France Experiences

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To help you make the most of your trip to France, kimkim has curated a list of our top activities. Try soaking up the Parisian skyline on a Seine River cruise with live music and fine dining, visit a perfumery in the heart of the French Riviera, or immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Bordeaux. You could also add a day at Château la Coste, combining art, architecture, and vineyards, or a rich historical tour of Avignon. Be sure to review our recommended activities in Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon for your next trip to France.

Verdon Gorge & the Quaint Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southeastern France, an area known for its alpine vistas, limestone mountains, and fields of lavender, is the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the country, it sits at the edge of a rocky peak...
The Roman amphitheater
Arles
Walking Tour of Arles
Enjoy a walking tour of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site abounding with culture and history. This ancient city is located in southern France between the Rhône River delta and the wetlands of Camargue Natural Park. It's a unique place defined as much by its historic Roman architecture as its...
Les Baux de Provence
Treasures of Provence: Arles, Les Baux, Saint Rémy, & Alpilles
8 hours
·
Private
Enjoy a full tour of Provence, discovering its treasures, culture, and heritage. Start with a walking tour in Arles, a city known for its Roman heritage and art. You'll visit its famous Roman amphitheater and other preserved ancient sites. You'll also see the places depicted by Van Gogh in his...
Chamonix hike
Chamonix
Hike to Lac Blanc in the French Alps
6 hours
·
Private
Enjoy a full day trekking in beautiful Chamonix, hiking to the one-and-only Lac Blanc (Lake Blanc) set at 7760 feet (over 2300 m). This route is set in the Chamonix Valley, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the most famous peak in the French Alps.  You can start in the village of Les Praz,...
Normandy
Chase the Impressionist Sites of Normandy
8 hours
·
Private
When in Normandy, follow the footsteps of the region's famous Impressionists. This iconic group of artists popularized France's signature outdoor painting experience to capture the changing light in beautiful Normandy. Whether you've seen these famous paintings of this picturesque region or not,...
Aix-en-Provence
Provençal Cooking Class & Markets of Aix-en-Provence
The southeastern French region of Provence is one of the most scenic in the country. It's the land of the Riveria, medieval villages, lavender fields, and endless olive groves and vineyards. But Provence is as much a way of life as it is a point on a map. Today you'll experience Provence's...
Kayak in Calanques National Park
Set just outside of Marseille, you'll find the scenic Calanques National Park. This is one of Europe's newer protected areas, as it was established in 2012. It's unique in that it comprises over 100,000 acres (520 sq km) between Marseilles and the seaside town of La Ciotat, protecting both land...
The famous Cours Mirabeau
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence Walking Tour
2 hours
·
Explore Aix-en-Provence with a scenic and educational walking tour. Along the way, you'll uncover the rich heritage, art, and culture that defines this famous city. Stroll through a labyrinth of narrow streets, passing historic churches and squares as you learn about the city's history, culture,...
The Lérins Islands
Cannes
Sailing Tour of the Lérins Islands
Spend the day soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine on a full-day sailboat outing. Meet your skipper, Pierre, at the docks in Cannes, then set sail for the famous Lérins Islands, which lie a mere 15 minutes from the city's coast. Your destinations this morning are the twin islands of Marguerite...
Chamonix
Ride the Aiguille de Midi Cable Car in Chamonix
2.5 hours
·
The Aiguille de Midi is a famous peak, one of the highest in Chamonix, and has been an unmissable destination for visitors for more than 60 years. In just 20 minutes, the Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you from the center of Chamonix to the high mountains, reaching an altitude of 12,604...
Bouchon Lyonnais, a traditional French restaurant in Lyon
Lyon
The Best of Lyon City Tour
4 hours
·
Private
If you don’t have much time to visit Lyon, this tour was made for you! In just a few hours, you can squeeze in much of what the city has to offer. Enjoy discovering all that made Lyon known throughout the centuries, including its architecture, 2,000 years of history, silk factories, and...
The perfect way to start your day
Paris
Pastry Tour of Le Marais in Paris
Eating pastries and enjoying art is synonymous with French culture, and you'll get to do plenty of both while in Paris! Start your morning with a tour of the beloved Le Marais neighborhood with a local guide (a neighborhood resident, in fact). Le Marais has played an important part in French...
Bicycle and Wine Tour of Provence
The region of Provence, in southeast France, is one of the most singularly beautiful areas on the European continent. Running from the Rhône River, in the west, to the eastern Italian border, it encompasses many diverse areas, including the famous coastline of the French Riviera, the Camargue...
Aix-en-Provence
Avignon & Hilltop Villages of the Luberon Region
Just about an hour northwest of Aix-en-Provence is the medieval city of Avignon. You'll find centuries' worth of fascinating history here, as this is where Pope Clemente V moved his court in the 14th century. For several decades after that, it was the seat of the Catholic popes. Spend the day...
Toast with chicken rillettes
Loire Valley
Organic Wine & Lunch in the Loire Valley
A local wine specialist will pick you up at your hotel this morning for a day among the grapevines. Together, you'll drive to Bourgueil, a region renowned for its high-quality red wines. Here you'll learn about the region's appellation vineyards and organic horticultural techniques. Make the most...
Nice
Gourmet Discovery of Nice
At the eastern end of the French Riviera, near the border with Italy, lies Nissa la Bella—or, "Nice the Beautiful." This Mediterranean coastal gem has earned its nickname due to its abundance of ancient buildings, expansive plazas, long and inviting beaches, and a historical legacy that dates...
Champs-Elysees
Paris
Paris WWII Walking Tour
2 hours
·
Private
Relive the darkest period of the 20th century and discover what life was like in France's capital city during and after the German occupation. You'll learn about the history of Paris, its citizens, and its resistance forces between 1940 and 1944. This walking tour will take you to the emblematic...
Have a tartiflette for lunch
Annecy
Savoy Food & Nature Tour + Cooking Class
6 hours
·
Private
Discover the scenic region of Savoy, a French territory located in the Western Alps not far from Annecy. Your local guide, Quentin, will first take you to the beloved cheese cooperative in the town of Saint-Ours. The shop is an adventure in itself, as you choose and taste the cheese that you'll...
Wine
Pomerol
Wine Tasting in St Emilion & Pomerol
Discover the prestigious wines of the right bank on the eastern side of Bordeaux. This region is known for its merlot grapes, which estates turn into world-famous wines renowned across the globe.You'll start at a Grand Cru chateau in St. Emilion, where you'll enjoy demonstrations on the...
(photo courtesy of A la Française)
Amboise
Chambord & Chenonceau Day Trip with Lunch
8.5 hours
·
Small group
This guided day trip takes you on a scenic journey into the UNESCO-listed landscapes and historic estates of the Loire Valley. You'll start at Château de Chenonceau, renowned for its ties to powerful women and its river-spanning Grand Gallery. Break for a leisurely lunch at the family-owned...
House and garde of Claud Monet
Giverny
House & Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny
2 hours
·
Self guided
Claude Monet, who lived for forty-three years (1883 to 1926) in his house in Giverny, had a passion for gardening. With a love of colors, he conceived his famed flower and water garden as true works of art. Enjoy walking through his house and gardens, absorbing a unique and peaceful atmosphere...
The luxurious coastline of St. Tropez
Saint-Tropez
Culture and Food Tour Around Saint Tropez
Few places are more closely associated with the international jet-set than Saint Tropez, located in the middle of the French Riveria. Just the name conjures images of long golden beaches, sleek sailing yachts, and pulsing nightclubs. To see it all, enjoy a tour that travels outside the city...
Paris
Climb the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
30 minutes
·
Self guided
Enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. This intricately sculpted arc sits at the center of the Étoile (star) roundabout in unison with a magnificent view of the 12 Parisian avenues radiating out of the city's center. At 164 feet tall (50 m), the view is bound...
Dune du Pilat
Arcachon
Climb Dune du Pilat in Arcachon
Self guided
When you think of France and outdoor recreation, perhaps you don't picture climbing sand dunes. However, you can enjoy a unique experience by climbing the Dune du Pilat in the coastal town of Arcachon just southwest of Bordeaux. Often referred to as Grande Dune du Pilat, this patch of sand is...
Create your own scent
Grasse
Perfume Tour of Grasse
The Provence region of southeastern France is the picture of French bucolic life, with its tiny hill-top villages like Fayence, Seillans, Tourette, and others. It's also home to the famous French Riveria, and in the hills north of Cannes, you'll find Grasse, a charming village that happens to be...
Valley between Les Baux de Provence and the Alpilles Mountains
Arles
Olive Oil & Wine Estates of Provence
Self guided
Take a day trip out to Fontvieille, a village famous for its olive groves in the Alpilles Mountains. Fittingly, the first stop is a 13th-century Provençal farmhouse, where the owners will take you on a tour of their estate. Next, sit down to taste olive oils, learning how to differentiate between...
Stunning ornamental garden of Villandry castle
Loire Valley
Villandry Châteaus, Garden Tour, & Lunch
4.5 hours
·
Private
Enjoy exploring the chateaus of the Loire Valley with visits to the Villandry castle and gardens and a charming, family-owned palace for lunch. The excursion starts at Chateau de Villandry, a Renaissance jewel ranking high in French heritage. During a tour of the castle, you'll experience what...
Colorful Port Lympia in Nice
Nice Off the Beaten Path
On the French Riviera, near the border with Italy, lies Nice. Nicknamed Nissa La Bella ("Nice the Beautiful"), it's a historic city famous for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, crescent-shaped pebble beaches, and the narrow streets of its colorful old town, Vieille Ville. Nice is a densely...
Hot air balloons over Chenonceau
Loire Valley
Cycle & Hot Air Balloon Ride at Château de Chenonceau
Private
Spend the day gliding through the countryside, starting with a guided bike tour on the Loire à Velo paths in the beautiful country. You'll continue riding along the Loire River, then explore the area around Chenonceau Castle, built on a bridge over the Cher River.Also known as the "Ladies...
Champagne tasting
Paris
Champagne Lunch & Saint-Germain-des-Prés Tour in Paris
2.5 hours
·
Private
Celebrate your stay in France with an elegant lunch featuring a champagne tasting in a specialized cellar. Before your gourmet experience, tour around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the legendary Parisian district that many famous artists, writers, and intellectuals have called home, such as Benjamin...

Best Experiences in France

Hiking in the French Alps
Best Things to Do in the French Alps

With towering snow-capped peaks, charming alpine villages, some of Europe's best skiing, and epic hikes to famous spots like Mt. Blanc, there's always something to enjoy in the French Alps. Ride a cable car to catch impressive views across the mountain range, boat or stroll around crystal-clear lakes, explore cultural towns, and taste the delicious food that keeps the locals warm and full all year long (we're talking cheese) all while breathing in that crisp alpine air.

Claude Monet's Gardens
Top Cultural Experiences in France

Many travelers choose France specifically for its unique and diverse culture. Explore Paris for its food, literature, and cabaret, visit Normandy for its art (including Claude Monet's gardens), and escape to the Loire Valley for chateaus, palaces, castles, and more. When ready, head to the south and peruse the unique cuisine and culture of the French Riviera and Provence, plus romantic hilltop villages and medieval riverside hamlets.

Beaches of the French Riviera
Best Things to Do in the French Riviera

The French Riviera evokes images of glitz and glamour. Still, you can also balance a trip with authentic experiences like making your own perfume, learning how to choose the best products at the market, and sipping wine in vineyards set against medieval villages. Then, of course, there's always the history of Monaco and the Monte Carlo to tempt you, plus sailing excursions and visits to the popular coastal hotspots of Antibes and Cannes.

A family visiting Paris
Best Family Experiences in France

Because France is so large and diverse, it's an ideal location for a family trip. From art-centric and foodie cities like Paris to outdoor playgrounds like the French Riviera and the beaches of northern France, there's always something to do with activities appealing to various ages and interests. Along the way, make unique family memories you can only create in France, such as riding horses through the surf at Mont-Saint-Michel, learning to bake macrons, or enjoying a treasure hunt at the Louvre.

Wine tasting in France
Top Culinary Experiences in France

France has always been the center of culinary envy, known worldwide for its signature cuisine consisting of traditional techniques, ancestral secrets, and home-cooked comfort dictated by high-quality standards. From morning pastries to afternoon macrons, farm-fresh cheeses to wine, cider, and olive oil, and fresh food markets offering the freshest produce to unique dishes like snails and frog legs, you can truly enjoy it all in France.

The beauty of Nice
Best Things to Do in Nice

Nice is brimming with unique cultural aspects, including vibrant markets showing off its signature Niçois cuisine, tiny multi-generational wine regions, a gorgeous coastline dotted with historic villages, and the title of the birthplace of perfume. Explore the city by diving deep into its culture, enjoying those legendary sunsets, and discovering neighboring villages and cities, such as Monaco, Eze, Cannes, and Antibes.

Charming streets of Aix
Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

Known as "mini Paris," Aix-en-Provence sits in the heart of the Provence region, known for its charm, lavender, wine, and unique signature cuisine. Spend time exploring these claims to fame with cooking classes, wine tastings, drives through lavender fields, and walking tours. Then head out into the countryside and discover more Provençal charm, such as in the city of Avignon, the scenic hilltop villages of Luberon, or the impressive Verdon Canyon.

The French Alps
Top Active Experiences in France

France is an active traveler's dream, with sandy beaches in the north, the towering Alps in the southeast, several river valleys across its heartland, and a rocky southern coastline dotted with inlets, caves, and coves. You can easily spend your time cycling through vineyards and from one chateau to another, riding horses in the surf, kayaking the famous Calanques, and hiking in the mountains. Or, if you're more of a city person, add a bike tour or vineyard stroll to your exploration of hubs like Paris.

Historic towns of Provence
Top Historical Experiences in France

France is a historical goldmine, from ancient, medieval, and early modern experiences to the events of the 19th and 20th centuries. Spend your time learning about the occupied and liberated Paris of WWII, exploring ancient castles and villages, and diving into what it was like to live in France during the Middle Ages. In every corner of the country, you'll find significant history that shaped France, Europe, and the world.

The lavender fields of Provence
Best Things to Do in Provence

Provence's claim to fame might be its rolling lavender fields, but there's a lot more to enjoy in this region of France. It's a gastronomically rich area filled with vineyards, olive groves, and agricultural land, so tasting or preparing its Provençal cuisine is a must. You can also enjoy wine tastings and exploring historic villages like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and other hamlets dotting the hills.

The beauty of the Loire Valley
Best Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Known for its wine and imposing chateaus, France's Loire Valley gives you those quintessential French vibes and experiences, with rolling hills dotted with fairytale-like castles and endless vineyards stretching across the region. Visit Leonardo da Vinci's mansion, sip on organic wine, cycle between chateaus, take a hot air balloon ride above the landscape, and discover humble villages, all within one compact area.

Aerial view of Marseille
Best Things to Do in Marseille

Marseille unites two very different worlds: the vibrant coastal French Riviera and the charming rolling hills of Provence. In addition, it's France's oldest city, founded by the Greeks in 600 BCE. So in just Marseille alone, you can enjoy a diverse trip strolling through the historic districts while nibbling on traditional food, discovering the renowned world of Marseille soap, sipping rosé among the lavender fields, and cruising or kayaking along the famed Calanques inlets.

The harbor town of Honfleur
Best Things to Do in Normandy

Set in northern France along the coast of the English Channel, Normandy is known for its chalky-white cliffs and beaches, the famous Mont-Saint-Michel island, the WWII D-Day landings, and picturesque half-timbered houses surrounded by dairy farms. History is the region's highlight, but you'll also find treasured towns like Honfleur and the Pays d'Auge, gourmet cheese, cider farms, and many sites of famous Impressionist works of art, plus the home and gardens of Claude Monet.

The historic skyline of Lyon
Best Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon often escapes the list of must-sees in France, but the city and its surrounding areas offer a lot to do, see, and experience. Spend your time exploring historic neighborhoods filled with Renaissance-era architecture and hidden courtyards, tasting the internationally recognized Lyonaisse cuisine, savoring historic sites like the Fourviere Basilica, and exploring the traditional world of silk. With more time, take a day trip to the surrounding vineyards or historic cities like Annecy.

Scenes of Paris
Best Things to Do in Paris

As "The City of Love," Paris is known for its romantic charm, impeccable cuisine, and vibrant history, which is why it's always topping the list of the most popular tourist destinations. You can hop from district to district and experience various scenes, from artsy to bohemian, historic to trendy. Try some of France's acclaimed gastronomy, dig into the city's history, and take in the sweeping views from atop sites like Montmartre or the Arc de Triomphe.

Bordeaux's stunning architecture
Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Known for its signature wine, Bordeaux's surrounding vineyards and La Cité du Vin museum might be its biggest draws, but there's plenty to enjoy in the city and beyond. With the Garonne River weaving through Bordeaux's center, you can explore the city by foot and boat. Stop at vibrant markets and wine shops, tasting gourmet goodies like canelé, oysters, cheese, chocolate, and, of course, a glass of red. Then, enjoy discovering the countryside havens of Gironde and Dordogne, full of picturesque hamlets and vineyards.

Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Best Things to Do in Avignon

The historic town of Avignon sits on the left bank of the famous Rhône River, its claim to fame being the incredible Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built. Explore the city by walking or cycling among grand 14th-century monuments while surrounded by unique history. Then take advantage of Avignon's surrounding countryside and discover the heart of Provence, from lavender fields and vineyards to the region's signature cuisine.