Choose from 490 Fun Things to Do in France
ShowingFilter 181-200 of 490 listings.
Promenade Plant ee
Promenade Plantée’s well-manicured gardens, flowering shrubs and romantic views make it one of the most popular destinations for budget conscious travelers visiting the City of Lights. Athletic visitors jog along the 2.9-mile scenic pathway as the sun rises, and dozens of couples in love gather to watch in the evening as the sunsets over Paris streets.
The greenway winds through Viaduc des Arts, where interested travelers can explore high-end shops and exquisite galleries, or comb through handmade arts and crafts booths before relaxing into the urban oasis of Promenade Plantée’s incredible gardens.
Practical Info
Promenade Plantée follows the old Vincennes railway line. It is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris and begins east of Opera Bastille and ends at boulevard Peripherique.
Address: Quinze-Vingts, Paris 75012, France
From $ 110
La Madeleine
La Madeleine church in Paris is one of the most striking building in the entire Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Rumour has it that it was built in order to mirror the Palais Bourbon – which houses the French National Assembly - on the opposite bank of the Seine river in order to create harmony between the clergy and the republic.
But in reality, La Madeleine was designed as a temple to Napoleon’s army and its glorious victories back in the early 1800s – which would certainly help explain why the church doesn’t actually look like a church (it doesn’t have a spire or bell-tower) but rather a lavish Greek temple. It was completed in 1828 and built in the Neo-Classical style and was inspired by an exceptionally well preserved Roman temple named Maison carrée in Nîmes; it now dominates the entire Faubourg Saint-Honoré, with its 52 20-meters high Corinthian columns.
Practical Info
La Madeleine is located on Place de la Madeleine in Paris. It is not advised to get to La Madeleine house by car as parking is scarce and complicated; instead, Madeleine métro station is located right next to the church and is serviced by lines 8, 12, and 14. The church is open every day from 9:30am to 7pm and religious service is scheduled at 12:30 from Monday to Friday, and at 9:30am on Sundays.
Address: Place de la Madeleine, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-7pm
From $ 27
Omaha Beach
As one of Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, Omaha beach was the backdrop to one of the most significant events of World War II, immortalized in the movie Saving Private Ryan and forever etched into history. Today, visitors to Omaha Beach can follow in the footsteps of the Allied soldiers and pay their respects at the American Cemetery.
The Basics
Guided tours of the five D-Day beaches—Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach—run from Bayeux, Caen, Le Havre, Carentan, and Paris, and often include visits to other Normandy battlefields such as Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches, and Pegasus Bridge. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private tour or small-group tour and choose to focus on the American, Canadian, or British sites and memorials.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most tours visit WWII cemeteries and memorials, so it’s important to dress and act respectfully.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the battle ruins and beaches.
- Some tours are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance with your tour operator.
How to Get There
Omaha Beach is located along the coast of Normandy in northern France, 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Bayeux. Although buses run to the beach from Bayeux, the easiest way to visit is by private transportation or as part of a guided tour. The American Cemetery lies above the beach, from where a long walkway heads down to the beach itself.
When to Get There
Tours run to Omaha Beach year-round, but it can get busy during peak summer season. If you’re visiting in July and August, try to arrive early morning or early evening to avoid the large groups of day-trippers. The most moving time to visit is during the annual D-Day Festival, which commemorates the anniversary of the Allied Landings with a program of memorials, parades, and beachside picnics.
The D-Day Landings
Omaha Beach was the location of one of the most significant battles World War II. On June 6th 1944, American troops were given the task of securing Omaha beach as part of a strategy to land Allied troops along five points on the coast of Normandy—an operation code-named D-Day. Due to unforeseen tidal forces and stronger than expected German defenses, the American soldiers suffered massive losses—2,400 casualties in a day of bloody fighting. However, the landing was eventually successful with 34,000 troops securing the area for the Allies, and thus beginning the end of the war.
Address: France
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Mont Boron
Rising above the port in Nice is Mont Boron, a green wilderness with great views over Nice and beyond.
From Mont Boron you can see over the port of Nice, Nice town and to Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. From this height you it’s easy to understand why this coastline is called the Cote d’Azur - the blue of the sea is simply amazing.
Since 1860, Mont Boron has been preserved as a nature retreat with trees native to the Mediterranean, including Holm Oak and Aleppo Pine. With 6 miles (11 km) of sign-posted trails, this has become a popular place for both locals and visitors to escape the narrow streets of the city and take in the fresh air. It's also good for mountain biking. You can catch the bus (number 14) to the top of Mont Boron and then walk back down.
Nearby Mont Albon has a 16th century military fort perched 720 feet (220m) above the sea. From here you get 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline and the Alpes-Maritimes.
From Mont Boron you can see over the port of Nice, Nice town and to Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. From this height you it’s easy to understand why this coastline is called the Cote d’Azur - the blue of the sea is simply amazing.
Since 1860, Mont Boron has been preserved as a nature retreat with trees native to the Mediterranean, including Holm Oak and Aleppo Pine. With 6 miles (11 km) of sign-posted trails, this has become a popular place for both locals and visitors to escape the narrow streets of the city and take in the fresh air. It's also good for mountain biking. You can catch the bus (number 14) to the top of Mont Boron and then walk back down.
Nearby Mont Albon has a 16th century military fort perched 720 feet (220m) above the sea. From here you get 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline and the Alpes-Maritimes.
Address: Nice, French Riviera, France
From $ 25
Laduree Paris
Light and fluffy, in pretty colors, Ladurée macarons are a symbol of Parisian elegance. The bitesize pastries, sold at beautifully styled stores across Paris (and the world), attract crowds of shoppers day after day. A visit to Ladurée for afternoon tea and a box of sweet treats to take home is a must-do for many tourists in Paris.
The Basics
The Ladurée story began in 1862 when Louis-Ernest Ladurée opened a small bakery on rue Royale, close to modern-day Place Vendôme. Over the years Ladurée expanded the space to include a tea shop, but the now iconic pastel-colored macarons were not introduced until the mid-20th century.
Nowadays Ladurée has several shops across Paris, including the original location on rue Royale and a flagship store on the Champs-Élysées. Visitors can book a tour that includes a stop at Ladurée, reserve a table for brunch or afternoon tea, or simply fill a green and gold box with tasty macarons to enjoy later in the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ladurée stores can be found across Paris, and also at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
- The macarons are made with almond flour so may not be suitable for people with nut allergies—other pastries and sweets are available.
- The stores are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Ladurée has a number of locations across central Paris, including at 16 rue Royale and 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement. These stores and others are readily accessible by metro, bus, taxi, or as part of a private tour of the city with transport provided.
When to Get There
The Ladurée store on rue Royale is open 8am–8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am–7pm on Sunday. The Champs-Élysées store is open 7:30am–11pm Monday to Saturday and 7:30am–10pm on Sunday. For other stores, check before visiting.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
At the head of the Champs-Élysées stands the impressive Arc de Triomphe, a Parisian icon recognized around the world. The arch’s construction was ordered by Napoleon in 1806, but by the time it was finally finished, Napoleon had abdicated and the royal Bourbon family was back on the throne. The Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated by King Louis-Philippe in 1836. Climb to the top and you’ll get a panoramic view over the entire city, all the way to the Seine river.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 133
Promenade des Anglais
A stylish walkway monopolizing four miles (six kilometers) along the Bay of Angels, the Walk of the English (Promenade des Anglais or La Prom) is a Nice icon offering stunning views, enticing pit stops, and the best people-watching in the city. Grab your bike, skates, or shoes—and don’t forget your swimsuit—for a sunny afternoon in Nice.
The Basics
Head to the Promenade des Anglais for a taste of everyday life in Nice. Stroll past skateboarders and young families en route to well-known landmarks, such as the Palais de la Mediterranee, Place Massena, and Hotel Negresco, in addition to some of the poshest beaches in Provence.
Book a Provence day trip to bundle your visit with nearby attractions in Cannes, St. Paul de Vence, or even neighboring Monaco. While a sightseeing tour or bike tour provides the benefit of a local guide, you can also go on your own on dedicated walking, biking, and skating lanes, stopping to rest at the iconic blue chairs and cabanas lining the paved walkway.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress for the weather, with plenty of sun protection in summer.
- Reserve a table or lounge chair if you’re planning on stopping at a private beach along the walkway.
- Expect large crowds during the summertime high season.
- Be cautious of pickpockets; lockers are available at some private beaches.
How to Get There
To reach the Promenade des Anglais, just head to the water. The promenade spans the entire Nice coast from the Nice Cote d’Azur Airport to the Quai des Etats Unis in Old Town, making it impossible to miss. Consider taking public transportation via Bus 98 or walking, as parking can be difficult.
When to Get There
Thanks to Nice’s temperate Mediterranean climate, the promenade is pleasant year-round. Visit early in the day for the fewest crowds, or see the promenade at its peak on a Sunday afternoon. The promenade periodically hosts special events, such as the Nice Carnival (Carnival de Nice); check with local authorities for an up-to-date event calendar.
British Mark on the French Riviera
Though now one of the best-recognized destinations in France, the promenade was actually conceptualized and funded by the British in the 1820s, earning its name as the British Walkway.
Address: Promenade des Anglais, Nice 06000, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Lace Conservatory (Conservatoire de la Dentelle)
Bayeaux is best known for its vast tapestry illustrating the Norman Conquest of Britain in 1066, but is also renowned as a center of lacemaking. The Conservatoire de la Dentelle de Bayeux was founded in 1901 in a bid to conserve the local tradition of lacemaking, which began in the 17th century. Bayeux lace is made by hand on bobbins and its delicate patterns come in just three colors: white, black and ecru. While once there were more than 5,000 lacemakers in Normandy, today there are less than a dozen exponents of the art and several showcase their handiwork in the Lace Conservatory.
Located in a 16th-century mansion with the figures of Adam and Eve carved into its façade, the conservatory is open for tours of the workshops, where expert lacemakers are always on hand to demonstrate their skills while keeping alive their techniques. Visitors can have a go at creating their own lacy masterpieces and there are year-around exhibitions of delicate shawls, napkins and bookmarks; these are also on sale along with lacemaking implements and books. Individual commissions are undertaken.
A collection of handmade 18th-century Bayeaux lace is on show at the Musée Baron-Gérard (MAHB) on the same street; a side trip to the Lace Conservatory can be combined with touring the Normandy beaches.
Practical Info
Maison Adam et Eve, 6 rue du Bienvenu, Bayeaux. Open Mon-Sat May–Sept 9.30am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm (Mon & Thur 5pm). Admission is free. Lacemaking courses start at €230. Best accessed by car along the N13; take exit 36 towards Bayeux. Alternatively take the train; the conservatory is a 15-minute walk from the railway station.
Address: 6 rue du Bienvenu, Bayeaux, Calvados, Normandy 14400, France
Hours: Mon–Sat May–Sept 9.30am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm (Mon & Thur 5pm)
Admission: Free. Lacemaking courses start at €230
From $ 100
Quai Lunel
Nestled east of the hill park, Colline du Chateau, is Quai Lunel in Nice’s Old Port, a great place to wander and find a restaurant for lunch or dinner with a view.
The Old Port fills with yachts at any time of the year and is a great place to soak up the maritime atmosphere and Nice, both past and present. To head out from Nice port and out onto the water you may hop on one of the ferries which can transfer you to ports on Corsica: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Ile Rousse.
The area just west of the Quai Lunel, Quartier Segurane, is known for its antique shops and flea market, where you’re much more likely to find an authentic antique bargain than in the center of Nice Old Town.
To reach the Port of Nice from central Nice, walk around the waterfront on the balcony-style walkway or head through the Old Town to Place Garibaldi and along rue Cassini.
The Old Port fills with yachts at any time of the year and is a great place to soak up the maritime atmosphere and Nice, both past and present. To head out from Nice port and out onto the water you may hop on one of the ferries which can transfer you to ports on Corsica: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Ile Rousse.
The area just west of the Quai Lunel, Quartier Segurane, is known for its antique shops and flea market, where you’re much more likely to find an authentic antique bargain than in the center of Nice Old Town.
To reach the Port of Nice from central Nice, walk around the waterfront on the balcony-style walkway or head through the Old Town to Place Garibaldi and along rue Cassini.
Address: Nice, French Riviera, France
From $ 48
Monastère St Paul-de-Mausole
The monastery of St Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy de Provence was built in the 11th century and is a feast of Romanesque architecture with chapter houses, tranquil cloisters and manicured formal gardens. The monastery also had an asylum (maison de santé) run by the monks and nuns, which is most famous for being the year-long refuge of artist Vincent Van Gogh after he suffered with mental problems in 1889 and – famously – sliced off his ear.
While Van Gogh recuperated in St Paul-de-Mausole, he fell in love with the light of Provence and went through a wildly productive period, creating nearly 250 drawings and oil paintings in just over a year, including his best-loved masterpieces The Irises, Starry Night and Room in Arles. Appearing to be at the peak of his powers, tragically he declined when he left the safety and comfort of St Paul-de-Mausole and took his own life just two months later in July 1890.
Today St Paul-de-Mausole is still a functioning psychiatric health institution but in homage to the great artist also has a bleak reproduction of the room in which he was confined – he painted the view of the wheat fields from this room 15 times – and a small exhibition on the history of the asylum.
Practical Info
Located at Chemin Saint-Paul in Saint-Rémy de Provence, the site is open daily with hours of 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to October and from 10:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. from November to March. Admission costs €3.80 for adults and €2.80 for seniors, students and children between the ages of 12 and 16. Kids under 12 enter for free. Saint-Rémy is 30 minutes south of Avignon by car.
Address: Chemin Saint-Paul, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
Admission: €3.80
From $ 45
Op era Garnier
Home to the Opera de Paris, ballet performances, and the fictional Phantom of the Opera, the grand 19th-century Opera Garnier—also known as Palais Garnier—recalls the splendor of France’s Second Empire, an era synonymous with elegance and extravagance. Beyond its opulent exterior and foyer, the 2,000-seat auditorium is a riot of red velvet, gold, and bronze, with a massive chandelier and a colorful ceiling painting by modernist master Marc Chagall.
The Basics
With its gilding, grandeur, and lavish ornamentation, Opera Garnier is often compared to the Palace of Versailles. While you can admire architect Charles Garnier’s Beaux-Arts and neo-baroque masterpiece from the outside on Paris sightseeing tours, it’s also possible to see the interior by attending a performance or taking a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour of the venue. Book an after-hours tour to explore the Opera Garnier without the crowds. You can also combine a tour of Opera Garnier with visits to other nearby architectural gems, such as the historic Galeries Lafayette department store and the passages couverts (covered shopping galleries).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bar inside the theater sells drinks before performances and during intermissions.
- Operas are usually performed in their original language, with French (and sometimes English) supertitles.
- While no official dress code is enforced for regular performances, most operagoers dress smartly. For special gala events, attendees wear more formal attire.
How to Get There
Palais Garnier is in the Opera and Grand Boulevards area, one of Paris’ shopping hotspots. The Opera station, just across the street from the venue, can be accessed by Metro lines 3, 7, and 8, while lines 7 and 9 serve the nearby Chaussee d’Antin–La Fayette station. Alternatively, take the RER A line to Auber station.
When to Get There
Opera Garnier tours are held daily throughout the year and attract the biggest numbers during summer. To escape the crowds, book an after-hours tour, which allows you to traverse quiet corridors and the hushed auditorium without the daytime crowds. Note that access to the auditorium is dependent on availability; for the best chance of seeing it, opt for a morning tour, as rehearsals typically take place in the afternoon.
Highlights of the Palais Interior
The interior’s standout features are the fresco- and gold-adorned Grand Foyer, the bronze Pythonisse sculpture, and the imposing Grand Staircase (Grand Escalier). Auditorium highlights include the 2,600-square-foot (241-square-meter) ceiling painting by Marc Chagall, in the center of which hangs an enormous, seven-ton crystal and bronze chandelier that inspired the dramatic chandelier drop in Gaston Leroux’s “Phantom of the Opera.”
Address: 8 Rue Scribe, Paris 75009, France
Hours: Open Daily 10am – 5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Pyla Dune (Dune du Pilat)
Standing more than 360 feet (110 meters) above sea level in Bordeaux, France, Pyla Dune (Dune du Pilat) is the tallest sand dune in Europe. In the summer months, a staircase is constructed to allow visitors to climb the dune—an activity that draws over one million visitors every year.
The Basics
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and an expansive forest of pine trees, Pyla Dune is a unique sight that seems to belong in the Sahara Desert, not the genteel surroundings of the Bordeaux countryside. Climbing the dune is possible either on your own or as part of a tour. Taking photos of the monumental sandbank is also a popular activity, especially at sunset, and the strong winds that often blow here draw hard-core kiters and paragliders.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pyla Dune is a must-see for the whole family, though the 250-step staircase is quite a climb for little ones.
- There is no entrance fee to access the dune.
- For a real challenge, try walking up the sand itself instead of the staircase!
- This activity is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Pyla Dune is located near the towns of Arcachon and La Teste-de-Buch, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Bordeaux. TGV trains run from Paris to Arcachon, and bus 1 runs from town to the beach, or you can choose to walk or cycle here. Alternatively, you can drive to the dune or join a guided tour with transportation provided.
When to Get There
The Pyla Dune is open year-round. It’s much easier to climb the dune when the staircase is in place—from Easter weekend until the end of October—but you can attempt the climb at any time of year. Sunset is a particularly lovely time to visit.
Visit Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin
For many people the Bordeaux region is synonymous with wine, and for good reason. The red wines produced here are some of the most loved—and most expensive—in the world. In Bordeaux city, the Cité du Vin (City of Wine) is a tourist attraction entirely devoted to wine, and features interesting exhibits, wine-tasting opportunities, movies on the subject, and more.
Address: Dune du Pilat, Archachon, Bordeaux, France
Hours: Varies
From $ 80
Mont Blanc
The charming town of Chamonix sits at the base of Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc. Towering 15,531 feet (4,734 meters) above sea level, snow-covered Mont Blanc is one of the most visited natural attractions on the planet — a mecca for skiers, mountaineers and casual tourists alike. In fact, the 1786 ascent of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard is considered by many to have been the birth of mountaineering.
Nicknamed the “Roof of Europe,” the peak sits in the middle of the Mont Blanc Massif, straddling the border of France and Italy. One of the best views of the peak is from the 12,619-foot (3,846-meter) summit of Aiguille du Midi, where the world’s highest cable car carries visitors to an observation tower affording stellar views.
Practical Info
Local buses, called navettes, run between Chamonix and many of the cable carsin the area, including the one to the Mont Blanc observation tower.
Address: Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France
From $ 39
La Sorbonne
The striking edifice presiding over Paris' 5th arrondissement Latin Quarter, the historic La Sorbonne is renowned as one of the first European centers of higher education, housing the prestigious Collège de Sorbonne since its founding in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon.
It’s the building itself that garners the most attention, a sprawling campus rebuilt in 1653 by Cardinal de Richelieu to the designs of architect Jacques Lemercier. A blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles replaced the original medieval structure, but the last remaining building from this period is the iconic domed Romanesque Chapelle de la Sorbonne (the Chapel of La Sorbonne), where the sculpted tomb of Cardinal de Richelieu is housed. A wander through the Sorbonne courtyard and café-lined plaza offers views of the amphitheaters, library and observatory (which was reconstructed by Henri Paul Nénot in the late 19th-century), showcasing a picturesque variety of architectural styles.
Today, the building houses four divisions of the prestigious University of Paris -- the Pantheon-Sorbonne University, the Sorbonne Nouvelle University, the Paris-Sorbonne University and the Paris Descartes University -- as well as the extensive Sorbonne Library, and is open to the public only through pre-book guided tours.
It’s the building itself that garners the most attention, a sprawling campus rebuilt in 1653 by Cardinal de Richelieu to the designs of architect Jacques Lemercier. A blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles replaced the original medieval structure, but the last remaining building from this period is the iconic domed Romanesque Chapelle de la Sorbonne (the Chapel of La Sorbonne), where the sculpted tomb of Cardinal de Richelieu is housed. A wander through the Sorbonne courtyard and café-lined plaza offers views of the amphitheaters, library and observatory (which was reconstructed by Henri Paul Nénot in the late 19th-century), showcasing a picturesque variety of architectural styles.
Today, the building houses four divisions of the prestigious University of Paris -- the Pantheon-Sorbonne University, the Sorbonne Nouvelle University, the Paris-Sorbonne University and the Paris Descartes University -- as well as the extensive Sorbonne Library, and is open to the public only through pre-book guided tours.
Address: France
From $ 18
Quartier Latin
Paris’ Quartier Latin is a popular, historical area of the Left Bank. Home to the main Sorbonne campus, this dynamic, student-filled neighborhood was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other revolutionaries. Today it’s distinguished for its buzzing cafés, lively restaurants, and must-see landmarks.
The Basics
One of the oldest districts in Paris and home to ancient Roman ruins, the Quartier Latin has long fostered a reputation for creativity, intellectual daring, and radical politics. Its name comes from the fact that students here once spoke in Latin; founded in the 13th century, the storied Sorbonne University is still the beating heart of the neighborhood.
The area, which stretches across parts of the fifth and sixth arrondissements, is also home to a heavy concentration of destination-worthy attractions. Visitors frequent the Musée de Cluny (which is dedicated to medieval art and holds the world-famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries), snap photos of the Panthéon, and stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg. As for culture, no Quartier Latin visit is complete without browsing the shelves at the storied Shakespeare & Company bookstore, strolling past the bouquinistes (booksellers) along the banks of the Seine, or taking in a live jazz performance. Numerous walking tours, bike tours, hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and Seine river cruises provide other ways to soak up the area’s one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Quartier Latin is a must for all first-time visitors to Paris, especially literary buffs.
- The area is known for its beautiful churches; Saint-Séverin and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont are both worth a visit.
- See another side of Quartier Latin life when you venture to the Grand Mosquée de Paris. Its café serves delicious fresh mint tea.
- Numerous cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs abound for all your dining and nightlife needs.
How to Get There
There is some debate over the exact boundaries of the neighborhood. Roughly, the Quartier Latin is bounded by Boulevard Saint-Michel to the west, Boulevard du Port-Royal and Boulevard Saint-Marcel to the south and east, and the Seine to the north. The area is served by numerous Métro lines and buses; Saint-Michel station is a good starting point.
When to Get There
No matter the time of year, the Quartier Latin is teeming with a buzzing mix of students, locals, and visitors. As with the rest of Paris, it is at its quietest in August. The area is still host to impassioned demonstrations and protests; keep up-to-date with the news if you wish to avoid large crowds. May Day (May 1st) is a particularly popular time for such events.
Best Neighborhood Eats
Ignore the quarter’s chain eateries and tourist traps. For a delicious, casual meal and an authentically Parisian experience, head to Rue Mouffetard. Its open-air street market is home to cheese vendors, bakers, fruit sellers, and other purveyors of marvelously tempting treats.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 17
Orangerie
Stretching over 2,600 hectares, the Parc de l’Orangerie is Strasbourg’s largest and oldest public park and the principal attraction of the city’s northeastern Orangerie neighborhood, or European Quarter. The tranquil, flower-lined gardens were created in honor of Napoléon’s wife Joséphine (although the empress never visited the park) and were laid out in 1804 by André Le Nôtre, who was best known for designing the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
One of the Orangerie’s principal landmarks is the Europe Parliament building, which fronts the northwest entrance to the park and has served as the seat of the Council of Europe since 1977. It’s an impressive sight, lined with flags from the EU’s 28 member states. Additional highlights of the park include the Joséphine Pavilion, a small zoo and stork sanctuary, a rowing lake and several playgrounds, as well as a network of walking and cycling trails.
Practical Info
The Orangerie Park is located a mile northeast of Strasbourg’s Grande Ile and can be reached by tramline 6 from the city center. Admission to both the park and zoo is free.
Address: Avenue de l'Europe, Strasbourg, France
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 70
La Moutarderie Fallot
Fallot Mustard is the first museum in France to be entirely dedicated to mustard, the renowned condiment that has become the pride and joy of the Burgundy region. Inside the museum, visitors will find a selection of modern and ancient tools that were used to create mustard and its derivative products, revealing many surprising trade secrets along the way. The multi-sensorial and interactive exhibits explain everything from the manufacturing process to the tasting criteria; visitors are even encouraged to test their own knowledge of mustard through different experiences. The museum offers two different guided visits: the first one, called Découvertes, is more traditional and features a mixture of commentary and videos in the museum. The second one, called Sensational Experiences, takes visitors inside the actual production facilities in order to get a better understanding of the process and the challenges the industry faces today. The real highlight, however, is the “mustard bar” inside the Espace Faillot gift shop, where visitors are encouraged to taste as many mustards as they like.
Moutarderie Fallot has been in operation since 1840 and is now the only remaining artisanal mustard producer in Burgundy.
Practical Info
Moutarderie Fallot on Rue du Faubourg Bretonnière in Beaune, France. It is reachable by car from Dijon in 45 minutes via route via route A31 or on foot from the Beaune train station in 20 minutes. The museum’s opening hours vary throughout the year but the tasting area is open every day except Sunday from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Guided visits cost €10 per adult, €8 per children aged 10-18 years old, and are free for children under the age of 10.
Address: Rue du Faubourg Bretonnière, Beaune, Bourgogne 21200, France
Hours: Espace Faillot tasting area: Every day except Sunday between 9:30
am and 6pm. Guided visits: hours vary throughout the year.
Admission: Guided visits: €10 per adult, €8 per children aged 10-18 years old
From $ 98
Mont Saint Michel
The medieval island village of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits right off France’s Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River. Crowned by a Gothic abbey that sits atop the rocky isle, Mont Saint-Michel rises dramatically from the tidal flats of the bay, creating one of the country’s most recognizable images. It’s a must-see for history buffs and those interested in religious sites, and visits are often combined with tours through the region of Normandy.
The Basics
Visiting Mont Saint-Michel on a day trip from Paris is a popular option for travelers who are short on time and would rather not drive themselves. The village’s Benedictine abbey (Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel), named after the archangel Michael, is the main attraction in the area, and its entrance fee is included in some tours. Some visitors with more time to explore spend a few days in the Normandy town of Caen or Bayeux for easier access to the island and a chance to see other northern France attractions such as the D-Day landing beaches of World War II and the coastal village of Honfleur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The parking lot is located on the mainland, 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the island; a shuttle runs from the lot to a drop-off point 440 yards (400 meters) from the entrance to Mont Saint-Michel.
- The village is full of narrow walkways and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for crowds.
- There are no stairs from the parking lot to the entrance or along the paved main street of the village (although it does climb quickly), but 350 steps lead from the top of the main street to the abbey. There is no elevator.
- Wi-Fi is available at the tourist office in the village.
How to Get There
Mont Saint-Michel is located about 220 miles (354 kilometers) west of Paris, roughly four hours away by road. Driving or taking a bus tour is the quickest way to reach the island, but train and public bus options are also available through Caen, Rennes, and Pontorson.
When to Get There
Mont Saint-Michel’s tourist office is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, while the abbey is closed January 1, May 1, and December 25. As a small island, it’s a popular destination with limited space, so arrive early to avoid some crowds, which are the biggest in summer.
Exploring the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
After paying your entrance fee to the abbey, grab a visitor’s guide for a self-guided tour of the Gothic landmark’s cloister and rooms. Alternatively, guided 75-minute tours in French and English are available year-round; they are included in admission with no reservation required. To hear commentary without a live guide, purchase a 1-hour audio guide for a small fee.
Address: France
Hours: Open daily (access depends on the tides)
Admission: Free
From $ 81
Molinard Parfumery
Since its founding in 1849 in the Grasse Province in the south of France, this world-class perfumery has been creating famous fragrances for men, women, dignitaries and even soldiers for more than 150 years.
Travelers can embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of Molinard Parfumery that starts with a film exploring the company’s history and ends with a trip through the 1930s where visitors can witness perfume-making in its most traditional sense.
The guided tour loops through Molinard’s beautiful reception area and flows into the soap room, where years ago a single person created hundreds of soaps by hand. The distillery remains one of the tour’s most incredible stops, as it’s one of the few perfume factories in the world to avoid modernization. Travelers will pass by the cream room, where they’ll learn about packaging and production before the final sales room stop, where a well-curated exhibition showcases fragrance collections from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Practical Info
The parfumery is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. between October and March and from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. during July and August. Guided tours of Molinard Parfumery are free and last for one hour. Interested travelers can also sign up to create their own fragrance (which can then be ordered online) with the help of local experts. The parfumery is closed between 1 and 2 p.m. on Sundays from October through March.
Address: 60 Boulevard Victor Hugo, Grasse, France
Hours: Vary
From $ 35
Orange
Orange is a town in the Provence region of France with a mainly agricultural economy. The famous town is known because the Romans left their mark there; Orange is often cited as having the most impressive Roman architecture still standing in Europe.
The town’s Roman theatre and Triumphal Arch of Orange and surroundings were classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. In addition, the town’s Museum holds the largest marble cadastral Roman maps ever discovered. Orange’s lovely cobblestoned pedestrian roads, plazas, and fountains make it a charming place to visit.
Practical Info
Orange is located about 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Avignon. The town's Roman Theatre plays host to annual opera music festival in the summer.
Address: Orange 84100, France
From $ 75
Monte Carlo Casino
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is a legendary gambling facility, known for the sublime location and Beaux Arts style architecture; it also contains an opera and ballet house, and was built in1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. The paved marble 'atrium' is flanked by 28 onyx columns in the Ionic style, opening into the red and gold Opera Hall, in use for over 100 years for opera, concerts and ballets.
The series of "Gaming Rooms" each have their own unique atmosphere and decorations, while the casino itself is known for the exceptional diversity of its table games. Citizens of Monaco are forbidden to enter the gaming rooms, which are a model for the setting of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale,
Salon Renaissance is one of the Casino's oldest rooms, a large vestibule at the entrance to the Salon de l'Europe, the first gaming room opened in 1865 with Moorish style decorations produced in Paris. Designed and built in 1903, the Salon Rose was intended for male and female gamblers who couldn’t refrain from smoking.
The Salle Blanche is designed as a conversation parlour, with chandeliers atop huge caryatids and "Belle Epoque" paintings. The Salons Prives are lined with natural leather and mahogany paneling; the Cabaret was built in 1910 as a chamber music room; and finally the Opera Hall, Salle Garnier designed and built by Charles Garnier in 1878, was hung with five paintings, including "L'Allegorie de la Danse."
The series of "Gaming Rooms" each have their own unique atmosphere and decorations, while the casino itself is known for the exceptional diversity of its table games. Citizens of Monaco are forbidden to enter the gaming rooms, which are a model for the setting of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale,
Salon Renaissance is one of the Casino's oldest rooms, a large vestibule at the entrance to the Salon de l'Europe, the first gaming room opened in 1865 with Moorish style decorations produced in Paris. Designed and built in 1903, the Salon Rose was intended for male and female gamblers who couldn’t refrain from smoking.
The Salle Blanche is designed as a conversation parlour, with chandeliers atop huge caryatids and "Belle Epoque" paintings. The Salons Prives are lined with natural leather and mahogany paneling; the Cabaret was built in 1910 as a chamber music room; and finally the Opera Hall, Salle Garnier designed and built by Charles Garnier in 1878, was hung with five paintings, including "L'Allegorie de la Danse."
Correct attire mandatory. No uniforms. Jacket recommended after 8pm in the Salons Prives.
Address: Place du Casino, 98000, Monaco
Hours: Open daily from 2pm
Admission: Min age 18. Fee: €10 (€20 for Salons Prives). Must present identity card or passport.
From $ 27