Choose from 490 Fun Things to Do in France
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The elaborate lobby, grand staircase and massive entryway chandelier nod to a day when the cabaret was at its peak and definitely make this institution well worth a visit. See the 1882 Edouard Manet painting of a bar girl peering into a mirror, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, and bask in the site’s history of risqué performances.
French National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale de France)
The French National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale de France) is a major research and conservation library that dates back to the Middle Ages. The library’s collections contain 14 million books and printed documents, and nearly 150,000 documents are added to the collections every year. The library is comprised of four main buildings: Site François-Mitterrand, the center for digital projects and collections; Site Richelieu-Louvois, which houses the departments of manuscripts, prints, cartography, music, theater, coins and medals; Site de L’Arsenal, containing the library of the French arsenal (more than a million books are in this building alone); and the Bibliothèque – Musée de l’Opéra, with collections related to the National Opera of Paris and the Comic Opera Theater.
The library hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year including exhibitions, lectures, symposiums, and concerts. Guided tours of each of the buildings offer a glimpse into the library’s history and the building’s architecture (the François-Mitterrand Library), the museum of coins and medals (Richelieu Library), and the old military arsenal (Arsenal Library).
Practical Info
Bring a valid ID for access to the library’s reading rooms and exhibitions. Large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the library. The library’s virtual, rotating, and permanent exhibitions range in price from 7 – 14 Euros. Permanent exhibitions include: Globes of Louis XIV; Discovering the Bibliotheque Nationale de France’s Garden; the Museum of Coins, Medals, and Antiques. Rotating exhibitions have included Anselm Kiefer and the Alchemy of Books; Prints from Goya to Redon; and French Prints in the Age of Louis XIV.
Address: Quai François Mauriac, Paris 75013, France
Hours: Varies, almost always open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Pricing for exhibits varies from 7 – 14 Euros
From $ 68
Fort du Mont Alban
For visitors to Nice, a stroll up to the top of Castle Hill offers extraordinary views of the city from the Old Town straight on to the airport. And with such beautiful weather being the norm, getting a bird's eye view of the Cote d'Azur can be addictive! For those who want to see even more from up high, Fort du Mont Alban is a must.
Built in the mid-1500s for military defense, Fort du Mont Alban is located close to Nice in Mont Boron Park, just outside of Col-de-Villefranche. Although it suffered some damage in WWII, the fort is in excellent condition and was declared a national monument in the early 20th century.
While tours of the fort are available only by appointment, the grounds are open to the public and free to enter. From the top there are sweeping views from Italy to Antibes – and after a rain, when the skies are clear, those with binoculars can even see Corsica!
Practical Info
Using public transport, take the Lignes d'Azur Line14 bus from Nice to the Mont Boron “Chemin duFort” stop, then enter the park and climb to the top using the trails. If driving, take the Corniche Andre de Joly (M6007) to the Route Forrestiere du Mont Boron; it is possible to drive to the top using this road.
Address: Chemin du Fort du Mont Alban, Nice, France
From $ 760
Folies Bergère
Since it first opened its doors back in 1869, the Folies Bergère music and cabaret hall has been a facet in Parisian life and French culture. The famous performance center once showcased legendary acts such as Edith Pilaf and Josephine Baker, while today showing some musical and theatrical productions.
The elaborate lobby, grand staircase and massive entryway chandelier nod to a day when the cabaret was at its peak and definitely make this institution well worth a visit. See the 1882 Edouard Manet painting of a bar girl peering into a mirror, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, and bask in the site’s history of risqué performances.
Practical Info
Folies Bergère is located at 32 Rue Richer in the 9th Arrondissement. It is accessible via metro from the Cadet and Grands Boulevards stations.
Address: 32 Rue Richer, 9th arrondissement, Paris, France
Hours: Hours vary according to showtimes.
Admission: Tickets: 25€-84€
From $ 35
Fort Saint-Jean
Fort Saint-Jean is a historic but highly quirky fortification in the Old-Port of Marseilles commissioned by none other than Louis XIV in 1660—but not for obvious reasons. He had the fort built for defensive purposes, of course, but also because he wanted to please his Marseilles people, noticing that inhabitants were extremely fond of nice fortresses but were also wary of their governor; the two new forts were built in response to a local uprising rather than for the defense of the city - their cannons pointed inwards towards the town, not outwards towards the sea. The name of Saint-Jean comes from the site on which the fort is built, which was previously occupied by the Order of the Knights of Saint John.
The fort was later used for military purposes on several occasions, as it was in the possession of the French army for the better part of the 19th and 20th centuries; it was utilized as barracks and clearing station for the Army of Africa during the 1830s and was occupied by the German military in November 1942. But in the wake of the liberation of Marseilles in August 1944, much of the fort and its historic battlements and buildings were destroyed by the explosion of a munitions depot. Today Fort Saint-Jean is an exhibition space for permanent collections operated by MUCEM, the Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditérannée.
Practical Info
Fort Saint-Jean is located on Promenade Louis Brauquier in the Old-Port of Marseilles. It can be reached on foot from Quai du Port and from Quai de la Tourette, and also by car with ample parking across Hôtel de Ville on Place Jules Verne (€6 for three hours, €7 for evenings between 7PM and 2AM or €17 for 24 hours). The closest tram station is Sadi Carnot and the closest metro station is Vieux-Port / Hôtel de Ville; both are located 10 minutes east of the fort.
Address: Prom. Louis Brauquier, Mareseille, France
From $ 11
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Famous for sitting on the underground source of the emerald-green River Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a photogenic village squeezed into a lush, narrow valley backed by soaring 230-meter (755-foot) cliffs.
A mystery surrounds the village as no-one has yet been able to discover the underground spring that leads into the Sorgue; what is known is that the river is fed via a multitude of underground channels that are calm in summer, allowing a natural pool to form above ground for swimming. However, the pool quickly floods after heavy rainfall in autumn and again following the spring snow melt from the mountains of the Luberon. At these times the underground spring becomes much more powerful and water is thrown up from the subterranean depths at such a speed that rapids form on the river.
Thanks to its remote location, many of the buildings in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are little changed since medieval times and today it is one of the most popular visitor spots in northern Provence, its cobbled streets lined with souvenir stalls, bars and terraced restaurants. In addition to its natural beauty, a ruined castle perches above the village, which also has a couple of interesting small museums and a printmaker still powered by ancient water wheel.
Practical Info
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is 25 km (15.5 miles) east of Avignon and is best reached by car; take some change to pay for parking (around €4 per day). Visitor information is found at Résidence Jean Garcin, open daily from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30 to 5:30pm.
Address: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France
From $ 45
Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame
Hidden below one of the most admired attractions in Paris is the Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame Cathedral and a 262-foot (80-m) descent into the history of Paris' city center. The result of more than a hundred years of excavations, the crypt reveals the city's architectural layers, including ancient ruins from the Gallo-Roman town of Lutetia—the predecessor of present-day Paris. Follow one of two itineraries through the ruins to see 3rd-century homes, a 4th-century bathhouse, and the ancient port on the River Seine. Also inside the crypt are the remains of a two-story, 12th-century home, an 18th-century hospital, and shops built along the rue Neuve Notre Dame in the second half of the 12th century.
Multimedia exhibits inside the crypt guide visitors through centuries of historical development in Paris, making it a must-see for archaeology- and history-buffs. The crypt also contains an exhibit on the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral, and can be visited free of charge with the Paris Museum Pass.
Practical Info
The crypt is located under the square in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and is accessible by metro, train, and bus. Take metro line 4 to the Cite ou Saint-Michel stop, the RER train to the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame stop, or buses 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, or 96. Audio guides in English, Spanish, and French are available for 5 euro. The crypt can be visited in 30-45 minutes. There are no toilets or coat-checks inside the crypt.
The crypt is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with the last admission at 5:30pm. Admission costs 8 euros, but is free to visitors holding the Paris Museum Pass.
Address: 7 Parvis Notre Dame Pl., Paris, France
Hours: Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm
Admission: 8 EUR
From $ 95
Arromanches-les-Bains
Arromanches-les-Bains, with a population of just under 600, is a village on the Normandy coast. But this tiny dot on the map has a huge legacy dating back to WWII, commemorated in the D-Day Museum on the site of the artificial Mulberry Harbor. It was here that hundreds of thousands of tons of equipment were brought to the shores of France by the Allies, and it served as one of the most important military bases of the time.
The museum itself is a must-visit for anyone honoring the heroes of WWII; from working models of vehicles to a panorama of what the its shores looked like at the time to remains of the war strewn about the harbor, it's an unforgettable look into just what an enormous undertaking D-Day was.
Practical Info
Arromanches-les-Bains is just a few miles from Bayeux, a popular base for exploring wartime Normandy. The museum itself has varying hours and opening times throughout the year, so it's best to go with a tour to ensure the best exposure.
Address: Arromanches-les-Bains, France
From $ 110
Galerie Vivienne
Located in the 2nd Arrondissement, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most iconic covered passages in Paris. Built in 1823 in a neoclassical Pompeian style, the 176-meter long passage features an elegant canopy, mosaic tile floors, paintings and sculptures depicting trade-related scenes and a rotunda with images of goddesses and nymphs. The arcade was originally home to a variety of shops, including tailors, cobblers, wine shops, confectioners and bookstores and enjoyed a great deal of success due to its prime location near the Vanel de Serrant Hotel. While many of its most prestigious shops eventually moved elsewhere, the passage was reborn in the 1960s.
Today, it offers a sophisticated and cozy shopping experience, with shops ranging from clothing boutiques to grocery shops to the old Jousseaume bookstore, one of only two original stores remaining. The other, the Legrand Filles and Fils delicatessen, existed before the gallery was even built.
Practical Info
The Gallerie Vivienne is located behind the Bibliotheque Richelieu and near the Palais Royal. It can be reached from the Bourse Metro station and has entrances off the rue des Petits-Champs, rue de law Banque and rue Vivienne.
Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs/5-7 Rue de la Banque/6 Rue Vivienne, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 8:30am-8:30pm
From $ 180
Atelier C ezanne
Nestled in the hills above Aix-en-Provence, the Atlelier Cézanne, or the Cézanne Studio, is a museum devoted to the life and works of its namesake. The studio, the upper floor of a Provençal country house, was commissioned by the artist in 1902 and remained his place of work until his death in 1906, a tranquil retreat with a blooming garden and expansive views over the surrounding countryside.
Since opening its doors in 1954, the museum has set to preserve the studio as left by Cézanne, with many of the artist’s personal effects and inspirational objects laid out around the room. Cézanne’s easel and paints lie in the spot where masterpieces like Les Grandes Baigneuses (The Large Bathers) and La Femme à la Cafétière (The Woman with the Coffee Pot) were created; elsewhere, vases, scarves and fruits are laid out into carefully construed still art creations. Fans will recognize many of the seemingly mundane objects, like the skulls from Cézanne’s iconic 1901 painting, Pyramid of Skulls, or the coffee pot that inspired La Femme à la Cafétière.
While art lovers may bemoan the lack of actual artwork on display at the studio, the museum’s allure lies in its simplicity – an evocative space that feels as though the artist himself could return at any moment. The effect is further dramatized by the use of the space for video screenings, most notably the atmospheric films shown in the garden during summer evenings.
Since opening its doors in 1954, the museum has set to preserve the studio as left by Cézanne, with many of the artist’s personal effects and inspirational objects laid out around the room. Cézanne’s easel and paints lie in the spot where masterpieces like Les Grandes Baigneuses (The Large Bathers) and La Femme à la Cafétière (The Woman with the Coffee Pot) were created; elsewhere, vases, scarves and fruits are laid out into carefully construed still art creations. Fans will recognize many of the seemingly mundane objects, like the skulls from Cézanne’s iconic 1901 painting, Pyramid of Skulls, or the coffee pot that inspired La Femme à la Cafétière.
While art lovers may bemoan the lack of actual artwork on display at the studio, the museum’s allure lies in its simplicity – an evocative space that feels as though the artist himself could return at any moment. The effect is further dramatized by the use of the space for video screenings, most notably the atmospheric films shown in the garden during summer evenings.
Address: 9, avenue Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence 13090, France
Hours: Oct-Mar: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 5pm (English tour at 4pm). Apr-Jun and Sep: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm (English tour at 5pm). Jul-Aug: 10am - 6pm (English tour at 5pm). Closed on certain Holidays.
From $ 81
Galeries Lafayette
First opened in 1895 by Theophile Bader, Galeries Lafayette is a department store in Paris that houses luxury fashion brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. In addition to a stained glass dome ceiling and rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette features weekly fashion shows on Friday afternoons.
The Basics
Galeries Lafayette is split into three buildings: La Coupole, which houses women’s couture and accessories; L’Homme, the men’s branch; and La Maison & Le Gourmet, a 4-story dining court. The Galeries often hosts specialty tours and classes, including wine tastings, baking seminars, and makeup masterclasses.
Themed walking tours of the area—including art, architecture, history, and Christmas tours— often stop in to the Coupole building for views of the stained glass dome, and typically include a visit to the adjacent Opera House. While walking tours are often limited to small groups, private tours of the Galeries afford visitors with the full attention of a guide and a more in-depth look at the area’s history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Galeries Lafayette is a must for fashion lovers and architecture buffs.
- A cafeteria with plenty of food options is located on the seventh floor.
- Bathrooms are located in the basement and on floors four, five, and six.
- Wi-Fi is available free of charge.
How to Get There
Located in the 9th Arrondissement just steps from St. Lazare train station and Palais Garnier Opera House, Galeries Lafayette is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest Metro stops are Chausee d’Antin La Fayette on lines 7 and 9 and Havre-Caumartin on lines 3 and 9.
When to Get There
Since the cafeteria is often busiest around lunchtime on weekends, go in the late morning on a weekday for a quieter experience. Tickets for weekly fashion shows held on Friday afternoons are available to the public for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the Galeries Christmas decorations are a top destination during the holiday season.
Rooftop Views
Head to the seventh floor of the Coupole building for some of the best panoramic views in Paris. The rooftop’s cafeteria and seating area are touted by visitors and locals as one of the 7th Arrondissement’s hidden gems. Don’t forget your camera: Views include the Eiffel Tower, Opera House, and a sea of classic Parisian rooftops.
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France
From $ 14
Ardenne Abbey
If you're traveling from Caen to Bayeux on your way to WWII sites, you may pass by a fairly new-looking church in the small village of Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe. Its aesthetic might seem old, sure, but its overall look is too new to be the original architecture. And after seeing so many beautiful old churches in France, it would be easy to pass by without giving it a second thought.
But to WWII historians as well as those who are on the search for WWII sites of interest in Normandy, this church – the Ardenne Abbey – is high on the list of places to pay one's respects to the fallen heroes of WWII. It was here that the Germans made their headquarters during the Normandy battles of June 1944, and it's the site of one of the most egregious violations of the Geneva Convention from the war.
In this sanctuary-turned-Nazi-base, 20 Canadian soldiers were executed by the German soldiers who had captured. Now, as horrific as that is on its own, it's understandable if it doesn't seem terribly out of the ordinary; thousands of soldiers lost their lives in the Normandy battles. But the fact that they were either shot or beaten in the backs of their heads is what ultimately resulted in the trial of Brigadeführer Kurt Meyer, commander of the 25th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, and the resulting verdict of guilty under the Geneva Convention.
Because the Ardenne Abbey was soon lost to Allied bombardment, it has since been reconstructed; thus its new-looking exterior. And on the grounds visitors will find a memorial to the executed soldiers, with the solemn vow, “Lest we forget.”
While so many of the WWII museums in Normandy focus on the victories, this humble memorial serves as a haunting reminder that even here, so far from the atrocities to the east, had known its own kind of brutality. Lest we forget.
Address: Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe 14280, France
Hours: Tues-Fri: 2pm-6pm
From $ 81
Futuroscope
Futuroscope is a technological theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques using 3D and 4D technologies. It is the third most popular theme park in France, with 1.46 million visitors in 2013, and the only one of its kind in Europe.
Most of the park’s attractions are focused on interactive and immersive experiences, including several IMAX cinemas and domes, along with dynamic movie theatres, planetariums, rides, amusement arcades, an observation tower, an interactive course and a photography exhibition; a total of 25 unique and inventive attractions that will appeal to both grown-ups and children alike. Scientific discoveries, fairy-tale inspired stories, creative scenarios and exhilarating rides are all part of the Futuroscope experience.
The theme park also offers accommodation and meals for visitors wishing to stay overnight; it features eight full-service restaurants and ten fast-food establishments, as well as 13 hotels.
Practical Info
Futuroscope is open from February to December from 10AM; schedule changes regularly and visitors are advised to confirm the opening hours and days before going. Entry without accommodation or meals costs €42 per adult, but there are several special rates available for families. Futuroscope is located 10 kilometers (six miles) north of city of Poitiers in central-eastern France, in the Chasseneuil-du-Poitou commune. It is accessible via exit 28 on the A10 motorway in just over three hours from Paris and an hour and a half from La Rochelle. The theme park is also serviced by a TGV station with regular trains leaving from Paris.
Address: Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France
Hours: Varies
Admission: €42
From $ 46
France Miniature
Visitors who feel that France is simply too big and its sites too many to cover in one vacation are in for some good news. And that news comes in the form of a 12-acre, France-shaped park known as France Miniature. Long a favorite of school groups and families, a trip here will prove truly unforgettable.
Every major site in France is represented to scale, including bodies of water representing the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and the attention to detail and historical context is impressive. There is also a full playground and adventure park with rides and plenty of interactive fun for kids of all ages and adults. For foreign visitors, it's a quirky, fun thing to do that will also give an excellent overview of the country.
Practical Info
France Miniature is located in Elancourt, west of Versailles. It can be reached by train from Paris via the Transilien line U, stop Verrière. From there a local bus stops at the park. If traveling by car, there is a parking fee of €3. Full price adult tickets are €21 in the high season (July and August), and €20 in low season. There are discounts for children under 14 and groups.
Address: Boulevard André Malraux, Élancourt 78990, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Arcachon
Arcachon, a popular seaside resort and bay in the Gironde department in southwest France, is fairly new, having only officially been declared the City of Arcachon by Napoleon III 150 years ago, back when it was still a minuscule fishing hamlet. Fishing still plays an important role in the town’s economy today, not only because of export but also tourism; indeed, Arcachon is said to have some of the best oysters in all of Europe, and tourists from all over the country flock to the bay in the name of gluttony and seafood.
The area is famous for its Arcachonnaise villas, which were built in the 19th century by bourgeois vacationers who believed the unique combination of salty Atlantic air and dense Landes forest air would cure their mysterious illnesses. And as is the case with many seaside resorts, Arcachon has a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of picturesque, tranquil stops, including the Thiers jetty, the Pereire beach, the bucolic Ile aux Oiseaux and the neo-Renaissance Deganne Castle, now home to a casino.
Practical Info
Arcachon is just 34 miles (55 km) west of Bordeaux, easily accessible in just under an hour’s drive via the E70 and the A660. It is also possible to travel to Arcachon by train from Paris (via the Atlantic TGV route), Bordeaux and other regional towns.
Address: Arcachon, Bordeaux, France
Hours: Daily
From $ 80
Army Museum (Musee de l'Armee)
Created in 1795 in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the Army Museum is fittingly located at Les Invalides in Paris, a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments relating to the military history of France. Its emblematic golden Dôme des Invalides has become one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks over time. The site was formerly used as a retirement home for war veterans, and is the resting home and burial site of France’s famous war heroes, including Napoleon Bonaparte – undeniably the museum’s most sought-after attraction.
The Army Museum contains some of the world's most prestigious old weapons and armour collections. It consists of seven main spaces and departments, with collections encompassing several eras, from antiquity through the 20th century: cannons, crown collections, swords, armors, works of art, artefacts from the feudal and royal armies, luxury weapons and privates' uniforms, including Napoleon’s iconic bicorne hat and most legendary portrait.
Practical Info
Musée de l'Armée is located in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, near Champs-de-Mars and the French National Assembly. It is easily accessible by public transit, with metro stops Varenne, la Tour-Maubourg, Invalides and École-Militaire within walking distance. The Army Museum opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. (November 1-March 31) or 6 p.m. (April 1-October 31). Entry costs €9.5 for adults and is free of charge for those under 18.
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 10 a.m-5 p.m. (Nov 1-March 31) or 6 p.m. (April 1-Oct 31)
Admission: Adults: €9.5, Children under 18 are free.
From $ 14
Fontaine Saint-Michel
Fontaine Saint-Michel was sculpted by Gabriel Davioud in 1860 and gives its name to the square where it’s located, Place Saint-Michel. The monumental fountain, located between boulevard Saint-Michel and Place Saint-Andres-des-Arts was commissioned by Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann as part of Napoleon III’s plans to bring more light and air to the city of Paris.
The fountain depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing Satan, a controversial political symbol at the time hinting at Napoleon vanquishing the revolutionary fervor of the neighborhood. Unlike many of Paris’s fountains, Fontaine Saint-Michel was made from various colors of materials, including red and green marble, blue and yellow stone, and bronze. Place Saint-Michel is a popular meeting spot among both the city’s youth and foreign visitors.
Practical Info
Fontaine Saint-Michel is located in the Latin Quarter near the metro stop Saint-Michel.
Address: Place Saint-Michel, Paris, France
From $ 29
Croix-Rousse
Centered around the 254-meter hill of the same name, the Croix-Rousse district was the heart of Lyon’s 18th-century silk industry, with the influx of workers earning it the nickname ‘the hill that works’, while neighboring Fourvière was dubbed ‘the hill that prays’. The historic district makes a fascinating addition to a walking tour, with its unique traboules - narrow, tunnel-like passageways that served as the setting to the 19th-century silk-workers revolt - snaking between the historic workshops and running down to the riverside. Today, some of the traboules have been restored, most notably the Passage Thiaffait, which is now home to the ‘Village of Creators’ and lined with artist’s galleries, crafts workshops and fashion boutiques.
The lively district retains its village-like atmosphere and is now crammed with bars, restaurants and cafes, many of which offer impressive views along the riverside. Additional highlights include the daily Croix-Rousse Market, the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, the landmark Gros Caillou (literally, a ‘Big Rock’) and the Croix-Rousse tunnel, a bus, bike and pedestrian route that burrows through the hill and is now the backdrop for a dazzling light and sound show.
Practical Info
The Croix-Rousse quarter is located in 1st and 4th arrondissements of Lyon.
Address: Lyon, France
From $ 10
Champagnerie Mercier
Home to the best-selling champagne in France, the Champagnerie Mercier ranks as one of Champagne’s most popular champagne houses and the iconic family brand has been producing quality bubbly since 1858. The historic cellars in Epernay opened their doors in 1869 and tours now offer visitors the chance to not only sample the legendary champagne but to learn about the years of tradition and innovation that have shaped the champagne making process.
Descending via a panoramic lift and stepping on board a mini train, visitors explore the labyrinth of 47 tunnels that house the champagne cellars, an impressive 18-kilometers of chalk caves burrowing 30-meters beneath the ground and embellished with artwork by sculptor Gustave Navlet. Additional highlights of a visit include viewing the Mercier Cask, the world's largest wine cask, and of course, visiting the tasting room, where guests can sample various champagne blends and vintages, available to purchase at the on-site shop.
Practical Info
The Champagnerie Mercier is located in Epernay, Champagne, and is open daily from March to mid-December. Tours are available from 9.30-11am and 2-4pm and must be booked in advance.
Address: 70 Avenue de Champagne, Epernay 51200, France
From $ 172
Fragonard Perfume Museum (Mus ee du Parfum Fragonard)
Since the 17th century, Paris has been at the forefront of the fragrance industry. Some of the best noses in perfume have built their careers amid the cobbled streets and fashionable boutiques that make the City of Light famous. No place showcases France's rich history and bright future of perfume quite like the Fragonard Museum.
Located inside a beautifully restored Napoleon-era mansion, Fragonard allows travelers an opportunity to learn more about the thriving fragrance industry that helped put Paris on the map. Visitors can learn how expert perfumers transformed flowers, moss, leaves, potent herbs and strong spices into memorable scents that have made their mark around the world.
The perfume organ, which looks similar to a cathedral organ, is a popular exhibit at the Frangonard. Travelers can comb through rows of ingredients and examine tools of the trade, like scales, glass frames and other items used by perfumers to create unique fragrances.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 9 rue Scribe, near the Opera station of the Paris Metro. It is open from 9am until 6pm. Monday through Saturday, and from 9am until 5pm on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free and guided tours are available.
Address: 9 rue Scribe, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sunday until 5pm
From $ 8
Arc de Triomphe
An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, celebrates French military victories and remembers all those who have fought on behalf of France. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.
The Basics
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. Many travelers admire the famous landmark only from ground level, either independently or as part of a sightseeing tour. However, it’s well worth climbing to the arch’s viewing terrace at 164 feet (50 meters) to enjoy sweeping views of the city and its top sights, including Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, the Grande Arche de la Defense, and the tree-bordered Champs-Elysees, which leads all the way down to the Louvre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Use the pedestrian underpasses beneath Place Charles de Gaulle to reach the arch. Do not attempt to cross the roundabout—Paris’ busiest traffic circle—on foot.
- The viewing terrace is not wheelchair accessible. An elevator goes part way up the arch, but visitors must still climb 46 steps to access the top.
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to beat the crowds.
- Be sure to bring a camera to capture the Parisian skyline.
How to Get There
The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Elysees, about a 30-minute walk from Place de la Concorde at the famous avenue’s opposite end. Metro lines 1, 2, and 6, as well as the RER A line, all connect to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the nearest station.
When to Get There
Visibility is best during summer, when skies are most likely to be clear. The best views can be had at dusk, when the cream-stone cityscape appears to glow gold under the light of the setting sun. Sunset is, however, also the busiest time. To avoid the crowds, go earlier in the day.
See the Flame Lighting at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Time your Arc de Triomphe visit for 6:30pm to witness the lighting of the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The solemn ceremony takes place at the base of the monument, where an unidentified World War I soldier is buried.
Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, France
Hours: Open daily 10am - 10:30pm
Admission: €12 per adult
From $ 14