From world-class cuisine to breathtaking landscapes and iconic culture, here are the coolest things to do in France. It’s impossible to cover everything in France on a trip. So, you need to focus on the best of the best things, right?
The coolest things to do in France are enough to turn cynics into travel obsessives, covering everything from mountain tops to secret coves between the seas. France has long drawn lovers, optimists, artists, and intellectuals from around the world to experience its spectacular history and beauty.
Although Paris receives the majority of the attention, falling in love with a beautiful village in this region is almost a rite of passage. The cuisine is also good, and the beaches manage to remain both rugged and fashionable.
Check out the list of the coolest things to do in France to make your trip memorable.
Table of Contents
List of the Coolest Things to Do in France
We compiled a France bucket list of the most iconic, lovely, fun, beautiful, awe-inspiring, and coolest things to do in France for your visit to this wonderful country. Check it out.
1) Take a Meal in the Michelin-Starred Restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd Floor
A Michelin-starred meal from a famous restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, some 125m above the ground. Frederic Anton, a three-star chef, now runs Le Jules Verne, a mecca of fine dining using the finest French ingredients.
2) Enjoy the Sunset From the Eiffel Tower
One of the Coolest things to do in Paris is visit the Eiffel Tower at sunset to experience Paris at its most enthralling.
The gentle lighting has an ethereal effect in the early evening. Golden glows on the horizon lend a romantic quality to the vistas from late afternoon until dusk.
The views from each level of the tower become even more spectacular as the sun sets, with the city’s monuments illuminated and the Seine River reflecting the stunning colours of sunset.
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3) Catacombs of Paris
The Paris Catacombs were built in 1785 in response to complaints about the Cemetery of the Innocents and the instability of the inner-city highways. The Council of State devised an underground tomb to address both issues at the same time.
In 1787, the future Charles X was the first to descend the 130 steps. The flow of curious visitors has never stopped since his first appearance.
4) Take a Seine River Cruise
Cruising the Seine River is a delightful way to see all the top sights of Paris. The Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches offers scenic boat tours that take you past the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and other landmarks.
You can choose from a variety of Bateaux-Mouches experiences, such as daytime boat tours, brunch or lunch cruises, romantic dinner cruises, and cabaret shows.
The monuments along the Seine are illuminated at night, creating a truly captivating impression.
5) Swim in the Heavenly Creeks of Marseille
An excursion through the picturesque creeks, or Calanques, in Marseille, is one of the coolest things to do in France.
It is also known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Massalia. The names of these tucked-away paradises, such as Sormiou, Sugiton, and Morgiou, are just as alluring as the hike needed to get there.
Expect the walks to be more than a stroll, but once you’re in the vicinity of the turquoise water, the aroma of pine trees, and the sound of the cicadas, you won’t even notice your sore feet.
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6) Admire the Best Contemporary Art at the Chateau de Versailles
From the Galerie des Glaces to the Grand Trianon and Marie-estate Antoinette’s to the Opera Chapel, the Chateau de Versailles offers an overload of gilding.
Jeff Koons, Xavier Veilhan, Takashi Murakami, Bernar Venet, and Joana Vasconcelos have all exhibited at the Palace of the Sun King; keep an eye on the program to see which contemporary artists are up next.
7) Wander the streets of Pigalle and finish up at Bouillon Pigalle
Pigalle is without a doubt one of the capital’s most mythical and mystical districts. The neighbourhood never sleeps, and each of its streets outperforms the last.
Aside from the sex shops, there are more bars at which you can shake a cocktail. Fill your stomach at the great-value brasserie Bouillon Pigalle before a heady concoction at the trendy Mansart.
8) Discover the Exceptional Corsican Landscapes in the Agriates Desert
Corsica’s reputation, local accent, and breathtaking, challenging landscape have catapulted this Mediterranean island to the forefront of tourism.
The iridescent mountains in the centre stand in stark contrast to the heavenly beaches
Lotu is one of the best, accessible via an energetic hike from Saint-Florent through the arid, steep landscapes of the Agriates Desert.
Stock up on figatellu sausage, lonzu charcuterie, and sheep’s cheese for the perfect picnic.
9) Attend the Royal Serenade at the Chateau de Versailles
A soiree at the Chateau de Versailles provides a glimpse into the world of French royalty and their opulent court.
Visitors can attend the Royal Serenade, a dazzling event held in the château’s Grand Apartments and the opulent Hall of Mirrors, every Saturday evening from mid-June to mid-September.
Before or after the Royal Serenade, visitors can take a tour of the château gardens.
From April to October, the Chateau de Versailles hosts Musical Fountain Shows, with its lavish fountains dancing to the tunes of Baroque music.
From mid-June to mid-September, after sundown on Saturday evenings, the garden’s groves are illuminated by torches and candles for the Night Fountain Shows, which include music and fireworks.
10) Visiting Disney Land in Paris
Visiting Disney Land Paris is one of the coolest things to do in France. You will get in touch with your inner child in Disneyland.
Fantasyland is a must-see for children, while Walt Disney Studios is an adrenaline rush for adults. Everyone, young and old, will enjoy meeting Mickey and Minnie in person at the park.
11) A Day at the Louvre Museum
Visit the Louvre, the world’s best museum, and marvel at some of history’s greatest masterpieces!
Also, learn about the history of this former Royal Palace. Until King Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre was the seat of French Kings for many centuries. Explore the Louvre’s mediaeval moats and walls, as well as Napoleon III’s apartments and royal galleries.
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12) Aquarium de Lyon
The Lyon Aquarium will transport visitors to an aquamarine world where fish float behind glass walls and guests move down corridors from one aquatic region to the next. Visitors should purchase or download an audio guide that fully narrates the journey.
Visitors will be captivated by the marine life that surrounds them from the moment they arrive.
The Lyon Aquarium provides a unique perspective on what lies beneath the waves, from the bright colours of tropical fish to the demure marine life of temperate waters.
There are also numerous educational presentations and exhibits available to help visitors delve deeper into the complexities of marine life.
13) Tour the Bouchons of Lyon
Rue Merciere would serve as a perfect example of Lyon’s culinary scene. It is the Mecca of meat, with bouchons – traditional Lyon restaurants – where you can gorge on quenelle, gizzard salad, or Lyonnaise sausage.
14) Attend the Cannes Film Festival
Every year in May, the world’s most famous film festival takes place, and all of the world’s most famous people flock to this French Riviera town to hang out on the Croisette. Hang out in the evenings if you want to spot stars.
Filmmakers, actors, and paparazzi are all in attendance, and crowds of adoring fans flock to Cannes to witness the red carpet action. The Cannes Film Festival is also known for its support and recognition of high-quality films.
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15) Ski in the French Alps
The French Alps are one of the best skiing destinations in the world, offering powdery snow on sunny days and spectacular Alpine scenery.
This beautiful region of France is known for its charming mountain villages, rustic Alpine charm, and excellent ski conditions.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc’s legendary ski resort has a diverse range of slopes, and the village of Chamonix is a charming place to stay. Val d’Isere attracts visitors due to its extensive 300-kilometre ski terrain and charming village with many restaurants.
With 600 kilometres of ski runs, Les Trois Vallees is the world’s largest ski area, including the exclusive Courchevel resort and the charming alpine village of Meribel.
16) Climb to Chamonix to Gawp at Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc, at 4808 metres above sea level, remains a major draw for Chamonix visitors. Once you’ve completed all of the traditional walks in the alpine village, head to the heights of Brevent for a visual feast.
Other must-sees include the Aiguille du Midi and hikes through Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcons.
17) Art Study at Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
Art Study at Giverny, located in the picturesque Normandy region is another coolest thing to do in France. It provides retreats for small groups of artists and photographers.
Acclaimed artists, including internationally renowned painter Gale Bennett, lead the painting workshops.
Participants will have the opportunity to paint ‘en Plein air’ (outdoors) at famous Impressionist sites. Retreats are available in eight-day or eleven-day sessions, with instruction and lodging in Giverny.
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18) Fly Over the Valley of the Kings on a Hot-Air Balloon
Anywhere in the world, a hot air balloon flight is an incredibly magical experience. Flying over some of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley, however, makes it even more magical.
Enjoy sunrise or sunset while floating through the sky in a massive floating vessel, perhaps with a glass of champagne, over magnificent Renaissance chateaux and their lovely grounds in the Loire Valley.
19) Listen to Jazz Music at a Paris Club
The jazz scene in Paris has a legendary past. The City of Light has fostered and honoured jazz musicians for decades with its affluent café society and secret clubs in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres district. Many jazz greats became famous after giving performances in Paris.
Le Baiser Sale and Le Duc des Lombards are two well-known Paris jazz clubs. The refined Café Laurent dates from the 17th century and became a meeting place for jazz music fans after WWII.
Miles Davis made a name for himself in 1949 when he performed at the Festival International de Jazz in Paris.
20) Blue Gold in Provence’s Lavender Fields
The lavender fields of Provence are among the most beautiful landscapes in France. Explore the Valensole Plateau, the Luberon Valley, and the Sault Plateau from mid-June to late August, which are well known for their ‘blue gold,’ lavender distilleries, and charming small towns.
A visit to the lavender fields of Provence is one of the most unique things to do in France. Plan your trip carefully around the blooming periods in each area for the best photos.
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21) Soak in Healing Waters at a Thermal Spa
The Pyrenees mountains in France are traversed by pristine rivers and rushing waterfalls, where fresh mineral water provides the source for thermal spa resorts, which are among the Pyrenees’ top attractions.
Several towns became famous for their mineral water baths during the Belle Époque and grew into prosperous resort towns.
These historic spa resorts still welcome visitors looking for therapeutic spa treatments and relaxation. Another region of France with historic spa towns is the French Alps.
Final Thought on the Coolest Things to Do in France
These are all the coolest things to do in France in our opinion. However, there are so many things to do in France.
And, it’s quite tough to cover all the coolest things to do in France. But we tried our best to suggest to you the best of the best.
If you have made a trip to France and visited these places, then share your travel experience with us.
Also, share the names of some other coolest things to do in France we missed. We will surely look forward to it. Lastly, please share this article with others, and feel free to ask any queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cycling, swimming, football (soccer), skiing, tennis, boules (petanque), and, increasingly, golf, basketball, and martial arts are the most popular sports in French society.
Visiting France, you should visit the Eiffel Tower & the Latin Quarter in Paris, Historic Sites, Chateau de Versailles, Admire Modern Masterpieces, and enjoy the nightlife.
We have compiled a list of the 21 coolest things to do in France. If you haven’t read it till now, what are you waiting for? Go, and read this article.
Inquiring about personal questions like age, sexual orientation, family, or children; a person’s salary and finance are the French taboos.
The French still prefer to spend their leisure time watching television, with an average of 3 hours 15 minutes per person every day.
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