France Experiences

Edit experiences overview

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.

Provençal soaps
Marseille
Soap Atelier Experience in Marseille
45 minutes
·
Self guided
Explore a different art form as you learn about the region's emblematic Savon de Marseille (Marseille soap). This traditional hard soap, typically made with vegetable oils, has been around for nearly 600 years, with the first record of soap making in Marseille from 1370 CE. It was so popular and...
Vouvray Vineyards
Loire Valley
Loire Valley Wine Tour & Tasting in Vouvray
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its famed vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit two superb estates of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes, and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known soils of the Val de Loire...
Mont Saint Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel
8 hours
·
Small group
Spend the day exploring Mont-Saint-Michel. The iconic abbey sits on an island in the middle of a huge bay, where Europe's biggest tides create a natural moat. Mont-Saint-Michel has roots from 708 CE, when the Archangel St. Michel ordered Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, to build a sanctuary on...
Quiet day in Aix
Aix-en-Provence
Cultural Tour of Aix-en-Provence
1 day
·
Self guided
About 30 minutes north of Marseille lies one of the lesser-visited gems of the French Riviera: Aix-en-Provence. "Aix," as it's more commonly known, is a city in an exceptional geographic location, set amid the picturesque charm of the surrounding villages. The rural landscapes here, famous for...
Treasure Hunt at le Louvre
Paris
Treasure Hunt at the Louvre
2 hours
·
Private
The Louvre in Paris may seem like just a tourist's obligation, just as much as the Eiffel Tower, yet this palace of 35,000 pieces of art is certainly worth a visit! Henri Loyrette, former director of the Louvre, said that 80% of visitors see the Mona Lisa and then simply leave. In his opinion,...
Provence
Cassis & Bandol Rosé Wine Tour
On the coast of France's southeastern Provence region, you'll find two charming Mediterranean villages: Cassis and Bandol. Besides the old-world charm, these villages are known for many things, including breathtaking natural beauty. Cassis sits on the edge of Calanques National Park, famous for...
Sunrise in the Loire Valley
Langeais
Visit Azay le Rideau, Villandry, & Langeais
9 hours
·
Small group
Discover the scenic Loire Valley, stopping in a few of the area's most picturesque towns. Your first stop is Azay le Rideau, where you'll visit the town's iconic castle, built on an island on the Indre River. The patronage of King François I, who loved to spend time in the Loire Valley, built the...
Paris
Paris Literature Tour
3 hours
·
Small group
Watch your literary heroes spring to life as you through the historic heart of Paris's famed literature scene.   You'll summon the spirits of literature's greatest talents, all of whom lived in Paris and perfected their craft by observing the city's street life and romantic intimacy. Known...
Paris
Cooking Class in the Les Batignolles District of Paris
Dive deep into Paris's food culture as you learn how to create classic French cuisine. In the morning, head out to the lively and authentic Parisian district of Les Batignolles in the 17th Arrondissement for a hands-on cooking class.Your Paris-born host will first take you to the market down the...
Hiking the Vallée des Merveilles ("Valley of Wonders")
Mercantour National Park
Hiking the Valley of Wonders in Mercantour National Park
The Provence region of southeastern France is known for its beautiful and high-class destinations along the French Riviera. However, outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to learn there's also plenty of nature excursions in the region. One great outing that combines world-class hiking with...
More landscapes and castles in the Dordogne region
Bordeaux
Visit the Villages of the Dordogne River
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the picturesque and historic villages of the Dordogne River, starting in Domme, a trapezoid city creating a bastide (fortified medieval town) adapted to the surrounding terrain. The city is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). Enjoy a walking...
The vineyards in the Rhône Valley
Famous wines and unsuspected vintages of Northern Rhone Valley
Located in southeastern France, on the Rhône River, sits Vienne. This is much more than a postcard-worthy French country town—it was once an important provincial capital in the Roman Empire. In fact, it was Julius Ceasar who transformed it into a major urban center around 47 BCE. Today's...
Vineyard in Provence
Saint Paul de Vence
Wine Tour in Bellet & Saint Paul de Vence
Leave the French Riviera behind as you head inland to Provence for a full-day wine excursion. You'll explore small towns and see Provence's varied landscapes, stopping along the way to visit award-winning wineries and sample rare and unique wines. As you make your way, take in views of the...

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.