France - The Top Things To Do

(Wed Jul 14th, 2010, by John Downes)

The multi-cultural nation of France has so much to see and do – you really are spoilt for choice here! Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world (receiving on average 80 million tourists annually), France has something for everybody. Whether you are looking for sublime food and drink, interesting culture and history, romantic ambiance, or attractions to see, France definitely has it all.

We have put together a brief guide to the things you MUST do when visiting France, so read on for more…

Reach The Top of the Eiffel Tower
To get the very best views of wonderful Paris, ensure to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower! Here you will be at over 1,000 feet so it is not for the vertically challenged! With restaurants at the summit, and gift shops you are sure to purchase some souvenirs of your visit. Since its unveiling over 120 years ago, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of tourists each year. At night the Tower is transformed into a spectacular light display – so sample this from the ground!

Family Fun at Euro Disney Paris
For a family day or week, depending on what you choose, Disneyland Paris is the perfect place for magical adventures, thrilling rides, fantastic attractions, and of course meeting all your favourite Disney characters! There are hotels, a gold course, world famous Walk Disney studios here, and every family member will be accommodated here!

Scale the Heights of the Notre Dame Cathedral Bell Tower
The Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral was completed in 1330 after over 150 years of work. The arches and broad towers tell a story, and the walls inside display fantastic stone carvings of French Royalty from days of yore. For a fabulous experience, scale the South Tower and take the same journey as the fictional Hunchback of Notre Dame who tolled the famous bell so many times in Victo Hugo's masterpiece.

Stroll Through The Arc de Triomphe Paris
Napoleon commissioned this famous building in honour of the French Army; it is known as the L'Etoile by the local Parisians and is a patriotic symbol of the military history of France.

Visit The Magnificent Versailles Palace
Lying just 13 miles south west of Paris, Versailles was the capital of Paris for around a century. King Louis XIV built this extravagant palace in the 17th century.

Visit Countless French Museums
France is home to plenty of world famous museums that hold priceless works of art. It's fair to say that Paris is home to possibly the finest museums in the world, the most famous being the Louvré, home of the Mona Lisa and the scene of the blockbuster novel ‘The Da Vinci Code'. If you want to see the works by the nineteenth century impressionists, head to the Museé D'Orsay. For modern art, go to the Centre Georges Pompidou.

Visit Luxurious French Châteaux
If you want to see how the other half lived in splendid luxury, head down the UNESCO World Heritage status recognized Loire Valley to sample some of the most breathtaking castles and palaces you are likely to see. Visit towns such as Nantes, Blois, Amboise and Angers to get proper views of these marvellous buildings. Some of the most aesthetic and famous Châteaux are located in Chambord, Chenonceau and Fontainebleau.

Visit The Geographical Wonders Of France
France is home to some of the most alluring Geographical wonders in the western world, not least the castle and small town located in the Normandy region called Le Mont Saint Michel. The town and castle are located on a giant rock and in high tide the town and castle become an island. When the tide moves out it becomes a road that allows people to drive to the town. The local cuisine is well worth checking out.

Winter and Spring Fun In the French Alps
The rocky peaks and snow tipped mountains of the French Alps are the perfect place for that wintertime fun. Try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, springtime canoeing or simply hike or bike your way around the wonderful Alpine Region of France. There are plenty of National and Regional Parks in the region to check out as well.

Tour The Fabled Wine Country Of Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region is famous for its wine and vineyards that dot the lush green countryside. Visit some of the wine farms of the region and enjoy a wine tour and sample some of the best wines you will ever taste. Bordeaux is home to the famous June Wine Festival that takes place over four days.

Visit Historic Normandy
Normandy has a historical past, and as such attracts thousands of visitors every year. Normandy is famous in history as being the area where the D-Day landings took place in June 1944, and also a place where plenty of invasions and battles took place going back to the Viking era of the 9th century. It is a place of peace and tranquility now, with wonderful sea views from the beaches, green countryside, and charming towns such as Rouen, the wonderful fishing village of Honfleur and the town of Deauville which holds the American Film Festival every September!

Enjoy France's Sun Resorts
France has a coastline that extends for over 2,000 miles and the beaches are perfect for a relaxing summer holiday – for sun worshippers and water activities alike! There is a great variety in the sun resorts of France; you have the rugged beauty of the Brittany Region and the sophisticated resorts of the Côte d'Azur, in the French Riviera in such places as Cannes, St Tropez and wonderful Nice.

Celebrate Bastille Day In France
The 14th of July in France is a special day, it commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution of 1789, and there are festivals and colourful firework displays and processions taking place all over the country on this date every year.

Hope you got some travel ideas from our Top Things To Do In France article. The best way to get around France is to travel with freedom, independence and at your own pace by securing a rental car.