100 experiences in France

Paris’ most iconic landmark offers a spectacular view over the entire city. From the top you can see the Seine, Montmartre and the Champs-Élysées, and visiting it remains one of the great classics of France.

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and contains everything from Egyptian treasures to Renaissance masterpieces. Here you can see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Montmartre is one of the most charming areas of Paris, known for cobbled streets, small cafés, artists and the Sacré-Cœur basilica. You can still sense the neighbourhood’s bohemian heritage here.

Notre-Dame is one of the world’s most famous Gothic cathedrals and one of Paris’ most important historic symbols. A visit offers insight into medieval architecture, restoration work and the city’s long history.

Vieux Lyon is one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance districts. Wander through narrow streets, discover hidden traboules and finish with classic Lyonnais food in a traditional bouchon.

The Vieux-Port is the heart of Marseille, with fishing boats, sailing boats, market life and lively restaurants along the waterfront. It is a natural starting point for discovering the city and the coast around it.

Nice’s famous seafront promenade follows the Mediterranean with palm trees, beaches and views of the turquoise sea. It is especially beautiful at sunset.

Strasbourg is known for its canals and the old quarter of La Petite France, where half-timbered houses reflect in the water. A walk or boat trip clearly reveals the blend of French and German culture.

Bordeaux is an elegant city on the Garonne with beautiful squares, broad boulevards and easy access to some of the world’s most famous wine regions. La Cité du Vin is an obvious highlight.

Cannes combines beach life, luxury and history. Stroll along La Croisette, see the Palais des Festivals and head up to the old quarter of Le Suquet for views over the bay.

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic landmarks and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tidal abbey island feels like a direct leap back into the Middle Ages.

Carcassonne is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, with double ramparts, towers, narrow streets and an almost fairy-tale atmosphere inside the walls.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s most impressive royal residences and a symbol of the glory of the French monarchy. Magnificent halls and vast gardens make the visit unforgettable.

Pont du Gard is an impressive Roman aqueduct from the 1st century and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world. The setting by the Gardon River makes the visit even more rewarding.

The Loire Valley is known as France’s valley of castles. Estates such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise offer architecture, gardens and a romantic journey through French history.

Avignon is known for the Palais des Papes, medieval ramparts and the famous Pont d’Avignon. The city combines grand history with lively southern French urban life.

The Arènes de Nîmes is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. It is still used for events and offers fascinating insight into Roman engineering.

Rouen is known for Gothic architecture, half-timbered houses and the story of Joan of Arc. Its cathedral and historic squares make it one of Normandy’s most fascinating cities.

Bonifacio sits dramatically on high white limestone cliffs in southern Corsica. The old town, the citadel and the famous staircase carved into the rock make this place truly special.

Villages such as Gordes, Roussillon and Les Baux-de-Provence offer narrow lanes, old stone houses and views over vineyards, olive groves and Provençal landscapes.

Bordeaux is one of the world’s most famous wine regions and a paradise for wine lovers. Visit châteaux, walk through the vineyards and taste classic reds directly at the source.

Beneath Reims lie kilometres of historic cellars where champagne is stored and aged. Guided tours combine production history with tastings.

Along the Route des Grands Crus you can visit wine estates, small villages and vineyards producing some of the world’s most prestigious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

Provence is the world’s best-known rosé region. Many estates offer tours and tastings among lavender, olive trees and Mediterranean sunshine.

Paris is one of the world’s great gastronomic capitals. Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant is an experience where ingredients, technique and atmosphere come together at the highest level.

Cours Saleya in Nice’s old town is full of flowers, fruit, vegetables, olives and local specialities. It is the perfect place to experience everyday life in southern France.

Arcachon and Cap Ferret are known for oyster bars serving the day’s catch straight from the sea. It is a simple, authentic and very French coastal experience.

Lyon is regarded as the gastronomic capital of France. Bouchons, food halls and modern restaurants make the city a highlight for anyone travelling with appetite in mind.

Saint-Émilion combines UNESCO-protected village charm with prestigious wine estates. Cobblestone lanes, underground churches and tastings make it a classic.

Normandy is known for Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Évêque. Farm visits and small producers let you taste the region’s strong agricultural traditions.

Mont Blanc rises majestically above Chamonix and is one of Europe’s great natural icons. The Aiguille du Midi cable car provides one of the most impressive views in the Alps.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most spectacular multi-day hikes. The route crosses France, Italy and Switzerland and offers glaciers, valleys and mountain passes.

Verdon Gorge is one of Europe’s most spectacular canyons. A kayak or pedal boat from Lac de Sainte-Croix offers a close and unforgettable encounter with its turquoise waters.

The 21 hairpin bends up to Alpe d’Huez are legendary for anyone who follows the Tour de France. At the top, both the view and the sense of achievement await.

The Pyrenees offer high peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls, mountain villages and classic passes. The region is ideal for hiking, cycling and mountain holidays.

From the mountains around Annecy you can glide above turquoise water and enjoy panoramic views of the lake, the old town and alpine peaks. Tandem flights make the experience accessible to almost everyone.

Chamonix is one of the world’s most famous alpine centres. Here you will find both groomed runs and iconic off-piste experiences such as Vallée Blanche.

Corsica is far more than beaches. In the island’s interior you will find dramatic mountains, deep valleys and small villages that make it a paradise for nature lovers.

The GR20 is regarded as one of Europe’s most demanding and spectacular long-distance hikes. The trail crosses Corsica north to south through rugged mountain terrain.

Mercantour offers alpine meadows, lakes, wildlife and rock carvings in the Vallée des Merveilles. What makes it special is its closeness to Nice and the Mediterranean.

The Côte d’Azur is one of Europe’s most famous stretches of coastline, with elegant resort towns, hidden coves and a blend of luxury and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

The beaches in Nice lie right beside the Promenade des Anglais and offer lovely views of both the sea and the city. Here you can move easily between swimming, urban life and restaurant visits.

Pampelonne Beach and other beaches around Saint-Tropez combine crystal-clear water, beach clubs and classic Riviera summer atmosphere.

Biarritz is Europe’s surfing mecca, with waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. The town combines surf culture, elegant architecture and Atlantic atmosphere.

The dramatic limestone cliffs of Étretat are among France’s best-known natural formations. The paths above them offer views that have inspired artists for generations.

By boat you see the Riviera at its most beautiful: small coves, harbour towns, hidden beaches and the clear Mediterranean water that made the region famous.

Porquerolles is a bike-friendly Mediterranean island with white beaches, green trails and a calm island mood. It is perfect for a day trip from Hyères.

Calvi combines a long sandy beach, clear water, mountains in the background and a historic citadel that gives the entire bay a dramatic setting.

From the water you may get the very best view of Bonifacio’s white cliffs, caves and historic town, which seems to hang above the sea.

Cap Corse offers coastal roads, watchtowers, small fishing villages and sea views that make it one of the most distinctive parts of Corsica.

The Camargue is a distinctive delta region known for pink flamingos, white horses and broad wetlands. It is a very different side of southern France from the Riviera.

When the lavender blooms in summer, parts of Provence turn into a purple sea. The areas around Valensole and Sault are among the most photogenic.

Between Marseille and Cassis lie limestone cliffs, turquoise inlets and coastal trails that make the Calanques one of France’s most spectacular natural areas.

Vanoise offers high-alpine trails, lakes, ibex and classic mountain refuges. This is the kind of high mountain scenery many people imagine when they think of the Alps.

In Mercantour you will find one of France’s most fascinating mountain regions, with prehistoric rock carvings, lakes and dramatic mountain shapes.

Europe’s highest sand dune rises by Arcachon Bay. From the top you can look out over the Atlantic on one side and the Landes de Gascogne forest on the other.

Ardèche is known for caves, cave art and the natural bridge of Pont d’Arc. It is a region perfectly suited to combining nature, history and adventure.

The Chaîne des Puys in Auvergne shows a very different side of France, with green peaks, extinct volcanoes and broad views across rolling landscapes.

Gorges du Tarn is a beautiful canyon with limestone walls, a winding river, villages and roads that pass through one of southern France’s most dramatic landscapes.

The French Alps offer peaks, glaciers, lakes and viewpoints in every direction. Whether you visit Chamonix, Annecy or smaller mountain villages, the landscape is an experience in itself.

Standing right beside the road as the world’s best cyclists climb legendary mountains is a sporting experience that is hard to match anywhere else.

France is a paradise for road cyclists, with classics such as Col du Galibier, Col du Tourmalet and many lesser-known but equally beautiful climbs.

From short day walks to long multi-day routes, the Alps offer some of Europe’s most spectacular hiking possibilities, with good infrastructure and immense natural beauty.

For a more unusual mountain activity, join a canyoning trip in the Pyrenees, where waterfalls, gorges and natural pools combine action with nature.

The Ubaye in the southern French Alps is known for rafting and river adventures in beautiful surroundings. It is a great activity for anyone who wants speed and scenery at the same time.

In Chamonix you can ride the historic mountain train to Mer de Glace and experience glacier scenery without having to hike far first. It is a major nature experience with a low threshold.

Calvi is one of the best places in France for diving in clear Mediterranean water. The area offers cliffs, caves and rich marine life.

Riding through Provence is a calm and beautiful way to experience the landscape, whether among olive trees, lavender or the wetlands of the Camargue.

Bike parks and mountain trails around places such as Morzine, Les Gets and Chamonix make the French Alps a major highlight for mountain bikers.

A sailing trip along the Mediterranean combines relaxation, adventure, small harbours and hidden coves in a way that shows southern France at its very best.

During the film festival, Cannes fills with premieres, celebrities and a distinctive energy. Even without a ticket, you feel the city turn into a global centre of cinema.

Arles combines Roman monuments, Van Gogh history and a vibrant art scene. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich enough to fill several days.

The Bordeaux Wine Festival and similar events combine wine, tastings and riverside city life in a festive atmosphere.

Riquewihr, Eguisheim and other villages in Alsace feel almost storybook-like, with half-timbered houses, flowers and vineyards all around.

When the centre of Strasbourg fills with lights, fir trees and market stalls, the city becomes one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas experiences.

Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille give you the chance to enjoy both music and magnificent architecture in a single evening.

Paris offers everything from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to the Centre Pompidou. In a single day you can move from ancient masterpieces to Impressionists and modern art.

Markets in Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Saint-Rémy are full of produce, textiles, spices and local atmosphere. This is southern France in practice.

From the theatre festival in Avignon to the carnival in Nice and photography events in Arles, southern France is packed with events marked by strong local identity.

A visit to a wine estate is more than just tasting. It is also an experience of landscape, tradition, production and family-run pride.

Drive between Nice, Èze, Cannes and smaller coastal towns to experience classic Mediterranean atmosphere from the road – with sea views almost the entire time.

A baguette, cheese, fruit and a glass of wine among the vines is a simple yet deeply French experience. It is perfect in Burgundy, Bordeaux or Provence.

Small harbours with fishing boats, stone houses and seafood restaurants reveal a calmer, more maritime side of France than the Mediterranean coast.

Villages such as Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Gordes make you feel that history is still alive in the landscape around you.

It is a simple experience, but also one of the most classic. A terrace, a freshly baked croissant and the rhythm of the morning in a town or village sum up much of the French way of life.

In a good boulangerie you will find far more than baguettes. It is often one of the best places to feel everyday France.

When the mountain peaks turn pink and gold in the morning sun, you get one of the most atmospheric nature experiences France can offer.

Sunset over the sea in Nice, Cannes or on a quieter beach in Provence is a simple experience that often becomes a lasting travel memory.

Porquerolles, Île de Ré and Belle-Île-en-Mer each offer their own version of French island life – from Mediterranean cycling to Atlantic winds and small harbours.

Markets in small towns and big cities are both places to shop and social meeting points. You get to taste local products and see how everyday life is really lived.

From macarons and crème brûlée to regional specialities, French desserts are an important part of the food culture and an experience in their own right.

The Alsace Wine Route combines white wine, village charm and one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in France.

Small stone villages, markets, long lunches and a slower daily rhythm make Provence a place many people fall in love with.

Abbeys such as Abbaye de Sénanque and other historic sites in the hills and valleys combine silence, history and beautiful surroundings.

Honfleur, Collioure and smaller harbours in Brittany offer seafood, quays and the kind of calm coastal atmosphere that easily becomes a trip highlight.

Cafés are not just places to eat or drink. They are stages for conversations, newspapers, pauses and the whole French rhythm of daily life.

Small festivals around the country offer close contact with local culture, whether they revolve around wine, music, seafood or summer celebrations.

France’s castles range from grand Loire palaces to medieval fortresses. Every region has its own stories written in stone.

Cycling in France brings you close to landscapes and small places you would otherwise drive past – from the Loire to Alsace and Provence.

Perhaps the most authentic experience of all: sitting outside with food, wine or coffee and simply letting time pass on a French square or a street by the sea.