15+ Things To Do In France & Places To See

19 July 2023

With our guide, find out things to do in France, and places to visit across the country. Book the best France holiday packages with Travelodeal.

Is France just Paris?

To the French, the notion of Paris is much less pleasing than to the Europeans.

That’s because they know the nation better.

And so should everyone else.

Administratively, France is divided into 13 regions, but for the traveller, France is best seen as six unique regions. With so many things to do in France’s tourist regions, planning can be tough.

We made this guide to make it easy.

As Thomas Jefferson once said, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.”

But remember, France is not just Paris.

So, let’s embark on this journey beyond the city of lights. To plan your holidays in France, know the rich culture, history, and cuisine of France’s six regions.

The Short Read: Places to Visit in France

Here’s a list of all the places recommended in the guide.

North West France:

Mont Saint-Michel
D-Day Landing Beaches
Caen

The Heart of France:

Versailles
Blois
Burgundy

Northeast France:

Verdun
Strasbourg
Epernay

Southwest France:

Carcassonne
Toulouse
Bordeaux

Upland France:

Carcassonne
Le Puy en Velay
Rhone-Alpes region

Le Midi – Mediterranean France:

Carcassonne
Nice
Provence region

Let’s dive into the details now. Find out amazing things to do in France.

North West France: A Symphony of History, Art, and Gastronomy

North West France, a region that is a must-visit for any France holiday planner, is a vibrant blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and delectable cuisine.

Arts: The region is a paradise for art and architecture enthusiasts. The majestic Mont Saint-Michel, rising from the sea, is a sight to behold. The fortified town of Saint-Malo, with its cobblestone streets, is a testament to the region’s architectural prowess.

History: The region is steeped in history. The D-Day landing beaches offer a poignant reminder of World War II. The Bayeux Tapestry, a 70 m-long medieval masterpiece, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.

Cuisine: The region is a gastronomic delight. The fresh seafood, creamy Camembert cheese, and crisp apple cider of North West France are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Top Destinations: Mont Saint-Michel for arts, D-Day Landing Beaches for history, and Caen for seafood.

So, ready to explore these amazing things to do in France? North West France awaits you!

The Heart of France: A Tapestry of Time and Taste

The Heart of France, stretching from the Paris area to the Loire basin and Burgundy, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered on your France holidays.

History: The region is rich in history. The Palace of Versailles, a short drive from Paris, is a must-visit. Chartres, home to one of France’s most magnificent medieval cathedrals, is simply breathtaking.

Culture: The region is a cultural hub. From the historic French heartland of the Loire Valley to the quaint towns of Blois and Bourges, there’s plenty to explore. You’ll never run out of things to do in France, anywhere you do. But this region is special.

Cuisine: The region is a food lover’s paradise. The Loire Valley is renowned for its vineyards, and the gastronomic delights of Burgundy are not to be missed.

Top Destinations: Versailles for history, Blois for culture, and Burgundy for cuisine.

With so many things to do in France, your adventure in the Heart of France is just the beginning. Find stunning France holiday deals.

Northeast France: A Mosaic of History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

Northeast France, extending from the English Channel to the Rhine, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty.

History: The region is a history enthusiast’s dream. Verdun offers a glimpse into World War I, while Metz, with its stunning cathedral, is a sight to behold. Strasbourg, with its gothic cathedral and charming houses, is simply breathtaking.

Culture: The region is a cultural melting pot, blending French and German traditions, especially in Alsace. Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is a vibrant city with a charming old centre.

Cuisine: The region is a gastronomic delight. The Champagne-Ardenne area, home to Rheims and Epernay, is renowned for its vineyards. A visit to Epernay, the world capital of Champagne, is a must.

Top Destinations: Verdun for history, Strasbourg for culture, and Epernay for cuisine.

From history to cuisine, the things to do in France are endless, and Northeast France is no exception.

Southwest France: A Coastal and Cultural Odyssey

Southwest France, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border, is a gem waiting to be discovered on your France holidays.

History: The region is rich in historical sites. From the fortified city of Carcassonne to the medieval town of Figeac, history buffs will be in heaven. Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Cathedral Sainte Catherine, is not to be missed.

Culture: The region is culturally diverse. Experience the lively city life in Toulouse and Bordeaux, or immerse yourself in the unique traditions of the French Basque Country in towns like Biarritz and Bayonne.

Cuisine: The region is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its famous vineyards around Bordeaux and the gastronomic delights of the Dordogne, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Top Destinations: Carcassonne for history, Toulouse for culture, and Bordeaux for cuisine.

Southwest France is calling! With so many places to visit in France, your journey is just starting.

Upland France: A Mountainous Journey

Upland France, covering the Jura, Alps, Massif Central, and Pyrenees, is a haven for adventure seekers.

History: The region is rich in history. The fortified city of Carcassonne in the Massif Central, the medieval city of Le Puy en Velay, and the historic city of Besançon in the Jura region are just a few examples of the historical treasures that await you.

Culture: The region is culturally diverse. From the French and Swiss traditions in the Jura to the unique cultures of the Auvergne and Pyrenees regions, there’s plenty to explore and learn.

Cuisine: The region is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its gastronomic delights, especially in the Auvergne region, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Top Destinations: Carcassonne for history, Le Puy en Velay for culture, and the Rhone-Alpes region for cuisine.

Upland France is a treasure trove of experiences. It’s one of the best places to visit in France, don’t you think?

Le Midi – Mediterranean France: A Sun-Kissed Journey

Le Midi, or Mediterranean France, is a sun-drenched paradise stretching from the Italian border to Spain.

History: The region is rich in history. The fortified city of Carcassonne, the medieval city of Nimes with its superb Roman remains, and the historic city of Nice are just a few examples of the historical treasures that await you.

Culture: The region is culturally diverse. From the glamour and glitz of the French Riviera to the unique traditions of the Provence and Languedoc regions, there’s plenty to explore and learn.

Cuisine: The region is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its gastronomic delights, especially in the Provence region, your taste buds are in for a treat. The world-class wines of the Rhone region are not to be missed.

Top Destinations: Carcassonne for history, Nice for culture, and the Provence region for cuisine.

Le Midi – Mediterranean France is a sun-kissed paradise and one of the most beautiful places to visit in France. Ready to explore?

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France: A New Country, Everytime You Visit

There are so many places to visit and things to do in France, it’s truly a new country every time you visit.

So, why wait?

Start planning your France holidays today with Travelodeal, and let us help you create unforgettable memories. After all, as the French say, “Vivre Pour Voyager, Voyager Pour Vivre” – Live to Travel, Travel to Live.

Resources for anyone travelling from the UK to France:

1. UK Foreign Travel Advice – France: UK government’s travel advice for France.

2. France Diplomacy: Official website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

3. France.fr: Official tourism website for France.

4. Lonely Planet – France: Comprehensive travel guide for France.

5. WHO – France: Health-related travel advice for France.

6. NHS – GHIC: Information on the GHIC for UK residents travelling in the EU.

7. Rough Guides – France: Comprehensive travel guide for France.

8. France Regional Tourism: Guide to the different regions of France for tourists.

Ready to embark on your French adventure? Find the best deals for stays in different cities of France on Travelodeal. Your journey to discover the beauty of France starts here. Bon Voyage.