Need some ideas to add to your France bucket list? When most people think of France, they envision Paris and its iconic landmarks and charming ambiance.
However, while the famous sights in the capital city are a worthy reason for a trip to France, the country offers many incredible experiences, including plenty of hidden gems.
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Go Up The Eiffel Tower
Of course, the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris is at the top of anyone’s France bucket list, attracting 7 million visitors each year. The tower was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution.
Still, today it has become the ultimate symbol of Paris, present on any French postcard or travel brochure.
Photographing this iconic wrought-iron lattice tower from the ground is a must, yet climbing up the top of the 906-foot building is an experience worth the price.
The second-floor summit gives spectacular views across the capital city. There are no steps required either, as the elevator provides direct access to the viewing platform. Grab your ticket in advance.
See The Sights Of Paris On A River Seine Cruise
The 483-mile-long (777 kilometers) River Seine is France’s third-longest river, extending from Dijon to the English Channel and passing through the capital city.
Taking a boat cruise along the River Seine is the best way to take in the sights of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum.
For the most spectacular views, take the cruise at sunset. Or, opt for a night trip to see a different perspective of the city lit up.
Plus, if you’re traveling with your partner, check out the romantic dinner cruises, which combine 3 courses of Parisian cuisine and a glass of champagne with sightseeing.
Catch A Show At Moulin Rouge
An evening at the world-famous Moulin Rouge theater in Paris should undoubtedly be on any France bucket list.
You’ll find a dazzling cabaret show taking place every evening. So even if you have one night only in Paris, you can still experience this iconic cultural activity.
The “Féerie” show pays tribute to Parisian women throughout the years, with 60 dancers sporting elaborate costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins designed by Corrado Collabucci.
Many visitors combine the show with dinner as the theater has an expansive menu of traditional French food.
Go Beach Hopping In The French Riviera
The French Riviera refers to the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France and is famous for its glitzy beach resort towns like Nice, Cannes, and St Tropez.
Nice is one of the most popular parts of this region, boasting a gorgeous medieval old town with Greek origins and stunning Mediterranean beaches.
Cannes is most famous for its annual international film festival. Yet, the resort town is frequented all year round, thanks to its sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques, and lavish hotels.
Saint Tropez is a vibrant harbor town full of fishing boats, yachts, colorful houses, and chic cafes and boutiques. Many day trips pass through several towns on The French Riviera.
You can also take boat cruises to explore the beautiful region by sea. Popular excursions include a cruise from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer or a round trip from Cannes to Saint Tropez.
While you’re around the Riviera, make sure to go explore the best beach towns in France.
Live The High Life In Monaco
Another elegant coastal town in The French Riviera is Monaco, best known as the home of the Grand Prix. However, aside from the famous car racing event, Monaco is full of luxurious resorts, casinos, and yachts as it’s one of the most desirable vacation spots for the rich and famous.
If you want to experience the high life here, rent a supercar like a Ferrari or a Lamborghini to drive around the city in style.
Then, splash your cash at the famous Monte Carlo Casino in the evening. The venue has a flamboyant Beaux-Arts style, and each gaming room features a different design theme.
While in Monaco, visit the Palais du Prince, one of the most beautiful in Europe.
The 13th-century palace sits high above the city, giving incredible views of The French Riviera. If the prince is not in residence, you can go inside.
Admire The Mountains In Chamonix
Chamonix in the French Alps is one of the most beautiful areas in France and the most popular place to go skiing. The mountainous valley has five main ski resorts with terrain for all levels, including beginners.
Even if you are not keen to go skiing, there is still plenty to do in Chamonix. Hands down, the best way to enjoy the incredible view of Mont Blanc is to take a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
The gondola reaches an altitude of 12,605ft (3,842m) and is the second-most visited attraction in France after the Eiffel Tower.
Chamonix in the summer is just as incredible, especially the nature hiking trails, including the strenuous 105-mile-long (169 kilometers) Tour of Mont Blanc trek. Or, for adrenaline junkies, you’ll find exciting activities like rock climbing and paragliding.
Visit The Wineries In Bordeaux
The port city of Bordeaux on the river Garonne is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Europe and the world. Bordeaux is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties, with over 6,000 wineries.
Therefore, a wine tasting day in Bordeaux should be on the France bucket list of any wine enthusiast. You can drive around the region visiting wineries yourself.
Alternatively, you can join a half-day or full-day wine tasting tour in one of Bordeaux’s charming villages.
A popular choice is the medieval village of St Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can also take bicycle tours around the picturesque vineyards.
If you’re here in June, check out the bi-annual Bordeaux wine festival. The event consists of four days of tasting wine from over 80 vineyards throughout the district of Bordeaux.
Even if you’re not in town for the festival, visit the La Cité du Vin, a unique cultural center with regular exhibitions relating to the region’s wine.
Take A Trip To Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
The extraordinary 14th-century Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the first landmarks to be granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. As a result, it is one of the most famous sights in France.
The abbey is located on the island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy and is easy to reach via train from Paris.
The medieval building with its towering castles looks like a fantasy scene straight out of Harry Potter. But, while it seems dazzling from afar, you don’t get the authentic experience until you head into the grounds and start walking around the cobblestone streets and climbing the steep staircases.
See The Historical Landmarks In Lyon
Lyon is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which sits between the Rhône and Saône river. The city has a rich history which you can see in the architecture, with many ancient landmarks being UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some of the most popular sites are the Renaissance buildings of Vieux Lyon, one of the most enormous renaissance old quarters in Europe. Other must-sees include the hilltop Fourvière Basilica and the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière.
Today, Lyon is known as being the gastronomy capital of France. Thanks to the city’s central location, Lyon cuisine combines meat and dairy ingredients from the north with fresh, seasonal vegetables, wine, and olive oil produced in the valleys in southern France.
Quenelles (fish dumplings) is one of the city’s most iconic dishes.
Enjoy A Candlelit Dinner At Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte
For an authentically unique French experience, head to the 17th-century Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, less than an hour’s train journey from Paris. This listed Historic Monument is one of the most magical buildings in France.
It boasts beautiful landscaped grounds called “Jardin à la française.” The gardens, created by André Le Nôtre, were the first of the formal gardens that swept Europe in the 17th century.
While you can visit the Château during the day, one of the most popular romantic experiences is to attend a candlelit dinner on a Saturday evening from early June to early October.
You can dine alfresco in the landscaped gardens with 2,000 candles enlightening the château and grounds during this special event. What’s more, after your gourmet meal, you’ll enjoy fireworks to conclude your memorable night.
Final Thoughts On France Bucket List Experiences
As you can see, the variety this European country offers means you’ll enjoy a trip to France, regardless of your interests.
From the beautiful nature to the historical landmarks to the vibrant culture, one thing is for sure; your France bucket list will be anything but boring!
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