Launch near La Palud-sur-Verdon for half- or full-day circuits navigating gentle rapids and hidden coves. Paddle under natural arches and past towering cliffs etched with dry-stone climbing routes. Many operators furnish wetsuits and dry bags, plus local guides who point out endemic flora and fauna. Pack a picnic of Provençal olives, goat cheese and artisan bread for a mid-river lunch. Summer temperatures can soar, so an early-morning start (around 09:00) ensures cooler water and fewer crowds.

6. Discover Lavender Fields in Provence

Every June–July, Provence’s Luberon and Sault regions erupt in fragrant purple blooms. Rent a car or join a photo tour to chase the rolling lavender stripes at sunrise, when the scents are strongest and light is softest. Visit organic distilleries in Valensole to see steam-distillation in action and purchase pure lavender essential oil. Nearby hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon perch above fields, offering panoramic vistas from café terraces. Don’t miss the Lavender Festival in Sault—complete with parades, honey tastings and live folk music. The sensory overload of scent, color and sky makes this a quintessential Provence experience.

7. Culinary Workshop in Lyon’s Food Capital

Lyon, UNESCO’s “world capital of gastronomy,” invites you behind the scenes in a hands-on cooking class. Start with a guided tour of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market, selecting fresh produce, charcuterie and cheeses. Back in a professional kitchen, master classic Lyonnais dishes: coq au vin, quenelles de brochet or tarte à la praline. Under the tutelage of Michelin-trained chefs, you’ll learn knife skills, sauce techniques and plating artistry. The best part? Sharing your creations over wine—often a local Beaujolais or Côte du Rhône. Workshops last 3–4 hours and make for a delicious souvenir, plus recipes to recreate at home.

8. Wander the Medieval Streets of Carcassonne

Step into a 12th-century fairy tale at the Cité de Carcassonne, one of Europe’s most complete fortified towns. Enter through looming barbicans, then stroll cobbled lanes between double walls studded with 53 towers. Explore the Château Comtal’s ramparts for panoramic views of the Aude plain and nearby Pyrenees foothills. Inside, artisans in wood-turned workshops and tapestry shops continue age-old crafts. Sample cassoulet—a hearty bean and meat stew—in a vaulted dining hall. As night falls, the illuminated ramparts glow amber, transforming the citadel into a magical tableau. Staying overnight inside the walls offers solitude once day-trippers depart.

9. Island-Hopping Adventure in Corsica

Corsica’s rugged coastline and crystalline seas reward island explorers. From Ajaccio, charter a sailboat to the Scandola Nature Reserve—UNESCO-listed for its red-granite cliffs and marine biodiversity. Anchor in hidden coves off the Lavezzi Islands for snorkeling among groupers and sea urchins. On land, hike the coastal Sentier des Douaniers or tackle a GR20 segment for panoramic vistas. Overnight at family-run seaside guesthouses, tasting wild boar sausages and chestnut-flour specialties. Ferry hops connect Bonifacio’s clifftop citadel to Îles Sanguinaires, where sunsets over rust-streaked rocks are legendary. Corsica’s blend of French and Italian influences—visible in food and language—adds cultural spice to every day.

10. Visit Mont Saint-Michel at Sunrise

Beat the crowds by arriving at Mont Saint-Michel before dawn. As the rising sun bathes the abbey’s spires in rosy light, you’ll cross the tidal causeway on soft sand—sometimes wading through shallow seawater at high tide. Inside, explore the Abbey’s Gothic cloisters, refectory and ancient crypts in near-silence. Knowledgeable guides recount monastic life from the 8th century onward. After your tour, savor a warm omelette at La Mère Poulard, famous since 1888. By mid-morning, coachloads of visitors arrive; your early start rewards you with ethereal vistas and peaceful stone corridors. Plan around tide tables—high and low tides can vary by over 14 meters.

Conclusion

These ten experiences capture France’s diversity: from urban enchantment in Paris to rugged beauty in Corsica, from historic marvels in Carcassonne to sensory feasts in Lyon. Each adventure reveals a new facet of French heritage and landscape. To pair these activities with practical tips on accommodation, transportation, or safety, return to our France Travel Guide. Now gather your itinerary, book your slots early, and prepare for memories that will last a lifetime!