France Experiences

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To help you make the most of your trip to France, kimkim has curated a list of our top activities. Try soaking up the Parisian skyline on a Seine River cruise with live music and fine dining, visit a perfumery in the heart of the French Riviera, or immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Bordeaux. You could also add a day at Chateau la Coste, combining art, architecture, and vineyards or a rich historical tour of Avignon. Be sure to review our recommended activities in Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon for your next trip to France.

Seine dinner cruise
Paris
Nighttime Seine River Cruise with Dining Experience
4.9
(16)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
On an evening river cruise on the Seine, enjoy breathtaking views of Paris's famed landmarks from the comfort of your window seat, complemented by a fine dining experience with a selection of wines and a welcome glass of champagne. The dinner is set to the tune of live music, adding to the...
Paris
Biking Day Trip Through Historic Versailles
5.0
(6)
8 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an immersive bike tour through the legendary village of Versailles, just a short train ride from Paris. Begin your journey with a ride through Versailles' royal forests, making your way to a local food market where you'll gather fresh French specialties for a picnic lunch. As the day...
Nice
Journey into the Heart of the French Riviera: Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo
5.0
(6)
8 hours
·
Small group
Explore Monaco on a guided tour that introduces you to the city's charm and the excitement of the Grand Prix. You'll learn about key sites, soak up picturesque views, and even witness the city's preparation for the iconic race. Embark on a visit to a local perfume factory, where you'll gain...
Nice
Uncover the Gastronomic Treasures of Nice
5.0
(5)
4 hours
·
Small group
Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Nice, France, on this four-hour tour that combines history and gastronomy. Beginning in the notable Cours Saleya market and Old Town's street food stalls, you'll sample a range of sweet and savory delicacies, including a tasting platter of local Niçoise...
Antibes
Nice
Half-Day Excursion to Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence
5.0
(4)
4.5 hours
·
Small group
Experience the glamour of Cannes and the calm beauty of St-Paul de Vence on this half-day tour. You'll start your day with a walk on the iconic red carpet of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, then journey toward Antibes to explore its medieval ramparts and thriving art scene. Your experience...
Quiet street in Montmartre
Montmartre
Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour
5.0
(4)
2 hours
·
Small group
As one of the true must-see neighborhoods of Paris, Montmartre offers a romantic glimpse into an era when raucous cabarets, bohemian soirées, and unbridled creativity were the norm. You'll transport back to those days and learn about the origins of the Moulin Rouge, the majesty of the Sacré Coeur...
Le Louvre Museum
Paris
Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre
4.6
(10)
2 hours
·
Small group
Embark on a tour of the Louvre, the world's largest and most visited museum, unlocking the secrets behind its most famous art pieces. Guided by professionals, you will explore the mysteries behind the "Mona Lisa"s smile, the hidden secrets of "Venus de Milo" and the "Winged Victory of Samothrace"...
Bordeaux
Landmarks of Bordeaux - Private Walking Tour
4.8
(4)
2.5 hours
·
Private
Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of Bordeaux with this private guided tour. Start by exploring famous landmarks such as the Grand Theatre and the Monument aux Girondins, venture through the Allée de Tourny, and stroll down the rue Sainte-Catherine. Finish the tour at...
Canal Saint Martin food tour
Paris
Montmartre Local Gastronomy Tour
4.8
(4)
3 hours
·
Small group
Discover the bohemian charm of Montmartre, a historic hilltop village in Paris, with a knowledgeable local guide. On this walking tour, you'll stroll through quaint cobbled streets, learning about the area's rich history and artistic heritage. Indulge in the flavors of the region as you savor...
Macaron tasting
Paris
Paris Macaron Baking Class
5.0
(2)
3 hours
·
Small group
They're all the rage in Paris and beyond—chic, colorful, and delicious. But why not delve deeper into the macaron experience by learning to bake your very own batch in a friendly cooking class? This hands-on workshop puts you in the heart of the prestigious Lenôtre Paris Cooking School, where a...
Paris
Covered Passages of Paris Tour
5.0
(2)
3 hours
·
Small group
Join a local as you discover a truly hidden part of the city: the stunning 19th century Covered Passages. Frozen in time since the 1800s, the city created these glass-roofed and paved arcades for nobles to enjoy a stroll and shop away from the dirt and the rabble of the streets.Today, Parisians...
Aix-en-Provence
Art, Architecture & Wine: A Provencal Journey at Chateau la Coste
4.5
(4)
4 hours
·
Private
Immerse yourself in a delightful day at Chateau la Coste, a stunning destination that seamlessly combines art, architecture, and vineyards. Start with a walk through vibrant vine fields, exploring numerous installations of contemporary art set against the backdrop of Provence's natural beauty....
Chenonceau castle and grounds
Loire Valley
Loire Valley: Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau
5.0
(1)
Visit two of the Loire Valley's most popular chateaus, starting with Chambord, whose French-Renaissance construction dates back to the early 16th century. Thanks to its stately facade and sprawling grounds, this extravagant chateau is one of France's most famous and recognizable.  Take the grand...
Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Avignon
Avignon & the Pope's Palace Walking Tour
5.0
(1)
3 hours
·
Small group
Explore the historical center of Avignon on a walking tour with a passionate local. You'll start by climbing to the top of the fortified medieval city walls, enjoying a view of Avignon stretching along the Rhône River. As you walk, listen to stories and facts about the rich historical past of...
Enjoy the views as you return to Marseille
Nice
Mediterranean Sunset Cruise from Nice
5.0
(1)
2 hours
·
Private
No visit to the French Riviera is complete without a legendary sunset, so why not take a cruise along the Mediterranean coast to make it even more special? Nice and its coastal neighbors offer beautiful postcard landscapes, enhanced by the unique colors of sunset. Combine the experience with a...
A canyoneering adventure down the Verdon River
Canyoneering in the Verdon Gorges
5.0
(1)
4.5 hours
·
Group tour
The Verdon Gorges is a river canyon in southeast France that runs 50 km (31 miles) and reaches up to 700 meters (2,296 feet) in depth in places, making it the largest in Europe. The canyon was formed as a result of limestone erosion of the plateaus of Haute Provence by the Verdon River. Kayaking...
The Marais distric
Paris
Explore the Le Marais Neighborhood in Paris
5.0
(1)
Be a Parisian for the day and explore the hip neighborhood of Le Marais. This neighborhood had played an important part in French history since the 13th century when the Order of the Temple constructed a fortified church, which inspired several beautiful religious buildings and the epicenter of...
Chateau du Clos Luce
Amboise
Explore Leonardo da Vinci's Château in Amboise
4.0
(1)
Spend an afternoon with Leonardo da Vinci in his final resting place and where he spent the last three years of his life: the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise. You can tour the interior of his mansion, imagining the master at work. Next, head to the picturesque Leonardo's Garden, a unique open-air...
Sweet treats!
Paris
Sweet Food Tour of Paris
4.0
(1)
2 hours
·
Small group
Sink your teeth into the most luxurious treats the City of Light has to offer with a discovery walk led by a passionate food connoisseur. This pastry and chocolate tour explores the sweet and sultry side of Paris. A friendly foodie expert will be your secret weapon as you partake in the ultimate...
Beaujolais region
Lyon
Beaujolais Tour & Wine Tasting
4.0
(1)
Private
Enjoy a tour of Beaujolais, a historical province and wine-growing region just north of Lyon. Beaujolais is a popular French wine (a certified French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée wine) typically crafted with the Gamay grape. This grape variety is known for its thin skin and low tannins,...
Saint Paul de Vence
Full Day in Cannes, Antibes, & Saint-Paul de Vence
1.0
(1)
Private
Enjoy an entire day on the luxurious coast of the French Riviera, starting with Cannes. Spend the morning exploring this vibrant city, complete with the Old Port at its heart. Although it lost some of its nautical importance following the construction of the new and bigger Port Canto, the old...
Aerial view of the Mediterranean from Eze village
Nice
Visit Monaco, Monte Carlo, & Medieval Eze
Private
In the morning, make your way to Monaco, a 12-mile (20 km) drive from Nice, for a guided tour. Monaco is one of the world's smallest countries and is considered a city-state. Visit the famous Monte Carlo district with its legendary casino, see Prince Rainier's car collection, and continue to the...
Quiet day in Aix
Aix-en-Provence
Cultural Tour of Aix-en-Provence
1 day
·
Self guided
About 30 minutes north of Marseille lies one of the lesser-visited gems of the French Riviera: Aix-en-Provence. "Aix," as it's more commonly known, is a city in an exceptional geographic location, set amid the picturesque charm of the surrounding villages. The rural landscapes here, famous for...
Aix-en-Provence
Provençal Cooking Class & Markets of Aix-en-Provence
The southeastern French region of Provence is one of the most scenic in the country. It's the land of the Riveria, medieval villages, lavender fields, and endless olive groves and vineyards. But Provence is as much a way of life as it is a point on a map. Today you'll experience Provence's...
Chamonix
Ride the Aiguille de Midi Cable Car in Chamonix
2.5 hours
·
The Aiguille de Midi is a famous peak, one of the highest in Chamonix, and has been an unmissable destination for visitors for more than 60 years. In just 20 minutes, the Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you from the center of Chamonix to the high mountains, reaching an altitude of 12,604...
Interior of Le Louvre
Paris
Treasure Hunt at the Louvre in Paris
2 hours
·
Private
The Louvre in Paris may seem like just a tourist's obligation, just as much as the Eiffel Tower, yet this palace of 35,000 pieces of art is certainly worth a visit! Henri Loyrette, former director of the Louvre, said that 80 percent of visitors see the Mona Lisa and then simply leave. In his...
Vouvray Vineyards
Loire Valley
Loire Valley Wine Tour & Tasting in Vouvray
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its famed vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit two superb estates of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes, and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known soils of the Val de Loire...
Honfleur
Honfleur
Honfleur & the Pays d'Auge in Normandy
8.5 hours
·
Private
Discover one of the most traditional areas of Normandy, the Pays d'Auge. When the French picture Normandy, they imagine fields of dairy cows, apple tree orchards, and half-timbered houses with thatched roofs. You can find that and more in the Pays d'Auge area. You'll start with a drive through...
Paris
Climb the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
30 minutes
·
Self guided
Enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. This intricately sculpted arc sits at the center of the Étoile (star) roundabout in unison with a magnificent view of the 12 Parisian avenues radiating out of the city's center. At 164 feet tall (50 m), the view is bound...
Colorful Port Lympia in Nice
Nice Off the Beaten Path
On the French Riviera, near the border with Italy, lies Nice. Nicknamed Nissa La Bella ("Nice the Beautiful"), it's a historic city famous for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, crescent-shaped pebble beaches, and the narrow streets of its colorful old town, Vieille Ville. Nice is a densely...

Best Experiences in France

Hiking in the French Alps
Best Things to Do in the French Alps

With towering snow-capped peaks, charming alpine villages, some of Europe's best skiing, and epic hikes to famous spots like Mt. Blanc, there's always something to enjoy in the French Alps. Ride a cable car to catch impressive views across the mountain range, boat or stroll around crystal-clear lakes, explore cultural towns, and taste the delicious food that keeps the locals warm and full all year long (we're talking cheese) all while breathing in that crisp alpine air.

Beaches of the French Riviera
Best Things to Do in the French Riviera

The French Riviera evokes images of glitz and glamour. Still, you can also balance a trip with authentic experiences like making your own perfume, learning how to choose the best products at the market, and sipping wine in vineyards set against medieval villages. Then, of course, there's always the history of Monaco and the Monte Carlo to tempt you, plus sailing excursions and visits to the popular coastal hotspots of Antibes and Cannes.

Wine tasting in France
Top Culinary Experiences in France

France has always been the center of culinary envy, known worldwide for its signature cuisine consisting of traditional techniques, ancestral secrets, and home-cooked comfort dictated by high-quality standards. From morning pastries to afternoon macrons, farm-fresh cheeses to wine, cider, and olive oil, and fresh food markets offering the freshest produce to unique dishes like snails and frog legs, you can truly enjoy it all in France.

A family visiting Paris
Best Family Experiences in France

Because France is a large and diverse country, it's an ideal location for a family trip. From art-centric and foodie cities like Paris to outdoor playgrounds like the French Riviera and the beaches of northern France, there's always something to do with activities appealing to various ages and interests. Along the way, make unique family memories that you can only experience in France, such as riding horses through the surf at Mont-Saint-Michel, learning to bake macrons, or enjoying a treasure hunt at the Louvre.

Claude Monet's Gardens
Top Cultural Experiences in France

Many travelers choose France specifically for its unique and diverse culture. Explore Paris for its food, literature, and cabaret, visit Normandy for its art (including Claude Monet's gardens), and escape to the Loire Valley for chateaus, palaces, castles, and more. When ready, head to the south and peruse the unique cuisine and culture of the French Riviera and Provence, plus romantic hilltop villages and medieval riverside hamlets.

The beauty of Nice
Best Things to Do in Nice

Nice is brimming with unique cultural aspects, including vibrant markets showing off its signature Niçois cuisine, tiny multi-generational wine regions, a gorgeous coastline dotted with historic villages, and the title of the birthplace of perfume. Explore the city by diving deep into its culture, enjoying those legendary sunsets, and discovering neighboring villages and cities, such as Monaco, Eze, Cannes, and Antibes.

Charming streets of Aix
Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

Known as "mini Paris," Aix-en-Provence sits in the heart of the Provence region, known for its charm, lavender, wine, and unique signature cuisine. Spend time exploring these claims to fame with cooking classes, wine tastings, drives through lavender fields, and walking tours. Then head out into the countryside and discover more Provençal charm, such as in the city of Avignon, the scenic hilltop villages of Luberon, or the impressive Verdon Canyon.

The French Alps
Top Active Experiences in France

France is an active traveler's dream, with sandy beaches in the north, the towering Alps in the southeast, several river valleys across its heartland, and a rocky southern coastline dotted with inlets, caves, and coves. You can easily spend your time cycling through vineyards and from one chateau to another, riding horses in the surf, kayaking the famous Calanques, and hiking in the mountains. Or, if you're more of a city person, add a bike tour or vineyard stroll to your exploration of hubs like Paris.

Historic towns of Provence
Top Historical Experiences in France

France is a historical goldmine, from ancient, medieval, and early modern experiences to the events of the 19th and 20th centuries. Spend your time learning about the occupied and liberated Paris of WWII, exploring ancient castles and villages, and diving into what it was like to live in France during the Middle Ages. In every corner of the country, you'll find significant history that shaped France, Europe, and the world.

The lavender fields of Provence
Best Things to Do in Provence

Provence's claim to fame might be its rolling lavender fields, but there's a lot more to enjoy in this region of France. It's a gastronomically rich area filled with vineyards, olive groves, and agricultural land, so tasting or preparing its Provençal cuisine is a must. You can also enjoy wine tastings and exploring historic villages like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and other hamlets dotting the hills.

The beauty of the Loire Valley
Best Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Known for its wine and imposing chateaus, France's Loire Valley gives you those quintessential French vibes and experiences, with rolling hills dotted with fairytale-like castles and endless vineyards stretching across the region. Visit Leonardo da Vinci's mansion, sip on organic wine, cycle between chateaus, take a hot air balloon ride above the landscape, and discover humble villages, all within one compact area.

The harbor town of Honfleur
Best Things to Do in Normandy

Set in northern France along the coast of the English Channel, Normandy is known for its chalky-white cliffs and beaches, the famous Mont-Saint-Michel island, the WWII D-Day landings, and picturesque half-timbered houses surrounded by dairy farms. History is the region's highlight, but you'll also find treasured towns like Honfleur and the Pays d'Auge, gourmet cheese, cider farms, and many sites of famous Impressionist works of art, plus the home and gardens of Claude Monet.

Aerial view of Marseille
Best Things to Do in Marseille

Marseille unites two very different worlds: the vibrant coastal French Riviera and the charming rolling hills of Provence. In addition, it's France's oldest city, founded by the Greeks in 600 BCE. So in just Marseille alone, you can enjoy a diverse trip strolling through the historic districts while nibbling on traditional food, discovering the renowned world of Marseille soap, sipping rosé among the lavender fields, and cruising or kayaking along the famed Calanques inlets.

The historic skyline of Lyon
Best Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon often escapes the list of must-sees in France, but the city and its surrounding areas offer a lot to do, see, and experience. Spend your time exploring historic neighborhoods filled with Renaissance-era architecture and hidden courtyards, tasting the internationally recognized Lyonaisse cuisine, savoring historic sites like the Fourviere Basilica, and exploring the traditional world of silk. With more time, take a day trip to the surrounding vineyards or historic cities like Annecy.

Bordeaux's stunning architecture
Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Known for its signature wine, Bordeaux's surrounding vineyards and La Cité du Vin museum might be its biggest draws, but there's plenty to enjoy in the city and beyond. With the Garonne River weaving through Bordeaux's center, you can explore the city by foot and boat. Stop at vibrant markets and wine shops, tasting gourmet goodies like canelé, oysters, cheese, chocolate, and, of course, a glass of red. Then, enjoy discovering the countryside havens of Gironde and Dordogne, full of picturesque hamlets and vineyards.

Scenes of Paris
Best Things to Do in Paris

As "The City of Love," Paris is known for its romantic charm, impeccable cuisine, and vibrant history, which is why it's always topping the list of the most popular tourist destinations. You can hop from district to district and experience various scenes, from artsy to bohemian, historic to trendy. Try some of France's acclaimed gastronomy, dig into the city's history, and take in the sweeping views from atop sites like Montmartre or the Arc de Triomphe.

Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Best Things to Do in Avignon

The historic town of Avignon sits on the left bank of the famous Rhône River, its claim to fame being the incredible Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built. Explore the city by walking or cycling among grand 14th-century monuments while surrounded by unique history. Then take advantage of Avignon's surrounding countryside and discover the heart of Provence, from lavender fields and vineyards to the region's signature cuisine.